AFC West: Arizona Cardinals
Earlier Tuesday, we examined whether Charles Woodson would fit in the AFC West. We might be talking about the subject more.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that the Denver Broncos will visit with the safety this week.
The interest makes sense. The Broncos could use help at safety, and Woodson would provide strong leadership. The future hall of famer is 36. Denver coach John Fox has long valued veterans. I wouldn’t be shocked if an accord is reached between Denver and Woodson.
Meanwhile, a Denver source said the Broncos are not interested in former Chicago middle linebacker Brian Urlacher at this time. There was a report out of Chicago on Tuesday that said the Broncos were talking to Urlacher.
In other AFC West notes:
The Cardinals are visiting with left tackle Max Starks. He visited with the Chargers last week and is considered the best left tackle on the market. The Chargers badly need a left tackle.
The Chiefs are visiting with defensive lineman Ryan McBean. He is a rotational player.
As expected, left tackle Branden Albert is working with the Chiefs for the first time this offseason. Th sides are trying to get a long-term deal done.
The Eagles will honor former quarterback Donovan McNabb on Sept. 19 when they host the Chiefs and former Eagles’ coach Andy Reid. Reid drafted McNabb in his first year in Philadelphia.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that the Denver Broncos will visit with the safety this week.
The interest makes sense. The Broncos could use help at safety, and Woodson would provide strong leadership. The future hall of famer is 36. Denver coach John Fox has long valued veterans. I wouldn’t be shocked if an accord is reached between Denver and Woodson.
Meanwhile, a Denver source said the Broncos are not interested in former Chicago middle linebacker Brian Urlacher at this time. There was a report out of Chicago on Tuesday that said the Broncos were talking to Urlacher.
In other AFC West notes:
The Cardinals are visiting with left tackle Max Starks. He visited with the Chargers last week and is considered the best left tackle on the market. The Chargers badly need a left tackle.
The Chiefs are visiting with defensive lineman Ryan McBean. He is a rotational player.
As expected, left tackle Branden Albert is working with the Chiefs for the first time this offseason. Th sides are trying to get a long-term deal done.
The Eagles will honor former quarterback Donovan McNabb on Sept. 19 when they host the Chiefs and former Eagles’ coach Andy Reid. Reid drafted McNabb in his first year in Philadelphia.
The Oakland Raiders are kicking the tires on a now-healthy Josh Cribbs, according to several reports.
The Cleveland free agent nearly signed a deal with Arizona early in free agency. But he wasn’t fully recovered from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
I was told that Cribbs had a “great visit” with Oakland, and the Raiders are one of four teams interested in Cribbs. The Raiders’ interest in Cribbs is not a surprise. The Raiders looked at Domenik Hixon earlier in free agency. Like Hixon, Cribbs is a return man and a receiver. Cribbs, who will turn 30 next month, has been a dynamic return man in his career, but he is aging. His highest season reception total came in 2011 when he had 41 catches.
If he signs with Oakland, Cribbs would be insurance for receiver/returner Jacoby Ford, who has been hampered by foot injuries.
In other AFC West notes:
USA Today is reporting the Kansas City Chiefs are considering Jeff Morrow of Carolina and Marvin Allen of the Falcons for their director of college scouting opening. The new regime is adding pieces to the scouting department.
Denver free-agent receiver Matthew Willis recently worked out for New England.
UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Cribbs is also going to visit the New York Jets.
The Cleveland free agent nearly signed a deal with Arizona early in free agency. But he wasn’t fully recovered from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
I was told that Cribbs had a “great visit” with Oakland, and the Raiders are one of four teams interested in Cribbs. The Raiders’ interest in Cribbs is not a surprise. The Raiders looked at Domenik Hixon earlier in free agency. Like Hixon, Cribbs is a return man and a receiver. Cribbs, who will turn 30 next month, has been a dynamic return man in his career, but he is aging. His highest season reception total came in 2011 when he had 41 catches.
If he signs with Oakland, Cribbs would be insurance for receiver/returner Jacoby Ford, who has been hampered by foot injuries.
In other AFC West notes:
USA Today is reporting the Kansas City Chiefs are considering Jeff Morrow of Carolina and Marvin Allen of the Falcons for their director of college scouting opening. The new regime is adding pieces to the scouting department.
Denver free-agent receiver Matthew Willis recently worked out for New England.
UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Cribbs is also going to visit the New York Jets.
For those Kansas City Chiefs fans who are still looking for a reason to bang on the Scott Pioli era, here is your chance.
Javier Arenas is a former Chief.
The new Kansas City regime -- Pioli was fired after four years in January -- sent Arenas to Arizona for fullback Anthony Sherman on Wednesday. Arenas will always be remembered in Kansas City for being the compensation the Chiefs received for tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is one of the most decorated players in Kansas City history. Arenas is a player who barely made an impact in three seasons in Kansas City. Pioli traded Gonzalez to Atlanta in 2009 for a second-round pick in 2010. Pioli took Arenas, a cornerback/returner out of Alabama, with the 50th overall pick in 2010.
Arenas had his moments but never became a huge part of the plan in Kansas City. The Chiefs have continued to upgrade at spots Arenas played and there was no chance he’d make the roster this year. If so, he wouldn’t have had a huge role. The Chiefs are set at cornerback with the free-agent additions of Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith. Along with Brandon Flowers, they are considered the NFL's best trio of cornerbacks.
With Arenas now expendable, the Chiefs used him as a piece to help their offense with the Sherman addition.
Javier Arenas is a former Chief.
The new Kansas City regime -- Pioli was fired after four years in January -- sent Arenas to Arizona for fullback Anthony Sherman on Wednesday. Arenas will always be remembered in Kansas City for being the compensation the Chiefs received for tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is one of the most decorated players in Kansas City history. Arenas is a player who barely made an impact in three seasons in Kansas City. Pioli traded Gonzalez to Atlanta in 2009 for a second-round pick in 2010. Pioli took Arenas, a cornerback/returner out of Alabama, with the 50th overall pick in 2010.
Arenas had his moments but never became a huge part of the plan in Kansas City. The Chiefs have continued to upgrade at spots Arenas played and there was no chance he’d make the roster this year. If so, he wouldn’t have had a huge role. The Chiefs are set at cornerback with the free-agent additions of Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith. Along with Brandon Flowers, they are considered the NFL's best trio of cornerbacks.
With Arenas now expendable, the Chiefs used him as a piece to help their offense with the Sherman addition.
Andy Reid likes using the fullback. Bruce Arians doesn’t use it.
The importance? The Kansas City Chiefs just got a potentially valuable player.
It has been widely reported that the Chiefs have acquired fullback Anthony Sherman from Arizona on Wednesday morning. The trade terms have yet to be reported and the Chiefs have not confirmed the deal.
Sherman will fit in with Reid’s version of the West Coast offense. He will use the fullback in several sets. Sherman, a fifth-round pick out of Connecticut in 2011, becomes the most accomplished fullback on Kansas City’s roster. He had 243 snaps with the Cardinals last season.
He is considered a good player. He is tough and a strong blocker. He also can help on special teams. Don’t expect Sherman to be a offensive weapon, though. He has one career carry and 13 catches. He is in Kansas City to block and to bring toughness.
This is an important addition for Reid. The fullback is a dying breed, but Reid still uses it and Sherman has a lot to offer.
UPDATE: Cornerback Javier Arenas is reportedly being sent to Arizona in Sherman trade. I will have another post upcoming.
The importance? The Kansas City Chiefs just got a potentially valuable player.
It has been widely reported that the Chiefs have acquired fullback Anthony Sherman from Arizona on Wednesday morning. The trade terms have yet to be reported and the Chiefs have not confirmed the deal.
Sherman will fit in with Reid’s version of the West Coast offense. He will use the fullback in several sets. Sherman, a fifth-round pick out of Connecticut in 2011, becomes the most accomplished fullback on Kansas City’s roster. He had 243 snaps with the Cardinals last season.
He is considered a good player. He is tough and a strong blocker. He also can help on special teams. Don’t expect Sherman to be a offensive weapon, though. He has one career carry and 13 catches. He is in Kansas City to block and to bring toughness.
This is an important addition for Reid. The fullback is a dying breed, but Reid still uses it and Sherman has a lot to offer.
UPDATE: Cornerback Javier Arenas is reportedly being sent to Arizona in Sherman trade. I will have another post upcoming.
The San Diego Chargers did not address their top need in the NFL draft, so it makes sense that they ramp up their pursuit of free agent left tackle Bryant McKinnie.
CBS Sports reports that the Chargers have a visit with McKinnie, a starter on Super Bowl champion Baltimore. He is also visiting Miami.
As of now, King Dunlap would be the Chargers' left tackle, but he is not considered a solid NFL starter. But if the Chargers don’t sign McKinnie, they may have to use Dunlap as Philip Rivers’ blindside protector.
Miami’s interest in McKinnie doesn’t only impact San Diego. If the Dolphins sign McKinnie, it would officially end any chance of Miami trading for Kansas City left tackle Branden Albert.
Update: Perhaps the Chargers will show interest in Adam Synder, who was cut by the Cardinals. Synder is a solid backup at all five positions. He played for new San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt last year.
CBS Sports reports that the Chargers have a visit with McKinnie, a starter on Super Bowl champion Baltimore. He is also visiting Miami.
As of now, King Dunlap would be the Chargers' left tackle, but he is not considered a solid NFL starter. But if the Chargers don’t sign McKinnie, they may have to use Dunlap as Philip Rivers’ blindside protector.
Miami’s interest in McKinnie doesn’t only impact San Diego. If the Dolphins sign McKinnie, it would officially end any chance of Miami trading for Kansas City left tackle Branden Albert.
Update: Perhaps the Chargers will show interest in Adam Synder, who was cut by the Cardinals. Synder is a solid backup at all five positions. He played for new San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt last year.
Eight in the Box: Ideal first rounds
April, 19, 2013
Apr 19
12:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
What’s the ideal first-round scenario for each team?
Denver
The Broncos are in a decent position sitting at No. 28. Yes, all of the elite players will be long gone. But the Broncos can get better at this spot. Denver doesn’t have many pressing needs, but it can surely upgrade at a few positions. Among the spots Denver could use some help at are on the defensive line, running back, cornerback and middle linebacker. This is a deep class on the defensive line and at cornerback, and the better running backs and inside linebackers may be available late in the first round. Denver would love to see these players available at No. 28: Alabama running back Eddie Lacy, Florida State pass-rushers Bjoern Werner and Tank Carradine, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o, Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant and Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden. I think, at least, one of these players will be available. Thus, Denver should get a player it covets.
Kansas City
Since the Chiefs will start the draft with the No. 1 pick, they dictate the show. But we’ve long talked about this being a bad year for the Chiefs to have the top pick. After a tremendous quarterback class last year, this year’s crop is devoid of top talent. The Chiefs could still find talent at the top of the draft, but they would prefer to trade out of the top spot to collect more picks and get out of paying the highest rookie contract. For that to happen, some team will have to come out of the woodwork. Thus far, there aren’t many indications there will be a market for the top pick. But if some team falls in love with a specific player, the Chiefs would accommodate them.
Oakland
The Raiders are in a similar spot as the Chiefs -- they want to trade down. In fact, Oakland likely wants to deal the No. 3 pick more than the Chiefs want to get rid of the No. 1 pick. Oakland badly needs to stock its roster. Trading the No. 3 pick may be easier than dealing the No. 1 pick. The price will be less and teams may be intrigued by the way the first two picks fall. So, I could see Oakland getting a suitable trade offer while on the clock. Oakland would love to still get a top-15 pick to get a top defensive talent and recoup its second-round pick lost in the Carson Palmer debacle. Now, if the Raiders don’t make a trade, they will be in good shape at No. 3. The Raiders badly need defensive talent. Among the top defensive prospects are Oregon pass-rusher Dion Jordan, Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner. At least two of those players will be available at No. 3, so Oakland will be sitting pretty.
San Diego
This is pretty simple: The Chargers want to see Oklahoma left tackle Lane Johnson still on the board at No. 11. But it may be iffy. The Chargers have a lot of needs, but no need is greater than at left tackle. The Chargers do not have a blindside protector for quarterback Philip Rivers. That’s scary. But there is no sure thing San Diego will find its left tackle in the draft. Top prospects Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher will both be gone by the time the Chargers pick. Johnson has been a fast riser and there is a good chance he will be gone. Arizona at No. 7 is considered a strong landing spot for the super-athletic Johnson. The Chargers need quarterback Geno Smith to go in the top seven picks. If the Eagles take him at No. 4, it could push Fisher to No. 7 and Johnson to No. 11. If the Cardinals take Smith, Johnson could fall to the Chargers.
What’s the ideal first-round scenario for each team?
Denver
The Broncos are in a decent position sitting at No. 28. Yes, all of the elite players will be long gone. But the Broncos can get better at this spot. Denver doesn’t have many pressing needs, but it can surely upgrade at a few positions. Among the spots Denver could use some help at are on the defensive line, running back, cornerback and middle linebacker. This is a deep class on the defensive line and at cornerback, and the better running backs and inside linebackers may be available late in the first round. Denver would love to see these players available at No. 28: Alabama running back Eddie Lacy, Florida State pass-rushers Bjoern Werner and Tank Carradine, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o, Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant and Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden. I think, at least, one of these players will be available. Thus, Denver should get a player it covets.
Kansas City
Since the Chiefs will start the draft with the No. 1 pick, they dictate the show. But we’ve long talked about this being a bad year for the Chiefs to have the top pick. After a tremendous quarterback class last year, this year’s crop is devoid of top talent. The Chiefs could still find talent at the top of the draft, but they would prefer to trade out of the top spot to collect more picks and get out of paying the highest rookie contract. For that to happen, some team will have to come out of the woodwork. Thus far, there aren’t many indications there will be a market for the top pick. But if some team falls in love with a specific player, the Chiefs would accommodate them.
Oakland
The Raiders are in a similar spot as the Chiefs -- they want to trade down. In fact, Oakland likely wants to deal the No. 3 pick more than the Chiefs want to get rid of the No. 1 pick. Oakland badly needs to stock its roster. Trading the No. 3 pick may be easier than dealing the No. 1 pick. The price will be less and teams may be intrigued by the way the first two picks fall. So, I could see Oakland getting a suitable trade offer while on the clock. Oakland would love to still get a top-15 pick to get a top defensive talent and recoup its second-round pick lost in the Carson Palmer debacle. Now, if the Raiders don’t make a trade, they will be in good shape at No. 3. The Raiders badly need defensive talent. Among the top defensive prospects are Oregon pass-rusher Dion Jordan, Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner. At least two of those players will be available at No. 3, so Oakland will be sitting pretty.
San Diego
This is pretty simple: The Chargers want to see Oklahoma left tackle Lane Johnson still on the board at No. 11. But it may be iffy. The Chargers have a lot of needs, but no need is greater than at left tackle. The Chargers do not have a blindside protector for quarterback Philip Rivers. That’s scary. But there is no sure thing San Diego will find its left tackle in the draft. Top prospects Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher will both be gone by the time the Chargers pick. Johnson has been a fast riser and there is a good chance he will be gone. Arizona at No. 7 is considered a strong landing spot for the super-athletic Johnson. The Chargers need quarterback Geno Smith to go in the top seven picks. If the Eagles take him at No. 4, it could push Fisher to No. 7 and Johnson to No. 11. If the Cardinals take Smith, Johnson could fall to the Chargers.
Let’s take a look at some possible targets of the San Diego Chargers, who have the No. 11 pick in the April 25-27 draft:
AustinTAVON AUSTIN, RECEIVER, WEST VIRGINIA
Why is he a top prospect? He is ultra-fast and a big-time playmaker. Great film and great workouts.
How would he help? He could give some much-needed life to San Diego's offense -- a nice fit for a group that needs a smallish-type receiver.
What are the risks? He is tiny at 5-foot-8, 173 pounds. Teams always worry whether little guys can make the transition to the rigorous NFL.
How he could be the choice: I think he’d be a backup plan. But Austin would fill a need, and San Diego could be tempted to add an explosive piece.
CooperJONATHAN COOPER, GUARD, NORTH CAROLINA
Why is he a top prospect? A player with few holes. Alabama guard Chance Warmack is one of the highest-rated guards to come into the NFL in years. Some scouts think Cooper is just as good.
How would he help? The Chargers have big needs on the offensive line. Cooper would be an instant starter.
What are the risks? Do you want to take a guard that high? Top guards are typically available later in the draft.
How he could be the choice: If the Chargers think he is better than Warmack or if Warmack is taken in the top 10, Cooper could be the pick if the left-tackle options are gone.
EifertTYLER EIFERT, TIGHT END, NOTRE DAME
Why is he a top prospect? Huge target who has everything you look for in a tight end -- speed, hands and the ability to block.
How would he help? Antonio Gates is getting older and has long dealt with health issues. Eifert could help as an immediate weapon and as a long-term answer.
What are the risks? Taking a tight end at No. 11 might be a bit high.
How he could be the choice: Another backup option. Could be a target if the Chargers trade down.
FlukerD.J. FLUKER, TACKLE, ALABAMA
Why is he a top prospect? He is a massive man at 6-4, 335 pounds. You need to buy a passport to complete the trip around him.
How would he help? He projects as a right tackle in the NFL. He’d start right away.
What are the risks? The Chargers need a left tackle and a guard more than a right tackle. Fluker might be too clunky for a unit that wants to get sleeker.
How he could be the choice: If the Chargers love him more than some other linemen, he could be the selection.
JohnsonLANE JOHNSON, LEFT TACKLE, OKLAHOMA
Why is he a top prospect? The former quarterback is super athletic, strong and fast. A sky-is-the-limit type.
How would he help? He would step in and be the Chargers’ left tackle.
What are the risks? There is real concern the Cardinals could take him at No. 7. Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are expected to be taken among the top five picks.
How he could be the choice: If Johnson is there, he very likely will be the choice.
LotuleleiSTAR LOTULELEI, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAH
Why is he a top prospect? Stellar anchor to a defensive line. He is versatile and productive.
How would he help? He would be a great nose tackle on what would be a great, young front three with ends Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes. A potentially awesome trio.
What are the risks? There were major health concerns when tests at the NFL combine in February showed Lotulelei had heart issues. He has been cleared; still, there would be worries in the back of some teams’ minds.
How he could be the choice: If Johnson is gone, I think the Chargers would have a hard time passing on this Star if he is on the board at No. 11.
MillinerDEE MILLINER, CORNERBACK, ALABAMA
Why is he a top prospect? Fast, polished, NFL-ready cover cornerback who has succeeded at the highest level.
How would he help? Milliner could step in and start along free-agent pickup Derek Cox, giving the Chargers a nice cornerback tandem.
What are the risks? He very well could be taken in the first six picks -- perhaps as high as No. 3 to Oakland.
How he could be the choice: If he is available, I think the Chargers will think long and hard about Milliner.
OgletreeALEC OGLETREE, LINEBACKER, GEORGIA
Why is he a top prospect? He is a freakish athlete who makes big plays. Top middle linebacker in the draft.
How would he help? He would be an inside linebacker in the 3-4 and be yet another excellent young front-seven player in San Diego.
What are the risks? He has a recent drunken driving arrest and other off-field concerns.
How he could be the choice: A backup plan. He could be intriguing if the Chargers drop back a few spots.
VaccaroKENNY VACCARO, SAFETY, TEXAS
Why is he a top prospect? He can hit, run and cover.
How would he help? An Eric Weddle-Vaccaro safety tandem would be strong. It would give a nice identity to San Diego’s defense.
What are the risks? The 11th pick might be too high for a safety this year, considering it is a deep class.
How he could be the choice: Again, he might be an option if the Chargers slide back a few picks.
WarmackCHANCE WARMACK, GUARD, ALABAMA
Why is he a top prospect? A classic guard who has a chance to be dominant.
How would he help? He’d be the Chargers' best offensive lineman.
What are the risks? He might be off the board.
How he could be the choice: I think the Chargers will go into draft day envisioning Warmack as a real possibility to wear a lightning bolt on his helmet.
Why is he a top prospect? He is ultra-fast and a big-time playmaker. Great film and great workouts.
How would he help? He could give some much-needed life to San Diego's offense -- a nice fit for a group that needs a smallish-type receiver.
What are the risks? He is tiny at 5-foot-8, 173 pounds. Teams always worry whether little guys can make the transition to the rigorous NFL.
How he could be the choice: I think he’d be a backup plan. But Austin would fill a need, and San Diego could be tempted to add an explosive piece.
Why is he a top prospect? A player with few holes. Alabama guard Chance Warmack is one of the highest-rated guards to come into the NFL in years. Some scouts think Cooper is just as good.
How would he help? The Chargers have big needs on the offensive line. Cooper would be an instant starter.
What are the risks? Do you want to take a guard that high? Top guards are typically available later in the draft.
How he could be the choice: If the Chargers think he is better than Warmack or if Warmack is taken in the top 10, Cooper could be the pick if the left-tackle options are gone.
Why is he a top prospect? Huge target who has everything you look for in a tight end -- speed, hands and the ability to block.
How would he help? Antonio Gates is getting older and has long dealt with health issues. Eifert could help as an immediate weapon and as a long-term answer.
What are the risks? Taking a tight end at No. 11 might be a bit high.
How he could be the choice: Another backup option. Could be a target if the Chargers trade down.
Why is he a top prospect? He is a massive man at 6-4, 335 pounds. You need to buy a passport to complete the trip around him.
How would he help? He projects as a right tackle in the NFL. He’d start right away.
What are the risks? The Chargers need a left tackle and a guard more than a right tackle. Fluker might be too clunky for a unit that wants to get sleeker.
How he could be the choice: If the Chargers love him more than some other linemen, he could be the selection.
Why is he a top prospect? The former quarterback is super athletic, strong and fast. A sky-is-the-limit type.
How would he help? He would step in and be the Chargers’ left tackle.
What are the risks? There is real concern the Cardinals could take him at No. 7. Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are expected to be taken among the top five picks.
How he could be the choice: If Johnson is there, he very likely will be the choice.
Why is he a top prospect? Stellar anchor to a defensive line. He is versatile and productive.
How would he help? He would be a great nose tackle on what would be a great, young front three with ends Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes. A potentially awesome trio.
What are the risks? There were major health concerns when tests at the NFL combine in February showed Lotulelei had heart issues. He has been cleared; still, there would be worries in the back of some teams’ minds.
How he could be the choice: If Johnson is gone, I think the Chargers would have a hard time passing on this Star if he is on the board at No. 11.
Why is he a top prospect? Fast, polished, NFL-ready cover cornerback who has succeeded at the highest level.
How would he help? Milliner could step in and start along free-agent pickup Derek Cox, giving the Chargers a nice cornerback tandem.
What are the risks? He very well could be taken in the first six picks -- perhaps as high as No. 3 to Oakland.
How he could be the choice: If he is available, I think the Chargers will think long and hard about Milliner.
Why is he a top prospect? He is a freakish athlete who makes big plays. Top middle linebacker in the draft.
How would he help? He would be an inside linebacker in the 3-4 and be yet another excellent young front-seven player in San Diego.
What are the risks? He has a recent drunken driving arrest and other off-field concerns.
How he could be the choice: A backup plan. He could be intriguing if the Chargers drop back a few spots.
Why is he a top prospect? He can hit, run and cover.
How would he help? An Eric Weddle-Vaccaro safety tandem would be strong. It would give a nice identity to San Diego’s defense.
What are the risks? The 11th pick might be too high for a safety this year, considering it is a deep class.
How he could be the choice: Again, he might be an option if the Chargers slide back a few picks.
Why is he a top prospect? A classic guard who has a chance to be dominant.
How would he help? He’d be the Chargers' best offensive lineman.
What are the risks? He might be off the board.
How he could be the choice: I think the Chargers will go into draft day envisioning Warmack as a real possibility to wear a lightning bolt on his helmet.
Midweek mail call:
Logan Starks from Lincoln, Neb., wants to know if I think Alabama running back Eddie Lacy could be Denver’s choice with the No. 28 pick.
Bill Williamson: I think Lacy could certainly be a possibility. In fact, in my last mock draft, I have him tabbed to be Denver’s choice. But with Elvis Dumervil leaving, the Broncos will also be looking at pass-rushers. Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway is known for going for the best available player. But Lacy, I believe, will be in the conversation.
Antonio Spellman from San Diego wants to know if I think the Chargers will add another running back.
BW: I think they could draft a running back in the mid-rounds. Ryan Mathews is the starter, but he has yet to prove he can stay healthy. He needs help. The team signed Danny Woodhead and he will have a role on third down and in the red zone. Ronnie Brown was brought back as a backup. The team claimed Fozzy Whittaker off waivers from Arizona. New San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt coached Whittaker and he likes him. But I can still see them adding another tailback into the mix.
Md. Ellis from Council Bluffs, Iowa, wants to know what the Raiders should expect in terms of compensatory picks in 2014.
BW: Well, Raiders fans should hope not much. That would mean that the players who left in free agency fared better than the ones brought in. The comp pick formula is based on several things, including salary, performance and honors received by outgoing free agents weighed against the performance against incoming free agents. Yes, a lot of outgoing Oakland players got paid well this offseason opposed to several players who were signed by Oakland. But the incoming free agents will play a lot. So, if the Raiders get a slew of comp picks it will mean the incoming free-agent class didn’t fare that well.
Logan Starks from Lincoln, Neb., wants to know if I think Alabama running back Eddie Lacy could be Denver’s choice with the No. 28 pick.
Bill Williamson: I think Lacy could certainly be a possibility. In fact, in my last mock draft, I have him tabbed to be Denver’s choice. But with Elvis Dumervil leaving, the Broncos will also be looking at pass-rushers. Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway is known for going for the best available player. But Lacy, I believe, will be in the conversation.
Antonio Spellman from San Diego wants to know if I think the Chargers will add another running back.
BW: I think they could draft a running back in the mid-rounds. Ryan Mathews is the starter, but he has yet to prove he can stay healthy. He needs help. The team signed Danny Woodhead and he will have a role on third down and in the red zone. Ronnie Brown was brought back as a backup. The team claimed Fozzy Whittaker off waivers from Arizona. New San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt coached Whittaker and he likes him. But I can still see them adding another tailback into the mix.
Md. Ellis from Council Bluffs, Iowa, wants to know what the Raiders should expect in terms of compensatory picks in 2014.
BW: Well, Raiders fans should hope not much. That would mean that the players who left in free agency fared better than the ones brought in. The comp pick formula is based on several things, including salary, performance and honors received by outgoing free agents weighed against the performance against incoming free agents. Yes, a lot of outgoing Oakland players got paid well this offseason opposed to several players who were signed by Oakland. But the incoming free agents will play a lot. So, if the Raiders get a slew of comp picks it will mean the incoming free-agent class didn’t fare that well.
The way the Carson Palmer era ended in Oakland on Tuesday summed up the entire 18-month experience -- it was disappointing and made little impact.
The Raiders hoped finally to get something good from the disastrous Palmer era, but those hopes ended with a thud. Oakland traded the quarterback and a seventh-round pick (No. 219) in this year's draft to Arizona for a sixth-round pick (No. 176), plus a conditional 2014 seventh-round pick if Palmer starts 13 games for the Cardinals this season.
Yes, the Raiders received scraps in return for Palmer.
It's no shock. There was little chance Arizona, or any other team, would give up anything valuable for Palmer because he essentially forced his way out of Oakland.
The Raiders wanted Palmer, but as a backup plan they traded for Matt Flynn, who now is in line to start.
Making this turn of events even more bitter for Oakland is the fact that the team gave up the No. 17 overall pick in last year’s draft and still owes the No. 35 pick in this year’s draft for Palmer, whom the previous regime desperately traded for in 2011.
Palmer, who forced his way out of Cincinnati by basically retiring on the team, went 8-16 as the starter in Oakland. Tuesday marked the end of one of the worst trades in NFL history.
The current regime in Oakland was hoping to get at least the 2013 season out of Palmer. Even though he didn’t help the Raiders win, he was a proven player.
It’s difficult to say whether this trade improved the Raiders' immediate future. Flynn, who turns 28 in June, is unproven. He has two NFL starts under his belt. Plus, Flynn will be paid a guaranteed $6.5 million this season. Combined with the $9.3 million in dead money from Palmer’s contract, the Raiders are committing more money at the quarterback position than they would have had they paid Palmer’s full salary. The Raiders must hope Flynn will quickly flourish.
The Raiders have been in salary cap hell for some time, and are still digging out of it. But they will be in great shape next year, with likely between $40 million and $50 million in cap room. The Raiders will need it as they continue to try to restock the roster for the future. The key is whether ownership will want to spend the signing bonuses that go along with salary cap spending.
But that is an issue for the future. This is a "now" league. That means trying to compete in 2013, and the immediate concern is how the Raiders will try to improve after the fiasco that was the Carson Palmer experience.
Raiders shuffle draft picks in Palmer deal
April, 2, 2013
Apr 2
2:20
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Oakland Raiders traded quarterback Carson Palmer for a sixth-round pick this year and a conditional seventh-round pick in 2014. The Cardinals also get a seventh-round pick this year in the deal. It is No. 219 overall.
I will be back with more thoughts. Below is Oakland’s new draft order for 2013:
1-3-3
3-4-66
4-3-100
6-4-172
6-8-176 (from Arizona for Palmer)
6-37-205 (compensatory award, cannot be traded)
7-3-209
I will be back with more thoughts. Below is Oakland’s new draft order for 2013:
1-3-3
3-4-66
4-3-100
6-4-172
6-8-176 (from Arizona for Palmer)
6-37-205 (compensatory award, cannot be traded)
7-3-209
Are Carson Palmer trade talks stalling?
April, 1, 2013
Apr 1
11:50
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Earlier today it seemed that the Oakland Raiders' trade of quarterback Carson Palmer to the Arizona Cardinals was a formality. However, Monday night CBS Sports reported that while the two teams are still talking, negotiations have hit a snag. The Cardinals are trying to give Palmer a new contract as part of the deal.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the Raiders could try to find another trade partner or be forced to cut Palmer without any compensation. The Raiders traded for Matt Flynn on Monday because Palmer refused to take a pay cut from the Raiders.
It will be difficult for the Raiders to find a new trade partner because most of the teams wanting Palmer would likely only want him as a backup at this point. The Raiders don’t have to immediately make a move on Palmer. His salary-cap hit is what it is and there is no deadline. The Raiders could sit on Palmer for a while if the Arizona talks fizzle.
In other AFC West news:
The Colts signed former Oakland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2009 draft was recently cut by the Raiders.
A teammate didn’t love the comments San Diego running back Ryan Mathews made about the 2012 Chargers.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the Raiders could try to find another trade partner or be forced to cut Palmer without any compensation. The Raiders traded for Matt Flynn on Monday because Palmer refused to take a pay cut from the Raiders.
It will be difficult for the Raiders to find a new trade partner because most of the teams wanting Palmer would likely only want him as a backup at this point. The Raiders don’t have to immediately make a move on Palmer. His salary-cap hit is what it is and there is no deadline. The Raiders could sit on Palmer for a while if the Arizona talks fizzle.
In other AFC West news:
The Colts signed former Oakland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2009 draft was recently cut by the Raiders.
A teammate didn’t love the comments San Diego running back Ryan Mathews made about the 2012 Chargers.
Judging from the context of Dennis Allen’s conference call with media members, it appears new quarterback Matt Flynn will, as expected, likely get first crack at the starting quarterback job rather than Terrelle Pryor.
Allen said nothing changes and there will be competition. Well, that was the plan had Carson Palmer stayed, as the Raiders hoped. Allen said earlier this offseason that Palmer would head into camp as the starter. He had talked about specific packages for Pryor. On Monday, Allen continued to say that was the plan for Pryor.
“I don’t think it’s going to change a whole lot. Obviously, we feel confident about Matt Flynn as a quarterback and giving him the opportunity to potentially win the starting job,” Allen said. “I think we still feel positive about giving Terrelle Pryor an opportunity to compete and specifically having a package of things that he can do really well and giving him an opportunity. So I don’t know that there’s a whole lot that’s changed as far as the mindset of what we feel like we can do offensively.”
Allen also talked about Flynn -- who has started two games in five NFL seasons -- in the same category as Matt Schaub and Aaron Rodgers as players who had to wait before getting their turn. It is clear the Raiders are expecting Flynn to be the starter. Sure, Pryor can always beat him out (Flynn lost his job in Seattle last summer to Russell Wilson), but it seems the Raiders still think Pryor has to prove he can handle the job before getting it.
Meanwhile, Tracy Porter may decide where he is going to play in the next couple of days. He has visited Oakland and New Orleans. There is little chance Porter will return to Denver. The Raiders are also interested in Dallas cornerback Mike Jenkins.
The Cardinals cut quarterback John Skelton. It is another sign that the Palmer trade will go through with Arizona.
Allen said nothing changes and there will be competition. Well, that was the plan had Carson Palmer stayed, as the Raiders hoped. Allen said earlier this offseason that Palmer would head into camp as the starter. He had talked about specific packages for Pryor. On Monday, Allen continued to say that was the plan for Pryor.
“I don’t think it’s going to change a whole lot. Obviously, we feel confident about Matt Flynn as a quarterback and giving him the opportunity to potentially win the starting job,” Allen said. “I think we still feel positive about giving Terrelle Pryor an opportunity to compete and specifically having a package of things that he can do really well and giving him an opportunity. So I don’t know that there’s a whole lot that’s changed as far as the mindset of what we feel like we can do offensively.”
Allen also talked about Flynn -- who has started two games in five NFL seasons -- in the same category as Matt Schaub and Aaron Rodgers as players who had to wait before getting their turn. It is clear the Raiders are expecting Flynn to be the starter. Sure, Pryor can always beat him out (Flynn lost his job in Seattle last summer to Russell Wilson), but it seems the Raiders still think Pryor has to prove he can handle the job before getting it.
Meanwhile, Tracy Porter may decide where he is going to play in the next couple of days. He has visited Oakland and New Orleans. There is little chance Porter will return to Denver. The Raiders are also interested in Dallas cornerback Mike Jenkins.
The Cardinals cut quarterback John Skelton. It is another sign that the Palmer trade will go through with Arizona.
Getty ImagesGet to know these faces, as they are the Raiders' quarterbacks: Matt Flynn and Terrelle Pryor.The Oakland Raiders’ reconstruction of their roster has hit the most important position on the field: quarterback.
The Raiders acquired Matt Flynn from Seattle for two draft picks Monday.
Like many of the changes this year, the move was fueled by finances, and it is difficult to argue whether Oakland has improved at the position. The Raiders are going to give Flynn, a quarterback who has spent five NFL seasons as a backup and started just two games, a chance to play.
Flynn -- who was in Green Bay for four years with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie -- was Oakland’s backup plan to restructuring Carson Palmer’s contract. However, Palmer, 33, was reluctant to chop down his contract, so Oakland was forced to go elsewhere. He is reportedly in the process of being traded to Arizona for a low draft pick.
Yes, the deal does give Oakland some financial relief, although Palmer does count for more than $9 million in dead money on this year’s salary cap. But the move to acquire Flynn also cost the team some draft compensation, as Oakland will give Seattle a fifth-round draft pick in 2014 and a conditional pick in 2015. The Raiders have had a dearth of draft picks, and they didn’t want to lose any more choices. This is a franchise totally rebuilding, and it needs every pick it can get.
This move is a bitter one because Oakland gave up a first-round pick last year for Palmer, and it already owes the No. 35 overall pick in this month’s draft for him. These are all moves stemming from a desperation 2011 trade made by the previous Raiders regime.
The reality is the Raiders are now handing their quarterback position to a 27-year old player who is totally unproven. He will be learning on the job, and it also means the Raiders don’t believe in third-year quarterback Terrelle Pryor yet.
Oakland is very much in the rebuilding process. If Flynn -- who didn’t get any interest elsewhere -- doesn’t pan out, Oakland will be starting all over again next year.
This trade is defining for four quarterbacks, including top prospect Geno Smith. Let’s look at how:
Flynn
Let’s make this clear: Flynn isn’t a huge get. He is a backup plan. But who knows, now that he's finally getting a chance to play, he could be good.
I’ve heard people compare him to Rich Gannon, who of course became a star for the Raiders.
Flynn has skills. But what we know is that he will be a first-time starter at age 28 (his birthday is in June) by the time the season begins.
He's in Oakland only because Palmer didn’t want to be. But this is his chance. I know Flynn was terribly disappointed to see Russell Wilson come in and beat him out last year. He thought Seattle was his chance to start after sitting behind Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay for so long. But once again, Flynn sat behind a better player.
The Seattle experience made Flynn a forgotten man around the league this year. No one else made a play for him once free agency began. Former Green Bay executive John Dorsey is now the general manager in Kansas City, and even the Chiefs ignored Flynn. Kansas City targeted Alex Smith all the way. Also, many in the league thought it was telling last year when Flynn’s offensive coordinator in Green Bay, Joe Philbin, never made a huge play for Flynn even though the Dolphins needed a quarterback.
To his credit, Flynn put up good numbers in a limited role with the Packers. Perhaps he will flourish in Oakland. ESPN's Matt Williamson thinks Flynn is a worthwhile endeavor for Oakland, but with limitations.
“I certainly understand the move,” Williamson said. “McKenzie & Co. are obviously very familiar with Flynn from their time together in Green Bay, but I hope they don’t think of him as the answer at quarterback.”
Pryor
This trade is not a good sign for Pryor. This is a team that is in total rebuild mode. If the Raiders felt it was necessary to trade for an unproven quarterback instead of giving the ball to the third-year player who was already on the roster, it means the Raiders don’t think Pryor is ready for the job in any way.
That is a bit scary. When the Raiders thought Palmer would be in Oakland, McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen said Palmer was the starter, but Pryor would compete for the job.
I’m sure they'll say the same thing with Flynn in place. But this trade means the Raiders don’t believe in Pryor yet. He started the season finale last year, and though he was green, he showed some promise.
But the 2011 supplemental pick is still very much a work in progress. With Flynn coming in, the Raiders’ coaching staff will spend its time getting Flynn up to speed and Pryor will take a back seat.
If I were running the show in Oakland, I’d give the ball to Pryor and let him play. If he played well, the Raiders should have their answer at quarterback for the long term. If he played poorly, Oakland would know where it stands with Pryor in a season that likely didn’t have much promise anyway. Then Oakland could perhaps be in position to take a quarterback from what is expected to be a strong NFL draft crop next year.
Instead, the Raiders are rolling the dice on the veteran Flynn.
Palmer
Let’s face it; Palmer doesn’t look very good as he leaves Oakland.
He reportedly refused to take his contract from $13 million down to $10 million because he didn’t believe in the Raiders’ chances. Oakland wanted him, but he didn’t want Oakland. Now it is being reported Palmer is slated to make $8 million from the Cardinals.
So he is OK with making less money with another team whose playoff hopes are small?
This is the second time Palmer has deserted a team. He basically retired from the Bengals in 2011. The only reason the Bengals relented and traded Palmer is because the Raiders offered so much for him in a desperation move when Jason Campbell was hurt.
At the time, Oakland head coach Hue Jackson, who triggered the trade and who is now an assistant in Cincinnati, called it the best trade in NFL history.
He might have been right. The Bengals got a steal.
This is an all-time bad trade by Oakland, and it has to go down as one of the worst in league history. For Oakland to be forced to get rid of Palmer weeks before the Bengals get to use a second-round pick for him is crippling.
Palmer put up some nice numbers in Oakland, but he never helped the team become a winner. He was 8-16 as the Raiders’ starter. Consider this: All-time draft bust JaMarcus Russell was 7-18 as the Raiders’ starter.
In the end, the Palmer experience was almost as disastrous as the Russell era.
Smith
One thing I like about this turn of events is that Oakland very likely will not be taking Smith, the quarterback prospect out of West Virginia, with the No. 3 pick in this month's draft. With so many other needs, the Raiders can’t afford to bring both Flynn and Smith onto the roster this season.
The Raiders have major needs on defense. That is where the pick should be spent, not on Smith, who is no sure thing.
There is a negative to this reality, though. The Raiders would like to trade down to get more picks. With the threat of Smith no longer being there, it could be more difficult trading the pick.
In the end, getting Flynn is a move Oakland didn’t want to make that has major repercussions. The team can only hope it works out.
Raiders' McKenzie explains Matt Flynn deal
April, 1, 2013
Apr 1
2:01
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie released a statement on the acquisition of quarterback Matt Flynn.
Oakland gave Seattle a fifth-round pick in 2014 and a conditional pick in 2015 for Flynn, who spent his first four seasons in Green Bay. McKenzie was with the Packers during that time. The Raiders are trying to trade Carson Palmer -- who forced the Flynn trade by not wanting to take a pay cut from the Raiders -- to Arizona.
Here is McKenzie’s statement:
More reaction on the way.
Oakland gave Seattle a fifth-round pick in 2014 and a conditional pick in 2015 for Flynn, who spent his first four seasons in Green Bay. McKenzie was with the Packers during that time. The Raiders are trying to trade Carson Palmer -- who forced the Flynn trade by not wanting to take a pay cut from the Raiders -- to Arizona.
Here is McKenzie’s statement:
“I’ve known Matt Flynn since 2007 and scouted him before and after he entered the NFL. Matt is a tough football player, and a talented quarterback. He will get the opportunity to compete to be a starter with the Raiders. I believe Matt has that potential, but I also know he hasn’t had enough experience. We’re going to let him compete and battle, and see what happens. We know Raider Nation wants a team that can compete for the playoffs year-in and year-out and we’re putting in the necessary work right now to make that happen. This is one of the many decisions in that process.”
More reaction on the way.
Raiders land Matt Flynn; Palmer on way out
April, 1, 2013
Apr 1
11:45
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Oakland Raiders’ three-day trade talks with the Seattle Seahawks are ending with quarterback Matt Flynn being sent to Oakland in exchange for two draft picks.
It appears details are still coming in. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the picks are in the 2014 draft and a conditional pick in the 2015 draft. It is being reported that Flynn also reworked his contract.
Oakland also is reportedly trying to trade quarterback Carson Palmer to Arizona for a late-round pick.
Flynn, who turns 28 in June, has started two NFL games. He was signed by Seattle last year to be the starter. But the team drafted Russell Wilson in the third round and he won the starting job over Flynn.
I will have more thoughts upcoming on this trade.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
