[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen going to use the #12 overall
There were rumors that the Merchantmen should or would go after quarterback Louie Flannery. That story seems to be a closed book, the latest rumors are that the Merchantmen have given up their attepmts to trade up to the top 5 to get Flannery there. Reason? Flannery is not worth top five money and the team can't pay top five pick money.

Flannery not worth it? Hello, are you guys for sure? Flannery looks like a serious option as a starting quarterback. Guys like Justin McDavid and that Shane Bower guy won't pass you to 10 wins in a season, plain and simple. Flannery is no Seth Dwight, but at least he's got the potential to be far better then the two short pass guys.

So, what are they going to do with that pick then? League pundits have tossed up several names. People know the Merchantmen's quarterback situation, the trade of two defensive ends and the secondary woes. Not to mention the lack of a wide receiver who can get open. But can they get such a guy at #12 overall?

The Merchantmen general manager seems to be very fuzzy about what he wants. We heard they were a simple "Confirmed" away from trading into the top five in the draft in a "if my guy is gone and Flannery is there" scenario. Apparently, that seems over. Talks for he #2 pick were also heard, but we can't confirm the Merchantmen made a good offer there.

We now hear they are going to use the #12 with about three guys they like. If all three are gone, they will probably trade the pick, either for a lower first or out of the draft completely. The #23 is also still on the block and we hear the Merchantmen see nobody they can get there. With their cap woes, we actually hear they are opting to go for second round picks. Can you beleive that, the team that had 7 first rounders on roster and not so long ago held 3 first rounders for the 2006 draft as well?

What are other rumors? Alvin Causey is going to be traded afterall. Causey recently signed a new five-year deal, yet the Merchantmen are willing to eat the bonus money and want to give young run blockers Butch White and Timothy Lacy total control. With Russell Malave as the #6 lineman, the Merchantmen have a guy who knows the system sitting ready. Where Causey will go is still a mystery, but we hear he's going to be expensive to get.

With a trade of Causey, the Merchantmen are expected to be at about 1.1M under the cap, with still a lot of draft picks to make. Where they want to get the money for other picks, that will be interesting to see. It seems the team is about to make proposals to wideout Bryce Ewald, linebacker Ellsworth Thelen, quarterback Justin MCDavid, cornerback Gus Stoffers and also maybe tackle Wilson Grimaldo to open up another 1M to 1.5M dollars of cap room.

Gossip News will keep you updated.