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Whispers


THE SIX KINGS
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March 8, 2009

 

 

AFC Whispers

 

Sources in Denver say the signing of FS Brian Dawkins gave the Broncos the vocal leader in the huddle that they had lacked as the defense faltered last season. It’s an aspect that’s been sorely missed since John Lynch was released before the 2008 campaign, we hear. CB Champ Bailey is highly respected in the locker room and served as team captain, but he leads with a laid-back, quiet style. Word is an extra dose of intensity and volume from a wise, proven veteran should be a positive for the club heading into next season.

 

After signing three free-agent running backs, the Broncos have a crowd in their backfield. Denver has seven rushers under contract — eight, if you count FB Peyton Hillis, who was the team’s starter at the RB position for a short period last season. Not all of them will make the roster after training camp, but regardless, sources say the Broncos have the same problem they had before the start of free agency, even with the additions of Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington and LaMont Jordan — no one stands out as a clear No. 1.

 

According to veteran LB Mike Vrabel, who was traded from the Patriots to the Chiefs last week, the changes in the Kansas City organization are just beginning. He said that, thanks to new GM Scott Pioli, another former Patriot, the Chiefs are going to start employing many New England traits, such as making football a priority in life and staying hungry and consistent. By instilling these philosophies, Vrabel believes that the Chiefs will be a much-improved club even before training camp begins in July.

 

Jets brass is genuinely thrilled to have obtained the services of S Jim Leonhard, who played under Rex Ryan in Baltimore in 2008. But there’s some pause in the Big Apple as to whether Leonhard is really that good. Leonhard was mostly an afterthought during his prior tenure in Buffalo and only started showing legit playmaking potential when he was surrounded by other stars in Baltimore.

 

The interior of the Dolphins’ offensive line, arguably the team’s weakest area in 2008, is anything but settled leading up to the draft. We hear that the club intends to stage legitimate position battles at all three spots, especially considering there are injury concerns at guard. OLG Justin Smiley is the only player who would seem to have a firm grasp on his position, but his health is a concern.

 

First things first: Yes, the Colts recognize the need for a third wide receiver for their spread formations, given the release of Marvin Harrison and their lack of a proven wideout behind Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. At the same time, the fact that TE Dallas Clark flexes out so often into the slot and out wide considerably lessens the need. We continue to hear that wide receiver will be addressed with the Colts’ first pick in April’s draft, though it would come as no shock if they addressed the interior of their defensive line instead.

 

The way we hear it, the Bengals are probably out of the mix when it comes to adding any more high-priced free agents following the signing of WR Laveranues Coles. A source close to the club suggests the team could have interest in bringing back DT John Thornton and C Eric Ghiaciuc.

 

The Bengals’ signing of 49ers UFA QB J.T. O’Sullivan was motivated not only by the need for a backup for Carson Palmer but also because O’Sullivan was a budget-friendly replacement for the departed Ryan Fitzpatrick, we’re told.

 

NFC Whispers

 

We hear the Packers have a serious interest in Cowboys free-agent LB Kevin Burnett as a possible candidate for the starting ROLB job, but that they have a lot of competition for his services. Word is the Raiders, Chargers and Texans are also very interested in Burnett, a former second-round pick who has been primarily a backup throughout his four years in Dallas.

 

Although it’s not known whether the feeling is mutual, we hear that recently released Vikings S Darren Sharper would love to play for the Bears, who clearly could use the help after definitively cutting the cord with oft-injured S Mike Brown. At the moment, unproven second-year pro Craig Steltz looks like the front-runner for the starting FS job, but team insiders have a hard time believing that will still be the case when training camp opens.

 

Don’t expect the Lions to go after recently released SS Roy Williams, late of the Cowboys. It is believed that Dallas offered Williams to the Lions in the Jon Kitna trade talks before settling on sending CB Anthony Henry to Detroit. The Lions apparently weren’t interested then and don’t appear to be now.

 

When asked if free-agent OLT Tra Thomas still could return to the Eagles, one well-placed source gave a one-word answer: “Possibly.” As of now, it appears the Eagles will sit and wait, and there does not appear to be a host of teams wanting to spend big dollars on the 34-year-old Thomas, even after a decent season.

 

Although rumors are beginning to circulate about the Giants being interested in trading for Browns WR Braylon Edwards, you can be almost certain that the team will not include DE Mathias Kiwanuka — a player the Browns almost certainly would ask for — in any deal. Despite beefing up the defensive line to the point where it has as many as seven starter-quality players, as GM Jerry Reese said, they have no plans of moving Kiwanuka.

 

After the Panthers let a few key backups on the offensive line get away in free agency, finding players to add depth on the O-line has become a much higher priority. Frank Omiyale (Bears) and Geoff Hangartner (Bills) don’t have the most talent, but they stepped up and performed last season when filling in for starters who had suffered injuries. Sources say the team will pursue a moderate-priced free-agent O-lineman with experience and will also likely invest a draft pick or two in the position.

 

There have been rumblings in St. Louis that the Rams might be considering ORT Alex Barron as a replacement for longtime starting OLT Orlando Pace, in which case the team would probably wait until the second round of the draft to select an offensive tackle. The consensus among team insiders is that Barron did OK when he replaced an injured Pace at left tackle for much of the 2007 season. That said, the smart money right now is on one of three players to be selected with the Rams’ No. 2 pick overall — either OT Eugene Monroe, OT Jason Smith or LB Aaron Curry.

 

What kind of a running back might the Niners look for in the draft to back up Frank Gore? “I’m talking about a back that is 215, 230,” Niners GM Scot McCloughan told PFW at this year’s Combine. “I’m not talking about a 235-pound guy that’s gonna run 4.4. I’m talking about a football player that has some special-teams value but also can go out there and carry the ball, if we need him to, 10-15 times a game. And be a starter at any time.” McCloughan isn’t ruling out 222-pound Thomas Clayton, who has spent his first two seasons with the Niners primarily on the practice squad, as the Niners’ No. 2 back. “I think he’s proven in preseason that he has some value,” McCloughan said of Clayton.

 

Our Seahawks sources believe it’s quite possible the team will draft a running back in the second or third round of the draft, especially if FB Leonard Weaver leaves via free agency. Depending on Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett to carry the load — like they did for Jim Mora and Greg Knapp in Atlanta — might be a bit too much to ask at this stage of their careers.

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March 8, 2009

 

When asked if free-agent OLT Tra Thomas still could return to the Eagles, one well-placed source gave a one-word answer: “Possibly.” As of now, it appears the Eagles will sit and wait, and there does not appear to be a host of teams wanting to spend big dollars on the 34-year-old Thomas, even after a decent season.

 

Well this played itself out as he's now a Jaguar.

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Is he much better at pass blocking than run blocking?

 

I don't know but he seemed to be a solid pass blocker. He only gave up 2 sacks last year out of 658 attempts. At 34 you wonder how much he has left in the tank. But he's 6'7" 317 pounds and has only missed 8 games in his career. He'll be taking over for Khalif Barnes and should be a nice upgrade.

Edited by irish
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According to veteran LB Mike Vrabel, who was traded from the Patriots to the Chiefs last week, the changes in the Kansas City organization are just beginning. He said that, thanks to new GM Scott Pioli, another former Patriot, the Chiefs are going to start employing many New England traits, such as making football a priority in life and staying hungry and consistent. By instilling these philosophies, Vrabel believes that the Chiefs will be a much-improved club even before training camp begins in July.

 

:wacko:

I am sooooo glad that King Carl and Hermaroid are gone.

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According to veteran LB Mike Vrabel, who was traded from the Patriots to the Chiefs last week, the changes in the Kansas City organization are just beginning. He said that, thanks to new GM Scott Pioli, another former Patriot, the Chiefs are going to start employing many New England traits, such as making football a priority in life and staying hungry and consistent. By instilling these philosophies, Vrabel believes that the Chiefs will be a much-improved club even before training camp begins in July.

 

 

 

:wacko:

I am sooooo glad that King Carl and Hermaroid are gone.

 

 

Seems I heard the same thing with Marinelli.... Hope it works better for you.

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Is he much better at pass blocking than run blocking?

 

 

he's a hugh upgrade at both over what the Jags had. great signing IMO

 

:wacko:

 

while he still has quick enough feet to be an effective pass-blocker, his best run-blocking days are well behind him. The reason he was let go here was the ineffectiveness of the Eagles rushing attack last year. Thomas has lost a step, and couldn't get out on LBs anywhere near fast enough to make his blocks. And he is no longer fast enough to pull in various blocking schemes.

 

He was a great teammate and solid performer in his prime, but that was more than 3 years ago. You'll be disappointed if your a Jag fan, similar in the way you guys signed Hugh Douglas well past his prime.

Edited by i_am_the_swammi
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:wacko:

 

while he still has quick enough feet to be an effective pass-blocker, his best run-blocking days are well behind him. The reason he was let go here was the ineffectiveness of the Eagles rushing attack last year. Thomas has lost a step, and couldn't get out on LBs anywhere near fast enough to make his blocks. And he is no longer fast enough to pull in various blocking schemes.

 

He was a great teammate and solid performer in his prime, but that was more than 3 years ago. You'll be disappointed if your a Jag fan, similar in the way you guys signed Hugh Douglas well past his prime.

that being said, he's still an upgrade over what the Jags have. like i said.

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Yes, the Colts recognize the need for a third wide receiver for their spread formations, given the release of Marvin Harrison and their lack of a proven wideout behind Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. At the same time, the fact that TE Dallas Clark flexes out so often into the slot and out wide considerably lessens the need. We continue to hear that wide receiver will be addressed with the Colts' first pick in April's draft, though it would come as no shock if they addressed the interior of their defensive line instead.

Given Polian's perennial brilliance in worrying more about the offense when the D is clearly in MUCH more need of help, it would come as a massive shock. Ah just throw whoever in there on the DL, it doesn't matter. :wacko:

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