NFL Offseason Thread

Originally Posted by BucPride

But, one can still spin this as a very good pick.

You shouldn't have to have to spin it as one, though. I'm not saying Mario Williams isn't a great player, but that doesn't mean that the Texans drafting him over Bush wasn't an example of blinding stupidity on someone's fault.

The Cardinals drafted Matt Leinart. Oddly enough, I predicted they would early on last season.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Just checking in. Eagles had one of if not the best draft on day one.

I love it, love it.

Bunkley and Justice? Unreal. I'm a happy fan right now.

FELIPE NO

Well, the Steelers traded up to get Santonio Holmes, the best wide receiver in the draft. Looks to be yet another great first round pick.

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

Originally Posted by Capo

Well, the Steelers traded up to get Santonio Holmes, the best wide receiver in the draft. Looks to be yet another great first round pick.

I sure hope so. Because I think we both know that Cedric Wilson will never be the 2nd WR along Hines Ward.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

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.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Kiper was tough on his grades this year. No one got an "A". Dallas got a B-, which was generous. Carpenter's a good player, but to not take Manny Lawson didn't make sense to me. And in Round 2: a tight end?? wtf? First off, Fasano stinks. Pope is a much better end than Fasano. Secondly, why did they draft a TE? Witten's good enough. they could have gotten Youboty w/that pick.
however, i can't get too pissed about their draft b/c the last 3 years have been stellar drafts by the Cowboys.

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

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

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

Eagles had a great draft, that I loved for once. Bunkley, Justice, Gocong, Jean-Gilles, Avant, Bloom are great additions.

I can't wait to see Bloom return punt and kicks. :biggrin:

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6...91965684yk.jpg

http://img325.imageshack.us/img325/4160/bloom149zv.jpg

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 BucPride

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, we 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.

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.

How ya doing, buddy?

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.

Funny. Those are pretty ironic circumstances considering his name.

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

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.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by DragoonKain

Eagles had a great draft, that I loved for once. Bunkley, Justice, Gocong, Jean-Gilles, Avant, Bloom are great additions.

Unfortunately, you may be correct. Max Jean-Gilles is an absolute beast at guard. i saw him play numerous times at UGA. he needs to work on his footword, but he's strong as an ox.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Well, this is interesting for the Dolphins.

Culpepper may not be ready, well 100% ready, by the start of the new season. Ricky Williams is suspended for the whole year. The trade talks for Harrington aren't going as planned.

So...what are the dolphins working on?

They may sign ex-Va Tech QB Marcus Vick (Michael Vick's younger brother). Now this may be good or bad. Marcus has some issues off the field (and, of course, on the field if any of you watched the bowl game). However, Vick can nevertheless be used at QB or even WR.

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

Harrington will get cut eventually, and the Dolphins will pick him up then.

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

Originally Posted by Lord Styphon

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.

Okay, I'm replying to your post 5643456456 years too late, but whatever.

Are you serious? You and the media know better than the Texans? Get serious.

I'm in no position to offer reasons why drafting Mario Williams was the better choice. In fact, I NEVER SAID Williams was the better pick. I said we know nothing about scouting players coming out of college. We don't work for a NFL team. We don't spent 24/7 all year round scouting, attending practices and interviewing players.

Making judgment on a draft pick is like judging a game before it has started.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Quote:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jimmy Smith cleared his throat, finished his sentence and then bowed his head and started to cry.

One of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, Smith found himself in another rough spot Thursday. But just as he has done so many times before in his career, he regrouped and moved on without hesitation.

Jimmy Smith
Al Messerschmidt/WireImage.com
Jimmy Smith had 862 receptions with the Jaguars.

No wonder he earned the nickname J-Smooth.

Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who overcame several health problems and drug addiction during his 13 seasons, abruptly retired Thursday to "move on to the next phase of my life."

"It's hard because I know I can still go out there and do it," Smith said. "I just figure it's not in my heart to [continue]. If I'm going to play, it's got to be 100 percent. I won't get out there and not give it my all. If I can't give it my all to this organization and the fans, I'm just not going to do that. This is just not the type of person that I am.

"It's best for me to leave on a high note. I want to be able to enjoy my legacy."

The 37-year-old receiver led the Jags with 70 catches for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns last season. He ranks seventh in NFL history with 862 receptions and 11th with 12,287 yards receiving. He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame, and only Marvin Harrison has had more catches and yards receiving than Smith since 1996.

Jeremy Green: Replacing Smith
Smith's career is now in the past, and it's time for the Jaguars to think about the future. That future looks extremely cloudy right now, especially on the offensive side of the ball where Smith has basically been their entire passing offense in recent seasons.
• To read more, click here.

Smith contemplated retirement earlier this offseason, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio asked him to take his time and be sure he was making the right choice. His announcement came a day before the team opened a three-day mini-camp.

"I thought I had another year in me," Smith said. "I've been struggling with whether I should play an extra year or leave while I can still walk away, while my knees are still intact.

"It's best to leave on top. Not many players in the NFL get a chance to do what I'm doing today and walk away from the game happy. I can live the rest of my life happy."

Smith's longevity was surprising -- even to him -- especially considering what he overcame.

In 2001, he had three operations to remove scar tissue from his abdomen. Some questioned whether he would play again, but he caught 112 passes for 1,373 yards -- despite being arrested in November that year for suspicion of drunken driving. Tests later revealed he had cocaine in his system. He vehemently denied using the drug.

All-time NFL receptions leaders
Jerry Rice 1,549
Cris Carter 1,101
Tim Brown 1,094
Andre Reed 951
Art Monk 940
Marvin Harrison* 927
Jimmy Smith 862
Irving Fryar 851
Larry Centers 826
Keenan McCardell* 825
*Active

He was suspended for the first four games of the 2003 season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He then publicly acknowledged an addiction and spent several weeks in rehab.

He had other issues early in his career, too.

The third receiver selected in the 1992 draft behind Desmond Howard and Carl Pickens, Smith broke his leg and missed most of his rookie season. In 1993, he needed an emergency appendectomy and suffered through infection and stomach problems. He missed the entire year. He didn't play in 1994, either, after getting cut by Dallas and Philadelphia.

In 1995, he caught on with the expansion Jaguars after his mother sent coach Tom Coughlin a binder of press clippings to help him earn a tryout.

He made the most of his chance, teaming with Keenan McCardell to help land the Jaguars in the playoffs in only their second season.

"He was one of the great Jaguars and certainly one of the great receivers in NFL history," said James Harris, the team's vice president of player personnel. "Jimmy is not one of the most acclaimed guys, but he's one of the most respected receivers in the game.

"Most people will say that he's one of the best pure route runners in the game, and we all hate to see Jimmy go."

-ESPN.com

Well it seems that Jags receiver Jimmy Smith is retiring.

I just can't believe "He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame." Like I wouldn't have thought of the possibility. Though Rice and many others have yet to be eligble for induction or have not been inducted. Though I take nothing from him - he had a great career.

He's got a good chance at becoming a Hall of Famer, obviously.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

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.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Chairman Kaga

Okay, I'm replying to your post 5643456456 years too late, but whatever.

Are you serious? You and the media know better than the Texans? Get serious.

I'm in no position to offer reasons why drafting Mario Williams was the better choice. In fact, I NEVER SAID Williams was the better pick. I said we know nothing about scouting players coming out of college. We don't work for a NFL team. We don't spent 24/7 all year round scouting, attending practices and interviewing players.

Making judgment on a draft pick is like judging a game before it has started.

What's the fun in waiting until a player booms or busts to judge? There's no fun it that. The fun is in going out on a limb and making a prediction or opinion before you see how the guys turn out.

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.

So yeah. McNair is going to Baltimore for an apparent 4th Round Pick.

Spoiler:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...ohn&id=2473771

McNair could have playoff impact in Baltimore


Two years ago, the Ravens felt they made the move that would put them over the top.

After Terrell Owens and his former agent failed to submit the paperwork that would have voided Owens' contract and made him a free agent, the Ravens worked out a trade with the 49ers. Ray Lewis and other Ravens felt they had done a good job of recruiting Owens at the Pro Bowl and that he'd be a good fit in Baltimore.

Naturally, because it involved Owens, the situation blew up and there was plenty of collateral damage. Owens whined to the league and got his way. The trade was voided, burning the Ravens. By the time the NFL ruled in Owens' favor, clearing the path for him to end up in Philadelphia, the wide receiver market had diminished, leaving Baltimore without other options. The Ravens went through a 9-7 season against a very tough schedule.

The Ravens are at it again this offseason, only this time, they got their man. It took a while, but Steve McNair is headed to Baltimore for what is believed to be a fourth-round choice, which is a steal if the team makes the playoffs. The Ravens have had a standing contract offer for McNair since the second day of the 2006 draft, but it took until now for the Ravens and Titans to agree on a trade. Under the deal with the Ravens, McNair will get an $11 million signing bonus and a $1 million salary for this season. That is significantly better than the $9 million he was scheduled to make with the Titans, a team that wanted him to cut his salary in half to lower his cap number.

Owens going to Dallas might be the headline acquisition of the offseason, but McNair heading to Baltimore isn't far behind. In many ways, McNair carries more weight than Owens because he's a quarterback. If he's healthy, you can pencil in two or three additional wins for the Ravens.

It's no wonder the Titans made his exit the most painful in years. The Titans don't want to hand a playoff spot to Baltimore by giving them McNair. There is still some bad blood between the two franchises. The Titans didn't like comments made by Ravens coach Brian Billick prior to a 2000 playoff game. The Ravens didn't appreciate those clips being shown on the big screen to inspire Titans fans during the game, which the Ravens won 24-10 on their way to winning Super Bowl XXXV.

What's a shame is how McNair was treated. Without question, he was the league's toughest player during his 10 years in Nashville. He endured about every possible injury. He'd miss practice yet he played like a Pro Bowler every Sunday. His career peaked with a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV, where he came within inches of forcing overtime against the Rams.

The sad part for the Titans and McNair is that he won't retire in a Titans uniform. He wanted to, but his contract had a $50 million option bonus strategically inserted to spur negotiations this offseason between the two sides. But the timing for a new deal was all bad. Collective bargaining extension talks were stalled as the bonus came due. With the Titans not knowing how much the cap would grow for the 2006 season, they opted not to exercise the option, forcing McNair's cap number for the 2006 season to shoot up to $23 million.

Ideally, McNair would have stayed in Tennessee for a year or two while rookie QB Vince Young learned as his understudy. The Titans have a young roster, but with McNair leading them for this season, they probably would have jumped from four to seven wins as a number of their younger players matured.

But by this point in the offseason, McNair staying with the Titans was a longshot at best. General manager Floyd Reese could try to talk McNair into staying, but Reese wasn't going to give McNair the $12 million this season that the Ravens were offering. For McNair to stay in Tennessee, he would have had to take a paycut, and why would he do that for a franchise that he had to file a grievance against just to be allowed in the building to work out?

The Ravens were prepared to wait until close to the start of training camp in late July if necessary. But getting it done now will allow McNair to get a jump on learning the Ravens' offense.

Adding McNair makes the Ravens the AFC's sleeper team for the playoffs. Ravens president Dick Cass caused a few people in the front office to squirm when he spoke about the Ravens' future before some prime season-ticket holders. He talked about the Ravens finances and said there was a two-year window for the team to win.

Quietly, the Ravens have been stacking the roster with big-name veterans over the past couple of years for some kind of run. In the past two offseasons, they've signed four players -- Mason, cornerback Samari Rolle, defensive end Trevor Pryce and linebacker Gary Stills -- who have been to Pro Bowls. Add those to the list of current Ravens with Pro Bowl experience and that gives the Ravens an impressive 13 former Pro Bowlers.

McNair is now the 14th current or former Pro Bowler on the roster if the trade goes through, and he would be the most important. Despite his age (33) and health, McNair would be the missing piece. Adding McNair fills out the equation of being strong at the five most important positions on the roster -- quarterback, left tackle (Jonathan Ogden), defensive end (Pryce and Terrell Suggs), cornerback (Rolle and Chris McAlister) and wide receiver (Derrick Mason).

Those players are all leaders who -- with the exception of Suggs -- have been to Super Bowls.

Mason was sixth among wide receivers with 86 catches last season, and 2005 first-round choice Mark Clayton should develop into a good one this season. Pryce is an impact player at end but he won't be asked to make the sacks in the 4-3 defense. That's the job of Suggs. Rolle and McAlister are a talented cornerback tandem. Ogden is coming off an off season but he's still one of the league's most gifted blocker.

But McNair gives the Ravens what they've been seeking since their trip to Super Bowl XXXV -- solid quarterback play.

Despite one of the most unsettled receiving situations in the league last year, McNair put up adequate numbers: He completed 61.3 percent of his passes. He averaged 225.8 passing yards a game. He threw 16 touchdown passes in 14 games and had a 82.4 quarterback rating.

More than anything else, McNair is a threat at quarterback and that's what the Ravens have been missing. The Ravens have been waiting on Kyle Boller, but it is time to find a veteran to challenge him. The Ravens watched how the McNair situation unfolded in Tennessee and felt they had a chance to get him. They sat quietly until the second day of the draft, and once they had a two- or three-hour window, they made a financial offer that McNair couldn't refuse and the Titans refused to match.

McNair gives the Ravens a chance to challenge the Steelers and Bengals in the AFC North, and his addition puts them on the map again as far as the playoffs are concerned. As much as Owens signing in Dallas changed the balance of power in the NFC, McNair's arrival in Baltimore could have just as big of an impact on the AFC.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

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

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

Originally Posted by BucPride

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

Well they got Edge this year, so they actually have a solid running back. They have a solid 1-2 WR combo in Boldin and Fitzgerald. They went out and got Leinhart from USC (which is a University that isn't far away from Arizona). Plus their kicker, Neil Rackers was a kicking machine.

They were number one in passing offense (eigth in total offense, but that was due to being last in rushing and they got Edge now).


They're actually starting to look like the 2004 Colts (strong offense and weak defense - they just don't have Peyton Manning).

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

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.

I was speaking idiomatically.

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.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?