Category: NFL Draft (Page 87 of 102)

Moss traded to Patriots

April 29, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

The NFL Network is reporting the Oakland Raiders traded wide receiver Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth round draft pick (which the Raiders used on Cincinnati defensive back John Bowe).

The Patriots continue their impressive offseason by adding one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. Moss joins Donte Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Wes Welker to seemingly improve a unit that was suspect in ’06. However, it should be noted Moss barely made a blimp on the radar in Oakland the past two seasons, showing declining skills and a sorry attitude (well, he already had the sorry attitude before he got to Oakland). However, one has to believe that if Moss has anything left in the tank, he’s going to show it for Bill Belichick and the mega organization, the Patriots. New England might be the only franchise in the NFL equipped to take on Moss’s baggage.

On the flip side are the Raiders. Weren’t they supposed to draft Calvin Johnson if they could move Randy Moss? Maybe that wasn’t the plan the whole time, but it’s strange to think that Oakland was willing to part with Moss for a fourth round pick, yet they don’t draft arguably the best prospect in the entire class. Interesting.

NFL, NFL Draft

First round in the books

April 28, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

The first round is over and it was the longest ever in NFL history (seriously). Other than Brady Quinn dropping to No. 22, there weren’t many surprises. And no, I’m not counting Ted Ginn Jr. being selected by Miami at No. 9, because I had that pick in my final mock draft and think it was a better selection than most are making it out to be. There were some reaches – Green Bay taking Justin Harrell at No. 16 for one – but other than that, JaMarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson and Joe Thomas were picked rather status quo.

Feel free to check out our first round blog with notes and comments on every pick. Then check back here at the Scores Report after every round for a recap of the best values, sleepers and, ‘what were they thinking?’ selections of rounds 2 through 7.

NFL, NFL Draft

Blogging the NFL Draft

April 27, 2007 / John Paulsen

Join us today at 11:45 AM (ET) as Bullz-Eye NFL guru Anthony Stalter and I blog the first round of the NFL Draft. We’ll go pick-by-pick, discuss team needs, answer your questions, provide fantasy insight, rip on Mel Kiper and finally find out what the heck my team (the Packers) is going to do about its running back situation.

See you in a few.

JP: Good morning, everyone. We’re about a half hour away from the start of the draft. Anthony will be here in a few minutes. As the draft goes one, feel free to chime in with your questions and comments.

JP: The Raiders start things off with the first pick and there are conflicting reports about how they are going to proceed. They’ve opened up negotations with Russell, Quinn and Calvin Johnson, but sources have told ESPN that the team has already notified Russell that he’ll be the #1 pick.

JP: Anthony, with so many holes to fill, it seems like the Raiders should either take the best player available (most people seem to agree that’s Johnson) or trade down to acquire some picks. If they go with Russell, do you think that it’s the right move?

AS: I’m someone who believes Oakland has to take Russell with their current quarterback situation. Trent Edwards or John Beck in the second is a novel idea, but what do you do with Randy Moss and Jerry Porter? Calvin Johnson is a superior athlete, but Russell is a talented prospect and fills a bigger immediate need. I like the move, but I’ll never criticize a team for talking a talent such as Johnson.

Click here to join the conversation.

Fantasy Football, NFL, NFL Draft

Falcons, Lions in serious trade talks for the No. 2

April 27, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

Alright, I’m done thinking this deal isn’t going to go through. It’s time to entertain the idea the Falcons will trade with Detroit in order to select Georgia Tech wide out Calvin Johnson. Indications look like Detroit will send the No. 2 pick for Atlanta’s first, third and a pair of seconds (if not more).

I’ve disputed this trade for weeks because I didn’t think it made sense for the Falcons. And I still think it’s a terrible move, because Atlanta has vast other needs, shouldn’t give up three or four potential starters for one player (even if he is Calvin Johnson) and will essentially wind up getting nothing in the end for backup quarterback Matt Schaub. But I digress. Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank may be more worried about selling tickets and the image of his team than actually winning Super Bowls. Given Michael Vick’s latest (and essentially most serious) issues with the law, Blank may feel he needs a new face of the franchise and will sacrifice the good of the team to get what he wants. If it happens, it’s a disastrous move waiting to happen for the Falcons, despite winding up with arguably the best player in the draft. I hope for Atlanta fans if the Falcons do select Johnson, that he can play defensive end, tackle, offensive guard, safety and corner, because he’ll have to.

As for the Lions, this move potentially makes Matt Millen look like a genius. He would keep stockpiling picks, will get a king’s ransom for a pick he doesn’t want and fill his roster with much needed bodies. This would be a fantastic move for Detroit, but then again, Millen still has to go out and draft the right players with all of these selections.

NFL, NFL Draft, Rumors & Gossip

Dolphins looking to trade Booker? Ginn a target?

April 26, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

FOXSports.com is reporting the Miami Dolphins are possibly looking to trade wide receiver Marty Booker for extra picks.

Why is this trade rumor important? Well it could possibly indicate the Dolphins will look at explosive Ohio State wide out Ted Ginn Jr. It makes sense given Miami traded slot receiver Wes Welker to the Patriots and released tight end Randy McMichael (eventually signed by the Rams) in the offseason. The Fish have a hole in the receiver department and could use a playmaker on offense to compliment whatever quarterback they toss under center in ’07.

Another rumor that seems to be picking up steam is one involving Miami and Chicago. In the same FOXSports.com article as the Booker information, it also reports the Bears and Dolphins have at least explored the possibility of a trade with Chicago looking to move up for Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn if he falls to the ninth overall pick. It seems far-fetched at this point, but definitely worth noting.