ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

JMo from Bed-Stuy (stand up!) writes: James, what happens if Shayne Graham and Terrell Suggs don't come to terms with their respective teams by the deadline? Thanks as always for your blogging.

James Walker: It means both players will become free agents again after the 2009 season, JMo. Both players are unhappy, but Suggs is in a slightly different situation because he hasn't signed his franchise tender yet. That gives Suggs the freedom to sit out/protest a portion of training camp without penalty. I'm not sure if Suggs wants to do that again, but he did it last year.

Tony from Honolulu writes: Mr. Walker, you recently called out the "struggling" draft class of 2005. I'd like to defend that draft class, particularly Brandon Jacobs, Heath Miller, Khalif Barnes and Matt Cassel. Even Pacman Jones and Matt Jones proved to be playmakers despite off the field issues.

James Walker: Read the blog again, Tony. I wrote the "top" of the 2005 draft was probably the worst of the decade. All the players you mentioned, with the exception of Adam "Pacman" Jones, were not in the top 10. And Jones has played for two teams and is currently out of the league. I would definitely label him a bust.

Newman from Cincinnati wants to know the depth of the receiving corps of the Bengals.

James Walker: It's a pretty deep group. Starters Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles should be fine. Chris Henry and Andre Caldwell also are doing some good things this offseason, but everyone is waiting to see it games. Jerome Simpson still looks rough around the edges and the undersized Antonio Chatman does what he can. Overall, it's a good group as long as at least one of the young players like Henry or Caldwell step up.

Ethan from Versailles, KY writes: Who has a better chance of winning the AFC North: Cincy or Pittsburgh?

James Walker: I understand the optimism, Bengals fans. But try not to get too cocky, OK?

Clifton from Brooklyn, NY writes: James, do you think that Aaron Smith will ever get the proper recognition for his career?

James Walker: Those who know football know that Smith is a great player. He is probably the Pittsburgh Steelers' most underrated defensive player. But after getting to know Smith some in the past year, he doesn't seek publicity. He plays to win championships and already has two. Smith loves the game and has the respect of his coaches and peers, and that's enough for him.