The Football Fan Spot
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Kamerion Wimbley traded to Raiders
This is a classic Raider move. The Raiders will give up one of their 2 3rd rounders, though it has not yet been announced which, either theirs or the one they obtained from the Patriots for Derrick Burgess. Kamerion Wimbley has 15.5 sacks in the last three... (read more)
LaDainian Tomlinson signs with Jets
LT comes to the Jets to replace Thomas Jones, begging the question, was this necessary? Thomas Jones was the 3rd leading rusher in the league last year and he only one year older than LT and he got paid 5 million over 2 years to go to the Chiefs after the... (read more)
Josh McDaniels won a trade?! Well, he was negotiating with the Browns and Eric Mangini. I know this trade was probably Mike Holmgren’s doing too, but Eric Mangini wanted Quinn out of there and Holmgren, no longer needing Quinn after signing Delhomme yesterday... (read more)
Jimmy Clausen vs. Sam Bradford
About a month ago all the talk for the first pick was about Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh. I did not do any comparison or debate between which of them was better for one simple reason, I didn’t think either of them had a shot at the #1 pick unless the... (read more)
Pick (will): QB Sam Bradford (Oklahoma)
Pick (should): QB Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)
The Rams cannot take Suh here. Albert Haynesworth and Richard Seymour last season were two... (read more)
Jake Delhomme signs with Browns
I don’t know what happened to Jake Delhomme last year. He literally imploded in on himself and destroyed the Panthers’ chances at the playoffs just a mere few months after they signed him to a massive extension. He completed 56% of his passes, which isn’t... (read more)
Larry Johnson signs with Redskins
Oh, the Redskins overpaid a washed up veteran again? Why am I not surprised? This happens every offseason. Larry Johnson wasn’t good last year. He had that one good game in Cincinnati, 107 yards on 22 carries, you should never sign someone for 3 years... (read more)
NFL Draft Tight End Rankings- Top 15
1. Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma State) 86
2/27/10: After his 4.76 40, questions about the health of his knee have resurfaced. That’s the last thing Gresham wants to happen at this point. 4.76 isn’t awful, but he was expected to run at least .1 to .15 seconds faster so this is a bit concerning... (read more)
NFL Draft Guard Rankings- Top 15
1. Mike Iupati (Idaho) 83
1/27/10: Unlike Ducasse, this much hyped offensive lineman has really lived up to the hype. He is destroying guys one on one and is making a huge case to be a first round pick lock, which is rare for a guard
A massive offensive... (read more)
Jamal Williams signs with Broncos
Good to see the Broncos are actually focusing on needs this offseason. They were awful against the run last year and their lack of a true nose tackle had a lot to do with that. Williams has his flaws; that’s why the Chargers cut him. He’s 34 and coming off of a... (read more)
Derrick Mason resigns with Ravens
Mason has 8 seasons of 70 or more catches and 1000 or more yards in his last 9 seasons, despite spending all of this time with the Titans and the Ravens, two of the most notoriously run heavy conservative offenses in the league. He caught 103 passes in 2007... (read more)
NFL Draft 3-4 Defensive End Rankings- Top 15
1. Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) 99
People who love stats get high off of Suh’s stat card. Over the last two years, Suh has 158 tackles, 19 sacks, 3 picks, and 2 touchdowns all as a 6-4 300 pound defensive tackle. He also led his team in pass breakups this year with 10. There’s a reason he received... (read more)
NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings- Top 15
1. Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) 99
People who love stats get high off of Suh’s stat card. Over the last two years, Suh has 158 tackles, 19 sacks, 3 picks, and 2 touchdowns all as a 6-4 300 pound defensive tackle. He also led his team in pass breakups this year with 10. There’s a reason he received... (read more)
NFL Draft Middle Linebacker Rankings- Top 15
1. Rolando McClain (Alabama) 92
3-4 middle linebackers prospects rarely go top 10, but McClain might be an exception. At age 21, McClain is drawing some pretty warranted, though still premature, comparisons to Ray Lewis. In 3 years, McClain has 270 tackles, 5 picks, and 8 sacks. Beyond... (read more)
NFL Draft Safety Rankings- Top 15
1. Eric Berry (Tennessee) 98
3/2/10: Of all the good things we could say about Berry, freakish athleticism was not one of them. That is no longer the case as he ran a 4.40 at 6-0 211, benching 19 reps, and flying 43 inches into the air. He’s still a risk in the top 3 because of his position. If he... (read more)
Antonio Bryant signs with Bengals
Antonio Bryant has two seasons over 1000 or more receiving yards in his career, both in contract years. In the rest of his career, he has averaged less than 600 yards per season. He’s also coming off of a season plagued by leg injuries and he’s had problems... (read more)
Thomas Jones signs with Chiefs
Wow. Really? The Chiefs just signed the 3rd leading rusher in the league last year for 5 million over two years? The Chiefs? The Chiefs got one of the biggest steal of the offseason. I still can’t believe it was their front office that pulled this off. I know Jones is... (read more)
NFL Draft Outside Linebacker Rankings- Top 15
1. Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri) 88
3/1/10: A very good day for him, shaving about .1 second off of his projected 40 time with a 4.57, and also recording a 40 inch vertical leap and 34 reps on the bench press.
1/30/10: If there were... (read more)
1. St. Louis Rams 1-15
I have said it all along that this pick would and should be a quarterback, but I think I had the wrong quarterback. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford showed up to the combine needing to prove his shoulder strength after two separations and a surgery last... (read more)
The Jacksonville Jaguars football franchise is in a pretty poor state financially, so much so that in a few years, the team, as we know it, might not even exist. Despite the fact that they were 7-9 last year, and looking like a playoff team until about week 13, they... (read more)
Chad Clifton resigns with Packers
Chad Clifton was essentially the savior of the Packers last season. In games he started, the Packers were 7-1 and gave up 13 sacks and in games he did not start, the Packers were 4-4 and gave up 37 sacks. That being said, why would you give this guy 20... (read more)
Aaron Kampman signs with Jaguars
I absolutely love this move. 4 years, 26 million dollars, for a guy who has 37 sacks in his last 3 seasons in a 4-3, which the Jaguars run. Forget his 3.5 sacks last year. Those were in a 3-4 which is a completely different scheme. Forget his ACL tear because he... (read more)
NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings- Top 15
1. Joe Haden (Florida) 90
3/2/10: Not going to knock him down too much, but the 4.57 at 5-11 193 hurts his chances to go in the top 10 as he competes with Derrick Morgan, Rolando McClain, and Jason Pierre Paul to go 7th to Cleveland. I do expect him to run a little better at his... (read more)
NFL Draft Rush Linebacker Rankings- Top 15
1. Brandon Graham (Michigan) 87
3/1/10: Graham wasn’t expected to run well but a 4.69 40 at 6-1 268 showing some surprisingly athleticism. He also put up 31 reps of 225 pounds.
1/30/10: Graham had a huge Senior Bowl week. It started out bad when he measured up at... (read more)
NFL Draft Defensive End Rankings- Top 15
1. Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech) 91
Great combination of size and speed, and more important an excellent motor and initial explosiveness. He had 12 sacks this year and was also strong against the run at 275 pounds. The only thing stopping him from being a top ten pick lock is the fact that... (read more)
NFL Draft Nose Tackle Rankings- Top 10
1. Terrence Cody (Alabama) 87
2/27/10: Cody weighed in at 370 at his Senior Bowl weigh in after promising he’d be at 355 and his stock lowered. Cody weighed in at 354 today at the combine. He still needs to lose some weight, but I think I can move him back up a little after dropping him... (read more)
NFL Draft Offensive Tackle Rankings- Top 15
1. Russell Okung (Oklahoma State) 98
He’s got excellent footwork and good zone versatility. He has the agility, athleticism, and footwork to be an elite zone blocking left tackle, but he also has good strength, though not elite, and can take down defensive ends one-on-one. His footwork is... (read more)
NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings- Top 15
1. Damian Williams (USC) 87
Doesn’t get the big hype of guys like Dez Bryant and Golden Tate, but I think he’s the best overall wide receiver in this draft class because he possesses two traits, in addition to his natural athleticism, that very few wide receivers his age do, good route running, and... (read more)
NFL Draft Running Back Rankings- Top 15
1. Jahvid Best (California) 87
2/28/10: Jahvid Best just ran faster than CJ Spiller (4.35 compared to 4.37). Now what is Spiller better at? Best is the more complete back of the two, the only thing that Spiller could really say was that his speed was on another level. Now that doesn’t appear... (read more)
NFL Draft Pick Trade Value Chart
What is this madness? Well, though it may look like something straight out of lost (4,8,15,16,23,42) it is actually the NFL Draft Pick Trade Value Chart. Basically, it is the excepted numerical value of each pick and it is very useful for trying to do draft day trades. Say... (read more)
NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings- Top 15
1. Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) 98
Didn’t step up clutch in close games last year, but still had a hell of a statistical year for a mere junior throwing 28 touchdowns to 4 picks and averaging 8.8 YPA out of a pro style offense. It’s safe to say that while he lost a lot of close games, all 6 of his losses... (read more)
1. DT/3-4 DE Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) 99
People who love stats get high off of Suh’s stat card. Over the last two years, Suh has 158 tackles, 19 sacks, 3 picks, and 2 touchdowns all as a 6-4 300 pound defensive tackle. He also led his team in pass breakups this year with 10. There’s a reason he received... (read more)
Kerry Rhodes traded to Cardinals
Trade for Jets:
Rex Ryan had been trying to get rid of Kerry Rhodes all offseason because apparently they had some clashes last year, so I like to see him establishing his dominance and... (read more)
Antrel Rolle signs with Giants
The Giants certainly need safety help. None of their safeties could tackle at all last year and they gave up no many big plays both through the air and on the ground. However, Rolle is now the highest paid safety in NFL history after the Giants gave him 5 years 37... (read more)
Vince Wilfork resigns with Patriots
Wilfork had been slapped with the franchise tag, which he didn’t like, but the Pats stayed true to their word by resigning Wilfork after slapping him with the tag, giving him a 40 million dollar contract over 5 years. The Patriots had been letting too much talent... (read more)
Karlos Dansby signs with Dolphins
Bill Parcells loves his linebackers and Dansby fills a huge hole in the middle of Miami’s defense. They gave him a fair rate, 5 years 43 million, especially when you consider that Dansby was the youngest of the top free agents. I have no major complaints here, but... (read more)
Anquan Boldin traded to Ravens
Deal for Ravens:
Alright, everyone hands put your hands where I can see them, hands up. This poor action movie imitation is my way of showing that the Ravens just committed armed robbery. 30... (read more)
Kyle Vanden Bosch signs with Lions
Vanden Bosch only had 7.5 sacks over the last two years, but he’s thrived in Jim Schwartz’ system before when the current Lions head man was a D-Coordinator in Tennessee. He had 12 sacks under him in 2007. 26 million dollars seems like a lot over 4 years for... (read more)
Nate Burleson signs with Lions
I don’t find it much of a coincidence that Burleson just had a career year in his contract year. Almost seems like he was playing well just to get paid (but no one does that right?). Well he got paid, 5 years 25 million, and I think what the Lions are going to get... (read more)
Corey Williams traded to Lions
Deal for Browns:
With 4 sacks last year at 320 pounds, Williams was actually one of the Browns best defensive players (not saying much). They could have gotten a lot more value for him than... (read more)
Antonio Cromartie traded to Jets
Deal for Chargers:
So far this offseason the Chargers have gotten rid of LaDainian Tomlinson, Jamal Williams, and Antonio Cromartie, lost Brandon Manumeleuna, added no draft picks for 2010, and... (read more)
Dunta Robinson signs with Falcons
The Falcons desperately needed a cornerback. They resigned Brian Williams yesterday, but he’s barely a #2. Robinson was the best cornerback on the market and, though they overpaid for him a little, they needed him. He will instantly upgrade their pass... (read more)
Gary Brackett resigns with Colts
One of the smartest moves of the day. If it isn’t broke, why change it. Brackett is a perfect fit for the Colts defensive scheme and he’s their defensive captain and he’s extremely consistent. The 33 million over 5 years is roughly the amount per year the Bears are... (read more)
Brandon Manumaleuna signs with Bears
The Bears are clearly the busiest team early in free agency. Manumanumalemalemanumaleuna (I might have added a few more syllables, but you get the point) is one of the best run blocking tight ends in the league and combined with... (read more)
Chester Taylor signs with Bears
Taylor is going to be 31 in the middle of next season, but he doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear on his body with only 1028 career carries (the equivalent of roughly 3.5 years). However, Taylor is nothing but an average running back right now. He and Matt Forte will... (read more)
Julius Peppers signs with Bears
Julius Peppers was the class of the 2010 NFL Free Agency class with 81 sacks in 8 years. I get that. However, the Bears are making a huge investment here giving him 6 years 91 million dollars. That will take him until he’s 35 years old. That’s an awful lot of... (read more)
Carolina Panthers Offseason Preview
Debate the Carolina Panthers offseason needs in The Football Fan Forum
Last season: 8-8
Positions of needs:
Wide Receiver:
Part of the reason why Jake Delhomme struggled last year was that he was forcing things to Steve... (read more)
Chicago Bears Offseason Preview
Debate the Chicago Bears' offseason needs in The Football Fan Spot
Last season: 7-9
Positions of need:
Wide Receiver:
The Bears have some decent receivers, but overall their receiving corps were very mediocre and lacking... (read more)
New Orleans Saints Offseason Preview
Debate the New Orleans Saints' offseason needs in The Football Fan Forum
Last season: 13-3
Positions of need:
Outside Linebacker:
Neither Scott Shanle nor Scott Fujita are very good and both could be upgraded. With no other... (read more)
Indianapolis Colts Offseason Preview
Last season: 14-2
Positions of need:
Defensive Tackle:
Fili Moala was drafted in the 2nd round last year, but only had 8 tackles last year, 5 in games where they... (read more)
Minnesota Vikings Offseason Preview
Last season: 12-4
Positions of need:
Defensive Tackle:
Pat Williams says he’s 50-50 about returning next year. Even if he does return, he’ll be 38 in... (read more)
CB Crezdon Butler- Clemson UP
A very impressive 4.41 at 6-0 191, plus he did well in his positional drills, which I find to be the most important thing from him as a late round prospect.
CB/FS Chris... (read more)
DE/RLB Everson Griffen- USC UP
Griffen put on about 10 pounds this season bulking up to 273 and there were some concerns about how he would carry the weight. After he ran a 4.64 40 today, those concerns... (read more)
1. St. Louis Rams 1-15
I have said it all along that this pick would and should be a quarterback, but I think I had the wrong quarterback. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford showed up to the combine needing to prove his shoulder strength after two separations and a surgery last season. His... (read more)
San Diego Chargers Offseason Preview
Debate the Chargers' offseason needs in the The Football Fan Forum
Last season: 13-3
Positions of need:
Running Back:
LT is gone and Darren Sproles is a restricted free agent. Sproles is not an every down back anyway so... (read more)
Dallas Cowboys Offseason Preview
Debate the Dallas Cowboys offseason needs in The Football Fan Forum
Last season: 11-5
Positions of need:
Offensive Tackle:
The Cowboys need depth all along their offensive line. Their lack of depth was shown in the... (read more)
WR Dezmon Briscoe Kansas- DOWN
He’s a talented physical receiver, but receivers who run 4.61 40s normally have a lot of trouble gaining separation in the NFL. I was afraid his time would be bad, but I didn’t expect... (read more)
Top 10 Unrestricted Free Agents
1. DE Julius Peppers
81 sacks in 8 years in his year makes him an extremely dominant defensive end, especially considering his above average size against the run and his ability to play the pass, 6 picks and... (read more)
Arizona Cardinals Offseason Preview
Last season: 10-6
Offseason needs:
Offensive Tackle:
Mike Gandy and Levi Brown each gave up 9 sacks and combined to give up 27 hits, and, 59 pressures and... (read more)
Baltimore Ravens Offseason Preview
Debate the Ravens' offseason possibilities in The Football Fan Forum
Last season: 10-6
Wide Receiver:
If you thought the Ravens had bad receivers this year, wait until next year if they don’t get... (read more)
1. New Jersey Nets 5-52
The Nets already have Devin Harris at point guard and he’s probably their best player, though on a 5-52 team that isn’t saying much. However, they can’t not take Kentucky PG John Wall here. He’s easily has the most upside of any player in college basketball. He’s... (read more)
OT Bruce Campbell UP
The 6-6 314 pound left tackle just ran a 4.78. In all honesty, this barely moves him up in my book, but after running a 4.78, measuring in with 36 inch arms, jumping 38 inches, and benching 225 pounds 34 times, Campbell has been the star of the... (read more)
It is reported that Bradford's shoulder examination went excellent. I am also hearing that a dozen or possibly more NFL GMs were asked about Clausen and Bradford and all of them liked Bradford more. I still like Clausen more, but that won't matter, if... (read more)
TE Nate Byham Up
If Byham was going to get drafted, it would be as a blocker. Measuring in at 268 certainly helps his cause to be viewed as one of the best run blocking tight ends in this draft class... (read more)
There are very few things I can guarantee you, but one of them is this. The Football Fan Spot is probably the only place that has this guy listed as a 3rd round prospect. He did an excellent job as a shutdown #1 corner for TCU. He played in 11 games and... (read more)
Myron Lewis suffers from the Sean Smith dilemma. Lewis played well over the last two years as a cornerback for Vanderbilt with 9 picks, 13 pass deflections, and 5 sacks and he has good size at 6-2 206, but he lacks elite speed and fluidity. He struggles in back pedal... (read more)
Sean Canfield has all of the physical skills that NFL scouts love. He’s got a good height with room to fill out in terms of arm strength. He’s got good accuracy and he’s very smart. However, watching him play this season and in the Senior Bowl, I didn’t see anything...(read more)
Other less recent posts: Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Preview, Green Bay Packers Offseason Preview, Mailbag, 2010 NFL Mock Draft, New England Patriots Offseason Preview, Cincinnati Bengals Offseason Preview, MLB Preseason Power Rankings, Houston Texans Offseason Preview, Atlanta Falcons Offseason Preview, Mikhael Ricks Interview, Top 3 Picks History Lesson, Pittsburgh Steelers Offseason Preview, Tennessee Titans Offseason Preview, Jarrett Brown Scouting Report, My thoughts on Todd McShay in ESPN the Magazine, Rush Linebackers Often Bust, Passing on a quarterback in the first, New York Giants Offseason Preview, NFL Positional Value Chart, 2010 NFL Mock Draft (Should), Denver Broncos Offseason Preview, San Francisco 49ers Offseason Preview, Miami Dolphins Offseason Preview, 2010 NFL Mock Draft (3 rounds!!!), Jacksonville Jaguars Offseason Preview, Buffalo Bills Offseason Preview, Oakland Raiders Offseason Preview, Andre Roberts Scouting Report, LeGarrette Blount Scouting Report, Cleveland Browns Offseason Preview, Seattle Seahawks Offseason Preview
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