You can count LaDainian Tomlinson as another person who believes that his understudy Michael Turner is ready for primetime.

In talking to the league MVP yesterday, LT said he thinks there is a very realistic chance that Turner is dealt.  He knows that the ball club can get a lot of value for his backup.  Tomlinson says selfishly he hopes Turner stays, as he was instrumental in keeping him fresh during his sensational 2006 campaign.

Tomlinson reports that Turner's speed, power, hands, and work ethic will make him a great player as an every down back.

Tomlinson says he is convinced that the team is moving in the right direction.  He thought it was paramount to re-sign guard Kris Dielman, who the star back called, 'an integral player and leader for the Chargers.'  He also likes the offensive system of new Norv Turner.  Plus, he raved about how Philip Rivers handled last season and can't wait to see him develop even more.

If Quentin Moses came out of school after his junior year, he could've been a top 15 pick.

Now, days before the 2007 NFL draft, the Georgia product will be lucky to get picked before round 3 kicks off.

Moses slumped his final season, going from 11.5 sacks in 2005 to just 4.5 in 2006.

In talking to Moses on Wednesday, he was very positive.  He says that he considers it a blessing to play in the NFL and isn't worried about his stock.

Moses says the toughest thing about last year was listening to people question his heart.  The defensive end says he wasn't worried about his sack total.  He was getting doubled and tripled and Charles Johnson was able to get off.

He also adds he was disappointed about his performance at the Pro Day and the Combine.

There is talk about moving Moses to outside linebacker in the NFL, something he would embrace. 

Moses says that whatever team gets him will be getting a seasoned player with an enormous chip on his shoulder, ready to work and explode.

Seattle also counts as a good team, but the Seahawks don't have a first-round pick this year after the Deion Branch deal.

In the late stages of round 2, we think that tight end Ben Patrick will be a great fit for the Seahawks.  The former Delaware/Duke tight end has great hands and blocking ability and a great work ethic.  He could help right away while learning from newly acquired vet Marcus Pollard.

In round 3, Tim Ruskell could help out the cornerback or defensive tackle position.  Or, he could continue to look for offensive line help.

A player we love in this draft is Andy Alleman.  The Akron guard is a diligent worker and has a great personality.  Alleman transferred from Pittsburgh and has played on the offensive line for just two years.  But he can knock the snot out of you.  He'd be a great fit with the Seahawks.

Watch for these trends...

Anthony Gonzalez and Steve Smith could seriously be first-round picks.  Gonzalez might be a Patriot or Colt, while Smith could end up being a Charger or in Indy.

Joe Staley, Ben Grubbs and Justin Blalock will all be first-round picks.  Staley will be a member of the Chiefs, Giants, or Ravens.  Grubbs will be in Kansas City, Dallas, Baltimore, Chicago, or with the Jets.  And Blalock could land in Dallas, Baltimore, or most especially with the Jets.

I think our guy David Harris is a first-round pick and will end up in New Orleans, San Diego or New England.

Watch for our other guy Eric Wright as a first rounder.  Don't be surprised if he ends up in Philadelphia.

Anthony Spencer is also going in round 1.  The former Purdue star will be a Patriot or Raven.

By now you know how much I love Auburn guard Ben Grubbs and Texas guard-tackle Justin Blalock.  I've written about them numerous times as great players and great character guys.

I think both are going to be first-round picks and instant players.

Blalock grew up as a die-hard Cowboys fan and the UT star raved about his meeting with Jerry Jones, where his love for the Cowboys was stressed.

Blalock also had great meetings with the Ravens ('unreal people and facilities'), Vikings, Rams, and Redskins.  And he remains on the Jets board.

Grubbs, meanwhile, is on Kansas City's radar.  He also reports a good meeting with the Cowboys.  Grubbs had a wonderful chat with the Browns, who might trade up to the end of round 1 to obtain the Auburn star.

When asked who was his favorite person to meet, Grubbs said, "Coach Bugel is my guy!"

It's worth noting that both Blalock and Grubbs reported serious interest from the Skins, who need a starting guard.

Why is this nugget worthy?

Both guys are considered late first round picks.  Maybe that Lance Briggs deal could be worked out after all...