**** OFFICIAL 2010 San Diego Chargers Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So another year another bad playoff loss. What do we need to do to take that final step?

Thoughts:

See ya LT, its been a fun and good ride. I can't see him coming back at that price.

IMO, they are taking a RB with their first rounder or signing a vet FA and looking at little later in the draft for a RB

Sproles is a part time gimmicky player, very disappointed in him this past season actually.

With NO CBA in place and an uncapped year, Merriman, VJAX and McNeil all are RFA's instead of UFA's. I expect them all to be back

Biggest area's of need:

1 - RB - Ryan Mathews - hello

2 - RT

3 - NT/DE depth - Cam thomas

4 - ILB - The Butler did it!

5 - playoff kicker

 

[Football Critic]

So another year another bad playoff loss. What do we need to do to take that final step? Lose the ego!

Thoughts:

See ya LT, its been a fun and good ride. I can't see him coming back at that price.

IMO, they are taking a RB with their first rounder or signing a vet FA and looking at little later in the draft for a RB

Sproles is a part time gimmicky player, very disappointed in him this past season actually.

With NO CBA in place and an uncapped year, Merriman, VJAX and McNeil all are RFA's instead of UFA's. I expect them all to be back

Biggest area's of need:

1 - RB

2 - RT, LT, LG, C, RG

3 - NT/DE depth

4 - ILB

5 - playoff kicker

6. Head Coach

FIXED

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So another year another bad playoff loss. What do we need to do to take that final step? Lose the ego!

Thoughts:

See ya LT, its been a fun and good ride. I can't see him coming back at that price.

IMO, they are taking a RB with their first rounder or signing a vet FA and looking at little later in the draft for a RB

Sproles is a part time gimmicky player, very disappointed in him this past season actually.

With NO CBA in place and an uncapped year, Merriman, VJAX and McNeil all are RFA's instead of UFA's. I expect them all to be back

Biggest area's of need:

1 - RB

2 - RT, LT, LG, C, RG

3 - NT/DE depth

4 - ILB

5 - playoff kicker

6. Head Coach

FIXED

Norv isnt going anywhere stuck with him.But McNeil has been a pro bowl tackle so Im fine with him, and Diehlman is a pro bowl G. Vasquez made the all-rookie team as RG not too bad for a 3rd round pick, and Hardwick the starting C was hurt most of the year. To me Cleary at RT was the biggest weakness.

 

[Football Critic]

So another year another bad playoff loss. What do we need to do to take that final step? Lose the ego!

Thoughts:

See ya LT, its been a fun and good ride. I can't see him coming back at that price.

IMO, they are taking a RB with their first rounder or signing a vet FA and looking at little later in the draft for a RB

Sproles is a part time gimmicky player, very disappointed in him this past season actually.

With NO CBA in place and an uncapped year, Merriman, VJAX and McNeil all are RFA's instead of UFA's. I expect them all to be back

Biggest area's of need:

1 - RB

2 - RT, LT, LG, C, RG

3 - NT/DE depth

4 - ILB

5 - playoff kicker

6. Head Coach

FIXED

Norv isnt going anywhere stuck with him.But McNeil has been a pro bowl tackle so Im fine with him, and Diehlman is a pro bowl G. Vasquez made the all-rookie team as RG not too bad for a 3rd round pick, and Hardwick the starting C was hurt most of the year. To me Cleary at RT was the biggest weakness.

As a whole the team is a hoss, and that was in part of saying the only weakness other then tho coach would be OLine, but what you have obviously didnt get it done last year as the running game was horrid, LT losing a step or not.Do you remember the horrid GL attempt by the Cahrgers in KC, I DO as I was an LT owner. Since then I watched the line, and maybe its them losing a step...

 

[JuSt CuZ]

Cuz, Cuz, Cuz.....

Leavi it to you to start the Charger thread!

GET A NEW KICKER AND DREW BREES BACK AND YOUR ALL SET!

But I have to admit, when you didnt call after sd loss, that was funny!

 

[Nick Vermeil]

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

News today:

1. Sproles is staying. The Chargers gave him a first-and-third tender.

2. Jamal Williams is leaving. According to Kassim Osgood's twitter, Williams has been released. (Osgood is also gone.)

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Well well well AJ, Im starting to think it's time for you to go.

Keep Sproles at 7 mill a year??? and release Osgood? The special teams Ace? Jamal is Old but he wont be unemployed long, this move dont bug me as much but still seeing Turner and Brees excell and watching picks like BUSTer davis and Jacob Hester not be worth wher he drafted them, I gotta start to wonder.

 

[BoltBacker]

Well well well AJ, Im starting to think it's time for you to go.Keep Sproles at 7 mill a year??? and release Osgood? The special teams Ace? Jamal is Old but he wont be unemployed long, this move dont bug me as much but still seeing Turner and Brees excell and watching picks like BUSTer davis and Jacob Hester not be worth wher he drafted them, I gotta start to wonder.

Brees was a good decision but I'm with you on the Turner/Hester situations.I also don't understand any of the moves this year. $7mil for a RBBC back is ridiculous. I've always been a fan of Sproles but paying him that amount of $ TWICE and letting Turner walk for a compensatory 4th rounder is crazy.If you're going to overpay a guy for one more year it would have made a ton more sense to overpay J.Williams instead of Sproles. Maybe tender Sproles for a 2nd rounder and simply draft his replacement with the pick if someone wants him that bad. Seems like a panic move to me, but at least it may be less likely they make the mistake of reaching for a RB in the 1st round. That would have been an even bigger mistake than spending too much on Sproles imo.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

If you're going to overpay a guy for one more year it would have made a ton more sense to overpay J.Williams instead of Sproles. Maybe tender Sproles for a 2nd rounder and simply draft his replacement with the pick if someone wants him that bad.

They'd still be paying him $7.27 million if they did that.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Update from Kevin Acee: Notwithstanding today's moves, it's still as likely that the Chargers will enter the 2010 season with Jamal and without Sproles as vice versa.

They'll entertain trade offers for Sproles.

And they'll try to sign Jamal for less than the $6 million he would have been due under his current (as of a few hours ago) contract.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Whats up with the Saints trolls?

Why wasn't Gartrell Johnson retained? When was he relased? Or did he ever get a contract? Did he suck in camp or something? They must have seen the end of Tomlinson, no? He had a career low in ypc in 2008, which may be one of the reasons they drafted Johnson in the first place. Confused there. Is Hester going to play any sort of significant role?

Will Dan Williams be there for San Diego in the first round?

 

[Gr00vus]

Whats up with the Saints trolls?Why wasn't Gartrell Johnson retained? When was he relased? Or did he ever get a contract? Did he suck in camp or something? They must have seen the end of Tomlinson, no? He had a career low in ypc in 2008, which may be one of the reasons they drafted Johnson in the first place. Confused there. Is Hester going to play any sort of significant role?Will Dan Williams be there for San Diego in the first round?

Based on what we saw in preseason I don't think Johnson is good. No way will he be a successful feature back - I think he's strictly backup material at best.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Based on what we saw in preseason I don't think Johnson is good. No way will he be a successful feature back - I think he's strictly backup material at best.

Yeah, it was kind of weird. The reports from the closed practices during the week were always that Gartrell Johnson looked really good. But in the preseason games on the weekends, he never did anything impressive at all.

 

[Gr00vus]

Well well well AJ, Im starting to think it's time for you to go.Keep Sproles at 7 mill a year??? and release Osgood? The special teams Ace? Jamal is Old but he wont be unemployed long, this move dont bug me as much but still seeing Turner and Brees excell and watching picks like BUSTer davis and Jacob Hester not be worth wher he drafted them, I gotta start to wonder.

I think he's making some smart decisions here. We'll see how it plays out. Like MT posted I don't think things will end up the way they seem right now.It'll be interesting to see what offers Osgood and Williams get, if any, particularly Osgood. He thinks he's a rotation receiver. I guess if someone tells him he'll get a shot at that he's gone. I'm thinking he won't find what he's looking for and ends up back in SD.The wheels have come off Williams, even when "healthy" he hasn't been dominant like he was a few years back and he can't stay on the field for the injuries. No way he'll earn what he was scheduled to get paid this year. I fully expect to see A.J. focus on obtaining more DTs via the draft. Maybe the Chargers play more 4-3 this season. I figure there's a 50/50 chance Sproles gets dealt. I think I'd rather see him stay this season unless the right deal comes along. What could we reasonably expect to get for Sproles? Could they package him and Cromartie for something?

 

[Gr00vus]

Based on what we saw in preseason I don't think Johnson is good. No way will he be a successful feature back - I think he's strictly backup material at best.

Yeah, it was kind of weird. The reports from the closed practices during the week were always that Gartrell Johnson looked really good. But in the preseason games on the weekends, he never did anything impressive at all.

He was a pretty strong runner, always seemed to fall forward for an extra 1/2 yard or so, but strictly straight line. No speed or wiggle whatsoever. Holes closed fast on him. I think he'll be out of the league soon unless he finds a specialist situation somewhere.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Well well well AJ, Im starting to think it's time for you to go.Keep Sproles at 7 mill a year??? and release Osgood? The special teams Ace? Jamal is Old but he wont be unemployed long, this move dont bug me as much but still seeing Turner and Brees excell and watching picks like BUSTer davis and Jacob Hester not be worth wher he drafted them, I gotta start to wonder.

I think he's making some smart decisions here. We'll see how it plays out. Like MT posted I don't think things will end up the way they seem right now.It'll be interesting to see what offers Osgood and Williams get, if any, particularly Osgood. He thinks he's a rotation receiver. I guess if someone tells him he'll get a shot at that he's gone. I'm thinking he won't find what he's looking for and ends up back in SD.The wheels have come off Williams, even when "healthy" he hasn't been dominant like he was a few years back. I fully expect to see A.J. focus on obtaining more DTs via the draft. Maybe the Chargers play more 4-3 this season. I figure there's a 50/50 chance Sproles gets dealt. I think I'd rather see him stay this season unless the right deal comes along. What could we reasonably expect to get for Sproles? Could they package him and Cromartie for something?

I also think Manumaleuna wil be a big loss

 

[Gr00vus]

Well well well AJ, Im starting to think it's time for you to go.Keep Sproles at 7 mill a year??? and release Osgood? The special teams Ace? Jamal is Old but he wont be unemployed long, this move dont bug me as much but still seeing Turner and Brees excell and watching picks like BUSTer davis and Jacob Hester not be worth wher he drafted them, I gotta start to wonder.

I think he's making some smart decisions here. We'll see how it plays out. Like MT posted I don't think things will end up the way they seem right now.It'll be interesting to see what offers Osgood and Williams get, if any, particularly Osgood. He thinks he's a rotation receiver. I guess if someone tells him he'll get a shot at that he's gone. I'm thinking he won't find what he's looking for and ends up back in SD.The wheels have come off Williams, even when "healthy" he hasn't been dominant like he was a few years back. I fully expect to see A.J. focus on obtaining more DTs via the draft. Maybe the Chargers play more 4-3 this season. I figure there's a 50/50 chance Sproles gets dealt. I think I'd rather see him stay this season unless the right deal comes along. What could we reasonably expect to get for Sproles? Could they package him and Cromartie for something?

I also think Manumaleuna wil be a big loss

Again, he might return at a reduced rate. But even so I don't know how much work he'd have. I think they're going to open up the offense even more than it was based on the personnel we're looking at, and Brandon doesn't really fit that mode so well. Kris Wilson is a UFA as well. Maybe Johnny U will get his wish and we'll see more of Naanee.

 

[Gr00vus]

BTW thanks for starting up this thread Sniff.

One thing's for sure, it's a huge offseason for the Chargers in terms of change. I like that A.J. is being proactive here rather than waiting for the roster to get totally old and non-competitive. It's interesting that he keeps repeating the continuity mantra. Some might take it to mean keeping the same players around - but that's not the case here. I think continuity for him means keeping the system the same and trying to maintain a contender. The players are pretty fungible.

 

[Donsmith753]

If Williams is gone does this mean Cody first round?

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Cromartie traded to Jets for 2011 3rd rd pick could turn into 2nd rd pick

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4967508

Jets secondary could potentially be nasty with Revis and Cromartie

Hope Cason is ready to start. Now go improve the DLine AJ

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

John Clayton, of ESPN, reports the San Diego Chargers have re-signed free-agent TE Kris Wilson to a two-year deal worth $1.7 million, according to a source.

WOOHOO!!!!!

 

[Gr00vus]

John Clayton, of ESPN, reports the San Diego Chargers have re-signed free-agent TE Kris Wilson to a two-year deal worth $1.7 million, according to a source.WOOHOO!!!!!

Makes sense. He did well in the passing game last year. Good back up for gates. I imagine this'll mean more time for Hester (and Tolbert if they hang onto him) at sort of an H back.

 

[Gr00vus]

Cromartie traded to Jets for 2011 3rd rd pick could turn into 2nd rd pick

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4967508

Jets secondary could potentially be nasty with Revis and Cromartie

Hope Cason is ready to start. Now go improve the DLine AJ

Of all the moves this is the one I feel least good about. I'm not sure Cason is ready, and even though he's a lousy tackler Cromartie is still a very high quality coverage guy. I think this is a character issue move as much as anything else.Guaranteed A.J. drafts another CB in the first 3 rounds.

 

[Gr00vus]

Cromartie... I think this is a character issue move as much as anything else.

And by character issue I mean stuff like this.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The San Diego Chargers have announced they have re-signed unrestricted free-agent DT Alfonso Boone to a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

 

[Gr00vus]

The San Diego Chargers have announced they have re-signed unrestricted free-agent DT Alfonso Boone to a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

They signed DE Garay too.

 

[Gr00vus]

Think the Chargers may become predominantly 4-3 on defense?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Think the Chargers may become predominantly 4-3 on defense?

If Jamal comes back, no. But thats what Rivera knows anyway. I dont think they have enough DTs to do it and have too many LBs

 

[Polar Dude]

I also think Manumaleuna wil be a big loss

Again, he might return at a reduced rate.

Don't count on it.

The Bears have agreed to terms with tight end Brandon Manumaleuna

 

[Gr00vus]

I also think Manumaleuna wil be a big loss

Again, he might return at a reduced rate.

Don't count on it.

The Bears have agreed to terms with tight end Brandon Manumaleuna

Yeah I saw that this morning. Like I said (in the sentence right after the one you quoted) I don't think there was much of a place for him in the S.D. offense anymore. I think (gulp) they may need to start thinking about Gates's replacement starting with this draft.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Very happy Cro is gone. He was at the top of the get the hell out of here list. Right next to Nate.

Lots of changes this offseason. I

 

[Gr00vus]

Running back problem solved!

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

About a 30-minute interview with AJ Smith from yesterday here.

In other news, it looks like Jamal will sign with Denver.

 

[phthalatemagic]

In other news, it looks like Jamal will sign with Denver.

Ouch

 

[Gr00vus]

LaDainian to visit the Vikings. Remember a couple of years back when there was an argument about whether he or Peterson was the best back in the NFL?

 

[Polar Dude]

LaDainian to visit the Vikings. Remember a couple of years back when there was an argument about whether he or Peterson was the best back in the NFL?

Tomlinson may not churn yards like he used to, but I would still take him over Peterson if I needed a tough first down/touchdown or just didn't want to turn over the ball.

 

[Tau837]

Tomlinson may not churn yards like he used to, but I would still take him over Peterson if I needed a tough first down/touchdown

 

[Polar Dude]

Tomlinson may not churn yards like he used to, but I would still take him over Peterson if I needed a tough first down/touchdown

 

[TS Garp]

Chargers signed CB Donald Strickland to a two-year deal. Ironically, he was with the Jets last year.

Anyone else starting to get concerned that we've lost some key elements in LT, Manu, Osgood, and Williams (I'm not really counting Cromartie) and we've yet to replace them? I'm sure AJ has a plan, but I'd love to know what it is. Osgood and Manu don't have any fantasy impact but they're not insignificant losses, in my opinion.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Chargers signed CB Donald Strickland to a two-year deal. Ironically, he was with the Jets last year.Anyone else starting to get concerned that we've lost some key elements in LT, Manu, Osgood, and Williams (I'm not really counting Cromartie) and we've yet to replace them? I'm sure AJ has a plan, but I'd love to know what it is. Osgood and Manu don't have any fantasy impact but they're not insignificant losses, in my opinion.

AJ's plan consists of drafting players and retaining the ones he likes. THats it

 

[TS Garp]

Kind of a surprise:

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/76066

The Cardinals and Seahawks are both discussing contract parameters this weekend with Chargers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, a restricted free agent.

The Chargers gave Whitehurst an original round tender, meaning they would receive a third-round pick in return should they not choose to match a team's offer for Whitehurst, drafted out of Clemson in 2006.

The Seahawks don't have a third-round pick, so they would have to trade for Whitehurst. The Cardinals have two third-round picks and apparently are willing to part with one of them for Whitehurst.

Both teams are searching for a backup quarterback. The Seahawks want to groom a replacement for Matt Hasselbeck, while the Cardinals are looking for someone to compete with Matt Leinart.

Whitehurst, 27, has not thrown a pass in four regular seasons in the NFL and is playing behind Philip Rivers and Billy Volek.

 

[Gr00vus]

Chargers signed CB Donald Strickland to a two-year deal. Ironically, he was with the Jets last year.Anyone else starting to get concerned that we've lost some key elements in LT, Manu, Osgood, and Williams (I'm not really counting Cromartie) and we've yet to replace them? I'm sure AJ has a plan, but I'd love to know what it is. Osgood and Manu don't have any fantasy impact but they're not insignificant losses, in my opinion.

AJ's plan consists of drafting players and retaining the ones he likes. THats it

A ton of millage on all those guys too.

 

[Gr00vus]

Kind of a surprise:

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/76066

The Cardinals and Seahawks are both discussing contract parameters this weekend with Chargers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, a restricted free agent.

The Chargers gave Whitehurst an original round tender, meaning they would receive a third-round pick in return should they not choose to match a team's offer for Whitehurst, drafted out of Clemson in 2006.

The Seahawks don't have a third-round pick, so they would have to trade for Whitehurst. The Cardinals have two third-round picks and apparently are willing to part with one of them for Whitehurst.

Both teams are searching for a backup quarterback. The Seahawks want to groom a replacement for Matt Hasselbeck, while the Cardinals are looking for someone to compete with Matt Leinart.

Whitehurst, 27, has not thrown a pass in four regular seasons in the NFL and is playing behind Philip Rivers and Billy Volek.

I can't wait to see the revisionist history when Whitehurst leads his new team to a championship.

 

[BoltBacker]

Chargers signed CB Donald Strickland to a two-year deal. Ironically, he was with the Jets last year.Anyone else starting to get concerned that we've lost some key elements in LT, Manu, Osgood, and Williams (I'm not really counting Cromartie) and we've yet to replace them? I'm sure AJ has a plan, but I'd love to know what it is. Osgood and Manu don't have any fantasy impact but they're not insignificant losses, in my opinion.

AJ's plan consists of drafting players and retaining the ones he likes. THats it

That looks like a great strategy when you are hitting on your draft picks. In the past three years who has been their biggest contributor? The safeties have been ok, but I thought Weddle would be making bigger plays by now. Vasquez has played, but I haven't been impressed by the right side of the line. We'll find out if Cason is ready to step in.AJ has been doing a great job with his late picks and undrafted players(Ellison-6th, Tolbert-UDFA, Dombrowski-UDFA, Nwagbuo-UDFA, Naanee-5th, Siler-7th) but those are just complimentary players. If you aren't getting big contributions from the guys you are drafting on day 1 you need to supplement your roster with FA's imo. There's certainly no way N.O. is even in the SB last year let alone winning it without using FA as a major tool to improve their roster.It's one thing to avoid over paying guys but when Thomas Jones signs for 2yr/$5mil I just don't understand the hard line against bringing in FA's. I've been a big believer in AJ but he's lost a lot of shine in the past year an a half in my opinion. Sometimes when you are right on the precipice of something big overpaying for that guy or two that could put you over the top wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. I wouldn't even mind if they tried and it simply didn't work. If you're just going to reach for a RB in the first(I'm not saying they are but if that's what you are going to do) I'd much rather just sign a guy like Marshall to an offer sheet and overpay him with heavy incentives. Force DEN to make a decision whether to accept a very late 1st or overpay a guy that they've had problems with and needs a change of scenery. Worst case scenario you give the franchise(Rivers) one more amazing weapon just in case VJax has to sit or Gates gets dinged up again. Overpaying Marshall and picking up a TJones would have made a lot more sense to me than overpaying Sproles.

 

[Tau837]

Chargers signed CB Donald Strickland to a two-year deal. Ironically, he was with the Jets last year.Anyone else starting to get concerned that we've lost some key elements in LT, Manu, Osgood, and Williams (I'm not really counting Cromartie) and we've yet to replace them? I'm sure AJ has a plan, but I'd love to know what it is. Osgood and Manu don't have any fantasy impact but they're not insignificant losses, in my opinion.

AJ's plan consists of drafting players and retaining the ones he likes. THats it

That looks like a great strategy when you are hitting on your draft picks. In the past three years who has been their biggest contributor? The safeties have been ok, but I thought Weddle would be making bigger plays by now. Vasquez has played, but I haven't been impressed by the right side of the line. We'll find out if Cason is ready to step in.AJ has been doing a great job with his late picks and undrafted players(Ellison-6th, Tolbert-UDFA, Dombrowski-UDFA, Nwagbuo-UDFA, Naanee-5th, Siler-7th) but those are just complimentary players. If you aren't getting big contributions from the guys you are drafting on day 1 you need to supplement your roster with FA's imo. There's certainly no way N.O. is even in the SB last year let alone winning it without using FA as a major tool to improve their roster.It's one thing to avoid over paying guys but when Thomas Jones signs for 2yr/$5mil I just don't understand the hard line against bringing in FA's. I've been a big believer in AJ but he's lost a lot of shine in the past year an a half in my opinion. Sometimes when you are right on the precipice of something big overpaying for that guy or two that could put you over the top wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. I wouldn't even mind if they tried and it simply didn't work. If you're just going to reach for a RB in the first(I'm not saying they are but if that's what you are going to do) I'd much rather just sign a guy like Marshall to an offer sheet and overpay him with heavy incentives. Force DEN to make a decision whether to accept a very late 1st or overpay a guy that they've had problems with and needs a change of scenery. Worst case scenario you give the franchise(Rivers) one more amazing weapon just in case VJax has to sit or Gates gets dinged up again. Overpaying Marshall and picking up a TJones would have made a lot more sense to me than overpaying Sproles.

Marshall? Where did that come from? Of all of the Chargers' needs, WR is very low on the list. As for Jones, he is primed to fall off a cliff. I'm glad the Chargers are going in a different direction than him. I agree that I wish A.J. would make some improvements via free agency, but I don't agree at all with your examples.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Jim Trotter tweeting that there's "another big departure coming very soon".

Message boards abuzz - speculation is that it's Sproles or Merriman. My guess is a Sproles trade is in the works.

 

[TS Garp]

Jim Trotter tweeting that there's "another big departure coming very soon". Message boards abuzz - speculation is that it's Sproles or Merriman. My guess is a Sproles trade is in the works.

Interesting. Think he's stockpiling picks to trade up for Spiller?

 

[Gr00vus]

There's certainly no way N.O. is even in the SB last year let alone winning it without using FA as a major tool to improve their roster. I just don't understand the hard line against bringing in FA's. ... Sometimes when you are right on the precipice of something big overpaying for that guy or two that could put you over the top wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. I wouldn't even mind if they tried and it simply didn't work.

Look at the teams who've had sustained success the last ten years or so and you'll notice they don't go crazy in free agency, they're not averse to letting vets go who are looking for huge paydays, they manage the salary structure with the full roster in mind, and they build their teams through the draft or astute trades - the Pats (except for Adalius Thomas, which is a great way to highlight this lesson), the Colts, the Steelers, etc. I like what A.J. is doing here, though I do wish he'd had more to show for his early round picks the last couple of years. He had the luxury of being able to take some chances with picks since the roster was loaded with quality players in their prime. Now his margin for error is much smaller, it'll be interesting to see if he can come through again like he did when he started rebuilding the team.

 

[Gr00vus]

Jim Trotter tweeting that there's "another big departure coming very soon". Message boards abuzz - speculation is that it's Sproles or Merriman. My guess is a Sproles trade is in the works.

Interesting. Think he's stockpiling picks to trade up for Spiller?

I'd figure he's stockpiling picks to shore up the D line, maybe improve the O line and replace some talent at CB. I bet he doesn't take an RB until the 3rd round, maybe 2nd round. It'd be great if he could trade up to get Suh - doubt it's possible though.