ESPN Insider's Draft Rumors

HAHAHA... I wasn't reading that there were two PSUskinsfans and I thought you were saying that your OWN points were good points. LOL

HAHAHA... I wasn't reading that there were two PSUskinsfans and I thought you were saying that your OWN points were good points. LOL

Yah, PSUskinsfan11 was here first. I should have checked the usenames before registering my own. Feel kinda bad about that......hopefully he doesn't catch any flack for my stupid comments.

Just to keep the thread up-to-date, Here's the latest from ESPN Insider:

TEAM
CHARGERS
No. 12 and No. 28 picks -- Apr. 20 - Only one year removed from trading the rights to No. 1 pick Eli Manning, the San Diego Chargers are setting up scenarios to be big players in the first round again. This time they want to emerge with an offensive and a defensive player.
The team is leaning toward keeping the No. 12 pick, but is listening to offers. One team above them has made an intriguing offer, while three teams have contacted them wanting to move up.

A more likely scenario is starting to develop at No. 28. Though the other team and the player are unknown at the moment, the Chargers are considering an exchange for a veteran defensive end and a draft choice.

If the Chargers can land the defensive end and the draft choice, they can concentrate on offense with their first pick.

TEAM
REDSKINS
No. 9 pick -- Apr. 20 - Contrary to popular oponion, the Redskins did not acquire the No. 25 pick to free themselves up to take wide receiver Troy Williamson at No. 9. The move was all about cornerbacks, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton. Getting the No. 25 pick gives Joe Gibbs a chance to take an offensive player lower in the first round, possibly quarterback Jason Campbell of Auburn. At No. 9, the Redskins will concentrate on cornerbacks, specifically Carlos Rogers and Antrel Rolle.
It's not out of the question for the Redskins to trade down and get more picks. Their two first-rounders are their only selections during the first day. The Redskins need a cornerback replacement for departed Fred Smoot. If the Redskins don't like what they see at No. 9, they will trade down and take a cornerback later.

PLAYER
Carlos Rogers
CB, Auburn -- Redskins, Titans, Cardinals -- Apr. 20 - Rogers came out the big winner during all the maneuvering of Tuesday. His value is clearly in the top 10, and he has a good chance of going to Washington at No. 9, if not higher, according to John Clayton. Rogers has always been among the top-three corners, but the Redskins now have him rated ahead of Antrel Rolle of Miami and West Virginia's Adam Jones. The biggest fear for the Redskins, according to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, is that Arizona, picking one spot ahead of them, could grab Rogers. He's also a possibility at No. 6 to Tennessee.

PLAYER
Jason Campbell
QB, Auburn -- Redskins -- Apr. 20 - It's interesting that Campbell has gotten on the Redskin's radar. Joe Gibbs has been re-tooling the Redskins' offense since last season. He didn't like the lack of big-play ability from the wide receivers, so he traded Laveranues Coles and shopped Rod Gardner in a trade. Now, he's looking to see if Campbell or maybe even Charlie Frye can be a luxury option to compare against Patrick Ramsey and Mark Brunell. It's not as though Gibbs has to have Campbell. He already has two quarterbacks. Getting the No. 25 pick gives him the ability to look and compare, and if he doesn't like what he sees, he can switch off and take a wide receiver.

PLAYER
Troy Williamson
WR, South Carolina -- Texans, Vikings -- Apr. 20 - After acquiring cornerback Phillip Buchanan for a second- and third-round pick, the Texans could feel better about taking a wide receiver at No. 13, and Williamson would be their dream pick. They can consider offensive linemen such as Alex Barron or Jamal Brown, and will look again at pass rushers such as Shawne Merriman and DeMarcus Ware, speculates John Clayton, but Williamson makes sense.
The Texans have added hope of getting Williamson if the Redskins don't take a receiver at No. 9. Williamson could go at No. 7 to Minnesota, but that could be Mike Williams' spot if he's available. The nice part of Williamson going to Houston is that owner Bob McNair is a South Carolina alum.

TEAM
VIKINGS
Moving down? -- Apr. 20 - There have been plenty of rumors this week about Minnesota moving up from its current No. 7 slot to grab one of the top wide receivers. Over the last couple days, though, the Vikings have actually begun to explore a lot more trade-down scenarios, reports Len Pasquarelli. In fact, one Vikings source said Wednesday that a move back in the draft is the more likely option.
Two more points of clarity: Despite reports to the contrary, the Vikings never contacted San Francisco about trying to acquire the top pick in the draft. It was the 49ers who initiated those talks. Also, the Vikings are steadfast in wanting to hold onto their second choice in the first round, the No. 18 spot. That was never offered to teams in any trade-up discussions.

PLAYER
Luis Castillo
DT, Northwestern -- ? -- Apr. 20 - John Clayton is hearing there may be as many as five teams that have Castillo on their first-round boards, even though he tested positive for steroids at the NFL combine. What makes him unique is that he's a pure nose tackle who could be a great run-stopper in a 4-3, too. The number of teams toying with the 3-4 enhances his value. Though some teams have downgraded him, most don't think the steroid test shows some character flaw. They just think it was a mistake in the pressure to get ready for the combine with an elbow injury.

PLAYER
Barrett Ruud
ILB, Nebraska -- Colts, Patriots -- Apr. 20 - The former Cornhuskers star lacks great size, but Len Pasquarelli says that won't stop either of these two teams from considering him in the late stages of the first round. Ruud is a very active, extremely productive defender, and he fits nicely into the defensive schemes of both Indianapolis and New England. The Colts have not re-signed their starting middle linebacker, Rob Morris, and New England, even after signing veteran Monty Beisel as a free agent, is still trying to find a linebacker who has the same skills-set as Tedy Bruschi.

PLAYER
Ron Fields
DE, Mississippi State -- Rising -- Apr. 20 - Everyone thinks that the only defensive linemen who will benefit from so many teams switching to a 3-4 front are the "tweener" guys at end or linebacker. Not true, according to Len Pasquarelli. There are teams moving to the 3-4 that are desperate for pure nose tackles, as well, and Fields is the best of the bunch. He is a 315-pounder who will clog the middle, command double-teams, eat up blockers and allow linebackers to flow to the ball. A lot of draft boards rated Fields a third-round prospect. The re-emergence of the 3-4, however, and the needs that has created, probably will get him into the second round.

PLAYER
Elton Brown
OG, Virginia -- Steelers, Giants, Eagles, Bucs -- Apr. 20 - The massive road-grader is beginning to rehabilitate himself with a lot of teams after sliding earlier in the month, according to Len Pasquarelli. All four teams listed have brought in Brown for personal visits and both the Giants and Eagles put him through workouts.
"If teams just look at the tape, they will see that I am a power-type guard who can consistently move people out of the hole," Brown told Pasquarelli. "The last three months, when I've been hurt, some things have gone wrong for me. But that doesn't erase four years of being a good player."

Brown, who was forced out of the Senior Bowl by an injury and who could not finish his "pro day" workout after he pulled up lame, may not have maneuvered himself back into the first round. But he has stopped the slide and the teams that are looking for "swing" linemen, guys who can play guard and tackle, are back onto him in a big way. At 330 pounds, he's tough to overlook.

PLAYER
Stanford Routt
CB, Houston -- Broncos -- Apr. 20 - Routt's value has shot through the roof, according to John Clayton. He runs a 4.33 and he's visited nine teams. Don't be surprise if he somehow ends up in Denver. He has sprinter speed. He's one of the hottest prospects at cornerback in the second round.

PLAYER
Alex Smith
QB, Utah -- 49ers, Bucs -- Apr. 19 - The 49ers appear to want Smith, but the latest development is that the No. 1 pick is up for auction, reports John Clayton. With no deal in sight for Smith after four days of negotiations, Niners coach Mike Nolan has contacted the nine teams below him and is trying to see if he can get the right trade.
His strategy is simple. For days, he's been hearing about teams interested in trading for Smith or Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. With the top pick, the 49ers control who goes where, so Nolan wants the calls to come through San Francisco.

The Bucs want Smith, but they aren't going pay a ransom to move to No. 1. The Vikings might be willing to offer their second first-round choice to move up for Edwards, but they might want a good draft choice in return from the 49ers.

PLAYER
Aaron Rodgers
QB, Cal -- ? -- Apr. 19 - Where Rodgers will fall if he's not taken No. 1 is the best question in the draft. Clearly, he won't go to Chicago at No. 4, Minnesota at No. 7, Washington at No. 9 and Detroit at No. 10 because all of those teams have quarterbacks. The Dolphins don't appear to want him at No. 2, although they would consider Alex Smith at that spot. Cleveland may also pass on him at No. 3, but he would be tempting if Smith and Braylon Edwards are gone. The Bucs at No. 5 and Titans at No. 6 might take him for value, but there is no guarantee.

TEAM
BROWNS
No. 3 pick -- Apr. 19 - Things will get interesting if the Browns can't get quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Braylon Edwards. If they don't like Aaron Rodgers with the third pick, what do they do? With Lee Suggs, Reuben Droughns and William Green on the roster, it would be unlikely the Browns would take a running back, speculates John Clayton.
It might be too high for them to take wide receiver Mike Williams. Trading down would be tough because Smith and Edwards are the guys teams want to move up to acquire. Tough spot. The Browns must just have to surprise teams and take a defensive player, maybe linebacker Derrick Johnson or cornerback Adam "Pac Man" Jones.


TEAM
BRONCOS
Trade -- Apr. 19 - The Broncos have made it clear they would love to bail out of the No. 25 pick. They will consider a lot of options, says John Clayton. Their preference would be getting a first-round pick in next year's draft, but they will consider moving down into the second round for a team looking at the next wave of quarterbacks (Jason Campbell of Auburn and Charlie Frye of Akron).

PLAYER
Derrick Johnson
LB, Texas -- 49ers -- Apr. 19 - It's possible Johnson could end up being the first defensive player selected, or he could slip, according to John Clayton. The Browns love him, but won't take him at No. 3. One team rates him in the second round, but it prefers linebackers who take on blocks.
Johnson's game is speed and running around blockers to make plays. If you like the speed and playmaking, Johnson is the guy. Others who like their linebackers more physical in taking on linemen downgrade him.

PLAYER
Erasmus James
DE, Wisconsin -- Lions -- Apr. 19 - James is definitely on the Lions' short list of defensive players, reports John Clayton. The Lions would like to add a pass rusher after the retirement of Robert Porcher and James fits perfectly into their 4-3 scheme as an end. While most people think Derrick Johnson is the Lions' pick, James could make a late push or could go there if Johnson is off the board before the No. 10 pick.

PLAYER
Braylon Edwards
WR, Michigan -- 49ers -- Apr. 18 - Today will be the first time the 49ers will spend a lot of time testing out the signing ability of Edwards, reports John Clayton. Extensive talks should take place. The 49ers are also talking to Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers.

PLAYER
Matt Jones
WR, Arkansas -- Eagles, Steelers, Bucs -- Apr. 18 - It appears increasingly likely that the former Razorbacks quarterback will be chosen in the first round, says Len Pasquarelli, and that it might be one of the Keystone State teams that grabs a player who is arguably the most intriguing prospect in the draft. Philadelphia conducted a stealthy personal workout with Jones late last week, with the team's offensive brain trust auditioning him. There are even rumors the Eagles brought along one of their backup quarterbacks to throw to Jones. The Eagles feel that Jones can play either wide receiver or tight end and that he would provide insurance in the event Terrell Owens is a training camp holdout.
Pittsburgh is seeking a replacement for the departed Plaxico Burress. Jones could offer a the Steelers a player with similar physical dimensions to Burress and even more straight-line speed. Pittsburgh, of course, has had a terrific track record in converting former college quarterbacks, such as Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El, into excellent wide receivers. The Bucs love Jones but will only get a shot at him if he falls to the second round because Tampa Bay will not use the fifth overall choice in the draft on him.

TEAM
EAGLES
No. 31 pick -- Apr. 18 - Although most prognosticators are penciling in a wide receiver (maybe Matt Jones) because of the potential holdout of Terrell Owens and the likely release or trade of Freddie Mitchell, receiver might not be the Eagles' first choice, according to John Clayton.
Don't be surprised if the Eagles draft an offensive tackle. Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are in their 30s. Both have injury concerns from their long tenure in the league. Though the Eagles used a first-round pick on Shawn Andrews last year and played him at guard, they need more help along the offensive line.

PLAYER
Marcus Spears
DE, LSU -- Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Ravens -- Apr. 18 - Not the flashiest end in the draft, because he isn't a pure, upfield pass rusher, but arguably the steadiest "edge" defender in the talent pool. Isn't a "tweener" like some of the prospects at end, plays the run tough, and is nearly recovered now from offseason knee surgery. Another guy moving up the board and there are a ton of teams, especially in the middle portion of the first round, that need help at end.

PLAYER
Corey Webster
CB, LSU -- Rising -- Apr. 18 - Had he skipped his senior season and entered the 2004 draft, Webster almost certainly would have been a first-round pick. Surgery last summer, and nagging injuries during the '04 campaign, clearly cost him some status in this year's draft. But the stock of the talented corner, who possesses a nice mix of both size and speed, is back on the upswing again. reports Len Pasquarelli.
There is a chance, depending on how many cornerbacks go off the board early in top part of the opening stanza, that Webster could sneak into the first round. At this point, he looks like no worse than a second-round pick. Remember, this is a guy who is more talented than former teammate Randall Gay, who started for the Patriots in the Super Bowl last year.


PLAYER
Fabian Washington
CB, Nebraska -- Jets, Patriots, Colts -- Apr. 18 - The Jets, in particular, have a growing interest in the Cornhuskers speedster, who has run 40 times in under 4.3 and who will definitely benefit from the anticipated run on cornerbacks in the top part of the first round, according to Len Paquarelli. Starter Donnie Abraham is seriously contemplating retirement and, even if the Jets sign free agent Andre Dyson (Tennessee), who visited with New York officials over the weekend, they still want to get younger at cornerback. The Pats visited with Washington a few weeks ago and, while more likely to go for a combination-type defensive back, such as Michigan's Marlin Jackson, are said to be infatuated by his blistering speed.

PLAYER
Jammal Brown
OT, Oklahoma -- Steelers, Rams -- Apr. 18 - It's widely held that Brown is the premier strongside tackle in this draft and both teams have a need at the position. Even if his back miraculously heals, there is no way Kyle Turley is returning to St. Louis, and he probably will be released as a June 1 cap casualty.
Pittsburgh lost starter Oliver Ross to Arizona in free agency and for now, second-year veteran Max Starks, a third-round choice in 2004 who played sparingly as a rookie, is penciled in as the starter. According to Len Pasquarelli, some Steelers aides aren't as enamored of Starks as is head coach Bill Cowher. Pittsburgh can afford to go a lot of ways with its first choice and the Steelers have never been shy about investing a No. 1 choice on an offensive lineman. Browns is steadily rising up draft boards.

Just FYI.

And now for today's additions:


PLAYER
Braylon Edwards
WR, Michigan -- Redskins -- Apr. 21 - The newest suitor for Edwards in a trade up is the Washington Redskins. The Vikings have cooled a little on moving up from No. 7, but they will still shop until Saturday. The Redskins made several calls to teams at the top of the draft and even checked out to see Edwards' interest in coming to Washington. The Redskins have No. 9 and No. 25. Though it's more likley they will end up staying at the picks, Joe Gibbs is trying to come up with a big play late.

PLAYER
Justin Miller
CB, Clemson -- Raiders -- Apr. 21 - The Raiders trade to No. 26 with the Redskins is a clear sign the Raiders are targeting cornerback Justin Miller. After trading Phillip Buchanan, the Raiders need a corner and a returner. Miller answers both questions. The problem could be if Miller goes earlier than No. 26. It's possible. The Jaguars are also looking at a cornerback. Fabian Washington might end up going No. 21, but Miller will also be considered.

TEAM
JETS
Secondary -- Apr. 21 - The Jets move into the second round will give them a chance to fill out their secondary. They need a corner in the second round, but they will also heat up talks to sign veteran cornerback Andre Dyson. Stanley Wilson might be that second-round corner. The safety could end up being Josh Bullocks of Nebraska. They've been studying him closely over the past couple of months.

PLAYER
Troy Williamson
WR, South Carolina -- Vikings -- Apr. 21 - Williamson could beat out USC's Mike Williams for the precious No. 7 spot with the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings like Williamson's speed. Though it's not a lock that they would take Williamson over Williams, it's becoming more of a possibility the closer we get to the draft.

PLAYER
Thomas Davis
S, Georgia -- Chiefs, Saints, Rams -- Apr. 21 - Add Kansas City to the growing list of teams that would consider making Thomas Davis of Georgia a linebacker. The Georgia safety is still high on the board at New Orleans for the same reasons. The Rams would like to draft him as a safety.

PLAYER
Cedric Benson
RB, Texas -- Bears -- Apr. 21 - The Bears keep talking as though Benson is their choice at No. 4. The Bears brass may have the ratings of the backs different than most. It would appear Ronnie Brown might be the No. 3 back on their board behind Benson and Cadillac Williams. More teams have Brown No. 1

Of particular interest, note the rumors on Braylon and Williamson.

And now for today's additions:


PLAYER
Justin Miller
CB, Clemson -- Raiders -- Apr. 21 - The Raiders trade to No. 26 with the Redskins is a clear sign the Raiders are targeting cornerback Justin Miller. After trading Phillip Buchanan, the Raiders need a corner and a returner. Miller answers both questions. The problem could be if Miller goes earlier than No. 26. It's possible. The Jaguars are also looking at a cornerback. Fabian Washington might end up going No. 21, but Miller will also be considered.

What? Did I miss something? When did we trade with the Raiders for #26?

What? Did I miss something? When did we trade with the Raiders for #26?

I was confused by that too. My guess is they meant the Jets.

I dont' understand why people keep speculating that Pac-Man won't be around at #9. Here is how I see it:

There are 8 selections before us. 2 of them will be QBs. That makes 6.

We are fortunate in the fact that several teams ahead of us need help at RB (Miami, Cleveland, Tampa, Arizona and maybe even Chicago) so it's a no-brainer that the 3 top RBs will be gone before us. That makes 3.

Braylon Edwards is definately going to go early. That makes 2.

The 2 selections left will go to either Rolle, M.Williams, D.Johnson or Alex Barron. Rolle will probably go to Tenn. That leaves Jones for us at #9.

The only thing that could slip us up is if the Titans take Jones but in that case we take Rolle. All we have to do is sit tight (please don't trade up!) and the player will come to us! Beautiful!



Don't be a clown.....draft Elton Brown!.........at #25 of course

I dont' understand why people keep speculating that Pac-Man won't be around at #9. Here is how I see it:

There are 8 selections before us. 2 of them will be QBs. That makes 6.

We are fortunate in the fact that several teams ahead of us need help at RB (Miami, Cleveland, Tampa, Arizona and maybe even Chicago) so it's a no-brainer that the 3 top RBs will be gone before us. That makes 3.

Braylon Edwards is definately going to go early. That makes 2.

The 2 selections left will go to either Rolle, M.Williams, D.Johnson or Alex Barron. Rolle will probably go to Tenn. That leaves Jones for us at #9.

The only thing that could slip us up is if the Titans take Jones but in that case we take Rolle. All we have to do is sit tight (please don't trade up!) and the player will come to us! Beautiful!



Don't be a clown.....draft Elton Brown!.........at #25 of course

Many believe that Arizona could take Pac-Man right before us. They need help at corner, too.

I hope Pac Man is gone becasue I would prefer a trade down. The only player i would take at #9 is Mike Williams. If he's gone so am I...

Now for today's installment:

PLAYER
Braylon Edwards
WR, Michigan -- 49ers, Redskins -- Apr. 22 - The Edwards and Alex Smith camps are getting the feeling that Edwards will now go No. 1, and not Smith, reports ESPN.com's John Clayton. All week, it's been Smith with the lead. No one knows for sure because 49ers coach Mike Nolan isn't saying. Edwards hasn't been offered a contract he can accept, but both sides know the parameters of a deal are in place in case Edwards is the pick. Even though Smith seems to be the preferred choice, it's not out of the question to have Edwards as the best player in the draft. The Dolphins have him No. 1 on their board.

PLAYER
Alex Smith
QB, Utah -- 49ers, Bucs -- Apr. 22 - Talks between the 49ers and Smith are all but dead, according to John Clayton. They've been going over the numbers and contract language for more than a week, and both sides know they can't reach a deal before the draft. Tom Condon, Smith's agent, said there will be no pre-draft day deal. The 49ers don't want to pay more than Eli Manning contract of a year ago. Condon wants the usual increase that goes with being the top pick. The Bucs are still sitting in the weeds hoping to get Smith in a trade up at No. 2, and Smith believes he could end up in Tampa. The Bucs are willing to offer a third-round pick to move up now, but they may have to go with a second-rounder.

PLAYER
Shawne Merriman
LB-DE Maryland -- Cowboys -- Apr. 22 - The Cowboys have apparently settled on Merriman as their pass-rushing option at linebacker, but they are worried they may not be able to get him at No. 11. They are considering trade up possibilities just in case, according to John Clayton. Still, remember the Cowboys have the option of staying in a 4-3 and picking up Darren Howard in a trade.

PLAYER
Fabian Washington
CB, Nebraska -- Jaguars -- Apr. 22 - Six cornerbacks could go in the first round, and John Clayton is hearing Washington could be the choice of the Jaguars at No. 21. The Jaguars love Washington's speed and raw ability. He runs 4.29 40s and is the second-fastest player in the draft. The Jags need cornerback help, and Washington could develop into a star.

PLAYER
Derrick Johnson
LB, Texas -- Lions, Chiefs -- Apr. 22 - Johnson could fall if the Lions don't take him at No. 10. It would be hard to imagine the Chiefs not taking him at No. 15 because he would be the perfect linebacker for Gunther Cunningham's system. Johnson isn't going to the Browns at No. 3 and may not go to them if they trade down in the first round. He's one of the best defensive players in the draft, but some teams prefer linebackers who take on blocks instead of run around and make plays.

A few thoughts:
1. If this is true, any chance we have of getting Edwards is pretty much dead.
2. How sweet would it be to either take Merriman out from underneath the Cowgirls, or make them have to trade up, either with us or ahead of us, to get him?
3. After what I saw on the espn draft special last night, I can understand why Derrick Johnson is slipping. The fact that he's the #1 LB this year shows just how bad this LB class is.
4. This isn't a "rumor", but KC just acquired Surtain from the Fins for a 2nd rounder. Takes away the need for another CB in the first round, and increases the likelihood of finding a really good one either at 25, or after trading down significantly from #9.