NFL SWOT Analysis: AFC West

Denver Broncos

Strengths – The Broncos once again have an athletic offensive line lacking big names. However, this is an ideal fit for Josh McDaniels’s offense. As a rookie, LT Ryan Clady proved to be one of the best pass blockers in the game. Center Casey Weigman was a pro bowler. At TE, the team has Daniel Graham who was successful in his days in New England in the same offense. Tony Scheffler may not be as athletic as Ben Watson, but isn’t far, and boasts better hands. Look to them to be a strength in the offensive attack. On Defense, if either Robert Ayers or Jarvis Moss step up, the LB crew could bring this defense to the level that can help the team survive in the playoffs.

Weaknesses – Many will disagree, but I think settling on Kyle Orton was a mistake. Sure, he won some games in Chicago, but this is an offense that’s built on padding a QB’s stats. If Orton’s numbers don’t shine, he’s gotta go. Could people be laughing at the Broncos for passing on Jason Campbell in a very easy trade? The defensive line is made up from a bunch of junk from other teams. Ronald Fields may be the best of the bunch, and that’s not saying much. All three starters look like stop-gaps that will be replaced at some point.

Opportunities – Correll Buckhalter, if healthy, can show why Andy Reid kept giving him so many chances after so many season ending injuries. Eddie Royal steps into the WR1 role with Brandon Marshall’s situation in flux. Brandon Stokely must return to form from when he was a 1000 yard receiver. If not, Orton doesn’t have many long options. Alphonso Smith is a mature rookie who will be needed at CB. The starters are either past their prime or getting there quickly.

Threats – The Brandon Marshall situation could have an effect in the locker room and on the field. Players could be torn on whether he should stay or go. One thing remains clear: If he leaves, there will be some huge shoes to fill on offense, as he is an elite receiver on the field. One of the things the team has lacked (and still does) is an offensive leader. The team could use someone like that to keep teammates like Marshall in line.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – Dawkins (the older player in this case) taking the Defensive Captain/Leadership role from Champ Bailey. Honestly, while Bailey has heart, he’s never been a defensive captain type. Dawkins brings a lot to the table for this team.

Position Battle – OLB opposite Elvis Dumervil: Five candidates. Mario Haggan is penciled in as the starter for now. However Darrell Reid, Robert Ayers, Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder will all vie for the spot.

Rookie Contributor – CB Alphonso Smith could wind up starting over Andre Goodman, depending on what happens in the preseason. OLB Robert Ayers is in the mix for the starting OLB spot. Both Darcel McBath and David Bruton could see time at SS.



Kansas City Chiefs

Strengths – This is a young team. Give them a season to pull it all together, and they can surprise. The DBs are a very young crew. They did an admirable job last year with their top 3 CBs being rookies (Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Maurice Leggett), and both Ss in their second year (Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard). This group could end up leading this defense for the next half-decade. The O-Line is a tough group. Larry Johnson has every opportunity to return to All-Pro form. Adding Mike Goff at RG solidified the weakest link on the line and forms a great run-blocking tandem on the right side with Damion McIntosh.

Weaknesses – At this point, the backup D-Line looks better than the starters. Tank Tyler and Tyson Jackson need to step up and claim their starting spots. Glenn Dorsey just needs to show up in some way…any way…to give the team some hope that he might one day pan out. Beyond Dwayne Bowe, the WRs on this team are weak. When the team is counting on Ashley Lelie, Bobby Engram, Amani Toomer and Devard Darling to step up, there is trouble.

Opportunities – The quartet of LBs have two leaders that the team can learn a lot from. Mike Vrabel has lived in the 3-4 defense, and Zach Thomas (whether he can get on the field or not) can teach youngsters about heart. With both of those players placed around him, Derrick Johnson takes on a playmaker role that could have him putting up great numbers. On offense, Brad Cottam must show that he can take the starting TE spot. He has a lot of untapped potential that would ease the loss of Gonzalez, even if it’s only eased a little.

Threats – With Dwayne Bowe given extra bench time, how soon before he formally asks for a trade? Apparently the Jets are interested. The team doesn’t have the receiving corps to make up for that loss. Todd Haley also has to remember that he doesn’t have Fitz, Boldin and Breaston anymore.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – Matt Cassel from Larry Johnson as the new big-money under-achiever.

Position Battle – QB: Matt Cassel vs. Brodie Croyle. Apparently Croyle is putting the heat on Cassel. I’ve liked Croyle since he came into the league. Too bad Cassel has the contract.

Rookie Contributor – Tyson Jackson should eventually unseat Alphonso Boone at the left DE spot.



Oakland Raiders

Strengths – Hello!!! Hello-hello-hello. Echo!!1 Echo-echo-echo. Anything? Ok...I’m exaggerating a little, but why is it that every season, I’m saying that this team is in need of a makeover? So…strengths. The trio of RBs (Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush) is the kind you could see on a championship club. They could all be starters, and they could also all fill roles. On defense, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are the kind of players you can build a defense around.

Weaknesses – Where do I start? Heck…where else do you start? The Front Office (specifically Al Davis). This is one of the biggest jokes in the league. Daniel Snyder and Vinny Cerrato should send oversized gift baskets to these folks every year, just for being able to say, “At least we’re not THAT bad.” A lot can be blamed on the coaching staff too, but the front office chose them too. On the field there are many weaknesses, highlighted by a defensive line that’s not only embarrassing on the field, but on paper as well. Tommy Kelly must step up and prove he deserves his huge contract.

Opportunities – Chaz Schilens steps in as the #1 WR and is ready to show that even though you’ve probably never heard of him, he can put up some numbers. I was high on Jon Alston coming out of Stanford in 2006. he never got a fair shot in St. Louis, but now he’ll have the first crack at the starting strong-side LB role. Samson Satele should have a chip on his shoulder to prove Bill Parcels wrong in his assessment that Satele cannot block the bigger DTs in the NFL.

Threats – What threats? At this point there is nowhere for this franchise to go but up. Or, maybe they’ve hit rock bottom, and have broken out the jackhammers and shovels. This team brings deeper meeting to the word “Suckitude”

Passing/Receiving the Torch – Justin Fargas is penciled in as the starter, however it looks like McFadden is ready to take on the Lion’s Share of the load. Michael Bush is in line to receive more carries as well. Fargas could lose a lot of time. Maybe that’s why the team quietly had him on the trading block. He’s a good RB, and teams like the Bengals could really use him.

Position Battle – QB: JaMarcus Russell vs. Jeff Garcia. It’s the Fat kid with no friends versus the pencil-necked geek. No matter who you pick, you’re probably ending up with a loser.

Rookie Contributor – WR Darrius Heyward-Bey is slated to start. Maybe being thrown to the wolves isn’t such a bad thing. He has all the tools to be great. WR Louis Murphy has the tools to be a #1 WR, but he needs the coaching and maturity to put it all together. He could be a steal in the 2009 draft.



San Diego Chargers

Strengths – The passing game for this team is elite. Phillip Rivers led the NFL in passing TDs last year. Vincent Jackson came into his own along with Malcolm Floyd. Chris Chambers is still good for a big catch here and there. If Antonio Gates can get back on track, this offense will be tough to stop. The left side of the offensive line is built to open holes for the running game. They are just good enough in pass blocking to keep Rivers off his back. Marcus McNeill leads the charge next to Kris Deilman. Over the last two seasons, Quentin Jammer has been fulfilling his draft day potential. With Antonio Cromartie healthy and Antoine Cason rounding out the trio, this team has one of the better sets of CBs in the league.

Weaknesses – The defensive line leaves a little to be desired. Ryon Bingham fills in for Igor Olshansky, who may be a bigger loss to the D-0Line than most would realize. Jamal Williams is up there in years and there isn’t another true NT on the roster that can spell him. Luis Castillo needs to decide if he’s an elite player or an average one. He follows up a great game with one where he disappears. The right side of the offensive line could give defenses an opportunity to attack. Many viewed this area as an area of need going into free agency, and the club didn’t do much to address it outside of the draft. Kynan Forney and Jeromey Clary could end up having a long year.

Opportunities – LaDanian Tomlinson looks to be ready to go, and some experts claim that he isn’t washed up yet. Look for LT to come out of the gates firing and to turn some heads, especially working with a change of pace back like Darren Sproles. At safety, Eric Weddle and Clinton hart started to gel last season and could prove to be a decent no-name tandem.

Threats – Can Norv Turner prove that he is over his inconsistency issues and keep this team at the top of the AFC West? On the field, Shawne Merriman’s knee is a big question mark. There was talk of the issue being a career threat. If Merriman gets back to 2007 form, Shaun Phillips will regain his form on the other side.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – Marcus McNeill from Mike Goff as the leader of the offensive line. Goff was the cagy veteran that led this group. It’s now McNiell’s show to run, as he’s the man now.

Position Battle – WR2: Chris Chambers vs. Malcolm Floyd. Floyd made some huge catches last year, and seemed to surpass Chambers. However, Chambers is a solid target, and could fight Floyd off for another year. At ILB: Tim Dobbins vs. Kevin Burnett. Dobbins won’t be giving up the spot, until newly signed Burnett is comfortable with the system.

Rookie Contributor – Barring injuries, there may not be a rookie contributor. Closest thing would be Louis Vasquez at guard, if Fornay falters.

InClement Weather: Salary Crunch

Props to Armin on the fantastic work on the SWOT analysis. Be sure to check that out ASAP. His latest was the AFC North. Tweet tweet.

I'll poke my head in, if only for a moment, to talk NFL salaries. Why? Eli Manning's mega-deal (6 years at a reported $97-million, with $35-million guaranteed) has a lot of people talking.
Credit: NFLGoddess.com

No, I am not here to analyze that contract. Feel free to check that out elsewhere.

What I am here to discuss is a few interesting notes related to team salaries in 2008 and individual salaries in 2009.

Which team had the highest total payroll in 2008? I'll give you three clues:
A) They had the #1 overall pick in 1997.
B) They won a total of 5 games last season.
C) They beat Brett Favre last season.

Which team had the lowest total payroll in 2008? I'll give you three clues:
A) Their star RB likes to spit alcohol on women.
B) They're in the same division as the team listed above (highest payroll).
C) They are no longer in last place, thanks in large part to a newly acquired quarterback.

As for the rest of 2008, there were a few "team-related" surprises:
A) New England was third...to last. Wow.
B) Washington was in the middle of the pack. Wow.
C) Cleveland and New Orleans went #4 and #5 overall.
D) Despite Peyton Manning's insane contract, Indianapolis was in the bottom four.

As for the players, in 2008, the contracts were (of course) MASSIVE for the elite stars.

This man's smiling face was the NFL's highest paid defender last season. Not this year, thanks in large part to the tricky stipulations of NFL contracts.
Credit: PocatelloShops.com

Now it's important to note four things when viewing NFL player salaries, especially on a year by year basis:
1) No contract is guaranteed for every dollar on the penny. Eli signed for $97-million, but was guaranteed $35-million. I won't say only. You don't say only when $35-million is being discussed.
1) Base salary is often tiny compared to how much they make.
2) Signing bonuses often vault players you'd never expect in certain years. A 5-year/$50-million deal will almost never pay a guy $10-million exactly each season. Not a chance.
3) Cap value can be massaged quite a bit, especially with loaded contracts (whether front or back-loaded)
--> This means that a player might see 75% of his contract in a 2-3 year span, even if it's a 6 or 7-year deal. You'll see what I mean below.

For example, this guy's contract, which earned him over $27-million last season, broke down as such:
Base Salary = $ 2.5 million
Signing Bonus = $25.2 million
Other Bonus = $1,920
Cap Value = $7.9 million

That quarterback happened to win THIS.

But let's compare, for comparison's sake, him to the second highest paid quarterback, who made nearly $17-million last season, with his contract broken down as such:
Base Salary = $370,000
Signing Bonus = $0
Other Bonus = $16.5 million
Cap Value = $4.8 million

That quarterback had a QB rating of 77.2 in his second season as a quarterback, his first as the established full-time starter. Question is: will he have a third?

As for 2009, well that's not official just yet. Why? A few rookies have held out, a quarterback or two is still on the market (*cough* Favre), and the lingering CBA-crisis of 2010 has affected a few potential contract extensions (*cough* Leon Washington).

Nevertheless, Eli vaulted into the 3rd slot in 2009. Who is he behind?

Player #1: Carolina is paying this man more than $1-million a game. A GAME!!! The 1-year franchise tender made him the highest paid defensive player, if only for 1-year, E-V-E-R.

Player #2: Extending for 6-years (some semantics have it at 9-years total) at potentially $118.75-million is nothing to balk at. Especially when you've never won a playoff game. Check that. Never finished the one playoff game you were in. Okay, maybe that wasn't his fault. Nevertheless, the Bungles are paying A LOT of money for a quarterback for a perennial loser.

Right behind Eli? One name you might not know, but SHOULD and one contract you definitely know, but COULD'VE been even richer.

Leave it to the Raiders to hand out an "unprecedented contract". Fortunately, for once, the money was extremely well spent on the top cornerback in the league, Nnamdi Asomugha. Even better for the talented corner, he signed for only 3 years in Oakland...at a whopping $45.3 million. Of course, this is also the same team who gave their offensive MVP - punter Shane Lechler - a 4 year deal worth an insane $16-million. Yes, for a PUNTER!!!

Nobody was surprised when the Skins broke the bank for Haynesworth. Nobody.
Credit: Swampland.com

Albert Haynesworth, who rumors say turned down an even richer deal from Tampa Bay, broke the free agent bank biggest this offseason with a 7-year, $100-million dollar deal. That's an average of $14-million (plus) a year for the defensive tackle. Not too shabby and not too surprising considering Snyder and Cerato were involved.

If you want some outside perspective, here you go...in terms of total value:
1) A-Rod netted 10 years at $275-million from the Yanks, surpassing his previous record for a sport's contract.
2) The Yankees have handed out four of the five richest contracts ever (A-Rod, Jeter, Teixeira, and Sabathia). Surprise surprise, right?
3) Mike Vick used to have a contaract, at the time the richest in NFL history, for 10 years and $130-million. Now that's a distant memory, of course.
4) Kobe Bryant is the NBA's highest-paid player ever, pre Summer of 2010 Free Agent class though.
5) Bary Zito, Vernon Wells, and Rashard Lewis both have contracts at $126-million. Which surprises you most???

There's plenty to talk about with contracts - especially when guaranteed money is involved or not - and I plan on returning to the issue.

Of course on my teacher's salary, I'll need a good cry or two first. Tweet tweet.

Kiffin Out, [Insert Lame Duck] In

Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that Raiders owner Al Davis has fired head coach Lane Kiffin (by telephone), seemingly ending the charade that has taken place since Kiffin's hiring last year. That said, Davis aims not to honor the remainder of Kiffin's contract. For that, Davis will be criticized for yet another reason.

The demise of the Raiders is nothing new. Though Davis should be remembered for his contributions to American football, his missteps (and cowardice) as owner over the last five years may result in this generation forgetting that.

In spite of a 4-12 record last year and the exact same winning percentage so far this season, the Raiders were making progress under Kiffin, who was doing his best despite not having any real control over personnel and staff. With the likes of Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City (my pick), Detroit, Minnesota, St. Louis, San Francisco and perhaps Seattle looking for a new head coach in the off-season, Kiffin will have a leg up on the competition due to his youth and experience.

Tuesday FourCast: Week 3

Clement is always a tough act to follow. The guy just has a knack for analyzing what happens on the field/court/rink/pitch/etc. Now it's my turn, and I do my analysis like I like my football games...UGLY!!! Week 3 had its shares of ups and downs, but I decided the bigger stories were more interesting to me.

Without much further ado...here's your Tuesday FourCast


#1. The Bane of Their Existence

How fitting is it that the team to end the New England Patriots' 21-game regular season winning streak would be the Miami Dolphins? The Curse of the '72 Dolphins persists. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Somebody has to shut those geezers up, and stop those corks from popping. I am not a fan of the Pats, but would have been fine if they put a cork in those geezers last year. Regardless of who is playing QB, nobody expected a 38-13 drubbing. But, is that what this team has become without Brady? Sure, they didn't have Maroney, but what does Maroney mean to that team anyway? He's been highly replaceable in my opinion. Would last year's Patriots have given up 4 TDs on the same gimmick play? Is Randy Moss giving up on another team? Charlie Casserly seems to be alluding to that. Regardless, we saw something that none would have dreamed while watching the Patriots tear through the league last season. The Foxboro faithful booed their own team.


#2. Al Davis and His Red Kimono

In Japan, by the time man reaches the age of 60, he is commemorated with a special ceremony. This ceremony features the man wearing a red kimono, which denotes that he no longer has the responsibilities of being a mature adult. Al Davis has been wearing a proverbial red kimono for some time now. The whole Lane Kiffin situation is nauseating. What self-respecting coach with any kind of experience would consider "coaching" the team under Al Davis? Kiffin is part of a long line of coaches that Al Davis has walked all over, dating at least back to when Shanahan was there. Davis owns a team that acts just as juvenile as he does. He breeds an environment for immaturity. The Raiders Culture is no longer a bunch of players who intimidate the other team on the field. They are now a team of individuals who do whatever they want at the detriment of the team. The latest, a Davis confidant John Herrera, showed those that saw the post-game video how despicable of a person he is. I say they parade him around the sidelines in Al's Red Kimono the rest of the season, before firing him.


#3. Jerrah and his Blue Storm

Switching from Al Davis to the owner that I respect the most in the NFL. Jerry Jones may be a meddlesome owner, but he knows his football. He's one of the better GMs in the league, and could probably head to the sidelines and coach that team. Jerrah is everything Al Davis tries to be (while failing miserably). He also deserves a ton of credit (so does Tuna) for having the best team on the field every Sunday. And yes, that is the most painful thing for a Redskins fan to say. The makeup of this team has championship written all over it. Now if they can just win their first playoff game in over a decade. Franchise QB, check. One-Two Punch at RB, check. Star Receivers, check. All-Star Offensive Line, check. Their offense has put up 96 points in the first three games. The defensive front seven is stacked like a 3-4 defense should be, with a slew of gutsy linemen and talented backers. The defensive backs are so deep with starting caliber talent that they can adjust to any team's style. Some haters will point to the players with unattractive character, but they forget the guys that are good influences on the team (Tony Romo, Flozell Adams, Zach Thomas, Ken Hamlin). Watching them pound the Packers this week cemented my feelings about the Cowboys. While I don't see them matching the regular season of the 2007 Patriots, I can easily see this team making another addition to the team's Lombardi Trophy case.


#4. The Bane of Their OWN Existence

Some are pointing to the St. Louis Rams as being the worst team in the NFL. However, I believe the owner of that title belongs to the Detroit Lions. I especially loved William Clay Ford, Jr. coming out and saying his father should fire Matt Millen so that the team can reach some level of success. No truer words have been spoken. The Lions are 31-84 under Millen. The bye week couldn't have come at a better time, because they go on the road in week 5, where Millen's road record is 8-49. While St. Louis is 0-3, they played teams like Philly, the Giants and the Seahawks (two playoff teams and a team that's playing like they're playoff bound). The Lions on the other hand have played two weak teams (Atlanta & San Fran), made them look good and have given up 113 points after 3 games. Their running game is in shambles, Kitna keeps putting the team in a bad situation by claiming they're going to win 10 games every year (giving other teams the motivation to shellack them), the offensive line, as talented as the individuals are, can't put it all together for an entire game, and the defense isn't playing with much heart outside of the LB corps. Management needs to show Millen the door. Not just for his mistakes, but also to give the team a fresh start from the top. The team may even need a fresh start from the coaching staff that runs the team more like a boot camp. Either way, it will be a long season for the Lions, and they may be looking at the #1 pick in the draft.

NFL Sunday: Live Updates & Mini-Analysis

3:30pm

-Close non-call on a deep ball from Kurt Warner to Steve Breaston that winds up a deflected ball, Carlos Rogers INT, and Skins ball inside the red zone in a 17-17 game. (What a surprise, Cards keep this series close and LOSE at the end every time!) Small screen to Santana Moss leads to 24-17.

-Ronnie Brown has 5 TDs. 4 rushing and 1 passing. Anthony Fassano is back to fantasy elite-status as a TE. Meanwhile, is Randy Moss already giving up with a shaky QB? Probably. Phins are up 35-13 and will snap New England's 21-game regular season winning streak.

-Larry Johnson owners can breathe...for now. 100+ yards and a RUSH TD help out those who idiotically believed in him.

-Oakland up 16-7 at Buffalo. Interesting, indeed.

-Matt Schaub looks as bad as Tyler Thigpen this week. When will we first see Sage this season?

-Brandon Lloyd caught a TD pass. Vinny Cerato has to be smiling somewhere, right?

-Bengals clinging to the Giants, trailing 16-13. Antonio Chatman seems to be this team's #1, catching countless slip screens for minimal yardage. Where are you Ocho Cinco?

5 NFL Questions – Week 3

1. How will Tony Romo be received at his homecoming?
2. Will the Raiders be smart and kick away from Roscoe Parrish?
3. Will the Eagles’ offense continue to roll or will Pittsburgh make them return to reality?
4. Which late game will yield the most points scored?
5. Which underdog (excluding Carolina) will win today?

Friday's Quick Hits

A few quick hits on this fine Friday. Less than 49 hours and counting to the 1pm ET Sunday kickoffs.

- In the minds of many, Lane Kiffin is irrelevant. To people who have played football, they have viewed his public display of insubordination as an affront to the sport. I view it as courage and long overdue public criticism of Al Davis, who lost it 20 years ago. Mind you, that's a conservative estimate. Gregg Doyel describes it much better than I do or ever will in this piece about Kiffin's bravery. Simply stated, Kiffin continues to position himself for his next NFL head coaching position. If he wants a college head coaching position, he can go that route as a secondary option.

- On Wednesday, I asked the question, "Can Koren Robinson Make Good in Seattle?". The more operative question is, "Can Koren Robinson can get in football shape and learn enough of the playbook to warrant snaps against the Rams?" I know, that's a long question and you've already put too much into your work week. Bear with me.

- I forgive you, Ed Hochuli. Others who are struggling to stay classy may not. Unlike other game officials, you did not cower after a botched call that unfortunately led to the wrong team winning. You took e-mails from the haters and you responded to them. I've been to a number of college basketball games and a good portion of which involved controversial calls deciding games (the worst one of which was UConn/Washington in the 2006 Regional Semifinal - UW got jobbed and UConn got theirs two days later). The view, which I've seen more than once, that I cannot get out of my head is that of zebras sprinting to the locker room to avoid any measure of accountability. I am fully aware that many of those wishing to make zebras accountable are heavily inebriated; however, some of us are only drunken with sporting integrity.

- Adrian "All Day" Peterson spent all day missing practice Thursday. As a note to our readers, I have been adamant that due to his running style and inability to stay healthy and the need to carry this team on his shoulders without a proven quarterback, Peterson would get injured and miss significant time on or before the sixth game of the season.

- Also, loyal college basketball fans, I just got my hands on my first college basketball preview magazine. Midnight madness is less than a month away ...

"Tuesday" FauxCast: Pre-Season Edition

Sitting at my day-job cubicle, I scroll through sports related sites fairly regularly (it helps get my mind off of the horrid stench emanated by the woman who sits to my right). Aside from the Olympics fiasco (I wonder if the judges were threatened with human rights abuses?), my focus has been primarily on the stories coming out of the NFL Pre-Season. Thus, I figured, why not get into pre-season form myself and bring back the FourCast a couple weeks early? (And since everyone is missing a step in the pre-season, I decided to be a day off). Let’s take a look at what’s been hitting the No Fun League over the past few days (and hopefully protect me from Stinky McGee for a few more minutes).


1. Tony Dungy changes his last name to “Belichick”

Okay, so he really didn’t change last names, but given the Belichick-esque routine with regard to Peyton Manning’s condition, he should get an award. So often Dungy gets praise from the “media” and fans for being a class act, while Belichick has his name dragged through the mud (even before spygate). Dungy himself has even seemingly accepted the pedestal on which he’s been placed, chastising the Pats Head Coach for his questionable methods. However, throughout last season, Dungy never once properly addressed the injury to Marvin Harrison, letting opposing teams (not to mention countless fantasy owners) prepare for no reason. Wait … doesn’t everyone (legitimately) give crap to Belichick for doing that with regard to Tom Brady’s “shoulder injury”?

This pre-season, Dungy seems to be acting coy with regard to Peyton’s knee and its, now missing, bursa sac. Could Peyton’s knee brace be this year’s version of Brady’s boot?


2. You’re doin a heckuva job there, Brownie

Ronnie Brown began the pre-season as the top running back for the Miami Dolphins. Sure, everyone assumed he’d be splitting the carries with Ricky Williams, but we also figured he’d get most of the touches. Now we know (thanks to the folks at ProFootballTalk.com) that Brown is listed as the #2 back on the ‘Fins depth chart. The #2 overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft came out of Auburn with lots of hype. Unfortunately, his injury plagued career has only seen him get 1,000 yards rushing once and has yet to see him play all 16 games. Maybe he just likes being #2?


3. Depth at Wide-Receiver is for pansies

While Peyton limps around (or “limps” around, we don’t know … friggin Dungy), the “other Manning” continues to show us that he really doesn’t need much in the way of teammates. A season after winning the Super Bowl without the help of the talented (but loud-mouthed) Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey, Eli is showing us he really doesn’t need depth or talent at the wide-receiver position (Note: Somewhere Donovan McNabb is taking notes). On Monday night, Eli shredded the Browns secondary for 2 touchdowns to Domenick Hixon, in all completing 4 of 7 passes to only Hixon and Sinorice Moss. Those stats, of course, do not include a 53-yard pass interference gain on a pass to Moss that set up the first TD to Hixon.

All-in-all, the G-men only needed to complete passes to five different receivers, none of whom were named Plaxico, Amani, Mario or Steve Smith.


4. The Truth?!? Al Davis can’t handle the truth!

Al Davis has forever been the scorn of head coaches. He bring them in, has them do his bidding without complaint and then disposes of them. Kinda sounds like Dick Cheney and his hunting pals. Well, maybe the Vice-President should think twice before inviting Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin out to hunt geese. Kiffin, long rumored to be a lame-duck coach this year, has forgotten all about the “thou shalt not bemoan Al Davis” motto of the Oakland Raiders (yeah, the “Commitment to Excellence” line is just a farce). In comments to reporters earlier this week, good ole’ Lane whined about the lack of depth on his team and further bitched about the management’s lack of play in the waiver/free agent market this pre-season.

Is Kiffin just trying to pass the buck so as to not scare away potential future employers? Probably. But hey, I give the kid (yes, “kid”) credit for having the testicular fortitude to give the finger to Davis . If Brett does run for president, Kiffin can be his renegade/maverick veep choice.

Free Agency: 5 Questions You Might Not Have Considered

There have been more than enough offseason moves since last Friday including:

-Derek Anderson inking a 3-year deal with the Browns.
-Asante Samuel bolting for the NFC and the Philadelphia Eagles for record-CB money.
-Pittsburgh’s former OG Alan Faneca signing the richest contract for an offensive lineman in history with the New York Jets.
-San Francisco making another big-money addition to their defense via DE Justin Smith.
-Randy Moss re-inking with the Patriots, apparently at a discounted price, for 3 years at $27 million.

Forget salary cap-crunching, franchise tags, restrictions on free agents and guaranteed money. As hard as that is, let’s dissect some of the not-so-obvious moves made this offseason.

And no, we don’t mean the ludicrous contract Oakland gave DE/DT Tommy Kelly (fresh off an ACL tear, no less).

Does Walker's departure give Oakland the AFC West's top wideout?
Credit: FootballForum.com

#5. The New York Jets sign FB Tony Richardson

Comment: Honestly, do even 50% of NFL teams utilize true fullbacks? Lacking any consistency in the position (and playing time for Darian Barnes at all this season), this 1-year pickup may speak to the Jets throwing the ball more. While the Jets have been ripped in the media for spending like the Skins of years past, it’s obvious the team wants to return to the 10-6 days, rather then slowly rebuild from 4-12 this past season.

Draft Implications: This signing also opens up questions as to what the Jets may do if faced with Darren McFadden being available at the 6^th pick. My advice: trade the pick, select Rashard Mendenhall and use the 2^nd- or 3^rd-rounders on help for the secondary.

#4. The Oakland Raiders sign WR Javon Walker

Comment: Mammoth contracts for Tommy Kelly (sorry, I had to mention it again) and former Giants safety Gibril Wilson may have gotten the majority of the coverage early; however, Walker’s massive 6-year deal raises just as many questions. No longer restrained by the malcontent duo of Randy Moss/Jerry Porter, the Oakland front office landed last year’s #1 pick JaMarcus Russell and a top-flight wideout (when healthy). The good news is that before Walker’s season-long injuries began in Week 3, he appeared as if he’d be productive in his second straight season in Denver. A season removed from the tragic death of Darrent Williams – as well as a change of location – may do Walker more than good.

Draft Implications: Six months ago, even I thought California WR DeSean Jackson was too good to be true in Oakland. Now, the Raiders may have to decide on passing up on Heisman-runner up Darren McFadden or adding to their interior pass rush with the 4^th overall selection. Walker’s addition to the offense may turn the front office to seek added protection for Russell…or perhaps a game-breaking RB to open up play-action passes downfield.

#3. The Jacksonville Jaguars acquire WR Troy Williamson and sign WR Jerry Porter

Comment: With WR Ernest Wilford in Miami and rumors abound surrounding a trade of Matt Jones on or near draft day, the Jags receiving corps is getting a complete makeover. Fortunately, redzone favorite Reggie Williams is around and Dennis Northcutt (costly drops in playoff games withstanding) is a savvy veteran every roster needs. After trading for former 7^th overall pick, a definitive bust to this point, Troy Williamson for one free music download on iTunes (okay, it was for a 6^th rounder), the Jags have almost nothing to lose on a player with blazing speed AND a bad case of the dropsies. As for Jerry Porter, he may be the biggest wild card in free agency this season. Carrying a back-loaded contract, Porter has All-Pro talent yet has lacked professionalism. While Porter isn’t likely to put up post-Raider Moss numbers, he might be talented enough to take this offense to the next level.

#2. The Washington Redskins re-sign backup QB Todd Collins

Comment: Jason Campbell should be 100% when mini-camp rolls around this June. That’s good news as new head coach Jim Zorn (never an offensive coordinator before being hired to do so in Washington for around 2 ½ weeks) has big plans for the big-armed QB. An even wiser move was locking up the 38 years young Collins as a backup for the next three seasons. Leading the Skins to four wins in their final four games, Collins proved he’s capable of making the throws necessary for this offense to move the ball downfield. What becomes most interesting is a scenario in which the Skins struggle out of the gates, does Campbell have a shorter leash than expected? Or, was Collins simply brought in to be one of the league’s best insurance policies.

#1. The New Orleans Saints sign CB Randall Gay and acquire ILB Jonathan Vilma

Comment: It’s too early to write off last year’s top acquisition CB Jason David from then-Super Bowl champion Indianapolis. If last year was any indication, David is much better suited in the nickel corner role. At inside linebacker, the Saints have tried their best to fill the position with good guy, overachiever types. Enter Vilma, who is recovering from a serious (and potentially lingering) knee injury, who will be ecstatic to prove the doubters in New York wrong as he returns to his forte 4-3 scheme. As for Gay, many feel he was simply a system-defender and many remember him being burned by a double-move from Super Bowl champion wideout Plaxico “Guarantee” Burress (I love saying that, by the way).

Draft Implications: Suddenly, the Saints are left with plenty of options with the 11^th pick in this year’s draft. Some might have thought their initial targets might have been at either linebacker (e.g. Keith Rivers) or cornerback (Aqib Talib, Mike Jenkins, or even Dominique Cromartie-Rodgers). Yet, they appear to be in the position to go after the “best player available” on their board. All in all, this is not a bad luxury to have with the 11^th pick overall.

Which moves are you most excited or disappointed about? Did any teams seriously drop the ball or move quietly through the first-week frenzy to your delight?

Until next time

The Answers

…to the NFL Questions from Week 4…

1) In essence, there wasn’t much the Rams could do. Multiple starters continued to fall from the Ram offensive line (at one point, they were down to their last reserve) and Marc Bulger admittedly played two to three series he shouldn’t have. Despite keeping it close until late in the first half, mainly thanks to a nice punt return for a touch from “The Human Joystick” Dante Hall, the Ram defense nor offense had what it took to stay on the field, losing 35-7, with Tony Romo and the 4-0 Dallas Cowboys.

2) In a word, YES. The Raiders, tied atop the AFC West with Denver and Kansas City at 2-2, are playing quite well under their first year coach. Daunte Culpepper, filling in for injured starter Josh McCown, was praised all week during practice by Kiffin and responded, despite only officially being named the starter on Friday afternoon, with 5 total TDs (2 in the air and 3 on the ground). Producing like that, in Miami of all places, has Culpepper and his fellow Raiders as confident as anyone has seen in recent memory. Even when LaMont Jordan went down early, Justin Fargas stepped right in and compiled 179 yards rushing on 22 carries. By winning the turnover battle and relying on a staunch defensive effort, Oakland may have finally emerged from the depths of depression they were mired in for the past five-plus seasons: in large part to Lane Kiffin.

3) Not so much. In fact, Carr could only complete two measly “passes” to all-world wideout Steve Smith, for 5 yards, for the majority of the game (Smith finished with 5 receptions for 32 yards). Carr was indecisive and altogether ineffective for a 1-3 Carolina Panthers squad that seems miles away from last season’s SI pre-season Super Bowl projections.

4) It shouldn’t have and it didn’t. Favre connected with Greg Jennings for the record-breaking score and added another late to James Jones. The Packers are 4-0 and atop a new-look NFC North. Although I must admit, not surprisingly, that NBC’s Peter King was borderline pathetic in his attempt to draw out the deepest and most innate sympathies and emotions out of Favre during their Sunday Night “interview”. Shameless promotion PK. Nice job handling it Mr. Favre.

5) LT and the Chargers are 1-3. Everything can’t be blamed on Norv either. The defense, under Ted Cotrell, stinks and Phillip Rivers looks beyond awful. Perhaps the Eli deal wasn’t that lopsided after all. As for LJ, he was tough and rugged for the majority of the matchup (despite being stoned early in the game at the goal line). Late in the game, LJ busted open a 38 yarder to ice the Chargers and allow fantasy owners a peak at a game over 100 yards. LT was okay, for LT at least, while LJ remained out of the endzone yet again.

***Extra Credit Question***
Westbrook didn’t play, while Alexander was solid enough, Winslow II had two spectacular receptions during two key TD drives, and Plexico made yet another tough TD catch against the Iggles. Question answered.

Oakland trades enigmatic wideout Randy Moss to New England
Seattle deals Darrell Jackson to San Francisco

Randy Moss is officially out of Oakland. Just one day after drafting LSU QB JaMarcus Russell with the 1st pick, AL Davis and the Oakland Raiders traded their #1 wideout - and all of his emotional baggage - to the New England Patriots for a fourth round pick in this year's draft.

Acquiring Lions QB Josh McCown and WR Mike Williams (a perceived bust from two drafts ago) for a 4th-rounder of their own yesterday, the Raiders had previously been rumoured to ship Moss out to Green Bay to play alongside Brett Favre.

Not anymore after the Patriots attempt to make another big-splash in the off-season. With wideouts Jabar Gaffney & Rece Caldwell still on their roster (both signed through 2007), the Patriots have acquired three receivers alongside Moss this off-season already: Wes Welker (in a trade from Miami), Donte Stallworth (free agent from Philadelphia), and Kelly Washington (free agent from Cincinnati).

It appears as if Troy Brown may have played his last down in New England...at least at this point.

The deal leaves the Raiders still with troublesome receiver Jerry Porter AND a trio of Ronald Curry/Doug Gabrieland the newly acquired Williams.

So far there has been no talk of Moss restructuring his current deal with New England.

A mere drive away from returning to the Super Bowl last season, the Patriots reloaded this off-season on the defensive side as well - most notably by signing hybrid Raven LB Adalius Thomas - as they re-up for another Super Bowl run.

Despite the loss of starting RB Corey Dillon, the Patriots appear to be the clear winners of the off-season free agency period. Yet, adding Moss may be far more trouble than its worse. Obviously assured of themselves enough that they can find the right atmosphere and harmony for the former All-Pro wideout, it will remain very interesting to see how long Moss lasts in Foxboro.

Already praised for their drafting of incident-prone Brandon "Stomp" Meriweather (a Miami safety) in the 1st-round, the Patriots squeaky-clean reputation is being described as being able to overcome just about anything.

With the recent acquisition of Moss, it'll be put to the test - whether the majority of the mainstream media is willing to admit the Patriots could actually make a mistake or not - like never before. Comparing Moss to Corey Dillon - former Bengals RB far more frustrated with the losing culture of Cincinnati than anything else - may be a key mistake in early analysis of this deal.

Are the Patriots really able to transform him back in a Hall of Fame performer?
Credit: NBC Sports

In other news, reported at this blog yesterday morning, the Seattle Seahawks traded top-wideout Darrel Jackson to the San Francisco 49ers for a 4th-round pick in this years draft.

10AM NFL Draft Update: Rumors, Reports, and other R-related issues

It's a little after 10am and the NFL Draft is officially under-2 hours away from beginning.

...

I know, it's just the calm before the storm.

Here are a few issues that need to be discussed and quasi-dissected before the frantic fun, filled with draft updates here on the blog from yours truly, finally begins. It's also the last time to banter and rant!

Roll on!

1. Seattle is reportedly trying to move wide receiver Darrell Jackson
-Injury issues and plenty of bank spent on the duo of Deion Branch & Nate Burleson have left the Seahawks more than willing to deal D-Jax. Interestingly enough, the team most interested in the wideout is their NFC West up-and-coming rival...the 49ers. Rumors are swirling lately, the best of which has the Niners dealing one of their three4th round selections (or perhaps even a 3rd rounder). Apparently New Orleans and Tennessee have also expressed mild interest in acquiring Jackson; and, it's important to note that D-Jax probably wouldn't need to restructure (4 years remaining on a deal signed in '04 for 6 years and $25-million). This could be a rather substantial, Javon Walker-esque (at least from a 49ers perspective witht their wideout corps), move during the heart of this draft's opening rounds.

2. The Oakland Raiders haven't offered any type of contract to Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn
-Seems like a friendly rumor-mill deal that was added into all the Calvin Johnson-speculation (probably from the Raiders themselves) so that JaMarcus Russell's contract could be just a percentage point or two cheaper. The Raiders will select the LSU Quarterback first. It's been reported by just about everyone in this galaxy.

3. Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson's shoulder is going to be fine
-The medical staffs that saw Peterson...collectively reported to their respective teams that the running back would be just fine. Although, it does seem a little interesting that his numerous past injuries haven't hurt his draft-stock previous to this immediate weekend that much. Honestly, the guy hasn't had a healthy season in college and despite his intense workload for the Sooners...he's far from the toughest back in this draft when it comes to withstanding nagging or game-missing injuries.

4. There will be trades in the 1st Round.
-Whether it's a half-dozen, a dozen, or two...we can''t know yet. Yet, plenty of teams will spend the entire fifteen minutes they are alloted exploring every option possible. This will begin at pick #2 and probably continue throughout the majority of the top ten. Don't underestimate the moves at the end of the 1st round either. Plenty of teams love to move back, move slightly up, or exit the 1st-round altogether. It's a very popular notion as of late (just ask the Jets) to move a late first-rounder this year for a new second-rounder this year as well as an extra second-rounder next year.

5. Chris Leak and Troy Smith won't even be mentioned the 1st day.
-Sorry to the BCS Title Game QBs...but neither is likely to have a fun Saturday. Smith killed himself - exposing what most already knew - in a worthless title game performance. Leak's shotty mechanics, lack of height, and statuesque-motioning will end up making him a career backup at best.

6. Chris Berman will be as annoying as ever
-ESPN's biggest name, and man, will repeat the same stories, the same tiresome catch phrases, launch the same appeals to draft those character-guys, and the same stupid references to Favre, Brady, and Hurricane Katrina that he always does. Memo to ESPN Management: It's time for him to retire or move away from such spotlight events. Much like Stuart Scott, who is cartoonish in his ridiculous attempts to appear young and with-it, Berman is a tired-joke that never was funny in the first place. Only Kenny Maine is unfunnier than the two of them. But back to Berman, it's easy to see the guys at ESPN love him and while some women think he's funny at bars (or so I have learned in my experiences)...in the end he is far too corny, cheesy, oversentimental about sports and life (winning one game over Atlanta didn't cure New Orleans of the tragedy of Katrina, in fact most of the fans there probably weren't directly affected in those incredibly low-socioeconomic settings) and doesn't retain the knowledge to be up on the stage with the crew he works with. If only I could mute his fond recollections or the players he loves to love, my draft day would be that much sweeter. Now that was a tirrade-filled rant!

7. Michael Turner won't be traded.
-This is a straight-guess from me. By the way, before I continue on this topic, ESPN's Mark Schlereth called this guy a "top 3-4 potential talent at running back". Seriously? A top 5 running back? This is beyond lunacy. The guy backs up LT - who bruises defenses beyond belief with speed and cutting-power - and is now a soon-to-be elite back? Give me a break. While Green Bay is always in the market for an RB and teams like Tennessee and Atlanta seem unsure by the day on their backfields...please don't overpay that much for someone so ridiculously unproven.

8. Trent Green will be gone by the end of this weekend. Daunte Culpepper will be cut by June 1st. Randy Moss will be a Raider next season. The Patriots will be given an A+ no matter what they do in the draft by everyone in the media. There is zero chance Larry Johnson is dealt. Peter King will salavate over the Steelers pick which will invariably be labeled as truly a "Steeler-guy".
-Quite a rant, I know. It all explains itself. But wait! There's even more on the horizon...

9. CNNSI reporting potential major draft rumors after humorous quotes from Clinton Portis (which he excells at) were released throughout the Washington-media proves yet again that their draft coverage is as weak as anyone could imagine.
-No surprise at all. Bang-up job as always guys. [Insert Borat-inspired NOT!]

We'll see how full of it I am...shortly.

Until next time...

The Can’t Miss Kid…Right?

Anyone who is anyone, in the NFL-world, seems to be promoting Calvin Johnson as the ‘can’t miss kid’ of this draft. The prospect that is simply too good – even as a wide receiver – for any team to logically not select as a franchise-talent. No matter what you really need or what you already may have (or have recently drafted), the point is: you must draft Calvin Johnson. Right?

So in a little under three weeks, April 28^th to be precise, it seems a done deal that whomever selects Calvin Johnson…has a stud for the next dozen-or-so years. And why wouldn’t you feel that way? Last season the junior wide receiver from Georgia Tech was nothing short of break-taking at times. Right?

Credit: CSTV

Junior Season: 76 receptions, 1202 yds, 15.8 yds/catch, and 15tds.

Pick-6 Marquee Games:

Notre Dame – 7 receptions, 111 yds, 1 TD [10-14 loss]
@ Va. Tech – 6 receptions, 165 yds, 2 TDs [38-27 win]
Miami – 5 receptions, 68 yards, 1 tD [30-23 win]
@Georgia – 2 receptions, 13 yds [12-15 loss]
ACC Title Game: Wake Forest – 8 receptions, 117 yds [6-9 loss]
Gator Bowl: West Virginia – 9 receptions, 186 yds, 2 TDs [35-38 loss]

Stats aren’t everything. Of course stats like these sure do help. Not to imagine a ridiculous combine. It’s all there it seems.

So it seems, according to all the real experts of note, this guy shouldn’t slip past the #1 draft pick. He is simply too fundamentally sound, too physically imposing, and too much of an amazing character-guy (I’ve even heard multiple sentiments reminiscent of, “TO’s talent without the attitude and the drops”) to even think about slipping through a team’s grasp. In fact, passing on him would be just as ridiculous as Houston not taking Vince Young or Reggie Bush. Right?

But before we anoint him the next #1, let’s take a closer look at the top 4 teams in the 2007 NFL Draft (as of now). We only stop at the 4^th pick as it seems theoretically impossible that Coach John Gruden would ever dream of allowing Johnson to slip past him (if not trade up to select him earlier if he must). Right?

#1. Oakland Raiders
Current Wideouts on roster (of note): Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel and Alvis Whitted.
Why Draft Johnson: See those five above. Each has plenty to make you worry about, even before they step on the field. Moss is an enigma to himself, Porter wishes he was an enigma, Curry is off the field more than he’s on it, Gabriel lacks any separation, and Whitted is an overachiever as a #3-wideout (at best).
Why Don’t Draft Johnson: It’s time this team realized that stopgaps – Aaron Brooks – and prospects – Andrew Walter – aren’t the fix. Draft LSU’s Jamarcus Russell and then search for talent to surround him. You have Rhodes/Jordan and perhaps Moss can get behind the rookie. Don’t pretend that picking up Josh McCown or allowing Walter, who is sacked more than he throws the ball downfield, can automatically become playoff-ready QBs with the insertion of a freakishly talented wideout. Not unless you believe he can pancake three defenders before catching a 35-yard TD pass. Right?
Who Will They Draft: LSU’s Jamarcus Russell is who they should take. Fortunately, for once, the Raiders will do the correct thing. If they’re smart, they sit him a year and pick up another top pick.
Odds on Drafting Johnson: 15%. This number changes dramatically if the Raiders land a free-agent QB they like or trade for a young arm. While there has been a rise in second-tier QB talk as of late, the big guy from LSU is the best possible pick for a very, very bad team.

#2. Detroit Lions
Current Wideouts on roster (of note): Roy Williams, Mike Furrey, Mike Williams, and Shaun McDonald.
Why Draft Johnson: Forget about the past for a moment. Can you imagine what a lineup of Roy Williams & Calvin Johnson would mean for the Lions offense? Especially with an offensive guru, not genius, like Mike Martz calling the plays? Mike Williams can stay or go with that type of opening day duo. It’s hard to pass up that type of physical talent and incredible downfield-speed.
Why Don’t Draft Johnson: 3 straight 1^st-round, top-tier wideout picks. Scorecard says the Lions are 1-2. That’s not a good track record to sell #4. Seriously, this team has zero reason to pick Johnson. Idiotically enough, they view John Kitna as the best option to move ahead…and win. Josh McCown couldn’t see a snap last year that meant a thing and it’s becoming more and more obvious the Lions enjoy being the laughing stock of the NFC.
Who Will They Draft: They’ll either trade down, as they don’t love anybody at #2, or take Wisconsin all-world tackle Joe Thomas. Don’t let the experts fool you either, they loved Robert Galley (just about all of em) just as much as they love this Wisconsin Badger.
Odds on Drafting Johnson: 5%. Don’t fool out how moronic Matt Millen and the Ford Family truly are. Nevertheless, this seems like the perfect slot to trade down (let’s say with Tampa or Denver) and wait to select Joe Thomas or Levi Brown later in the top-half of the first round. Although their flat-out denial of not drafting Brady Quinn doesn’t mean they wouldn’t take Russell, or I suppose…Johnson. Right?

#3. Cleveland Browns
Current Wideouts on roster (of note): Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius, and ???
Why Draft Johnson: There is zero protection for teams quadruple-covering Braylon. That isn’t a good thing when your star wideout believes he’s twice as good as a twice-as-good-Jerry-Rice. Johnson and Edwards make an interesting pair who could be tandem Pro Bowlers for years to come. Even with Trent Green or Charlie Frye throwing them the ball.
Why Don’t Draft Johnson: Charlie Frye had his chance to impress…and didn’t. You take Brady Quinn, who for some reason wants to be a Brown, and hope for the best. Even if Russell slides, you can have fun picking one or the other. Either way, select a franchise QB. You haven’t had one since the middle ages.
Who Will They Draft: They may swap down a pick or two and get cute; however, the smart money is drafting hometown Ohioan Brady Quinn and appeasing the fans. This team has spent enough top picks on defensive people. Tim Couch’s memory can only be swept clear by drafting the Notre Dame all-world passer.
Odds on Drafting Johnson: 5%. I just don’t see this team passing up on Quinn or, if they couldn’t land either QB somehow, Adrian Peterson. Despite the talent, Johnson isn’t too good for them to pass up this season. If head coach Romeo Crenell and GM Phil Savage are absolutely desperate for their jobs, and thus avoid selecting a young QB, it still seems Peterson is the best fix over Johnson (at least in my opinion). Right?

#4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Current Wideouts on roster (of note): Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard, and Maurice Stovall.
Why Draft Johnson: He’s dynamic, a ticket-selling machine (or so everyone says), and Joey Galloway isn’t getting much younger. While Clayton has heavily regressed recently, a guy like Calvin Johnson would give this offense some much needed energy, speed, and playmaking ability. Jeff Garcia was brought in, for now I suppose, and Chris Simms has a two-year contract. A third QB might be too many cooks in one kitchen, while Gruden’s man-love for Johnson is far from hidden. Tampa wants this guy. In fact, they appear to need him. Right?
Why Don’t Draft Johnson: The heart and soul of the Tampa run to the Super Bowl was of course…their defense. Look at it now: sans-superstars and aging rapidly. It’s time to address that with some energy and some talent. Wouldn’t you know it: Gaines Adams of Clemson is a freakish talent who could become your next Simeon Rice for the next ten years. He has the speed and the size that makes him a gem at #4. Forget another wideout and rebuild the defense around a cornerstone pass-rushing end.
Who Will They Draft: Johnson. Simply put, they’ll run up to the podium, plant a kiss on his cheek, and start selling the jerseys as soon as they possibly can.
Odds on Drafting Johnson: 95%. The Bucs might not be able to pass up Russell, the only guy on their board that could potentially be ahead of Johnson, but most likely pass by Quinn. Ironically enough, with some work in front of them, they could miss out on the Big 3 of Russell, Quinn, and Johnson altogether. After the tears flow, I suppose they’d target trading down or Clemson’s Gaines Adams.

So there you have it. Perspective on the can’t-miss-kid.

But before I leave you, let’s take a brief look at the past 5 NFL Draft top-10 wideout selections. And yes, I know not all of them have the talent and freakish qualities that Johnson possesses; yet, remember that going top 10 – especially as a wideout – doesn’t make you chopped liver either. Right?

2006: None [Regarded as a wide receiver-depleted draft, Pittsburgh took Santonio Holmes with the 25^th pick. Ironically enough, more wideouts – 33 – were drafted than any other position at the 2006 NFL Draft.]

2005: Three. [3^rd Pick – Cleveland Browns selected the baby-enigma known as Braylon Edwards from Michigan. 7^th Pick – Minnesota selected their “replacement” for Randy Moss in the form of Troy “Remember Me?” Williamson of South Carolina. 10^th Pick – To nobody’s real surprise, remember it was Matt Millen, the Lions selected USC wideout Mike Williams. Detroit fans across the nation cheered this by the way. I wondered how DeMarcus Ware and Derrick Johnson didn’t punch a hole in their respective TVs. Oh yeah, they weren’t drafted by the Lions.]

2004: Three. [A tight end also was selected. K2, anyone? With the 3^rd selection the Arizona Cardinals wisely selected Larry Fitzgerald out of Pitt. Detroit selected a wideout (shocker!), their only good one of the three, Roy Williams of Texas with the 7^th pick. Jacksonville took perhaps the most panicked-reach of the young century by selecting Washington’s Reggie “No, not Roy” Williams.]

2003: Two. [The 2^nd pick, belonging to your Detroit Lions, was used on can’t-miss-Spartan Charles Rodgers. What a steal! The 3^rd pick, from the lowly Houston Texans, was spent on Andre Johnson out of the U. Which is also known as Miami to you non-experts and Nike shoe-salesman.]

2002: None. [I love remembering this draft, particularly for Kansas City sprinting past the late Vikings to draft Ryan Simms. Yeah, that Ryan Simms.]

Until next time…