The Official 2007 NFL Draft Thread

[VPI97]

Can anybody give me some info on the guys the Texans have signed so far?

Onrea Jones, WR, Hampton
Jon Abbate, LB, W. Forest
Eric Wilbur, P, Florida
Cory Anderson, FB, Tennessee
Abbate is from the town I currently live in (didn't go to the high school my kids will go to, though) and I saw him play at Wake. He's a solid player...smart & tough...not sure if he has NFL size, but I don't think he really had major D-I size either and that didn't stop him from being a four year starter (I believe) and the best player on Wake's defense. With him, Houston gets a guy who will work hard every day and will give everything he's got on every play. I'd love to have a guy like him on any team I root for just because of his work ethic and the presence he'll have in the locker room.

[flere-imsaho]

It seems clear to me that the Pats are moving in the direction they are because they see "value." The entire league is running away from guys with "character" issues, so the Pats are taking some chances, figuring they can save some money that way.

That's exactly the way I see it, too. As a Pats fan, I'll admit that I'm a bit worried about the addition of Moss (and a bit worried about Merriweather, to be honest). However, as an "objective" fan, I'm very, very interested in this "experiment." Essentially we're going to find out what's stronger - the attitude Randy Moss has shown over the past few years, or the control Belichick has over his team.

I'm betting on the latter, to be honest. First, there's the Corey Dillon experiment, which worked out fine. Second, it appears the Patriots aren't "risking" all that much, and can probably cut ties with Moss without too much of a backlash. And third, and probably most importantly, there's still at least 40 members of the roster who have completely drunk the Belichick Kool-Aid. I just don't see Moss being able to change that. If he dogs it, I suspect he'll find that it's a pretty lonely locker room, and later a pretty quick trip to being cut.

[rkmsuf]

It's all about leverage. The Pats rarely let players have any kind of hammer. Particulary ones that are somewhat question marks character wise. Get these guys on the cheap and you can have yourself a motivated guy. Lavish big dough on these guys and you have loafers and malcontents.

[flere-imsaho]

Here's my prediction:

Moss has a good, almost great, year. He works hard, rarely takes plays off, and amasses very good numbers, though not great ones due mostly to Brady's tendency to spread the ball around. He's pretty much a model citizen, though, especially if the Pats look like they'll go deep into the playoffs.

Next spring/summer, Moss starts making noises about wanting his final "rich" contract. Belichick/Pioli offer him their "standard" for the position, he raises a stink, they trade him to some gullible team where he gets paid. Said gullible team, especially with the addition of Moss, look like a playoff contender, but soon fall behind. Moss starts to take plays off. Moss reverts. Several years later, before the "rich" contract becomes too cap-heavy for the gullible team, he gets cut, and retires.

[kurtism]

Here's my prediction:

Moss has a good, almost great, year. He works hard, rarely takes plays off, and amasses very good numbers, though not great ones due mostly to Brady's tendency to spread the ball around. He's pretty much a model citizen, though, especially if the Pats look like they'll go deep into the playoffs.

Next spring/summer, Moss starts making noises about wanting his final "rich" contract. Belichick/Pioli offer him their "standard" for the position, he raises a stink, they trade him to some gullible team where he gets paid. Said gullible team, especially with the addition of Moss, look like a playoff contender, but soon fall behind. Moss starts to take plays off. Moss reverts. Several years later, before the "rich" contract becomes too cap-heavy for the gullible team, he gets cut, and retires.

Trade him? He just signed a one-year deal. Is there a franchise-tagging in the mix as well?

[albionmoonlight]

hxxp://www.theredzone.org/2007/draft/udfa/school.asp

UDFAs listed by school.

[Ksyrup]

BTW, in case it hasn't been mentioned or you didn't read it, Peter King has a nice play-by-play of how the Quinn deal went down. Jerry Jones played it perfectly, got the guy he was going to take with that pick anyway, plus picked up an extra 1st rounder next year. Well played. I hope for Cleveland's sake it turns out to be a win/win.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I went through the undrafted free agent signings to see if I recognized any of the names. When I got to Jacksonville, I saw that they'd signed QB Lester Ricard out of Tulane. Now, I used to go to a lot of Tulane games, and I saw Ricard play. He's going to have a tough time breaking into the NFL, but he's got some potential. Still, the first thing I thought when I saw his name attached to the Jags was "Jacksonville signed another black quarterback?"

[beargrowlz]

It seems clear to me that the Pats are moving in the direction they are because they see "value." The entire league is running away from guys with "character" issues, so the Pats are taking some chances, figuring they can save some money that way.

I just hope that Moss returns some of the Irving Fryar karma.

I was against bringing Moss in for most of the winter and spring. I just thought he'd be too disruptive in the locker room.

But I think this is an extension of the Pats approach to guys with reps - show us how much you want to win a ring. Dillon gave up money, now Moss is giving up $6 mil plus to play for the team. And they brought in Rodeny Harrison who had a rep as the dirtiest player in the league.

The Pats basically bought a $10 lottery ticket here. A little more expensive than a $2 scratch off with the 4th rounder going to Oakland. If they hit they hit big, if Moss is a total douchebag, they cut him and are done with him.

Yes, I've drank the kool-aid. I think BB and Scott Pioli know what they're doing and having lived through decades of being a fan of the worst franchise in pro football, 3 rings in 4 years and what is it, 6 or 7 East titles in a row, they've pretty much got carte blanche to do whatever the frack they want with the team in my eyes.

As for Merriweather, can't really defend his actions in the FIU game - though to be truthful they were probably no worse than what a Conrad Dobler did or a Rodney Harrison does at the bottom of a pileup on the field. Still, kinda lameass to stomp mudholes in people.

But I don't see a damn thing wrong with the shooting incident. You obey the law, buy a handgun legally, own it legally, your pal gets shot at and you pull it out and return fire - all legally.

Maybe I've been out of the northeast too long, but if some asswipe is shooting at me, I'd rather my friend had a legal handgun and shot back at the SOB within his rights to defend himself or others rather than run away in the opposite direction yelling "Dude, I told you we needed a 72 hour waiting period on handguns."

Damn, I've become a suthrun.



Cheers.

[Ksyrup]

I went through the undrafted free agent signings to see if I recognized any of the names. When I got to Jacksonville, I saw that they'd signed QB Lester Ricard out of Tulane. Now, I used to go to a lot of Tulane games, and I saw Ricard play. He's going to have a tough time breaking into the NFL, but he's got some potential. Still, the first thing I thought when I saw his name attached to the Jags was "Jacksonville signed another black quarterback?"


They're big fans of athletical QBs. :)

[beargrowlz]

dola.

Not to mention, when Merriweather tells a blitzing corner "Dude, i got your back", he's got the cred his teammates know he really does have their back. :p

[Bee]

I went through the undrafted free agent signings to see if I recognized any of the names. When I got to Jacksonville, I saw that they'd signed QB Lester Ricard out of Tulane. Now, I used to go to a lot of Tulane games, and I saw Ricard play. He's going to have a tough time breaking into the NFL, but he's got some potential. Still, the first thing I thought when I saw his name attached to the Jags was "Jacksonville signed another black quarterback?"

house rule

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Trade him? He just signed a one-year deal. Is there a franchise-tagging in the mix as well?

Yes, they could franchise him after this year if reverts to big-play Randy.

[Fighter of Foo]

The Pats basically bought a $10 lottery ticket here. A little more expensive than a $2 scratch off with the 4th rounder going to Oakland. If they hit they hit big, if Moss is a total douchebag, they cut him and are done with him.

This is why it's a great trade for the Pats, even if Moss never plays a down in a competitive game. The Raiders selected cornerback John Bowie from Cincinnati with the pick they got from New England. Who has more upside???

[Neuqua]

Bears signed Leak.

[Bee]

This is why it's a great trade for the Pats, even if Moss never plays a down in a competitive game. The Raiders selected cornerback John Bowie from Cincinnati with the pick they got from New England. Who has more upside???

Seriously, considering it's the Patriots and how many free agents/draft picks they have had this year...what were the chances that someone they picked in the 4th round would have even made the team.

[rkmsuf]

Seriously, considering it's the Patriots and how many free agents/draft picks they have had this year...what were the chances that someone they picked in the 4th round would have even made the team.

Very small; they didn't even want the pick.

Kind of amazing NE was able to structure this the way it played out in terms of the restructuring to a one year deal and a meaningless 4th round pick.

[MikeVic]

Is there a free site somewhere that offers analysis and "grades" for each team?

[rkmsuf]

Is there a free site somewhere that offers analysis and "grades" for each team?

sportingnews.com

[MikeVic]

sportingnews.com

Thanks.

I started reading it and saw a A+ for the Dolphins. Quickly read the Steelers' review, and then I stopped reading. :)

[Butter]

Fox Sports also had grading for each team and actually had commentary for each pick.

[SFL Cat]

Abbate is from the town I currently live in (didn't go to the high school my kids will go to, though) and I saw him play at Wake. He's a solid player...smart & tough...not sure if he has NFL size, but I don't think he really had major D-I size either and that didn't stop him from being a four year starter (I believe) and the best player on Wake's defense. With him, Houston gets a guy who will work hard every day and will give everything he's got on every play. I'd love to have a guy like him on any team I root for just because of his work ethic and the presence he'll have in the locker room.

Zach Thomas kind of guy.

[SFL Cat]

Patriots are a classic example of the rich getting richer. I'll be suprised if they don't make it to the Super Bowl again.

[cthomer5000]

I finally looked it up, FB Brian Leonard (St. Louis) was the highest selected Rutgers player since 1996 (TE Marco Battaglia, Cincinnati) and the 3rd highest selected Rutgers player ever.

[biological warrior]

So, I wonder where Brady Quinn would have gone if Ty Willing ham remained ND's head coach.

[albionmoonlight]

Patriots are a classic example of the rich getting richer. I'll be suprised if they don't make it to the Super Bowl again.

I don't know if we've had a team looking this good after the draft in quite a while. If Stallworth stays healthy and Moss stays off pot, they could be the top offense in the league.

[Surtt]

Next spring/summer, Moss starts making noises about wanting his final "rich" contract. Belichick/Pioli offer him their "standard" for the position, he raises a stink, they trade him to some gullible team where he gets paid. Said gullible team, especially with the addition of Moss, look like a playoff contender, but soon fall behind. Moss starts to take plays off. Moss reverts. Several years later, before the "rich" contract becomes too cap-heavy for the gullible team, he gets cut, and retires.


Moss isn't TO, he is not about the money.
He offered to take the 6 million pay cut so NE would trade for him.
My guess is he plans on retiring after this year and wanted a last shot at the Super Bowl.
Also the way NE is acting I am wondering if this isn't Belichick's last year too.


Here's my prediction:

Both Belichick and Moss retire after this year.

[SFL Cat]

I think Moss will be the model citizen and strive to be productive in the NE system so he can get one more killer payday before he retires.

[Buccaneer]

After reading Peter King's article about the Cleveland GM and how he worked to make the trade, I have gained a lot more respect for the team. It's refreshing to see that compared to the morons they had after they restarted the team.

[Ryche]

I don't know if we've had a team looking this good after the draft in quite a while. If Stallworth stays healthy and Moss stays off pot, they could be the top offense in the league.

And if Moss stays healthy, he's had plenty of trouble doing that the last few years.

[Danny]

I love what the Raiders did for this draft. I was especially happy to grab Michael Bush in the 4th.

[stevew]

Oh man, I think I love this Sepulveda punter dude already. Frigging built like a brick shithouse, and kicks the tar out of the ball. You know it's the offseason when you get excited about a punter.

[Tigercat]

Well the Saints have done some interesting things with undrafted free agents, including apparently signing the big 375 pound front flipping DT Walter Thomas. Will be interesting to see if he can make the practice squad, much less the roster, with pure talent but hardly any experience.

I have a feeling it will be a repeat of Brock Lesnar, but we could really use a stud DT, so I would love to be wrong.

[oykib]

The Moss deal was genius. Pure genius.

This is where all the people who chastised the Pats as cheap for the Branch thing need to admit that they were mistaken.

Moss for a $3 million cap number or Branch for a $6-7 million one.

[Groundhog]

Well the Saints have done some interesting things with undrafted free agents, including apparently signing the big 375 pound front flipping DT Walter Thomas. Will be interesting to see if he can make the practice squad, much less the roster, with pure talent but hardly any experience.

I have a feeling it will be a repeat of Brock Lesnar, but we could really use a stud DT, so I would love to be wrong.

Glad to see someone try out Thomas. I'll also be interested to see what happens. Probably nothing much, but I hope I'm wrong.

[JW]

When is ESPN doing its Brady Quinn 2007 draft day retrospective?

[yabanci]

This is why it's a great trade for the Pats, even if Moss never plays a down in a competitive game. The Raiders selected cornerback John Bowie from Cincinnati with the pick they got from New England. Who has more upside???

Actually, the logic behind it for the Raiders was the extra pick they got for Moss allowed them to take a risk with RB Michael Bush, a guy with a broken leg who has TONS of upside if he heals. Without the extra NE pick, they don't draft a guy who had a new titanium rod put in his leg last month because the bone hadn't been healing properly. With the pick, they get Bush and Al still gets to select the fastest player in the draft (4.24) that he foolishly reaches for every year.

The Patriots clearly are the beneficiaries of the fact that Moss had the Raiders bent over and ready to slide it in. He had a $9+ contract that the Raiders couldn't afford. He told them the only team he'll renegotiate for is NE. Moss held all the cards. It was either trade him to NE for whatever they could get or release him. There were no other options. The Raiders were holding out to get at least a 3rd for him, but as soon as they saw Michael Bush sitting there in round 4, they changed tune and happily took the 4th rounder.

In the end, it's an interesting trade. Really not much downside in it for either team, potentially lots of upside for either team. In context it makes sense for both sides. Out of context, the trade is ridiculously lopsided in favor of the Patriots.

[Danny]

I think it was a good deal for the Pats to get Moss, but it was also a good move for the Raiders to get rid of him. The Raiders aren't going to be taking the league by storm next season and Moss would continue to cause problems under those conditions. Best not to have that attitude around and try and instill a positive team identity in hopes of becoming a good team once JR and coach Kiffin mature.

[Julio Riddols]

Both Randy Moss and Corey Dillon are players who got bad raps for wanting to play for a winner more than anything else. Moss was a fine player that anyone would want until Minnesota started to lose consistently. Dillon put up with year after year of being a Bengal and got what he deserved in the end for all his hard work basically carrying a franchise on his back for 5 or 6 years.

I highly doubt Moss does anything but catch about 75 passes for 1300 yards and 15 td's this year, and that his enthusiasm for the game will be renewed as a result of a stellar season in the thick of the super bowl hunt. I think people confuse T.O. with Randy way too much, because there is hardly a comparison between the two off the field. The only similarity between them is both are outstanding players.

I don't think any player with the skills of a Moss would enjoy playing for the 2006 Raiders any more than he did - No QB to throw you the ball, no O-line to give that QB any time to throw, and no running game to take the pressure off the passing game pretty much makes for a very disheartening and frustrating season for anyone, especially when that player has the talent to be so much more. I'd bet anything he reverts to the Randy Moss of the late 90's for this season and beyond, because he is not T.O.. He just wants to win. The Pats will do that a LOT this season.

[albionmoonlight]

Glad to see someone try out Thomas. I'll also be interested to see what happens. Probably nothing much, but I hope I'm wrong.

There is, like, a 30 page thread dedicated to the signing on the Saints message board--which I think is bigger than the threads dedicated to the guys that the Saints actually drafted.

His myspace page http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=40459175 has generated a lot of the discussion. Lots of questions about maturity and thugishness, with others pointing out the thorny racial issues that inhere whenever a bunch of middle age white guys on message boards start calling young black athletes thuggish.

[sterlingice]

When is ESPN doing its Brady Quinn 2007 draft day retrospective?

I'm not sure they've given him enough media coverage yet ;)

SI

[Pumpy Tudors]

I just heard that Brady Quinn is going to replace John Ratzenberger on "Dancing With the Stars" next week. Also, Brady Quinn is taking over for Rosie O'Donnell on "The View" after Rosie leaves. In addition to that, Brady Quinn is getting his own reality show, and he'll be guest hosting "The Tonight Show" in July. All of that, and he'll be filling in for Judge Judy next month. Amazing.

[Dr. Sak]

I just heard that Brady Quinn is going to replace John Ratzenberger on "Dancing With the Stars" next week. Also, Brady Quinn is taking over for Rosie O'Donnell on "The View" after Rosie leaves. In addition to that, Brady Quinn is getting his own reality show, and he'll be guest hosting "The Tonight Show" in July. All of that, and he'll be filling in for Judge Judy next month. Amazing.

He can do that because his sister looks just like him and can fill in.

[Surtt]

I just heard that Brady Quinn is going to replace John Ratzenberger on "Dancing With the Stars" next week. Also, Brady Quinn is taking over for Rosie O'Donnell on "The View" after Rosie leaves. In addition to that, Brady Quinn is getting his own reality show, and he'll be guest hosting "The Tonight Show" in July. All of that, and he'll be filling in for Judge Judy next month. Amazing.



Brady Quinn does not sleep. He waits.

Brady Quinn once visited the Virgin Islands. They are now The Islands.

Brady Quinn' calendar goes straight from March 31st to April 2nd; no one fools Brady Quinn.

Brady Quinn counted to infinity - twice.

Superman owns a pair of Brady Quinn pajamas.

[Eaglesfan27]

Keyshawn Johnson was cut by the Panthers today. I wonder if it had anything to do with his talk covering the draft that could have alienated Delhomme. It does seem to be a peculiar move by a team that payed him a 3 million dollar roster bonus about a month ago.

[yabanci]

Keyshawn Johnson was cut by the Panthers today. I wonder if it had anything to do with his talk covering the draft that could have alienated Delhomme. It does seem to be a peculiar move by a team that payed him a 3 million dollar roster bonus about a month ago.

apparently the $3 mil thing was misreported.:

No $3 million bonus for Johnson (http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/)

Let's clear up a little matter here before it gets too wide-spread: The Panthers DID NOT pay Keyshawn Johnson a $3 million roster bonus on April 1, as has been reported elsewhere and has fans scratching their heads.

The Panthers did pay Johnson $1 million April 1. But that was deferred money from the signing bonus he agreed to when he initially signed with the Panthers. Johnson also was due a $1 million reporting bonus at the start of training camp. Obviously, he won't get that money and it won't count against the salary cap.


Anyone know why Corey Chavous wasn't brought back to do analysis on NFLN? Last year I thought he was the most informed, insightful, and interesting analyst on any of the channels, much better than Keyshawn. maybe it's just a rotating thing with active players. Hopefully Chavous will get hired when he retires.

[miami_fan]

apparently the $3 mil thing was misreported.:




Anyone know why Corey Chavous wasn't brought back to do analysis on NFLN? Last year I thought he was the most informed, insightful, and interesting analyst on any of the channels, much better than Keyshawn. maybe it's just a rotating thing with active players. Hopefully Chavous will get hired when he retires.

I could see Chavous working in a team's personnel dept. He really enjoys that type of stuff. I agree he would be very good on TV as well.

[JW]

Brady Quinn counted to infinity - twice.


While waiting on his name to be called.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

An interesting tidbit from Peter King with respect to offers made to the Lions for No. 2/Calvin Johnson.

While many made offers, apparently the Broncos came the closest weeks before the draft offering two first-round picks, a second-rounder and two third-rounders, plus veteran linebacker Al Wilson, but when the Broncos wouldn't substitute another second-round pick for the injured Wilson, Millen turned them down.

Apparently, after all the pre-draft stuff, when the Lions were finally on the clock, no more offers came.

[cthomer5000]

Anyone know why Corey Chavous wasn't brought back to do analysis on NFLN?

informed, insightful, and interesting

Sadly, I think you answered your own question. Gives us a guy who shouts a lot instead! wheeeeee!!!!

[Groundhog]

Well the Saints have done some interesting things with undrafted free agents, including apparently signing the big 375 pound front flipping DT Walter Thomas. Will be interesting to see if he can make the practice squad, much less the roster, with pure talent but hardly any experience.

I have a feeling it will be a repeat of Brock Lesnar, but we could really use a stud DT, so I would love to be wrong.

The Walter Thomas era lasted 15 minutes. Apparently 15 mins in to the workout session he had to be examined by team doctors, and was sent home.

[Tigercat]

The Walter Thomas era lasted 15 minutes. Apparently 15 mins in to the workout session he had to be examined by team doctors, and was sent home.

Heh, yea apparently 2 JUCO games in two years doesn't keep one in football shape, flips or no flips.

Edit:And sorry for comparing him to you Brock Lesnar, at least you lasted a full practice and more.