Teams that are doing well in FA (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Teams going in the right direction

AFC East

New England: Simply this, they have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds in this year’s draft. They will likely plug up some holes, but the return of Tom Brady will be the biggest story in the NFL, wall to wall Sportscenter when the preseason starts…I am a huge Dolphins fan but you have to respect the Pats and what they can do. Perhaps the deal they did was under market calue for Cassel but they set themselves up nicely form a salary cap POV.

New York Jets: Scott was a huge signing for them…perhaps the combo of him and Gholston will make a deadly duo for the Jets…not sure what they are doing on offense but that passing game is going to take a major step back this year, just a fact.

Miami Dolphins: Resigned a lot of guys, signed Gabril Wilson…not seeing that “next step” for them right now, and Miami could actually be in the running to go 8-8 this year with a much tougher schedule and not a lot of big talent being added on offense which was a band aid last year.

AFC South

Houston: They signed someone along that DL, and I thought that with Mario Williams plus the kid they got a year or two ago at DT, they should be pretty tough. Houston’s problem IMO is that they play in a very tough division…take them and put them in the AFC West or NFC West, might be a playoff team there.

AFC West

Kansas City: Nothing short of spectacular so far. If they do what they should in the draft and shore up that OL, they can help a suspect defense out by controlling the line of scrimmage on offense and move the football, go on some extended drives…I like KC to make a fast turnaround this season. The AFC West is pretty wide open.

NFC East

Washington: Haynesworth is a big signing but I don’t see them as being anywhere close to New York or Dallas right now in terms of overall talent. Still, you can argue they might have one of the best run stuffing defenses in the league…but teams like new York will still be able to move the ball on them.

NFC North

Minnesota: Did a fantastic job of creating the right mix of competition and opp at the QB position for all involved. I think Sage will find a nice home there and be able to lead the Vikes into the playoffs…possible missing piece for them. It’s OK to get excited Viking fans.

NFC South

New Orleans: Quietly resigning guys, quietly bringing in some other pieces, nothing super flashy yet but I think they will challenge for the division this year.

NFC West

St Louis: Found a big piece of the puzzle along the OL, maybe they can get another FA and then address some more needs there in the draft. They have talent, they need an OL for those guys to work behind.

There are several teams I think are going in the wrong direction but I’ll save that for another thread. Anyone got any opinions so far on FA?

 

[Buffaloes]

NYG I like the Canty pickup. Arguably the best DL will be even better with a healthy Osi and the addition of Canty.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

NYG I like the Canty pickup. Arguably the best DL will be even better with a healthy Osi and the addition of Canty.

Excellent point.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

nice post but the AFC west is not wide open. SD wins again, turmoil in denver, scott mitchell 2.0 in KC plus well Oakland

 

[Chachi]

I'd go with KC so far if Cassell works out well.

 

[David Yudkin]

Scott will help the Jets, but they lost Favre, Baker, and Coles on offense. Not sure the net makes them a better team. Yes, the defense is better, but they have some questions on offense.

 

[Gatorman]

Big (not huge) fan of what the dolphins have done. Basically, they are building a Big, powerful offensive line to go with Ronnie and ricky. Long sustained drives keeps Offenses off the field and defenses fresh. They are also building a strong, hard hitting secondary (that needs some corners).

Miami will win games in the trenches. love BP and his thought process.

 

[LBH]

Scott will help the Jets, but they lost Favre, Baker, and Coles on offense. Not sure the net makes them a better team. Yes, the defense is better, but they have some questions on offense.

I think Ratliff takes the oppurtunity to win the QB job and runs with it. Brett Favre was terrible over the last 5 games, and I think at this point Ratliff/Clemens would be an upgrade over Brett Favre at Favres age. Keller going into his 2nd year should help pick up the slack in the passing game with the Coles departure. Coles is an ok WR, but hes not what he was even in 2007. He dropped more passes than i remember him dropping and looked a step slower to me, but im just going on my impressions. My opinion is that a WR with deep speed like D.Clowney would be a better compliment to Cotcherys skill set on the other side. Dont disagree that they have some questions on offense with some unproven youngsters, but I dont think they necessarily take a step back either. On defense it should also be mentioned that they filled a big need at #2 CB with the Lito Sheppard trade.

 

[Reaper]

Scott will help the Jets, but they lost Favre, Baker, and Coles on offense. Not sure the net makes them a better team. Yes, the defense is better, but they have some questions on offense.

Between Favre being Favre and Mangini being Mangini - It's not like the offense has a lot to live up to here.I think the threat of a pretty good offense was there last year and I think the stats may show you a pretty good offense (propped up by a few shootouts like ARZ)... But, overall if we go game by game I'll show you games the offense and passing game won and games they lost.... Again, not a ton to live up to here and the defense looks to be night and day....

The Defense flashed some real good things at times last year and then sat back and played read and react for much of the 2nd half - That's not happening again. I think the defense wil be a lot better.. Jenkins also has a much better feel for the 3-4 this year.

Rex has been saying already that he is going to run the ball A LOT. Behind the scenes, staff was shocked Clowney didn't get more time... Coles was dinged a lot and Baker played a much smaller role.

I also think the handcuffs are off Brian Schottenheimer and the innovative things we saw 2 years ago that made him a top HC candidate at the time will come back.

So, far, I think attitude and additions alone will made a difference - AFC east does have tougher schedule's so, we'll see...

Potentially Great Defense plus decent running game and upgrade in coaching IMO.

And no one is doubting that the Pats are at the top possibly by a wide margin if Brady is 100%.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Scott will help the Jets, but they lost Favre, Baker, and Coles on offense. Not sure the net makes them a better team. Yes, the defense is better, but they have some questions on offense.

100% AGREE, but with Ryan coaching now i think the defense is going to be pretty tough and that could help cover up some of the offensive challenges although TJones and LWash make a nice 1-2 punch at RB so they will likely be trying to grind it out when they can.

 

[LBH]

Teams going in the right direction

AFC East

New York Jets: that passing game is going to take a major step back this year, just a fact.

no, just your opinion. It very well could be worse than it was last year over the first 11 games of 2008, but it will be much better than it was over the last 5 games imo

 

[David Yudkin]

Scott will help the Jets, but they lost Favre, Baker, and Coles on offense. Not sure the net makes them a better team. Yes, the defense is better, but they have some questions on offense.

I think Ratliff takes the oppurtunity to win the QB job and runs with it. Brett Favre was terrible over the last 5 games, and I think at this point Ratliff/Clemens would be an upgrade over Brett Favre at Favres age. Keller going into his 2nd year should help pick up the slack in the passing game with the Coles departure. Coles is an ok WR, but hes not what he was even in 2007. He dropped more passes than i remember him dropping and looked a step slower to me, but im just going on my impressions. My opinion is that a WR with deep speed like D.Clowney would be a better compliment to Cotcherys skill set on the other side. Dont disagree that they have some questions on offense with some unproven youngsters, but I dont think they necessarily take a step back either. On defense it should also be mentioned that they filled a big need at #2 CB with the Lito Sheppard trade.

I think the defense is much better adding Scott and a little better adding Sheppard. On offense, there are too many questions that COULD work out but certainly the options right now are largely unproven . . . so those could go either way. As I already mentioned, the Jets may be slightly better off overall at the moment but not sure they are in the big movers category just yet. I realize we are a long way from anyone suiting up and playing real games and those questions may go away, so the Jets could overall be better but at this point I'm more concerned with the offense than the defense.Just like the Pats. They signed Baker and Taylor (neither of which filling big holes) and traded Cassel and Vrabel, but they have not addressed any of their bigger areas of concern. Even though they may have a lot of LB options, they still need LB help, CB and S help, and they have no WRs past Moss and Welker (Gaffney and Kelly Washington are gone). So until they address those areas, I would also say the Pats have not really improved (although they are in a better position to improve).

 

[trader jake]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

 

[David Yudkin]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree in theory but may disagree in practicality. As of right now, Casel costs $500,000 more this year than Thigpen does. That's a pretty hefty increase in spending for a position to get better, and I'm not sure that the difference in productivity is anywhere near the factor the pay scale is. We can revisit this once Cassel works out a new deal, but I'm on record that Cassel will be average to slightly above average away from NE. Certainly we'll have to wait and see . . .

 

[Buffaloes]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree and I would take Washington off the list because they spent so much on on 2 players. I still do not understand how DeAngelo Hall was able to get the contract he did but hey it's the Redskins.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree in theory but may disagree in practicality. As of right now, Casel costs $500,000 more this year than Thigpen does. That's a pretty hefty increase in spending for a position to get better, and I'm not sure that the difference in productivity is anywhere near the factor the pay scale is. We can revisit this once Cassel works out a new deal, but I'm on record that Cassel will be average to slightly above average away from NE. Certainly we'll have to wait and see . . .

Just $500K? Really, or a typo? That seems relatively insignificant to me unless I am misunderstanding something.I agree with Native on Miami's offseason so far. They have really built what appears to be a stout OL, and that plays right into Parcells 101. Still need a WR1, and to fill in the gap left by Goodman's departure, but I love what they have done on the OL and at safety.

 

[David Yudkin]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree in theory but may disagree in practicality. As of right now, Casel costs $500,000 more this year than Thigpen does. That's a pretty hefty increase in spending for a position to get better, and I'm not sure that the difference in productivity is anywhere near the factor the pay scale is. We can revisit this once Cassel works out a new deal, but I'm on record that Cassel will be average to slightly above average away from NE. Certainly we'll have to wait and see . . .

Just $500K? Really, or a typo? That seems relatively insignificant to me unless I am misunderstanding something.I agree with Native on Miami's offseason so far. They have really built what appears to be a stout OL, and that plays right into Parcells 101. Still need a WR1, and to fill in the gap left by Goodman's departure, but I love what they have done on the OL and at safety.

I meant Thigpen is only getting $500K so Cassel is getting $14 million more.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree in theory but may disagree in practicality. As of right now, Casel costs $500,000 more this year than Thigpen does. That's a pretty hefty increase in spending for a position to get better, and I'm not sure that the difference in productivity is anywhere near the factor the pay scale is. We can revisit this once Cassel works out a new deal, but I'm on record that Cassel will be average to slightly above average away from NE. Certainly we'll have to wait and see . . .

Just $500K? Really, or a typo? That seems relatively insignificant to me unless I am misunderstanding something.I agree with Native on Miami's offseason so far. They have really built what appears to be a stout OL, and that plays right into Parcells 101. Still need a WR1, and to fill in the gap left by Goodman's departure, but I love what they have done on the OL and at safety.

Hey CL,I disagree with Miami and their OL, still a major work in progress. LT-all set, LG-Smiley is alright but never going to be a Pro Bowler...serviceable but I wouldn't mind an upgrade. C-Satele...Miami is trying to upgrade and move him to LG/RG. RG-mystery right now but hopefully Donald Thomas will be ready to roll. RT-Carey, overspent for an average at best Tackle.

The only great OL they have is probably the LT-Jake Long, made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but will need to make progress in season 2.

Difference of opinion I guess...they certianly are better than when Parcells rolled into town no doubt.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree in theory but may disagree in practicality. As of right now, Casel costs $500,000 more this year than Thigpen does. That's a pretty hefty increase in spending for a position to get better, and I'm not sure that the difference in productivity is anywhere near the factor the pay scale is. We can revisit this once Cassel works out a new deal, but I'm on record that Cassel will be average to slightly above average away from NE. Certainly we'll have to wait and see . . .

Just $500K? Really, or a typo? That seems relatively insignificant to me unless I am misunderstanding something.I agree with Native on Miami's offseason so far. They have really built what appears to be a stout OL, and that plays right into Parcells 101. Still need a WR1, and to fill in the gap left by Goodman's departure, but I love what they have done on the OL and at safety.

Hey CL,I disagree with Miami and their OL, still a major work in progress. LT-all set, LG-Smiley is alright but never going to be a Pro Bowler...serviceable but I wouldn't mind an upgrade. C-Satele...Miami is trying to upgrade and move him to LG/RG. RG-mystery right now but hopefully Donald Thomas will be ready to roll. RT-Carey, overspent for an average at best Tackle.

The only great OL they have is probably the LT-Jake Long, made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but will need to make progress in season 2.

Difference of opinion I guess...they certianly are better than when Parcells rolled into town no doubt.

Satele is not likely to be our staring center since we just signed Jake Grove for nearly $6M per year. He might however become an excellent guard. Regarding Carey, I think he is an average LT, but I think he is a very solid RT. I was very pleased that they re-signed him. They probably paid him less than he would have gotten had he hit the FA market given the lack of quality OL available.

 

[brutha]

a lot of $ on players mostly not worth it doesn't impress me at all...

haynesworth is talented but a moron and starting to get up there and I bet lasts all of 1/2 years in washington.

tj housh is also aging and good but no fitz or whatever.

and don't be shocked if cassell doesn't work out long term, he is being overrated and might have been a product of the system to a large extent. not saying he is but it's possible.

 

[Dexter Manley]

The Atlanta Falcons could be the big winners so far by doing absolutely nothing. According to Don Banks, Atlanta will get 3 3rd round compensatory picks in 2010 for the 3 FA's they've lost so far, none of whom fit into the team's long term plans.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree and I would take Washington off the list because they spent so much on on 2 players. I still do not understand how DeAngelo Hall was able to get the contract he did but hey it's the Redskins.

Not sure what you're talking about here. The Skins paid fair market value for DeAngelo. Have you seen some of the $$$ teams have been throwing at worse CB's so far?

 

[Buffaloes]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree and I would take Washington off the list because they spent so much on on 2 players. I still do not understand how DeAngelo Hall was able to get the contract he did but hey it's the Redskins.

Not sure what you're talking about here. The Skins paid fair market value for DeAngelo. Have you seen some of the $$$ teams have been throwing at worse CB's so far?

I guess we have different stances on Hall's ability. Considering his recent history at Oakland and Atlanta, he seems like a bit of a malcontent too but I could be way off as far as his attitude is concerned.

 

[David Yudkin]

The Atlanta Falcons could be the big winners so far by doing absolutely nothing. According to Don Banks, Atlanta will get 3 3rd round compensatory picks in 2010 for the 3 FA's they've lost so far, none of whom fit into the team's long term plans.

I don't see it. 3rd round compensatory picks are pretty rare and are typically reserved for huge signings. Usually in the $8-10M per year range.They've lost Terrance Pennington, Michael Boley, Dominique Foxworth, and Keith Brooking. None of those guys will be worth a 3rd round compensatory pcik. MAYBE collectively they might be worth one 3rd rounder, but even that is debatable.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Teams that haven't spend crazy bucks on overpriced free agents are the real winners so far.

The Chiefs added Matt Cassell improving them at the most important position - I'll vote KC.

I agree and I would take Washington off the list because they spent so much on on 2 players. I still do not understand how DeAngelo Hall was able to get the contract he did but hey it's the Redskins.

Not sure what you're talking about here. The Skins paid fair market value for DeAngelo. Have you seen some of the $$$ teams have been throwing at worse CB's so far?

I guess we have different stances on Hall's ability. Considering his recent history at Oakland and Atlanta, he seems like a bit of a malcontent too but I could be way off as far as his attitude is concerned.

I would take his actions in Atlanta with a grain of salt since Bobby Petrino was HC. Hall was a horrible fit in Oakland's scheme and that's why he struggled there. He's a perfect fit for the Redskin's defensive scheme, and he played there the second half of last season, so there's not going to be an adjustment period with Hall, like your typical FA's.

If he would of hit the open market, he would of been the #1 CB available.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Scott will help the Jets, but they lost Favre, Baker, and Coles on offense. Not sure the net makes them a better team. Yes, the defense is better, but they have some questions on offense.

I think Ratliff takes the oppurtunity to win the QB job and runs with it. Brett Favre was terrible over the last 5 games, and I think at this point Ratliff/Clemens would be an upgrade over Brett Favre at Favres age. Keller going into his 2nd year should help pick up the slack in the passing game with the Coles departure. Coles is an ok WR, but hes not what he was even in 2007. He dropped more passes than i remember him dropping and looked a step slower to me, but im just going on my impressions. My opinion is that a WR with deep speed like D.Clowney would be a better compliment to Cotcherys skill set on the other side. Dont disagree that they have some questions on offense with some unproven youngsters, but I dont think they necessarily take a step back either. On defense it should also be mentioned that they filled a big need at #2 CB with the Lito Sheppard trade.

I think the defense is much better adding Scott and a little better adding Sheppard. On offense, there are too many questions that COULD work out but certainly the options right now are largely unproven . . . so those could go either way. As I already mentioned, the Jets may be slightly better off overall at the moment but not sure they are in the big movers category just yet. I realize we are a long way from anyone suiting up and playing real games and those questions may go away, so the Jets could overall be better but at this point I'm more concerned with the offense than the defense.Just like the Pats. They signed Baker and Taylor (neither of which filling big holes) and traded Cassel and Vrabel, but they have not addressed any of their bigger areas of concern. Even though they may have a lot of LB options, they still need LB help, CB and S help, and they have no WRs past Moss and Welker (Gaffney and Kelly Washington are gone). So until they address those areas, I would also say the Pats have not really improved (although they are in a better position to improve).

One factor that is always overlooked are the health of teams. the Jets were one of the healthiest teams in football last year. That won't continue so I would expect a similar end record for the jets. the harder schedule impacts all in the division.I thought Scott was signed at a reasonable rate compared to other signings.BTW, people forgot about Miami signing the CFL 2 time defensive MVP

 

[Dexter Manley]

The Atlanta Falcons could be the big winners so far by doing absolutely nothing. According to Don Banks, Atlanta will get 3 3rd round compensatory picks in 2010 for the 3 FA's they've lost so far, none of whom fit into the team's long term plans.

I don't see it. 3rd round compensatory picks are pretty rare and are typically reserved for huge signings. Usually in the $8-10M per year range.They've lost Terrance Pennington, Michael Boley, Dominique Foxworth, and Keith Brooking. None of those guys will be worth a 3rd round compensatory pcik. MAYBE collectively they might be worth one 3rd rounder, but even that is debatable.

I thought that sounded sort of fishy when I read Banks' article where he stated this. I assumed Banks did adequate research on this since it's his job, lol.

 

[Buffaloes]

I would take his actions in Atlanta with a grain of salt since Bobby Petrino was HC. Hall was a horrible fit in Oakland's scheme and that's why he struggled there. He's a perfect fit for the Redskin's defensive scheme, and he played there the second half of last season, so there's not going to be an adjustment period with Hall, like your typical FA's. If he would of hit the open market, he would of been the #1 CB available.

I'll take your word for it since I didn't watch many (any?) Redskin games last year. Every time I did see him play prior to his stint in Washington, he was pretty bad. I still have images of Eddie Royal making Hall look like a turnstyle in Royal's 1st professional regular-season game.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Scott will help the Jets, but they lost Favre, Baker, and Coles on offense. Not sure the net makes them a better team. Yes, the defense is better, but they have some questions on offense.

I think Ratliff takes the oppurtunity to win the QB job and runs with it. Brett Favre was terrible over the last 5 games, and I think at this point Ratliff/Clemens would be an upgrade over Brett Favre at Favres age. Keller going into his 2nd year should help pick up the slack in the passing game with the Coles departure. Coles is an ok WR, but hes not what he was even in 2007. He dropped more passes than i remember him dropping and looked a step slower to me, but im just going on my impressions. My opinion is that a WR with deep speed like D.Clowney would be a better compliment to Cotcherys skill set on the other side. Dont disagree that they have some questions on offense with some unproven youngsters, but I dont think they necessarily take a step back either. On defense it should also be mentioned that they filled a big need at #2 CB with the Lito Sheppard trade.

I think the defense is much better adding Scott and a little better adding Sheppard. On offense, there are too many questions that COULD work out but certainly the options right now are largely unproven . . . so those could go either way. As I already mentioned, the Jets may be slightly better off overall at the moment but not sure they are in the big movers category just yet. I realize we are a long way from anyone suiting up and playing real games and those questions may go away, so the Jets could overall be better but at this point I'm more concerned with the offense than the defense.Just like the Pats. They signed Baker and Taylor (neither of which filling big holes) and traded Cassel and Vrabel, but they have not addressed any of their bigger areas of concern. Even though they may have a lot of LB options, they still need LB help, CB and S help, and they have no WRs past Moss and Welker (Gaffney and Kelly Washington are gone). So until they address those areas, I would also say the Pats have not really improved (although they are in a better position to improve).

One factor that is always overlooked are the health of teams. the Jets were one of the healthiest teams in football last year. That won't continue so I would expect a similar end record for the jets. the harder schedule impacts all in the division.I thought Scott was signed at a reasonable rate compared to other signings.

BTW, people forgot about Miami signing the CFL 2 time defensive MVP

Cameron Wake is getting no love whatsoever.

 

[Buffaloes]

Cameron Wake is getting no love whatsoever.

Is he going to play OLB?

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Cameron Wake is getting no love whatsoever.

Is he going to play OLB?

I believe that is the plan...in the 3-4 D. If he is legit, he should get a lot of opportunities to disrupt the passer with Porter on the other side.I know nothing about him other than the fact that he was a sack machine in the CFL. Led the league for the past 2 years. Still, tough to get excited about a CFL guy, even though I know that occasionally some talent finds it's way out of there.

 

[Kirby]

Cameron Wake is getting no love whatsoever.

Is he going to play OLB?

That's what I read... I also read he can run the 40 under 4.6 and has a 46" vertical jump. I love what they've done so far. Re-signed Carey, Crowder, and Bell. Signed Jake Grove and Gibril Wilson. I'd like to see something at corner though.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Strange game Progfessor Falcon, the only way to win is not to play.

 

[Marvelous]

The Atlanta Falcons could be the big winners so far by doing absolutely nothing. According to Don Banks, Atlanta will get 3 3rd round compensatory picks in 2010 for the 3 FA's they've lost so far, none of whom fit into the team's long term plans.

I don't see it. 3rd round compensatory picks are pretty rare and are typically reserved for huge signings. Usually in the $8-10M per year range.They've lost Terrance Pennington, Michael Boley, Dominique Foxworth, and Keith Brooking. None of those guys will be worth a 3rd round compensatory pcik. MAYBE collectively they might be worth one 3rd rounder, but even that is debatable.

I thought that sounded sort of fishy when I read Banks' article where he stated this. I assumed Banks did adequate research on this since it's his job, lol.

Compensatory picks are based on the Free Agents a team lost the year before and they contracts they signed. DeAngelo Hall may be worth a 3rd round comp pick for Atlanta. Not sure who else they lost to free agency last year.

 

[David Yudkin]

The Atlanta Falcons could be the big winners so far by doing absolutely nothing. According to Don Banks, Atlanta will get 3 3rd round compensatory picks in 2010 for the 3 FA's they've lost so far, none of whom fit into the team's long term plans.

I don't see it. 3rd round compensatory picks are pretty rare and are typically reserved for huge signings. Usually in the $8-10M per year range.They've lost Terrance Pennington, Michael Boley, Dominique Foxworth, and Keith Brooking. None of those guys will be worth a 3rd round compensatory pcik. MAYBE collectively they might be worth one 3rd rounder, but even that is debatable.

I thought that sounded sort of fishy when I read Banks' article where he stated this. I assumed Banks did adequate research on this since it's his job, lol.

Compensatory picks are based on the Free Agents a team lost the year before and they contracts they signed. DeAngelo Hall may be worth a 3rd round comp pick for Atlanta. Not sure who else they lost to free agency last year.

Hall wasn't even ON Atlanta, so not sure how he could be worth a 3rd round compensatory pick for them for next year. He might get them something for this year's draft, but given the roller coaster ride he's been on since going to OAK I have no idea what value he might carry in terms of a compensatory pick. The reference was to the 2010 draft, and I don't see ATL really losing anyone close to be worth a 3rd round pick. Colelctively they might get some consideration, but I don't see any Tier 1 free agents leaving the Falcons (and players that were released don't qualify).

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The Atlanta Falcons could be the big winners so far by doing absolutely nothing. According to Don Banks, Atlanta will get 3 3rd round compensatory picks in 2010 for the 3 FA's they've lost so far, none of whom fit into the team's long term plans.

I don't see it. 3rd round compensatory picks are pretty rare and are typically reserved for huge signings. Usually in the $8-10M per year range.They've lost Terrance Pennington, Michael Boley, Dominique Foxworth, and Keith Brooking. None of those guys will be worth a 3rd round compensatory pcik. MAYBE collectively they might be worth one 3rd rounder, but even that is debatable.

I thought that sounded sort of fishy when I read Banks' article where he stated this. I assumed Banks did adequate research on this since it's his job, lol.

Compensatory picks are based on the Free Agents a team lost the year before and they contracts they signed. DeAngelo Hall may be worth a 3rd round comp pick for Atlanta. Not sure who else they lost to free agency last year.

No comp pick for Hall, Oakland traded for him. Then cut him.No comp picks for anyone

 

[the branded hand]

BTW, people forgot about Miami signing the CFL 2 time defensive MVP

Cameron Wake is getting no love whatsoever.

I'll second that.I really have enjoyed the Dolphins moves so far this year. They signed Wilson, Crowder, and Bell in what seemed like a few hours. Add Cameron Wake into the mix... I have to think they did the homework on this guy. Plus they have picks 25, 44, and 56... adding up to one hell of an offseason in Miami.

 

[David Yudkin]

I don't know much about Cameron Wake and he could very easily be a decent even a good player. But how many CFL guys have made an impact in the NFL? I'm asking because I don't really know.

There have been a number of QBs (Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, Joe Theisman, Warren Moon, Trent Green, to name a few), and I recall Rocket Ismail and Mervyn Fernandez at WR. Who else has there been that went on to have any notoriety in the NFL?

 

[massraider]

I would take his actions in Atlanta with a grain of salt since Bobby Petrino was HC. Hall was a horrible fit in Oakland's scheme and that's why he struggled there. He's a perfect fit for the Redskin's defensive scheme, and he played there the second half of last season, so there's not going to be an adjustment period with Hall, like your typical FA's. If he would of hit the open market, he would of been the #1 CB available.

I'll take your word for it since I didn't watch many (any?) Redskin games last year. Every time I did see him play prior to his stint in Washington, he was pretty bad. I still have images of Eddie Royal making Hall look like a turnstyle in Royal's 1st professional regular-season game.

He was a horrible fit in Oakland's scheme in the sense that Oakland runs man-to-man, and Hall couldn't cover a rookie playing his first game.

 

[jurb26]

OK, I just have to ask this question. Why are so many people so sure about Cassel working out in KC? Seems everyone is sighting KC for this reason.

 

[David Yudkin]

OK, I just have to ask this question. Why are so many people so sure about Cassel working out in KC? Seems everyone is sighting KC for this reason.

I believe some are thinking Cassel >>>>> Thigpen or Croyle. So it may not be that Cassel is great, but perhaps he's a decent upgrade over the other options.

 

[massraider]

OK, I just have to ask this question. Why are so many people so sure about Cassel working out in KC? Seems everyone is sighting KC for this reason.

They were getting smoke blown up their skirt for their offseason moves last year. We will see. Still have unhappy RB and TE, and all kind of questions on defense.

 

[jurb26]

OK, I just have to ask this question. Why are so many people so sure about Cassel working out in KC? Seems everyone is sighting KC for this reason.

I believe some are thinking Cassel >>>>> Thigpen or Croyle. So it may not be that Cassel is great, but perhaps he's a decent upgrade over the other options.

I would still question the validity of that. I mean we know very little about Cassel IMO. He played in a bubble at NE last year. I like him and all, I just don't see how people can have such a high level of confidence in him to say that KC is the leader of the pack in FA right now.

 

[Rovers]

Scott will help the Jets, but they lost Favre, Baker, and Coles on offense. Not sure the net makes them a better team. Yes, the defense is better, but they have some questions on offense.

I think Ratliff takes the oppurtunity to win the QB job and runs with it. Brett Favre was terrible over the last 5 games, and I think at this point Ratliff/Clemens would be an upgrade over Brett Favre at Favres age. Keller going into his 2nd year should help pick up the slack in the passing game with the Coles departure. Coles is an ok WR, but hes not what he was even in 2007. He dropped more passes than i remember him dropping and looked a step slower to me, but im just going on my impressions. My opinion is that a WR with deep speed like D.Clowney would be a better compliment to Cotcherys skill set on the other side. Dont disagree that they have some questions on offense with some unproven youngsters, but I dont think they necessarily take a step back either. On defense it should also be mentioned that they filled a big need at #2 CB with the Lito Sheppard trade.

I think the defense is much better adding Scott and a little better adding Sheppard. On offense, there are too many questions that COULD work out but certainly the options right now are largely unproven . . . so those could go either way. As I already mentioned, the Jets may be slightly better off overall at the moment but not sure they are in the big movers category just yet. I realize we are a long way from anyone suiting up and playing real games and those questions may go away, so the Jets could overall be better but at this point I'm more concerned with the offense than the defense.Just like the Pats. They signed Baker and Taylor (neither of which filling big holes) and traded Cassel and Vrabel, but they have not addressed any of their bigger areas of concern. Even though they may have a lot of LB options, they still need LB help, CB and S help, and they have no WRs past Moss and Welker (Gaffney and Kelly Washington are gone). So until they address those areas, I would also say the Pats have not really improved (although they are in a better position to improve).

The thing about Scott, as Ryan has discussed, is that this defense will have more flexabity than the Raven defense did, in this regard: He envisions using Harris and Scott alternately as the mike, something he could not disguise with Ray Ray in Baltimore. He feels that opposing O lines and QB's will have trouble idnetifying which is the mike LB, and thinks that is a major advantage. Sheppard is more of an upgrade than you think. The Jets had only one CB on the entire roster. Lowery does not have the speed to play CB in Ryan's system, so that was a LARGE hole filled, optomistically thinking Lito can stay healthy and return to his form of 2006. Leonhard will never be a pro bowler, but if he is good enough to let Rhodes play the Ed Reed/Polamalu role, that is pretty big. Leonhard like Scott brings exeperience in Ryan's system, so there is a D QB both up front and in the D backfield. As far as the offense goes, agreed, many questions, but Ryan wants a QB that can manage a very run oriented offense and not turn the ball over. Clemens can do that. Ratliff might be better, he certainly has the better arm and has the physical build for that position, while Clemens is on the short side. I see Crotchery and Clowney being wide, and Clowney is very fast, the fastest WR on the team. Stuckey and Leon W should share slot duty. Yes, LW will play more slot, and get more carries in a very conservative offense. Keller will improve and that group will give this run oriented offense enough good targets. Cotchery is the possession guy, Clowney stretches the field, Leon can break any play, Stuckey is good enough, and Keller creates coverage mismatches. Looks like the Jets are about to sign a blocking TE now too.... The Giants have really done well. That D line rotation will be a nightmare for any opponent. the D line is what beat the Pats in 2007. They have the best front 4 rotation in the NFL, and Boley should help at LB. They don't need much in the D backfield with this group. A WR would be nice, but Hixon and Smith are still developing. The O line remains strong, although McKenzie is getting old. The running game should be just as good in 2009 as it was in 2008, even with the loss of Ward.

 

[Marvelous]

The Atlanta Falcons could be the big winners so far by doing absolutely nothing. According to Don Banks, Atlanta will get 3 3rd round compensatory picks in 2010 for the 3 FA's they've lost so far, none of whom fit into the team's long term plans.

I don't see it. 3rd round compensatory picks are pretty rare and are typically reserved for huge signings. Usually in the $8-10M per year range.They've lost Terrance Pennington, Michael Boley, Dominique Foxworth, and Keith Brooking. None of those guys will be worth a 3rd round compensatory pcik. MAYBE collectively they might be worth one 3rd rounder, but even that is debatable.

I thought that sounded sort of fishy when I read Banks' article where he stated this. I assumed Banks did adequate research on this since it's his job, lol.

Compensatory picks are based on the Free Agents a team lost the year before and they contracts they signed. DeAngelo Hall may be worth a 3rd round comp pick for Atlanta. Not sure who else they lost to free agency last year.

No comp pick for Hall, Oakland traded for him. Then cut him.No comp picks for anyone

My error on the trading part. Definately no comp pick for Hall. And I did not realize we were talking about the 2010 draft.

 

[Incogneto]

I don't know much about Cameron Wake and he could very easily be a decent even a good player. But how many CFL guys have made an impact in the NFL? I'm asking because I don't really know.

There have been a number of QBs (Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, Joe Theisman, Warren Moon, Trent Green, to name a few), and I recall Rocket Ismail and Mervyn Fernandez at WR. Who else has there been that went on to have any notoriety in the NFL?

Green never played CFL ball.Wake DOMINATED the CFL Last year....but that doesn't mean much...the CFL league MVP last year (Henry Burris) was cut by 2 NFL Teams.

 

[David Yudkin]

I don't know much about Cameron Wake and he could very easily be a decent even a good player. But how many CFL guys have made an impact in the NFL? I'm asking because I don't really know.

There have been a number of QBs (Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, Joe Theisman, Warren Moon, Trent Green, to name a few), and I recall Rocket Ismail and Mervyn Fernandez at WR. Who else has there been that went on to have any notoriety in the NFL?

Green never played CFL ball.Wake DOMINATED the CFL Last year....but that doesn't mean much...the CFL league MVP last year (Henry Burris) was cut by 2 NFL Teams.

Green played the 1994 season for the British Columbia Lions. He pretty much was invisible in the NFL over parts of 5 seasons until he came out of nowhere to have a solid year with the Redskins in 1998.

 

[cacksman]

Seattle has to be on the list.

They signed the best WR in free agency at the biggest position of need.

And signed a huge DT who will be the starter and be able to keep our great LB corps clean.

 

[flapgreen]

Not the Bears

 

[the branded hand]

I don't know much about Cameron Wake and he could very easily be a decent even a good player. But how many CFL guys have made an impact in the NFL? I'm asking because I don't really know. There have been a number of QBs (Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, Joe Theisman, Warren Moon, Trent Green, to name a few), and I recall Rocket Ismail and Mervyn Fernandez at WR. Who else has there been that went on to have any notoriety in the NFL?

Good question. I'm not sure either. I love the list though... Swervin' Mervin... jeez. And the QB's on that list... great memories.But having watched Parcells build players and teams over the last, God, almost three decades, I can't help but think there's more to this guy than "2 Time CFL Defensive MVP". Bringing him in to learn the 3-4 system under Porter... and who knows, maybe they add Maybin if he falls to them in the draft. Parcells has got a thing for linebackers. Wake seems to have a knack for finding the QB (even if it is the CFL) and Parcells seems to have a knack for finding linebackers. Statistically there is no measure, historically I'd say he has a better chance than most. I'm not a huge fan of Parcells after what he did to Tampa Bay, but he does have a way of getting the guys that make the difference on defense.