ESPN Insider's Draft Rumors

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Just saw this on ESPN Insider. Thought some of you may be interested in seeing how things may shake out. Only notes on the Skins are with regard to Rolle, Rogers, Williams and Williamson, and it's pretty much what we've already been speculating. Skins would like Williams, but it probably won't happen because he'll be gone. They'd love Rolle or Pac-Man, but there is a chance they will be gone too. That has led them to taking a closer look at Rogers and Williamson. I've attached the whole article if you live for the draft like me and actually care about what the other teams are thinking too.

PLAYER
Braylon Edwards
WR, Michigan--49ers Apr. 13 - The first negotiating session with the 49ers only helped Edwards' chances of being the No. 1 pick, says ESPN.com's John Clayton. Edwards is one of three players the 49ers will speak to about a contract in the next couple of days. The other two are quarterbacks -- Alex Smith of Utah and Aaron Rodgers of Cal. Eli Manning got a seven-year, $54.29 million deal last year from the Giants as the first pick. Teams generally build in a quarterback premium because of the value of the position, but that doesn't mean Edwards would sign at a discount. It means the 49ers know Edwards costs less because he's not a quarterback. The 49ers do not want to pay significantly more than the Giants paid Manning, which helps Edwards.


PLAYER
Antrel Rolle
CB, Miami--Titans? Apr. 13 - Rolle has confidence. Even though he hasn't had a visit or spent a lot of extra time with the Titans, who have the No. 6 pick, he decided to accept an invitation and attend the draft in New York City. The NFL usually invites only four to six players based on where they are projected to go. The league realizes how tough it is on a player who slips too far in the first round to sit in a side room and watch other players go ahead of him. Rolle doesn't care. He's confident he's going to go in the top 10 and could go as high as No. 6.

PLAYER
DeMarcus Ware
DE/LB, Troy--Cowboys Apr. 13 - Talk about a player shooting up the charts. Word out of Dallas is he might go as high as No. 11, reports John Clayton. The Cowboys may like him more than Shawne Merriman, but it's a close debate. Ware and Merriman would fit in at linebacker in the Cowboys' new 3-4. Ware also has the ability to play defensive end in a 4-3. Playmaking defensive players like him are rare and the Cowboys really like him.
WHOWHATTHE SKINNY

TEAM
Texans
No. 13 pick Apr. 13 - A lot of people think the Texans will draft an offensive lineman because of their attempt to sign Rams left tackle Orlando Pace. They are misreading things, according to John Clayton. The Texans aren't desperate for offensive line help. They like right tackle Todd Wade and still believe Seth Wand will develop into a good left tackle. The Texans would love to have a running back such as Cadillac Williams or Cedric Benson fall to them at No. 13. They would also like to get a wide receiver, particularly Troy Williamson. The only way they take a tackle in the first round is if he rates out better than other players and is the best player on the board. Tackle isn't a need pick for them.

TEAM
Browns
No. 3 pickApr. 13 - Browns general manager Phil Savage may have to consider a possible trade down with the Bucs (to No. 5) if Aaron Rodgers falls to them. The Browns are believed to like Alex Smith more than Rodgers. If Smith is there at No. 3, they'd take him. If only Rodgers is there, they might have to take wide receiver Braylon Edwards. However, if Edwards is gone, the Browns aren't taking a running back, and might trade down with the Bucs and take a defensive player.

PLAYER
Thomas Davis
S, Georgia--Bengals,Rams Apr. 13 - Davis is clearly the best safety in the draft and should go in the first round between pick No. 17 (Cincinnati) and No. 19 (St. Louis). A few teams, though, could rate him a little higher because they think he can make the transition to linebacker. Davis won't beat out Derrick Johnson of Texas or the versatile linebacker-defensive ends such as Shawne Merriman or Demarcus Ware, but the linebacking possibilities only increase his value.

PLAYER
Odell Thurman
LB, Georgia--Patriots, Bengals Apr. 13 - With concerns about veteran Tedy Bruschi's future, the Patriots are hoping to draft Thurman at the bottom of the first round, according to John Clayton. Thurman is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who makes plays. The Bengals also like him, but would have to trade down from No. 17 to get him. Thurman has the skills to do a lot of the specific things needed in Bill Belichick's system. Due to the release of Roman Phifer, the Patriots need a linebacker who can handle pass coverage.

PLAYER
Cedric Benson
RB, Texas--Bears, Cardinals, Texans Apr. 12 - Benson is hearing favorable reports about him in Chicago, which has the No. 4 pick. He does have some concerns, however. If he slips to No. 8 and the Cardinals trade for Travis Henry, Benson could drop all the way to No. 13. The Texans would be wild about that possibility. Though the team is content to have Domanick Davis as its feature back, Benson would be the ideal runner who can pound the ball 20 to 25 plays a game. The Texans plan to go to a more ball-control offense with shorter passes and more runs to protect quarterback David Carr.


PLAYER
Cadillac Williams
RB, Auburn--Bears, Vikings Apr. 12 - Cadillac has been ahead of Ronnie Brown his entire college career, but he's having to hit the road to jump Brown in the draft. Most people expect Brown to be the first running back taken, but Cadillac will stay on the move to convince teams. The Bears have a delegation to give him a slight workout on Thursday. He's also going to visit with the Vikings this week, according to John Clayton.

PLAYER
David Pollack
DE, Georgia--Chiefs Apr. 12 - The Chiefs hope that Pollack will fall to them at No. 15, reports John Clayton. The abundance of defensive ends who might also play linebacker make that a possibility. The opinion on Pollack varies up and down the first-round draft board. He's one of the great play-making defensive players in this draft. Some teams, though, prefer others at that spot who have some better size.

PLAYER
Heath Miller
TE, Virginia--Bengals, Jets, Steelers Apr. 12 - Had he not had a sports hernia operation in January, Miller probably would be a top-15 and possibly a top-10 choice. He expects to run a 4.8 once he's healthy in May, and everyone knows he's the best tight end in this draft. Here's a worry for him, though, and it has nothing to do with his injury. If the Bengals (who draft 17th) and Jets (26th) pass on him for defensive positions, Miller could fall all the way to Pittsburgh at No. 30. Seven of the eight teams between 22 and 29 have top-level tight ends or re-signed tight ends and aren't going to draft one unless it's a matter of taking the best player available.

PLAYER
Alex Smith
QB, Utah--49ers?, Lions? Apr. 11 - Smith has gained a lot of momentum over the past week, and ESPN.com's John Clayton is hearing he could end up being the No. 1 pick. However, there are two uncertainties holding that possibility back. First, coach Mike Nolan has the final say on the first pick and he may be leaning toward Aaron Rodgers. Second, a contract needs to be reached before the draft. Some in the 49ers' organization love his upside and think he could end up being better than Rodgers, who is more polished. The Lions went to great lengths last Wednesday to surreptitiously bring in Smith for a visit. Team officials told local reporters that it was Stanford tight end Alex Smith who was in for a visit, but have since been forced to admit it was the Utah quarterback. Were the Lions simply exercising due diligence, in the event Smith slips to them? Or, as rumored, is coach Steve Mariucci smitten with the young quarterback? No matter the answer, incumbent Joey Harrington can't be thrilled with the Smith flirtation.

TEAM
Bucs
TradeApr. 11 - Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen recently visited Utah quarterback Alex Smith and Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and it appears the 49ers, Dolphins and Browns have a possible trading partner if they are willing to make a sweetheart deal to move out of their top-three spots. The Bucs consider Smith and Rodgers top-level quarterbacks. Although no trade talks have begun, the Bucs' late push to visit the QBs creates some options for the top three teams. Going off the trade charts used by most teams, the normal cost of moving from No. 5 to No. 1 would be top-10, first-round pick. To move from No. 5 to No. 2 would be a top-12 pick. To move from No. 5 to No. 3 would be a second-round pick, something the Bucs could easily do.
--John Clayton

PLAYER
Carlos Rogers
CB, Auburn--Redskins Apr. 11 - Washington, which needs a cornerback to replace the departed Fred Smoot, has focused on Antrel Rolle of Miami and West Virginia's Adam "Pac Man" Jones. But the Redskins are now concerned that both those corners could be gone by the time their choice arrives and are closely examining Rogers.
--Len Pasquarelli

PLAYER
Shawne Merriman
LB-DE Maryland--Lions, Cowboys, Vikings? Apr. 11 - He should have an interesting week with visits scheduled to Dallas and Detroit. The Lions could be looking for him at No. 10 as a defensive end with great speed and pass-rushing ability. The Cowboys have the next pick and are looking for a big linebacker. Merriman is 274 pounds and faster than ever. He's also hoping that the many Maryland alums at the Minnesota Vikings, including coach Mike Tice and defensive line coach Brian Baker, have the pull to get him as high as No. 7.
--John Clayton

PLAYER
Troy Williamson
WR, South Carolina--Redskins?, Vikings? Apr. 8 - His name continues to get hotter and his chances of slipping into the top 10 are good. Though he was told last fall he would be a second-round choice, Williamson improved his speed into the 4.3 range and has sent his name flying up the draft board. The upside for him may be the Vikings at No. 7, but it's not out of the question for the Redskins to give him serious consideration at No. 9.
--John Clayton

PLAYER
Mike Williams
WR, USC--Bears?, Bucs? Apr. 8 - After a Thursday visit with the Redskins, Williams is still hoping for a top-five selection and it's not out of the question for the Bears to consider him strong at No. 4. Williams would love the thoughts of going to the Bucs at No. 5 because he's from the Tampa area and knows that the Bucs' offensive coaches like him. More teams at the top of the draft rate Michigan's Braylon Edwards as the top receiver and maybe the top player in the draft, but Williams is looking for that one team that wants him more than Edwards.
--John Clayton

PLAYER
Ronnie Brown
RB, Auburn--Dolphins Apr. 8 - Since the NFL combine, Brown has been projected to go to the Dolphins with the No. 2 overall pick. However, things are getting interesting. There is a push from the coaching staff to look at one of the top quarterbacks, Alex Smith or Aaron Rodgers. This is another push from people in the organization to look at Michigan WR Braylon Edwards, perhaps the best player in the draft.
--John Clayton

PLAYER
Khalif Barnes
OT, Washington--Texans, Panthers, Jaguars Apr. 8 - With only three offensive tackles expected to go in the first round, Barnes knows he's a valued commodity. Most of the interest in Barnes is coming from teams in the middle of the first round, such as the Texans, Panthers and Jaguars. Expect Barnes, Barron and right tackle Jammal Brown of Oklahoma to go between 10 and 20.
--John Clayton

PLAYER
Charlie Frye
QB, Akron--Packers Apr. 8 - Because he's worked out and interviewed so well, Frye still has a chance to slip into the lower part of the first round. Frye knows he's competing against Jason Campbell of Auburn for the Packers' attention in the lower part of the first round. Frye has been hearing favorable things from the Packers, but they still have to determine whether they have the ability to take a backup quarterback with their first pick.
--John Clayton

[FRPLG]

I think we could trade down for Rodgers and should if none of our other players are there. Of course we'd need to find a trade partner. We all talk like that is not big deal but if none of the guys we want are there at 9 who would be there for the other teams to want enough to trade up I am wondering.

[PSUSkinsFan21]

It could very well be that there won't be anyone left for other teams to jump on.....other than a team like the Eagles (who have a million picks) wanting to move way up to grab a guy like Williamson or Benson (if he falls), and we're obviously not going to be the team to accomodate them. Most of the other teams may very well be happy to stay at their pick and get the best player available. The problem is, most of the guys worth trading up for will be gone by #9.

I've said before that I would support trading down to get Rogers or a DE and a 2nd rounder, because there are so many good DEs, but not really any one great DE in this draft. Then we could get a WR (which there are a ton of) in the 2nd and a CB or O-line depth in the 3rd. Problem is, we can't be the only team thinking that way. I hope, if we can't get one of the top 2 WRs or CBs we can find a trade partner, but I'm doubting more and more than there will be any teams there in the middle of the 1st round willing to do it. I mean really, if we are willing to trade down, then that probably means there is nobody there worth another team giving up their 2nd round pick for.

Either way, I see the worst case scenario being that we get either Rogers or Williamson at #9, and I think I've prepared myself enough to be happy with that.

[backrow]

Most of the time, John Clayton's radio bits and pieces are simply not enough.
PSUSkinsFan21, much thanks for bringing this info to the forum. At this time of the year, there are an awful lot of rumors. That is what makes the NFL Draft, a real spectacle!

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Which team, besides us, do you think will most likely take Pac-Man?

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Which team, besides us, do you think will most likely take Pac-Man?

Before us? If the Cardinals get the Travis Henry deal done, I think they could go CB, and I think the Titans will be going CB.

After us? There probably wouldn't be another team interested in CB until the Saints at 16 or Bengals at 17. So, if we COULD get a trade partner and IF the Cards go CB, then we could probably trade down as far as 15 and still get Rogers.

Interesting to note: The Chargers at 12 and the Panthers at 14 could both REALLY use a WR. Perhaps a trade with one of those two so that they could move up to secure Williamson? Moving to 12 probably wouldn't get us the Chargers second rounder, but the Panthers at 14 would warrant their second round pick, and it would allow them to ensure getting Williamson ahead of the Chargers. This is total speculation on my part, but I could see that working for the Skins. We should still be able to get Rogers at 14, or go a completely different route and get one of the top 2 or 3 DEs (Wake, Merriman, Pollack, James?).

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Originally Posted by backrow

Most of the time, John Clayton's radio bits and pieces are simply not enough.
PSUSkinsFan21, much thanks for bringing this info to the forum. At this time of the year, there are an awful lot of rumors. That is what makes the NFL Draft, a real spectacle!

No problem. I'm a nut for this draft stuff, so I'll pass on anything I can.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by PSUSkinsFan21

Before us? If the Cardinals get the Travis Henry deal done, I think they could go CB, and I think the Titans will be going CB.

After us? There probably wouldn't be another team interested in CB until the Saints at 16 or Bengals at 17. So, if we COULD get a trade partner and IF the Cards go CB, then we could probably trade down as far as 15 and still get Rogers.

Interesting to note: The Chargers at 12 and the Panthers at 14 could both REALLY use a WR. Perhaps a trade with one of those two so that they could move up to secure Williamson? Moving to 12 probably wouldn't get us the Chargers second rounder, but the Panthers at 14 would warrant their second round pick, and it would allow them to ensure getting Williamson ahead of the Chargers. This is total speculation on my part, but I could see that working for the Skins. We should still be able to get Rogers at 14, or go a completely different route and get one of the top 2 or 3 DEs (Wake, Merriman, Pollack, James?).

I definitely like that plan. I really would like to get Pac-Man with our first though.

[PSUskinsfan11]

Good points but I could see the Chiefs going after a CB since they struck out with everyone in free agency. I would love to see us trade down and get Rodgers but if he is gone I think we should look at Justin Miller of Clemson over Fabin Washington of Nebraska. Anyone that jumps 3 rounds because of a 40 time is suspect to me and Miller is pretty damn fast himself!!

Originally Posted by PSUSkinsFan21

Before us? If the Cardinals get the Travis Henry deal done, I think they could go CB, and I think the Titans will be going CB.

After us? There probably wouldn't be another team interested in CB until the Saints at 16 or Bengals at 17. So, if we COULD get a trade partner and IF the Cards go CB, then we could probably trade down as far as 15 and still get Rogers.

Interesting to note: The Chargers at 12 and the Panthers at 14 could both REALLY use a WR. Perhaps a trade with one of those two so that they could move up to secure Williamson? Moving to 12 probably wouldn't get us the Chargers second rounder, but the Panthers at 14 would warrant their second round pick, and it would allow them to ensure getting Williamson ahead of the Chargers. This is total speculation on my part, but I could see that working for the Skins. We should still be able to get Rogers at 14, or go a completely different route and get one of the top 2 or 3 DEs (Wake, Merriman, Pollack, James?).

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Originally Posted by PSUskinsfan11

Good points but I could see the Chiefs going after a CB since they struck out with everyone in free agency. I would love to see us trade down and get Rodgers but if he is gone I think we should look at Justin Miller of Clemson over Fabin Washington of Nebraska. Anyone that jumps 3 rounds because of a 40 time is suspect to me and Miller is pretty damn fast himself!!

I agree. Football games are played on the field, not on the track. Nebraska's D was the 8th worst passing D in the country last year. How good could Washington really be when they're giving up that many yards?

[TheMalcolmConnection]

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

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

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.

[PSUSkinsFan21]

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.

[PSUSkinsFan21]

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.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by PSUSkinsFan21

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?