By: Jerry "J-Rocc" Mires
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| USCs' Matt Kahlil |
Colt, Griffin, Kolb, Flynn, Tannehill, Manning... whoever your choice for "The Guy" at QB for the Brownies, it doesn't matter who the QB is, they all look like the same on their backs. We need to set the offensive line in place for the next 7-10 years, and allow the powers to be to do what they do best, and build the rest of the team free of a crappy offensive line sabotaging themselves from the inside. Every great GM or front office will tell you, the one place you cant build through free agency is the offensive line, you have to build that through the draft. The word of the day all over Cleveland radio, TV and fan chats is "Playmakers"... well, for what he does, Kahlil is the definition of a playmaker. If you're willing to draft all kinds of potential and reach for guys high in the draft that never work out, why not just reward your bad season by taking the one guy that everyone agrees will be an NFL top quality talent for years... No projections, no we think this guy will do blank... Just draft the one sure thing, because we need some sure things around here!
That stated, the other glaring issue the Browns plan on addressing is the WR position. I again will kindly object to anyone touting Blackmon, although I like the kid, but not at the top of the draft. The NFL is filled with teams who have eschewed the easy fix attempt of the flashy high receiver pick, and found gold in them there hills of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds of the NFL Draft. Just look up the top 25 WR of the past NFL season, and look at their paths to the NFL, and the point becomes even more valid, and glaring. its almost like the "Moneyball" concept in baseball, when you see it explained in front of you, its almost a case of "How does nobody else see what I'm seeing here?" While I would like us to draft a WR to develop (perhaps they could trade up a few slots from the 22 and grab the 6'3" Floyd from ND, but I wouldn't give up much to do so) or maybe he falls to them at 22... if not, I wouldn't reach for anything more than that in the first rd. I would set my sights on snagging perhaps Nick Toon in the 3rd round (son of great NYJ WR Al Toon), or 6'4" Miami WR Tommy Streeter.
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| Former Mt. Union WR Pierre Garcon |
Vincent Jackson (SD) - Partially due to his actions and injuries in the past, the Chargers have been reluctant to sign Vincent Jackson to a long-term extension. However, after a third 1000-yard season with the Chargers, GM AJ Smith and Head Coach Norv Turner have expressed interest in keeping Jackson in San Diego for the long haul. If the Chargers don't have him locked up prior to the start of free agency, he may very easily leave on a tempting offer elsewhere.
Wes Welker (NE) - Welker has averaged 111 receptions and 1221 yards over the last 5 seasons, since joining New England. It's safe to call Welker the best slot receiver in the league and one of the most valuable pieces to the Patriots' offense. During Super Bowl week he brushed off questions regarding his impending free agency, but it's a foregone conclusion that he'll remain in Foxborough.
Reggie Wayne (IND) - After missing the 1000-yard mark for the first time since 2003, Wayne finds himself a free agent. All of the talk out of Indy has been on Peyton Manning and his costly option The Colts have been an organization takes care of their own over the last decade, but for a team expected to enter rebuilding, it'll be interesting to see if that philosophy changes for in the transition. Many expect Wayne to be playing elsewhere next season.
DeSean Jackson (PHI) - Jackson is a great weapon for the Eagles offense that relies upon big plays. Unfortunately, Jackson's ego and sense of self-worth appears to have created a rift in negotiations thus far. Jackson will probably want to be paid as a top wide receiver, which he may not get from the organization after some his comments and actions of several months ago. To be fair, his play doesn't warrant it either.
Dwayne Bowe (KC) - One subpar season aside, Dwayne Bowe has emerged into the number one receiver the offense needs. He's a big body and a good route runner with a large catching radius. His most impressive attribute is his body of work around the goal line. He's a complete mismatch with the fade, slant, and back shoulder passes and has shown the propensity to make the acrobatic catches on numerous occasions. If he can't be re-signed prior to free agency, he's probably the frontrunner ahead of Brandon Carr for the franchise tag.
Marques Colston (NO) - When healthy, Colston is a match-up nightmare for any corner. He's an incredibly physical, sure-handed receiver and a polished route runner. When he's available, he brings another dimension to the Saints offense that none of their other talented weapons possess. Though Brees has proven capable of running the offense without him, they're even more dangerous with him. He'll most likely remain with the Saints.
Steve Johnson (BUF) - Still working on his meager rookie salary, Johnson figures to be a big part of the Bills' long term plans. On a team with few superstars, the Bills can afford to lock up Johnson long term and maintain an effective passing attack. Though the sides don't appear to have begun extension talks, the Bills also have the option of using the franchise tag on him if they can't reach a deal before free agency.
Brandon Lloyd (STL) - Lloyd quickly established himself as the Rams' top receiver after a trade landed him in St. Louis midway through the year. His explosive downfield ability and large catching radius make him a legitimate target to help Sam Bradford. The Rams will make a strong play to retain him and Lloyd has expressed interest in playing for coach Jeff Fisher.
Robert Meachem (NO) - Meachem is one of the younger receivers that could be a nice pick-up for an offense with a larger workload to offer. He's a good downfield threat and has nice instincts in the red zone. For a team with Drew Brees, Marques Colston, and Carl Nicks as free agents, the organization has some work to do to bring back all of their key guys.
Mario Manningham (NYG) - With Manningham behind breakout star Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, the Giants have found a nice threesome. Though the Giants have done a great job of developing players at the position, they would like to see some continuity for Manning. Unfortunately for them, other teams may look to give Manningham a promotion into the starting lineup and a bigger contract that goes along with it.
Laurent Robinson (DAL) - After spending some time in Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Diego, it didn't take Robinson a lot of time to find chemistry with Tony Romo in Dallas in his fifth year as a pro. He exploded on the scene replacing and playing behind Dez Bryant and Miles Austin in the lineup at various points throughout the season, accumulating 858 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. Though Robinson has reaffirmed that he wants to remain in Dallas, it may be hard for the Cowboys to pay him as a third receiver if he receives serious attention on the open market.
Mike Wallace (PIT) - Restricted - No receiver in the league forces safeties back like Wallace. His deep speed is second to none on the perimeter and he capitalizes on it with the ability to run those vertical routes proficiently. He's improving in other areas of his game and is an extremely valuable piece to the Steelers' offense. Keep in mind the highest Restricted tender would only net the Steelers a first round pick, which Wallace is certainly worth.
| Plaxico Burress (NYJ) TJ Houshmandzadeh (OAK) Derek Hagan (OAK) Chaz Schilens (OAK) Steve Smith (PHI) Jerricho Cotchery (PIT) Patrick Crayton (SD) Ted Ginn (SF) Josh Morgan (SF) Mark Clayton (STL) Mike Sims-Walker (STL) Micheal Spurlock (TB) Donnie Avery (TEN) Kevin Curtis (TEN) Lavelle Hawkins (TEN) David Anderson (WAS) Donte' Stallworth (WAS) Stephen Williams (ARZ) - Exclusive Rights Jordan Norwood (CLE) - Exclusive Rights Jesse Holley (DAL) - Exclusive Rights Kevin Ogletree (DAL) - Restricted Stefan Logan (DET) - Restricted Matt Willis (DEN) - Restricted Danny Amendola (STL) - Restricted Dominique Curry (STL) - Exclusive Rights Preston Parker (TB) - Exclusive Rights |
Early Doucet (ARZ)
Harry Douglas (ATL)
Eric Weems (ATL)
Ruvell Martin (BUF)
Roscoe Parrish (BUF)
Legedu Naanee (CAR)
Roy Williams (CHI)
Andre Caldwell (CIN)
Jerome Simpson (CIN)
Eddie Royal (DEN)
Rashied Davis (DET)
Maurice Stovall (DET)
Braylon Edwards (FA)
Bryant Johnson (HOU)
Pierre Garcon (IND)
Anthony Gonzalez (IND)
Jerheme Urban (KC)
Devin Aromashodu (MIN)
Bernard Berrian (MIN)
Greg Camarillo (MIN)
Deion Branch (NE)
Matt Slater (NE)
Courtney Roby (NO)
Domenik Hixon (NYG)
Devin Thomas (NYG)
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