The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I think it's way past time to get this thing started.

I'm in love with Matt Flynn. I have been for a few years now. It's nice to see him on the market, and I'd like to see him in Miami, but there's a lot of lip going on here in Cleveland about him. No respect lip because Cleveland fans are borderline retarded, but they've totally abandoned Colt McCoy, who's a serviceable QB, and they're all hollering for a QB when they have gaping holes to fill elsewhere.

That brings me to the question, what's the $ number for placing the Franchise tag on a backup QB, and will Green Bay make that move?
I think it comes down to dollars and cents, but with Rodgers a head shot away from finishing his career, it seems kinda crazy to let an arm like Flynn get away. Not kinda, just crazy. But if the money isn't there, it isn't there, and Green Bay has lots of needs.

No clue what the Steelers are looking to do aside from deal Wallace. I could see a Wallace for Hillis trade with Cleveland, or I should say I'd love to see Hillis in Burgh. Mendenhall is gone for next year and we're really light at RB. We need a left guard, as always. There's some kids from last year who were hurt that will be available this year, so that may clean up that problem. I see them chasing a couple D-backs in late rounds in hopes they can get ready to fill some aged positions.
We could use a big, heavy, strong QB to back up Ben. Leftwich should be ready and Batch and Dixon will likely be gone.

I could go on forever, but there's some starters. :D

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I could definitely see Pitt taking a O-Line late in the first round. Cordy Glenn from Georgia would be a great fit if he lasts that long. The dude is 6'4 340 an absolute monster!!

As a Rams fan I'm hoping that Cleveland trades their #4 and #22 for the #2 overall. If that happens I would like the Rams to get Blackmon @ #4 and hopefully get either Peter Konz (maybe too high for a center) or Jonathan Martin if available.

I think Flynn is gone from GB.. I think they would take a late first or early second rounder and get rid of him. GB has a few needs that should be addressed in the first two rounds.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

From JSonline: This was a result of the Finley signing

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packe...140081103.html

Not having to use the franchise tag puts the Packers in a position of strength heading into the off-season. They're unlikely to use it on center Scott Wells, who will be an unrestricted free agent, because the franchise salary for an offensive lineman is $8.4 million, which is likely more than they would be willing to pay.

But they could use it on quarterback Matt Flynn, which could put them in the middle of a bidding war for the young backup's services. If they franchise Flynn before the March 5 deadline, they would be on the hook for a $14.4 million salary, but their intention would be to do a sign-and-trade.

In other words, they would shop Flynn to those interested in him and take the best offer. Flynn would have to agree to renegotiate the one-year deal into a long-term contract before any team would be willing to make a trade.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

That would be priceless. We need more help on the ends than in the middle, but that'd allow things to get shuffled around a bit. :tu

I've heard that 4 and 22 to 2 scenario. That puts them on RG3. It just doesn't make sense. For them to go after a QB nullifies everything they did the last two years and leaves them at start over.
Add to that, Colt is a good enough QB. He's not Aaron Rodgers but he's sure not Tim Tebow or Rex Grossman.
Cleveland could grab Blackmon at #4 or give up their #4 and go after Mike Wallace. They need a wideout, bad. They might even be able to get Hillis to Burgh in a deal, but that leaves them with no running game. Cleveland needs Hillis, but I really don't think Hillis wants Cleveland. That's understandable, because the fans here will turn on a guy in a heartbeat. While he was hurt this year the talk radio was slap full of "Hillis is laying down" comments and "Hillis needs to be gone" comments, and that never ends. Why anyone would want to play in this town is beyond me. It really is pathetic, I've never seen anything quite like it. I think it comes from the Browns leaving.

Agreed on Flynn. I just hope for Green Bay's sake they can keep him.

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Henne is an unrestricted free agent this year in Miami and reports are that Miami is not offering him a contract.
That pretty much lines up Green Bay to sign and deal Flynn. They could easily get a draft pick, I'd think. Depends how hot Miami is for Flynn, and I think they're as hot as they get.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I believe the Packers franchise Flynn (they would be dumb NOT to) and trade him for a couple of high draft picks. They have Harrell ready to progress through their QB school, which has been the best league wide producer of starting qb's since the mid-90's. They'll draft another project in the later rounds for a 3rd stringer. :2

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

Miami has #8, Tim. Green Bay could use it.
What's the talk there? What kind of draft scenarios/player moves are you guys looking at?

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No way in Hell do they get the #8 for Flynn. I'd be estatic with similar compensation that the Patriots received for Cassel, although I don't see that happening, either.

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As an aside, am I the only one who thinks it's retarded that when franchising a player, offensive lineman are lumped all together, but no other position is (secondary, defensive line)?

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http://i1.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/...0/015/orly.jpg
Hillis is an UFA.
Watching Todd Haley and Roethlisberger interact, if nothing else, should be entertaining next season.:D

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I think #8 might be kinda high for Flynn as well, but stranger things have happened with desperate teams. As far as talking about other moves, Ted and Mike play it pretty close to the vest, but I'd hope we'd be looking for a pass rusher / secondary upgrades.

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What about Peyton? Is he staying or gone?
He has spurs and needs another neck operation right now, or has had it already, I haven't kept up. I know he wants to play and I want to watch him, but for his own good, I hope he doesn't take another snap.
He would totally own a broadcast booth job and I think he can have some fun as far as his acting talent goes if that interests him.

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Ya, Rly. A defense would kick ass. :tu

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You'd be amazed by what one measley pass rusher would do so that Matthews isn't triple teamed and the secondary isn't asked to cover for eight to ten seconds every pass. They're one year removed from being the #2 overall defense, remember? They lost Jenkins to free agency, and there went the pressure from the opposite side of Matthews.

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From everything I've read/heard, the problem isn't with his neck at this point, it's with his arm, or more specifically lack of arm strength, a byproduct of all the nerve damage suffered.

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Even if that's all it is, and I give you that, it's a tough spot to fill. That's gotta come from free agency, not the draft.
If the Pack wants to stop that bleeding, there's no 14 million for Flynn, so he's a memory. And if they can wrangle the 8th pick from Miami, can they pay for it ?
I'm not even arguing, just asking. :)

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

That makes good sense, but he does have another operation coming up to remove bone spurs that have formed in his neck.
I think he's due his 18 million come March 7th, I can't see that happening, no matter what. Irsay couldn't call himself a businessman if he paid up. I do see Peyton being stubborn enough to set up shop in Arizona and fail miserably. Hopefully he'll just see the light and pull the plug.
I'm guessing the Colts wouldn't have any claim to his merchandising after this is all done. I don't think Peyton will have any trouble pulling in 18 million this year doing whatever he chooses, or at least making more than enough to put food on the table.

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Agreed, Glenn is projected as both guard and tackle. That's why I think Pitt would be such a good fit; however, with that being said I don't see him lasting after Cincinatti's 2nd first round pick.

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Another player I could see Pitt getting is Dontari Poe out of Memphis. 6'5 360 would absolutley solidify their line for the next decade! Hayward, Poe, Hood that would be sick nasty!

Who is the biggest sleeper in this years draft? I say Quention Couples, everyone has been so down on him lately but feel like this dude could be a STUD! Please, please, please, fall to Dallas @ #14!!

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Even if they could pay for it (which admittedly I'm not up to speed on their cap situation), Ted Thompson simply doesn't run his football team that way. His first year he brought in Ryan Pickett and Charles Woodson, and after that, bupkis. It's really not a good year to be chasing a pass rush in free agency; especially for a 3-4 team. Personally, I'm hoping/wishing/praying that Courtney Upshaw falls to the Packers in the first round.:)

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As a Falcons fan the draft this year will mean nothing until day 2. I like Julio but it sure would have been be nice to draft a top DE to add to our pass rush.

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Get rid of Flynn and sign Mario Williams to a huge deal! :noon

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Williams is best suited with his hand on the ground as a 4-3 DE.:2

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We get Willie Colon back next year and a few (untested) kids that got hurt in camp or pre-camp. The Steelers always draft so low that they can't land a premiere Left Guard or Left Tackle, that's a big part of why Ben gets hurt. The D suffered this year, but I think that's age.
We're gonna be in big trouble in the next couple years if we don't solidify some keys spots with prospects.

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I just realized that all 3 backup QB's in Pittsburgh are Free agents this year. Oh, to shed Dennis Dixon. What a wonderful birthday present that would be.
I wonder if Vince Young could play ball in Burgh? He's as big as Ben. Maybe he can play a little better without time to think? (long stretch)

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I don't disagree with that at all, but if GB can do it why the heck not? The dude has proved he can play as a 3-4 DE, 3-4 OLB and a 4-3 DE

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I think they could do it but I don't think they will do it. In the end, I think a team that runs a 4-3 is going to throw tons of money his way. Houston with Barwin and Reed (who are young, cheap, and talented) didn't miss Williams all that much, and could really use the cap space on other areas of need.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

From what I'm hearing, talks are heating up between the Browns/Packers for Flynn. That'd be nice if we can wrangle their second round pick out of them and use it on someone like Brandon Thompson.:tu

Nick Perry had a nice showing at the combine. He sure would look nice opposite Clay Matthews.:banger

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

Also, according to the ESPN, the Rams have decided to trade the #2 pick. Possible suitors? The aforementioned Browns, Redskins, and Dolphins. Anyone see a surprise team want/need to jump up there and has the gumption to do so? The only other team I could even see realistically attempting it would be Seattle, but with both teams being in the same division I find it highly unlikely. Even looking at teams that might be interested in moving up to nab Kalil, but I just don't see any others.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I'm ecstatic that the Rams are trading their 2nd overall. I hope they end up trading with Washington, and getting their #6, a 2nd rounder this year, and a first rounder next year. With the #6 overall we could get Justin Blackmon, and in the 2nd round I could see us getting the big LT out of Iowa St. or Peter Konz center from Wisconsin if he is still available.

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I know you'll disagree with me, but I'm just not a fan of Blackmon, especially when being considered with a top five pick.:2

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I'm enjoying all the draft talk that involves Cleveland, and they are probably in the driver's seat for the Rams #2 spot. They have #4, #22, and #37. The things they can do are endless.
I just do not see Mike Holmgren giving up on Colt McCoy, period. He's conservative and he's in what, his second year at Cleveland?
They have 3 guys on offense, maybe 4 that could start on another team in the NFL. To dig into those excellent draft positions, start throwing them away, and abandoning the potential draft of a lifetime for a QB like RG3 who hasn't even played in a pro-style offense would be nuts.
Don't get me wrong, I think RG3 is awesome, but he's not a fit for Holmgren's conservatism and he completely dulls the edge they have in this draft.
I really think he stays with McCoy, and maybe even trades off that 4 spot for some sweet meat a little deeper in the draft (or in free agency) if he can gain advantage. He takes a lot of pride in finding raw talent and making a team work, we'll see.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I just hope the Redskins find some way to land a solid young QB to build around. I am sick of being a place retired QBs come to die!

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And, IMO, Colt McCoy isn't one of them. I think he'd make a decent backup, but when I see Colt I just don't see a starting NFL quarterback. Now, get on the horn with those Cleveland fellas and tell them to go ahead and send that second round pick on up to Green Bay. We'll send Flynn in return. Hell, we'll even throw some cheese curds in for good measure.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

Just wondering what you don't like about him? Not arguing or anything, I don't think he's a top 5 pick either. That's why I hope the Rams slide back and draft him at #6 or #8. I see Blackmon running a 4.6 and being a very good possesion receiver in the NFL.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I guess part of it stems from the fact that he's being projected as a top five pick. Personally, I think his absolute ceiling is Reggie Wayne. While there's nothing necessarily wrong with Reggie Wayne, you don't spend a top five pick on that, either. He doesn't have near the size/speed/playmaking ability of those who have been taken that high (Andre Johnson/Larry Fitzgerald/Calvin Johnson come to mind) in the past. He's nowhere near that. He's not as big nor as fast as previously thought, which might help quell the top five chatter. To his credit he is a solid route runner and does have solid hands.

Again, all just my personal observation and opinion.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I thought that was here in MN. :confused:

The Vikes have some big needs. Mostly at WR and DB. Seems that a lot of people are high on Kalil for their spot. If they do that, then I'd hope for them to be a player in the FA market for the other needs that they have. Maybe they trade down and get someone like a Claiborne or Blackmon (I know that some aren't a fan of his, but he fits a need that they have).

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

Matt Flynn is every franchise's dream, a relatilvely unknown, REALLY SMART quarterback that has most
of the skills. He is not a Aaron Rodgers prototype, but he is not far off a Eli Manning proto, minus the
escapablilty factor. He can avoid some rush, but he cannot rise from the dead like Eli. He would make
a great starting QB, but there is a kind of cautionary tale to be learned from Jake Delhomme. Same type QB,
had some dismal years doing time as a backup, was a star as a starter, but all too quickly began to show that
he didn't exactly have it ALL in the bag of tricks. All that said, obviously I love Matt Flynn, he is a LSU
product and a genuine leader of men. Anyone would be lucky to get him. Not sure Cleveland fans would long
be in love with him, though, Colt McCoy might yet be something worth what they paid him. If they banish
McCoy to the bench or the waiver wire, it will be quite a wicked thing. Might not recover.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

No, they just take the Packers castaways...:r
Matt Kalil is the best OT prospect to come out since Jake Long.:2

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I know one thing Scott, Bringing in Mike Wallace would light up Colt McCoy. He is sho nuf the real deal. I would take him
over a high-price on Blackmon. Many would not.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

I wouldn't exactly call 4-5 years for $5 million a year a high price on a WR. Wallace is the real deal but will eventually someone will have to pay him near $10 million a year to sign him long term. We will see how Blackmon does in the NFL; I have doubted him his whole career at OSU and he continued to prove me wrong.

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Absolutely, no doubt about it! If the Rams don't trade out of the #2 spot they better draft Kalil. The dude has pro-bowler written all over him!

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I am using the word "high-priced" like I did "waiver-wire", not literally. I am only saying that I would take Wallace in
a second over Blackmon, and if the price was equally hard to swallow on both of them, I'd rather have Wallace.

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

haha, I thought you meant Professional Bowler there for a second.:r

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Mike Wallace is a burner. Colt McCoy makes Chad Pennington look like John Elway. I don't see the connection...

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

You and me both brother! Wallace is a stud and can stretch the field. Blackmon reminds me of a slower Terrell Owens.


(Unless he comes out and runs a 4.4 on his pro day which I don't see happening)

Re: The Official 2012 NFL Draft Talk Thread
 

The Vikes need to take this Kalil kid at 3. With a talent like him at left tackle they can move Charlie Johnson to left guard, a position that he's actually very good at, and kill 2 birds with one stone.

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The connection Stephen, is that everyone is hollering about McCoy being crap. Maybe if he had Wallace,
he would look like Peyton Manning........duh. :r

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Can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, Brad. Wallace's game doesn't play to McCoy's strengths at all.

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Another prospect who bleeds pro-bowl talent is David DeCastro from Stanford. I've never seen two can't miss offensive line prospects like this in the same draft. I have also never seen an offensive guard projected to go in the top 15 before either.