NFL Combine/Draft

[R_of_G]

Going through them one at a time...

David Bowens - Bowens is ok. $7 mil might sound like a lot for him but broken down over four years, it's not that much considering in Cleveland he may wind up as a starter at LB. If not, I agree that he's overpriced. I thought he was pretty good though. He seemed pretty solid on some plays and on others not so much.

CJ Mosley - I'll be honest, with Mosley I know the name but I can't recall ever seeing him on the field. I get very few opportunities to see the Jets on tv here in Florida. I have seen his name in the box scores and stat sheets so he did contribute something, but he obviously didn't set the world on fire or I'd know more about him. I will say that the weakest part of the Jets defense was the pass rush so I wouldn't necessarily be thrilled about acquiring a DE from the Jets, but you never know.

Hank Poteat - Poteat I wasn't thrilled with as a CB. With Derrell Revis on the other corner Poteat saw a lot of passes come his way and I don't think he did the greatest job of stopping them. He did make some good plays here and there, but put it this way, if he were all that good, the Jets wouldn't have moved to get a new CB in free agency (and are probably looking to draft another one). With some more consistency he might be able to contribute to the Browns, but I'm not exactly upset to see him leave the Jets.

Abram Elam - Elam I actually liked a lot. With the signing of Jim Leonhard, Elam became expendable for the Jets, but I think the guy has the potential to be a competent NFL safety. He's never going to be Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu, but he could definitely contribute solid play to a secondary.

Now I wish the draft would hurry up and get here already because I am extremely curious to see what the Jets do.

 

[just strum]

Sometimes sports is the priority

 

[R_of_G]

So Denver QB Jay Cutler has asked to be traded. I am very curious as to what will happen with this. As you know, I am a fan of two teams both in desperate need of a starting QB and I would be thrilled to have Cutler fill that role. It should be interesting to see how this pans out as it is becoming very clear that the Broncos may not be able to mollify Cutler and keep him in Denver.

 

[marnold]

Detroit would certainly have the ammo to land him. Cutler might be pleased with the prospect of throwing to Megatron in front of a fan base that is desperate to be loved. Detroit might also seem to be a fitting "punishment" location if Denver's brass felt vindictive.

 

[R_of_G]

There are definitely a lot of teams who'd be interested in acquiring Cutler so it will be interesting to see what Denver does.

 

[just strum]

News out of Browns Town

* Although the Browns made an offer to Abram Elam, the Jets matched the offer. I would look for the Jets to trade him.

* Browns signed John St Clair to a $9 mil, three year contract with $600K guaranteed.

* Rumors of a three way trade involving the Browns: Browns sending either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson to Denver, Cutler goes to Detroit or the Jets. The Browns would receive draft choices. A bit of a stretch, but the rumor is out there. The Browns have no interest in Cutler - non team player and flame thrower. It is reported that both Anderson and Quinn are being shopped by the Browns and the one not traded becomes the Browns starter. Seeing that there is no one to throw to at this time, it really makes little difference.

and speaking of no one to throw to:

And the biggest news coming out of Browns Town: Donte’ Stallworth was driving drunk when he struck and killed a pedestrian, according to published and broadcast reports Thursday.

 

[marnold]

* Rumors of a three way trade involving the Browns: Browns sending either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson to Denver, Cutler goes to Detroit or the Jets. The Browns would receive draft choices. A bit of a stretch, but the rumor is out there. The Browns have no interest in Cutler - non team player and flame thrower. It is reported that both Anderson and Quinn are being shopped by the Browns and the one not traded becomes the Browns starter. Seeing that there is no one to throw to at this time, it really makes little difference.

Git 'er done, Mr. Mayhew!

If the Lions want to do this, they certainly have better draft choice ammo than the Jets. Unfortunately, since this involves the Lions, my Admiral Ackbar warning siren is going off.

 

[R_of_G]

I don't see it happening unless Denver gets more than Anderson or Quinn. One is competent, but not exactly on the same level as Cutler. The other has achieved exactly nothing to date. If I were Denver I'd be asking for a lot more than for Cutler than Derek Anderson. I thought Quinn was pretty overrated coming out of college. Perhaps he'll develop someday into a NFL quality starter. Perhaps not. I woudn't go trading a legit franchise QB for him without a lot more compensation.

Were I the Browns (or any other team) I wouldn't write off Cutler just yet as a "non team player." The guy has every right to be pissed off that he had to find out on the news that he was almost traded. Trades are a part of sports, but telling a player the truth about his status should be as well. When they brought in a new coach, the Broncos should have dealt honestly with Cutler. They didn't and now he wants out. I can't blame him. Prior to this, he has been nothing but a team player and one that has improved consistently in each season he's played. I'd take him in NY or Tampa in a heartbeat.

 

[just strum]

I don't see it happening unless Denver gets more than Anderson or Quinn. One is competent, but not exactly on the same level as Cutler. The other has achieved exactly nothing to date. If I were Denver I'd be asking for a lot more than for Cutler than Derek Anderson. I thought Quinn was pretty overrated coming out of college. Perhaps he'll develop someday into a NFL quality starter. Perhaps not. I woudn't go trading a legit franchise QB for him without a lot more compensation.

Rumors are nothing more than people thinking out loud. There is someone over on the Denver coaching staff that is in love with Quinn. Personally if I were the Browns I would trade Anderson (in this trade or another) and keep Quinn. Why? Because Anderson is too erratic and has been that way from day one. He may have one of the strongest arms in the NFL, but it serves you no good when he is throwing the ball to the opponent.

Evaluating either quarterback on what is shaping up to be the Browns of 2009/2010 really isn't fair to either one. They have no one to throw to, the offensive line is suspect again. The one advantage an offensive player has in Cleveland, plenty of rest time. It appears to be three and out on offense and a defense that will be on the field 66%+ of the time.

When a new coach arrives there usually is excitement, but one wouldn't even know there is a new coach in town. If they are attempting to keep expectations down, that is one area where they have succeeded.

Now, as far as the Browns having to offer more than a quarterback for Cutler in a three way trade, maybe that was the reason for stocking up on third string Jets players this off season.

 

[R_of_G]

It sounds to me like it's more sports journalist (radio & print) speculation than actual rumor mill grist. I hear it all the time with the New York teams as well. It never originates from anyone with the team, it's just some journalists or so-called "analysts" saying "they should do this" or "they could get this guy for this guy" and none of these things ever actually happen. It makes for good conversation among fans but it never seems to reflect the reality.

I'm no backer of Anderson, but I wouldn't get rid of the guy until you know you have a legit starter to put in his place. I'll wait until he gets a chance to fully judge the guy, but I don't think Brady Quinn is the guy. I wouldn't have drafted him at all let alone in the first round. He didn't impress me at Notre Dame. To me he was another ND quarterback whom we were told all along "this guy will be great when he plays on sundays" even though he wasn't all that great on saturdays. He's his generation's Ron Powlus (the next great thing that never actually amounted to anything). If some other team offered something of real value for him, I'd have him on the next plane.

I'd be more apt to get Anderson some offensive line protection and real receivers before I turn over an inept offense to someone with no experience at all. Things in Cleveland may be bad but they could still get worse. Trust me as a Jets fan, things can always get worse.

 

[marnold]

Wow, just wow.

Denver traded Cutler and a 5th rounder for Kyle Orton, two firsts, and a third. If that's the price, then there's no way the Lions could have justified it. Looks like Stafford is going to be the guy. The rumblings were that his Lions-directed workout was great.

 

[just strum]

One nice thing about having the #1 team in the NBA, it keeps the demise of our football team out of the papers and out of our minds.

 

[R_of_G]

Wow, just wow.

Denver traded Cutler and a 5th rounder for Kyle Orton, two firsts, and a third. If that's the price, then there's no way the Lions could have justified it. Looks like Stafford is going to be the guy. The rumblings were that his Lions-directed workout was great.

As good as I think Cutler is, and I think he's very good, the Bears overpaid. I'm glad the Jets didn't make that deal. I'd rather have all those picks.

I do think Stafford is a done deal for the Lions. I also think it's a mistake. Unless the Lions are planning on using that later 1st round pick on an offensive tackle and then getting some more offensive tackles in the rest of the draft, best of luck to Mr. Stafford because he's gonna need it running for his life. I wonder if they put him through that drill during his workout.

Whoever winds up with Aaron Curry (Wake Forest - Linebacker) is making the smartest first round pick in this draft. I don't buy the "no number one picks for a linebacker" argument. The guy can make an impact at his position almost immediately. I guess Lions fans should be happy I'm not the GM because that would be my pick.

 

[marnold]

The problem is that the Lions need everything although I would argue that QB is their #1 priority. They've had one Pro-Bowl QB in my 41 years of existence. The #1 pick is a curse. If you mess up on it, you annihilate your salary cap for years.

 

[marnold]

I heard on ESPN that Raji tested positive for something at the combine. Whoops.

 

[R_of_G]

I saw that last night too.

Depending on what it is, it shouldn't automatically be an issue to teams looking to draft him. Personally, I think if it's cannabis, I wouldn't be any more concerned than if he'd tested positive for beer so long as he's not in any legal trouble over it.

If, on the other hand, it's something performance enhancing or some kind of physically addictive narcotic, I'd think twice before drafting him.

The Jets passed on Warren Sapp because he tested positive for cannabis and drafted Kyle Brady who was a total bust while Sapp went on to dominate for several years and win a ring in Tampa. It always seemed an idiotic move not to draft him because he smoked pot in college (especially since his roommate was Rohan Marley).

 

[marnold]

The Jets passed on Warren Sapp because he tested positive for cannabis and drafted Kyle Brady who was a total bust while Sapp went on to dominate for several years and win a ring in Tampa. It always seemed an idiotic move not to draft him because he smoked pot in college (especially since his roommate was Rohan Marley).

Of course, the Lions drafted Charles Rogers who never seemed to be able to get away from the chronic, but then again his main problem was his remarkably flimsy collar bones.

 

[R_of_G]

My personal opinion is that if the guys aren't smoking in the locker room before the games and they aren't getting into trouble with the authorities, I don't care if they smoke weed at home in their non-football lives. With the stories we read again and again about alcoholism being a big deal among athletes (and not just NFL players) I'd be more concerned that a potential draft pick has a drinking problem than that he likes to smoke.

 

[R_of_G]

In other NFL news, the Giants have released Plaxico Buress. I wouldn't think teams would be knocking down the door to get this guy, but every time I say that, it happens so I'm sure if he doesn't go to prison, Plaxico will get another NFL job. Perhaps some team can get an ex-con discount if they take Plaxico and Michael Vick as a duo. Al Davis, I'm looking in your direction.

Also, have I asked before why so many broadcasters pronounce his name "Plex-ico" when it is clearly spelled "Plax-ico"? Do they call the dental product named "Plax" Plex? Do they think a lumberjack uses an "Ex" to chop wood? Do they use cleaning "wex" to clean their floors?

It annoys me to no end. It may be an unusual name, but it doesn't seem all that difficult to pronounce.

 

[R_of_G]

ESPN is now reporting that B.J. Raji did NOT fail a drug test at the combine. Any team looking for defensive help that passes on this guy is going to regret it (unless they draft Aaron Curry).

 

[just strum]

Browns schedule came out.

They open at home (for the 11th straight year) against the Vikings. Then they play 4 of the next 5 on the road and 5 of 7 in total over that stretch, by which time they will somehow be eliminated from the playoffs.

They have one Monday night game agianst the Ravens and Thursday against the Steelers. They close the season at home the last two weeks with the Raiders (12/27) and Jags (1/3). Locker cleaning is expected 1/4/10.

 

[marnold]

My favorite part of the Lions' schedule is that they finally don't have to play the last game at Lambeau. I'm often offered tickets to that game, but sitting outside in late December is my idea of zero. Did it once, that's plenty, thanks.

 

[R_of_G]

I'll hopefully be sitting outside for a game this December. The Jets visit the Bucs this year. The game is Week 14 when the weather here should be beautiful still, warm enough to sit outside at a game all day but not as brutally hot as it would be in September or October at the stadium.

 

[just strum]

My favorite part of the Lions' schedule is that they finally don't have to play the last game at Lambeau. I'm often offered tickets to that game, but sitting outside in late December is my idea of zero. Did it once, that's plenty, thanks.

I'll hopefully be sitting outside for a game this December. The Jets visit the Bucs this year. The game is Week 14 when the weather here should be beautiful still, warm enough to sit outside at a game all day but not as brutally hot as it would be in September or October at the stadium.

I find room temperature to be the most pleasing - cleaner bathrooms too!!!

 

[R_of_G]

Draft Day Eve - Final Thoughts

So the draft is tomorrow. It sounds like there may be several deals in the works as teams jockey for position. Any final thoughts on who your team should take?

I would like to see the Jets trade up into Seattle's #4 spot to pick Mark Sanchez. They have a deal that is apparently enough for Seattle to take but Jets ownership is reportedly looking to get Sanchez out of the top 6 so they don't have to guarantee as much cash. I think it's #4 or he's gone to Seattle (or someone else in that spot). If they do not trade up for Sanchez, I will take any of the three USC linebackers still on the board at #17. All three would work just fine in a Rex Ryan defense. If for some reason all three are gone, I'd take the best DE left on the board. If the rumors are true and they are going to use the #17 pick on a receiver, I prefer Hakeem Nicks from UNC. I think he's a good combo of skills and size, but I'd rather go defense.

As for the Bucs, they could benefit from picking at almost every position. If Josh Freeman is still there at #19, I'd love to see him come to Tampa. They picked up Leftwich and people are accepting that this is a rebuilding year. Freeman can come here and learn to play the NFL game without pressure to win right now. If he's gone, the Bucs can always use defensive help.

 

[marnold]

Stafford seems to be the man in Detroit, although as of this writing no contract as been signed. I got some relief today when I read that Ron Jawarski thought that he's got all the tools to be a great QB in the league. I'm hoping that they keep him on the pine behind Culpepper for most of the year, but bring him in for some on-the-job training. I hold out no illusions that the Lions will be anything but bad this year.

I read where some people were comparing Stafford to Harrington. I think Joey could've been a serviceable QB in the league had he a) not be pressed into duty too quickly, b) not have had constant turnover at coordinator and QB coach, and c) had something resembling a team around him. I'm not saying he would have been Joey Montana, but not even Montana could have been successful with the Lions under those circumstances. That and Harrington most definitely was not a West Coast QB, but they tried to ram him into a West Coast system.

I heard that some fans at the unveiling of the new jerseys were chanting for Curry. I don't think that'd be the greatest idea to make a LB who isn't sack-happy one of the most highly paid LBs in the league and then play him out of his usual position. I don't really understand all the hype for Sanchez lately. I'm not saying he'll be bad, but he played so little on such a great team with little competition that it's really hard to get a read on him.

If Stafford really has this cannon, I want to see Linehan put in a bunch of long bombs to Megatron. Linehan certainly showed a willingness to do that in MN.

I think that the #20 and #33 picks are every bit as valuable as the #1--maybe more so. If they hit on those two the rebuilding project can really begin in earnest.

 

[R_of_G]

It became official later last night that the Lions have agreed to terms with Matthew Stafford for 6 years/$78 million, of which $41 million is guaranteed. I think that is an awfully dear price in guaranteed money to anyone at any position who has never played a down in the NFL, but the current salary system is what it is. I wish Stafford and the Lions luck. He seems like a good kid and it'd be good for the league if he succeeded (not to mention how happy it would make Marnold).

St. Louis is effectively on the clock. I suspect they will take OT Jason Smith but they have other options.

I am also a bit put off by the draft coverage not starting until 4pm. Does the NFL really need to become such a slave to the demands of tv executives? Either way, I'm glad it's hear. The Jets tend to blow it, but it's still a day to be hopeful for your team. I'm excited to see the Bucs start to rebuild a defense as well. Will either of my teams get the help they need? We'll see...

 

[R_of_G]

Well that was interesting!

Thanks to Strum's Cleveland Browns for trading the #5 pick to the Jets so they could make their move for Sanchez. Hopefully he will turn out to be a solid pro.

The Browns got a damn good deal for that pick, with the #17 pick, the 2nd round pick and three players. One of those players incidentally is QB Brett Ratliff. This will only be his second year, but he looks to have a lot of potential. He could compete with Quinn and Anderson any day of the week.

 

[just strum]

When the Browns moved to Baltimore, the big fight ensued on the rights to the name and Cleveland came out the winner. After going through all that, only to relinquish the name and be renamed the Cleveland Jets.

I will say that they did a good job yesterday in rebuilding a foundation for the team. The draft had little the way in offering evident superstars, and what good is a superstar if you have nothing to compliment them?

I'm not a big football fan and don't follow any of the players in the draft (exception being Brian Robiskie), but after reading about the early part of the draft, I think Detroit could have done better for themselves.

So, it's back to my NBA interest for now.

 

[marnold]

I officially don't know how the Lions were drafting. I don't understand the TE in the first round and passing on two prime Mike candidates in the second. Of course, what the heck do I know. The Lions basically need everything except a kicker, punter, and #1 WR.