2008 NFL Off season thread.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

Anyone specific in mind for the draft? Limus Sweed will be gone by 19, but perhaps Kelly from Oklahoma or Manningham from Michigan (who I think will be much like Mike Williams USC)?

DeSean Jackson is in there, but he's slated more for KR/PR than WR duties.

I think Kelly goes before Sweed, but I'd rather James Hardy out of Indiana than either of those two. He's 6'6", 217 lbs and ran a 4.47 40 at the combine.

[Prototype]

After reading these off season threads over the last 2-3 years, I must say, I'm surprised that the other leagues don't adopt the guarenteed money style that the NFL uses.

I think that's the problem in today's sport is that the players don't always earn their contract (within reason, as no one is worth Millions per season, especially not athletes.) Regardless, the player gets money, but if they don't perform to the teams expectations... the axe drops, and they have to scamper to get the contract they think they deserve.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Prottotype

After reading these off season threads over the last 2-3 years, I must say, I'm surprised that the other leagues don't adopt the guarenteed money style that the NFL uses.

I think that's the problem in today's sport is that the players don't always earn their contract (within reason, as no one is worth Millions per season, especially not athletes.) Regardless, the player gets money, but if they don't perform to the teams expectations... the axe drops, and they have to scamper to get the contract they think they deserve.

On the same note, I dont blame players in the NFL for holding out while under contract if they feel they deserve better. In the NFL, if a player is underperforming, but has multiple years left on his contract, the team can cut him, often with little salary cap implications. However, fans get bent out of shape when a player is playing very well over a couple seasons but is stuck with a contract that keeps him well below what he deserves (read: what his equal peers are getting).

With the average career in the NFL being something like 2 years, you can at least understand that a player would want to get paid or get his guaranteed money up front because he doesnt know how many seasons he'll be able to collect.

[Pagal4321]

Malcom Kelly should be the first receiver off the board, and will probably go in the top 15, to Buffalo maybe.
But James Hardy is the workout warrior for the WR corps this year.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

Malcom Kelly should be the first receiver off the board, and will probably go in the top 15, to Buffalo maybe.
But James Hardy is the workout warrior for the WR corps this year.

Another note on Hardy, he had 37" vertical jump at his pro day. That is ridiculously awesome for a guy that is already 6'6".

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Another note on Hardy, he had 37" vertical jump at his pro day. That is ridiculously awesome for a guy that is already 6'6".

Jebus. That's crazy. But Vernon Davis put up crazy numbers too....

There's approximately 6 WRs to go between the mid first and late second round... it's going to come down to GM preferences. Not that it's an exception to any other position in the NFL, but WRs are such a crap shoot.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

Jebus. That's crazy. But Vernon Davis put up crazy numbers too....

I would say Vernon Davis has been pretty solid when he's not injured. The guy just can't seem to stay healthy.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by rubecube

I would say Vernon Davis has been pretty solid when he's not injured. The guy just can't seem to stay healthy.

Which in itself is a bit perplexing given the speciman he appears to be. Guy looks to be built like a machine...Durability is a tricky little beast to figure out.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Another note on Hardy, he had 37" vertical jump at his pro day. That is ridiculously awesome for a guy that is already 6'6".

We all see the results of the combine and pro days. What we don't see are the interviews. I'm sure alot of that determines who will be drafted where.

[Hanna Sniper]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

On the same note, I dont blame players in the NFL for holding out while under contract if they feel they deserve better. In the NFL, if a player is underperforming, but has multiple years left on his contract, the team can cut him, often with little salary cap implications. However, fans get bent out of shape when a player is playing very well over a couple seasons but is stuck with a contract that keeps him well below what he deserves (read: what his equal peers are getting).

With the average career in the NFL being something like 2 years, you can at least understand that a player would want to get paid or get his guaranteed money up front because he doesnt know how many seasons he'll be able to collect.

Yes and No, the part that you forget is on most cases the player received a HUGE chunk of money for a signing bonus up front to keep their base salary down. It always amazes me how quickly this part is forgotten. If a team cuts a player because they are under performing then they don't get the signing bonus back

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Hanna Sniper

Yes and No, the part that you forget is on most cases the player received a HUGE chunk of money for a signing bonus up front to keep their base salary down. It always amazes me how quickly this part is forgotten. If a team cuts a player because they are under performing then they don't get the signing bonus back

That's the case with high end draft picks and players that have established themselves in the league. They can demand a large signing bonus or a large portion guaranteed. My point wasnt to be exclusive to high-end draft picks or established stars.

Those that are mid-level picks or developing players do not have the same luxury. If they sign a long term contract and in the first couple years establish themselves as stars, they can be stuck with a mediocre contract for years.

[rubecube]

Giants sign David Carr.

http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?...o&confirm=true

Good insurance in case Eli goes down. I've always liked Carr. He's never live up to going first overall but he's been a team player for every club he's been with, never blaming anyone else. The polar opposite of guys like Ryan Leaf and Akili Smith.

[Clever_Iggy]

Falcons re-sign Harrington - 1 week after his release.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Which in itself is a bit perplexing given the speciman he appears to be. Guy looks to be built like a machine...Durability is a tricky little beast to figure out.

I remember seeing it in kids I coached, tall players with long limbs get injured more than their fair share. They are just more exposed play in and play out. Look at Javon Kearse.

[Bobblehead]

Takeo Spikes is visiting the 49ers. They wasn't a look at his shoulder.

And the big buzz after Isaac Bruce was signed was what number he was going to wear. Bruce wore #80, and that number is somewhat revered by 49er fans (understatement). The number hasn't been officially retired, and Rice publicly gave his permission (Jerry appreciated when Steve Largent allowed him to wear 80), but recent reports say Bruce won't wear the number this year.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

And the big buzz after Isaac Bruce was signed was what number he was going to wear. Bruce wore #80, and that number is somewhat revered by 49er fans (understatement). The number hasn't been officially retired, and Rice publicly gave his permission (Jerry appreciated when Steve Largent allowed him to wear 80), but recent reports say Bruce won't wear the number this year.

Good to hear. I guess if the organization hasn't officially retired the number then maybe it isn't off limits. The way the story was reported I thought Bruce wanted #80 and got permission from Rice. I thought that was tacky on Bruce's part. Glad to hear he won't wear the number. I'm sure fans woudn't be too happy about it.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

Good to hear. I guess if the organization hasn't officially retired the number then maybe it isn't off limits. The way the story was reported I thought Bruce wanted #80 and got permission from Rice. I thought that was tacky on Bruce's part. Glad to hear he won't wear the number. I'm sure fans woudn't be too happy about it.

John York et al have been doing their best to alienate fans. The fact that Rice's jersey hasn't been retired is a definite burr under the saddle for most fans. But the hope is that this announcement is a signal of more respect for the 49ers heritage:

"Isaac Bruce will not be wearing No. 80," team spokesman Aaron Salkin said. "We are leaving it in honor of Jerry Rice's legacy."

[rubecube]

Broncos fire their GM.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=090...o&confirm=true

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

John York et al have been doing their best to alienate fans. The fact that Rice's jersey hasn't been retired is a definite burr under the saddle for most fans. But the hope is that this announcement is a signal of more respect for the 49ers heritage:

Do the 49ers have any numbers retired? Some organizations don't do it. Pittsburgh Steelers come to mind.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

Do the 49ers have any numbers retired? Some organizations don't do it. Pittsburgh Steelers come to mind.

http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_te...d_numbers.html

Num Player
12 John Brodie
16 Joe Montana
34 Joe Perry
37 Jimmy Johnson
39 Hugh McElhenny
42 Ronnie Lott
70 Charlie Krueger
73 Leo Nomellini
79 Bob St. Clair
87 Dwight Clark