Month: March 2007 (Page 5 of 12)

ESPN News is reporting the Atlanta Falcons have agreed in principle to send backup quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans in exchange for two second round picks, one this year and one in 2008. The teams will also swap first round picks, bumping the Falcons up from No. 10 to No. 8. The deal is still contingent on whether or not Schaub signs an offer sheet with Houston, but it appears the trade will go through.

The deal seemingly signals the end for David Carr, who the Texans likely will continue to shop. If Carr were dealt, Schaub would compete with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job. Despite only having two career starts, Schaub is a quality player who has been highly sought after by teams such as the Jets and Vikings. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but is very accurate and even a bit mobile. Given his potential, he may be worth the compensation. Anyone who saw him play against the Patriots in ’05 (298 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs) would certainly agree he’s ready to compete for a starting role.

Atlanta fans that aren’t sold on Michael Vick are going to curse this move, but they have to realize that the team has so much invested in him. Plus, Schaub will be an unrestricted free agent next season, so if the Falcons didn’t get compensation for him now, he was likely to walk in ‘08. The Falcons have a lot of holes and there’s a reason why they’re drafting so high this year. In the end, getting two second round picks, plus moving up two spots in the first round in exchange for a former third rounder is a pretty good deal.

Branch overweight?
Apparently scouts at Michigan’s Pro Day told NFL.com that DT Alan Branch “did not look like he was in very good shape.” Branch is a versatile player when he’s motivated, but several draft “experts” have pointed out that he often disappears for stretches during games. It’s obviously too early to predict, but Branch looks like Gerard Warren all over again.

Bush to fall even further after surgery?
Former Louisville RB Michael Bush had a new rod inserted into his broken leg Tuesday. Bush will now miss the Cardinals’ March 26 Pro Day and likely will miss the next three months recovering. Assuming Bush heals from this surgery, he’s going to be an absolute steal if he falls past the second round. He was considered a top five pick before breaking his leg in Louisville’s ’06 opener. A team to watch out for that might take a shot at Bush is the Falcons with new head coach and former Cardinals’ front man Bobby Petrino. Atlanta is looking for a bigger back to compliment Jerious Norwood and Warrick Dunn and Bush might fit the bill.

Lions still shopping No. 2
There are reports all over the place citing the Lions trading out of the No. 2 spot in the first round. According to the Denver Post, preliminary discussions have already taken place between Detroit and Denver for the No. 2 pick, but talks broke down with the Lions reportedly asking for too much. A very likely scenario would be for the Lions to swap picks with Arizona, allowing the Cardinals to draft OT Joe Thomas and Detroit to stockpile more picks. Rumor has it that the Lions are infatuated with DE Gaines Adams, but think he’s a reach at No. 2.

Miami not big on Brown
According to the PalmBeachPost.com, the Dolphins “do not think highly” of former Penn State OT Levi Brown. This could be a smoke screen, because Miami is very much in need of an offensive tackle, although rumor has it that the team is likely to sign one via free agency in the next month.

Ginn to finally run 40
After skipping the NFL Combine and Ohio State’s Pro Day, WR Ted Ginn Jr. has finally set a date to run the 40-yard dash. It will be April 11th.