Fare ye well Mark.

lingere

From last post:

Football, OK.

I love Rock. Great FB name. Does not = best kick returner in the game. Is it possible to upgrade with a young drafted WR or CB? This is what the FO might be thinking and feel they do not need to overpay for Rock. And like Hackett, he is finding there is no market for him, so the other 31 teams are not helping him here.

(Answer: TV show Rawhide)

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 6, 2008 06:25 PM

al852,
aka blog cop.

beep beep

Posted by: _Stumped_ | March 6, 2008 06:24 PM

Thanks Stumped, I thought I was in trouble so I posted a football comment. Whew!

Now Jasno is helping Mark bid up his services...and why not?

Jibba...

...and Jabba.

Bong?

pack4life here -

please, mark, sign w/ atlanta or N.O.!!! both even!! just not green bay!

thank you for your time.

You've gotta be kiddin me!!! Well...I can see why a team would want him as a backup. The problem is that he still thinks he's a starter. I still haven't forgiven Gibbs for the Brunell debacle.

Brunell to Atlanta in some kind of deal for D.Hall

Brunell to Atlanta in some kind of deal for D.Hall

Brunell to Atlanta in some kind of deal for D.Hall

Brunell to Atlanta in some kind of deal for D.Hall

Brunell to atlanta in some kind of trade for D.Hall

Brunell to Atlanta in some kind of deal for D.Hall

Come come now it was a smart move going after MB for a 1 year stop gap, just went 2 years too long.

Brunell to Atlanta in some kind of deal for D.Hall

Brunell to Atlanta in some kind of deal for D.Hall

Posted by: jstewart48 | March 6, 2008 07:36 PM

Brunell's a FA what makes you think this is some deal?

Hey guys... i've been on a longblog hiatus with the season over and college coursework piling up... but gotta question.. what's up with Jasno moving? This has got to be the worst market to sell a house in...
Thanks

Dante

What one NFC East team is doing.

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080306/SPORTS02/803060379/1002/SPORTS

Well, its also a good market to buy a house in.

And interest rates are pretty low too.

If you know what you are doing it can actually be a good market to make a move in. But that is a big if.

PS as some of you know I am a big follower of minor league football. It seems that the 2 big new minor leagues that were going to start up this year are both folding. One was the UFL being started up by Mark Cuban and the guy who owns Google and was going to play on Saturdays during the NFL season. The other was the AAFL which was closely tied to the college game and play in the spring. Not a surprise that either of them were closing shop if you followed closely but still a disappointment if you wanted to watch a football game next month.

I wish nothing but the best for Mark Brunell. He is a classy stand up guy and has been wonderful in the community.

Earlier this week (or late last week) he spent the afternoon with the children at NIH showing them football playing and playing football with them - this was after he was released by the Skins. Can't say enough how good of a guy he is.

Love me some NIH... I let them experiment on my body to pay for my senior prom. Nice.

I can't wait for Lost tonight.

Good luck Mark Brunell.

To the guy that posted a little earlier on what the Eagles are doing: I live in the Philadelphia area but I am a huge redskins fan...didn't grow up in the Philly area. The Eagles will never sign or attempt to trade for Fitzgerald. The Eagles are way to cheap to make that happen. Roy Williams is another story. I really wish we would go for one of these guys soon. At the very least I think we should go after DJ Hackett or Bryant Johnson and then also resign Caldwell. That guy helped us a lot towards the end of last year. Of course I would love to see the big splash like Roy Williams or Chad Johnson.

Andy Read seams to hate WR's I mean seriously, they could have had a dynasty but never will because of his lack of desire to get good WR's

Here is a 7 rd mock draft I thought by posting may generate some "football" talk. Does not include compesatory picks, so...

http://thefootballexpert.com/coxmockdraft080007.html

21) Washington - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State)
It will be interesting to see the Redskins actually draft some players this year after safety LaRon Landry was their only pick in the first four rounds of the 2006 draft. Speaking of the secondary, cornerback is an issue because Shawn Springs is getting to the point where his level of play (and age) makes him worth less than he's scheduled to earn. Carlos Rogers ended the year on IR and isn't expected to start the season, not to mention the unspeakable loss of safety Sean Taylor. The Redskins love drafting players with NFL bloodlines and he is no exception being the cousin of San Diego's stud Antonio Cromartie. They prefer a pass rusher in this spot, but no one is worth the pick.

51) Washington - WR Andre Caldwell (Florida)
They have expressed a desire to add a marquee receiver in free agency. If that doesn't happen this could be their Plan B. Caldwell doesn't add much size to the position, but it would be intriguing to see his speed combined with current threats Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. One of their poor free agent additions Brandon Lloyd was just released and last year's signing Keenan McCardell illustrates their desperation to add talent.

84) Washington - DE Jason Jones (Eastern Michigan)
Andre Carter has been a rare solid free agent signing under Daniel Snyder's free spending ownership, but the rest of their defensive ends are weak. Phillip Daniels turns 35 in May, is in the last year of his contract and has only 5.5 sacks the past two years combined. A star pass rusher is definitely needed and Jones has the potential to fill that role as a middle round gem.

146) Washington - OG Kerry Brown (Appalachian State)
In 2007 the Redskins dropped nearly 20 yards rushing per game over their previous year's average. Part of that decline has to fall on the shoulders of aging guards Pete Kendall and Randy Thomas. Albert is massive. His addition could change the fact that Portis/Betts ran more times this past year yet saw their combined average rush drop from 4.51 to 3.82, a significant decline

177) Washington - SS Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State)
When a player of Sean Taylor's caliber dies it is impossible to replace him on the field or off of it. I feel that taking a safety earlier than this will put undue pressure on that player in light of this tragedy, but they do need someone to fill the void in the lineup.

209) Washington - ILB Rodrick Johnson (Oklahoma State)
Like Houston, they have more needs than picks they can address early. London Fletcher is a tackling machine having topped 119 eight seasons in a row spanning three different teams. However, he'll turn 33 this spring and the time to replace him is before he collapses at midfield from exhaustion. The man has 1,229 career tackles for crying out loud. By midseason Randall Godfrey will be 35 and Marcus Washington 31.

Mark Brunell is a great guy and a good mentor for young QB's. Whoever the moron is that earlier said Mark still thinks he is a starter doesn't really pay attention. It wasn't too long ago that Mark said he wanted to be a number 2 somewhere. He doesn't think he can be a #1 anywhere (or that he is capable of it anymore). Classy guy that deserves a classy farewell. Good luck Mark.

No way Cromartie is there at 21. Well maybe, but I don't think so.

The football expert doesn't seem to know what he's talking about. He takes his little pot shots here and there without thinking through what he says about certain players that are already on our team.

scamp--
would you trade out of 21 if you could potentially get a first rd. next year

Depends on what comes with it.

maybe another second rd. this year and first next?

I would probably do that, especially if the second rounder this year was in the first half instead of the second.

that would be the only way

Quentin Groves, DE out of Auburn, seems to have fallen out of first on many mock drafts. Would be a steal for us

There's a lot of talent out there, and I'm with Vinnie on the fact that there really isn't a lot of WR depth out there (at least not 1st round depth) Linemen on both sides of the ball are deep (except OG). I don't think we are going to get someone that's so much better in the first than we would in the second. Just my opinion.

I'm not a fan of Brunell's play in D.C., but he was a class act and I wish him well.

I agree, Cromartie will not be there at 21. However, if he is, I like this pick.

Another interesting article on DL players:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-03-06-sw-defensive-linemen_N.htm

agreed, bet that's a first (the with Vinnie part!!)

4. Trevor Laws, Notre Dame, 6-1, 304: Laws has reduced his body fat and added about 30 pounds of lean muscle in the last few months. Once thought to be undersized, he weighed 304 pounds at the combine. That was the most recent plus in a postseason that included a good showing at the Senior Bowl.

In combine workouts, he demonstrated that the added weight did not impair his explosion or agility. His game speed is obvious on film, and he validated it with a 40-yard time of 5.02. Laws also showed good upper-body strength on the bench press with 31 repetitions.

From article posted by kerzon.

On the Western topic from the previous thread...

Yes, "Three Amigos" is a Western, and it's my all-time favorite.
"3:10 to Yuma" is great. Loved it. Rented it on AppleTV in HD. Love my AppleTV EVEN MORE.
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" is awesome.
"Tombstone" is awesome.

Like I said, I'm working my way through all the John Wayne flicks.

I figure I've spent the bulk of my life ignoring Westerns and it's high (noon) time that I started fleshing out that bit of my cinematic vocabulary.

Oh, and yeah, I cannot wait for "Lost" tonight.

Also, good luck to Mark. A total class act.

And, I'm a wee bit disturbed by Dorf's NIH comment. What kind of experiments did they perform?

I would have volunteered for research on the mating habits of college students. But that's just about all I can think of that's worth volunteering for...

Between you and me, they extracted skin from my thighs by using heat and friction to create blisters, which they cut off to use on aids testing. It was painful. That's all I'll say.

Lost is kind of slow this week...

Brunell is the symbol of everything wrong with the Gibbs era.

Good riddance.

Brunell is the symbol of everything wrong with the Gibbs era.

Good riddance.

Posted by: vinnieceskins | March 6, 2008 09:58 PM

Yea, you're right, the playoffs suck.

Trevor Laws looked impressive at the combine. I hadn't heard much about him but I mentioned him a few time during the combine and would like to see him in B&G.

Don't you mean M&B&Y?

Kiper's First-Round Projection
Name Team Player School
1 Miami Dolphins Chris Long, DE Virginia
2 St. Louis Rams Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
3 Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
4 Oakland Raiders *Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
5 Kansas City Chiefs Jake Long, OT Michigan
6 New York Jets *Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio St.
7 New England Patriots (from SF) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee St.
8 Baltimore Ravens Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
9 Cincinnati Bengals *Phillip Merling, DE Clemson
10 New Orleans Saints Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
11 Buffalo Bills *Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma
12 Denver Broncos *Ryan Clady, OT Boise St.
13 Carolina Panthers *Derrick Harvey, DE Florida
14 Chicago Bears Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt
15 Detroit Lions *Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
16 Arizona Cardinals Keith Rivers, LB USC
17 Minnesota Vikings *Calais Campbell, DE Miami
18 Houston Texans *Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
19 Philadelphia Eagles Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers *DeSean Jackson, WR California
21 Washington Redskins *Aqib Talib, CB Kansas
22 Dallas Cowboys (from CLE) *Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
23 Pittsburgh Steelers *Branden Albert, OG Virginia
24 Tennessee Titans *Jerod Mayo, LB Tennessee
25 Seattle Seahawks *Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State
26 Jacksonville Jaguars Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina
27 San Diego Chargers *Justin King, CB Penn State
28 Dallas Cowboys *Brandon Flowers, CB Virginia Tech
29 San Francisco 49ers (from IND) Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College
30 Green Bay Packers Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida
31 New England Patriots Forfeited pick
32 New York Giants *Kenny Phillips, S Miami

1. Miami Dolphins -- Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Record: 1-15 | Needs: OL, DT, LB, CB, QB
Previous mock selection: Same
The odds are good that Miami will be stuck with this pick. After all, no pick in the top seven has been dealt since the 2004 draft. This pick should come down to three players: Ryan, OT Jake Long and DE Chris Long. By no means am I convinced that Ryan is the pick. In fact, if the Dolphins do not sign a tackle in free agency, then Jake Long becomes the logical choice. However, until there's word from Dolphins camp that John Beck is the quarterback of the future, Ryan makes the most sense. Ryan has all the physical tools of a franchise quarterback and -- more importantly -- he possesses rare intangibles.

2. St. Louis Rams -- Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Record: 3-13 | Needs: DE, OT/G, CB, OLB, WR
Previous mock selection: Same
If the Rams draft Jake Long, there's a good chance they would have to move him to right tackle or guard for the next couple of seasons while perennial Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace finishes out his career. Paying that type of money for a guard is a tough pill to swallow. Dorsey and fellow DT Sedrick Ellis have been mentioned with this pick, but the team has blown a lot of money on the defensive line in recent years and shouldn't push its luck after scoring with Adam Carriker a year ago.
While nothing seems to fit perfectly here, Chris Long makes the most sense. Long is not a prototypical edge rusher, but he's a dominant playmaker with rare versatility and a motor that never quits. He can serve as a good complement at left end opposite the speedy Leonard Little, who recently reworked his contract.

3. Atlanta Falcons -- Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Record: 4-12 | Needs: QB, OT, DT, RB, S
Previous mock selection: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Ryan should be the Falcons' selection if he's available. If not, it will be a difficult decision between McFadden, Dorsey and Jake Long. The team has needs at all three positions, but upgrading its offensive line is most pressing and Long is without question the safest choice.

4. Oakland Raiders -- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Record: 4-12 | Needs: OT, DT, WR, DE, RB
Previous mock selection: Same
The Raiders are financially strapped and will not want to dish out top-five money one year after selecting QB JaMarcus Russell with the top overall pick. If McFadden is still on the board, don't count out a blockbuster trade by owner Al Davis, since Cowboys owner and Arkansas alum Jerry Jones already has made his interest known.
Retaining Tommy Kelly gives the Raiders two good defensive linemen, and while that certainly frees the team up to go in a different direction with this pick (McFadden?), it does not eliminate Dorsey or Ellis from the discussion. Assuming he is cleared medically by team doctors, Dorsey is rated higher than Ellis and should be the pick. He could provide the type of interior disruption the Raiders' defense was lacking a year ago.

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Record: 4-12 | Needs: LOT, G, CB, DE, C
Previous mock selection: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
The Chiefs' No. 1 priority this offseason should be solidifying their offensive front. However, with Jake Long off the board in this scenario, Kansas City is faced with the unenviable decision of drafting need versus value. Clady is not a top-five prospect, nor is any other tackle in this class for that matter. The team ideally would like to trade down and still get Clady, Chris Williams or Jeff Otah, which is a possibility considering McFadden, Ellis and DE/OLB Vernon Gholston are still on the board. If stuck at No. 5, though, the assumption is Kansas City will draft the highest-rated tackle on its board.

6. New York Jets -- Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Record: 4-12 | Needs: NT, WR, LB, G, RB
Projected pick: Same
McFadden is the value pick, Gholston is the need pick. If presented with this opportunity, the Jets should take a page out of the Vikings' book and pull the trigger on McFadden. While he's not a yard-churning bell cow like Peterson, McFadden is an elite athlete with the size, home run speed and versatility to significantly upgrade the Jets' tired offense from last season.

7. N.E. Patriots (from 5-11 San Francisco) -- Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Record: 18-1 | Needs: LB, CB, DS, OL, RB
Previous mock selection: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
The Patriots would like to inject some youth at linebacker, which is why Gholston makes so much sense with this pick. Gholston is a bit inconsistent, but he also is one of the premier pass-rushers in the 2008 class and fits perfectly as a rush linebacker in the Pats' 3-4 scheme.
If Gholston is off the board and New England can't trade out, the next priority is to find a replacement for Asante Samuel, a free agent who can't be franchised for a second consecutive year.

8. Baltimore Ravens -- Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Record: 5-11 | Needs: QB, CB, LOT, ILB, DE/OLB
Previous mock selection: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Unless Ryan slips, Baltimore will need to wait at least a round to address its seemingly endless need for an upgrade at quarterback. Ellis is not an ideal fit for its defensive scheme and wouldn't fill a need position, but in this scenario he is a strong possibility for a Ravens organization that is among the league's most disciplined when it comes to drafting for value.

With all that in mind, McKelvin makes the best match. He is the most natural cover corner this class has to offer and he also can provide competition for Yamon Figurs in the return game.

9. Cincinnati Bengals -- Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Record: 7-9 | Needs: DT, TE, DE, LB, OT
Previous mock selection: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Ellis falling to pick No. 9 has to rank among the best-case scenarios for coach Marvin Lewis and the Bengals. The team is starving for defensive playmakers, especially along the front. Ellis, who notched 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks as a senior at USC, could solve many problems for this unit.

10. New Orleans Saints -- Keith Rivers, LB, USC
Record: 6-9 | Needs: CB, LB, TE, DT, C
Previous mock selection: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Cornerback and linebacker are the Saints biggest areas of need and Rivers is the best athlete available at those positions. Rivers is a complete linebacker with a very good combination of size, quickness, power and toughness. He also plays with an excellent motor and could quickly emerge as a much-needed leader for the Saints defense.

11. Buffalo Bills -- Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Record: 7-9 | Needs: WR, DT, CB, LB, TE
Previous mock selection: Same
Kelly is the type of big receiver the Bills need to add to their roster as a complement to Lee Evans. Kelly is unusually fluid for a bigger wideout and he might have the strongest hands of any player in the 2008 draft.

12. Denver Broncos -- Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Record: 7-9 | Needs: DT, OT, MLB, S, WR
Previous mock selection: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Williams still needs to get stronger and play with more of a mean streak, but he is one of the fastest rising players in this class because of his combination of size, mobility and intelligence. Williams would be a fine fit in Denver's zone-blocking scheme.

13. Carolina Panthers -- Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Record: 7-9 | Needs: OT, DE, WR, DS, DT
Previous mock selection: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Instead of drafting a young signal-caller who would need time to develop, look for the Panthers to bring in veteran competition for Matt Moore, who showed some signs late in the season.
Drafting a defensive end like Harvey is a much wiser decision. Harvey is not as explosive as his former college teammate, Jarvis Moss, who was selected 17th overall by the Broncos last year. However, Harvey is a more complete player and should quickly emerge as an impact every-down starter in the NFL.

14. Chicago Bears -- Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Record: 7-9 | Needs: QB, OL, RB, DT, S
Previous mock selection: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Offensive tackle is certainly a possibility, especially with Clady, Williams and Otah all emerging as solid first-rounds prospects behind Jake Long. However, if Clady and Williams are off the board, don't be surprised if GM Jerry Angelo takes advantage of this year's talented crop of running backs by selecting either Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart with this pick. Either would provide more explosiveness and versatility than the team has seen from current starter Cedric Benson.

15. Detroit Lions -- Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Record: 7-9 | Needs: OT, G, CB, S, DE
Projected pick: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
The Lions' secondary is undermanned and would welcome the services of Talib or Mike Jenkins with this pick. However, the run on offensive tackles is nearing its end and Otah is the type of mauling right tackle this unit needs in order to raise its level of physicality in 2008.

16. Arizona Cardinals -- Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Record: 8-8 | Needs: CB, OLB, TE, RB, DE
Previous mock selection: Rahard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
The Cardinals' most pressing need is at cornerback, and the team would have a couple of strong prospects to choose from in Talib and Jenkins. Talib tends to gamble too much and his footwork needs some polishing, but many teams love the potential they see from this 6-foot-1, 202-pound playmaker with 4.4 speed.

17. Minnesota Vikings -- Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Record: 8-8 | Needs: DE, S, WR, QB, TE
Previous mock selection: DeSean Jackson, WR/RS, California
Believe it or not, Minnesota still is in the market for help at wide receiver and defensive end, despite investing first- or second-round picks in the past four drafts on WRs Troy Williamson (2005) and Sidney Rice (2007) and DEs Kenechi Udeze (2004) and Erasmus James (2005).
DE Phillip Merling would be a strong consideration, but he doesn't project as a pass-rushing difference-maker, which is what the Vikings need. Sweed, on the other hand, has the potential to develop into the big, playmaking wideout the team has been looking for since Randy Moss left town. Sweed could emerge as the premier talent from this year's receiver class so long as a nagging wrist injury is behind him.

18. Houston Texans -- Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon
Record: 8-8 | Needs: CB, RB, S, LOT, DE
Previous mock selection: Same
The Texans need a featured back to go along with QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson, and Stewart has the bulk, burst and versatility to quickly fill that role. He also could offer a boost in the kickoff return game.

19. Philadelphia Eagles -- Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Record: 8-8 | Needs: WR, DE, S, OT/G, MLB
Previous mock selection: Phillip Merling, DE, Miami
Eagles OTs Jon Runyan and William Thomas aren't getting any younger, so Otah would be a possibility here if he were available. The Eagles are also in search of a home run threat at wide receiver, so don't count out Jackson, either. However, Merling has an outstanding combination of size, quickness and power that would make him a good fit opposite wide end Trent Cole in Philadelphia.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- DeSean Jackson, WR/RS, California
Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, CB, RB, QB, C
Previous mock selection: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Sure, Jackson has limitations at just 5-foot-10 and 169 pounds. But he's the fastest and most dangerous open-field weapon this class has to offer. If Jackson gets with a creative offensive coach like Jon Gruden at the next level he could emerge as versatile home run threat.

21. Washington Redskins -- Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, S, DE, OT, CB
Previous mock selection: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
The Redskins' top priority is adding a playmaking receiver to the roster. There projects to be a run of wide receivers in the bottom half of the first round, so the Redskins should get involved here before they get shut out. Thomas might not have the ideal size Washington is looking for, but he's a well-built wide out with strong hands and excellent run-after-catch ability.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from 10-6 Cleveland) -- Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, WR, OT, RB, ILB
Previous mock selection: Sam Baker, OT, USC
Assuming owner Jerry Jones doesn't package picks to trade up, expect Dallas to use its two picks to address needs at corner, receiver, offensive tackle and possibly running back. Jenkins' combination of size, speed and athleticism is outstanding and his recognition skills continue to improve each season. Jenkins also brings versatility to the table as a cornerback who can also play some safety and chip in on returns if necessary.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Branden Albert, G, Virginia
Record: 10-6 | Needs: C, OT, DE (3-4), RB, G
Previous mock selection: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
The Steelers could use two of their first three picks on offensive linemen. Albert is a massive guard with good feet and a finishers' mentality. While most of his experience is at guard, Albert has the frame to give it a try at tackle in the NFL if a team should so choose.

24. Tennessee Titans -- Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Record: 10-6 | Needs: WR, DE, DT, CB, C
Previous mock selection: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Titans need to draft a legitimate weapon for QB Vince Young to target in the passing attack. While Doucet lacks ideal deep speed, he is a quick, well-built receiver with reliable hands and proven run-after-catch ability.

25. Seattle Seahawks -- Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Record: 10-6 | Needs: ROT, DT, RB, TE, G
Previous mock selection: Same
It is unlikely current Seattle starting RB Shaun Alexander will ever return to his 2005 MVP form, and backup Maurice Morris has proved to be at his best when limited to a complementary role. However, with McFadden, Stewart and Mendenhall all off the board, look for the Seahawks to go in a different direction here. Balmer is a fast-rising prospect with very good size, power and quickness. He would be a welcomed addition to Seattle's thin interior defensive line.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Record: 11-5 | Needs: DE, WR, CB, SS, OL
Previous mock selection: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
The Jaguars should use this pick on the best available receiver or pass-rusher. Auburn DE/OLB Quentin Groves would be a possibility after he blazed a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the combine. However, Manningham is a better option. He inevitably will slip following his marginal 40 times at the combine, but Manningham is one of the rare receivers who lack elite physical tools but simply know how to separate and make big plays. He could be a steal this late.

27. San Diego Chargers -- Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Record: 11-5 | Needs: ROT, NT, S, CB, RB
Previous mock selection: Same
The Chargers can select the best available athlete if they want to, but the right side of their offensive line could use an upgrade, and Cherilus projects as a solid starting right tackle in the NFL. Cherilus' stock is on the rise following his impressive showing at the Senior Bowl.

28. Dallas Cowboys -- Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, WR, OT, RB, DS
Previous mock selection: Same
If owner Jerry Jones can't strike a deal for McFadden, he could settle for Arkansas' other first-round running back prospect. Jones is a speedster who could complement current Dallas RB Marion Barber well and provide a home run threat in the return game.

29. S.F. 49ers (from 13-3 Indianapolis) -- James Hardy*, WR, Indiana
Record: 5-11 | Needs: WR, OT, OLB, DE, QB
Previous mock selection: Same
The 49ers need a playmaker at wide receiver to take the attention away from TE Vernon Davis and pressure off QB Alex Smith. Hardy comes with some baggage and he needs some polishing, but no receiver in this class possesses a more imposing combination of size and natural athleticism.

30. Green Bay Packers -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tenn. St.
Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, OT, S, TE, PT
Previous mock selection: Same
Packers QB Brett Favre certainly would welcome the addition of a tight end like USC's Fred Davis, who can stretch the seam and generate yards after the catch. However, the team has a more pressing need in the defensive secondary, and Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2008 class right now. The small-school product proved capable of playing with the big boys at the Senior Bowl, where he demonstrated outstanding versatility and athleticism playing both free safety and cornerback throughout the week.

31. N.E. Patriots -- Pick forfeited
Record: 16-0 | Needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL depth
Previous mock selection: Same
The Patriots lost this pick as part of the penalty handed down for illegally taping Jets coaches from the sideline in Week 1.

32. New York Giants -- Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
Record: 10-6 | Needs: LB, OT, S, WR, CB
Previous mock selection: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
The Giants are in need of an immediate and legitimate upgrade at linebacker, and Connor is instinctive and athletic enough to contribute immediately on the inside or the weak side.

Todd McShay is the director of college football scouting for Scouts Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.

The Real Estate market in Central Florida, (OCALA)at the lower end is HOT,HOT HOT! I
have moved three properties in the last two months. Do not believe what you read in the news media.

Don't believe the hype!

WR is not the greatest need for this team! Don't draft one at #21!

Wide receiver is the one position that is most like a crapshoot in the draft. Well they all are but it is the 'crappiest.'

See our recent history (previous thread). The picks in rounds 1-3 have been solid with the exceptions of all the WRs (Taylor Jacobs, Cliff Russel, Rod Gardner) and Rashad Bauman (CB).

It is also well documented that $nyder wanted S. Moss but Schotenheimer took 50/50 Rod Gardner. Which are way better odds than your #1 drafted receiver being a contributing starter for your team for years to come. Don't believe me? Look at the first round history since 2000 and see how many WRs are still starting for thier original teams.

Now we did eventually get S. Moss. We signed the franchised Laverneaus Coles and then traded him straight up for the then unproven Santana. It took two #1s and a solid WR to get Santana who could have been drafted in round one in 2001.

Now if you combine the stats for Coles and Moss you get more than what you could've hoped for from picking two wide-outs in round one and at an equal or better cost. Calvin Johnson is the highest paid WR in the game and he's likely to be surpassed by any WR picked in the top ten.

Now my question to those wanting to pick a reciever in this draft at #21. Are any of them worth being paid as one of the twenty highest paid WRs in the game? Becuase if you do pick a WR there that's what it will cost and that's a luxury that we can't afford.

#21 doesn't have much to work with for our immediate needs, especially if Cromartie-Rodgers is off the board. I'd say we should trade our 1st rounder this year and our 2nd rounder in 2009 to try and trade for Larry Fitzgerald.

No activity thus far

Huh.

. . . first . . . grudging . . . bit of respect . . . for . . .

urrrrrr . . .

ummmmmm . . . .

ehhhhhhhhhhhh . . .

arrrrgghhh . . .

gulp, . . .

Vinny

. . .

Damn, that feels weird

The football expert is an idiot. Anyone can sit around pulling tubes all day long and put up a mock draft - isht, you all want me to try it? Seriously though :

"21) Washington - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State)
It will be interesting to see the Redskins actually draft some players this year after safety LaRon Landry was their only pick in the first four rounds of the 2006 draft. Speaking of the secondary, cornerback is an issue because Shawn Springs is getting to the point where his level of play (and age) makes him worth less than he's scheduled to earn. Carlos Rogers ended the year on IR and isn't expected to start the season, not to mention the unspeakable loss of safety Sean Taylor. The Redskins love drafting players with NFL bloodlines and he is no exception being the cousin of San Diego's stud Antonio Cromartie. They prefer a pass rusher in this spot, but no one is worth the pick."

We love drafting players with NFL bloodlines? I may be talking out of my arse here, but who besides Blades lately have we done this?

Also :
"146) Washington - OG Kerry Brown (Appalachian State)
In 2007 the Redskins dropped nearly 20 yards rushing per game over their previous year's average. Part of that decline has to fall on the shoulders of aging guards Pete Kendall and Randy Thomas. Albert is massive. His addition could change the fact that Portis/Betts ran more times this past year yet saw their combined average rush drop from 4.51 to 3.82, a significant decline"

Why is Randy Thomas being shat on here? He was hurt all year? Yes he's old, yes he gets paid an arse ton of money - but is dude is straight up one of the best pulling gaurds we've see in a while....

I don't usually say isht on here besides 'BONG', but for some reason, this one just annoyed the heck out of me more than anything has before.

With that said :

BONG!

Bigmurf,

Jordan Palmer was also drafted last year. But that garbage about the guards just shows that the 'expert' knew his stats but not the reasons behind the stats.

and LaRon Landry... (bro is a Raven)

i can make an estimate on the draft, though this is assuming we don't trade away any picks:

1st- CB Cromartie-Rodgers (if available, if not-- lets grab Brandon Albert and get a lifetime HOG)
2nd- WR (best available, hopefully James Hardy)
3rd- D lineman (best available)
3rd (compensatory)- OT (best available)
5th- SS (best available)
6th- QB (my gut unfortunately says Colt Brennan)
7th- OT (best available)

IMHO that would be a solid draft day! not to mention there would be some solid undrafted FA prospects. Would love to see us get some o-lineman to sculpt under Buges for another year.

Can't believe CJ is not being traded!!! There is a video on this site as well:

http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/06/more-than-two-years-later-vindication/

MORE THAN TWO YEARS LATER, VINDICATION
Posted by Mike Florio on March 6, 2008, 10:46 p.m.
We made one of our biggest stirs ever with this blurb from the evening of January 9, 2006:

"A league source tells us that multiple members of the Cincinnati Bengals witnessed a troubling incident as the team prepared to take the field for the second half of Sunday's playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"Per the source, the last few minutes of intermission were ticking away, when the players were startled by the sight and sound of a helmet slamming against the glass pane of the training room door. Inside, receiver Chad Johnson and receivers coach Hue Jackson were engaged in an altercation. At one point, Johnson was seen holding Jackson in a headlock.

"Coach Marvin Lewis entered the training room to intervene, and Johnson (per the source) took a swing at him."

The team denied any such incident, and Johnson called a press conference for the sole purpose of claiming that nothing happened. Boomer Esiason of CBS partially corroborated our report, and Johnson eventually would concede that something happened.

More than two years later, one of the players who witnessed the incident has shared his perceptions with the world, courtesy of the magic that is YouTube.

On Monday night, speaking at a recent meeting of the Central Maryland Browns Backers, former Bengals defensive tackle Shaun Smith acknowledged that Chad Johnson took a swing at Lewis -- and made contact.

Asked at the 5:20 mark of the clip about the incident that occurred in the team's locker room during the only playoff game of the Lewis era, Smith said of Johnson: "He swung on Marvin. . . . [Johnson] shattered the training room glass. . . . He swung on Marving [and] hit Marvin in the eye. . . . Then he tried to swing on wide receivers coach Hue Jackson, who's now in Baltimore."

i think that #21 on this site should be reserved only for writing about sean. I personally will never see the number again, on a football player or a baseball player or even an exam question without thinking of the tradgedy that befell such an extraordinary player, father and person. Just my two cents. rest in paradise #21

i think that #21 on this site should be reserved only for writing about sean. I personally will never see the number again, on a football player or a baseball player or even an exam question without thinking of the tradgedy that befell such an extraordinary player, father and person. Just my two cents. rest in paradise #21

i think that #21 on this site should be reserved only for writing about sean. I personally will never see the number again, on a football player or a baseball player or even an exam question without thinking of the tradgedy that befell such an extraordinary player, father and person. Just my two cents. rest in paradise #21

I think #21 should be reserved on this site just for talking about sean. I personally will never see the number on a football player, baseball player or even an exam question without thinking of the tradgedy that befell such a wonderful young man, father and player. I realize that we have the twenty first pick and that there are plenty of other instances where the number twenty one is referenced but i will only use #21 when it pertains to sean. Just my two cents. Rest in Paradise #21

Top 10 Westerns (or something like them) in No Particular Order:

1) The Outlaw Josey Wales
2) Tombstone
3) Silverado
4) The Gunfighter
5) The Magnificent Seven
6) Nevada Smith
7) Lonesome Dove (TV miniseries)
8) Open Range
9) The Unforgiven
10) High Noon

Crickets! Come on now!

Blazing Saddles is a western!

3:10 to Yuma rocks! I love me some Christian Bale!

Top 10 Westerns (or something like them) in No Particular Order:

1) The Outlaw Josey Wales
2) Tombstone
3) Silverado
4) The Gunfighter
5) The Magnificent Seven
6) Nevada Smith
7) Lonesome Dove (TV miniseries)
8) Open Range
9) The Unforgiven
10) High Noon

Posted by: TheCrickets007 | March 7, 2008 05:52 AM

-------------------------------------------

What?????? No "The Good, the bad and the ugly"?????????

Love Tombstone.

I'm sorry, I must have stumbled onto the blog for oldmoviesnobodygivesadamnabout.com...

Does anyone agree with the take in today's Times that the Skins actually aren't signing enough free agents this year?

I have selcted three six-packs for this fine eve.

-Kirin First Press Beer. The label is different, but I think it's the same as your Kirin Ichiban

http://www.kirin.com/beers.htm

-Holgate Extra Special Bitter. Also called Bitter Pale Ale/Old Pale Ale.

http://www.holgatebrewhouse.com/tasting_notes.htm

- Pepperjack Hand Crafted Ale.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/epicure/unique-combo-a-bottler/2007/11/26/1196036792735.html

Crickets...
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence?
The War Wagon?
Young Guns (OK, maybe not)

matthewmccarthy, what you propose is difficult ... Sean Taylor was #21 ... the Skins draft between #20 and #22. That second reference would require an acronym or something ... or trading it.

Come on now sween, I know what you're doing, you failed to mention that not using a certain number would destroy you dreams of a certain safety from St.Louis!

Where is everyone?? I go out of my way, to buy some beer to keep me awake long enough that I can chat with the RIers, and nobody is here!

Do you guys think that the media has become irresponsible in reporting? It's like research is no longer used to print an article and truth is not needed. This article is dated 3/7/08.

Here is an article I read last nite. The link and an excerpt:

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080307/SPORTS/803070354

All while supposedly making a concentrated effort to stay within the league's imposed salary cap which is projected to be close to $116M next season.

That's good news for teams like the Tennessee Titans and Dolphins who are well under the cap and not-so-good news for teams like the Colts, Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins who are either just under or, in the case of the latter, well over. Most of the other teams are somewhere in the middle.

The Redskins are over the cap because of a spend-free owner who will spare no expense to bring in high-priced players to Washington for what, so far, has been a feeble effort to buy a championship team. The Colts, on the other hand, shell out big money to keep their group of core players that continue to get the team into the playoffs.

Bottom line. There is no certain formula when it comes to operating in the salary-cap era. Heck, the average football fan probably doesn't even understand it. If you do, you might want to explain how come the Patriots have more money to spend on free agents than, say the Colts, when the Patriots' 2007 payroll was the second highest in the league at $122,725,420 and the Colts was seventh highest at $113,607,770? Oh, there's a reason but unfortunately there's not enough time or space alloted to explain it.

Open Range definitely in top 10. Any western with Robert Duval is tops.

I completely forgot about Jordan Palmer last season (didn't even have enough to make the practice squad) as well as Dawan Landry in Balt - now that dude is nasty! Not as nasty as LL but still a money player.

Thank you for the correction - but still not really enough to warrent that dudes idiotic mock draft.

Change of subject - RIP #36/21 - you made an impact on my life I will never forget. You took my love of football to another level.

Whats up hamsters!!

Seriously, the mock that was posted above, from Mel Kiper, when is that from?? Because if its recent, then Kiper might be suffering from the same thing that Al Davis is suffering from. How, can he have Campbell going in the first 20 picks? I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm happy with Todd McShays mock that has us taking Devin Thomas. I'd like to think that if Laws, or Balmer were still on the board in the second, they'd be a good pickup as well.

oh, and no CJ....

ST (RIP) was awesome. Let's say we lose another loved Skins player, say someone who wears the #9. Should we never pick at that spot because of the loss? We all love ST, but in football, like life, we must move on. Not forget, but move forward.

Kerzon417,

What's wrong with that excerpt? Nothing journalistically irresponsible from where I sit...

Greg, I agree, no to CJ. Still can't believe he is still in Cin., but we do not want that kind of person.

Mel K. has his favorite players and will not change their status once he commments on them. Can't name the number of times that teams do not pick per his mock, but ESPN continues to put him as an "expert" on drafts. Crazy!

Brown, as of 3/7 are we well over the cap?? Last I heard we are well under with the ability to create more room if necessary. Just another swipe on the Skins.

Does anyone agree with the take in today's Times that the Skins actually aren't signing enough free agents this year?

Posted by: brownwood26 | March 7, 2008 07:06 AM

Free agency isn't over yet.

We aren't the only team who hasn't signed anyone in free agency yet. And I reckon if you looked at the other teams who haven't signed anyone yet, they would have more losses than what we have.

The problem with that article is that the ENTIRE NFL had to be cap compliant by the 26th of February, or something like that. So it that article was written in January, its spot on....however if it was written recently, it's categorically wrong in the context of it. There is no team over the cap, in the ENTIRE NFL. The smallest amount of research would have gleaned that information. It's just lazy, and irresponsible journalism.

From pft.com

I was pro CJ but not now

POSTED 10:45 p.m. EST, March 6, 2008

MORE THAN TWO YEARS LATER, VINDICATION

We made one of our biggest stirs ever with this blurb from the evening of January 9, 2006:

"A league source tells us that multiple members of the Cincinnati Bengals witnessed a troubling incident as the team prepared to take the field for the second half of Sunday's playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"Per the source, the last few minutes of intermission were ticking away, when the players were startled by the sight and sound of a helmet slamming against the glass pane of the training room door. Inside, receiver Chad Johnson and receivers coach Hue Jackson were engaged in an altercation. At one point, Johnson was seen holding Jackson in a headlock.

"Coach Marvin Lewis entered the training room to intervene, and Johnson (per the source) took a swing at him."

The team denied any such incident, and Johnson called a press conference for the sole purpose of claiming that nothing happened. Boomer Esiason of CBS partially corroborated our report, and Johnson eventually would concede that something happened.

More than two years later, one of the players who witnessed the incident has shared his perceptions with the world, courtesy of the magic that is YouTube.

On Monday night, speaking at a recent meeting of the Central Maryland Browns Backers, former Bengals defensive tackle Shaun Smith acknowledged that Chad Johnson took a swing at Lewis -- and made contact.

Asked at the 5:20 mark of the clip about the incident that occurred in the team's locker room during the only playoff game of the Lewis era, Smith said of Johnson: "He swung on Marvin. . . . [Johnson] shattered the training room glass. . . . He swung on Marving [and] hit Marvin in the eye. . . . Then he tried to swing on wide receivers coach Hue Jackson, who's now in Baltimore."

who did we lose in free agency last year that might equate into a compensatory draft pick?

Whats up, sorry I am late had to actually do work this morning, I may have to quit my job, its getting to much like work.

Brownwood,

If you beleive that journalist should just be able to write what ever they want without doing any research, then I agree with you, but there are about 1000 websites that he could have went to, that would have told him we are under the cap. That is just lazy journalism, why work when you can make up sh!t.

Speaking of irresponsible journalism, here is a bit from the Times:
"Philadelphia signed the top defensive free agent, cornerback Asante Samuel. Dallas gambled that former Miami tackling machine Zach Thomas can recover from his series of concussions. The Giants replaced departed free agent Gibril Wilson with fellow safety Sammy Knight"

So the Giants let a guy, Wilson who is in his 4th year go, and bring in Knight who is in his 11th year to replace him, and thats a good move? So bringing in Zach Thomas, who is ONE concussion away from being a vegatable a good move? Assante Samuel might be the move OVER-RATED corner and paying him TOP DOLLAR was a good move??

You can't have it both ways. When the Redskins are fiscally irresponsible call them out on it, but you can't cite other teams signing players who are either PAST their prime, or who are OVER-PAID, as reasons to get involved in free agency.

Trail,

Dockery is the big one he should get us a 3rd rounder.
Washington (Warrick Holdman, $1.375 million, 0/0, on IR all season)
Washington (Kenny Wright, $973,333, 7/1)

trailblazer658-

We lost D.Dockery, W.Holdman, K.Wright and T.J.Duckett, but gained London Fletcher.

Greg,

News
PFT.com
POSTED 8:34 a.m. EST, March 7, 2008

GOODELL EMBARKS ON A CHEATING CRUSADE

In a move that casts further doubt on former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's chances for ever getting into Canton without paying the admission fee, current Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to implement sweeping reforms regarding the process of detecting and punishing cheating.

According to the Washington Post, Goodell sent a memo on Thursday to the Competition Committee outlining various proposals intended "to preserve the competitive integrity of the game" and "maintain public confidence" in the game.

For starters, Goodell wants to police more effectively the activities of NFL team. Said the memo: "This will include spot checks of club facilities, including team locker rooms; press boxes and coaches booths; coach-to-quarterback and other in-stadium communication systems . . . and enhanced monitoring of team practices. Many of these checks will be virtually unannounced and clubs would be expected fully to cooperate with this effort."

We like it. Though many teams now fear getting nailed like the Patriots did, the truth is that the Patriots got nailed because they flew too close to the sun on wings of pastrami. Without a system in place to catch teams with their hands in the cookie jar, teams know that they will only get caught when they grab the cookie jar from the counter and run around the house with it shouting, "I am stealing the cookies, eating the cookies, and gradually digesting the cookies into stool!"

Goodell also wants to reduce the standard of proof necessary for an internal finding that a team has cheated. "Too often," he wrote, "competitive violations have gone unpunished because conclusive proof of the violation was lacking. I believe we should reconsider the standard of proof to be applied in such cases, and make it easier for a competitive violation to be established. And where a violation is shown, I intend to impose more stringent penalties on both the club and the responsible individual(s). I will also be prepared to make greater use of draft choice forfeiture in appropriate cases. I believe this will have the effect of deterring violations and making people more willing to report violations on a timely basis."

This notion of violations not being reported on a timely basis represents, in our view, an implicit acknowledgement that cheating had been more widespread than previously believed, and that there previously had been a conspiracy of silence about it, as evidenced by the recent disclosure that former Jets Herm Edwards once smiled and waved to Bill Belichick's supposedly secret cameras that were taping defensive coaching signals, and by Jimmy Johnson's assertion in the wake of the Spygate I scandal that he had learned about the practice of taping signals when he came to the Cowboys in 1989.

We applaud the Commissioner for dealing with a problem that his predecessor(s) ignored, and we think that the move is far more courageous than it appears to be. Though the Commissioner is in charge of the game, he works for the 32 teams. And if the 32 teams prefer to operate with a "Spy vs. Spy" dynamic in the sport, they might not appreciate the Commissioner imposing on them a new approach to cheating that coincidentally was leaked to the media on the same day that the memo was sent.

Our sense is that the league office got the memo to the press so that the pressure would be placed on the teams to agree with Goodell's suggestions. Let's put it this way -- if Goodell didn't think he needed to get all of the teams to buy in to the notion that change is needed, the public wouldn't have become aware of this memo so quickly. And to the extent that Goodell by all appearances has put his own interests at arguable risk for the sake of the broader interests of the sport that he serves and loves, we respect him more than ever.

Thecrick,

Your list of westerns is good but you have to have the G,B,U. on there.

Come on now sween, I know what you're doing, you failed to mention that not using a certain number would destroy you dreams of a certain safety from St.Louis!

Posted by: kost52 | March 7, 2008 07:34 AM

Admit it, kost, this fool's #21 for #21 campaign is stuck in your brain like Rabach's bidniz [shudder].

No one batted an eye here about Takeo Spikes becoming available. He worked out pretty well with London Fletcher in Buffalo ... maybe lightning could strike again. dcsween blinks a cautious green light on that signing, esp. to keep LBs fresh and allow for Roger McIntosh to come back to full speed gradually.

On the draft stuff (which I think is schedule for forever from now), I'm coming around to the idea of either a corner or a receiver who has speed that translates into having a solid return game ... and getting that on the field in the first game as a returner on special teams.

Greg,

More News,
PFT.com
POSTED 9:14 a.m. EST, March 7, 2008

SHAUN SMITH VIDEO ALREADY GONE

Less than 12 hours after we posted YouTube video of Browns defensive tackle Shaun Smith announcing at a Browns Backers meeting in Maryland that Chad Johnson punched Marvin Lewis during halftime of a 2006 playoff game, the video is "no longer available."

It makes no sense. The video wasn't protected by any copyright, so YouTube couldn't have been forced to take it down.

Our guess is that Smith got heat from his former head coach (indeed, Smith says on the video that he had spoken with Lewis at 1:00 a.m. that same day), and that Smith called up whoever booked him to speak at the meeting and told that person to get the video off YouTube or Smith would be at the next meeting in a far less charitable mood.

It'll be interesting to see what happens from this point forward. Two years ago, the Cincinnati media gave Johnson the benefit of the doubt when he declared that "nothing happened." Given his recent change in attitude toward the local press, we think that folks like Mark Curnutte might be more inclined to shine a light on this.

Then again, it only supports Ocho Stinko's end game. He wants out of Cincinnati; there's no denying that. What better way to make it happen than via a disclosure that Johnson did in fact jaw-jack his head coach at halftime of the franchise's biggest game since Super Bowl XXIII?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FRIDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Free agent RB Julius Jones visited Seattle on Thursday.

As the Jets continue to sign free agents, their next additions could be RB Jesse Chatman and S Eugene Wilson.

Said Eagles coach Andy Reid of cutting Takeo Spikes, "Takeo did a really good job for us last year, but we are excited about the young linebackers that have developed over the last year."

The Patriots have signed free agent CB Lewis Sanders.

Jets coach Eric Mangini likes the way free agent FB Tony Richardson will help on special teams.

The Bears sent a representative to the Pro Day workout of Delaware QB Joe Flacco but not to the workout of Kentucky QB Andre Woodson.

Former Lions LB Chris Spielman recalls the call he got from Brett Favre in 1998 when Spielman's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, six years before Favre's own wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Wisconsin bookstores are already getting requests for the special all-Brett Favre edition of Sports Illustrated that will come out next week.

Free-agent S Chris Crocker met with the Steelers on Thursday, and although he has upcoming visits scheduled with the Broncos and Titans, he said, "Let's hope I don't have to make those trips."

The Colts could lose two free agents to a division rival.

Although free-agent DE Darrion Scott wasn't always happy in his four seasons with the Vikings, his agent says of the chances that he'll return to Minnesota, "We're not closing that possibility at all."

The Titans haven't decided if they'll make an offer to free agent DT Grady Jackson.

Free agent LB Landon Johnson visited Carolina on Thursday, which was his 27th birthday.

Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden spent Thursday serving as the caddy for John Daly. [Editor's note: The typical exchange likely consisted of Daly saying, "Where's my f--king club?" and Gruden saying, "Here's your f--king club."]

The Cardinals' efforts to restructure the contract of WR Larry Fitzgerald appear to have made no progress in the last month.

The Rams hope to have free agent QB Trent Green under contract by the end of the weekend.

Free agent LB Nick Greisen visited Seattle on Wednesday, but his agent said afterward that he is not optimistic that Greisen is a good fit with the Seahawks.

Yeah thanks sween, just about to go to bed, and now I'm thinking about Rabach and his buddies.

sween, bangkokben's post above to me demonstrates that WR is not a place to gamble in Rd 1. I agree with going for a corner, or even BAP. But with the depth of WR in this draft, we are better off drafting one in the 2nd or later which is a better use of $$ than what we would have to pay in rd 1. Personnally I like Jordy Nelson in the 2nd, but that's just one mans opinion.

Personnally I like Jordy Nelson in the 2nd, but that's just one mans opinion.

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 7, 2008 09:41 AM

Kerzon,

Stop using my brain, I think Nelson would be an awesome pick in the 2nd round.

Assante Samuel might be the move OVER-RATED corner and paying him TOP DOLLAR was a good move??

Posted by: gregmarino88 | March 7, 2008 09:06 AM

Greg, I take it you think Assante is both over-paid and overrated. Could you elaborate?

Adam

Free agent LB Landon Johnson visited Carolina on Thursday, which was his 27th birthday.

We need to get this guy he is the best OLB in the FA pool.

km, thanks for the efforts.

As far as Takeo is concerned, I'm not sure how much he has left in the tank, how much good he'd do the team. Isn't he a middle linebacker?

sween

I had high hopes for Spikes when the Iggles signed him last year, but his performance was sub-par at best. Maybe he'll get some of his mojo back playing next to London, but I don't think it's a good idea for the Skins to be dangling anything more than a 1 year, not much above vet minimum contract at the guy.

Adam

I understand what Bangkokben's saying, but if WR is a need. Then the 1st Rnd is the place to fill it. I did some research today, but I don't have the numbers with me, they're at work, where I do all my research. But off the top of my head it was something like this.

There were 6 WR's taken in the 1st round last year, and 4 of them had more than 30 Recs. Of the other 28 WR's taken in the draft, only 3 had 30 recs.

We have a bad history with WR's in the first round, but it's just that history, it's in the past. Just have to be patient with the guy, we don't need him to set the world on fire in his 1st year. Look at Roddy White from ATL, he was nothing his first few years, but then this season he exploded.

Greg,

I know he is an OLB, but not sure if he plays the S or W side, He is older then Washington so not sure that he would help us there.

Adam, Samuel was nothing special until he was coming into a contract year 2 years ago, and then he blew up. Last year he got franchised with the understanding that the Pats wouldn't do it again this year, and he had another great year. How many free agents has NE let go, that have gone on to have any modicum of success elsewhere?? As much as I hate the pats, once players leave, there is a HUGE dropoff in their production. He's not a big/physical corner, and the East has a number of WR/TE, TO, Buress that will be able to manhandle him. I just think that he set himself up for the huge payday, has gotten that payday, and now might have lost some of the edge that made him the player he was the last 2 years.

Just my .02...

greg,

listed as an olb here; I thought he was an olb, but I'm not working on much sleep right now...

http://www.nfl.com/players/takeospikes/profile?id=SPI270805

Adam

Thanks for the info on Spikes. I'm not sure that he'd be anything more than a stop-gap. I'd rather we took a chance on a guy like Johnson from the Bengals, younger cat, with more upside, who could stick around a while.

Seems like we have taken a vow of chastity here when it comes to free agency....I am ok with that provided as always they make the right decisions..... I get the feeling they are not trying for the big splash ie trying to add the "One player away guy" rather they are looking at free agency in the old Plan B style, where you find bargin basement players to fill certain roles on your team ....again I am with that if they make the right choices, there are few guys out there who can help us.....you guys continue to crack me up with the mock draft talk.....first of all i know very little or nothing about almost all the players you guys have us picking, second we pick 21, so i know their be a Brady Quinn or two that kipper can't beleive everyone is passing.....here is how i look at the draft.... my first rounder better start pretty early in his 1st season and enjoy a multy pro bowl career , my second rounder is also an early starter and would like see him in a few pro bowls, 3rd round becomes a solid starter....4th round solid player...5th and beyond solid contributors and once every so often in the lower rounds you find a real player who's career rivals those players you took in rounds 1, 2 and 3..... I'll give you 2 players I like just for laughs .... both safety's, both real football players jamie silva and Zibikowski from ND....don't know what round , I bet those guys make a team and show they can play.....

Just my .02...

Posted by: gregmarino88 | March 7, 2008 09:55 AM

Greg. Appreciate the info and figure that since you're in Boston, you've seen/know more than I. I still like the move (skilled corners in their mid to late 20s are hard to come by) and think the price wasn't unreasonable (heck, after some of the other free agent deals, Assante ought to fire his agent), but we'll just have to wait and see how things turn out

Adam

I think we'd only look at Spikes if Godfrey isn't back.

I reckon he'd fill that kind of role.

gregmarino88,

Samuel is getting paid more money than corners that actually take recievers completely out of games. He never does that. He jumps some routes and every once in a while get lucky. More often than not it gets him beat. He is no better than DeAngelo Hall.

Spikes would be a great option for a one year deal until Rocky is back to 100%

and i'm 100% on board with your Spikes assessment.

Adam

Samuel benefits from the Pats laying down not only pressure but pressure from weird spots on the field. Unless the Eagles can find a way to do that like in years past, It's gonna be a long season for Samuel.

Spikes would be a great option for a one year deal until Rocky is back to 100%

Posted by: sams3 | March 7, 2008 10:06 AM

Given your continual abuse of last year's Iggles LB corps, I'm very surprised by this...

Adam

No one batted an eye here about Takeo Spikes becoming available. He worked out pretty well with London Fletcher in Buffalo ... maybe lightning could strike again. dcsween blinks a cautious green light on that signing, esp. to keep LBs fresh and allow for Roger McIntosh to come back to full speed gradually.

Posted by: dcsween | March 7, 2008 09:33 AM
____________________________________________

Yo Sween, is Roger McIntosh a Frankenstein player comprised of one good McIntosh knee and one good Rodgers knee? If so, I'm sure he'll go on to set many records this season.

Spikes is a good player as long as you aren't depending on him to be the whole team. In washington he would be the 3rd best linebacker out of the 3 on the field. Philly expected him to be by far the best by putting homeless men next to him. Takeo will raise his game up if he has better quaity around him.

Landon Johnson - LB - CAR
Panthers signed LB Landon Johnson to a three-year deal.
The Bengals apparently attempted to match the deal, but Johnson was thought to be seeking a better chance at starting. In Carolina, Johnson should compete with an injury-prone Na'il Diggs. He also provides nice backup in case Adam Seward leaves through restricted free agency. Mar. 7 - 9:51 am et
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer


Dam I hope this is not true.

km, let me make one more post than the brain is yours again:

I agree on Johnson. And he is several years younger than Washington.

It's all yours.

sams3

1. I think that like me last year, you're having visions of the 2004/2005 Takeo, not the 2008 Takeo. However, since he's a (somewhat) known commodity to several at Skins park and should come fairly cheap, making this move would be totally in line with Vin/Dan's lower profile free agency stance.

2. Very confident Jim Johnson can bring pressure from odd spots on the field. Think Greg's point about Assante's size against Plax and TO is a more legitimate point, so please keep stockpiling smaller receivers to make things easier on me

Adam

kost, IMO this years class of WRs way outshine last years. This is the year to draft WR and DL. For my money, I would spend second rd. $$ on a WR this year when there are so many good ones available. I also think that for recievers we are set this year if you include our RBs ability to catch.

Sorry km, I may not be able to stop!

Top 10 Westerns (or something like them) in No Particular Order:

1) The Outlaw Josey Wales
2) Tombstone
3) Silverado
4) The Gunfighter
5) The Magnificent Seven
6) Nevada Smith
7) Lonesome Dove (TV miniseries)
8) Open Range
9) The Unforgiven
10) High Noon

Posted by: TheCrickets007 | March 7, 2008 05:52 AM

Stagecoach
Fort Apache
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Rio Grande
My Darling Clementine
The Tin Star
Red River

Kerz, I think there are 3-5 receivers that are going to be great players:
Sweed
Thomas
Nelson
Kelly
Hardy

Of those 5, Hardy has character issues, so no thanks. I think that most of the DE/DT types have gotten themselves a second round grade. I think if the Redskins wait till the second round to take a wideout, they'll miss on the best prospects. Unless they trade out of the first round, and gain an early second round pick, they all of those players might be gone by the time they pick in the second.

skinfan,

I can not accept a top 10 list of westerns without The Good The Bad and The Ugly on it.

Blondie you know what you are, your a Son of a I can not think of how to type the theme music.

kerzon, I agree, while WR is a need, if we draft one, he'll probably still only be our 5th best receiver behind Moss, Cooley, ARE, and Portis.

Greg,

More news,
PFT.com
POSTED 10:35 a.m. EST, March 7, 2008

FITZGERALD BACKLASH BUILDING?

With the Cardinals and receiver Larry Fitzgerald unable to restructure a contract that pays him salaries of more than $14 million in 2008 and more than $17 million in 2009, there's an emerging question as to whether Fitzgerald really wants to work out a deal to help out the team.

Fitzgerald professes that he wants to stay with the team. But his refusal to give the team cap relief is creating the impression that he's saying the right things, but thinking (and doing) something different.

Writes Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, the situation "calls into question Fitzgerald's sincerity and commitment to winning."

Somers also writes that Fitzgerald's agent, Eugene Parker, presently is pushing for a four-year deal that would pay Fitzgerald between $25 million and $30 million in guaranteed money.

Given that the Cardinals have created a situation in which Fitzgerald is due to make more than $31 million over the next two seasons, his willingness to take guaranteed money south of $30 million represents a significant concession, on the surface. But to tie that kind of money to a four-year contract creates a huge per-year load on the salary cap, making it not much different than a six-year deal with $37 million to $45 million in guaranteed money.

In this situation the true motives of the various parties will only be discerned by scrutinizing the details. Is this about Fitzgerald being fair, or is it about the player and his agent turning the screws on an organization that gambled and lost regarding the huge-money escalators that Fitzgerald's performance has triggered?

By asking for a four-year deal with that much money guaranteed, we're starting to think it's the latter.

There has been speculation and rumor about a trade that would send Fitzgerald to the Eagles. Though the Cardinals by all appearances have demanded too much in return for Fitzgerald, the team is in a real bind on this one.

To be sure, it's a mess that the team created. And whether Fitzgerald does anything aimed at genuinely helping the team get out of this situation will be proof positive on whether his image of being a team-first guy is real, or whether it's a bunch of self-serving Eddie Haskell bullcrap.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPRINT'S SIMPLY EVERYTHING PLAN IS SIMPLY THE BEST

At a time when plenty of wireless companies are changing the model for purchasing access, Sprint's new "Simply Everything" plan is the best value around.

But don't just take our word for it. Consider this side-by-side comparison of the various packages from dealnews.com.

"Without a doubt, Sprint's 'Simply Everything' plan offers the best deal," the popular consumer web site declares. "Not only is its $99.99 plan all-inclusive, but existing Sprint customers can switch over to the new plan without fears of breaching their current contract."

So if you've made the switch, let us know what you think. And if you're thinking about making the switch, let us know whether hearing about the plan at PFT is a factor (good, bad, otherwise) in your decision.

And remember that ProFootballTalk's official telecommunications partner is Sprint, and that Sprint shows a commitment to supporting the NFL that is far and away superior to any other carrier.

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POSTED 10:07 a.m. EST, March 7, 2008

LIONS LAND DARBY

Nearly a week after trading away oversized defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, the Detroit Lions have filled that gaping hole in their defensive line by signing 300-pound Chuck Darby, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks.

The news comes courtesy of SpartanNation.com, which has been breaking more than its fair share of Lions stories of late.

Darby spent his first four seasons with the Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl there to cap the 2002 season. He signed with the Seahawks in 2005.

The move to Motown reunites Darby with former Bucs defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, who now runs the show for the Lions.

Right, I'm heading to bed, have yourselves a great weekend!

Might want to add "Shane" to your western list.

I have to disagree with the WR stance being taken. I don't think it's a very deep draft, especially for first rounders. I think it would be foolish to use a first rounder on a wide out. 2nd round, yes, first, no. I don't think there's going to be a big run on first round WR's. There's some talent but nothing that screams spectacular.

Here are the available WR's for the draft:

1. Limas Sweed, 6' 4" 217, Texas (injured)

2. Mario Manningham, 5' 11" 188, Michigan*

3. Early Doucet, 5' 11", 205, LSU

4. Adarius Bowman, 6' 4" 220, Oklahoma State (injured)

5. DeSean Jackson, 6' 0" 170, California*

6. James Hardy, 6' 6" 226, Indiana*

7. Malcolm Kelly, 6' 4" 217, Oklahoma*

8. Donnie Avery, 5' 10" 190, Houston

9. Harry Douglas, 5' 10" 178, Louisville

10. D.J. Hall, 6' 2" 193, Alabama

11. Jabari Arthur, 6' 3" 226, Akron

12. Lavelle Hawkins, 6' 2" 188, California

13. Devin Thomas 6-1, 215, Michigan State

14. Jordy Nelson, 6' 2" 212, Kansas State

15. Davone Bess, 5' 10" 196, Hawaii*

16. Dorien Bryant, 5' 9" 175, Purdue

17. Luke Swan, 5' 11" 194, Wisconsin

18. 19. Andre Caldwell, 6' 0" 200, Florida

19. Mario Urruttia, 6-6, 220, Louisville*

20. Bruce Hocker, 6' 3" 200, Duquesne

21. Marcus Monk, 6' 5" 228, Arkansas**

22. Keenan Burton, 6' 2" 195, Kentucky

23. Ryan Grice-Mullins, 5' 10" 178, Hawaii *

24. Jerome Simpson, 6' 2" 201, Coastal Carolina

25. Amarri Jackson, 6' 4" 198, South Florida

26. Will Franklin, 6' 1" 206, Missouri

27. Eddie Royal, 5' 10" 182, Virginia Tech

28. Maurice Purify, 6' 3" 217, Nebraska

29. Travis Brown, 6' 3" 192, New Mexico

30. Todd Blythe, 6' 4" 212, Iowa State

31. Dexter Jackson, 5' 10" 188, Appalachian State

32. Micah Rucker, 6' 5" 219, Eastern Illinois

33. Patrick Turner, 6' 4" 220 USC

34. Edward Williams, 6' 3" 208, Lane College

I just don't see the depth that some are talking about. Some of these guys are definately talented but not over the top game makers. The fact that the guy ranked #1 (at least by this site) was injured doesn't scream deep draft to me.

As I look at this list there are only 4 or 5 WR that would suit me, but I'm not making the calls, so...

You guys might have talked about this earlier but the article in the Washington Times today, is more lazy journalizm. I will post the article for the people who can not get to the site, tell me what you think.

Whoever wrote this article and it does not list the name, is an a$$.

Hey, small spenders
During the first week of the NFL's free agent signing period, all but three of the 32 teams added a new player.

Two of the exceptions were the traditionally conservative Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers, who treat free agency like a necessary evil. The other stand-pat team was the Washington Redskins, who had deservedly earned a reputation as the NFL's offseason kings. When free agency opened each year, Redskins owner Dan Snyder was like a lottery winner let loose in a shopping mall. Price was never a problem.

Redskin Park was like a game show studio. Adam Archuleta, you can't cover anyone? So what? Come on down and sign on the bottom line!

Brandon Lloyd, you're despised by your teammates and coaches? Who cares? We're going to give your old team two draft picks and replace your cheap contract with a lucrative new one for good measure!

With old-school coach Joe Gibbs gone as a counterweight to the profligacy of Snyder and right-hand man Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins could have repeated their Archuleta and Lloyd disasters this year after clearing mega-millions in salary cap space by reworking the contracts of eight veterans. And yet, it's as if Snyder and Cerrato have suddenly become worshippers at the church of the tightwad.

Chicago Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs, whom they coveted and tried to trade for last year, re-signed with the Bears as the Redskins yawned.

New England's Randy Moss, the big-time receiver who would help ignite new coach Jim Zorn's offense, also re-upped without even a feeler from Washington.

Another tall wideout, Bernard Berrian, left Chicago for Minnesota and the Redskins didn't blink. The same was true when Patriots receiver Donte Stallworth signed with Cleveland and when Oakland's Jerry Porter jumped to Jacksonville.

Asked about such talented and tall receivers as Arizona's Bryant Johnson and Seattle's D.J. Hackett, who have moved to the top of the charts, Cerrato said their prices were still way too high.

"We're waiting for the market to come down," he said, adding that there were no visits scheduled for prospective Redskins.

Sure, the Redskins made the playoffs in two of the past three years. Sure they expect to have 22 healthy starters ready for the start of training camp and they -- unusually -- have all but one of their picks (the fourth-rounder) in April's draft.

On the other hand, the Redskins have won just two playoff games in 15 years, and their best young linebacker and one of their three ace cornerbacks are coming off major knee surgeries. What's more, half of Washington's starters will be at least 30 this fall with two of them having missed almost all of 2007 with injuries.

As they soared through December 2007 on a roll, the Redskins seemed on the verge of playing for the NFC title. Instead, Washington lost its postseason opener at Seattle while its NFC East rival, the New York Giants, usurped the Cinderella role to the max.

But the Redskins aren't world-beaters. They were 5-7 before December and 5-11 the year before that. When your last sustained postseason excellence came when standout safety LaRon Landry was 7 years old and Snyder was just a marketing whiz kid, you have to upgrade the roster.

That's not by re-signing 36-year-old backup quarterback Todd Collins no matter how terrific he was in December. Washington's three NFC East rivals all have made moves.

Philadelphia signed the top defensive free agent, cornerback Asante Samuel. Dallas gambled that former Miami tackling machine Zach Thomas can recover from his series of concussions. The Giants replaced departed free agent Gibril Wilson with fellow safety Sammy Knight.

Hackett, Johnson, Pittsburgh linebacker Clark Haggans and Indianapolis guard Jake Scott are still available. It's time that the Redskins reverted to what comes naturally: buying.

Urging Snyder and Cerrato to spend seems like offering a drink to a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. But cold turkey isn't right in this case. Remember, everything in moderation, boys.

How about "True Grit" and "McClintock" too - particularly the latter if you like Maureen O'Hara (as I do).

scamp, looking at that list, because the Redskins are looking at a 'bigger' receiver, I think you can eliminate any of the players who are 6' and under, and under 200 pounds. That leaves only 7 players of the first 14 that would fit what type of receiver the Redskins are looking for, who could be available in the first 2 rounds. I'd also eliminate Hardy due to his character issues, so you're lookin at 6 or fewer guys who might be available, who would be worth the 21st pick in the first round.

Again, just my .02

It'S FFrrIIIdDDaaYYY!!!

interesting chatter btwn Adam and Greg(b) re: Samuel ... can one of you remind me about the identity of the former Patriot who met (or otherwise did not completely NOT meet) expectations on his first-post Patriots free agency new team? I'm having a hard time remember who got away and was actual able to sneak some of the Belichek fairy dust out of the Pats' locker room. Was it McGinest? Ty Law? or maybe the Skins own Fauria or R. Caldwell? The only guy who, in my mind, comes close to retaining anything similar to his performance while on the Pats is Vinatieri ... and place kicking is such a team sport ...

Speaking of Friday, where is chRIs Larry? He puts the F in Friday.

"Seems like we have taken a vow of chastity here when it comes to free agency... "

Posted by: Oldschool | March 7, 2008 10:04 AM

Agreed. Probably in the trades and the draft as well, meaning no trades for Travis Henry or Tom Brady, and no drafting of Darren McFadden.

dc, are you thinking of Lawyer Milloy?

greg(b) ... that's it ... some kind of law man. I think the list is actually much longer ... 3 time Super Bowler, David Patten?

dc, its a long list, Lawyer, Ty Law, Willie McGinist, David Givens, Deion Branch, David Patten, Chris Fauria,Adam Vinitiari, those are just the one's that come to mind right now.

Some of those guys, Willie, Chris F, and others were clearly at the end of the line...

sween

Definitely an interesting point, but I'm curious as to the ages of those "big fish" that got away. Since I think of the Pats as a very veteran team, I'm guessing that the escapees were in the 30+ age range, which could/would definitely play into a loss of pixie dust like abilities.

Am I off base here?

Adam

Adam, Deion Branch left after four seasons with the Pats.

Branch and Givens were on the young side, Adam V was a kicker so age wasn't a big deal.

Adam,

I'm not thinking about the old Spikes I realize what he is now and I realized what he was last year. You seem to remember my comment about his addition to the Eagles being irrelivant so i won't rehash that.

With a better supporting cast it will help him. The Eagles expected him to come in and be an overwhelming force. The Redskins simply need him to play his position. Although, pariing him with such talent as Chris Gocong and Omar Gathier I'm not sure how he could have failed to meet expectations(that were overhyped to being with.) Maybe this year they can add Jim Wilson, the usher and ticket taker at my local theater, I hear he is interested in being an NFL linebacker.

P.S just like I was correct about Spikes I will be correct about Samuel. He won't matter.

Adam,

Don't confuse my dislike for the Eagles as a dislike for you. You seem like one of the few rational Eagles fans.

If I came off as attacking you, I apologize.

sams3 - we'll see, but the eagles 2007 d stats aren't bad; save pass yards, every stat is top third/quartile of the league

PTS
18.8
(9th)

YDS
311.4
(10th)

PASS YDS
215.6
(18th)

RUSH YDS
95.8
(7th)

I think the off season to date can only help those numbers

I'm more worried about the offense. That (and not fielding punts) was the iggles achilles heel in 2007.

Adam

Greg, it is confirmed Johnson is off the market.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The Carolina Panthers have come to terms with free-agent linebacker Landon Johnson on a three-year deal.

Johnson spent the past four seasons as a starter in Cincinnati and will challenge Na'il Diggs for the starting job at outside linebacker with Carolina.
Johnson's agent, Andy Simms, said the deal was reached Friday morning after Simms visited the Panthers a day earlier.

Johnson has 112 and 109 tackles in the past two seasons. He's the biggest name the Panthers have brought in since free agency began a week ago, joining guard Keydrick Vincent, defensive lineman Tyler Brayton and cornerback Ricardo Colclough.

Adam,

Don't confuse my dislike for the Eagles as a dislike for you. You seem like one of the few rational Eagles fans.

If I came off as attacking you, I apologize.

Posted by: sams3 | March 7, 2008 11:52 AM

No worries. While I don't always agree with what you're saying, I respect you and your opinions and like the give and take.

Besides, unless you're Takeo/Vinny/Dan/Zorn or I'm Assante/Andy/Joe Banner, we're not going to do much that will really influence how either of our teams do in 2008 :)

(respectfully) jibber jabber away

Adam

Only interest in Spikes is as a backup, 1-year, vet minimum type deal.

Asante Samuel will be no better than the guys they already have in Philly.