I apologize for being on such a long hiatus. While the NFL season is year long event I needed a break from my blog. As a Packer fan it has definitely been a long month. I can not wait for the draft to arrive so that we can tally up some winners and losers there and start making some predictions for 2008. While the draft does not happen for another 3 weeks I have completed a mock draft. I encourage you to check it out at: http://fantasyfootballmaniaxs.alexia.us/inde x.php?option=com_conten####mp;task=view&id=63 3&Itemid=50
After the opening weekend of free agency I gave an opinion as to who my top five winners and losers were of the opening weekend. I think that we have had enough activity in free agency to tally up some winners and losers from the entire Free Agency Period of the NFL off season. Assuming that nothing major happens between now and the NFL draft here are my 5 winners and 5 losers:
5 Winners
1) Cleveland Browns – Normally I am not in favor of teams giving away their draft to acquire players through trades. I think the Browns made the best of a bad situation. They didn’t have a first round pick this year thanks to their Brady Quinn trade of a year ago. They weren’t going to dominate the draft in 2008. What they did do is improve their team by giving free agent dollars and draft picks for guys that have not turned 30 years old. Corey Williams will be 28-years old when the season starts. Shaun Rogers will be 29. Stallworth will be 28 in November. While they probably overpaid for his services only $10 million of his $35 million contract was guaranteed. That is pretty good seeing Berrian received $16 million guaranteed. Derek Anderson is still young. Keeping him was huge in making sure they maintain a positive quarterback situation. Their signings should be relevant to the Browns organization for years to come.
The Browns have been building their team with high draft picks for a number of years. It was time to try to make a splash in free agency and try to pass the Steelers in the AFC North. While they were aggressive they weren’t stupid about it like some other teams in the NFL that I will mention later. They addressed a lot of need positions with solid players. They did it by acquiring seasoned players but not players in the twilight of their career. The Browns were not that far away from the Steelers last season. If these moves pan out watch out for the Browns in the always intriguing AFC North.
2) New Orleans Saints – The Saints did a lot of nice things to open free agency. They acquired Jonathan Vilma for a conditional pick in the 2009 draft. While he was injured in 2007 he also had been struggling because he didn’t fit into the 3-4 scheme the Jets began playing when Herm Edwards left. If he can re-emerge as the same player that was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 2005 and Pro Bowl Alternate in 2006 the Saints got a steal. Bringing in Dan Morgan is a risk, but it was only for a one year deal. If he can stay healthy he will contribute. Randall #### was a nice signing for 17.6 million over 4 years. While he is not the gigantic signing that was Samuel he should upgrade the pathetic Saints secondary. They signed Rodney McCray who will be 27-years old this year and should help their defensive line. They were able to retain Deverey Henderson, which will help their offense. They were also able to retain LB Mark Simoneau and DT Brian Young which helps their defense.
I think the Saints did a lot better by signing players that will fit into their system than they did in 2007. The Saints went a long way to improving their defense which gave up too many big plays last season. Considering they have the 10th pick in the draft they have a lot of flexibility to add another immediate impact player and improve this team that is only a year removed from the NFC Title Game.
3) Tennessee Titans – I like how this team has built on their run to the wildcard last season. They signed guard Jake Scott away from the Colts which helps them and hurts a division rival. The money was reasonable at 4 years for $5.0 million per year. They signed Alge Crumpler after he was released by the Falcons. He should help considerably if he can stay healthy by giving Young a go to target in the red zone and third down. They were able to bring Jevon Kearse back to the Titans. He is a former Titan that should help if his health holds up. They also added WR Justin McCareins from the Jets.
These aren’t players that will send shivers down opposing fan’s spines, but they are solid players that will help the Titans win football games in 2008. This is a team that sat out of the opening week of free agency, but was able to add solid veterans at salary friendly contracts. The biggest key for them going forward is to have a solid draft and resolve the contract dispute with Albert Haynesworth. He is essential to their defense. While there were other teams that broke the bank the Titans added good talent, but stayed smart. I think that conservative approach will pay off.
4) - Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles demonstrated why in the Andy Reid era; year in and year out they are among the best franchises in the NFL. They were able to eliminate some older players from their roster in Spikes and Kearse and signed the most coveted free agent on the market in Samuel. While Samuel did play in a 3-4 and will be switching to a 4-3, both teams are aggressive when it comes to blitzing. He will be asked to do the same things he did in New England. Then instead of canceling out a good signing by overpaying someone they stayed put and are going to use the draft to continue to improve their roster. The temptation could have been to throw a lot of money at Berrian or another underachieving wide receiver in a useless attempt to upgrade the offense. The Eagles have now significantly improved their defense and can concentrate their high picks in the draft to improve the skill positions on offense. I think the Eagles started the free agency season out with a #### and built on that by maintaining a conservative approach.
5) Atlanta Falcons – Very similar to what the Eagles did. They made their big splash by signing Michael the Burner Turner to a large deal. He should give them a nice weapon rushing the ball and is a much better compliment to the skill set of Norwood than Dunn was. Then they do a bunch of smaller moves. They resign Harrington and Redman to contracts. This gives them the flexibility to either draft Ryan or go in a different direction later in the draft. Both are decent stop gap guys when developing a franchise quarterback. They signed Jason Elam which upgrades the kicking game. They get a second round pick for Hall and rid themselves of a locker room problem. They rid themselves of a big salary by releasing Crumpler. All of these moves will allow them to continue to rebuild a franchise that was devastated by the conviction of Michael Vick. While I don’t think the Falcons will compete for the playoffs next season, I do think they are on the road to recovery. Instead of trying to throw money at their problems and make it worse they seem to have a solid plan going forward.
5 Losers
1) Green Bay Packers – I actually had the Packers on the winner side after the opening weekend for getting a 2nd round pick from Cleveland for a player in Corey Williams that they had absolutely no intention of keeping. What a difference a couple of days made. On March 4, 2008 the Packer fortunes changed forever when future Hall of Famer and all time great NFL quarterback Brett Favre announced his retirement from the NFL. Franchise Quarterbacks are extremely tough to replace. Hall of Fame players that have been the face of the franchise for over 15 years are next to impossible. While life will go on for the Packers this loss will hurt significantly, especially in the 2008 season.
The Packers have a promising backup in Aaron Rodgers. For all the people that think he is the answer because o####ood showing in the Dallas game I encourage you to research the career of Buffalo Bills quarterback Rob Johnson, who was given franchise dollars based on one game as the Jaguars backup. The Dallas game is zero indication of the starting quarterback Rodgers will become. The encouraging thing is that Rodgers does appear to have made strides since his first training camp in Green Bay. The bad news is that he has had injury problems as the backup. He broke his ankle in 2006 missing the second half of season. Last year he pulled his hamstring in practice and was inactive for the end of the regular season. If the Packers are going to be contender in 2008 they can’t replace the Iron Man with the China Doll. Rodgers must stay healthy as the options behind him are bleak.
The Packers have no way of replacing a player of Brett Favre’s talents in the draft or free agency for next season and even though they have a young and promising team, quarterback is the most important position on the team. Losing a Hall of Fame Quarterback is huge and makes them the big loser of the 2008 off season.
2) New York Jets – The Jets have been experts at getting old and average talent for millions this off season. The Jets signed OG Alan Faneca to a five year $40 million dollar deal. OT Damien Woody to a 5 year $25.5 million dollar deal. Bubba Franks was signed to a 1 year $1.65 million dollar contract for being an injury case in Green Bay. Tony Richardson who is an aging injured player was signed away from the Vikings. On defense they signed ex-Cardinals OLB Calvin Pace to a six year, $42 million contract. They traded a third and fifth round pick for ex-Panthers DT Kris Jenkins and proceeded to sign him to a 5 year $35.0 million dollar contract. Then to top everything off they guaranteed the last $11.0 million of Cole’s salary.
Ladies and Gentleman, I introduce to you the new and recently relocated Washington Redskins. The only player that I would have been happy with my favorite team signing was Faneca. Pace is a good player, but not worth the investment the Jets paid him. Everyone else I see as either consistently injured, consistently old, or consistently underachieving. In some cases it is all three. The fact that they mortgaged their salary cap future to overpay average to below average talent speaks volumes that this team is not headed toward contention anytime soon.
3) Oakland Raiders – Another team that just doesn’t get it. I like what they did a little better than the Jets, because I think Hall has the ability to be a shut down corner and Gibril Wilson has the potential to be a Pro Bowl safety. At least they signed some younger players than the Jets. Still this free agent grab produced some embarrassing signings. Tommy Kelly is coming off reconstructive knee surgery. That didn’t stop the Raiders from giving him $50 million that guarantees Kelly more than $18 million. He was on the team last year that was last in the league in rushing yards per attempt and 31st in rushing yards allowed. I wouldn’t have signed him to that had he been healthy last season. He is definitely not worthy of being the NFL’s highest paid defensive tackle. They allowed a healthy Joey Porter to walk and did not give him the $35 million the Jaguars spent on him. Then they signed Javon Walker who has had knee issues the last few seasons to a 6 year $55.0 million dollar deal. That one boggles my mind. He is just too injured to warrant that big of a payout.
The Commitment to Excellence became to the Commitment to Overspending in 2008. When you combine that with the uncertainty surrounding Lane Kiffin you have the potential for a very entertaining soap opera for those outside the Raiders Nation.
4) New England Patriots – Other than 2007 the Patriots are consistently on this side of the report, yet continue to compete for division titles. However, the Patriots have suffered a lot of losses this off season. Samuel was signed by the Eagles, Eugene Wilson was signed by the Buccaneers, and #### was signed by the Saints. Harrison was probably a player they needed to replace in their secondary and he is coming back. They were able to resign Bruschi, but had to release Colvin. They have suffered a lot of losses on defense. They have failed to get any younger at linebacker and have had their secondary destroyed. While they did address those losses by signing Fernando Bryant, Tank Williams, and Lewis Sanders that does not replace what they lost. While the 7th pick can address a major area of need it can’t rebuild an entire secondary and linebacker core.
Then you have to look at the offense. Keeping Randy Moss was huge. Had they not the Patriots would have been my number one loser of the off season, even with the Favre retirement. Stallworth was signed by the Browns. While his numbers suggest it is a manageable loss it hurts in the fact that a safety had to respect his speed. The Patriots are the best in the league at allowing players to walk that they don’t believe are worth the money they are asking for. I think their approach is sounder than the Jets and Raiders. I still think they paid a hefty price this off season.
5) Minnesota Vikings – I didn’t like the Vikings off season beginning with the overpayment of Berrian. The deal that Berrian signed is worth $42 million with $16 million in guaranteed money. This is a guy that had 71 receptions for 951 yards and 5 touchdowns playing with shaky QB play. Even if he had a good quarterback, I don’t see him as an elite player. He drops the ball too much for the production he gives. Furthermore, the Vikings don’t have a quarterback that will be able to take advantage of his speed with downfield strikes. Then the Vikings went and signed safety Madieu Williams to a $33 million deal, including slightly less than $13 million in guaranteed money. He had 2 interceptions last season and has 9 in his 4-year career for a Cincinnati team that can’t stop anyone either. I think it is safe to say they could have found a cheaper alternative in the draft.
The Vikings did better than NY Jets and Oakland by not completely surrendering their future. They only overpaid for two players not 5 or 6. They didn’t lose the Hall of Famer the Packers did or the multiple talented players the Patriots lost. Entering the off season the Vikings needed to 1) Upgrade their passing offense, and 2) Upgrade their passing defense.
Here is my issue. They received a huge break by having their division rival’s Hall of Fame QB retire. The Bears are rebuilding their offense and their defense was down last season. The Lions have been rebuilding since Barry Sanders retired. The Vikings have arguably the best weapon in the division with Peterson and the division is theirs for the taking. Yet entering the draft you have the exact same question marks you had about the team last season.
The fact is that by the start of next season the Vikings offensive line will be in its prime years. Birk will be 32, Hutchinson will be 31 in November, and McKinnie will be 29 in September. The Vikings have one of the most promising weapons in the NFL in Adrian Peterson. The time is now to try to shoot to the top of the NFC North. I think they needed to have the mentality that the Cleveland Browns had this off season, and I just didn’t see it. I haven’t seen them do the things they need to do to take control of division that is theirs to control. Even though Peterson will be better in year 2; a bad pass defense and lack of a passing game will produce another 8-8 season.
That’s my take on free agency in the NFL. Remember, the draft is where the Super Bowl is won and lost. Being a loser or winner in the free agency period is not necessarily a pivotal moment in a franchise’s off season. There are still a lot more developments to come. I expect to do a draft recap after the April 26th NFL draft and will start doing my division previews in the beginning to middle of May. Stay tuned.
Where's Da Bears? I'd think losing 5 UFAs, cutting three players and then having an RFA signed to an offer sheet (remains unresolved) plus trading off their most experienced QB while resigning Rex Grossman and replacing their top two WRs with middle of the road WR talent should have put them in the loser's bracket...
On the winners side I think Carolina should receive some consideration...
Good post... You always show a lot of thought and work.
YOU DONT KNOW JACK ABOUT FOOTBALL.THIS HERE RAIDERS FAN SAID SO.YOU DONT EVEN HAVE THE GUTS TO PUT OUT YOUR OWN POST WITH YOUR REAL OPIONION,SORRY I CANT SPELL WORTH A DAMM.LIKE I WAS SAYING,DONT GO OFF OF WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING.WRITE YOUR OWN POST.IF YOU KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RAIDERS YOU WOULD NOT SAY THOSE NICE THINGS ABOUT PORTER,HE WAS A CANCER TO THE TEAM,SLOW TO.QUIT BEING A HATER AND BE YOUR SELF.
Yep, the Browns ruled the FA period. All were smart moves. Even re-signing Jamal Lewis to a 3 yr. deal was very good. 4 years would have been too many and they didn't overpay. Their front office maxed-out this year. We will see if they can continue their development on the field. I believe Derek Anderson, while a smart business move, maximized his talent last year based off what I saw in college. That means you will Quinn play some this year. 4th knee surgery for Winslow in 5 years. That could become a problem. Lewis was solid, but they will need to develop a viable 2nd back. There are questions about Rogers and Williams consistency, regardless of their ages. Consistent pass rush - not really sure they will have that. Secondary - still a big question.
They will definitely be a threat to win the division, but with the potential landmine schedule for the AFC North this year, I think we will see a repeat of a 10-6/9-7 division winner with no wildcard. Expectations will be much higher for them and opponents will be scheming accordingly.
You nailed it with the Jets. Faneca works because he will teach Mangold and Ferguson a lot about dedication and discipline. Don't think he will make the Pro Bowl as often, but will be very solid for the rest of his career. They still overpaid by at least $15m, but that's the NFL and Guards at this point. Pace was probably worth a $24m contract. Franks, Richardson and Jenkins are just bodies at this point.
DWindy - Thanks for the post. I considered putting the Panthers on there, especially with the signing of Hackett and getting draft picks for Jenkins, but I just didn't think they did as well as the other 5 teams. I do like their offseason however.
As far as the Bears go, I think they are doing what they had to do. They got Briggs resigned and that was big. They didn't overpay for Berrian and let the Vikings do it. They had to get younger at the tackle position. Definatley not one of the better offseasons, but I don't think one of the 5 worst either.
Angelloko - In all those capital letters you forgot to make a point. My article is my opinion. If that many people are saying the same thing it is probably true.
One thing I would say is that I thought the Raiders were smart to get rid of Porter. However, it made no sense to get rid of him so they could overpay Walker. The Raiders got some good talent, but they overpaid for it by so much that it will saddle their team for cash for years to come. Walker and Kelly for that much money were two of the worst signing of the offseason.
Moseby - Thank you for the post. Nice to talk some pigskin with you again. I'm not ready to say the Browns have passed the Steelers as the Steelers have been consistently good this entire decade where as the Browns are still breaking through. Free agents are fine and good, but they have to mesh with the current roster and that doesn't always happen.
Not sure if I agree with you that the AFC North is a one bid division. Who would have thought the AFC South would get 3 bids last year and the AFC West would get only 1 playing against the NFC North. I see your point, but I could see both the Browns and Steelers securing playoff spots in the always competitive AFC.
SORRY SMART GUYS,IM JUST A FAN,SPELLING AND ALL THAT IM NOT TO BIG ON.JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF HATERS WRITE THE SAME THING DOES NOT MEAN IT IS TRUE.THESE PLAYERS THAT GOT SIGNED FOR BIG MONEY CAN BE CUT IF THEY DONT WORK OUT.IF THEY DO THEN IT WILL BE WORTH IT.EVERYONE KNOWS YOU HAVE TO PAY BIG FOR PLAYERS WHEN YOUR TEAM IS NOT WINNING.YOU AND I KNOW ONLY TIME WILL TELL.SO LETS WAIT AND SEE BEFORE WE ACT LIKE WE KNOW THE FUTURE.
PEACE
Agreed, StreetCred. It is too early to tell. The combination of playing both the NFC East and the AFC South are why I felt, that at this point, it will be a struggle. But things change quickly - especially injuries. Actually, I believe that the Ravens will be more of a factor in the division. They still have some talented veteran players. They have to get something more out of the QB play and health with McGahee, but you will see a more focused Baltimore team. Believe they will be at least a 7-9 to 9-7 team.
angelloko - I understand the points the author is making about the teams mentioned. I don't have to agree with every conclusion, but I can respect the man's reasoning based on the information presented. Does that make me a HATER? Why not support your argument as to why you disagree. Reciting that "Only time will tell" is a redundant and rhetorical statement. Why do you think the Raiders will be better? Give an OPINION, not a contrarian statement.
Angelloko - I apreciate the comments and am happy to debate you, but dude, turn your caps lock off.
I can't have any credability if I just say that every team is doing great and living the dream. I am a huge Packer fan and I have them rated as the number one loser of the offseason. I call it the way I see it.
You are right the Raiders can just cut the players and get other ones. But that obviously demonstrates a lack of understanding of the salary cap structure. The Raiders are on the hook for $24.5 million for Hall, $18.125 million for Kelly, $16 million in guaranteed money for Walker, and $16 million guaranteed for Wilson.
That means whether all of them make the Pro Bowl or stink beyond belief the Raiders are on the hook for almost $75 million in guaranteed money. Considering that Kelly and Walker are coming off knee injuries, Wilson is not yet a Pro Bowler, and Hall was a locker room distraction in Atlanta that is too much to pay for that talent. I like the Hall and Wilson signings, but I think the others were not smart moves.
Unless the NFL opts out of the current agreement and has an uncapped year in 2010 the Raiders have created a situation similar to what the Redskins have done in recent years where half their payroll will be for ineffective players or guys that aren't on the team. While the excitement is their for fans as to all these new players coming in it really isn't the right way to build an NFL contending team.
Last edited by StreetCred on April 3rd at 12:38 PM.
Moseby - I have to wait until the draft, but to date I am not very high on the Ravens. Ogden might be retiring, still no answer at QB, corners that are getting older, and a new unproven coach. I am thinking more in the 5-11 to 7-9 range than 7-9 to 9-7. Don't see them in the playoff hunt in 08.
Last edited by StreetCred on April 3rd at 12:27 PM.
Ok,i belive walker is a upgrade to porter,kelly is undrafted and needs to stay a raider,plays all up and down the line.hall is a perfect fit for our man to man d.what about the rest of our fa p/u gilbert s.harris t.carter wr.joseph dt.edwards de.biamila lb.wade c.looks like we have depth at offence and defence,i dont see that with anyother team in the nfl.grade A
WHAT DO WE HAVE TO LOSE,GOT MONEY SPEND IT TO BRING IN BETTER PLAYER,WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WHEN WE DID NOT SPEND.CHECK RAIDERS RECORD SENCE SUPERBOWL.SO WHY NOT THROW SOME MONEY AROUND,AS LONG AS WE ARE 500.ITS MONEY WELL SPENT.LIKE I SAID NOBODY THAT CAN HOLD HIS MUD IS GOING TO COME PLAY IN OAKLAND WITHOUT GETTING PAID BIG,THATS HOW IT IS.PEACE
Angelloko - Javon Walker had 26 catches for 287 yards and 0 Tds. He was hurt with a bad knee Porter had 44 catches for 705 yards and 6 touchdowns with a much worse QB situation. Yet they gave Walker a 6 year $55 million dollar deal with $16 million guaranteed. Giving that much money to a guy with a knee problem is not smart business.
Kelly had 30 tackles and 1 sack last year. Hall was good with 70 tackles and 5 picks. Wilson had a solid year too.
I think where we differ is that you are looking soley at the players they are bringing in while I am not only looking at that, but at what cost to their salary cap. Don't you think Tennessee did a lot better bringing in equal talent wise at much lower prices? Kearse was injured last year too, but only commanded a two-year, $6 million deal, with a $1.3 million signing bonus. That makes better business sense to me.
Last edited by StreetCred on April 3rd at 1:15 PM.
I CANT ARGUE WITH THE STATS ON THESE INJURED PLAYERS,PLAYERS HAVE BEEN HURT BEFORE AND STILL COMEBACK AND HAVE GREAT YEARS IN THE NFL.SOMEONE IS ALWAYS HURT,ONETIME OR A NOTHER,OWENS,WOODSON AND MANY MORE THAT HAVE GREAT YEARS AFTER BEING HURT.MY POINT IS WE FILLED THE GAPS WE NEEDED TO FILL,WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHER PLAYERS WE GOT IN FA.WE WILL SEE,HOW THIS WORKS OUT.KEARSE YOU THINK THAT WAS GOOD,LETS HEAR ABOUT HIS STATS.OVERALL GRADE FOR RAIDERS FA.A-.PEACE
My point is that Kelly was injured last year and so was Kearse, but the Titans are only on the hook for a little over a million, not $18 million. Their franchise won't be devestated if it doesn't work out. Same can be said for Crumpler vs. Walker. Both have knee problems, but the Titans aren't locked in on the salary.
It looks like we will have to agree to disagree. Make sure u check out my predictions for the Raiders and the other teams. I plan on starting those in May. Look forward to hearing your comments on the AFC West, Raiders, and any other teams you like. Thanks for your comments.
Last edited by StreetCred on April 3rd at 1:45 PM.
Hey don't forget that DT that no one has ever heard of the the Raiders made the highest paid DT in football.
Now maybe because i'm a Seattle fan but they had a pretty good FA. We signed a big power back (Duckett), got a pro bowler at left gaurd (Wahle), and signed a back to split time with Alexander or Morris (Jones). Kickers are a dime a dozen, and Hackett was always hurt so its not a reason to fret if your a "hawk fan.
Last edited by ISaidJoeMantegna on April 3rd at 3:02 PM.
Qsico - The best filter is that you can't say Beaver Stadium, because it may be mistaken for something other than the furry little animal that likes to build dams.
ISaid - Thanks for the post. Seattle has had a good offseason too. I'm not in love with the Duckett signing and I don't like Mare for Brown. Wahle was a solid signing as was J Jones. They are definitely on the winners side of free agency, I just don't think they are top 5.
MC - Thanks for the post. It felt good to take a little break, but I can't wait for the draft to get here so we can start doing some predictions for the 08 season.
Yeah I've been wanting to do a post on the NFC East division. Too much work for a post that will be way outdated after the draft. Just have to be patient and wait.
And what's up with Favre not turning in the official retirement papers? Do you think he's having second thoughts?
Last edited by MidniteCowboy on April 4th at 8:49 AM.
Street Cred
I for one am looking to see where many of the perceived blue chip recruits'll end up. There's such differning opinions as to what's need by who and who'll be messing up come draft day . The rationale is that come what may there'll be winners and there'll be losers whichever way you look at it. As to who they'll be is open to debate as of now.
Midnite - I'll be the first to admit that I am not an expert on the NFL retirement process. My understanding is as follows: 1) The only reason you file retirement papers is to get your severence pay and start receiving a pension. I would imagine money is not too short in the Favre household at the moment. 2) Even if he signs the papers he could still come out of retirement without dealy for the season, and 3) If the Packers are that worried about cap space they can put him on the retired reserve list and get the cap relief today.
I think it is a lot to do about nothing. I think because he has not turned 40 and played at such a high level that people are shocked he could just walk away.
My experience from following him all these years is that while he took a lot of time to think about when retiring would be the right time that once he walked away he would be done for good. I don't expect him to look back or have any regrets. He had a great career, but the key word is had. I would be shocked to see him do a 360.
Tophatal - I always enjoy the draft grades as well. Most people that grade the draft look only at the first two rounds. Beyond that it is difficult to grade the later rounds the day after the draft.
Here is what Scott Wright of NFL Draft Countdown had to say about the Giants draft class on June 18, 2007, "This team might be at a crossroads, teetering between playoff contention and rebuilding, so the 2007 season will probably determine whether they stay the course or blow it up but if they do show some improvement this year odds are it will be in spite of this draft class because they don't figure to provide much in terms of instant impact. A lackluster effort overall."
He graded that draft class a C and that same draft class is what helped them win the Super Bowl just 8 months later. I'm not mocking Mr. Wright. I had the Giants at 6-10 and did not expect much with the retirment of Barber. It goes to show that it is hard to grade a draft class until you actually see it in action on an NFL field.
Streetcred good to have you back. I agree with your assesment. I have been in about 10 heated arguements with people arguing that the pack will be better this year without favre. I say it is impossible. I would argue that the raiders had a worse offseason than the pack. We have a backup plan in rodgers. The raiders are going to be fun to watch, like a train wreck that you can't look away from.
Street Cred
I rarely go by what any of the so called expert draft beatnicks have to say. It's such a hit and miss discipline that you can't even get it down to a fine art . As far as I'm concerned it's down to the astuteness of the GM's , coaches and their assisting staffs to get it right. Team's choices are predicated on their perceived wants and needs . If they get it wrong then it could set a franchise back three to five years if not more in some cases. Such is the nature of the NFL on Draft Day !
crjulka - Thanks for the post. I'm not seeing how they are going to be a better team without Favre either. Remember Packer fans are the biggest optimist in the league. The Pack will be Back next year was sung for 30 years.
Sometimes teams will lose great players and have better records the next year. It happens to A-Rod everytime he switches teams. The problem is that Favre was so much a part of that teams idenity. He made so many throws and turned broken plays into touchdows. You could argue we don't win the @ Broncos, @ Chiefs, Chargers, @ Vikings game without him. Then when you look at playing the AFC South, Cowboys, Seahawks, Bucs, and Saints in 08 I think he schedule is a lot tougher this year anyway. I wouldn't have picked the Packers to win 13 games if Favre had come back.
While it will not be impossible to make the playoffs if everyone steps up their perforance, I'm not seeing more than 8 or 9 wins in 2008 even if they have a great draft.
Street Cred
In the long run I can only hope that these GM's can justify their positions by acquitting themselves well. It's all well and good saying that a guy was a bust when he was actually picked by a GM and his franchise's coaching staff.
In the end who's to blame when a player isn't what he's meant to be ?
Hey Cred, I was wondering what you think about the Brandon Chillar signing for the Pack? You say that Green Bay has had the worst offseason so far just because we lost Favre, which is huge but was going to happen soon and Rodgers has been getting prepped for this. We also gained Chillar to help push Poppinga for the starting role and that position should be stronger, we got a 2nd for Williams out of nothing, we are returning every starter except for Favre (Jolly started over Williams before he got hurt) And we have another TT draft class coming in. I say we take a step back while Rodgers adjusts, but we are well prepared for this and the future. There has got to be teams that did worse than us this offseason, right?
EDIT: heh first post on this Fox account I made before last years season and forgot the name, guess I should get a new name...
Last edited by Favre4MVP on April 7th at 10:14 PM.
Favre4MVP - Nothing wrong with keeping that name. Sorry I posted late. Here is how I look at this. While Chillar is a nice player and the Packer's additional 2nd round pick will be helpful, the fact of the matter is that Favre has been the face of the Packer's franchise for 16 years.
While each team has lost a few players and in some cases a lot of players the Packers are the only team to have their heart and soul retire. Furthermore, he finhished 2nd in the MVP balloting last year which means he was a pretty good football player in 07.
Every team that lost a player this offseason can in theory replace that player be hitting a homerun in the draft, sigining a free agent, etc. There is no way the Packers can replace Brett Favre. He is a one of a kind type player. Finding players to fill that void is almost impossible and is why I have the Packers the biggest loser of the offseason. Other than if the Patriots had lost Randy Moss there was no team that I felt comfortable putting ahead of the Pack in that regard.
The raiders have done the Best this year in free agency. We are also in a good position at the number 4. When it's all said and done , my opinion says the Raiders will win the west , THIS year.
oumike - thank you for the post. I can't see the Raiders having passed the Chargers this year. I think they have passed the Chiefs and could catch the Broncos if Russell develops quickly. I still think 6-10 to 8-8 is a realistic expectation.
One thing you have to remember is that I don't look at the talent that is acquired by itself. I look at it in relation to the salaries paid and the money guaranteed. While the Raiders did do a good job in the talent acquisition department they did it at the expense of cap flexability and their future. That is what the Redskins have been doing for a number of years and they have nothing to show for it.
I like what the Raiders did in terms of adding talent to the secondary. Had they just done the Hall move for less guaranteed money and the Wilson move I would have graded them much higher. Walker and Kelly was too much to pay given the injuries. $75.00 million in guaranteed salaries was not a wise decision.
If they strike out on the draft pick which can easily happen the Raiders have the potential to have mortgaged $100.00 million in future resources with only a good player or two to show for it.
Last edited by StreetCred on April 10th at 12:08 PM.
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