Category: NFL (Page 1153 of 1282)

Schaub traded to Texans

March 21, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

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.

NFL, Rumors & Gossip

NFL Draft Rumors 3/21

March 21, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

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.

NFL, Rumors & Gossip

Shooting down Kiper’s Detroit theory

March 14, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

While I don’t claim to have the inside sources of Mel Kiper, I follow NFL team’s draft, free agency and personal moves as close as anyone. A friend sent me a link to Kiper’s latest mock draft (INISDER required) and this what he predicts at #2:

2. Detroit – Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame: The Lions have the option of selecting QB Brady Quinn or RB Adrian Peterson, trading down, or adding a pass-rusher supreme such as Gaines Adams to bolster what already has the makings of a standout defensive front. By trading down, they could still get a player like Adams. Quinn, though, might be too hard to pass up for an organization that needs a smart, tough, high-profile signal-caller like him to become the face of the franchise. Remember, the Lions are one of the few teams that have never even been to a Super Bowl, let alone won one. Additionally, they passed on Dan Marino back in 1983 and, as recently as last year, opted away from Leinart and Cutler.

Am I crazy or does he not even mention OT Joe Thomas? He gets kudos for talking about the Lions trading down, because I think that’s ultimately what they’ll do. But he listed Quinn and Peterson as Detroit’s first options? Let’s review why the Lions (a team with MANY holes) would take a pass on Kiper’s “best” draft predictions:

Quinn: 1) The team is reportedly more than satisfied with starter Jon Kitna and loves the potential of third-stringer Dan Orlovsky. 2) Matt Millen reportedly was thoroughly embarrassed by the Joey Harrington gaff. 3) They like their chances of landing MSU prospect Drew Stanton in the second round. Peterson: 1) They just traded for Tatum Bell and signed T.J. Duckett as insurance in case Kevin Jones isn’t healthy for the start of the season. And despite the rumors, they’re not going to trade Bell unless they get a steal. 2) Jones, unless severely limited coming off injury, is their stud back. 3) In Martz’s system, the running back isn’t a huge focus anyway, which is why Jones was screaming for more carries before he got injured. So why take a “future back” in Peterson if it’s not a high priority? And before anyone brings up Martz leaving after this year, they’re grooming assistants to run the same pass-happy system for the future.

I realize anything could happen in draft, not to mention with the Lions. But am I crazy to question that this is all a man – who supposedly studies the draft 365 days a year mind you – could come up with for the second overall pick?

NFL, NFL Draft, Rumors & Gossip

Moss to Packers heats up again

March 13, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is reporting that a source “familiar with the inner workings of both organizations” has confirmed Green Bay and Oakland are still actively in talks about Randy Moss. Apparently the Raiders want nothing to do with Aaron Rodgers (which is really saying something considering Andrew Walter was their starting quarterback last year), instead targeting Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila or Corey Williams.

Forget Moss’s baggage for a moment and think about this from the Packers point of view. At this point, Gbaja-Biamila is an overpaid pass-rush specialist and is less valued with the re-signing of Cullen Jenkins. Williams is actually more valuable at this point because he’s younger and will defend the run. I’m sure Oakland would want more, but Gbaja-Biamila for Moss straight up is enticing, especially with Green Bay having the cap space and in need of a primary target for Brett Favre.

I still think the Packers should take a pass on this one with the reciever position being deep in the draft. Their backfield is still ultra thin and would be better off trying to trade picks to move up for California’s Marshawn Lynch. Unless Moss is willing to restructure his deal (highly unlikely), his potential production probably isn’t worth his paycheck.

NFL

NFL Rumors 3/12: Draft Edition

March 12, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

Oakland souring on Russell?
Steve Corkran for Sporting News.com is reporting that the Raiders came away from the NFL Combine less convinced that QB JaMarcus Russell was their man. Corkran believes that WR Calvin Johnson has an equal chance of being Oakland’s No. 1 pick, although this seems like one of the many smokescreens that teams “leak” leading up to the draft. Aaron Brooks was cut, many quality free agent quarterbacks are off the market and Randy Moss and Jerry Porter are still on the roster. I’d still give Russell more than a 50% chance of landing in Oakland.

Houston looking to trade up for Quinn?
ESPN.com reported last week that the Texans were rumored to already have a deal in place with Washington to move up to the No. 6 spot in the draft. However, the Houston Chronicle reported over the weekend that the Texans are unwilling to part with any draft picks. It should be noted, however, that the Chronicle is also reporting that if Quinn does fall to the Texans at No. 8, they are not expected to pass on him.

With Lewis on board, will Cleveland pass on Peterson?
Some of the nationwide thought now that the Browns have inked RB Jamal Lewis is that they’ll pass on Adrian Peterson in the draft. However, read between the lines and you’ll find that Cleveland wants to employ a two-back system next season. With Reuben Droughns now out of the mix and Lewis only signed through next year, Peterson is still very much in the mix for the Browns at No. 3. The only way I see the Browns passing on Peterson is if Joe Thomas falls past the Lions, or another team packages picks and swaps with Cleveland at No. 3 in hopes of landing Brady Quinn or Calvin Johnson.

Smith looks impressive, Ginn doesn’t run at OSU Pro Day
Quarterback Troy Smith reportedly showed a strong, accurate arm at Ohio State’s Pro Day last Saturday. He also ran a 4.7 40, increasing the likelihood that he will be chosen on the first day of the draft. Ted Ginn Jr. failed to run again, opting not to workout on his foot sprain. Some mocks have him failing past the first 15 picks, with the notion that many NFL teams are filling their wide receiver position through free agency.

Quick hits: The Jaguars and Patriots are both interested in S Reggie Nelson, although the Jags would have first crack at him unless the Pats traded up…New England is also rumored to be interested in LB Buster Davis…Michael Bush plans to run at Louisville’s Pro Day on March 26…The Lions are reportedly interested in QB Drew Stanton or LB Patrick Willis if they trade down from their No. 2 spot. If Detroit spends a No. 1 pick – even a late No. 1 pick – on Stanton, that organization is more troubled than I ever thought imaginable.