In light of QB signings/trades: Thoughts on the NFL draft?

[cthomer5000]

This could be absolute mayhem now... -we still don't know what Houston plans at #1. -After signing Brees, what does New Orleans do at #2? -How does this affect some lower teams that might be interested in a QB (Oakland)?

[st.cronin]

I wonder if Houston and New Orleans would do a trade? N.O. takes Bush, and Houston takes Ferguson or somebody on defense, plus picking up lots of extra picks.

[JPhillips]

The Saints have to find a trade partner. If Texas takes Bush, which seems likely, there is nobody but the QBs worth the number two.

[rkmsuf]

Jet/Titan bidding war for Line Art?

[Masked]

Jet/Titan bidding war for Line Art?

Looks great for the Saints. Either someone trades up to 1 and the Saints get Bush, or Titans/Jets/Raiders start bidding against each other for 2.

[DeToxRox]

Saints will deal down to 4 and get D'Brick. Jets will take Leinart like they've wanted all along.

[stevew]

Vince Young might be in the blue room a bit longer than anticipated now.

[rkmsuf]

Vince Young might be in the blue room a bit longer than anticipated now.

If he can find it. Those directions are complicated.


hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[Kodos]

The Dolphins trade up to get Vince Young - to be their punter. The guy has a cannon for leg!

[DeToxRox]

If he can find it. Those directions are complicated.


hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

lmao. count it.

[stevew]

I think that the big problem now, is that you won't really be able to see a deal for the #2 pick until the Texans decide what they are doing at #1, or already start negotiating with their soon-to-be pick. If they take Bush or Brick, then someone should make a strong trade up for Leinart. I think the Texans should stay put and take the Tackle, unless someone gives them an unreal deal to move down.

[st.cronin]

What happened to all the people saying VY was a better prospect than Leinart? VY seems to be falling on everybody's board.

[scooper]

I don't see the Texans taking Debrick, unless it's after a trade-down. Whoever is at #1 has to take Bush. I agree, though, the Saints can't move until after #1 is settled-just in case. There will be some dealing come draft day. The rumors will fly rampant between now and then.

[rkmsuf]

What happened to all the people saying VY was a better prospect than Leinart? VY seems to be falling on everybody's board.

When he take da Wunderlik he stock go down.

[kingfc22]

And the Raiders still have no QB. :D

[Doug5984]

As a saints fan I am very happy about this. Lets face it, no matter how good Leinhard might be, he would still be a rookie QB. The Saints need a good season quick to keep the fans around, and I think Brees gives them the best chance at this. It also allows them to hopefully drop down a few spots and pick up D'Brick or AJ Hawk....both would be amazing additions for the team.

[st.cronin]

And the Raiders still have no QB. :D

Marcus Vick

[rkmsuf]

Marcus Vick

nope, he'll be drafted by the Dolphins as well.

[stevew]

I don't see the Texans taking Debrick, unless it's after a trade-down. Whoever is at #1 has to take Bush. I agree, though, the Saints can't move until after #1 is settled-just in case. There will be some dealing come draft day. The rumors will fly rampant between now and then.

The 2 players that would help the Texans the most are Brick and Bush. Ideally I would also trade off of #1 and nab D'Brick. But the problem being that you can only trade down so far and still hope to get your guy. So unless there is some wheel trading where they can hope to get to #3 behind Bush/Leinart, I don't know how they can actually trade the pick. I'm sure the Texans will price it out with the agents, when it comes down to it, I wouldn't be suprised if D'Brickashaw doesnt command a more "reasonable" long term deal at #1. 6 years/40 million or so. You've already committed a great deal of money to Dominack Davis. The Texans have looked for a LT their entire existance, at some point they even were considering making an offer for Pace, IIRC, and giving up the 2 #1's. Ferguson is the real deal I take him at #1 if I have to.

[Swaggs]

If I am the Saints, I think I sit tight and take whoever falls between Ferguson and Bush. They are both franchise players.

If they trade down, I wouldn't go further than fifth, where I could still get Mario Williams or Hawk.

[ISiddiqui]

I think the Jets deal up to get Leinart, the Saints take D'Brick, and Young falls to the Raiders.

[scooper]

The 2 players that would help the Texans the most are Brick and Bush. Ideally I would also trade off of #1 and nab D'Brick. But the problem being that you can only trade down so far and still hope to get your guy. So unless there is some wheel trading where they can hope to get to #3 behind Bush/Leinart, I don't know how they can actually trade the pick. I'm sure the Texans will price it out with the agents, when it comes down to it, I wouldn't be suprised if D'Brickashaw doesnt command a more "reasonable" long term deal at #1. 6 years/40 million or so. You've already committed a great deal of money to Dominack Davis. The Texans have looked for a LT their entire existance, at some point they even were considering making an offer for Pace, IIRC, and giving up the 2 #1's. Ferguson is the real deal I take him at #1 if I have to.

All correct, and I think Ferguson is hands down the player who could help them the most. However, for some reason, once a guy is slotted as the first pick in the NFL, he always goes #1. Be it to the original team or via trade. There almost seems to be a fear of missing out on that next great one for the sake of taking the guy everybody thinks you should take. So unless they trade down and not very far as you say, it will be Bush.

In another scenario, let's say the Jets buck the trend and get itchy about getting Leinart and the Texans trade down and Ferguson's gone. With the Texans switching to a 4-3, Williams would make for an interesting pick.

One thing's for certain, who comes out of the top 5 with which players is an interesting question this year.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I don't care what happens between picks 1-8, so long as Leinhart, Cutler, and Young are drafted.

[scooper]

I don't care what happens between picks 1-8, so long as Leinhart, Cutler, and Young are drafted.

Don't worry, Blue. Santonio Holmes will still be on the board. :D

[Huckleberry]

I hope Young comes out with the truth shortly after he signs. It will probably all come out eventually.

[stevew]

All correct, and I think Ferguson is hands down the player who could help them the most. However, for some reason, once a guy is slotted as the first pick in the NFL, he always goes #1. Be it to the original team or via trade. There almost seems to be a fear of missing out on that next great one for the sake of taking the guy everybody thinks you should take. So unless they trade down and not very far as you say, it will be Bush.

In another scenario, let's say the Jets buck the trend and get itchy about getting Leinart and the Texans trade down and Ferguson's gone. With the Texans switching to a 4-3, Williams would make for an interesting pick.

One thing's for certain, who comes out of the top 5 with which players is an interesting question this year.

Looking at it, I wouldnt be extremely suprised if Tennesee gets very leary now of getting scooped out of Leinart by whomever moves to #2. The Texans might trade with them for a #3 if they get word from the Titans about who exactly they will be taking. That way you still get Bush or Ferguson. Unless the Titans have no interest in Leinart.

[rkmsuf]

I hope Young comes out with the truth shortly after he signs. It will probably all come out eventually.

Sounds just like Jose Canseco's book!

[Huckleberry]

Sounds just like Jose Canseco's book!

Not even close.

It's in his best interest, though, not to say anything until the contract is signed. That's about all I'll say.

[Eaglesfan27]

As a saints fan I am very happy about this. Lets face it, no matter how good Leinhard might be, he would still be a rookie QB. The Saints need a good season quick to keep the fans around, and I think Brees gives them the best chance at this. It also allows them to hopefully drop down a few spots and pick up D'Brick or AJ Hawk....both would be amazing additions for the team.



I agree. I was looking forward to seeing Leinart at the dome and was planning on going to at least a few games this year, but what they have done has been very smart. I think they are going to get good value for the #2 pick while still getting one of the two players you mentioned.

[rkmsuf]

Not even close.

It's in his best interest, though, not to say anything until the contract is signed. That's about all I'll say.

I mean just the sentence you wrote. Jose was on the radio a couple times saying "It will all be revealed when my book comes out in September." Now this was April.

I could care less about Young either way. I'm just amused by the story. Pretending he is dumber than dirt is fun. For me.

[albionmoonlight]

Saints need quality on defense. A.J. Hawk probably makes the most sense in a trade down type situation.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Don't worry, Blue. Santonio Holmes will still be on the board. :D

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[Huckleberry]

I mean just the sentence you wrote. Jose was on the radio a couple times saying "It will all be revealed when my book comes out in September." Now this was April.

I could care less about Young either way. I'm just amused by the story. Pretending he is dumber than dirt is fun. For me.

I see.

I honestly have no idea if Vince or his people are planning on saying anything. I would imagine that they're not, although I think they should.

As of right now, the public has no reason to think anything other than that he's dumber than dirt. But oddly enough, that's probably his best option until he signs a contract.

[rkmsuf]

maybe he's frickin genius

maybe it was sabotagie

maybe it was video games to blame

whatever. at least I get to make fun of him before he makes gazillion more dollars than I ever will.

[Doug5984]

I agree. I was looking forward to seeing Leinart at the dome and was planning on going to at least a few games this year, but what they have done has been very smart. I think they are going to get good value for the #2 pick while still getting one of the two players you mentioned.


It is also nice to see the Saints finally spend some real money in free agency. It shows me that atleast they care a little. Maybe in the long run passing on Leinart will be the wrong choice...but atleast they are trying to do something to win right now.

I don't know if we would have ever seen the Saints sign a Brees type player in free agency 3 years ago....or last year even.

[QuikSand]

Saints will deal down to 4 and get D'Brick. Jets will take Leinart like they've wanted all along.

Yes yes.

[moriarty]

I see.

I honestly have no idea if Vince or his people are planning on saying anything. I would imagine that they're not, although I think they should.

As of right now, the public has no reason to think anything other than that he's dumber than dirt. But oddly enough, that's probably his best option until he signs a contract.

Are you seriously suggesting he puposely tanked his wonderlic? Hahahahaha

[Huckleberry]

Are you seriously suggesting he puposely tanked his wonderlic? Hahahahaha

No, but I'm curious what type of Wonderlic potential it takes to come to that conclusion.

[moriarty]

No, but I'm curious what type of Wonderlic potential it takes to come to that conclusion.

Well, then I don't know what "truth" you're waiting to come out. The guy was cocky, and probably not too bright. He didn't do any preparation for the test and got a crappy score.

Am I missing something? What "truth" are you waiting for?

[Solecismic]

Okay, so New Orleans trades out of #2 down to #9, takes Cutler at #9, Cutler holds out, joins training camp late, Brees wins the job and resumes where he left off with San Diego.

Rinse and repeat every other season.

Remember that New Orleans was heavily criticized for trading for Brooks because of the Wonderlic issue. The fans were proven right in that case for the most part.

The word around the NFL right now is that a mediocre quarterback intellectually may get you into the playoffs, but only a smart one can take on the best defenses in the league in the big games. That's why VY is dropping and Culpepper was moved (Saban has that arrogance that he wants to win AND get style points, so that's why Miami took him, and spent so little considering his past statistical performances).

I think Bush is still going #1. New Orleans will find someone in love with Leinart and trade out. Tennessee may well want Young at #3, given his connection to McNair. McNair's not the smartest guy in the world, but he's given everything he can to Tennessee, and they appreciate him. I think the Jets will take Cutler or Ferguson at #4 and the Packers will take the best defensive player, by their evaluations. SF will also go defense and Oakland may reach and look to boost the secondary or fall in love with the speedy tight end.

[Anthony]

if you were the Vikes and Saints, would you have pulled the trigger on Culpepper, this year's first and 2 or 3 other high end picks (2nd, 3rd rounders) for the #2 overall? basically it comes down to if you want Brees or Culpepper as your QB if you're Saints.

i think they should have done this deal. Culpepper is coming off a bad year, but he's still young and he's built like the Terminator. those QB's don't grow on trees. makes sense for both parties.

[Huckleberry]

Well, then I don't know what "truth" you're waiting to come out. The guy was cocky, and probably not too bright. He didn't do any preparation for the test and got a crappy score.

Am I missing something? What "truth" are you waiting for?

He wasn't cocky about the test, but I'm not sure what the criteria for "not too bright" is. I wouldn't call him a genius or anything. The "truth" can be determined by people that have read all available information on him. But I'm not willing to say anything because he obviously doesn't want it out right now.

You're correct that he didn't prepare for the test. He's done some dumb things, primarily his choice of management teams.

I should probably just drop it as I'm not going to say anything. I'll be willing to PM the info after he signs his contract if reminded.

[ISiddiqui]

Could you be more cryptic?

[Mo.Raider]

Oakland may reach and look to boost the secondary or fall in love with the speedy tight end.

That last sentence scares me, because you could be right. I hope not because I think Huff shouldn't be taken this high, and Vernon Davis screams Ricky Dudley all over again.

[moriarty]

He wasn't cocky about the test, but I'm not sure what the criteria for "not too bright" is. I wouldn't call him a genius or anything. The "truth" can be determined by people that have read all available information on him. But I'm not willing to say anything because he obviously doesn't want it out right now.

You're correct that he didn't prepare for the test. He's done some dumb things, primarily his choice of management teams.

I'd say a '6' on the wonderlic qualifies as not too bright. Even a 16 doesn't qualify him as an intelligent quarterback. But I appreciate your loyalty to Vince in not divulging his inner circle secrets to this message board.

[IwasHere]

Is Vince Young going to be this years Aaron Rodgers?

We will have to listen to Kiper talk about Young for every pick and then explain why this team did not pick him.

Rodgers who everyonethought was going to go #1 overall ended up sliding, and sliding, and sliding.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Vince Young will be taken by the Lions. I hear they love his running ability and size, and feel that with a little work can make a smooth transition to receiver... Then they will finally have that key piece to the puzzle and Joey Harrington will turn into Peyton Manning! :D

[Ryche]

Taking a quarterback makes sense for Tennessee considering they have connections with all of the big 3, but I have to think McNair would prefer to see them draft Ferguson to give him some protection.

It will be interesting to see if any of the quarterbacks fall past Oakland. After Oakland's pick, I don't see anyone else drafting a quarterback until Minnesota. Detroit will try Harrington and Kitna, Green doesn't have time to develop a quarterback in Arizona, Baltimore will probably sign Kerry Collins and Boller showed flashes at the end of the year.

Ultimately, I think the Titans, Jets and Raiders will end up with the quarterbacks. Don't know which ones will end up where though.

[Ragone]

I'm thinking cutler ends up in oakland.. cause apparently mcnair and vince young have some kinda love affair going

[Bad-example]

If the Titans and the Jest both take quarterbacks, the 49ers and Packers could be prime trade partners for a team wanting to move up and grab a qb before the Raiders pick at number 7. Oakland might end up needing to swap up a spot or 2 to make sure they get their man.

[Samdari]

This could be absolute mayhem now... -we still don't know what Houston plans at #1. -After signing Brees, what does New Orleans do at #2? -How does this affect some lower teams that might be interested in a QB (Oakland)?

I agree on absolute mayhem. I think the Texans would be insane to draft Bush, and are only publicly stating they will take him to pump up the trade value of the pick. Meanwhile I think that the other teams assume the same thing too, and are waiting for the price to come down. I don't think that NO will find many takers for the #2 pick until Houston either signs someone or trades that pick.

I think if the #1 is not traded before the draft, the 15 minutes between 1 and 2 will be the wildest in NFL history.

[cthomer5000]

Also, I think D'Brickashaw Ferguson has gained substantially by the Brees signing. I think he could seriously go as high as #2 now.

[Raiders Army]

I think a lot of this depends on whether the Jets get Patrick Ramsey. If they get him, they'll hold tight. Otherwise, they might trade for the #2 pick to get Leinart.

[st.cronin]

I agree on absolute mayhem. I think the Texans would be insane to draft Bush, and are only publicly stating they will take him to pump up the trade value of the pick. Meanwhile I think that the other teams assume the same thing too, and are waiting for the price to come down. I don't think that NO will find many takers for the #2 pick until Houston either signs someone or trades that pick.

I think if the #1 is not traded before the draft, the 15 minutes between 1 and 2 will be the wildest in NFL history.


Who would Houston trade the pick to?

[Travis]

I'm curious how nervous Houston is right now about trading down. I agree that they're just trying to maximize the trade value by saying that they're going to take Bush when what I think (re: hope) they're planning on trying to move down to get Ferguson, but how far down can they trade now and feel secure knowing that they'll still get him. Prior to FA I would have said they could move down at least to the #4 slot and have been safe, but now it may be a case of seeing what the Saints may offer up to jump up one spot if they still hold the #2 pick heading into the draft.

[cthomer5000]

Who would Houston trade the pick to?

I think the Jets are the best fit, or Tennessee perhaps. They don't want to move down very far.

[rkmsuf]

I think the Jets are the best fit, or Tennessee perhaps. They don't want to move down very far.

Maybe the Jets get Ramsey and then move up to #1 and take Bush.

[st.cronin]

I think the Jets are the best fit, or Tennessee perhaps. They don't want to move down very far.

So you're thinking somebody would trade to the #1 spot to get a QB? I'm not sure that makes sense.

[Raiders Army]

I think the Jets are the best fit, or Tennessee perhaps. They don't want to move down very far.
Agreed. They need D'Brickashaw more than Bush. I'm not even sure they can trade down past #3 to the Jets. Tennesse might be a better trade for them at #3.

[cthomer5000]

So you're thinking somebody would trade to the #1 spot to get a QB? I'm not sure that makes sense.

I agree that it doesn't make sense for the team trading up, but it certainly doesn't mean it won't happen. If the Jets fall in love with Leinart, and are convinced Tennessee wants him, they might lose their mind and trade up.

Crazy shit happens every year, and right now I view the top 4-5 as a pretty combustible situation. My opinion changes daily on what's going to happen.

[Travis]

So you're thinking somebody would trade to the #1 spot to get a QB? I'm not sure that makes sense.

I think he's making the same assumption that I am that the Texans will try to move down to grab Ferguson. So they'd assume whoever they trade the pick to will take Bush, then have to judge who the teams after that will take. If they figure QB's will be drafted at the 2 and 3 spots, then the lowest they'd want to drop down is to the 4th spot, get their guy there and pick up some picks later on. At this point though, with some of the teams drafting high solidifying their QB situations, suddenly there is a strong chance that Ferguson could go higher.

It's one thing to miss out on taking Bush by choice and the fallout from that if he turns out to be as special as a lot of people figure. It'd be another thing to pass up on his on purprose only to have the guy you did that for get taken a spot or two ahead of where you moved down to.

[rkmsuf]

seems to me the jets need bush the most of teams near the top

[Raiders Army]

Then again, New Orleans drafted Deuce McAlister when they had just drafted Ricky Williams...

[st.cronin]

Well, my wag predictions:

1. Houston - Reggie Bush
2. New Orleans - Mario Williams
3. NY Jets/Tennessee - Matt Leinart/Vince Young
4. Tennessee/NY Jets - Vince Young/Matt Leinart
5. Green Bay - AJ Hawk
6. San Francisco - Da Brick
7. Oakland - Jay Cutler

[RendeR]

i think they should have done this deal. Culpepper is coming off a bad year, but he's still young and he's built like the Terminator. those QB's don't grow on trees. makes sense for both parties.


Lets not forget, Culpepper had his leg all but amputated last season. That knee has 3 totally reconstructed tendons in it now. Terminator? no more...more like Edsel after that injury.

And I've never been impressed with his decision making as a QB.

Honestly I'm impressed the Dolphins gave up a #2 pick for a guy who, depending on that knee, may never be able to play to a quality level again.

[Solecismic]

I have a feeley it's going to work about as well as the last first-day pick they traded for a QB.

[RendeR]

I have a feeley it's going to work about as well as the last first-day pick they traded for a QB.


GOLD

.

[stevew]

If the Titans are absolutely in love with Leinart, their best move is to bite the bullet and trade up to #1 and get him. I have a feeling someone will try to trade up to #2 to get him. Houston can afford to go to #3 in that scenerio, since they will get either Bush or Ferguson.

[Subby]

Any reason NO wouldn't take Bush if he fell in their laps? Deuce missed a lot the season with an injury last year and isn't really getting any younger...

[rkmsuf]

Any reason NO wouldn't take Bush if he fell in their laps? Deuce missed a lot the season with an injury last year and isn't really getting any younger...

that's a fair point. deuce is 28.

that probably makes sense. I still think the jets should make a move if they can get Ramsey and Bush.

[Subby]

John Clayton Blog

Chain reaction among QBs

posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006

filed under: Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Three potential starting quarterback moves happened within a couple of hours with the trade of Daunte Culpepper to Miami and the signings of Drew Brees (New Orleans) and Jon Kitna (Detroit). The move that didn't happen was a Patrick Ramsey trade. Even though the Lions and Dolphins are no longer in the market for Ramsey, there is no basis of a trade between the Redskins and the Jets. The Jets are offering a seventh-round choice. The Redskins want a fourth. They will hold on to Ramsey for a while to see if they can do better than the Jets seventh.

Bengals eye QB Martin: The Bengals didn't get a deal done with Jamie Martin on Tuesday, but they will try to wrap up something Wednesday. Martin got a call over the weekend by the Bengals after Kitna informed the team he was leaving. Carson Palmer is coming off knee reconstruction and may not be available until September. Martin would get the chance to start through the preseason and possibly into the beginning of the regular season depending on Palmer's recovery.

Saints pay up for Brees: The Chargers only offered $2 million of pay in 2006 to try to keep Brees. That $2 million payout was included in a six-year, $60 million deal. The Chargers were obviously concerned about the shoulder, which had an arthroscopic repair of his rotator cuff. The Dolphins had similar concerns and they wouldn't go as far as the Saints in giving him an $8 million signing bonus and a $12 million option for 2007. Though the Saints deal could be looked upon as a one-year, $10 million, it's still one year at $10 million. That's a pretty strong commitment for a player coming off shoulder surgery.

What about Leinart? It wouldn't make economic sense for the Saints to sign Brees for $10 million and then draft Matt Leinart with the second pick. Remember, the Saints aren't a cash rich team. It would cost between $20 million and $25 million in guarantees for Leinart at No. 2. The commitment at quarterback for the Saints is on Brees, even if it's a one-year thing. Instead, the Saints will try to trade down and still get Mario Williams, the defensive end from North Carolina State.

Steelers make adjustments: The Steelers had to do some switching because of the popularity of their players following their Super Bowl run. They wanted to keep Kimo von Oehlhoffen, but he ended up getting three-years, $9.2 million from the Jets, including a $3.2 million signing bonus. He's 35. They instead invested in his replacement, Brett Keisel and gave him close to the same money -- four years at $13.1 million. Safety Chris Hope was hoping to get close to $4 million a year, too rich for the Steelers. Hope was talking to Houston, Miami and Tennessee so the Steelers grabbed Ryan Clark from the Redskins on a four-year deal at $7 million. Charlie Batch stayed as the backup quarterback on a three-year deal at $4.2 million, including an $800,000 signing bonus. They kept linebacker Clint Kriewaldt by giving him an $800,000 signing bonus and three years at the minimum.

Fast pace: How fast is this free agency going? In the first 90 hours, 55 unrestricted free agents had move to different teams and 26 players on the unrestricted last agreed to stay with their teams. The market about ready to run out of top names. Most of the remaining defensive tackles will be hot in the next 24 hours. The safety market should all dry up, too.

[stevew]

I'll just bump this thread instead of starting a new one.

From pft, so I'll again say that it's less than an a 100% reliable source.

As the April 29 draft approaches, there are increasing rumors and reports that the Houston Texans are now torn between running back Reggie Bush and defensive end Mario Williams.

The prevailing thought in league circles is that it's about the money. As in Bush apparently wants too much of it. And Williams apparently doesn't.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle explains that the team's interest in Williams is genuine, suggesting at one point that Williams could be the next Reggie White. But is McClain merely helping the Texans in their efforts to temper Bush's financial demands?

It's been reported for months that Bush will be the pick. ESPN's Chris Mortensen said so way back in January. We scoffed at the suggestion at the time, since so much can happen in the days leading up to the draft.

If the Texans are to be believed now, Mario Williams has happened -- and Williams could in the end be the guy.

Lost in the current discussion is quarterback Vince Young, which makes us even more convinced that the Texans had been flirting with him as a mere courtesy to the citizens of Vince's hometown of Houston. Really, if the Texans were genuinely interested in drafting a quarterback at No. 1, wouldn't they also be taking a look-see at Matt Leinart? In this specific case, where the interest in Young is aimed at placating the locals, adding Leinart to the debate would only risk pissing them off -- even though to the trained eye it would be proof that the interest in Young is real.

And we still don't rule out the possibility that the Texans are pumping up Williams to ensure that, if they ultimately trade down to No. 3, the Saints will pounce on Williams over Bush at No. 2. Then, the Texans get Bush two slots lower -- which necessarily will make his demands lower.

But not much lower, since Browns receiver Braylon Edwards ended up with a great contract in the three hole a year ago. In fact, whichever team lands in the third spot this year will be cursing Edwards' name when negotiations get going, because the agent for the No. 3 choice will be trying his damnedest to get the same kind of deal.


The Texans have a lot of needs, so I'm wondering if they may deal the #1 pick to the Jets. Figure they may get the #29 pick and another 2nd or 3rd(or possibly more). I think Bush would be the type of player the Jets could really use. And the Texans can draft D'Brick, Williams, or Vince Young at #4, pick up someone like Mangold at #29, grab a WR/DB in the 2nd and then go into next season much improved.

[flere-imsaho]

From the beginning, the smartest thing for the Texans to do would have been to trade down and try to fix some of their gaping holes.

[WSUCougar]

Interesting stuff. I know one thing's for sure...I'll be watching Round 1 with a great deal of interest. This could be the most enjoyable 1st day of the draft in a long time.

[KWhit]

From the beginning, the smartest thing for the Texans to do would have been to trade down and try to fix some of their gaping holes.

That's almost always the smartest move.

[Ryche]

The fact that Houston is pumping Williams as the potential #1 pick instead of Ferguson, the player who makes the most sense for them, makes me think this is all a smokescreen to try to entice someone to trade into the top slot.

[st.cronin]

The fact that Houston is pumping Williams as the potential #1 pick instead of Ferguson, the player who makes the most sense for them, makes me think this is all a smokescreen to try to entice someone to trade into the top slot.

Either that, or to put pressure on Bush to be more reasonable.

[stevew]

Bush supposedly ran through some drills for the Jets scouts the other day. Which is a bit odd, since there is no way he would drop to #4. I really can't wait for this draft.

[VPI97]

The fact that Houston is pumping Williams as the potential #1 pick instead of Ferguson, the player who makes the most sense for them, makes me think this is all a smokescreen to try to entice someone to trade into the top slot.
Ferguson?

I feel bad for whoever drafts him...he was abused by VT defensive ends the past few years and we're not exactly pumping out All-Pro pass rushers.

[WSUCougar]

Yeah, but the man's first name is D'Brickashaw. That's got to count for something.

[Daimyo]

I found this stat from footballoutsiders.com interesting. It is the win-loss record for the teams that drafted Marshall Faulk, Barry Sanders, and Gale Sayers in the five seasons after making the pick. In each case the RB replaced was not nearly as good as Domanick Davis so its hard to imagine Bush making the Texans into a winning team even in the best case scenario.

Faulk: 32-48
Sanders: 40-40
Sayers: 29-38-3

[miami_fan]

Bump for review purposes

[Passacaglia]

And to figure out what the hell Huckleberry was talking about.

[Dutch]

Bump for review purposes

So much for the wonderlic test. :)

[miami_fan]

And to figure out what the hell Huckleberry was talking about.

Very good question

[digamma]

He wasn't cocky about the test, but I'm not sure what the criteria for "not too bright" is. I wouldn't call him a genius or anything. The "truth" can be determined by people that have read all available information on him. But I'm not willing to say anything because he obviously doesn't want it out right now.

You're correct that he didn't prepare for the test. He's done some dumb things, primarily his choice of management teams.

I should probably just drop it as I'm not going to say anything. I'll be willing to PM the info after he signs his contract if reminded.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2531800

Care to share?

[Huckleberry]

Hi!

I will be out of town this weekend (for real) but am still willing to do what I said in the bolded part above. Unfortunately I'm lazy and am not going to go around clicking a bunch of user names in a thread. PM me.

Some of you need to open up PM space.

And don't expect some super huge revelation. Secrecy was requested and I just figured at the time that once his first contract was signed any impact would be minimal.