Draft Day Buzz (1 Viewer)

[massraider]

Jason LaCanfora just said he heard of five teams that are considering Dalton in top half of the draft.

LaCanfora also said he heard Mike Tomlin is on a mission to match the Pouncey brothers together. Kinda thinking that LaCanfora is getting taken for a ride by some sources.

 

[massraider]

PFT:

Mike Shanahan: Trading up isn’t likely

Posted by Josh Alper on April 28, 2011, 11:50 AM EDT

Mike Shanahan AP

There have been a lot of whispers linking the Redskins with a move up from the 10th overall pick in the first round to get themselves a quarterback.

Mike Shanahan addressed those rumors on Wednesday and threw a fair amount of cold water on them. At a pre-draft meeting with reporters, Shanahan indicated that the team’s lack of picks in the third or fourth round would make it very difficult to move up to the second pick. That’s the spot that Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com and others have reported to be the spot the Redskins are targeting so that they can pick Blaine Gabbert.

That lack of draft picks and the myriad needs on the Redskins roster naturally led to questions about the team potentially moving down as a way to secure more players to help the team. Shanahan said that he was open to that possibility.

“We’ve gone through all different scenarios that if we got the right offer could we move back two picks, five picks, 10 picks, depending on what people are willing to give up,” he said. “We go through all those scenarios.”

Now comes the time for the screaming disclaimer that it is quite possible that Shanahan isn’t telling the truth. That caveat must be attached to anything draft related at this point in time, even something that makes as much sense as the Redskins trying to exit the draft with as much talent as possible.

 

[massraider]

Buffalo quarterback buzz picks up

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on April 28, 2011, 11:28 AM EDT

Blaine Gabbert AP

It’s draft day, which means we are about to start hearing self-serving draft rumors at a fast and furious pace.

It beats labor talk, right?

With a lot of folks believing Cam Newton will go first and a defensive player second (Von Miller or Marcell Dareus), speculation is picking up over what Buffalo will do at No. 3.

Adam Schefter passed along word that the Bills will give Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert a “long, hard look” at the No. 3 pick in the draft.

“I’ve been hearing buzz since last night,” said Schefter. “If Cam Newton was in play for the Bills, why wouldn’t Blaine Gabbert?”

Or they are just trying to inspire someone to trade up for Gabbert, which seems a lot more likely to be the aim of the Bills.



One person not buying Gabbert-to-Buffalo is Florida State offensive coordinator James Coley, who mysteriously tweeted this on Thursday morning: “One word . . . Buffalo.”

You don’t have to be an internet sleuth to figure out Coley believes the Bills will grab Christian Ponder, either by trading down or possibly trading back into the first round.

With teams desperate to fill their quarterback needs, get ready for a day full of action.

 

[massraider]

Peter King:

As the draft and free agency possibly collide today, TBD's the reaction I got when I asked an NFL spokesman this morning when the league would have an announcement on how teams were to proceed in the wake of federal judge Susan Nelson refusing to delay her order for the league to open for business. Would teams be chasing Nnamdi Asomugha at the same time they jockeyed for Patrick Peterson? TBD.

As general managers leaguewide await the league's marching orders, there's this little matter of the biggest day on the NFL's offseason calendar kicking off tonight at 8 Eastern time: the 76th draft.

This day is going to be fun, whether we have the mayhem of free agency and trades or not. There are rumors aplenty in the final hours. Washington trading up from 10 to try to get Blaine Gabbert. New England dealing one of its three picks in the top 33 for a 2012 first-rounder. The bottom of the round being a lottery for flawed quarterbacks.

The day's going to be fluid. For now, let's focus on the draft, the only sure thing we know will happen today.

"What's made this draft so hard to read is there's a really good player -- two in some cases -- at almost every position, and you may find teams trading to compete for them,'' Tampa Bay GM Mark Dominik said Wednesday. "Von Miller as a pass-rusher, Patrick Peterson as a cover corner, A.J. Green and Julio Jones at receiver. And it's a quarterback-driven league, lots of teams need quarterbacks, and there are questions about them. So it could be a really unpredictable draft.''

Not "could be.'' Is. A final draft primer on what you need to know today:

The mocks you've been waiting for.

We all do mock drafts, and I'm not demeaning the importance of any of them. But the two most-anticipated ones are out this morning -- Mike Mayock of NFL Network and Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News. Both men talk to most if not all teams before making their picks. Mayock's draft is up at NFL.com. Gosselin's draft, unfortunately, is behind a pay wall at the Morning News. But I'll synthesize some of his most salient points, and Mayock's.

They agree on the top seven picks, in order:

Cam Newton (Carolina)

Von Miller (Denver)

Marcell Dareus (Buffalo)

A.J. Green (Cincinnati)

Patrick Peterson (Arizona)

Julio Jones (Cleveland)

Blaine Gabbert (San Francisco)

That last one surprises me, Gabbert lasting 'til seven. Then they diverge. Mayock's highlights are Mark Ingram to the Giants at 19 -- how fitting for the Ingram family -- and wideout Jonathan Baldwin going to Chicago at 29. Gosselin goes quarterback-crazy early: Jake Locker at eight to Tennessee (I still think it's Nick Fairley; the Titans are desperate to help their D first today), Christian Ponder to Washington at 10, Andy Dalton to the Vikings at 12. Mayock's got Locker at 28 (to an unknown team trading up with New England), Dalton at 32 (to an unknown team trading up with Green Bay) and Ponder out of the first round. Neither man has pockmarked Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett in round one.

Gosselin's other highlights: Nick Fairley sliding to Detroit at 13, Mark Ingram to the Rams at 14, Mike Pouncey to Miami at 15, Cam Jordan to New England at 17 (though he projects the Pats to likely trade this pick), Robert Quinn to Tampa Bay at 20, Anthony Castonzo to Indianapolis at 22, and what I consider his biggest surprise in the round -- cornerback Prince Amukamara sliding to Seattle at 25, two slots behind Jimmy Smith going to Philadelphia at 23. Check out Gosselin's comment on Baylor guard Danny Watkins, who he has going to New England at 28: "Watkins is the safest pick in the draft, the one player you can confidently say will be in the Pro Bowl in 2012.''

The hot team: Cleveland.



Now the Browns could sit where they are in the first four rounds -- at overall picks 6, 37, 70 and 102 -- but I'd be very surprised. I'm told GM Tom Heckert has an itchy trigger finger this morning, and is looking forward to dealing out of number six if the Browns' preferred pick is not there. If Gabbert's there, as Mayock and Gosselin project he will be, there's a chance the Browns could get a good extra pick (from Tennessee, moving up two spots) or more (from a QB-needy team down in the round). Cleveland could be the team that thinks it could turn its first-round pick into a good second-rounder in this draft, a first-rounder next year, and something else.

Remember a couple of things about Cleveland: Heckert learned from working under Trader Andy Reid, and he's not scared of losing out on a player by moving a few spots. Club president Mike Holmgren, from observing Bill Walsh and Ron Wolf and from his own beliefs, loves to wheel and deal too. Heckert and Holmgren strongly trust their gut about players. Say they want a pass-rusher and franchise receiver badly. They're the types who's say, "We'd rather have Titus Young and Brooks Reed this year, and an extra one next year, than Robert Quinn or Julio Jones this year.'' The Browns could end up sitting tight, but if their guy or guys aren't there, they'll move.

The dying quail: Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers.

"New England's got to be licking their chops at 17 about him,'' said Dominik. Six months ago, though a junior and with no declared intention to enter the draft, Bowers was a candidate to be the first overall pick. Then his knee flared up late in the season, he had arthroscopic surgery, and now teams hare worried the knee won't last long in the NFL. "You've got to look at him, try to figure how many years he'll play football for sure, and figure if he's worth the gamble,'' one GM said this week. He'll go anywhere from 13 to 25.

The marquee position: quarterback.

It's confusing, as you know, but I'd be very surprised if Newton doesn't go number one to Carolina; if Gabbert doesn't go in the top five to Cincinnati or Arizona, he could go to a tradeup team like Washington or Tennessee. Many of you have asked about the Panthers trading down, if for nothing more than a bag of footballs; no sense in picking Newton first overall and having to pay him $55 million guaranteed, or whatever the play-money number will be. Why not move down and get him, or take someone else? Simple. No one wants the pick. Carolina's heard from no one, and almost certainly won't, particularly without the specter of a rookie wage scale being in place.

The big questions won't end there. Most analysts think Andy Dalton's arm isn't strong enough to be a first-rounder, and that Jake Locker is too inaccurate to be a very high pick. One GM who will take a quarterback in the first two rounds told me Tuesday night: "I guarantee Andy Dalton and Jake Locker will go in the top 20.'' And so it goes.

My best guess this morning is Newton, Gabbert, Locker and Dalton will go in the first round, with Ponder and Mallett picked no later than Jacksonville at 49. After that I see Colin Kaepernick and Ricky Stanzi gone by the end of day two -- though some of the teams that like Stanzi might think they can get him early in the fourth. But there could well be eight quarterbacks in the first three rounds, which would be a draft record.

The hot prospect: LSU CB Patrick Peterson.

He's probably the one player teams might consider trading up in the top 10 to get. I had Houston moving up to No. 7 to pick him in the first round in my mock draft last week; this week, ESPN's Todd McShay had Houston moving up to number five, dealing with Arizona, to get Peterson. I've been told in the past couple of days that Houston GM Rick Smith is loathe to use so much draft currency to move up from 11 to five or seven to get Peterson (it would likely cost him the Texans' second-round pick to do so).

Let's assume the number two corner on many boards, Prince Amukamara, is available at 11. If you're Smith, you ask yourself: Would I trade Patrick Peterson for Amukamara and any one of three options at positions of need with pick number 42 in the second round -- the third wide receiver (maybe Maryland's Torrey Smith), the first safety (UCLA's Rahim Moore), or maybe the second running back (Mikel Leshoure of Illinois). That's a tough question. The gap between Peterson and the next corner would have to be huge for Houston to do that.

The division: The AFC East.

This is a very big draft for the AFC East. It's a draft that could see the Patriots put more space between themselves and the rest of the division in terms of young roster talent. Check out the number of picks in the top 75 of the draft for each team in the East:

New England -- 5

Buffalo -- 3

New York Jets -- 1

Miami -- 1

The Dolphins don't pick for a second time until the 79th overall pick. The Jets don't make their second pick until the 94th overall. (New England actually has a sixth pick, the 92nd overall, before the Jets make a second pick.) That's the price of dealing for Brandon Marshall last year for Miami, and the price, for the Jets, of dealing for cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Those moves seemed right at the time, and those two teams would tell you they're not unhappy with either deal.

The quote of the day: On those wacky Bengals.

Gosselin gives the Bengals A.J. Green, the Georgia wideout, at number four, and offers this prescient comment: "This is the only shot the Bengals have of luring Carson Palmer out of retirement. Draft the best receiver in college football, release Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, and give Palmer a clean canvas to resume his career."

Now, mercifully, it's on with the draft. And whatever else this day brings before 8 tonight.

 

[Dexter Manley]

One GM who will take a quarterback in the first two rounds told me Tuesday night: "I guarantee Andy Dalton and Jake Locker will go in the top 20.'' And so it goes.

This really got my attention. I've read rumors that the Titans defensive staff wants Fairley while the offensive staff wants Dalton, at 1.08. Then Gosselin shipped Locker to the Titans in his draft.I think there's so much smoke with all these qb's that I think at least 4 go in the 1st round, and probably 5 (newton, gabbert, locker, dalton, ponder).

 

[massraider]

One GM who will take a quarterback in the first two rounds told me Tuesday night: "I guarantee Andy Dalton and Jake Locker will go in the top 20.'' And so it goes.

This really got my attention. I've read rumors that the Titans defensive staff wants Fairley while the offensive staff wants Dalton, at 1.08. Then Gosselin shipped Locker to the Titans in his draft.I think there's so much smoke with all these qb's that I think at least 4 go in the 1st round, and probably 5 (newton, gabbert, locker, dalton, ponder).

A little surprised the Gabbert talk has died down. Everyone is placing these hot names somewhere, but we haven't heard about any team dying to land Gabbert. Maybe I have just missed it.

 

[massraider]

Casserly says Chiefs are trying to move up for Pouncey.

 

[steelcityman]

I really love the fact that the Steelers divisional rivals take WRs early. When neither team has a decent QB, including Palmer, on their rosters.

I'm pretty sure Raven fans would agree.

 

[Spike]

I have heard some people say that, with the labor talks, interest in the draft has died down.

I just don't see that!

 

[Raider Nation]

My mute button is getting quite a workout every time Jamie Dukes speaks.

 

[Eastwood]

My mute button is getting quite a workout every time Jamie Dukes speaks.

 

[massraider]

Michael Lombardi is adamant that the Raiders are trying to move up for J. Smith.

I dunno, he had the same damn addiction Russell had--Sizzurp. Can's see it.

 

[massraider]

Source: Kaepernick is No. 1 QB on Raiders’ draft board

Posted by Evan Silva on April 28, 2011, 12:42 PM EDT

Twelve days ago, a league source told PFT that one unnamed AFC West team informed Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick that he is the No. 1 quarterback on their draft board.

PFT has tracked down the team.

Per a league source, it’s the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders hosted Kaepernick for an official, team-facility visit on April 12. Thursday morning, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Oakland is trying to trade into the first round of the draft.

Michael David Smith speculated that Kaepernick could be the Raiders’ target. Other reports suggest it could be Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.

Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora told a Miami radio show Thursday morning that he believes the Dolphins will draft Kaepernick with the 15th overall pick.

Kaepernick was not included in renowned draft prognosticator Rick Gosselin’s first round.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Michael Lombardi is adamant that the Raiders are trying to move up for J. Smith.I dunno, he had the same damn addiction Russell had--Sizzurp. Can's see it.

This move makes sense. Smith has the measurables, and lanky physique. The best replacement for Aso that we can hope for, and is a glaring need. I think the character concerns are overblown.

 

[Dexter Manley]

One GM who will take a quarterback in the first two rounds told me Tuesday night: "I guarantee Andy Dalton and Jake Locker will go in the top 20.'' And so it goes.

This really got my attention. I've read rumors that the Titans defensive staff wants Fairley while the offensive staff wants Dalton, at 1.08. Then Gosselin shipped Locker to the Titans in his draft.I think there's so much smoke with all these qb's that I think at least 4 go in the 1st round, and probably 5 (newton, gabbert, locker, dalton, ponder).

A little surprised the Gabbert talk has died down. Everyone is placing these hot names somewhere, but we haven't heard about any team dying to land Gabbert. Maybe I have just missed it.

Well, if Gabbert makes it past Buffalo and Cincy, I'm convinced Arizona won't take him, so he would be available at 1.06 for Cleveland, and it's likely the Browns trade down with some team who loves him.

 

[Dexter Manley]

My mute button is getting quite a workout every time Jamie Dukes speaks.

I like Dukes. He brings a big smile to my face whenever I see him on TV. Reminds me of C-Lo.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Source: Kaepernick is No. 1 QB on Raiders’ draft boardPosted by Evan Silva on April 28, 2011, 12:42 PM EDTTwelve days ago, a league source told PFT that one unnamed AFC West team informed Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick that he is the No. 1 quarterback on their draft board.PFT has tracked down the team.Per a league source, it’s the Oakland Raiders.The Raiders hosted Kaepernick for an official, team-facility visit on April 12. Thursday morning, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Oakland is trying to trade into the first round of the draft.Michael David Smith speculated that Kaepernick could be the Raiders’ target. Other reports suggest it could be Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora told a Miami radio show Thursday morning that he believes the Dolphins will draft Kaepernick with the 15th overall pick.Kaepernick was not included in renowned draft prognosticator Rick Gosselin’s first round.

No doubt he's the #1 QB on the Raiders board. But he should fall naturally to #48. If they want him, they should be able to sit back and relax. QB isn't a position of immediate need. I think they need to be thinking OL at #48.

 

[massraider]

Michael Lombardi is adamant that the Raiders are trying to move up for J. Smith.

I dunno, he had the same damn addiction Russell had--Sizzurp. Can's see it.

This move makes sense. Smith has the measurables, and lanky physique. The best replacement for Aso that we can hope for, and is a glaring need. I think the character concerns are overblown.

I guess a lot of teams agree with you, as his stock is skyrocketing (supposedly). As for the concerns being overblown, read this: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/120747104.html

If anything, they are understated. 3rd degree assault, two minor in possession, and three failed drug tests.....and a couple abortions in his free time.

 

[Raider Nation]

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora told a Miami radio show Thursday morning that he believes the Dolphins will draft Kaepernick with the 15th overall pick.

And Lombardi seems convinced that Miami is taking Mallett. Henne has to be feeling the love right now!

 

[massraider]

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora told a Miami radio show Thursday morning that he believes the Dolphins will draft Kaepernick with the 15th overall pick.

And Lombardi seems convinced that Miami is taking Mallett. Henne has to be feeling the love right now!

I am not a believer in LaCanfora. He's been throwing a lot of stuff against the wall the last few weeks, I'd love to have a collection of his inside info over the last month, and see if any sticks.

 

[massraider]

BTW, this is the day Twitter is great. Otherwise, I have not much use for it.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Source: Kaepernick is No. 1 QB on Raiders’ draft boardPosted by Evan Silva on April 28, 2011, 12:42 PM EDTTwelve days ago, a league source told PFT that one unnamed AFC West team informed Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick that he is the No. 1 quarterback on their draft board.PFT has tracked down the team.Per a league source, it’s the Oakland Raiders.The Raiders hosted Kaepernick for an official, team-facility visit on April 12. Thursday morning, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Oakland is trying to trade into the first round of the draft.Michael David Smith speculated that Kaepernick could be the Raiders’ target. Other reports suggest it could be Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora told a Miami radio show Thursday morning that he believes the Dolphins will draft Kaepernick with the 15th overall pick.Kaepernick was not included in renowned draft prognosticator Rick Gosselin’s first round.

No doubt he's the #1 QB on the Raiders board. But he should fall naturally to #48. If they want him, they should be able to sit back and relax. QB isn't a position of immediate need. I think they need to be thinking OL at #48.

Yea. Hadn't heard he was the #1 qb on any teams board until right now, but if I had, my first guess would of been the Raiders.But there's no way he lasts to #48, imo.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Michael Lombardi is adamant that the Raiders are trying to move up for J. Smith.

I dunno, he had the same damn addiction Russell had--Sizzurp. Can's see it.

This move makes sense. Smith has the measurables, and lanky physique. The best replacement for Aso that we can hope for, and is a glaring need. I think the character concerns are overblown.

I guess a lot of teams agree with you, as his stock is skyrocketing (supposedly). As for the concerns being overblown, read this: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/120747104.html

If anything, they are understated. 3rd degree assault, two minor in possession, and three failed drug tests.....and a couple abortions in his free time.

I heard an interview on the radio with a scout or someone from the Bucs, and he compared Smith to Talib. He had inteviewed Smith and thought it was fair comparison given his history. But he felt that Smith would not bring the headaches that Talib brought the Bucs. He felt that the Bucs should take him at 20 to replace Talib. This is all just personal opinion. Nothing to hang a hat on, I know. I perfer to think of gettnig Smith at a thug discount. Had he been a straight arrow, he'd be right up there with Patterson.

 

[mlball77]

Source: Kaepernick is No. 1 QB on Raiders’ draft boardPosted by Evan Silva on April 28, 2011, 12:42 PM EDTTwelve days ago, a league source told PFT that one unnamed AFC West team informed Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick that he is the No. 1 quarterback on their draft board.PFT has tracked down the team.Per a league source, it’s the Oakland Raiders.The Raiders hosted Kaepernick for an official, team-facility visit on April 12. Thursday morning, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Oakland is trying to trade into the first round of the draft.Michael David Smith speculated that Kaepernick could be the Raiders’ target. Other reports suggest it could be Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora told a Miami radio show Thursday morning that he believes the Dolphins will draft Kaepernick with the 15th overall pick.Kaepernick was not included in renowned draft prognosticator Rick Gosselin’s first round.

Wow. Interesting buzz surrounding Kaepernick.

 

[shader]

Michael Lombardi is adamant that the Raiders are trying to move up for J. Smith.

I dunno, he had the same damn addiction Russell had--Sizzurp. Can's see it.

This move makes sense. Smith has the measurables, and lanky physique. The best replacement for Aso that we can hope for, and is a glaring need. I think the character concerns are overblown.

As a Titans fan...character concerns can destroy your organization.

 

[massraider]

The mortal lock that was Ingram to the Fins has changed to Mike Pouncey.Various mock drafts:

Ryan Mallett is a popular choice among some Dolphins fans -- but not many think Miami will select him with the 15th overall pick.From the Sun-Sentinel:Omar Kelly: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGAndrew Carter: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGDave Hyde: a quarterback – any quarterbackElsewhere on the Dolphins beat:Armando Salguero, Miami Herald: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGBen Volin, Palm Beach Post: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin, OGNational NFL writers/draft analysts:Clark Judge, CBSSports.com: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGPete Prisco, CBSSports.com: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGNational Football Post: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGRob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGChad Reuter, NFLDraftScout.com: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGPat Kirwan, NFL Network: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri, QBMike Mayock, NFL Network: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGSteve Wyche, NFL Network: Mike Pouncey, Florida, OGSporting News: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, QBPeter King, Sports Illustrated: Andy Dalton, TCU, QBDon Banks, Sports Illustrated: Mark Ingram, Alabama, RB

 

[massraider]

Michael Lombardi is adamant that the Raiders are trying to move up for J. Smith.

I dunno, he had the same damn addiction Russell had--Sizzurp. Can's see it.

This move makes sense. Smith has the measurables, and lanky physique. The best replacement for Aso that we can hope for, and is a glaring need. I think the character concerns are overblown.

As a Titans fan...character concerns can destroy your organization.

As a Raiders fan, Purple Drank is only OK if it's Fanta Grape Soda.

 

[massraider]

Bears have made it known #29 is for sale.

 

[massraider]

Len Pasquarelli with some interesting stuff:

While there is plenty of attention in Denver to the fact the Broncos will transition back to a 4-3 alignment under new coach John Fox, the club is perhaps even more concerned with identifying a defender who can make what one club executive termed "a really big difference" on third down.

As reported late Wednesday by ESPN, the Broncos still have four players under consideration for the No. 2 overall choice - defensive linemen Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley, linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Patrick Peterson - and not surprisingly all four are guys who can influence a game on third down. The Broncos remain somewhat puzzled by how they could best utilize Miller, the best pass-rusher in the draft, but Fox has said he will not hesitate use former 3-4 linebackers Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers at end in his 4-3, so perhaps size doesn't matter as much as upfield burst to him.

Don't discount Fairley, who some Denver scouts feel is a better third-down defender than is Dareus.

Hot-lanta: It's not in the intrinsic DNA of Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff to make a huge jump in the first round - although his New England background has prepared him well for wheeling and dealing - but there definitely is something to the rumor instigated by Peter King of S.I. that the Falcons are thinking about a major deal for a shot at wide receivers A.J. Green or Julio Jones.

While the rationale of some who saw the Falcons dismantled by Green Bay in the playoffs is that Atlanta must address its defense - either with a left end, linebacker or a cornerback - the game equally demonstrated to team officials the need for a more explosive receiver than Michael Jenkins to pair with Roddy White. Despite a faster 40-yard time, the feeling around the NFL is that Jones isn't quite the playmaker that Green is.

Not that this has any bearing on the Atlanta draft, but locals have been very vocal that the Falcons need to make an effort to somehow land Green, whose exploits at Georgia are well known to Falcons patrons.

No deal: Old buddy Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wasted little time on Wednesday dismissing a rumor that the Steelers were trying hard to trade up in the first round for Florida guard Mike Pouncey, and reunite him with twin brother Maurkice Pouncey, the club's Pro Bowl center. Bouchette termed the rumor, "a fantasy," and after talking with a couple team officials, we couldn't agree more. The draft stock of "the other" Pouncey is ascending, and while it's true the Steelers love him, they can't deal high enough to land him without undermining a lottery in which the club has to address several needs. Given the draft value points chart that many franchises use, Pittsburgh would probably have to surrender first-, second-, and third-round choices for a shot at Pouncey, who could go off the board right around the middle of the first round, and that historically isn't how the Steelers do business.

Trade mart: We're still uncertain if all the smoke about trading up or down in the first round will amount to much fire, but expect a lot of later deals, team officials and player agents have suggested. If the league still has a moratorium against signing undrafted free agents, teams will be looking to land additional sixth- and seventh-round choices, and select players that might otherwise have been considered as priority free agents instead of gambling they'll be able to sign them.

Punts: If Miller is not available at the fifth overall pick, it will still be a bit of an upset if Arizona chooses a quarterback with the choice. Some people feel that, in such a scenario, the Cardinals will try hard to bail out of the pick, while others have suggested the club will opt for a wide receiver to complement Larry Fitzgerald. ... The No. 5 and No. 6 picks (Cleveland) definitely are in play if the prospects the two teams have targeted are off the board. ... A lot of people in the league feel the Cardinals already have an understanding with pending free agent quarterback Marc Bulger. The Cardinals would have liked to sign Bulger last year, and coach Ken Whisenhunt lobbied for a deal, but Arizona had already agreed with Derek Anderson and management didn't see a way to bring in two veterans. ... Statistical oddity I: Dimitroff, who along with coach Mike Smith has resurrected the Falcons in three years, has exercised 26 draft choices, but has never taken a Big 10 player. In fact, the last Big 10 player chosen by Atlanta was Ohio State center Doug Datish, a sixth-rounder in 2007, when current team president Rich McKay was still running the Falcons' drafts. ... Statistical oddity II: Dallas has now gone 29 straight drafts without choosing an offensive lineman in the first round. The Cowboys selected Missouri tackle Howard Richards with their top pick in 1981. ... There aren't likely to be many players who "jump" a round - who move up from, say, the second to the first stanza, but there are a few guys who seem to have picked up some steam in the last day or two, and could go perhaps a half-round sooner than expected. Two such players, among others, are wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (Troy) and corner Marcus Gilchrist (Clemson).

 

[massraider]

That clown Jay Glazer says Falcons are talking to teams at 5-6-7.

 

[massraider]

Todd McShay:

Bengals D-Line coach spotted flying out of Mobile, AL. Home of DT Nick Fairley. Possible trade down option? Or possibility at No. 4 overall?

 

[FUBAR]

That clown Jay Glazer says Falcons are talking to teams at 5-6-7.

Maybe not high enough, but Falcons fans would love a Green and White combo.

 

[Paul Brown]

I really love the fact that the Steelers divisional rivals take WRs early. When neither team has a decent QB, including Palmer, on their rosters.

I'm pretty sure Raven fans would agree.

that's because your CBs suck

 

[massraider]

That clown Jay Glazer says Falcons are talking to teams at 5-6-7.

Maybe not high enough, but Falcons fans would love a Green and White combo.

Not too high for Jones tho. Can't get mad at that offense, but after the Pack playoff game, Falcons fans have to be wondering about defense, no?

 

[FUBAR]

That clown Jay Glazer says Falcons are talking to teams at 5-6-7.

Maybe not high enough, but Falcons fans would love a Green and White combo.

Not too high for Jones tho. Can't get mad at that offense, but after the Pack playoff game, Falcons fans have to be wondering about defense, no?

I agree. Seems to me that Jones or Green would be nice but not the highest priority. If either fell to them, it's a boon and maybe an easy pick, but I would only trade up if a BPA fills a true need.

 

[massraider]

The team that's been rattling around in my head is the Cardinals. Really interesting team, at an interesting spot. My guess is that this is where everyone's mocks go off the tracks.

Does anyone really claim to know where the Cards are going?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

That clown Jay Glazer says Falcons are talking to teams at 5-6-7.

Maybe not high enough, but Falcons fans would love a Green and White combo.

Not too high for Jones tho. Can't get mad at that offense, but after the Pack playoff game, Falcons fans have to be wondering about defense, no?

I agree. Seems to me that Jones or Green would be nice but not the highest priority. If either fell to them, it's a boon and maybe an easy pick, but I would only trade up if a BPA fills a true need.

All you gotta do is score more points than the other guy. That might mean letting him score less, but it can also mean you scoring more.Deep. I know.

 

[massraider]

All you gotta do is score more points than the other guy. That might mean letting him score less, but it can also mean you scoring more.Deep. I know.

Ahhh, there's Andy! That strategy seems like a real nice way to win a regular season championship, doesn't it?BTW, the Falcons beat writer Ledbetter says no way.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

All you gotta do is score more points than the other guy. That might mean letting him score less, but it can also mean you scoring more.Deep. I know.

Ahhh, there's Andy! That strategy seems like a real nice way to win a regular season championship, doesn't it?

There's more than one round to a draft. You can get guys in later rounds to improve your (in this case) defense.But not, of course, if you trade away all your picks to move up. That's why this scenario is unlikely.

 

[RBM]

The team that's been rattling around in my head is the Cardinals. Really interesting team, at an interesting spot. My guess is that this is where everyone's mocks go off the tracks. Does anyone really claim to know where the Cards are going?

Think they will def go defense, and figure they can get a veteran qb down the road.

 

[FUBAR]

All you gotta do is score more points than the other guy. That might mean letting him score less, but it can also mean you scoring more.

Deep. I know.

Ahhh, there's Andy!

That strategy seems like a real nice way to win a regular season championship, doesn't it?

There's more than one round to a draft. You can get guys in later rounds to improve your (in this case) defense.But not, of course, if you trade away all your picks to move up. That's why this scenario is unlikely.

We agree then. I really don't mind the pick if it's Jones or Green, especially with one of the better young QBs in the game and Gonzo probably retiring soon. But moving up to make what amounts to a luxury pick? Moving up for Peterson, I get.

 

[massraider]

The team that's been rattling around in my head is the Cardinals. Really interesting team, at an interesting spot. My guess is that this is where everyone's mocks go off the tracks. Does anyone really claim to know where the Cards are going?

Think they will def go defense, and figure they can get a veteran qb down the road.

Assuming the Von Miller to Denver thing is legit, is it Peterson then?

 

[massraider]

Mike Garafolo on the Giants:

The Giants like to say they draft the best player available, not just for need. But in the Jerry Reese era, they’ve certainly picked the right years to need the best player available. Cornerback Aaron Ross (2007), safety Kenny Phillips (2008), wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (2009) and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (2010) all helped fill needs as rookies and became productive starters by their second seasons (Pierre-Paul notwithstanding).

The good news for the Giants — and every team, frankly — is the lack of free agency due to the labor situation means there are plenty of needs to fill.

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. OFFENSIVE LINE

Many experts believe 19th overall is a bit high for Florida C/G MIKE POUNCEY, while others think this spot would be just right. For the Giants, it could be the ideal marriage of value and need, with Shaun O’Hara, Rich Seubert and Adam Koets all coming off serious leg injuries. If it’s not Pouncey, keep an eye on Colorado T NATE SOLDER, who visited East Rutherford.

2. DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Temple’s MUHAMMAD WILKERSON, a Linden native, has been projected to come off the board practically all over the first round — from the top 10 to the final few picks. So we’ll split the difference and put him in the range of the Giants, who had him in for a private visit separate from the rest of the local prospects.

3. RUNNING BACK

It would be fitting if Alabama RB MARK INGRAM, the son of the former Giants wide receiver, plays for the same team as his father. And it would certainly help fill a need, given Ahmad Bradshaw might be a free agent and there isn’t a lot of depth in the backfield.

WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU ...

• The Giants aren’t as high on Boston College offensive tackle ANTHONY CASTONZO as many have speculated. Indications are they like what they see from Castonzo, whom many experts have pegged as their pick in mock drafts, but aren’t enamored with him.

• The Giants could take a defensive end ... again. We’d bet against this one, but they did bring in Iowa’s ADRIAN CLAYBORN for a visit. And if Clemson’s DA’QUAN BOWERS slips, they might be all over him.

 

[RBM]

The team that's been rattling around in my head is the Cardinals. Really interesting team, at an interesting spot. My guess is that this is where everyone's mocks go off the tracks. Does anyone really claim to know where the Cards are going?

Think they will def go defense, and figure they can get a veteran qb down the road.

Assuming the Von Miller to Denver thing is legit, is it Peterson then?

Thats who I have penciled in for them

 

[massraider]

According to a team source, the Ravens want to trade back from their No. 26 position in the first round to gain more picks in the second, but would take Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith if he were available.The source said the Ravens think Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward would be a stretch at the No. 26 slot even though Heyward has reportedly been one of the Ravens' top prospects.The Ravens have needs at cornerback, offensive tackle, fullback and also need to find another top pass rusher at defensive end or outside linebacker.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/04/ravens_like_smith.html

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So in other words, the Ravens will pick BPA.

Same song, different verse.

 

[massraider]

CLEVELAND -- The Browns have always been receptive to trading down from the No. 6 pick and recently have amped up efforts to do so.

"We are talking to people about trading. I am not going into any more detail than that," Browns President Mike Holmgren told The Plain Dealer.



Houston reportedly is trying to move up from No. 11 to take Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller or LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson. Miller might be unreachable for the Texans, but Peterson could still be on the board at No. 5 (Arizona).

The Browns' chances of trading down would be enhanced if Peterson or Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert were still available when their turn came up.

Holmgren said he has not set a limit as to how far he would be willing to move down.

"But the deal has to be right," he said. "It has to make absolute sense to us, otherwise we take the player. I know we need other things, but we just take the player."

A year ago, Holmgren inquired to St. Louis about "pulling a Mike Ditka" and trading most of his draft to move up to No. 1 for quarterback Sam Bradford. There is nobody in this draft that enticing to the Browns.

"We're not going to go that way," Holmgren said of moving up.

He also said it's "unlikely" the Browns would offer their 2012 No. 1 pick to acquire an additional first-round pick this year.

Unless something in the labor dispute changes over the next 24 hours, the Browns are operating under the assumption that only draft choices can be traded in this year's draft.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/04/cleveland_browns_are_talking_w.html

 

[Buckna]

All you gotta do is score more points than the other guy. That might mean letting him score less, but it can also mean you scoring more.

Deep. I know.

Ahhh, there's Andy!

That strategy seems like a real nice way to win a regular season championship, doesn't it?

There's more than one round to a draft. You can get guys in later rounds to improve your (in this case) defense.But not, of course, if you trade away all your picks to move up. That's why this scenario is unlikely.

We agree then. I really don't mind the pick if it's Jones or Green, especially with one of the better young QBs in the game and Gonzo probably retiring soon. But moving up to make what amounts to a luxury pick? Moving up for Peterson, I get.

That's why I can't ever see this happening. Atlanta would have trade away their entire draft to do it. And they need to majorly reload on defense at a lot of spots, particularly at DE.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

CLEVELAND -- The Browns have always been receptive to trading down from the No. 6 pick and recently have amped up efforts to do so.

"We are talking to people about trading. I am not going into any more detail than that," Browns President Mike Holmgren told The Plain Dealer.



Houston reportedly is trying to move up from No. 11 to take Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller or LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson. Miller might be unreachable for the Texans, but Peterson could still be on the board at No. 5 (Arizona).

How YOU doin'? Okay I said Quinn and not Miller assuming Miller wouldn't be there.

 

[Buckna]

CLEVELAND -- The Browns have always been receptive to trading down from the No. 6 pick and recently have amped up efforts to do so.

"We are talking to people about trading. I am not going into any more detail than that," Browns President Mike Holmgren told The Plain Dealer.



Houston reportedly is trying to move up from No. 11 to take Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller or LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson. Miller might be unreachable for the Texans, but Peterson could still be on the board at No. 5 (Arizona).

How YOU doin'? Okay I said Quinn and not Miller assuming Miller wouldn't be there.

Sorry Andy, another one I don't buy. Houston hoards it's picks. Doesn't make much sense to move up when Amukamara will very likely be there at 11. Miller is the only one I could see them even considering this for.