NFL Free Agency

[Guest converge241]

allright i cut and pasted this as i didnt think the link would work, coming from espninsider and all, so review and lets examine the possibilities

 

Defensive Ends

Behind quarterbacks, defensive ends are the highest-salaried position in the NFL. That reflects the importance teams place on finding someone who can rush the passer. Few starting ends ever make it to free agency as teams try to sign them to a contract extension. When a player does, due to poor cap management by his team or advancing age, they become the big winners in free agency, even in a bad year for spending money. This past offseason, Joe Johnson received more per year salary at $5.5 million than any other free agent who switched teams. The only name defensive ends who were scheduled to hit the market this year are Johnson's new teammates, Vonnie Holliday and restricted free agent Kabeer Gbaja-Biamilla. But a contract clause added one very big name to the group.

 

Best Available

Hugh Douglas, Eagles - A premier sack artist with 72 career sacks in eight seasons, including 11 already this year, Douglas will become a free agent thanks to a clause inserted into his contract by his agent voiding the remainder of the contract if he hit double-digit sacks this season. As a result, Douglas will be rewarded with the biggest free-agent contract of the offseason.

Vonnie Holliday, Packers - He rejected the Packers' offer of a contract extension that would have paid him about $4 million a year at the start of the season. This year has been rough on the former Tar Heel as he has missed over half the Pack's games with a variety of injuries. He had 26 sacks over his first four seasons in a Packers defensive scheme that asked him to play the run first.

Chidi Ahanotu, Bills - After playing the majority of his career with the Bucs, Ahanotu has been the ultimate mercenary the past two seasons, signing one-year contracts to help out the Rams and Bills defenses by providing solid veteran play.

Chike Okeafor, 49ers - Finally starting in his fourth year in the league and has five sacks so far. He'll only hit the big money if some team convinces itself that he's just a late bloomer.

Brad Scioli, Colts - A two-year starter, Scioli has a good motor and has made seven sacks this year. However, five of them came in his two games against the expansion Texans, who could give up a sack to Scioli's grandmother.

Lance Johnstone, Vikings - An edge pass rusher best used as a situational player, but he's used his quickness to counter the run much better this season.

 

Potential Free Agents

Trace Armstrong, Raiders - Though he's played better down the stretch, Armstrong is still a 37 year old ea year off Achilles surgery. The Raiders are going to be in a world of cap trouble.

Regan Upshaw, Raiders - Led the Raiders with seven sacks in 2001, then was injured in the offseason, but the coaches decided to keep him off injured reserve so he could re-join the team late in the year. He's back, but he's also scheduled to make $4.45 million next year and the Raiders are going to need a lot of help getting under the cap.

Tony Brackens, Jaguars - Brackens had knee surgery in early November and acknowledges his days in Jacksonville could be over because of his injury and a cap number close to $10 million next year. He is confident he will have a complete recovery and resume his career somewhere.

Michael McCrary, Ravens - A bizarre cap situation forced the Ravens to sign him to a contract extension even though they weren't sure he would be healthy for this season. Now his career is in jeopardy and yet his salary weighs heavily on Baltimore's books.

Kenny Holmes, Giants - Didn't play well in 2001, his first year as a Giant, because of a nagging injury. He then was benched briefly at the start of this season. Can only make a sack against a weak opponent and has not played up to his five-year, $20 million contract.

 

The Rest

David Bowens, Dolphins

Tom Burke, Cardinals

Antonio Cochran, Seahawks

Adrian Dingle, Chargers

Tyoka Jackson, Rams

Rick Lyle, Patriots

Keith McKenzie, FA

Rich Owens, FA

Riddick Parker, Ravens

Talance Sawyer, Vikings

Corey Sears, Texans

Fernando Smith, Panthers

Paul Spicer, Jaguars

Gary Stills, Chiefs

John Thierry, Falcons

Willie Whitehead, Saints

Peppi Zellner, Cowboys

 

Restricted Free Agents

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Packers

Adalius Thomas, Ravens

Marques Douglas, Ravens

Byron Frisch, Giants

Jermaine Haley, Dolphins

James Hall, Lions

David Nugent, Ravens

Josh Taves, Panthers

Dimitrius Underwood, Cowboys

 

 

Defensive Tackles

Demand for behemoth tackles to plug up the middle of the line is always high, but surprisingly the best run defenses of the past few seasons have been built through free agency rather than the draft. The 2000 Ravens, the 2001 Bears and the 2002 Broncos all featured starting defensive tackles who had been cast off by other teams.

 

Best Available

Daryl Gardener, Redskins - Tossed aside by the Dolphins last year because of recurring back problems and a bad attitude, the Redskins signed him to a late offseason one-year deal after losing Santana Dotson for the season. Gardener overcame his back problems early and has been one of the best players on their up and down defense. He's already said he wants to stay in Washington, but the Redskins will have to pay top dollar.

Brandon Noble, Cowboys - The run stuffer who plays next to La'Roi Glover, Noble is one of those under-appreciated blue collar types whose solid play allows others to make the big plays.

Jeff Zgonina, Rams - He didn't start until his seventh season in the league, but he's been the key cog in the middle of the Rams' defensive machinery, starting the last three seasons. Despite the team using a couple high draft picks at the position, Zgonina refuses to give up his spot.

Cletidus Hunt, Packers - A better pass rusher than run stopper. In 11 games he's played so far this year, Hunt has 5.5 sacks but the Packers rank 29th against the run.

Gilbert Brown, Packers - A load to move out of the way, but can only go for a few downs at a time and will usually miss several games each year to injury.

 

Potential Free Agents

Sean Gilbert, Panthers - He's still under that ludicrously expensive contract the Panthers gave him in 1998 when they gave up two first-round draft picks to sign the Redskins' franchise player. This offseason is the first year the Panthers will actually be able to save money by cutting him. Before the cap hit would have been too big.

Sam Adams, Raiders - If he thought the contract he signed was for anything more than one year he was deluding himself.

Dan Wilkinson, Redskins - It is widely known that the Redskins don't want Big Daddy back after an inconsistent year in Marvin Lewis' defensive scheme. He can still play well for some team, though, and will get a decent contract, provided he's released in March.

John Randle, Seahawks - Seattle will look to upgrade but might be tempted to keep Randle around as a pass rush specialist. He'd have to agree to a pay cut though.

 

The Rest

Russell Davis, Cardinals

Jared DeVries, Lions

Santana Dotson, Redskins

Nate Hobgood-Chittick, Chiefs

Darius Holland, Vikings

Bernard Holsey, Patriots

Travis Kirschke, Lions

Ryan Kuehl, Browns

Billy Lyon, Packers

Steve Martin, Patriots

Michael Myers, Cowboys

Chukie Nwokorie, Colts

Christian Peter, Bears

Carl Powell, Redskins

Kelvin Pritchett, Lions

Montae Reagor, Broncos

Larry Smith, Jaguars

Barron Tanner, Cardinals

John Thornton, Titans

Larry Webster, Jets

Bernard Whittington, Bengals

 

Restricted Free Agents

Josh Williams, Colts

Brian Young, Rams

Leonardo Carson, Chargers

Kendrick Clancy, Steelers

Kelly Gregg, Ravens

John Hilliard, Seahawks

Leif Larsen, Bills

Alvin McKinley, Browns

Robaire Smith, Titans

Rod Walker, Packers

Cedric Woodard, Seahawks

 

Inside Linebackers

There is a revolution going on at the position as more and more teams are shifting their best athlete at linebacker to play in the middle so he can cover sideline to sideline and make up for a less athletic (read: cheaper) outside backer. With most teams playing a 4-3 defense, it is becoming hard to vote for the Pro Bowl as there are so many worthy choices, while the outside linebacker position has too many one-dimensional players.

 

Best Available

Chris Claiborne, Lions - He's just about the only good thing the Lions have on defense. The Lions moved him to the middle last season and he's grown into the position. He's got a nose for the ball and also likes to play special teams. How bad would the Lions defense be without him?

Levon Kirkland, Eagles - The biggest linebacker in the game, he's lost a lot of his range and the Eagles would love to find a younger and faster replacement. Will probably have to sign on somewhere as a backup for the league minimum.

Wali Rainer, Jaguars - The Browns traded him to Jacksonville when they signed Earl Holmes to take over their MLB spot. The Jaguars were glad to have him just as a body with starting experience, but his days as a starter are numbered. He has a hard time moving through traffic and getting off of blocks.

 

Potential Free Agents

Ted Johnson, Patriots - He's pretty much recovered from his multiple neck injuries, but he's still being paid like a starter when he can only play in limited time.

Derek Smith, 49ers - He's the veteran leader of the linebacking unit but the 49ers drafted Saleem Rasheed last year to be his eventual replacement.

 

The Rest

Bryan Cox, Saints

Bernardo Harris, Saints

John Holecek, Falcons

Michael Jones, Steelers

Kevin Mitchell, Redskins

Jim Nelson, Vikings

Hardy Nickerson, Packers

Orlando Ruff, Chargers

Artie Ulmer, Falcons

 

Restricted Free Agents

Isaiah Kacyvenski, Seahawks

Mark Simoneau, Falcons

Lester Towns, Panthers

Nate Webster, Buccaneers

 

Outside Linebackers

Putting up big sack numbers may be how you get to the Pro Bowl as an outside linebacker, but only the guys with the complete package get the big-money contracts. Eight outside backers have gotten contracts worth over $20 million the past two years. A particularly strong class this year could send a few players upwards toward the $30 million mark.

 

Best Available

Takeo Spikes, Bengals - Arguably the best young linebacker in the game who has been wasting away on a poor Bengals team. Most fans of football would love to see him go somewhere else where he could get the on-field success he deserves, but the Bengals would be fools if they didn't hit him with the franchise tag.

Anthony Simmons, Seahawks - Before injury sat him down for half of this season, Simmons had averaged 135 tackles in 2000 and 2001 while playing in a conservative scheme. He has the athletic ability to be a bigger disrupter on defense if he could roam some and blitz more.

Mike Peterson, Colts - Another outstanding young player coming off his rookie contract and ready for the big bucks. Peterson has plenty of speed and always seems to be in the right place on the field to make a play. Look for him to re-sign with the Colts thanks to Tony Dungy's influence on personnel decisions.

Rosevelt Colvin, Bears - A pass-rushing specialist who is already in double digit sacks for the second straight year. The Bears had both of their outside backers as restricted free agents last year and chose to sign Warrick Holman long term over Colvin and may not have enough cap space to get Colvin back.

Mike Maslowski, Chiefs - Considered for a long time to be the eventual successor to Marvcus Patton in the middle, Maslowski was moved outside this year as a starter and will blow through the 100 tackle mark. He won't make the same kind of money as the above four, but he will make a lot more money in March than he was expecting this time last year.

 

Potential Free Agents

Jessie Armstead, Redskins - He may have made the Pro Bowl a year ago, but that was based more on reputation than his on-field play in 2001. He has slowed significantly over the past two years and really should not be starting.

Derrick Rodgers, Dolphins - Able to put together the occasional good game, Rodgers is still a below-average starter who the Dolphins can better use his cap space for a more capable replacement.

Lew Bush, Chiefs - Lost his job to Scott Fujita this year. It's the second straight year he has lost his starting job in Kansas City and one must imagine he won't be given a third opportunity.

 

The Rest

Larry Atkins, Chiefs

Shawn Barber, Eagles

O.J. Brigance, Rams

Cornell Brown, Ravens

Glenn Cadrez, Chiefs

James Darling, Jets

Don Davis, Rams

Chris Draft, Falcons

Greg Favors, Bills

Jay Foreman, Texans

Rob Frederickson, Cardinals

Scott Galyon, Dolphins

Lemanski Hall, Vikings

Darren Hambrick, Browns

Brad Jackson, Panthers

Lenoy Jones, Browns

Richard Jordan, Lions

Terry Killens, Seahawks

Clint Kriewaldt, Lions

Eddie Mason, Redskins

Keith Mitchell, Texans

Hannibal Navies, Panthers

Keith Newman, Bills

Jeff Posey, Texans

Shelton Quarles, Buccaneers

Sam Rogers, Falcons

Johnny Rutledge, Cardinals

Alshermond Singleton, Buccaneers

Sam Sword, Colts

 

Restricted Free Agents

T.J. Slaughter, Jaguars

Na'il Diggs, Packers

Brandon Short, Giants

Peter Sirmon, Titans

Bobby Brooks, Jaguars

Frank Chamberlin, Titans

Matt Chatham, Patriots

Danny Clark, Jaguars

Jack Golden, Buccaneers

Clark Haggans, Steelers

Kevin Lewis, Giants

Kory Minor, Panthers

DaShon Polk, Bills

Justin Snow, Colts

Shannon Taylor, Ravens

Donnel Thompson, Colts

Antonio Wilson, Vikings

 

Cornerbacks

At a position where speed is needed far more than any other attribute, most teams go looking for a new cornerback in the rookie draft rather than in free agency. Over the past couple years, half of the big cornerback free-agent signings turned out to be worth nowhere near the money spent, highlighted this season by the huge disappointment Duane Starks has been in Arizona.

 

Best Available

Chris McAlister, Ravens - There's a reason the Ravens let Starks go, but they'll probably place the franchise tag on McAlister if they can't agree to contract terms by early March. McAlister has struggled some this season with a depleted supporting cast, but he has the potential to be a shut-down corner.

Dre' Bly, Rams - At times wildly inconsistent, but he's always there to make the big play. He has made a ridiculously high 19 pass defenses this season and has 14 career regular-season interceptions and three touchdowns.

Tyrone Poole, Broncos - Took 2001 off but the Broncos kept his rights and he came back this season to become the team's nickel back. Undersized, but very quick, Poole could become a starter again.

Tod McBride, Packers - Green Bay's nickel back has been called on for more playing time frequently this season because of injuries to others. Will never be a full-time starter but has plenty of experience as a fill-in.

 

Potential Free Agents

Jason Sehorn, Giants - Has finished two years in an outrageously overpriced six-year, $36 million contract. There's been talk of moving him to safety as the Giants have younger and better cornerbacks, but you can bet the Giants' front office will be looking to at least restructure this deal.

Chad Scott and DeWayne Washington, Steelers - The Steelers' pass defense has fallen apart this season, with the majority of the blame falling on their starting cornerbacks' shoulders. Both are among the highest-paid players at their positions yet Washington takes games off while Scott struggles against tall receivers.

Dexter McCleon, Rams - Lost his starting job until Aeneas Williams was lost for the rest of the season. McCleon's 2003 salary is just under $4 million.

Ray Crockett, Chiefs - The 14-year veteran no longer has the speed to keep up with receivers and it's a wonder he hasn't been benched yet as the Chiefs rank dead last in pass defense, allowing 276 yards a game.

 

The Rest

Taje Allen, Chiefs

Juran Bolden, Falcons

Terrell Buckley, Patriots

Eric Davis, Lions

Terry Fair, Panthers

Darrien Gordon, Packers

Donovan Greer, Lions

Duane Hawthorne, Cowboys

Ken Irvin, Saints

Todd Lyght, Lions

Kevin Mathis, Falcons

Emmanuel McDaniel, Panthers

Paul Miranda, Dolphins

Jacoby Rhinehart, Cardinals

Dainon Sydney, Titans

Jason Simmons, Texans

Robert Tate, Ravens

Bryant Westbrook, Packers

Willie Williams, Seahawks

Jerry Wilson, Chargers

Kenny Wright, Texans

 

Restricted Free Agents

Mario Edwards, Cowboys

David Macklin, Colts

Tyrone Carter, Vikings

Reggie Howard, Panthers

Reggie Austin, Bears

 

David Barrett, Cardinals

Robert Bean, Jaguars

Ralph Brown, Giants

Clifton Crosby, Colts

Pat Dennis, Texans

Ray Green, Dolphins

Michael Hawthorne, Saints

Brandon Jennings, Raiders

Ben Kelly, Patriots

Todd McMillon, Bears

Donald Mitchell, Titans

Earthwind Moreland, Browns

Hank Poteat, Steelers

Chris Rogers, Seahawks

Lewis Sanders, Browns

Kiwaukee Thomas, Jaguars

Jimmy Wyrick, Lions

 

Safeties

Despite having near-impossible job duties (play the run like a linebacker but play the pass like a cornerback) safeties are one of the lowest-paid positions in the NFL, getting less than half the salary of quarterbacks. Even a perennial Pro Bowler like Robert Griffith got less than $4 million from the Browns last year.

 

Best Available

Kwamie Lassiter, Cardinals - Played out the season under the one-year franchise tender offer hoping that it would pay off into a bigger contract than what the Cardinals were offering last year. His stats are way down this year, but the defense as a whole has fallen apart over the second half of the season. Will other teams take that into consideration?

Lethon Flowers, Steelers - One of the most outspoken players in the league, but he backs up his talk with his play on the field.

Donovin Darius, Jaguars - Tom Coughlin thinks he's one of the best young safeties in the league, but some scouts on other teams say he's vastly overrated. A big hitter that sometimes injures himself.

Tebucky Jones, Patriots - Will most likely re-sign in New England. Bombed as a cornerback early in his career but he's found his niche at safety in Bill Belichick's defense.

Dexter Jackson, Buccaneers - Doesn't make a lot of interceptions, but he's a two-year starter on the best pass defense in the league. Has a huge range, perfect for covering a lot of ground in the Bucs' cover-2 defense but lets John Lynch head upfield to handle the run defense.

 

Potential Free Agents

Anthony Dorsett, Raiders - He'll be the first one let go in the Raiders' cap purge after the season as he's no longer a starter but has a 2003 cap number over $3 million. Dorsett is a good nickel or dime back but gets caught out of position too often when he's asked to cover a large area.

Kim Herring, Rams - He's not what the Rams were expecting when they signed him away from the Ravens two years ago following their Super Bowl win.

Sam Shade, Redskins - Had already lost his starting job when he was placed on injured reserve. A liability against the pass.

Marcus Robertson, Seahawks - The big push of signing veteran free agents that worked so well for the team in 2001 backfired in 2002 as those vets suddenly and collectively showed their age.

 

The Rest

Chris Akins, Browns

Jason Belser, Chiefs

Ronnie Bradford, Vikings

Eric Brown, Texans

Devin Bush, Browns

Keion Carpenter, Falcons

Chris Carter, Texans

Je'Rod Cherry, Patriots

Rich Coady, Titans

Rashard Cook, Eagles

Chad Cota, Rams

Leomont Evans, Texans

Scott Frost, Packers

Victor Green, Patriots

Cory Hall, Bengals

Henry Jones, Falcons

Rob Kelly, Patriots

Earl Little, Browns

Keith Lyle, Chargers

Anthony Mitchell, Ravens

Jason Perry, Vikings

Izell Reese, Broncos

Omar Stoutmire, Giants

Bracey Walker, Lions

Larry Whigham, Bears

Kevin Williams, Texans

 

Restricted Free Agents

Arturo Freeman, Dolphins

Greg Wesley, Chiefs

Ronnie Heard, 49ers

Justin Lucas, Cardinals

Ainsley Battles, Jaguars

Matt Bowen, Packers

Nick Ferguson, Jets

Trent Gamble, Dolphins

David Gibson, Colts

Steve Gleason, Saints

Michael Green, Bears

Blaine McElmurry, Titans

Jason Moore, 49ers

Aric Morris, Titans

[Guest converge241]

phew

 

id love to see Vick throwing to Boston or Price

Douglas would look nice in Pats red white and blue (or any of the GB eligible D Linemen)

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

Someone will overpay for Peerless Price.

 

He had a phenomenal year...but let's not forget he had Eric Moulds, Josh Reed and Larry Centers and Travis Henry and a tight end all taking defensemen away from him. Moulds had double coverage. Price hasn't had to deal with that yet. I can't imagine he can put up those numbers as the #1 guy now that he'll have to face much more difficult challenges. I'm sad to see him leave my team, but you can't put all your money into wide receivers. I think he's from Atlanta...and they need a receiver...so that would probably be a good fit.

 

As for my team...We need 2 Linebackers and a defensive end badly.

 

We have money again this year so I expect the Bills to pick up a stud Linebacker.

[Guest NoCalMike]

Well the Raiders are gonna be about 30 million over the cap next year, so you can bet a shitload of their players will hit the FA market after June.

[Guest converge241]

30 million?

 

thats ultra-conservative/optomistic

 

its more in the 50-55 million range

 

itll be interesting to see if any of them retire if they win (i think they will win)

[Guest ant_7000]

I hope the Bears can keep Colvin.

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

Man, I hope they lose.

 

It would be so fitting to see the coach they let go end Al Davis' last chance at another Super Bowl win.

 

And yeah...the Raiders are going to be purging hardcore in the offseason.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

McCallister, Claiborne, and Spikes are the only players on D that strike me has deserving of a big contract.

[Guest El Satanico]

I've heard that Spikes is now leaning towards resigning with Marvin Lewis being hired.

[Guest jimmy no nose]

The word around here is the Steelers will be going strong after Dre' Bly because they feel that he is the best cover corner that won't require a monster contract.

 

Unless the Bengals offer him a monster contract, it would be wise for Takeo Spikes to try free agency. He is looked at very highly across the league and will most likely be the hottest free agent available if he chooses to go with it. Even if he wants to stay in Cinci, I've heard that they really want to hold onto him, so maybe it will raise their offer.

[Guest Rob Van Dam]

I think every team in the nfl will try and sign cornerback Duane Hawthorne

[Guest Human Fly]

I've heard that Spikes is now leaning towards resigning with Marvin Lewis being hired.

 

He still wants to leave. He's said he's got to see major change before he'll want to stay. They'll hit him with the Franchise tag. They should've re-signed him last summer when they had the chance insead of pissing around with Gus.

[Guest AlwaysPissedOff]

I wish the Jags would try to sign a GOOD linebacker for once because the linebacking core the past couple of years has been terrible. I hoping for maybe Claiborne or maybe Anthony Simmons.

[Guest Choken One]

Hopefully, Lewis can live up to the hype and bring in AT least Bly or Mcallister. Bengals need a Corner like a French Whore needs a Makeover.

[Guest MrRant]

I wish the Jags would try to sign a GOOD linebacker for once because the linebacking core the past couple of years has been terrible. I hoping for maybe Claiborne or maybe Anthony Simmons.

Stay away from Simmons you SOB. Hawks best resign him so they can stay young and fast.

[Guest Human Fly]

Hopefully, Lewis can live up to the hype and bring in AT least Bly or Mcallister. Bengals need a Corner like a French Whore needs a Makeover.

 

We need to cut Jeff Burris. What a waste of money. I can't think of his name right now but if the Bengals trade down (and they should) I hope they draft the CB from Kansas State.

[Guest converge241]

should chicago go with Shaun King or Slash?

 

(if it comes to that)

 

they are the top 2 rumored candidates

[Guest Choken One]

Slash? Kordell Stewart (isn't that his nickname?)

 

Chicago will likely pick up Leftwich in the Draft.

[Guest El Satanico]

Yeah I doubt that Chicago will go after any current NFL QBs.

 

The draft is QB rich for the top part of the draft. So unless they think they've found a better position to draft at #5(?) they will go QB.

 

But if they were to sign one of them it would be Kordel since he was a pro bowl level QB just a year ago.

[Agent_Bond34 0]

Man, I hope they lose.

 

It would be so fitting to see the coach they let go end Al Davis' last chance at another Super Bowl win.

That would rule all in so many ways it isn't even funny. I hate the Raiders and would love to see that happen.

 

And now my team's needs...

 

The 49ers could use some depth in their secondary especially at the corner. The injuries are what killed that secondary this year, especially in the playoffs against Tampa Bay and it showed in that game.

 

I'm hoping they can find a few guys to add some depth or help out their secondary in general.

[Guest converge241]

Theres lots of rumors that Chicago will not use the pick for a QB and go for another "ragamuffin" instead

 

plus they are sticking with thomas at RB and letting robinson pursue other options

[Guest Choken One]

I would think Detroit would take Johnson and build him into Barry 2.

 

BTW...Chicago drafts #4. Dallas drafts #5.

[Guest converge241]

what about the latest Dall- wash RB rumors

 

everyone probably heard that Stephen davis will likely end up in Dallas, but supposedly Snyder wants Emmit with the Skins now!

[Guest Choken One]

Why not...either team isn't going to get better so might as well go somewhere you can stay active instead of being stagnat because of Pass happy coach (Davis, I am refering to)

 

Smith going to Wash. is like Magic Throwing on a green Celtics jersey.

[Guest El Satanico]

If Detroit doesn't draft defense they will draft Charlie Rogers wr from MSU.

 

If Detroit drafts Larry Johnson then they really are ran by idiots. If he goes high in the draft some team screwed themselves.

 

He's going to be a b-u-s-t

[Guest phoenixrising]

I think Detroit is going with Charles Rogers. They might need defense first, but Rogers has big-time potential. Pairing him up with Joey Harrington would give Detroit a big-time combo for a long time to come. It also doesn't hurt that he's a local boy.

 

Where does Jacksonville pick? I was hoping they might have a chance for Maryland's E.J. Henderson, or maybe a wideout to go opposite Jimmy Smith. Or a running back, if Taylor leaves.

 

Not sure about where Larry Johnson is going. Everyone figured he'd be the first runner taken in December, but he didn't have a great bowl game and there are questions about his speed. I think he still might be the first running back taken, but I can't see a team using a high pick on him. Then again, I don't know...Houston and Dallas have top picks and could use a running back.

[Guest NoCalMike]

If the Skins don't resign D. Gardner I will be pissed. He was a MONSTER in the middle, and was the leading reason Emmitt didn't get to 1000 yards rushing this season. I don't want the Skins to OVERPAY, but he should be thanked, I mean we did get him at a damn good bargain price this season.

 

The skins biggest needs IMO of course, are a pass rusher, and a fast, speedy, WR. We could use another Safety, but I am hesitent to waste anymore money on D, since we did have the #5 ranked defense.

 

Stephen Davis is gone, but Betts/Watson should be the two-headed monster machine that we need in Spurrier's system. They are younger, faster and can catch the ball, kind of like a Faulk, or Ricky waters, as opposed to a strictly behing-the-line back.