NFL Offseason Thread

Alright we are 6 days to the NFL draft. Rumor has it the Texans are looking at not only Reggie Bush, but Mario Williams as well. I would just dismiss this as hearsay, but the fact that Bush left Texas without any contract negociations taken place, I feel like the Texans aren't completely sold on Bush. They could make a very profitable trade out of that spot and still be picking in the top 5, which could land them D'Brickishaw Fergeson (sp) or Mario Williams. Are the Texans serious about passing up Reggie Bush and what do you all think about this?

I was speaking idiomatically.

Favre makes it official, one more season in Green Bay.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2421947

A long time coming. But good to see a choice has finally been made.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I don't think there's any way the Texans pass on Bush. I personally think Bush will end up being one of the 5 best RBs ever.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Rollins

Favre makes it official, one more season in Green Bay.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2421947

A long time coming. But good to see a choice has finally been made.

Most definately. At least all the turmoil has ended in Green Bay for the moment. It does suck for me as this might sway a hopeful Buccaneer signee in Charles Woodson possibly more towards Green Bay.

And Miami's resident herbal fanatic just got a year suspension. The whole situation is hilarious to me.

Double Post:

Originally Posted by DragoonKain

I don't think there's any way the Texans pass on Bush. I personally think Bush will end up being one of the 5 best RBs ever.

I agree with you that they don't pass up Bush, but to say that he will be a top 5 RB of all time is quite a stretch. He will be a faster, more dynamic version of Brian Westbrook. He will be a success, barring injury, but I'm not ready to say he will be in such a coveted place yet.

If I'm the Texans, holding Carr, two pro-bowl WRs, and a 1000 yard runner in Dom Davis, I'd much rather trade down a few picks (not out of the top 5 mind you). See if I could get anything lucrative out of a team that is in love with Reggie Bush, along with a top 5 selection, which would still grant me possibly a Mario Williams, D'Brickishaw Fergeson (sp), or AJ Hawk.


Did anyone hear about the Raiders new stadium they plan to build? Al Davis was very excited about the plans set forth the by the Oakland city council.


How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Rollins

Favre makes it official, one more season in Green Bay.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2421947

A long time coming. But good to see a choice has finally been made.

More like it was official when the schedule came out.


And Charles Woodson signed with the Pack (too bad BucPride )! With ZERO signing bonus. His first year salary is $10.5 million because the Pack have so much cap room.


In other news, the Vikes new uniform sucks big time.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by BucPride

Did anyone hear about the Raiders new stadium they plan to build? Al Davis was very excited about the plans set forth the by the Oakland city council.

What the fuck is this? Alcatraz?

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Wojo

What the fuck is this? Alcatraz?

That's what I thought when I saw that lol.


Anyways, one more year with the Packers then. I really wish the Packers did more in the off-season. Like, I don't even think they did much of anything really.

As for the draft, I'm looking forward to it - at least the first round, though maybe the second as well. I never usually watch past that - though then again, I never actually sit there and watch the draft for hours straight either. *Shrug* We'll see how long I'll last, probably the Top 5-10, and then I'll come back from the final few in the first round into the top couple in the second round.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

If the Packers have a good season, then I don't see why Brett wouldn't come back. The whole reason behind it was that he was afraid of it being not fun anymore, as it was his first losing season in his starting career. If they Packers do well, and look like they could be ready to make a serious run, I'm sure he'd love to stay on. As long as his legs stay in shape, he'll be physically able.

As for the draft, I'll watch until my team picks, then walk away. I'll hang out at the house and chill on the internet or play a game for awhile (since it is a Saturday and I'm usually tired/relaxing before my friends and I play football on Sunday. Its a perfect setup if I miss the pick, because everyone on the Buccaneer boards will post 15 topics on our latest pick.

I'm happy for the Packers since we won't be seeing them as much anymore. I can safely root for Farve now. Its too bad about Woodson, but I'm glad we didn't overpay for him as Green Bay obviously did. However, as you said Kaga, they have plenty of money to spare this year, so its not a problem for them. I put the spin on that now, with BK, Ronde, and Juran Bolden all over 30 years old at CB, we will be drafting a young corner or two at the draft *crosses fingers for Justin Wyatt*.

By the way, yeah, its Alcatraz. I got the pic of a Bronco board, since its pretty much a 'fuck the Raiders' mentality over there. Its a classic pic of what embodies the Raiders and has for generations, criminal, dirty players.

EDIT : Lmao Kaga. I just saw the Viks new uniforms. Those look way too much like what the Cardinals did to theirs, or the NFL equivilant to the Lakers uniforms almost.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by BucPride

By the way, yeah, its Alcatraz. I got the pic of a Bronco board, since its pretty much a 'fuck the Raiders' mentality over there. Its a classic pic of what embodies the Raiders and has for generations, criminal, dirty players.

Haha awesome. The Raiders first game should just have Sean Connery say WELCOME TO THE ROCK.

I was speaking idiomatically.

While it would be great if the Steeler could somehow miraculously pick Lendale White in tommorow's draft, I really think Sinorice Moss is a great steal so late in the first round. He fills the hole that Antwaan Randle El leaving made, and should have a productive rookie campaign. Here's hoping for yet another terrific first round pick by the Steelers. In the last 4 years, we've gotten, in chronological order: Kendal Simmons, Troy Polomalu, Ben Roethlisberger, and Heath Miller. Now that's great management.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

From ESPN: "Mario Williams signed a six-year, $54 million deal with Houston.
Meet the NFL draft's new leading man. His name: Mario Williams. Houston signed the NC State defensive end Friday night to make Williams the overall top pick Saturday."

I don't know why they picked him, the Texans need good offensive linemen. I hope the Texans use their other picks to get offensive players.

xman25

FELIPE NO

What is this.

The Texans had already pissed off many local fans by saying they weren't going to draft Vince Young. Now they've pissed off the fans that would have accepted passing on Young if they got Reggie Bush, and pissed away a rushing and recieving threat (and considering how crappy the Texans offense has been, that's not something they can afford to do likely), a potential special teams threat, and all the advertising and merchandise money they would have gotten nationwide with Bush.

Why is this the most boneheaded move ever.

How ya doing, buddy?

Owned.

But your a Texans fan Styphon? I always thought you were a Cowboys fan.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Wojo

Owned.

But your a Texans fan Styphon? I always thought you were a Cowboys fan.

I am a Cowboys fan, and the Texans management is making it even easier to be one. But as I live in Houston, I have a certain level of affinity.

But it's not like I need to be a Texans fan to know how fucking stupid this was.

How ya doing, buddy?

I live in Houston. It's been painful to watch the Texans on offense, especially last season. I was really hoping that the team would take Vince Young. I hope the Texans get a lot of crap for this, the deserve it. I'm worried that David Carr (Texans' QB) is going to die in a game because he is taking too many hits. He needs a line to protect him.

xman25

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Five years from now this will be heralded as one of the biggest draft blunders ever.

Reggie Bush is a game changer, someone who can instantly make an entire team better. Mario Williams, while a great weapon to have, won't make the Texans any better because the rest of the defense sucks. Common sense tells you that you go with Bush, who can make an instant impact.

Now the big question is this: Who takes Reggie Bush now?

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

The very next team to pick: The Saints.

Most amazing jew boots

I find that doubtful - Deuce McAllister is still an effective running back and the Saints have a lot of money invested in him. I find it more likely that the Saints trade away the 2nd pick to other teams for a later 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick to address many other needs that they as a team need.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

This, in turn, leads us to the new Big Question: do the Titans, with the third pick, go with Young or Matt Leinart?

FELIPE NO

Lord Styphon and Night Phoenix:
I love how you folks think you know better than the Houston Texans on whom to draft. Never mind the fact that NFL teams spend hours upon hours studying college players for months. I suppose if you 2 know so much, then why aren't the both of you working for an NFL team as a scout or GM?



Anyway, with the 5th pick, I hope Ted Thompson takes the best player available regardless of position. Don't commit the cardinal sin of drafting: drafting for need.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by Capo

While it would be great if the Steeler could somehow miraculously pick Lendale White in tommorow's draft, I really think Sinorice Moss is a great steal so late in the first round. He fills the hole that Antwaan Randle El leaving made, and should have a productive rookie campaign. Here's hoping for yet another terrific first round pick by the Steelers. In the last 4 years, we've gotten, in chronological order: Kendal Simmons, Troy Polomalu, Ben Roethlisberger, and Heath Miller. Now that's great management.

Most definately the Steelers have done well in round one as of late. Lendale White would be the ideal replacement for Bettis, but you can find good running backs in the mid-round. Moss might end up slipping to 32, and if he does, the Steelers should take him. If not, White will definately be there.

EDIT : Goddamn fucking shit. I accidently pushed the backspace key and erased the 6 paragraphs I was writing. Damnit, anyway. I'll just throw out my mock of the 1st round.

Spoiler:

1. DE Mario Williams - Despite what most of you are saying, this is a smart pick, just as much as Bush would have been. Football games depend a considerable amount on the lineman. In a 3-4 scheme, edge rushers like Mario can be highly coveted. Now, with Williams, Travis Johnson, and Dunta Robinson, the Texans have a young, talented defense, and could very well draft Darnell Bing in the second.

2. OT D'Brickishaw Ferguson - Obviously, getting a franchise tackle to go along with Jamal Brown from last year would be ideal for this offense. I don't see the Saints passing up a guy with this much talent.

3. QB Vince Young - Trust me, this is a complete guess, as it could very well be Leinart. It all comes down to the organization sway between the Titans GM and Chow/Fisher. Whoever gets the final say gets their prospect, and I believe it'll be Young.

4. RB Reggie Bush - With an aging and oft hurt Curtis Martin, the Jets can't pass this up. With a QB battle between Ramsey and Pennington to be had this looks good for them. They could even continue to improve their offense by selecting Mike Degory, the center out of Florida (and a blue-chipper), in the ealry-mid rounds later in the draft.

5. TE Vernon Davis - Again, this is basicly a coin toss between LB AJ Hawk and the TE Vernon Davis. At the end of the day, the atvantage of having two big, athletic guys in Davis and Franks in the redzone area for Farve seems to attractive for the Pack to pass up. As for the Green Bay, they have been rumored to be in trading negociations with the Browns for veteran center Jeff Faine. If they get him, and pull off a Lelie/Walker exchange with Denver (which could happen), they could make a legitament pick for the playoffs.

6. LB AJ Hawk - Since Julian Peterson went to Seattle, Nolan can't pass Hawk up. Should the Packers draft Hawk, however, change the last two picks, even though I see it playing out like this.

7. QB Matt Leinart - Going on the idea Young goes to the Titans, Leinart goes right here to the Raiders. But, this also raises the question, how much to the Raiders like the QB they drafted last year, Andrew Walter? I still think they make the choice to grab Leinart here, or Young if the Titans make the opposite choice above. But, I wouldn't rule out an Ernie Sims here at LB.

8. DT Brodrick Bunkley - Cover two nose tackle. New coach Dick Jauron shouldn't pass up a chance to snag something that will improve the 2nd worst rushing defense last year.

9. DB Michael Huff - Can't be anymore obvious than this. He's definately the best DB you can draft, as he can play corner or safety with his speed. Rod Marinelli should take him and improve that lackluster secondary.

10. OT Winston Justice - Part of the reason why Arizona’s rushing attack last season finished last a year ago was because of the offensive line. They’ve addressed their RB situation by signing Edgerrin James but offensive line remains a big concern. Justice has great size and athleticism. He also put up 38 reps of 225 on the bench at his pro day. A lot of people including myself believe Justice has more upside than D’Brickashaw Ferguson. John Fox was quoted saying “Some teams including the Panthers rate Justice ahead of Ferguson.” That’s saying a lot.

11. QB Jay Cutler - Cutler is a perfect fit for new Rams coach Scott Lineham’s system. He is a good athlete and an extremely strong arm which would help solidify the Rams new era under Scott Lineham. Lineham has been extremely high on Cutler, so if the Cardinals pass on Cutler, he doesn't fall past St.Louis.

12. DT Haloti Ngata - Big-sized DT that would be a great pickup for this 3-4 defense. He can start right off and big a force for their run defense. Despite the signing of 38 year old Ted Washington the Browns are still in the market for a nose tackle. That’s exactly what Ngata is. Ngata is 345 pounds and is your ideal 3-4 nose tackle. Romeo Crennel said he wants Washington to play only up to 15 snaps game, so the definitely means they have a need for another nose tackle. Don’t rule out Kamerion Wimbley though.

Sorry, stopping here. Too late for something that'll be over in 14 hours. But thats my top 12 picks.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Chairman Kaga

I love how you folks think you know better than the Houston Texans on whom to draft. Never mind the fact that NFL teams spend hours upon hours studying college players for months. I suppose if you 2 know so much, then why aren't the both of you working for an NFL team as a scout or GM?

I personally love I've offered reasons why this move was a mistake on the Texans' part, while you've offered nothing but the tired "you think you can do better?" response. You might want to work on that.

Also, the sportswriters appear agree with my opinion in this case. Richard Justice's column on the Chronicle sports section's front page says it all: "Bypassing Bush smacks of stupidity".

I would assume that these people, who have been covering sports for years, and who would need to do research on their stories (like ones about draft prospects), would know something about what they're talking about.

And what they're saying is that the Texans screwed up royally.

Incidentally, BucPride, you specifically mentioned Williams being highly coveted in a 3-4 defense. While I'm not going to argue that point with you, I will point out that the Texans are switching to a 4-3 defense this season, so Williams' potential value in a 3-4 scheme doesn't exactly apply to the Texans anymore.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I was shocked. I really thought the Texans would take Bush no matter what.

Wow.


But yeah, Bush will still end up the top 5 - though nevertheless, ESPN is saying (via Television) that the Saints, Titans, and Jets are thinking of getting Bush. However, if no one trades with the Saints, there's the good chance they're going to go out and grab him.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

And now the mystery is solved. Saints picked Reggie Bush.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Lord Styphon

Incidentally, BucPride, you specifically mentioned Williams being highly coveted in a 3-4 defense. While I'm not going to argue that point with you, I will point out that the Texans are switching to a 4-3 defense this season, so Williams' potential value in a 3-4 scheme doesn't exactly apply to the Texans anymore.

But, one can still spin this as a very good pick. The guy is still a big lineman who has the speed to consistantly beat tackles every week. With him and Travis on their edges, I think it's a smart pick to take, just as was Bush. Its the same guy that would play in the 3-4 system. Now, like you said, their switching to 4-3 (which I never knew, but knowing is half the battle!). Equate him to a Jason Taylor/Simeon Rice type of guy who can get you heavy sack production. I don't think his production will slide due to a base package change in their defense. He's still a tremendous athlete, and he'll be a cornerstone with Dunta Robinson and Greenwood down in Texas.

LMAO. My mock I posted is completely raped. Bush at 2 was smart, but Brickishaw just looked better to me. Bush/McAllister is going to be a huge pricetag for the Saints. This'll look attractive for now, but thats alot to chew for one position with only one starter.

EDIT: Wow, Cutler is a Bronco...

I was speaking idiomatically.