Category: NFL (Page 1147 of 1282)

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.

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.

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.