first!

Whoa, has ANYONE continued to bang the CJ drum as much as Jasno? Would be amazing if he's right on this one, wouldn't it?

-PDX

Poor Chad - nobody loves him.

do not want

He was right on Laron Landry last year. I don't think he got enough credit for that one.

But what do I know... I drink the Kool-Aid in an abiding fashion.

just say no

Not sure how I would feel about trading for Johnson. I am really hoping that Albert, Chris Williams, or Merling fall to 21. If all three were off the board, I imagine I would be in favor of moving the pick. Although I would rather have Boldin or Roy Williams, if either Arz or Det were willing to move them.

Speaking of people who were right on LaRon, where o where is The Governor with his stone cold, lead pipe lock best player of the draft?

honestly....I would love it...but it would be for the wrong reasons...so I am against it...

Yikes! That site says that, in 2002, Betts signed an ELEVEN year contract (till 2013) that included a $4.85M signing bonus, with a total value of $15M and change. I have a vague recollection, however, that his contract was redone in 2006 before the season was over (because he supposedly would have hit free agency at that end of the 2006 season). Something in there doesn't make sense (other than me).
Posted by: dcsween | April 16, 2008 3:58 PM

This is including his rookie contract. I believe it was a 6 or 7 year extension of his original contract. They did this for salary cap purposes.....

Posted by: 4th | April 16, 2008 4:13 PM

Accounting question (you'll notice me around town as the guy with a question mark on his forehead ... in permanent magic marker).

When they say that the signing bonus gets "amortized" over the life of the contract, does that amortization include interest like my mortgage? Or does it just mean that it gets divided up into as many equal amounts as there are years in the contract (with the time value of money to be dambed)? [Trying to figure out how much of Betts' 2002 signing bonus already would have been paid.]
Posted by: dcsween | April 16, 2008 4:01 PM

I may qualify to answer this. No interest. BUT, because the cap becomes bigger each year, the value of the yearly amortized signing bonus becomes a smaller percentage of the cap year over year over year.

Most of Betts original '02 signing bonus has mostly been amortized. He signed his new deal in the last year of his original contract. Because the Skins had Cap room in that year, they used the majority of it to include a signing bonus. There's a big roster bonus coming up this or next year...

Posted by: 4th | April 16, 2008 4:24 PM

2. 4th, now I'm getting more confused ... so in doing the extension, does that mean he got the same annual salary for additional years and a longer period of time over which to spread out the signing bonus cap effect? I'm starting to think that it might be a bad idea to quietly shop Betts ... because it would require not only two lawyers, but also a mathematician.

Posted by: dcsween | April 16, 2008 4:18 PM

You got me on this one. I would need to intern with Eric Shaffer to learn that. The salaries are different for each year, steadily going up. Betts gaureentees are made up of signing, workout, and roster bonuses.....

I am voting for it and than voting against it, but will authorize funds to support the troops....

again, no thank you.

Too much drama
Way too expensive
Too old

The Redskins need to get younger, and less expensive players, rather than get OLDER, more expensive players.

I'll be the first one to pack the bowl for Chad when he arrives. Although I really don't want to see his gold teeth every Sunday. Or listen to him whine about this and that during weekly interviews...

BONG!

Chad could give back some bonus money if he really wanted to leave.

Like LaVar....

4th, the problem with that logic, is that he'd then want to MAKE UP for giving back that money, by signing a HUGE NEW DEAL with the Redskins.

NO...NO....NO....

Let him rot in Cincy.

I would love it...but it would be for the wrong reasons...so I am against it...

Posted by: chris laRRy | April 16, 2008 4:29 PM

What, pray tell, could be a wrong reason for wanting Chad Johnson? Because I'm one of the few up here who would want him, but it never occurred to me that one or more reasons might be wrong.

In the last (football-related) thread, the proposed trade was a first rounder and Rock for CJ ... that's too rich for my blood, but make it the second, plus a ham sandwich, and we can discuss further ...

would he be willing to dye the mohawk Maroon & Black ?

"... a HUGE NEW DEAL with the Redskins. ..."

Posted by: Greg | April 16, 2008 4:38 PM

Greg, you JUST said the management has learned its lesson.

Chad could send me some of his bonus money, and I'd start supporting a trade for him. Until then, not so much.

Chad, buddy, you know where to find me.

-Nate in the PDX

Lets just say they need to steer clear of Rosenhaus.

They seem to have learned their lesson, I just don't want them to be tempted beyond their control.

Redskins only have $7.688Mil of Dead Cap Space. Pretty good compared to past years....

The wrong reason would be "return of Danny as fantasy football owner," the guy who cannot get through a single offseason without a moderate to large plash.

Also, on Chad Johnson being old, I'm not so troubled by that. Seems like tall, fast receivers can play for a long time and not break down. See Keenan McCardell. Burress (who, in my opinion, objectively, is the biggest threat WR in the NFL) is in his 9th season, T.O. is in his 13th, Marvin Harrison is in his 13th, and Randy Moss is in his 11th. Chad Johnson is only in his 8th season.

Nate,

You send me some of yo' bonus money and I'm supportin' a trade for you. Deal?

ChadintheCIN

4th, you made it through Tax Day. April 16 must be like a holiday for you. Congrats.

Lets just say they need to steer clear of Rosenhaus.

Posted by: Greg | April 16, 2008 4:43 PM

Rosenhaus is the agent for most of the best players on the team, including the Player of Highest Virtue, London Fletcher.

So, do the antics of Chad Johnson help or hurt GoDaddy.com and Degree deodorant?

Morton Kondracke!

sween, I spit in the general direction of all those dudes, which is upwards.

Give me the smurfs any day. Oh wait, it was the smurfs plus Art. Dangit. So much for that argument.

Um, uh... Mix! Yeah, he'll take care of our needs at tall receiver. You can't outtall Anthony Mix.

-PDX

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have Larry Fitzgerald or Anquan Boldin (or T.J. Housamazilli while I'm naming names), but I don't think seasons in the league has as much wear and tear on the tall, deep ball receivers like it does at other positions.

You can't outtall Anthony Mix.

Posted by: | April 16, 2008 4:49 PM

Billy McMullen showed up to practice the other day in elevator cleats.

beantown greg's opinion on potential CJ move could be summed up by the Ramones song "I'm Against It"

Billy Mac may be a fellow Wahoo, and he may stand 6'4", but sadly for us, he's no Herman Moore.

Thanks. It was hectic 15th.

My Grandfather passed that morning (We knew it was coming for the last 2 months). I had a lot of late filers so I was doing a lot of work inbetween helping out my mom with various issues/coping. I finished up at about 11:30pm last night.

So, I am def beat up right now.

CJ's response to beantown greg via Ramones "Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World"

2. 4th, now I'm getting more confused ... so in doing the extension, does that mean he got the same annual salary for additional years and a longer period of time over which to spread out the signing bonus cap effect? I'm starting to think that it might be a bad idea to quietly shop Betts ... because it would require not only two lawyers, but also a mathematician.

Posted by: dcsween | April 16, 2008 4:18 PM

You got me on this one. I would need to intern with Eric Shaffer to learn that. The salaries are different for each year, steadily going up. Betts gaureentees are made up of signing, workout, and roster bonuses.....

Posted by: 4th via 2 threads ago | April 16, 2008 4:31 PM

The annual salary is divided among the balance of the value of the contract - minus the signing bonus. Ex: 3 yr, $10 mil contract with $3 mil signing bonus. Annual salary is based on how the parties agree to spread the remaining $7 mil over the "life" of the contract - usually, the minimum salary allowed in the first year followed by gradual increases. That's why guys get cut or renegotiate a few years into a contract because the increased annual salary coupled with the amortized signing bonus makes the player's cap number high.

tweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

UPDATE WEDNESDAY 10:43 AM EST

Scout.com has confirmed Clemson University DE Phillip Merling will have an on campus workout for NFL teams next Thursday (April 24). Merling underwent surgery for a sports hernia earlier this year and was unable to work out for teams last month at his school's pro day.

Some league sources say Merling could go off the board as early as No. 15 (Detroit Lions) should his workout go well next week.

According to a league source, at least 15 teams should be at Merling's workout.

Michael Westbrook piece on the front page of ESPN.com:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=yasinskas_pat&id=3335714

Redskins Visited With a DT Recently
________________________________________
George Lafoon
WarpathInsiders.com Apr 15, 2008

The Redskins had a visit with a Defensive Tackle in preparation for the draft.

Scout.com's own Adam Caplan is reporting that Georgia Tech Defensive End Darrell Robertson visited with the Redskins recently. Given all the defenders the Redskins have had in for visits, it is a given that the Redskins will look to upgrade their defense in this draft.

Defensive Line has been marked as a high position of need for the Redskins. Phillip Daniels and Cornelius Griffin are getting a tad long in the tooth and the need for quality backups now is essential.

Back on January 23rd, Chris Steuber reported that the Redskins had interviewed Robertson at the Senior Bowl as well. So this makes the second visit with him, which could signify that their interest is a bit more than just interviewing any available player.

In that article, Steuber described the 6'4", 245 pound Robertson:
Robertson is a tall, rangy defender who thrives on making plays in the backfield. He's a good athlete who gets after the quarterback and takes good angles in pursuit. He finished his senior campaign with 36 tackles, 16 for a loss and 6.5 sacks. Robertson projects as a late third-, early fourth-round pick.

Currently, Scout.com has him ranked as the tenth best Defensive End in the 2008 Draft.

At 245 pounds, I would think Robertson would either have to gain significant weight or just be a situational pass rusher to have any shot in the NFL.

________________________________________
Story URL: http://was.scout.com/2/746688.html

The Cowboys and Eagles both want Ocho-Cinco too...

A receiving corps of Moss, Johnson, ARE, Cooley, and Portis (out of the backfield) would be pretty hard to defend against.

I doubt he'll be traded this year. Besides I'm not sure what the compensation would be if he goes after June 1st -- existing players and/or a mid-round 2009 draft pick?

21. Washington Redskins -- Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, S, DE, OL, CB
Scenario 1: Washington is likely hoping that Thomas lasts this long because the Redskins need a No.1 who's big enough to hold his ground against physical coverage and is fast enough to stretch the field.
Scenario 2: If the Redskins decide they can fill their need at receiver in the second round, Merling is an alternative.
Scenario 3: If the other two scenarios don't pan out WR James Hardy has the size and speed Washington is looking for, though he's not as fluid in his routes as Thomas.

Chad Johnson also had better stats than any WR on the Skins last year:

12th in the NFL:
93 receptions, for 1,440 yds (15.5 avg), 8 TDs, and one fumble lost.

By contrast Moss was tied for 36th in the NFL:
61 receptions, for 808 yds (13.2 avg), 3 TDs, and 2 fumbles lost.

Praying for you and yours, 4th.

Anthony Mix is going to surprise everyone this year. I don't want Ocho Cinco here. I don't believe he would be a good fit on this team Chemistry wise and I think he could have a negative effect on Campbell if he starts acting like a Diva here

++++So you're saying what this team needs is More Bellcow!

Posted by: SMACK | April 16, 2008 1:24 PM+++++

SMACK...Love it.

Between the multiple threads, the Shadenfreude, the anonybashing, the Redskins Parks Secretists, the Byner Xonspiratorialists and the Buges Workout Factor Analyzers, SOMEONE should have noted your C. Walker Reference.

The man is beyond Funny. I STILL have his last SNL hosting TiVOed and I always delete those.

Our condolences to you and your family, 4th.

ugh. if we don't give up more than a future #2 pick then maaaaybe. it will still hit us on cap room. there are so many other receivers who are younger and have better attitudes... better to get the right guy than to just get the available guy. i think dan snyder just likes marketing him, like he wants to market portis. you know what sells? wins!

Please sign Chad, so we can see him blow up in JC's face. Chad will realize how great Carson Palmer is - after a few JC overthrows and misreads.

my condolences too, 4th

F "cry baby" Johnson

The only wr that has made more in the last 3 years is Marvin Harrison. So why is he crying. I don't want a guy like that. Plus he is 30 years old.

Ive got a fever...and the only prescription, is more cowbell.

The reason you say "no" to Chad Johnson is simple. Your coach is Jim Zorn and your QB is Jason Campbell.

Two tough guys who had proven themselves, Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb, struggled with TO. Even Parcells struggled with TO.

There are some guys that create problems and you need strong coaches and QBs to be able to manage that. The Skins have neither in 2008.

If Marvin Lewis and Carson Palmer can't handle Johnson, why would anyone expect two guys (Zorn and Campbell) who are inexperienced in their jobs to?

Hey guys, check out ESPN.com's article on Michael Westbrook. It gives insight into how he felt about the Skins, his comments about Brian Mitchell and Terry Allen. He also talks about the Stephen Davis incident. He says Davis didn't call him gay. He said "you talkin' some gay sh--" We know the rest (beatdown)

Sorry, I don't have the link, but it was a good article!!!

I'm with Sween!!!

I want Chad Johnson, but I don't think a 1st is too much. Who in the draft is better than him? Cartwright is good, but expendable. I'd make that deal in a minute and fill other needs with the other 8 picks.

Chad Johnson catches touchdowns. Brandon Lloyd wanted to be traded, he made that clear with his play on the field.

I personally dont want chad becouse i dont like his character, however talent wise...we will walk into the 2008 season as a different team. and secondly if we do get johnson, could you imagine the game on 12/14/08 in Cinncinati? I would put it up there with game zorn and the redskins return to seattle ( by the way we haven won in seattle since Nov 3rd, 2002 skins 14 seahawks 3 ).

I will trade.... Larry Michael for Chad Johnson

Long day at work and just catching up on the jibba or jabba, well the posts. Looks like my long day was nothing compared...

4th, I also send my condolences :(

Man, me and Soup could hook up for 15 TDs. Where do I sign?

Get Chad. Let's have Ocho, Plaxo, and TO in the same division, or conference, or whatchamacallit, and let's have a little bit of fun here. Think Asante Samuel would lose a little sleeping thinking about about that triumvirate? Come on, do it. Do it! (swinging pocketwatch in front of blog's eyes). You're getting sleepy.

Get Chad. Let's have Ocho, Plaxo, and TO in the same division, or conference, or whatchamacallit, and let's have a little bit of fun here. Think Asante Samuel would lose a little sleeping thinking about about that triumvirate? Come on, do it. Do it! (swinging pocketwatch in front of blog's eyes). You're getting sleepy.

Posted by: SMACK | April 16, 2008 7:38 PM

touché! could be very interesting.

Get Chad. Let's have Ocho, Plaxo, and TO in the same division, or conference, or whatchamacallit, and let's have a little bit of fun here. Think Asante Samuel would lose a little sleeping thinking about about that triumvirate? Come on, do it. Do it! (swinging pocketwatch in front of blog's eyes). You're getting sleepy.

Posted by: SMACK | April 16, 2008 7:38 PM

touché! could be very interesting. oh and the word you were looking for is division instead of conference.

Can't say that I want CJ, but you can't deny his talent.

Think of this before we say no (like it matters what we say). The girls will most likely have pacman soon. They are looking for a reciever and have two 1st rd picks to work with. The iggles need a receiver. Do we really want our division to look like that?

Just a thought...

God be with you and your family Ahmad.

You all are nuts...why the hell wouldn't you want Chad johnson lining up with Clinton, Santana, Randel El...et al. COME ON! The guy is perrenial pro bowler that comes to play 110% every down! How else are we going to compete with the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants??? Not to mention he is probably one of the top 3 most entertaining players in the game today. They don't call it the "No Fun Leage" for notnhing.

-DayTrader

I know we haven't won anything since the cenozoic, but you guys have to miss 50-yard touchdowns at least a little bit. If you don't remember allow me to remind you. They are gooooooooood. They are so good they get caught by my spam filter.

But then again as a Cowboys/The U/Arsenal/Caps/Wizards/Oranje fan, I'm used to losing pretty.

If the Redskins get Chad Johnson, Santana Moss has a career year.

Some of you Gibbsonians are still on this character guy thing. Chad Johnson makes your team better instantly. He's never been arrested and he doesn't take plays off. Yeah, he shows off, but what about the "Fun Bunch" which was considred hot-doggin' at the time.

I say go get him...

I think the 'Skins should sign DEBorah or DeBORah. Can't decide which. All I know is that if someone can survive an implant explosion off a catapult, they can catch touchdowns from JC.

You're right about Santana if you get Chad. Chad can be taken out of games with a good game plan. He's not that dominant a player. But Santana would feast off of that. Think what R. Moss does for Welker. Get him Mr. Snyder!

DeBoRah didn't survive the implant explosion, that was a different finalist.

Chad is only a good move for a team with a strong QB and HC. The Skins have neither. If Randy Moss left NE, they could get Chad. Indy could get Chad. But outside of those few teams, Chad is not an answer.

wow thats annoying..just wow

My hair pie is really itching me today.

Hardy's Determined to be NFL's Best Receiver

Indiana's James Hardy followed up his final year of collegiate ball with an impressive offseason showing to put himself in position for first-round consideration in this year's draft. In fact, one prominent AFC head coach recently stated that he felt that Hardy was the number one receiver in this year's draft class.

A league source has told Scout.com that the 6-foot-6, 217-pound wide receiver visited the Steelers and the Eagles last week. And this week, his stops have already included Cincinnati and St. Louis, with the Cowboys on tap for Wednesday prior to wrapping up the week in Baltimore with the Ravens on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with Scout.com, Hardy explained what makes him tick.

"I love to watch film, I love to be in the weight room, and I ask my coach exactly what I need to do to be the best," he said. "My determination to be the best -- that's what drives me every day."

During his senior year, Hardy caught 79 passes for 1,125 yards and 16 touchdowns. But the individual statistics don't mean as much to him as team accomplishments.

"I was actually going to Indiana for basketball and ended up switching to football, and I looked at it as a challenge," he explained. "Everybody knows it's a basketball state, and going to a school that hasn't won more than four or five games in over thirteen years was a challenge that I had to dedicate myself to.

"I did the best that I could possibly do to help us get to a bowl game. And I did that. Honestly, out of all the accomplishments, that's the one that stands out to me. As long as we get the Ws, statistics really don't matter."

Hardy is quick to compliment his teammates rather than focus on his own talents. During his college career he had the opportunity to square-off day after day in practice against one of the top cornerbacks in this year's draft -- Tracy Porter.

It's been a privilege for me to be around him for the last four years because he's helped me become the receiver that I am," he said. "In practice I want to go against the best, so I know what I have to do to get better.

"Tracy motivated me and pushed me, and I know he feels the same way. There's been a lot of words exchanged, a couple of scuffles, but it's all been in love and it's just been to get us better for the next level. I wish him the best as well."

After an off-the-field incident in May of 2006 when he was charged with domestic battery, Hardy plead not guilty and settled his case through a diversion agreement. The experience made a significant impression on his development as a man. As a result, he has committed himself to his family and to being a role model in whatever NFL city he lands in after this month's draft.

"I want to change the community, whatever city I'm in," he said. "In my hometown, I was a kid who came from nothing and who didn't have that many people to look up to and be a role model. I want to give back to the kids, because I feel each individual at this high level that everyone looks at has to give back to the kids, because they are our future. I have a son, and I know how I felt not having my father around for ten years in my life."

Hardy also has another important goal in mind for his NFL career, but this one he'll be addressing when he puts on his helmet and his pads. He wants to be the top receiver in the National Football League, learning from the best and honing his skills so that he eventually stands atop the league's most talented pass-catchers.

"I want to be an inspiration to others and show them you can do exactly what you want to do if you put your mind to it, as long as you put God first," he explained. "As far as being a receiver, you're looking at a guy that is nowhere near his peak. I want to be the best, and my determination in everything I've ever done is always to be the best, and I'm not going to stop.

"I'm going to keep striving until I'm the number one receiver in the NFL. I've always been the type of guy that learns as much as I possibly can as long as I have the coaches and everyone that actually believes in me. I dedicate my life first to God -- secondly, to my job and my family. That's the whole total package that you will get when you get James Hardy."

Get a younger guy. Roy Williams from Detroit.

"If the Redskins get Chad Johnson, Santana Moss has a career year."

Lol, so if the Redskins get CJ then JC will throw for over 4,000 yards? I mean if Moss gets over 1,500 yards and Chad get 1,500 yards. Then you have Cooley, Sellers, ARE, and Portis catching balls. Sorry thats math I can't even do. And personally I don't like it because it takes away from the running game.

A good passing game will open up the running game but an excellent passing game has the potential to stunt the growth of the running game which is usually suppose to get better during the second half of the season.

ay yi yi!

Bring on Ocho Cinco! I don't think he's the type of guy that would be destructive to the team at all. And I say that without sarcasm. He's in a bad situation in Cincy... seriously. Besides the fact that he has an average of 2 teammates get arrested per week, they just plain suck. People say that if he can't get along with Carson Palmer as his QB, he won't exactly be upgrading with Jason Campbell. I disagree. It's a communication thing. I think Chad would fit in well with the personalities on the team, Campbell included. He's the type of receiver that could end up helping Jason Campbell elevate his game to the level of a legitimate elite quarterback (ok, maybe just get it so he's on his way) in the NFL. He's not happy with Cincy, but I think he'd love it here in DC. I say just give him a chance, and give him the type of contract (to avoid another B. Lloyd mistake) that includes incentives and salary increases in subsequent seasons. Definitely throw out some superstar-worthy signing bonuses and stuff, but don't do the $10 million/10 receptions thing that was Brandon Lloyd.

And as a side note:
It seems there is an issue with the spam controls for the comments section. Just an observation.

Adam Schefter

» Busy week for Michigan State wide receiver Devin Thomas. He spent Tuesday with the Washington Redskins and will visit the Raiders on Thursday and the Cowboys on Friday.

I can't believe this. This is the info I should be learning on the Insider blog, not from Adam Schefter, who has to cover all 32 teams.

Please stop the madness with the Roy Williams trade requets. Detroit has stated that they're not going to trade Williams. This news was released back in March (at the latest).

Chad Johnson is a bonafide play maker; this dude is simply off the chain! Plus, he's funny to watch, shooting off his mouth like he does and those silly TOUCHDOWN celebrations he fancies.

The Redskins would be remiss to not sign this guy to a contract, given the opportunity. Then again, Jason Campbell is no Carson Palmer, but what the heck!

Do you all want to see the Redskins score more touchdowns, or what?

Of coooooooooourse!

You all are just jealous.

Chad Johnson and Nate are a perfect fit for each other.

Think about it...

Fact is, this blog had been ruined.

4th, my condolences to you and your family. I also prepare taxes and can't even imagine dealing with both issues at the same time. Now matter how prepared you are, you're never truly prepared for it to happen.

agreed, 4th...thinking of u and your family, stay strong

Posted by: Stop criticizing the blog. | April 16, 2008 11:40 PM

Stop taking cheap shots at the orgainization and start reporting "insider information" That or let Jason Reid handle the blog.

What exactly is Chad Johnson so disgruntled about again? Does he have a beef with Nice Guy Marvin Lewis? Does he just think the Bengalis are never not going to be losers? Does he have a beef with BBP? I don't get it. It's not the contract, is it? What is it anyway?

I'm on record as being against doing anything to get this dude, but again, if it only took meager compensation (mid-round pick this year? that's what Randy Moss cost, right?) from the Skins and if a little kickback came my way (Chad, bro, you know where to reach me) I would start singing a different tune.

-Nate in the PDX

I think I owe you thanks for getting my back, person posting at 11:36 and 11:38. Thanks, I think.

-PDX

So Zorro, I can't help asking... is it your expectation that Jason Reid would never "take a shot at the organization"? What is it about Jason Reid that makes you so sure you would like the blog better if he were to take it over? I'm honestly curious.

I like Jason Reid's work, and I really enjoyed meeting the guy in Seattle. But I also really like the blog and the community that has developed around it (no surprise there of course), and that is a DIRECT result of Jason La Canfora's work on the blog and, until the hating reached an intolerable din, in the conversation down here in the comments.

The reason there is a conversation happening right now on this blog is not because anything is happening with the Skins -- nothing is freaking happening -- it's because we know people will be reading and dropping by and posting funny, insightful, clever, silly, provocative, goofy, or otherwise enjoyable comments. This is a good thing, this blog.

Just look at Maske's blog for an example of the opposite, where the posted content is inarguably great but there is NO conversation. It's devoid of personality, that blog. Tumbleweeds roll through those comments sections.

I'm not saying Jason Reid or anyone else would utterly change the personality of this blog, the tone of the conversation, for better or worse. But it would be different, there is no doubt.

I have enjoyed this conversation a hell of a lot, and I want to see it continue. That is all.

-Nate in the PDX

4th, many are thinking about you and the tests you've faced the last year. Go in peace, brother.

Nate, I just gonna believe that your comments about funny, insightful and clever refer to me. Other folks can claim the other adjectives

You got it, Zeke! Or is that Alex35332? I can't keep track any more. All those positive adjectives apply to almost everybody up here, and I do mean that.

-Nate in the PDX

Risers/Fallers by Rob Rang.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/draft/risersandfallers

DT prospects.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/DEF/DT

Top 5 Defensive Ends (and Calais Campbell is NOT one of them).

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/DEF/DE

Chad Johnson scores touchdowns.

Is bueno.

No?

Possible draft movers.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10782909

Good guidelines for mock draft analysis.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/specials/draft/2008/04/14/lombardi.mocks/index.html?eref=T1

An article by The Two Jasons about Scott Campbell, Director of Player Personnel.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/16/AR2008041604158.html

Boy, I can't wait until folks get off this CJ to DC thing.

Seriously, can we think this thing through logically? CJ is in Cincinnati, and even though they don't finish well in the standings, he plays on a damn good offense that scores with the best. Carson Palmer is a top 5 QB when healthy, they have Houshmanzadeh, Rudi Johnson and a pretty good o-line. That team's major problem is defense, which CJ has nothing to do with.

So let's say CJ DOES come to the Skins. He'd be playing for a rookie head coach. He's got a green QB in Campbell (who's also learning a new offense for the upteenth time), a solid but front-loaded o-line that struggles to stay healthy, all on a team that can barely score 30 points if you give them 8 quarters to do it. Yeah, he'd get paid, but how is the grass greener here?

This whole thing is starting to smack of T.O. circa 2005. I got a lot of grief a few weeks ago for calling CJ a cancer, but isn't what he's doing now constitute as disruptive? He's blasting the organization and his Pro Bowl QB at a time when he should be trying to lead his teammates in giving a better effort at getting back to the playoffs.

JLC, I've been one of your few supporters on this blog, but you've got to let this CJ thing go until something is said and/or implied by management to indicate there's talks between the Bengals and Skins about this. Otherwise, you're just printing watercooler talk and unnecessarily riling up the natives (namely, me!).

PDX,
I don't use fake names. Not my style... Too much ego.

Let me get this right. Chad hasn't been arrest once. He produce on the field and he is the bad guy in Cincy. I just don't get it. I have no problem with us taking him for the right price.

I would not mind seeing us trade down from our first pick to one of the last 1st rounders with a 2nd or 3rd.

I think more so with 3 7th round picks we should trade up in the end of the draft. Add our 7+6 for a 5th or something like that. The point is that we need 8 positions filled in the draft and UFA, right now we have 9 picks. I would rather us trade to get one late pick higher up.

NFL Network did a piece on CJ last night, stating that CJ originally stated he was going to attend the mini-camp, but now has gone back on his word, because he wants to be traded.

My opinion is that, unless it takes a 5th round pick to get him, and he agrees to REDUCE his current contract, then NO THANKS. Look what he is doing to an ESTABLISHED Coach, and an ESTABLISHED QB. You don't think he's going to try and take advantage of a ROOKIE coach, and a Young QB??

Also, someone mentioned above about not talking about Roy Williams because the Lions have stated they aren't trading him. The same holds true for CJ, the Bengals have stated he's not being traded. Trading a first round pick for a 30 year old guy, is just STUPID, and IRRESPONSIBLE.

Let me get this right. Chad hasn't been arrest once. He produce on the field and he is the bad guy in Cincy. I just don't get it. I have no problem with us taking him for the right price.

Posted by: jm220 | April 17, 2008 7:16 AM

So by this logic, I guess you would also take T.O. and welcome LaVar Arrington back with open arms.

Let's clarify: character doesn't just mean you don't get arrested and you go to church every week. Character guys put the team first and don't create drama/distractions. Fighting coaches and demanding trades is most certainly NOT character.

It would be one thing if the Bengals were doing him wrong somehow. But he's one of the best paid receivers in the game, catches plenty of passes, and is teamed with one of the best QBs in the league. He's pissed because the team doesn't win enough. And instead of raising his game and trying to get the most out of his teammates, he's beating the drum to get out of town. And you think he fits in with a team that is the antithesis of that attitude?

Trading a first round pick for a 30 year old guy, is just STUPID, and IRRESPONSIBLE.

Posted by: Greg | April 17, 2008 7:51 AM

AMEN!!!

At some point CJ will leave cinci, the man is unhappy and it may take a year it may be mid season but he will leave.
If I were the skins I would hold off. But lets say he has yet to do anything for the Bungels by pre-season game 2. Would the bengals rather the dead weight or could we get him for a 2nd day pick?

4th, my condolences to you and your family for your loss. My thoughts and prayers in this rough time for you.

OK! I see Chad Johnson is once again the topic of conversation.

Here is my take on Chad Johnson.

I like CJ. I think he's a great talent that could help the development of JC. I think that his numbers clearly speak volumes about what he can do on the field. I DON'T think Johnson is some sort of problem child or drama king like some posters.
Face it folks, Gibbs is gone. You don't have to be 12 o'clock guys anymore, to make this team. Like La Canfora said, "This is Rosenhaus 101 people." Its as simple as that. We've seen it with T.O. and Briggs.
I've said it before I don't think its cool how he's going about the situation, but its a new day in sports, people. If someone wants more money or wants to play for a different team, they make it public. The media has so much influence these days and the speed reach of the media isn't like any other time in sports. If you're a great athelete who has a legit drama beef, then you'll own sportscenter for weeks. You'll be the first topic of discussion in your respected sport. This gets the FO of other teams and fans talking.

With all that said, (sorry) the only thing that worries me about Chad is his age. He IS 30. With the draft coming up we can get someone who is about 6-8 years younger, cheaper, and more of the WR mold this team needs. I like CJ but he's not a possession type WR, not even on his current team.

Can't trade for CJ -- the 'Skins already retired number "85."

Oh, hang on... sorry.

Chad Johnson is not a Redskin.

I say take a shot at Johnson, and trade down in the draft.

First, High draft picks aren't all they're made out to be. There's too much guesswork, and the combines are just pointless - does running a fast 40 yard dash have anything to do with being a good football player?

ESPN Magazine recently had a great story about how overhyped the draft is. High draft picks just make you pay millions more for players who haven't even played in the NFL - you're better off trading the picks for established NFL players, not risking your money on a rookie high pick, and then finding a player with less hype, a good attitude, and one who will suit the team's long-term needs.

Second, maybe Chad hasn't had a great attitude - though he's not necessarily a delinquent. So there's some risk, but he's still a better bet than 1 or 2 average third-round rookies.

And Third, for the first time in a while, you got to think "West Coast" - the more WRs the merrier.

nobody knows what football is anymore. football is about having fun and doing your best not who gets the most money. and dont yell at people just because they mess up, people fall down and its all about how fast they get back up.and if u still wanna talk crap about chad johnson here my email- shortfusekid@yahoo.com.