Category: NFL Draft (Page 88 of 102)

In news that could potentially shake the dynamics of the first 10 picks in this weekend’s draft, SI.com’s Don Banks reports former Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson re-injured his collarbone while playing in the Fiesta Bowl in January. Apparently, Peterson disclosed the injury at the NFL Combine in March, but it’s just now coming to light.

This is compelling information if it’s true. Not that a collarbone injury is a massive concern, but certainly any injury that forces a player to have surgery has to be taken seriously. Plus, part of the knock on Peterson is that he runs too upright and therefore is overly susceptible to being injured. The Cleveland Browns are one of the top teams interested in Peterson, but have also been linked to Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas. It’s realistic to think the Browns have already made their decision regarding the third overall pick, but it’s worth speculating they were scared off of Peterson after the NFL Combine.

If you’re into conspiracy theories, maybe the Bills or Packers (two teams interested in a running back) released the information in hopes Peterson falls to the back half of the top 10 and will make a move to trade up. Oh the NFL Draft tension mounts.

One of the most talked about pre-draft rumors this offseason has been the possibility of the Atlanta Falcons trading up for Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The rumor got juicer Wednesday as SI.com’s Don Banks reported Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank has, “ordered” GM Rich McKay to do whatever it takes to land Johnson in this weekend’s draft. The most likely trade scenario is for the Falcons to package their first, third and pair of second round picks to move up to the No. 2 spot, which is currently occupied by the Detroit Lions. It is well perceived the Lions want to trade down and certainly would take a deal involving Atlanta’s top three picks.

I’ve been adamant for weeks saying this trade won’t happen. Atlanta has too many needs, not enough cap space and would be foolish in my opinion to trade three potential starters for one player. I’ll never argue Johnson isn’t worth it, because he’s a phenomenal athlete. But it’s not like the Falcons are one player away from a postseason berth, in fact, they’re multiple players away and when has Michael Vick – from an accuracy standpoint – proven he even knows what to do with a talent such as Johnson? To think Atlanta would be instantly better because of Johnson would be a gross miscalculation. The offensive line, defensive line and secondary all have to be addressed well before another receiver. This move looks better in “Madden” than it does in reality.

Blank should allow his general manager to build an entire team, not add one shiny piece to an uncompleted puzzle. If McKay makes this trade for Blank, it’s clear the Atlanta Falcons are only interested in one thing: selling tickets.

John Clayton reported on ESPN2 Monday night that the Raiders want to acquire Daunte Culpepper from the Dolphins and then draft Georgia Tech wide out Calvin Johnson with the first overall pick. However, Culpepper likely won’t be available if Miami can’t swing a deal for Chiefs’ quarterback Trent Green, so in essence, Clayton is saying Green will determine the top picks in this weekend’s draft. The only caveat is if a deal for Green can’t be done before draft day, because then Oakland will be “forced” to take LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

I’m not buying it.

First of all, no team is forced to do anything on draft day. If you don’t want a player, nobody says you have to take him. Secondly, anyone who watched Culpepper play last year knows a deal involving him shouldn’t be the trump card in whether or not a team signs a backup kicker, yet alone the number one overall pick in the draft. And finally, if the Raiders really want Johnson, they’re going to get him at any cost. They’ll select him, continue to work with Miami after the draft for Culpepper or take Trent Edwards in the second round, etc. I respect Clayton, but no team is going to set a deadline on trying to acquire a quarterback or rush themselves into a pick they don’t want.

I enjoy draft rumors and speculation as much as the next guy, but I have to draw a line somewhere. With the draft just about a week away, I squash 10 pre-draft rumors – including a couple involving Calvin Johnson and whether a couple of stud prospects will fall in the first round – in my latest column for Bullz-Eye.com.

Click here to read the article.