NFL Thread - 2009-10

[truk24]

Is anyone else feeling Cutler's grief? I think he has the right to feel upset by the new staff in Denver. It was a bold move on their part, and it sent the wrong message. Cutler proved last year that it was a smart move to move up in the draft to take him. He carried the team last year, and the defense did nothing, as well as tghe run game. Elway never reached this level of production this early in his career. Cutler should consider leaving Denver next year, and take his bright NFL career elsewhere.

I understand that Denver would consider taking Cassel over Cutler. It makes sense, but that doesn't mean you go for it. Cutler is the "Only" hope in Denver, and look at how they treat him. Amazingly enough the season will go on with him, and I hope he sets franchise records. Then move on to a team that "needs" a QB. If they are patient that could be the Cardinals next season. Cutler to Larry Fitzgerald anyone?

Pioli right now has appeared to have made some good moves, but I want to talk about another 5 star GM. Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers is easily a 5 star GM as well. The last time the Lions were a playoff team with a winning record Colbert was there, and then Millen came. Go figure right? Once again the Steelers come in to this offseason with some questions.

What happens with the o-line? Neither Smith, Colon, or Essex have signed with anyone else. They cut Simmons, and re-signed Kemoeatu. Starks finally gets to emerge as a "star" lefttackle. They still have some money to make a move in FA for an o-lineman to add depth or compete for RT, or RG, and even Center. Colbert knows he won't have to spend big bucks in the draft because we pick last. However, we will receieve compensatory picks for out free agent losses.

Either way Colbert will come in to this draft, and end this free agency rather conservatively. What I mean is that the first two picks could be of the draft won't be playmakers, but possible starters. If the Steelers can grab a RT in the first round they very well may start. Colon can't play RT, as he is a natural guard. Center, and RT are the two major concerns on this team;s o-line. I like Hartwig, but if they land Unger, or even Mack he may lose his job. On the defensive side they may be looking to find a DE that may be able to come in, and share time with RE. Harrison can use someone with a little more versatility on that right side.

Colbert has done very well on day one. People have jumped the gun once again in Steeler nation due to the fact that Mendenhall didn't see much time, and Sweed was upsetting. However Rashaad suffered a broken shoulder, and Limas Sweed saw "VERY LITTLE" playing time. One can harldy judge the rest of their careers by their quiet rookie seasons. The same thing was said by Timmons a year ago, and he ended up with 5 sacks, and more tackles than Foote. Timmons wasn't even a starter this year! This season Larry Foote will be replaced by Timmons. The new Ray Lewis. I'm serious.

Now its Pioli's turn to make the Chiefs one of the better teams in the AFC West. I don't see what was wrong with Thigpen, as he threw 18 TD's last season, only 3 less than Cassel. Granted with the staff change Cassel makes sense. Now the next move will be what Pioli deals Larry Johnson for. He should look to trade him off for a 1st round pick. Giving them two players for the first round this year. Pioli still has a solid bit of money to play with as well. It should be interesting to see what he does with the leftovers of free agency. Something the Dolphins did last year, and it worked nicely.

There are still plenty of free agensts still floating around. Players like Leverneaus Coles are still out there. He would surely compliment Bowe, and Tony. Perhaps make an offer for Chad Johnson? Maybe make a move at some vets at CB Rolle, McAllister, Surtain, and Madison. Yes all older players, but one of those players can still make a difference. If they deal off Johnson to a team like the Eagles which is likely. The Eagles could use a dual threat RB system. Except their's would have something most teams don't have which is a RB who is a great receiver, and a workhorse back. Johnson/Westbrook would be amazing, and hard for defenses to play against.

That puts the Chiefs in a position to have a pick later in the first rd. I'm going out on a limb, and saying that the Chiefs may go out, and make RB their first pick. We could see Moreno heading to the Chiefs. Then again if they have 2 first round picks then they could take a RB like Wells if he is there or even McCoy. With such a high pick I would think that they would go for offensive line. Then again they may address this in free agency. Pioli seems to enojy starting rookie lineman. It happened often in New England. I can't imagine them not taking the best LT available, and allowing last year's pick play his natural position at guard. Recreate what they used to have with Roaf/Shields.

Rex Ryan is going to turn the Jets around, and Belichick is going to have some defensive battles with Ryan. Jets, and New England are going to have some wars this year. The Bills will finish in last in the division this year, and the Dolphins may land a wild card depending on injuries. I know the Jets don't have a real "franchise" QB, but they may be lucky to pick up a player like Leftwich in the free agency, or draft the other guy QB Josh Freeman from Kansas State. He could be the next strong armed QB to come in, and just manage the game while the defense ruins offenses. Jets have to hope that Freeman doesn't go off to Houston. Bringing in Sheppard, and Scott was a genius move. Now Ryan gets to turn Gholston loose on the NFL. Watch out "Brady's Knee". Just sayin.

TJ went off to Seattle, and left poor Carson. No big deal cuz Carson doesn't need him. Palmer is a great QB who makes WR's look great as well. Up until the injuries started Carson was putting up numbers similar to Peyton's. He still has Henry, and apparently CJ or OCHO CINCO. In any case even if they deal him off it won't matter. Palmer will create stars just like Brady did with Patten, and Branch, and Givens. The Bengals need to focus on building depth at the o-line more so than anyother team. Mainly because if they lose him, they don't win. Unless they go out, and find some insurance, Palmer is their only hope. With that being I said I can't see why the Bengals won't make some big moves soon here in free agency. Guys like Khalif Barnes are still out as well as Marc Colombo. Not to mention Matthew Birk. There are moves to make, and cap room to make them.

Maybe Johnson is worth a a top 10 pick in the 2nd round to some team. The Rams could use a player like Johnson, and even the Patriots could deal off one of their picks for CJ. Imagine Johnson, Moss, and Welker? Not to mention Brady passing the ball all season long. That would be crazy. I think it is something consider at this point because the Pats could use some more help at WR.

 

[truk24]

The Lions pick so high in the first two rounds, and they have 2 first round picks to boot. They don't need to spend the money on a high first round draft pick like Stafford. They have other major areas of concern like the o-line. They drafted one last year, and they need to draft another one this year. They may not have to draft one with their first overall pick. It just may turn out that they do take Aaron Curry as the top pick in the draft. He is the type of player that can take a defense over. Curry will be what Ray Lewis was/is to the Ravens, or at least that is what they hope.

 

[TwistofRKO]

I don't think that would be managing their picks well. If they don't go the QB route, they should build their Oline. They drafted Gosder Cherilus a year ago, so add a second Tackle and it looks like you finally have a plan. Their second 1st, 20th overall, should then be used on defense, where they'd definitely be able to land a LB, DT, or DE. They'll pick again 13 picks later, where i'd probably look to the inside of the line with Alex Mack and Max Unger. I think if they skip on Stafford this is what they should do.

Then again, they only really fired Millen. They still have some idiots who had input on drafting WRs constantly, so we'll probably see a 1.-Crabtree 20.-Harvin 33.-Kenny Britt breakdown.

 

[BooCocky]

O god I fucking Hate Colbert. His drafting imo sucks. He drafts a punter in like round three his first picks are usually on but after that they are usually a hit or miss. Like drafting Freddie Gibson, and some other draft picks that are nowhere to be found. Colbert along with Arians should be canned, and I mean canned ASAP.

I wouldn't take a chance on LJ, he is walking cancer for a team, he cant stay out of trouble and isnt a team player which is important for good teams.

There are reasons why Leftwich isnt a starter, it is because he sucks, too fat, too immobile, and has no touch. i do believe he was robbed in Jacksonville because ultimately I think Garrard is overrated. But this is not about that.

Now onto the Steelers, if the Cal center is there at number 32. i say pick him, if not go for the best available tackle or use FA to find a good tackle. Anyway, I cant wait for the draft, to bad it takes nine years to complete. :-\

 

[BooCocky]

they shouldnt take a Qb in round one when they have to many holes. I say go the route of an offensive lineman or work on your defense, because we all know defense wins you the ring. if rumors are true and Johnson wants out of Detroit, I say fuck him, and make him suffer, because sometimes you need to decline before you can incline.

I think the route Crabtree is taking is bad because ultimately it can hurt him, not knowing his information and all outside of a few records. Shady McCoy also hurt himself by being sick on combine day. hopefully his pro day is great because he is a work horse, which is weird for a guy his size, and I believe his ability is up there with Beanie and Knowshon. I do think McCoy will go in round one. Anywhere from pick 27-31.

I also think Sanchez will the better pro QB because of what he had in terms of talent and coaches at USC. The man has a solid arm, decent mobility and is clutch. That is what you are looking for in a QB. Also, he doesnt seem to have a bad attitude, but i wouldn't know because of me being on the East Coast and all.

Anyway, the draft seems interesting, really looking forward to the big trade up, or trading of a player for picks. Is this the day Peppers goes elsewhere? i don't know, nor do I care, as long as he stays out of the AFC North.

 

[Ty Burna]

Wow, apparently the talk of Cutler to Minnesota has heated up now. Whether it will actually happen will not, remains to be seen. What I can say is Cutler is pissed at Denver and its obvious McDaniels doesn't want him there anymore. So may I propose a solid trade (for me anyways)? Sage "Helicopter" Rosenfels and a 1st rounder to Denver for Jay Cutler.

This would be almost surreal for me if we did trade for Cutler. A few years back when the draft was going on, I was stoked that Cutler was available with only 2 teams in front of Minnesota and neither were gonna take a quarterback. Then Denver trades up to steal him. God damn was I pissed at that point. This would almost correct that situation and bring him to the team that he was destined to be with.

I just hate to part with our first round draft pick...again. However, there are no decent QB's in the draft this year and we would be acquiring a Pro Bowl QB for some draft picks. I think one wide receiver and a couple offensive lineman and we'd be in great shape. I bet Housh is kicking himself for signing with Seattle. He must like playing for teams that are going nowhere.

 

[truk24]

I can see be angry with Arians as the offensive coord, but not Colbert. It is Kevin who built this team, not Cowher. Colbert was high on Ben, while Bill was gun ho about Rivers. Colbert convinced the team to move up, and draft Superbowl MVP Santonio Holmes. Heath Miller is one of the best tight ends in the AFC today, as he can block/receive. Lamaar Woodley is a new force to be reckoned with. Sepulvada will be one of the greatest punters of all time.

You have to understand Steeler to see why they drafted this punter so high. The Steelers like to control the field, and part of doing that is having the ability to place the ball where you would like once your special teams hits the field. Our punter is easily one of the most skilled players on this team. Have you ever listened to him talk about the science of punting? It is an earfull. This kid will easily be one of the greatest punter of all time.

You act as if Gibson had any promise to his career. He was a late round pick with virtually no upside. What is Fred Gibson doing today? Don't forget about Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Timmons, and Farrior was one of the best FA signings that they ever had. Lets not forget about Troy, and Heinz. Colbert is a GM genius, and if you think otherwise your entitled to your ignorant opinion. Colbert is a huge part of the Steelers success as a team right now.

 

[truk24]

Jacksonville is in a position to land a first round QB if they are lucky enough. They have a surely compitent defense, and it doesn't look Gararrd is the franchise QB. They pick high this year, so a franchise QB could be on the horizon. They missed out on Byron years ago, and now they get to do it again. This could be the last draft for Del Rio. He has to land a turn around player, and this could mean a QB. A player like Mark Sanchez could fall to the Jags.

We know now that the Bucs won't be needing a RB. They should be looking at taking another defenisve player. Possibly the best defensive linemen, or the best LB available. This draft will have plenty of both. They need youth at defense, and this would be the time to do so. With the addition of Winslow, and Ward, they still need a solid starter, or franchise QB. They might just miss with their first round pick, but trading up to a team like the Skins may be what it takes. Skins don't need a QB, and moving 6 notches won't hurt them either.

Buffalo is another team who could be in the hunt for a QB, and I can see them taking either Sanchez, or Stafford if they are both still there. The missed out with Losman, and so this could be the year they do it.

 

[NSL]

I can't imagine letting Dan Orvolsky go was their way of saying they'd draft a QB. I've thought all along that's what they'd end up doing, but i doubt that had any impact on their upcoming decision.

Orlovsky was just part of setting up landing Stafford. Trading Kitna was the other part. They obviously thought highly enough of Orlovsky last year to let him keep playing until they got Culpepper.

I'm sure they knew all along they were going to get Stafford, but they need to clear cap space, and roster spots, before trying to draft a QB at #1 overall.

 

[Big Sexy]

They obviously thought highly enough of Orlovsky last year to let him keep playing until they got Culpepper.

Orlovsky was starting because he was there only option. Kitna was injured and Stanton got hurt every time he stepped onto the field. It was either Orlovsky or Drew Henson and almost everyone is better then Henson. Once Culpepper came to the D Orlovsky was on the bench until Culpepper got injured.

Trading Kitna was the other part

Kitna got traded because he was disgruntled, had a big contract, and Detroit needed a DB.

I'm sure they knew all along they were going to get Stafford

I still think it's 50/50 on whether or not they are going to draft Stafford. I personally think it is a horrible decision (as do most Detroit fans). The Lions also want to sign their pick before the draft starts and that is not easy when you are drafting a QB.

 

[TwistofRKO]

Jacksonville is in a position to land a first round QB if they are lucky enough. They have a surely compitent defense, and it doesn't look Gararrd is the franchise QB. They pick high this year, so a franchise QB could be on the horizon. They missed out on Byron years ago, and now they get to do it again. This could be the last draft for Del Rio. He has to land a turn around player, and this could mean a QB. A player like Mark Sanchez could fall to the Jags.

I think Detriot goes the Stafford route, but if they don't I can't see anyone who'd grab him, aside of a Jets' trade up, until 7. Jacksonville would have to take him there.

 

[BooCocky]

I was always under the impression that Jon Kitna was an asshole... Anyway, Kitna was getting old, had a decent size contract and he isnt the type of QB you can build around. Kitna was a good QB in this league, but that was only for a year or two.

Like the poster above said, Orlovsky only started because he was there only option with all the injuries. When Orlovsky was drafted several years ago, I thought he had potential, being like 6'4 230 pounds and have an above average arm, but I guess I was wrong. He is still young and if he is meant to be a starter in the NFL he will find somewhere to play.

Truk, Jacksonville wont draft a QB because of the money they gave Garrard, and QB isn't there biggest need. Buffalo maybe, but I don't know. But I do believe both QB's will be gone by the top 10... But none of these QB's stand out.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

After three days of combing 24,000 miles of ocean, the U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday stopped searching for two NFL players and a third man lost in rough, chilly Gulf of Mexico waters off the Florida coast.

Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper; free-agent defensive lineman Corey Smith, who played for the Detroit Lions last season, and former University of South Florida player William Bleakley had been missing since Saturday when their boat capsized during a fishing trip.

Bleakley's father said he believed the Coast Guard did everything it could and that his expectations lowered after only one survivor was found Monday, nearly two days after the four friends were knocked out of their 21-foot boat.

"I think they were not to be found," Robert Bleakley said.

Coast Guard Capt. Timothy Close said officials were sure that if there were any more survivors, they would have been found.

Crews did rescue Bleakley's former USF teammate, 24-year-old Nick Schuyler, who managed to stay with the boat.

Scott Miller, a friend of the college teammates, said Schuyler told him that on the first night, a chopper shone a light right above them and that later on, as they continued to drift, he could even see lights from the shore.

Bleakley swam underneath the boat to retrieve three life jackets he could find, along with a cushion, a groggy Schuyler told Miller from a Tampa hospital. Bleakley used the cushion, and the other men wore the jackets, Miller said. But the waves were powerful, and after Cooper and Smith were separated from the boat, the college teammates tried to hang on to it.

"He said basically that Will helped him keep going," Schuyler told Miller, who said he had known Bleakley since the sixth grade. "The waves were just so much. They never got a break."

Close said searchers came across a cooler and a life jacket 16 miles southeast of the boat but saw no other signs of the men.

"I think the families understood that we put in a tremendous effort," Close said. "Any search-and-rescue case we have to stop is disappointing."

Family and friends embraced and sobbed outside the Coast Guard station shortly before the announcement. They left without talking with reporters.

"I'm sure that I'll speak of Will like he's still with us for a long time," Robert Bleakley later said of his son. "He'll be an inspiration for me for a long time. He always has been. I told everybody, I call him my hero."

Lions running back Kevin Smith called Corey Smith "a good, quiet guy, who always put in an honest day's work."

Kevin Smith, a Florida native, said he has been fishing off the coast as far as the men were in boats smaller, the same size and larger than the watercraft that capsized.

"The No. 1 thing when you're out there is, you have to respect the water," he said. "I know those guys had safety vests. I'm trying not to even think about it. That's a tough way to go."

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna, also a former teammate of Smith's with the Lions, said he never expected something like this to happen to someone he knew.

"It's a reminder of how life is fragile," he said. "Corey was a great dude."

The four men left Clearwater Pass early Saturday in calm weather, but heavy winds picked up through the day and the seas got stronger, with waves of 7 feet and higher, peaking at 15 feet on Sunday. The Coast Guard said it didn't receive a distress signal.

Close said some family members asked about continuing the search on their own, which he discouraged but said the Coast Guard wouldn't prevent. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission might head out Wednesday to recover the boat.

Schuyler told the Coast Guard the boat was anchored when it capsized.

The Coast Guard hadn't had more detailed conversations with Schuyler "due to his physical and medical condition," Close said. Schuyler was in fair condition and told hospital officials he didn't want to speak to the media.

Cooper, who is 26 and owns the boat, was selected in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played 26 games for the Bucs in his first two pro seasons, then led a nomadic NFL existence, also spending time with the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaugars and Raiders.

Cooper and Smith, 29, became friends when they were teammates with Tampa Bay. Smith signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent in 2002 and spent last season with the Lions before becoming a free agent. The former North Carolina State standout recorded 30 tackles and three sacks in 2008, his best NFL season.

Bleakley, a 25-year-old former tight end from Crystal River, Fla., was on the USF football team in 2004 and 2005. He had one reception for 13 yards in his career, which also included some time on special teams.

Stuart Schuyler said his son is an instructor at L.A. Fitness and had helped train Smith and Cooper.

Marquis Cooper

Corey Smith

I think it's both sad, and pathetic, that the Coast Guard is calling off the Search. It's been Three days since the Players went missing off the Coast of Florida, and one Survivor was found clinging to the rutter of the tipped boat.

In the above statement, or another I read, it said they've called off the Search, basically saying that they believe no Survivors are left atop the Water. In other words, they're just giving up, calling it a day, saying they were "Lost at Sea" and that's that.

BULL FUCKING SHIT.

What is your job, as a Coast Guard? To fucking search the Ocean, until you find what you're looking for. To help Families be reunited with lost Seamen. (please, do not make light of the word) So no Survivors are found floating. Maybe they are indeed dead. But something needs to be done, they need to attempt a better search than just 3 days and that's that.

Unless another important matter is at hand, I fail to understand why they're just giving up and going back to doing nothing in a little office.

My heart goes out to the Family, Friends and loved one's of these two N.F.L. Players, as well as the former USF player. Its a sad day indeed, when the fucking Coast Guard just up and quits on their job, after 3 damn days. I've lost respect for them as a whole.

"Lost at Sea" is not any way to end your life. You don't have any fucking idea if they're dead or not. You just ASSUME. What a crock of shit. This story truly pisses me the fuck off.

 

[BooCocky]

Will, they are giving up because they are dead, and if they aren't they are great swimmers. Anyway, I believe they are dead. You go out on rocky water on a 21 foot boat with 3 other large men. It was a disaster waiting to happen, and something that should have been controllable. It is sad news but shit like this happens, and they'll have to move on. I believe they were abducted by Pirates, then slayed, and thrown back into water to become shark food.

Hypothermia probably got the best of em. I don't care if you are a well oiled and well conditioned machine. They searched for a few days and no luck. Luckily they found one, and it isn't like he could tell em where they are with the heavy current and shit. But this could could have been avoided, but hey, it goes on. But one thing for sure, I feel bad for there families, especially if they have children, because growing up without a parent can be rough.

 

[truk24]

Are you kidding me? Jacksonville doesn't need a QB? Garrard signed a solid deal, but he hasn't looked like he can play at the level they paid him. Have you also forgotten how old David is? He isn't the franchise by any means. Garrard may have just signed a long term deal, but that doesn't mean he can't be cut next season, or asked to be traded. The cap hit won't mean shit, and I think if the Jags are in a position to take either Sanchez, or Stafford they will. When you have a team as good defensively as Jax is a franchise QB is always the answer. David was kept because they let go of Byron, and because he knew the system well enough to win them some games as a starter.

 

[TwistofRKO]

Yeah, I don't think they can count on Garrard for more than 2-3 years now. He's a little bruisable, and over 30. I think if Cutler was there they'd have to take him. The only scenario in which I couldn't forsee them drafting an available Stafford is if Crabtree is still left on the board.

 

[TwistofRKO]

They stopped the coast guard search because it's highly unlikely they'd be alive had they not yet been found. However, I believe they secured a private team to still search for (at least) their bodies to deliver everyone closure on the matter. Horrible tragedy this ended up being.

 

[truk24]

Right now I can see the Chiefs taking Curry because the Lions will go for a strong LT probably Smith from Baylor. He impressed many at his pro day, and stock just went up. Protecting the QB is a must in Detroit.

I can't imagine the Chiefs allowing Curry slip by them either. He and Vrable should have a tremendous impact on that 3-4 scheme. Remember they still have Johnson at LB, a former first round pick from Texas. Johnson, Vrabel, Curry, and Dorsey isn't to shabby.

The Rams should be focusing on offense. They could be the first to take Stafford off the board, or even Sanchez. The Rams could use a franchise QB, and this would be the perfect time to do it. Bulger is not the answer, and if they don't make the playoffs, he is out the door. Besides they have new personell in St. Louis, and I'm sure they to start this team off the right way. What better way than drafting the team's future franchise QB?

Seattle just stole TJ from Cincy, and that means they shouldn't be to worried about WR. That leaves to believe that they will take a RB, and Moreno is the lead man for that job. Knowshon would fit well in Seattle, and they need some help at this position. Moreno could be what this team needs to get back in to the playoff picture.

The Browns better be thinking defense, and yes Malcom Jenkins is worth it. A CB is exactly what they need. Their front seven isn't bad at all, it just needs some strong coaching. The secondary is helpless. However if Orkapo's stock jumps he is gone to Cleveland. Then again Beanie Wells may want to stay in Ohio. Back to back RB picks this year.

 

[TwistofRKO]

I'm not sure if it would be wise to see St. Louis go QB in round 1, because they have very little O-line security to try and groom a new QB. It looks as if Pace will be released, Holt may be let go, i don't know if that's any better than going to the Lions right now. I think they (should) draft on the line here.

When I look at Seattle, I also don't think Housh should have any impact on their draft. He's 32 right now, and Hasselbeck has an ironic problem with his back. So if I'm Seattle I could go Crabtree, Stafford, Sanchez or Curry here.

Not trying to be a prick and disagree with EVERYTHING, just my $0.02.

 

[truk24]

Now that you mention that about the Rams I can see why they wouldn't go after a QB either. Not to mentino they could probably grab someone in the 3rd at QB who may help them down the line. There is some depth at QB this year. If the Rams make a move in free agency perhaps signing either LB Cato June or even LB Marcus Washington would be something nice for the Rams, as that could allow them to focus on another huge area of concern, the offensive line. Taking the best tackle available could be the best option for them.

I could see the Seahawks taking anyone of the top tier QB's in this draft, but I can't see them doing that. They are looking at someone to take control in the running game. They need a gamebreaker. Whomever they think is the better RB either Moreno, or Wells will be taken here. Seattle has a solid run offensive line. They need a solid rush attack. The defense is still there, and the names on this team defensivley are playmakers.

This year's draft will be interesting for several reasons. What will the Bengals do with Chad Johnson. Will they fish him off to New Egland for a second round pick? The Pats could use a player like Johnson, and he compliment Weleker/Moss well. This move could put them back in the race for the Superbowl.

The Panthers have some real leverage here, and I think we might see them trade him off to a team like the Eagles. The Eagles have two picks in the 1st, and adding Peppers may be a Superbowl move. The Panthers could use those 2 first round picks on defense. They need to rebuild that defense, and wait for a QB next year.

The Cardinals still have Boldin to deal with. He could easily be traded for a top pick. I wouldn't be shocked if he was traded to Cincy especially if they lose Johnson. Boldin would be a great move, and he is worth that top pick. With that top pick the Cardinals could make a strong move, and possibly draft the QB of the future, or even RB of the future. They could go many ways here. Imagine what they could do with a Stafford, or Sanchez? That could make room for them trading off Leinart to a team for a high second rd pick. A team like the Rams, Jags, Bills, or even Jets would easily give up a 2nd rd pick for Matt Leinart.

Now on to the Browns. There has been so much talk about the QB situation there it makes me sick. Anderson is not the answer. Quinn is the future of the team. If the Browns are dumb enough to deal off Quinn they are nuts. Anderson should be dealt on draft day, and he is worth a high-mid second rd pick. Once again a team like the Bills, Lions, Rams, and even Vikings would or could be interested. A top 2nd round pick is what the Browns need to build. They need as many first day picks as they can get.

Overall I think this draft is going to be a solid one for many teams. Coming in to this April I can see the QB position falling to teams that need one. Which means I don't see teams like Detroit gambling at the QB position early in the 1st. This draft has some depth at QB. Besides if the Lions are in real need of a 1st rd QB they have a later pick in the 1st. When you take the top 3 QB's coming in to this draft, and add free agency you have a possible 5 starters. With that said that means 5 teams that need a QB will address it by april. I can see a player like Grossman going to Detroit. Leftwich going to San Fran, or the Jets.

This draft should be about defense early. Not to forget the classic LT as well. I would imagine that many teams understand that the game is won in the trenches. There are a solid number of teams who are picking high in this year's draft that are serious need of a LT, Center, or Guard. Most of the top linemen are projected tackles, but guard/center should also fall in to the first round. At least 4 tackles will go in the first round this year. Which means a possible 6 o-lineman go in the first round. Maybe even more depending what nfl teams want.

On top of that you have players like Aaron Curry, James Lauriniatis, Bryan Cushing, Tyson Jackson, Malcolm Jenkins, Brian Orakpo, and Aaron Maybin. Thats 7 players right there at the defensive side of the ball that could all be starters as rookies. Now on to WR's. After this year's combine I think most scouts walked away thinking that this position was the most talented.

With players like Harvin, Macklin, Crabtree, Pettigrew, Butler, Heyward-Bey this receving core is intense. There are plenty of teams who would take any of these men in the first round. The Eagles, Raiders, Cincy, or even Baltimore.

 

[TwistofRKO]

If the Panthers shipped the Eagles Peppers (I wish) they would only have 1 1st round selection, because, ironically the Eagles have the Panthers' this year due to last year's draft day trade.

And Pepp wants to play in a 3-4. Love the idea though.

 

[BooCocky]

This got me thinking with the Anthony Smith era over in PGH. The Steelers need a safety who can play next to Troy. Clark is good but he is injury proned, and I believe his contract expires at the end of 09. I was looking at that guy from Utah and he would look good in a Steelers uniform. I do not know if he is a first round pick though, so I believe they will take the route of Unger, Britton or one of the ready 3-4 defensive lineman. I think they should trade down though if possible. More picks to protect Ben.

 

[truk24]

Not so sure that safety will be a huge concern for the Steelers. The Steelers actually have depth at that position. Ryan Mundy was drafted to the team, and he will have an impact for this team. By the end of this season in 2009 you will know who Ryan Mundy is. In last year's preseason Mundy was given a cheap shot after the play was whistled over. After that, his season was over. The cheap shot costs him the season. He was playing with first team starters! Mundy walked on as the biggest safety on the team, and he was a rookie.

He didn't have wonderful numbers in college, and he wasn't a high draft pick. However Mundy displayed a sense of maturity in his level of game play. He looked sharp in pre season, and I was surprised at how hard he was hitting. It seems like our secondary coach turned this no name in to a young star for the future. Mundy has shown that he can play with the NFL's big boys, and I would expect him to make a name for himself on special teams, and in sub packages.

The Steelers have to be thinking about grabbing the best player available. They pick last so they can't set their hopes to high. The most important need right now may be at the offensive line, but they have some names on the practice squad that could be called up. At the same time a strong RT who can start next to Willie Colon playing RG would be nice. Colon was horrible at RT, and he is a true mauler guard. Place a solid RT beside Willie, and you might have something special.

The most important need right now is at CB. They lost McFadden, and Townsend is getting old. Ike Taylor isn't old, but isn't getting younger. William Gay has limited exp, and he could be something down the line. They really don't have much depth right now at this position. This is an important position especially if you don't have a consistently strong pass rush. Even though the Steelers have a great pass rush, having a shut down CB provides more insurance to not allowing big plays. If you remember the Steelers were burned in the air in the SB against the Cards. A shut down CB of the future won't allow that. The Panthers grabbed Chris Gamble 29th overall I believe.

 

[Queers and Steers]

the chiefs now have Matt cassell at Qb and they have Dwayne Bowe and Micheal Bradley at wrs as well as tony Gonzales at te so they are et they d needs help they will go with Aaron curry out of wake Forrest

 

[truk24]

Let me start this off by saying that the most of the media is handling the Cutler situation horribly. Maybe even some of you feel that most of this hand gone down hill because Cutler allowed, but let me remind you who started it. The fact that they were willing to trade off the future of the team for some one year wonder makes no sense. Where is the job security? Don't give me this "everyone is traded" bull either. No, everyone isn't traded in the NFL.

Cutler's new headcoach obviously would rather have Cassel, and understandably so. At the same time Cutler feels betrayed, and that is understandably so. McDaniels should have kept his mouth shut, and put more trust in the fact that Cutler will be able to adjust to the offensive scheme McDaniels has planned. Dont' blame the player people, as he was the one who was being dealt. Now Cutler is pissed, and it looks as though they will have to trade him off.

What in the world are the Panthers thinking? Since when was a player like Peppers worth only a 2nd round pick? Peppers is crazy if he thinks he can play outside in a 3-4 scheme. That means dropping back in coverage. He is a great athlete, so we will see. Honestly the Panthers should be considering trading him off for a much higher pick. Peppers is a great player, and if the Panthers are willing to trade him off for a 2nd round pick makes no sense. Try the Eagles, or even perhaps the Lions.