NFL.com's Pat Kirwin lists Branch, Carriker, Harris and Spencer at the top
(March 17, 2007) -- Draft boards are set up differently around the National Football League. A team that uses a 3-4 defense is going to see talent from a much different perspective than a 4-3 team, for example.
It wasn't too long ago that a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers merely had to figure out which college defensive ends could become 3-4 outside linebackers in order to continue to build their famous 3-4 package.
But over time, things have changed and now the Patriots, Jets, Browns, Chargers, Cowboys and 49ers are all looking for the same players. When you throw in the hybrid defenses that like to jump back and forth from 3-4 to 4-3 packages, there is a much bigger drain on all of the front-seven positions for the 3-4.
Don't get me wrong -- great players can play in any scheme, but building a front-seven unit is much different. more
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Packers GM Says He "Never" Talked Moss-for-Rodgers
Move that could shake up top of the draft not on the table, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Rumors persist that Packers backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the trading block in a possible deal for Oakland Raiders receiver Randy Moss. General Manager Ted Thompson, who should know better than anyone, doesn't put a lot of stock in such speculation.
"It's never been discussed inside the building or outside the building," said Thompson when asked about a possible Rodgers trade.
Rumors persist that Packers backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the trading block in a possible deal for Oakland Raiders receiver Randy Moss. General Manager Ted Thompson, who should know better than anyone, doesn't put a lot of stock in such speculation.
"It's never been discussed inside the building or outside the building," said Thompson when asked about a possible Rodgers trade.
Keep Waiting for Millen to Make Up His Mind - IF He Has One
Writes Mike O'Hara in the Detroit News: Does Lions president Matt Millen keep the second pick overall or trade it? Don’t expect an immediate answer. Speculation won’t end until Millen makes a move.
History indicates that Millen will decide later — much, much later — rather than sooner. The first pick overall has been traded twice since 2001, both times by the San Diego Chargers. In 2001, they traded rights to the first pick to Atlanta on the day before the draft. The Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Vick. And in 2004, the Chargers actually drafted Eli Manning first overall. Some 45 minutes later, they traded the rights to Manning to the Giants.
History indicates that Millen will decide later — much, much later — rather than sooner. The first pick overall has been traded twice since 2001, both times by the San Diego Chargers. In 2001, they traded rights to the first pick to Atlanta on the day before the draft. The Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Vick. And in 2004, the Chargers actually drafted Eli Manning first overall. Some 45 minutes later, they traded the rights to Manning to the Giants.
Florio says/asks/theorizes/blows smoke for his agent friends with - RAIDERS FOCUSED ON JOHNSON?
There's increasing talk in league circles that the Oakland Raiders are planning to select receiver Calvin Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Johnson is the best prospect that we've ever seen. He's big, he's strong, he can jump, he's blazing fast, he has soft hands, and he's not a butthole.
Beyond the fact that Calvin is everything that Randy Moss ever was, and at least one key thing Moss isn't, the simple reality is that the Raiders surely want to turn it around sooner rather than later, given the advancing age and declining health of owner Al Davis.
And Johnson is in a much better position to make an instant impact than quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
Of course, Johnson can't be added until Moss is long gone. And, preferably, Jerry Porter, too. Why risk letting either of these malcontents infect a guy who is, for now, the rare exception to
the rule that receivers generally are pains in ass.
There's increasing talk in league circles that the Oakland Raiders are planning to select receiver Calvin Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Johnson is the best prospect that we've ever seen. He's big, he's strong, he can jump, he's blazing fast, he has soft hands, and he's not a butthole.
Beyond the fact that Calvin is everything that Randy Moss ever was, and at least one key thing Moss isn't, the simple reality is that the Raiders surely want to turn it around sooner rather than later, given the advancing age and declining health of owner Al Davis.
And Johnson is in a much better position to make an instant impact than quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
Of course, Johnson can't be added until Moss is long gone. And, preferably, Jerry Porter, too. Why risk letting either of these malcontents infect a guy who is, for now, the rare exception to
the rule that receivers generally are pains in ass.
Shopping Season: With 7 Signed, Browns tied with Tampa for Most
Writes the ABJ's PacMac: In a market considered mediocre, the Browns have added two offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, a running back, a linebacker and a cornerback.
This activity continues a trend in the Phil Savage era. The Browns have spent and spent and spent on players from other teams in a frantic attempt to patch holes and to improve.
The spending has reached hefty proportions -- especially in terms of signing bonuses and guaranteed money.
This activity continues a trend in the Phil Savage era. The Browns have spent and spent and spent on players from other teams in a frantic attempt to patch holes and to improve.
The spending has reached hefty proportions -- especially in terms of signing bonuses and guaranteed money.
Smoke, Trade Down Scenarios Highlight Silly Season
In his weekly column, Tony Grossi checks out the Adam Schefter Rumors, talks about double-dipping and names a possible back up QB for Cleveland.
...But if Russell and Quinn go 1-2 and the Browns don't make an effort to move up for one, they will have interesting options at No. 3.
The most desirable players left for them would be Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson and Peterson.
Tampa Bay (No. 4) and Minnesota (No. 7) are said to be salivating over Johnson, Arizona (No. 5) is considered desirous of Thomas and Houston (No. 8) has eyes for, reportedly, Peterson.
Double dipping:
The act of signing a player in free agency away from a division rival was termed "double dipping" by former Browns President Carmen Policy. This year, no team has double dipped more than the Browns.
They have signed three players from division rivals - left guard Eric Steinbach and nose tackle Shaun Smith from Cincinnati, and running back Jamal Lewis from Baltimore.
Anthony Wright:
If the Browns do add a veteran quarterback in free agency, a name to keep in mind is Anthony Wright. He broke into the league with Pittsburgh, played five years in Baltimore and ended last season with Cincinnati. The Browns are the only team in the AFC North for which Wright has not played.
...But if Russell and Quinn go 1-2 and the Browns don't make an effort to move up for one, they will have interesting options at No. 3.
The most desirable players left for them would be Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson and Peterson.
Tampa Bay (No. 4) and Minnesota (No. 7) are said to be salivating over Johnson, Arizona (No. 5) is considered desirous of Thomas and Houston (No. 8) has eyes for, reportedly, Peterson.
Double dipping:
The act of signing a player in free agency away from a division rival was termed "double dipping" by former Browns President Carmen Policy. This year, no team has double dipped more than the Browns.
They have signed three players from division rivals - left guard Eric Steinbach and nose tackle Shaun Smith from Cincinnati, and running back Jamal Lewis from Baltimore.
Anthony Wright:
If the Browns do add a veteran quarterback in free agency, a name to keep in mind is Anthony Wright. He broke into the league with Pittsburgh, played five years in Baltimore and ended last season with Cincinnati. The Browns are the only team in the AFC North for which Wright has not played.
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