2009 NFL Off Season Thread

[mykalberta]

Wow, I go to Jamaica for a few days and all goes to hell.

I really hope Cutler permanently damanages his arm or knee in some freak accident where he gets a small scrape and cries about it so much that he injures himself.

I guess we will all see if he is a "pro bowl" quaterback now.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

As for the Chiefs, I think they're crazy to take Curry. Get a DE for a pass rush or take one of the numerous solid OT's in the draft to protect your new "stud" QB.

From what I've read...this isn't a very good draft for pass rushers. So to take one with the #3 pick would be bad value. Maybe the Chiefs could trade down, but it's doubtful unless another team really wants to move into the 3 spot. The Chiefs drafted Albert last year and used him as a Left Tackle IIRC and he played well towards the end of the year when he was healthy.

I'm no NFL expert but I don't know if Right Tackles are as highly valued as left tackles for a right handed throwing QB since the left tackle protects the blind side. At least the Chiefs needs are numerous enough that they can draft pretty much any position and claim it was a pressing need to get an upgrade at that position.

[burn_baby_burn]

The KC media and fans are gaga for Curry, but Pioli has the only vote that matters and he hasn't said anything. Other than a 2-14 team has a lot of needs. The Chiefs front seven are the biggest weakness by far. They could draft a DT or DE, but that wouldn't pay off for a few years. It is rare for young DL's to play well early on. If one does? It is usually with a veteran group. The Chiefs had a bunch of kids on the DL last season and it showed.

I have my heart set on Curry with visions of Derrick Thomas dancing through my head.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

From what I've read...this isn't a very good draft for pass rushers. So to take one with the #3 pick would be bad value. Maybe the Chiefs could trade down, but it's doubtful unless another team really wants to move into the 3 spot. The Chiefs drafted Albert last year and used him as a Left Tackle IIRC and he played well towards the end of the year when he was healthy.

I'm no NFL expert but I don't know if Right Tackles are as highly valued as left tackles for a right handed throwing QB since the left tackle protects the blind side. At least the Chiefs needs are numerous enough that they can draft pretty much any position and claim it was a pressing need to get an upgrade at that position.

The value of a DE at #3 definitely isn't there this draft. Maybe a team will fall in love with Sanchez or Stafford and will look to move up? Although this rule isn't universal, I view the LB position as similar to the RB position - very few RBs or LBs deserve to be drafted in the top 12. Obviously there are exceptions, but unless Curry is an amazing pass rusher (which I dont think he is considered to be) he isn't going to be the contributor that a #3 overall should be.

As you said, the Chiefs have so many holes, take the best available player, regardless of position (other than QB) and start building.

[Displaced Flames fan]

I think the Chiefs are a prime candidate to trade down. I just hope its not the Broncos that they trade with!

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

I think the Chiefs are a prime candidate to trade down. I just hope its not the Broncos that they trade with!

I think the expense involved in signing top 5-10 picks scares a lot of teams away from trading up that high to get a player. Considering the amount of guaranteed money involved and the requirement to give up several players/picks to do the deal, I think moving into the top 5 is going to be getting rarer and rarer.

If the Broncos do want to get a QB, the Raiders pick at 7 might be appealing. Jacksonville might go after a QB so the Broncos would have to get ahead of them (at 8) and with Shannahan out of the picture, dealing between the Broncos and Raiders isn't forbidden anymore.

Personally, I would love it if the Raiders got out of the #7 spot and down in to the 12-15 spot. I don't want them to take Crabtree or Machlin and they have so many holes that an extra pick would be great.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

I think the expense involved in signing top 5-10 picks scares a lot of teams away from trading up that high to get a player. Considering the amount of guaranteed money involved and the requirement to give up several players/picks to do the deal, I think moving into the top 5 is going to be getting rarer and rarer.

If the Broncos do want to get a QB, the Raiders pick at 7 might be appealing. Jacksonville might go after a QB so the Broncos would have to get ahead of them (at 8) and with Shannahan out of the picture, dealing between the Broncos and Raiders isn't forbidden anymore.

Personally, I would love it if the Raiders got out of the #7 spot and down in to the 12-15 spot. I don't want them to take Crabtree or Machlin and they have so many holes that an extra pick would be great.

I just want the Broncos to make 2 picks. Would prefer neither was a QB, but there is a lot of buzz about their interest in Sanchez now.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

I just want the Broncos to make 2 picks. Would prefer neither was a QB, but there is a lot of buzz about their interest in Sanchez now.

It's been two days now, and about 2-3 weeks since the whole story broke, and I'm still blown away that Jay Cutler is no longer a Bronco. Maybe I just got used to the whole snails pace of the Brett Favre saga last year, but the Cutler thing was over so fast! What's the general vibe over in Broncoland? Is everyone still stunned it even came to this?

[AaronSJ]

It sounds like the Broncos really wanted Kyle Orton and that's why the Bears got Cutler instead of the Bucs, Redskins, Jets, or anyone else. I think the Broncos are going to go forward with Orton and Simms at QB and may draft someone in a late round -- I don't think they'll take Sanchez, even if he's there at #12 (which he won't be) and especially if they have to trade up to get him. The Broncos are switching to a 3-4 and I think they'll use their top two picks to upgrade the defensive front seven...

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

I just want the Broncos to make 2 picks. Would prefer neither was a QB, but there is a lot of buzz about their interest in Sanchez now.

If I were the Broncos, I'd like to hold onto the two picks too. It all depends on how much confidence they have in Simms/Orton long term. If they think Sanchez is their future, they might have to get ahead of Jacksonville to have a shot (didn't Denver trade 2 first rounders to move up to select Cutler, or am I thinking of a different draft pick for them?).

[Swayze11]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

If I were the Broncos, I'd like to hold onto the two picks too. It all depends on how much confidence they have in Simms/Orton long term. If they think Sanchez is their future, they might have to get ahead of Jacksonville to have a shot (didn't Denver trade 2 first rounders to move up to select Cutler, or am I thinking of a different draft pick for them?).

The Rams traded the 11th overal pick to denver for the 15th and the 68th pick. So not quite 2 first rounders, but they were obviously pretty high on the guy.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

It's been two days now, and about 2-3 weeks since the whole story broke, and I'm still blown away that Jay Cutler is no longer a Bronco. Maybe I just got used to the whole snails pace of the Brett Favre saga last year, but the Cutler thing was over so fast! What's the general vibe over in Broncoland? Is everyone still stunned it even came to this?

To be quite honest, I don't participate in a Broncos community like I do here even though I am as passionate about Bronco football as I am about the Flames...or at least pretty darn close. From reading a couple of forums, though, there is a huge divide. On one hand, you have the Cutler is a crybaby crowd and on the other, the "what the hell were they thinking?" crowd. It's largely split right down the middle and there isn't much grey area.

As for me, I think they made a huge mistake in the beginning and I think Cutler made a huge mistake to force the trade. I'll get over it.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by AaronSJ

It sounds like the Broncos really wanted Kyle Orton and that's why the Bears got Cutler instead of the Bucs, Redskins, Jets, or anyone else. I think the Broncos are going to go forward with Orton and Simms at QB and may draft someone in a late round -- I don't think they'll take Sanchez, even if he's there at #12 (which he won't be) and especially if they have to trade up to get him. The Broncos are switching to a 3-4 and I think they'll use their top two picks to upgrade the defensive front seven...

This is exactly what I hope transpires. I don't think Orton is the answer, but he can be a temporary solution. There will be other QB's in future drafts. They don't have to get one this year, and since I don't like either of the 2 top rated guys very much I'd prefer they wait.

[mykalberta]

I dont think the Broncos trade up either. They have bigger needs, also I dont think they get Orton back if they were just going to draft someone. The real question is if one fo the 2 Qbs fall, will they pick em. I dont think they will fall, but who knows.

I like the following players that could be available. Is there an nhlnumbers type site for the NFL to see what contract (guaranteed vs non guaranteed) and term are left?

Chris Wells - RB - maybe time to stop the RB Carrosel.
Vontae Davis - CB - I am not a fan of Bly and maybe if this guy becomes elite they could cut Bailey to get cap space next year
Everette Brown - DE
Rey Maualuga - LB
Tyson Jackson - DE
James Laurinitis - LB

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I dont think the Broncos trade up either. They have bigger needs, also I dont think they get Orton back if they were just going to draft someone. The real question is if one fo the 2 Qbs fall, will they pick em. I dont think they will fall, but who knows.

I like the following players that could be available. Is there an nhlnumbers type site for the NFL to see what contract (guaranteed vs non guaranteed) and term are left?

Chris Wells - RB - maybe time to stop the RB Carrosel.
Vontae Davis - CB - I am not a fan of Bly and maybe if this guy becomes elite they could cut Bailey to get cap space next year
Everette Brown - DE
Rey Maualuga - LB
Tyson Jackson - DE
James Laurinitis - LB

I wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot pole. He has huge durability issues and is seen as a "soft" player.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Bly is gone.

Bailey is still an elite corner. I hope he retires a Bronco.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by cSpooge

I wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot pole. He has huge durability issues and is seen as a "soft" player.

There's been rumours the Saints are taking a hard look at him. I really hope its just a smokescreen. IMO we need to focus on D in round one(either S, OLB, or even DT), and we can find a powerful RB either later in the draft or during June cuts. I will be sick if the Saints take Wells at #14(though I think its unlikely).

[Displaced Flames fan]

Evidently, Knowshon Moreno has already visited Denver.

I'd be ok with that pick for sure, as long as it's coupled with a defensive stud.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

Evidently, Knowshon Moreno has already visited Denver.

I'd be ok with that pick for sure, as long as it's coupled with a defensive stud.

You leave Moreno alone! He's the heir to Brian Westbrook.

[TheRedCrush]

There is a rumor out there that Braylon Edwards is being traded to the Giants for a 1st and 5th round pick. Just a rumor but it was heard on ESPN radio. Some sites are saying its just a rumor and debunking ESPN and their affiliates. (http://screamingsports.com/giants101/

Should be interesting to see if it happens. That would be a big boost for Eli since Plax is gone now.