2007 NFL Thread

[Byrd Man]

If I asked a South Carolina fan what they thought of Williamson - they would of said the same thing.

You don't draft backups on first day (outside of QBs), you draft people you see as instant impact players and probably starters.

Udeze is a bust - he got how many sacks last year? Thats right - zero. How many games did he start? Try 16. That is quite impressive.

The Vikings DO have bigger needs - WR and OL being one of them. If they can trade down - great. But to take Ginn or an OL at that pick would be a big reach. You can get better value with Adams.

Hell yeah. Try was a exsplosive player who could break a big play.....in college.

 

[Cmill216]

Really nice team-by-team breakdown from John Clayton. I'll post the ones most relavent to our regular NFL posters:

SOURCE: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2758756

Cap room: $3.8 million

New head coach Bobby Petrino's biggest mission is getting the most out of QB Michael Vick. He plans to add audibles to the playbook. He wants to give Vick more options. This is an important year for Vick because the Falcons have to figure out if he is going to get them back to the playoffs.

It will be interesting to see what Petrino does with the offensive line. Center Todd McClure, guard Kynan Forney and tackle Todd Weiner are better suited for a light, athletic Alex Gibbs-type offensive line. Gibbs is gone and the Falcons concede size. Petrino has only eight free agents and one of those is defensive end Patrick Kerney, whose contract was voided.

Age is becoming a concern on defense. Lawyer Milloy will be 33. Keith Brooking just turned 30. Kerney, John Abraham, Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson are also getting older. Petrino also has tough decisions to make at wide receiver. Ashley Lelie probably won't be back. He's a free agent. Michael Jenkins and Roddy White haven't lit it up either. Edgerton Hartwell, the middle linebacker, could be a cap casualty after two injury-plagued seasons. Another concern is that is Warrick Dunn is going to be 32, a dangerous age for a running back.

Cap room: $13.1 million

Nick Saban's biggest problem was that he was indecisive. He'd waffle on decisions for the longest time, even though he'd put pressure on his staff to help him with those decisions. Consequently, he let the Dolphins' defense get old and he wasted a year figuring out the quarterback situation. Saban is gone and the Dolphins organization is rejoicing. New coach Cam Cameron comes in with a nice persona and an all-star staff.

First he has to figure out the quarterback position. Daunte Culpepper should be the starter as long as his knee finally heals properly with rest and rehab. Joey Harrington may be a cap casualty, and Cleo Lemon is a restricted free agent who may or may not be back. The Dolphins will try to get more speed at the wide receiver position. They were slow afoot and lacked big plays.

They have 15 free agents, including defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday, tackle Damion McIntosh, running back Sammy Morris and safety Travares Tillman. They could cut wide receiver Marty Booker, defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson and offensive lineman Seth McKinney. This team figures to have 20 or more changes on the roster. Culpepper could be the key, though. If he can become a good quarterback again, the Dolphins could be a contender. They will stay in a 3-4 defense after keeping Dom Capers as the defensive coordinator.

Cap room: $22.9 million

The Rams came out of 2006 with a respectable 8-8 record under first-year coach Scott Linehan. The Rams still have a dangerous offense. Marc Bulger is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFC. Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce are aging a little but they are a dangerous one-two punch at receiver. Steven Jackson is one of the league's most dangerous running backs. Those are the positives keeping the team afloat. The problems are many. The offensive line remains a concern. It struggled again last season.

The defense improved through free agency and the draft but it needs more athletes. What makes things worse is that the 49ers and Cardinals could be ready to pass the Rams in the NFC West, and St. Louis hasn't caught up to the Seahawks. The Rams could suffer a big loss if Kevin Curtis leaves. He's a dangerous receiver who is entering his prime. The Rams' 13 other free agents are mostly backups and key role players. The Rams have plenty of room to upgrade their roster. They may cut guard Adam Timmerman and linebacker Dexter Coakley, but there aren't any cap issues.

Cap room: $15 million

The pressure is building on Jon Gruden. Ownership values his coaching, but the pressure is back on the Bucs to return to their winning ways. Age finally caught up to the defense last season. The Bucs plan to keep defensive end Simeon Rice, but they could release defensive linemen Ellis Wyms and Greg Spires if they don't restructure their contracts. They need to re-sign defensive end Dewayne White, who is a free agent. The most important decision will come at quarterback. The Bucs re-signed Chris Simms, but they may go after Jeff Garcia as insurance. The Bucs could cut right tackle Kenyatta Walker, but they also have to decide if they want Mike Alstott back.

Cap room: $16.8 million

This should be the third year of a four-season run for the Bears atop of the NFC North. They have only eight free agents and the cap room to franchise linebacker Lance Briggs and prevent him from leaving.

They want to re-sign guard Ruben Brown. Defensive tackle Ian Scott might be the toughest to re-sign. Expect no cap cuts either. The Bears play in the easiest division, so their chances of going back to the Super Bowl are good. They have issues with the coaching staff, however. Lovie Smith is entering the final year of his contract and the team is nowhere close to getting a contract extension.

The Bears got a break when the Cowboys hired Wade Phillips, allowing them the chance to keep Ron Rivera as defensive coordinator. Rivera would have been Norv Turner's defensive coordinator had Turner been offered the Cowboys' job. Expect little change with this team.

Cap room: $18.2 million
Jerry Jones invested so much money in the 3-4 defense, he wanted to hire a defensive coach who knew the 3-4. Wade Phillips was his choice because he is one of the best 3-4 coaches in football. Phillips takes over a talented playoff team. We'll see how his good nature works with Terrell Owens, who drove Bill Parcells into retirement.

There don't need to be a lot of changes on the team. The Cowboys have only seven free agents, but they should re-sign center Andre Gurode after he went to the Pro Bowl. Phillips' biggest challenge is figuring out the offensive line. Marco Rivera and Flozell Adams are aging. Right tackle Marc Colombo is a free agent. So is backup center Al Johnson. The Cowboys might make a move for Leonard Davis of the Cardinals to add some bulk to the offensive line.

Jason Garrett takes over as offensive coordinator and will try to get the most of out QB Tony Romo, who will have his first full season as the starting quarterback. Phillips will make a point of getting the defense to perform better on first and second downs. The Cowboys gave up the league's most yardage on first down. They rarely got pressure on quarterbacks on first and second downs. Phillips was hired to improve that.

Cap room: $200,000
The Colts won't have room to be a player in free agency, but they should do enough to keep this team together. They can restructure Peyton Manning's contract and save about $8 million in cap room. They can cut wide receiver Brandon Stokley and defensive tackle Corey Simon.

Defensive end Dwight Freeney will either be franchised or get a new contract. The big decision involves linebacker Cato June. The Colts lost linebackers Marcus Washington, Mike Peterson and David Thornton over the past few years and the defense suffered with their departures. June may not be as good as those three players, but he is a playmaker the Colts would like to keep.

Expect the Colts to look for larger defensive line backups who will allow them to put some bigger packages together against power running teams. The Colts have a chance to repeat. It's not out of the question for them to be able to re-sign halfback Dominic Rhodes. They will lose safety Mike Doss, but that is intentional. Manning vows to get better as a quarterback and that is scary for the rest of the league.

 

[Cmill216]

And more:

Cap room: $26.9 million

The Patriots are gambling with their roster. They didn't want to pay big money for Deion Branch, so they lost him for lesser receivers. Yet, they went to the AFC title game without him. Now, they are contemplating not re-signing Asante Samuel, who will compete against Nate Clements for the big cornerback money in free agency. The Patriots also could lose tight end Daniel Graham and linebacker Tully Banta-Cain in free agency. Clearly, the window hasn't closed on the Patriots' Super Bowl runs, but their roster is getting thinner and thinner each year.

It's going to be hard for them to stay at the 12-win level next season because they have the toughest schedule in the AFC (.535 against). Last year, they had a .496-against schedule, which helped their record. Still, the Patriots should win 10 or 11 games without too much trouble. Tom Brady is still the quarterback. Coach Bill Belichick has reached the Hall of Fame level, but at some point he needs a new contract. There is some thought this could be the final year of his deal. As everyone knows, Belichick keeps everything a mystery.

Cap room: $3.3 million

The move to go to QB Steve McNair put the Ravens in the divisional playoffs last season and makes them a solid playoff candidate for this year. Changes on this team probably will be minimal. The Ravens have 10 free agents. The biggest name is linebacker Adalius Thomas. If they don't franchise him, he could leave for the 49ers and reunite with Mike Nolan, the former Ravens defensive coordinator.

The Ravens could cut halfback Jamal Lewis instead of giving him a $5 million roster bonus in March. If that happens, they would use a first- or second-round choice on a good, young running back. Ray Lewis should be able to talk left tackle Jonathan Ogden out of retiring. If Ogden doesn't return, the Ravens will drop another game or two. The line performed well but was shaky. Losing Ogden would be a major blow, but he should be back. Mike Flynn is expected to restructure his contract and be a backup center.

The Ravens have been drafting good, young receivers to go with Derrick Mason, who wasn't happy about the offense at the end of the season. Another key free agent is right tackle Tony Pashos, who played well toward the end of the season and could get a big payday.

Cap room: $3.6 million
The Eagles took the NFC East's best shot -- the division brought in Tom Coughlin, Bill Parcells and Joe Gibbs to stop them -- but Philly got the last laugh and is back on top. The Eagles, who went to four straight NFC title games, dropped down to six wins in 2005 but rebounded in style, winning the division in 2006. Andy Reid has rebuilt the offensive and defensive lines and Donovan McNabb will be back at quarterback.

Jeff Garcia figures to leave in free agency for more money and a different opportunity (Chicago and Tampa Bay are just two of the teams being mentioned), but A.J. Feeley can take over as the backup. The Eagles have only 10 free agents. Safety Michael Lewis is expected to leave. They would like to re-sign Donte' Stallworth, but that could be competitive.

The Eagles will be looking for help at wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker and could use a safety as well. Still, the Eagles are back in control of the NFC East.

 

[StorminNorman]

Ravens are overloaded at Defensive end.And there is no way they letting blalock get passed them .

I have Grubbs rated higher than Blalock at the same position. I have the Ravens takin Grubbs first round.

As far as the Ravens being overloaded at DE - I think that is being a little considerate, though I would agree they do not have a real pressing issue there. My concern is Pryces age. Though I have to admit I am not as happy with my pick for the Ravens second round pick as I am most of mine.

Other people I could see the Ravens taking are:
Antonio Pittman RB OSU
Stewart Bradley OLB Nebraska
Brandon Siler ILB Florida

 

[thehippie]

Ginn is #8 on Kipers big board and almost every mock draft i've seen has ginn going within the top 10.
he would be an excellent pick for the vikings, not only a kick returner but someone who would be an instant starter since the vikes wr's are quite horrible...the only way they don't take a wr with the 7th pick is if they get moss or another wr via trade or free agency.
i think there DE needs would be better suited to be filled by a free agent then a draft pick.
even if ginn doesn't go to the vikes i can promise one thing, he won't be a bust like troy williamson was/is.

and i know Udeze is a bust, just pointing out that the vikes have taken a DE in the first round twice in the last three years...

 

[StorminNorman]

Ginn is #8 on Kipers big board and almost every mock draft i've seen has ginn going within the top 10.
he would be an excellent pick for the vikings, not only a kick returner but someone who would be an instant starter since the vikes wr's are quite horrible...the only way they don't take a wr with the 7th pick is if they get moss or another wr via trade or free agency.
i think there DE needs would be better suited to be filled by a free agent then a draft pick.
even if ginn doesn't go to the vikes i can promise one thing, he won't be a bust like troy williamson was/is.

NFL Draft Countdown, which has been by far one of the most accurate mock draft sites the past few years, have Ginn ranked as the 20th best prospect in the Draft. I have him ranked similarly - they are very good at what they do.

Do the Vikings have a piss poor WR core? Yes. Ginn is not the answer. Dwayne Jarret would be a better pick, but I still feel that both Ginn and Jarret do not qualify a top 10 draft pick. Gonzales in the 2nd round provides bigger bang for the buck.

You can't promise anything, many people considered Ryan Leaf to be the best QB in the draft - how did that fair?

 

[thehippie]

didn't some people know already that leaf had mental troubles before the draft?...
anyways ginn won't be like williamson, he'll excell in the nfl...hopefully the vikings get him...
but anywho here's a mock i just made since i'm bored .....yes i don't have the vikings taking a wr....btw the browns would trade down to get ginn...i just don't know how to use the trade down feature on that site while making a mock..

http://www.mymockdraft.com/MyDraft/TheHippie05.aspx

 

[The_Mystery]

I think if I were the Pats, I would Franchise Asante Samuels. The man had like 11 or 12 interceptions, he's worth it. He's good for a touchdown per game. The Pats also need another really good WR. If Bruschi retires then we're definitely in trouble.

 

[Mister J]

I think if I were the Pats, I would Franchise Asante Samuels. The man had like 11 or 12 interceptions, he's worth it. He's good for a touchdown per game. The Pats also need another really good WR. If Bruschi retires then we're definitely in trouble.

Another? Who's the first one.

I do agree about keeping Samuel (don't know if I'd franchise him though). New England needs to open up the wallet a bit and bring in some more talent.

 

[Fran]

The Rams seem to be in pretty good shape, cap-wise.

I think we need to strengthen the O-line as much as possible, strengthen the D, and keep Curtis.

 

[StorminNorman]

didn't some people know already that leaf had mental troubles before the draft?...
anyways ginn won't be like williamson, he'll excell in the nfl...hopefully the vikings get him...
but anywho here's a mock i just made since i'm bored .....yes i don't have the vikings taking a wr....btw the browns would trade down to get ginn...i just don't know how to use the trade down feature on that site while making a mock..

http://www.mymockdraft.com/MyDraft/TheHippie05.aspx

And you were criticizing me for having the Vikings pick a DE?

 

[StorminNorman]

I think if I were the Pats, I would Franchise Asante Samuels. The man had like 11 or 12 interceptions, he's worth it. He's good for a touchdown per game. The Pats also need another really good WR. If Bruschi retires then we're definitely in trouble.

I am starting to lose all respect I have for the Patriots.

Pay the players that put out for you

 

[C-$]

Why not? They need to start looking at the future. Their biggest need is at LB - I have them addressing that in the first round. They could use a TE, but I think a good young QB like Stanton at that pick would be too hard to pass up.

Why do they need to start looking at the future? Delhomme has about another 3 to 4 yrs left in him. Their biggest need is Safety, then libacker and Defensive End. They'll draft the safety from LSU or Reggie Nelson in the first round. Even if Morgan gets hurt again, Chris Draft is going to replace him. The Panthers want to win "now" and drafting Stanton in the second round would mean you're thinking about the future more than winning "right now".

 

[StorminNorman]

Why do they need to start looking at the future? Delhomme has about another 3 to 4 yrs left in him. Their biggest need is Safety, then libacker and Defensive End. They'll draft the safety from LSU or Reggie Nelson in the first round. Even if Morgan gets hurt again, Chris Draft is going to replace him. The Panthers want to win "now" and drafting Stanton in the second round would mean you're thinking about the future more than winning "right now".

Delhomme took a step back last year. Does he have another 3 to 4 years left to play? Yes. To play consistently? I dont know.

The Broncos are a team that needs to win now - yet they took Cutler first round.

You can't ignore the future in the hopes of improving today.

 

[Kaleb]

Delhomme took a step back last year. Does he have another 3 to 4 years left to play? Yes. To play consistently? I dont know.

The Broncos are a team that needs to win now - yet they took Cutler first round.

You can't ignore the future in the hopes of improving today.

There are reports that the Panthers are really serously looking into giving up their 3rd round for Ravens backup Qb kyle Boller ( personally I hope this doesnt happend as Mcnair isnt the most healthiest Qb around, and Kyle is one of the better backups arounds)

here is the little snippet The Charlotte Observer's Pat Yasinkas says he's heard rumors the Panthers "really like" Ravens backup quarterback Kyle Boller.

Those around the Ravens think the team has given up on Boller as its quarterback of the future. Boller is a cheap and useful backup for oft-injured Steve McNair, however, so Carolina may have to wait until his rookie contract expires in 2008 to make a run at acquiring him.

 

[C-$]

Delhomme took a step back last year. Does he have another 3 to 4 years left to play? Yes. To play consistently? I dont know.

The Broncos are a team that needs to win now - yet they took Cutler first round.

You can't ignore the future in the hopes of improving today.

The Broncos drafted Cutler because they knew that Jake Plummer was never going to lead them to a Super Bowl. That team was pretty much set, offensively and defensively. I just get tired of the "Delhomme struggled last year" argument because they guy had no running game to take some of the pressure of him & his offensive line was average. I'm not saying that Delhomme didn't make any stupid decisions when passing the ball but I think he just gets too much flack especially after Chris Mortenson started talking about how he might get replaced.

 

[Mister J]

PRO BOWL TODAY, BABY!!!!​

 

[StorminNorman]

The Broncos drafted Cutler because they knew that Jake Plummer was never going to lead them to a Super Bowl. That team was pretty much set, offensively and defensively. I just get tired of the "Delhomme struggled last year" argument because they guy had no running game to take some of the pressure of him & his offensive line was average. I'm not saying that Delhomme didn't make any stupid decisions when passing the ball but I think he just gets too much flack especially after Chris Mortenson started talking about how he might get replaced.

But Plummer played great ball in 2005...?

If Mortenson is reporting it, then there has to be some validity to it - he is quite good at his job.

 

[Fran]

I can't wait. It is always so much fun to watch.

 

[C-$]

But Plummer played great ball in 2005...?

If Mortenson is reporting it, then there has to be some validity to it - he is quite good at his job.

Your right, he did play good ball in '05 but soon he screwed up in the AFC championship game people started saying how Jake reverted back to his old ways.

 

[StorminNorman]

Your right, he did play good ball in '05 but soon he screwed up in the AFC championship game people started saying how Jake reverted back to his old ways.

You think a team was looking at replacing him quickly JUST because of one bad game? No. They knew that Jake was aging and that they would need a new team leader soon - that is they chose Cutler.

 

[Cmill216]

Good god, Dick Enberg is a ******.

 

[Kaleb]

explain ?

 

[Cmill216]

explain ?

It's a nitpicky thing, but...

The Patriots coordinator called in a play to Peyton Manning: "Hey Peyton, 85. 85." And Enberg's like, "Well 85 must be a running play to the 5 hole." And of course, it isn't, because Manning's clearly looking at a play chart on his wrist which has the plays on it, and 85 obviously meant to go with the play numbered 85. The play ended up being a pass."




....Yes, I'm anal. But Enberg's still a ******.

 

[Cmill216]

Oh, and what the hell is wrong with Terrell Suggs. He already shoved Brees down hard earlier in the game, then he just went rather low on Drew, who's now going to the locker room.