NFL Offseason Thread

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.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

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...

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

I couldn't be happier with Davin Joseph and Trueblood as our offensive line upgrades. With what I've read about these two, I can't wait for TC to start.

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

To me, its funny when draft experts grade them now. The worst graded team could end up having the best prospects pan out over time. Its all estimated guess work for the most part.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by DragoonKain

I have no idea why the Bucs passed up Mangold or Justice. IMO they needed more help at center and tackle.

Tackle, yes. Center, John Wade and/or Sean Mahan will do just fine for us.

Isn't it a bit weird that every single team passed on Justice, some twice? Obviously, he wasn't one that people considered first round talent. From what I've read about Davin Joseph, I'm thankful we took him. Smart guy with tremendous talent. As for our second round pick, Trueblood at OT, he'll probably compete for the starting job at the very least. The only knock on him was his lack of urgency on a down to down basis. So, I'm sure Gruden can light a fire under his ass and get him to bust his butt on an every down basis.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by DragoonKain

Justice was passed because of his character issues. He pulled a toy gun on someone as a prank and got suspended for the entire 2004 season and also he was caught soliciting a prostitute. His interviews went bad as well. He didn't drop because of talent or production issues. He was a very dominant tackle in college.

Andy and Heckert both did extensive homework on Justice, and believe me, they hate bringing in guys with character issues, but they seemed to be really impressed with Justice.

Thats something Gruden really wants to avoid if at all possible. He's had a fair share of guys with questionable character, so he opted to not go with Justice.

FELIPE NO

He'll be in the HoF within his first 3 tries at the most I think. Depends on the classes over the next few years and such.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Since this hasn't been discussed yet, I thought I'd bring it up. It's too funny to miss. Just beautiful proof that the Lions are a soft team, especially Marinelli being as demanding as he is.

Spoiler:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...yhoo&type=lgns

DETROIT – The NFL has banned Detroit Lions players from working out Monday and Tuesday at the team's practice facility.

This is major news. Judging by their almost 50 years of futility, who knew the Lions worked out at all, let alone that the franchise had an actual building dedicated to practice?

But it's true. The Lions do have a plush, modern practice facility, where players routinely break a sweat. And not just practicing anything, but practicing actual football plays. Seriously.

In fact, according to a union grievance, since hard-nosed coach Rod Marinelli took over in January, the players have been forced to practice too hard.

The NFL Players Association and the NFL Management Council in a joint statement Friday agreed that the Lions broke rules involving offseason activities and punished the team by prohibiting two days of supervised workouts.

Booth Newspapers originally reported that players were upset that April minicamp drills – where "contact work or use of pads" is not allowed – were too physical.

"The players were upset at the high intensity and aggressiveness demanded in the team drills and believed the coaching staff was going over the line," Tom Kowalski reported, citing a source.

And so, the players complained, the union and the league agreed and now they get two days off, with pay.

On Thursday, when workouts resume, Marinelli ought to run those Cowardly Lions to Toledo and back. He just needs to make sure no one bumps someone else and cracks a nail.

Union rules for safety are good things for coal miners and construction workers and things of that sort. Workers in those lines of work should file a grievance at the first sign of trouble and they should never, ever be subject to management retribution. There are laws against that type of thing.

But this isn't the Sterling Heights Stamping Plant. This isn't an old Upper Peninsula copper mine.

Having millionaire athletes complain about too-tough workouts for a franchise that has gone a NFL-worst 21-59 over the last five seasons and routinely showed a distinct lack of toughness, competitive fire or football acumen is comical.

Predictable – heck, Detroit's defense hasn't believed in contact in years – but comical.

What kind of abuse could Marinelli possibly have subjected the players? Lifting weights at an asbestos factory? Running sprints in a rickety mine shaft? Listening to recordings of Joey Harrington playing the piano?

No one is saying for sure, but apparently blocking and tackling is now out of the question. What a surprise these guys average four wins a season.

It would be understandable if the NFL came in and punished the Lions for full-contact practices outside of the designated time, because, even for them, it would be a competitive advantage (hold the laughter).

But if the players care about winning, they should want that advantage. Instead they ratted on their own coach, and not out of some sense of fair play.

Detroit general manager Matt Millen was one tough football player – you can never envision him complaining about practice being too rough. His mantra since taking over the team has been to surround himself with people out of that mold. Based on this uprising, his judge of character is worse than his 21 measly wins would have you believe.

Millen tried to correct the franchise's perpetual softness by bringing in Marinelli, the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who was immediately dubbed "Major Marinelli" for his drill sergeant ways. Fans who were sick of watching the sorriest excuse for a team in the NFL rejoiced at the thought – a modern-day Vince Lombardi to knock around a group whose only recent positives have come on drug tests.

Then Millen vowed this spring to only draft players who were "hungry" to play football. That was a departure from previous selections who just had the munchies, which is an entirely different thing he found out.

Unfortunately, at least one of those vets decided that not only is playing football rather overwhelming, but practicing football is, too. If only George Plimpton could write his book now; he'd be starting at middle linebacker.

Lombardi has to be rolling in his grave, Bear Bryant must be beside himself and Chris Spielman is probably alone in a darkened room, weeping over what has become of his old team.

We're talking about practice?

Not on Monday or Tuesday for the Lions. Expect business to be brisk at area manicure shops.

And more belated news on football, Randy Moss fired his agent due to the drug problem he had. Good on ya Randy.

Spoiler:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/s...e=NFLHeadlines

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss has dropped an agent who is facing drug charges in Florida.

Randy Moss
Moss

Charleston lawyer Dante DiTrapano, his wife Teri, and three others were arrested March 14 at a St. Petersburg, Fla., hotel. Police there said they recovered 73 pieces of crack cocaine and 21 grams of powder cocaine. All five were charged with felony possession of crack cocaine.

Moss signed an agreement on April 20 designating another Charleston lawyer, Tim DiPiero, as his sole agent, the NFL Players Association told The Charleston Gazette for a story in Tuesday's editions. DiPiero confirmed the agreement on Monday but he told the newspaper that he would not comment on the reasons.

DiTrapano and DiPiero are members of the same law firm, DiTrapano, Barrett & DiPiero PLLC. The law firm has removed DiTrapano's name from the sign outside its Charleston offices.

DiPiero has represented Moss as an agent and attorney since 1995, when Moss was accused of kicking a classmate at DuPont High School. Moss later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Arizona Cardinals sold out their season tickets this year. Jesus, that franchise is actually showing some signs of life.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

The Cardinals are playing in a weak division, and look like they'll finally at long last have a high-powered offense in place. They could contend for a wildcard this year, depending on how Seattle does in the NFC West. Its nice to see the owner inject life into this lackluster, bottemfeeder franchise. No Superbowl titles, but they now have a new stadium and high-profile players in Matt Leinart and Edgerrin James.

I do recall Anquan Boldin having another fantastic season, though I don't know the exact stats. Definately a strong fantasy pick, especially with James in there to draw the coverage off from him a bit.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhtUo5nj8Vw

Check this out Capo and Wojo, I found this and thought you might like it, even though it is rap.

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

Alright folks. We're just about two weeks away from the first training camp opening in the NFL. Any predicitions for the coming year?

I was speaking idiomatically.

A second championship, when'd they win the first one?

I don't think the Bucs'll take the South. However, if we make the playoffs with the schedule we have, then I'd like to think we'll make some noise. Lets not forget, we continue to have a top five defense year in and out. The Falcons defense won't come around until midseason, despite what ever Atlanta fan will tell you. Since when does a defense go from crap to top 5 starting week one? Thought so.

The NFC is a crapshoot. Take your pick. Their are way too many teams that can take it, all depends on health and progression.

In the NFC East, Dallas may have gotten TO, but they forgot to grab offensive lineman. I still think they'll probably take the division, with the Redskins or Giants getting a wildcard. Redskins added a bunch of above-average talent, but they don't have any position that is a cut above the rest. Good defense and offense, but not great.

The NFC South is an interesting division. I don't think the Bucs'll take it, as the schedule we have looks daunting. We'll compete, but I think Carolina (media darlings thus far -- I haven't seen an 'expert' who hasn't gushed about them yet) takes the division. The Saints and Falcons will compete, and I say this with an OBVIOUS unbiased eye, screw them. Mike Vick will never master the WCO, and he shouldn't be forced to. Good job Mora! Puting a quarterback into a system he'll never understand. Saints'll be dangerous, a Bush/McAllister combo sounds like hell.

The NFC West. Seattle. Closed. Arizona may compete for a wildcard, but I won't be sold until they actually do something, as I've heard they'll be good for 3 straight years now. The Rams need to work on giving Steven Jackson the ball more than 10 times a game. The 49ers...well, I think its obvious, they'll be picking in the top 5 next April.

And the NFC North. Da Bears. They will actually need an offense, because the Vikings will give them a run for their money, as long as Brad Johnson gets protection that is. He can tear up defenses with time, he proved that here in Tampa Bay. I hope for Marinelli's (sp) sake the Lions see a turnaround of some sorts, but Matt Millen really needs to go before the Lions get out of the celler. And the Packers...heh, well. Who knows. If they stay healthy, why not give them a shot.

The AFC North. The Steelers did lose significant players, their first round pick has been in trouble with the authorities a few times already, and each team in their division got better. I think the Ravens have a strong chance, but its pretty much an open division. Each team has a fair shot to take the crown, even the Browns.

The AFC South. Colts or Jags, not much else to see here. If Vince Young starts, I'll laugh at the Titan organization for quite some time. If I had to take one team though, it'd be the Colts, but Jacksonville will give them a run for their money.

The AFC East. Everyone I've talked to (other than Pats fans) seems to have a hardon for the Dolphins with Culpepper. Its the Pats until proven otherwise, and the Phins'll be in the wildcard race throughout the year probably. Jets and Bills will be looking up at the Pats all year, unless JP Losman finally comes around.

In the AFC West, its another four team battle. I think the Chiefs have a great shot personally, thought I give all teams serious consideration when speaking of the playoffs. The Broncos have a team coming off an AFC Title game defeat, the Raiders will actually use Jordan as a AP back instead of 10-15 carries a game like last year, and the Chargers still have LT and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Best divisions : NFC South, NFC East, AFC North, AFC West
Superbowl 41 : Indianapolis Colts (the most clutch kicker, and could finally get that final push in the postseason) vs. Seattle Seahawks (I don't see why they can't get back there)
Champion : Colts (Wow, I feel like I work for ESPN)

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by bishop743

The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup this year.

Oh, alright. I thought you were refering to the Panthers.

FELIPE NO

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5809914

Ty Law has found a new home. Do you guys think this is a huge deal, or will it be of little consequence? Discuss.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Speaking of big injuries, LeCharles Bentley of the Browns is out for the year. In their first 11 on 11 practice today, he got hurt and is now projected to be out for the year. As you may recall he became the highest paid center ever in the history of the NFL.

A tough blow for the Brownies.

Double Post:
Closing this thread as the 2006 offseason is over with teams reporting to training camp and the preseason beginning next weekend.

How ya doing, buddy?