NFL Nation: NFC West
NFL32: Revisiting the Carson Palmer trade
Adam Schefter and Wendi Nix revisit the Carson Palmer trade; Russell Wilson could start for the Seattle Seahawks; and some bold words from New Orleans Saints rookie Corey White.
Contract status of '12 first-round draft picks
The minicamp schedule includes both rookies and veterans unless specifically noted:
Arizona Cardinals
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Atlanta Falcons
OTA: May 29-31, June 5-7, June 12-15
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 19-21
Baltimore Ravens
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Buffalo Bills
OTA: May 29, May 31-June 1, June 5, June 7-8, June 11-12, June 14-15
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 19-21
Carolina Panthers
OTA: May 22-24, May 30-June 1, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Chicago Bears
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Cincinnati Bengals
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Cleveland Browns
OTA: May 22-24, May 30-June 1, June 12-15
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 5-7
Dallas Cowboys
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 12-14
Denver Broncos
OTA: May 21-23, May 30-June 1, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Detroit Lions
OTA: May 21-22, May 24, May 29, May 31-June 1, June 4-5, June 7-8
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Green Bay Packers
OTA: May 21-23, May 30-June 1, June 5-8
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Houston Texans
OTA: May 21-22, May 24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: June 12-14
Indianapolis Colts
OTA: May 15-17, May 22-24, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 12-14
Jacksonville Jaguars
OTA: May 15-17, May 22-24, May 29-June 1
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 12-14
Kansas City Chiefs
OTA: May 21-22, May 24, May 29, May 31-June 1, June 4-5, June 7-8
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Miami Dolphins
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 11-14
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 19-21
Minnesota Vikings
OTA: May 29-31, June 5-7, June 11-14
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 19-21
New England Patriots
OTA: May 21-22, May 24, May 29-31, June 4-5, June 7-8
Minicamp: May 10-12 (rookies), June 12-14
New Orleans Saints
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 11-14
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 5-7
New York Giants
OTA: May 23-24, May 30-June 1, June 4-5, June 7-8
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
New York Jets
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 4, June 6-7
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 12-14
Oakland Raiders
OTA: May 14-15, May 17, May 21-22, May 24, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Philadelphia Eagles
OTA: May 22-24, May 30-June 1, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 12-14 (rookies), June 12-14
Pittsburgh Steelers
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 12-14
St. Louis Rams
OTA: May 15-16, May 18, May 22-23, May 25, June 5-8
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
San Diego Chargers
OTA: May 29-31, June 5-7, June 11-14
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 19-21
San Francisco 49ers
OTA: May 22-24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Seattle Seahawks
OTA: May 22-24, May 30-June 1, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 11-13 (rookies), June 12-14
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OTA: May 15, May 17-18, May 21-22, May 24, June 4-5, June 7-8
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 12-14
Tennessee Titans
OTA: May 30-June 1, June 5-7, June 11-12, June 14-15
Minicamp: May 11-12 (rookies), June 19-21
Washington Redskins
OTA: May 21, May 23-24, May 29-31, June 4-7
Minicamp: May 4-6 (rookies), June 12-14
Chris Mortensen on John Harbaugh's Spygate comments; Gary Horton talks about how the San Francisco 49ers added speed to their offense; and in "Did You Hear That?" Tedy Bruschi remembers his first day of rookie minicamp.
Here is the "Monday Night Football" schedule for the 2012 season (all times Eastern).
Week 1: Sept. 10, 7:00 PM, Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Week 1: Sept. 10, 10:15 PM, San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
Week 2: Sept. 17, 8:30 PM, Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons
Week 3: Sept. 24, 8:30 PM, Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks
Week 4: Oct. 1, 8:30 PM, Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys
Week 5: Oct. 8, 8:30 PM, Houston Texans at New York Jets
Week 6: Oct. 15, 8:30 PM, Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Week 7: Oct. 22, 8:30 PM, Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Week 8: Oct. 29, 8:30 PM, San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
Week 9: Nov. 5, 8:30 PM, Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints
Week 10: Nov. 12, 8:30 PM, Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 11: Nov. 19, 8:30 PM, Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers
Week 12: Nov. 26, 8:30 PM, Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles
Week 13: Dec. 3, 8:30 PM, New York Giants at Washington Redskins
Week 14: Dec. 10, 8:30 PM, Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Week 15: Dec. 17, 8:30 PM, New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
Week 16: Dec. 22, 8:30 PM, Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots
Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
Away: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
2. New York Jets
Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
Away: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
3. Miami Dolphins
Home: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
Away: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
4. Buffalo Bills 
Home: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
Away: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore Ravens 
Home: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
Away: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 
Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
3. Cincinnati Bengals 
Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
4. Cleveland Browns 
Home: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Away: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
AFC SOUTH
1. Houston Texans 
Home: Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
Away: Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
2. Tennessee Titans 
Home: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 
Home: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
4. Indianapolis Colts 
Home: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
Away: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
AFC WEST
1. Denver Broncos 
Home: Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Away: Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
2. San Diego Chargers 
Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Oakland Raiders 
Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
4. Kansas City Chiefs 
Home: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
Away: Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC EAST
1. New York Giants 
Home: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
Away: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
2. Philadelphia Eagles 
Home: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
Away: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Dallas Cowboys 
Home: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
Away: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
4. Washington Redskins 
Home: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
Away: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay Packers 
Home: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Away: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
2. Detroit Lions 
Home: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
Away: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
3. Chicago Bears 
Home: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
Away: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
4. Minnesota Vikings 
Home: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Away: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans Saints 
Home: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
Away: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
2. Atlanta Falcons 
Home: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
Away: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
3. Carolina Panthers 
Home: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
Away: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Home: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
Away: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders
NFC WEST
1. San Francisco 49ers 
Home: Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
Away: Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Jets
2. Arizona Cardinals 
Home: St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
Away: St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, New York Jets
3. Seattle Seahawks 
Home: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Away: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
4. St. Louis Rams 
Home: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Away: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
Suzy Kolber and Chris Mortensen discuss why Robert Griffin III said "no" to the Indianapolis Colts, Antonio Brown answers fan Facebook questions, and the new Seattle Seahawks uniforms get rave reviews from NFL players.
The NFL's transformation into a pass-happy league has sent teams scrambling for ways to keep up defensively.
2012 NFL Draft
Rd. 1: April 26, 8 p.m. ET
Rd. 2-3: April 27, 7 p.m. ET
Rd. 4-7: April 28, Noon ET
Radio City Music Hall
New York City
Draft order | Draft home
• Mel Kiper's latest mock 
• Todd McShay's latest mock
• Mel Kiper's Big Board
• Todd McShay's Top 32
• Blog Network mock draft 2.0
• Draft Machine
AFC West blogger Bill Williamson snapped up three of them for the division he covers. Six other defensive linemen and 3-4 outside linebackers found homes elsewhere in the first round.
Offensive linemen (seven), defensive backs (five) and wide receivers (five) accounted for most of the remaining first-round selections.
In keeping with the pass-oriented theme, Alabama's Trent Richardson was the lone running back selected, landing in Cleveland with the fourth overall choice.
And, of course, we kicked off the mock with a couple of quarterbacks.
Analysis: They look at Luck and see a young guy who reminds them of the quarterback the franchise selected first overall in 1998. (Paul Kuharsky)
Analysis: Not much mystery here. The Redskins traded three first-round picks and a second-round pick to get to this spot, from which they believe they're taking their next franchise quarterback. The only way they don't take Griffin here is if the Colts take him, in which case the Redskins will happily take Luck. (Dan Graziano)
Analysis: The Vikings would love to trade down a few spots, presumably with a team that wants to draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. But barring a deal, Kalil is the best player remaining on the board and the Vikings just so happen to need a long-term starter at left tackle. We're not buying (yet) any of general manager Rick Spielman's posturing about LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. (Kevin Seifert)
Analysis: Not buying the speculation that the Browns will take Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill here. The Browns tipped their hand when coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert skipped Tannehill's pro day to watch Richardson, the draft's only elite running back who can be the centerpiece of Cleveland's offense. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: The Bucs could be considering Richardson and he's a possibility if he stays on the board. But Claiborne is the top cornerback in this draft. The Bucs need a long-term replacement for veteran Ronde Barber and could need a short-term replacement for Aqib Talib, who could face prison time or a league suspension. (Pat Yasinskas)
Analysis: The Rams are eager to find weapons for quarterback Sam Bradford. They had a tough time addressing that area during free agency despite an aggressive approach that led to deals with Cortland Finnegan, Scott Wells and others. The last time the Rams drafted a WR sixth overall, they landed Torry Holt. (Mike Sando)
Analysis: If he catches on quickly and can have an impact as a pass-rusher, Ingram can be the final piece for a very good defense. (Paul Kuharsky)
Analysis: Tannehill shot up the draft boards fast and may be a tad overrated at No. 8. But Miami needs a quarterback of the future in the worst way, and this is the best of what's left. Both Matt Moore and David Garrard have one year left on their contracts, leaving it open for Tannehill to take over in 2013. (James Walker)
Analysis: There's a common assumption the Panthers are locked in on getting a defensive tackle. That could end up happening. But they're open to all options and Kuechly might be the best player available. This team needs help anywhere it can add it on defense. (Pat Yasinskas)
Analysis: Going receiver here is the sexy pick. But getting an offensive tackle to protect QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's blind side is the smart pick. Reiff received great coaching at Iowa, which has become Offensive Tackle U. He closes Buffalo's revolving door at left tackle for the foreseeable future. (James Walker)
Analysis: The Chiefs would be thrilled to see Poe on the board at 11. He is the best player available who fits their biggest need. Poe has a chance to be a dynamic player on a defense full of young talent. (Bill Williamson)
Analysis: The Seahawks ranked fifth in takeaways, seventh in points allowed and ninth in yards allowed last season, but their pass rush was lacking. Coples would give them a badly needed pass-rusher opposite Chris Clemons, who had 11 of the team's 33 sacks during the 2011 season. Linebacker is another need position. (Mike Sando)
Analysis: The Cardinals could also use an offensive tackle and possibly another receiver. Michael Floyd was a consideration here. But in Upshaw, the team would be targeting a potential No. 1 pass-rusher, providing welcome support for promising youngsters Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield. The Cardinals have no second-round pick, and pass-rush help is at a premium. (Mike Sando)
Analysis: They were hoping Upshaw would fall to them, as he'd upgrade the pass rush instantly and could make Anthony Spencer expendable before long. But with Upshaw gone one pick before, the Cowboys stick with the national champs and take a safety to upgrade their biggest 2011 weakness: the secondary. (Dan Graziano)
Analysis: Michael Brockers was tempting, but the pick here is Cox because he provides a pass rush from the interior of the defensive line right away and could be more NFL-ready than Brockers at this point. The Eagles are a win-now team that relies on its defensive line to pressure the passer, and Cox fits nicely into their interior line rotation. (Dan Graziano)
Analysis: The Jets would like to go defense here under head coach Rex Ryan. But with Alabama DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw and safety Mark Barron both off the board, drafting Floyd is a good fallback option. Floyd has a chance to start from Day 1 opposite Santonio Holmes and gives quarterback Mark Sanchez a much-needed weapon. (James Walker)
Analysis: The Bengals need a starting right guard, and DeCastro is the best guard in the draft. Smart and fundamentally sound, DeCastro is one of the safest picks this year and would extend the Bengals' recent good fortune in the draft. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: Mercilus is the best pass-rusher on the board at No. 18 and the Chargers would be happy to take him. He could be a slight over-draft, but he has big league potential. (Bill Williamson)
Analysis: Coach Lovie Smith expressed confidence last week in left tackle J'Marcus Webb, but rarely will you hear a coach say otherwise until he has an upgraded replacement. Webb was penalized 15 times last season and gave up 12 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Martin would provide an upgrade at a key position. (Kevin Seifert)
Analysis: They can go many different directions, but Kamerion Wimbley doesn't solve their pass-rush issues by himself, and Perry can help. (Paul Kuharsky)
Analysis: Cincinnati has done a great job in bolstering the depth at cornerback in free agency, signing Jason Allen and Adam Jones. But the Bengals, who eventually need to replace veteran Nate Clements, can't pass on the second-best cornerback falling into their laps. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: The Browns need speed and a deep threat. Look no further than Hill, who averaged 29.3 yards per catch last season (albeit 28 receptions) and ran faster than Baylor's Kendall Wright at the NFL combine. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: ESPN.com colleagues chose Gilmore in my absence based on an obvious need the Lions have at cornerback. Starter Eric Wright departed via free agency, and the Lions' pass defense collapsed in the second half of 2011. General manager Martin Mayhew doesn't draft for need, but Gilmore would address a big one. (Kevin Seifert)
Analysis: Inside linebacker is a big need for the Steelers after they released James Farrior. Hightower excelled in Alabama's 3-4 defense and was the unquestioned leader on the nation's top defense. Seems like a perfect fit. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: The Broncos would gladly snag Brockers. Defensive tackle is, by far, their most pressing need, and the versatile Brockers is a good value at No. 25. (Bill Williamson)
Analysis: Randle's size will make him a nice target for Matt Schaub and the Texans, and he brings a lot of upside to an offense that's already quite good. (Paul Kuharsky)
Analysis: The Patriots need athleticism on defense and the ability to rush the passer from the outside. Branch can help replace the combined 20 sacks New England lost this offseason with the departures of DEs Mark Anderson and Andre Carter. (James Walker)
Analysis: In my absence, ESPN.com colleagues chose Konz, the draft's top center, knowing that veteran Jeff Saturday is likely a one-year bridge from departed starter Scott Wells. General manager Ted Thompson will almost certainly draft a center, but he might wait until a later round knowing he has 2012 insurance in Saturday. (Kevin Seifert)
Analysis: The Ravens have a history of top prospects falling to them in the first round. Their luck would continue with Glenn, an athletic and versatile blocker who would start immediately at left guard. (Jamison Hensley)
Analysis: Receiver was the team's obvious top need heading into free agency. Adding Randy Moss and Mario Manningham bought some flexibility, but Moss represents a short-term investment. The 49ers could use another young receiver to grow with Alex Smith and, eventually, Colin Kaepernick. (Mike Sando)
Analysis: The Patriots were surprised such a top-end talent is available at No. 31. Sure, Jenkins comes with some character concerns. But New England's strong locker-room leadership will make sure it gets the best out of Jenkins, who has the physical ability to develop into a legit No. 1 corner. (James Walker)
Analysis: This was a tough call, because Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones just looks so much like a Giants pick. He's a super-athletic, high-upside pass-rusher from Tom Coughlin's alma mater. I mean, if Adams weren't on the board, this would have been a slam dunk. And the Giants still could go this way, or with Nebraska LB Lavonte David or Stanford TE Coby Fleener. But there's nothing wrong with Adams' upside potential, either. He becomes the Giants' starting right tackle right away, and if Will Beatty doesn't pan out, Adams has the ability to someday play on the left side. (Dan Graziano)
AP Photo/Bebeto MatthewsMichael Vick's arrest and imprisonment shocked the NFL and sent the Falcons reeling.1. Michael Vick to prison. Involvement in a dogfighting ring brought down one of the NFL's highest-profile, most dynamic quarterbacks in his prime. Vick was released and sent to prison, sending the Atlanta Falcons into turmoil. Vick owed nearly $20 million when he filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and the Falcons had to rebuild their franchise.
2. Saints bounties. Offering cash payments for injuries inflicted on opponents brought down the wrath from commissioner Roger Goodell: Saints coach Sean Payton was suspended for one year, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely, general manager Mickey Loomis was suspended for eight regular-season games, the team was fined $500,000 and lost two second-round draft picks (one in 2012 and '13) for their participation in a bounty program.
Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesThe New England Patriots haven't won a Super Bowl since cheating allegations cost them $750,000 and a draft pick.4. Hornung/Karras gambling. The NFL suspended Paul Hornung and Alex Karras for the 1963 season after both admitted to betting on NFL games. Hornung and Karras were both Pro Bowl players and Hornung was one of the league's biggest stars playing for the NFL's most iconic team: the Green Bay Packers. Commissioner Pete Rozelle reinstated both players in 1964, and Hornung wound up in the Hall of Fame.
Art Schlichter's one-year ban two decades later also deserves mention among player gambling scandals, but his standing in the league wasn't as strong at the time.
5. Eddie DeBartolo Jr. suspended. The San Francisco 49ers' former owner remains a beloved figure in team lore. He was a finalist for the Hall of Fame this year. But his 1998 felony conviction for failing to report extortion relating to a Louisiana casino project produced a $1 million fine and one-year NFL suspension. DeBartolo wound up selling the 49ers, precipitating a decade of futility for the organization.
That came to mind Friday upon reading Matt Maiocco's report suggesting Dashon Goldson had no immediate plans to sign the San Francisco 49ers' one-year franchise offer worth an estimated $6.2 million.
Teams rarely withdraw franchise designations, but plans can change. Leroy Hill found out the hard way back in 2009, when the Seattle Seahawks used a first-round choice for Aaron Curry, then withdrew an $8.3 million franchise offer from Hill, who was suddenly scrambling as a free agent after the draft.
We all saw what happened to Goldson last offseason. He found nothing palatable in free agency, then re-signed with the 49ers for one year and $2 million. The lockout made for unusual circumstances. Goldson might find the market more favorable this year.
But I see no advantage for Goldson in withholding his signature. Any team signing him to an offer would face losing two first-round draft choices if the 49ers declined to match. Teams simply do not trade two first-round choices for the right to pay good safeties.
Signing the franchise offer makes the money guaranteed. Not signing the offer means it could disappear if circumstances changed.
Goldson has a Pro Bowl on his resume, so he is more accomplished than Seattle's Hill was back in 2009. But neither was a player the team absolutely had to keep. The Seahawks, like the 49ers now, had more options than the player.
The 49ers appear unlikely to withdraw the tag, but they will get by just fine this offseason with or without Goldson under contract. Goldson has more at stake.
I see less reason for Arizona's Calais Campbell to sign the Cardinals' franchise offer, which has been projected to be around $10.6 million. There is virtually no chance the Cardinals would withdraw the tag, and if they did, Campbell would command big money from teams hungry for young defensive linemen of his caliber.
In Seattle, meanwhile, the Seahawks are expected to use the franchise designation on Marshawn Lynch if a long-term deal remains elusive. The deadline for naming franchise players is Monday.
NFL32: New England's options at receiver
Suzy Kolber and Chris Mortensen discuss the New England Patriots' wide receiver options, Mark Schlereth answers a question about the San Francisco 49ers' pass catchers; and in Did You Hear That? Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt talks about the team's quarterback competition.
Super Bowl heartbreak and lost legacies
Mark J. Rebilas/US PresswireJunior Seau and the Patriots were stunned by their Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants.The Patriots don’t need a rematch to remind them of that monumental collapse. Even though only 24 players remain from that New England team, everyone suiting up for this year’s Super Bowl remembers how the 12-point favorite Patriots fell four quarters short of perfection.
This is the ramification when a team goes from the expected coronation among NFL greats to the forever devastation of what might have been.
The 2007 Patriots, 1968 Colts and 2001 Rams have all felt the sting of screwing up their legacies. They aren’t just teams that lost in the Super Bowl, like last year’s Steelers.
These select few rank among the very best Super Bowl losers. They are the ones who dominated week after week, only to leave the game’s biggest stage defeated.
“The overwhelming sense of that year is the failure that is always remembered,” said Tedy Bruschi, a linebacker on that 2007 Patriots team, which lost to the Giants, 17-14.
“I’m proud of the run we made and we were on the cusp of something that had never been done before. But we failed.”
Those Patriots entered the Super Bowl with an 18-0 record and outscored their regular-season opponents by 315 points, or 19.7 per game.
AP Photo/Tony GutierrezKurt Warner and "The Greatest Show on Turf" struggled in their Super Bowl loss to New England.“You think you know, until you don’t know,” former Patriots linebacker Chad Brown said. “There was such confidence going through the season, such a sense of belief. But until the final whistle sounds, it’s never over. They found a way to get it done. Hats off to them.”
Before the 2007 Patriots forged their unenviable place in league history, the 1968 Colts actually changed the league’s future with their loss.
In what was the third AFL-NFL championship game, the Colts were heavily favored to bring the title to the NFL for the third straight year.
The previous two Super Bowl games were dominated by the NFL -- the Green Bay Packers won by a combined score of 68-24 -- which put the AFL’s existence in jeopardy.
Despite not having an injured Johnny Unitas, the Colts rolled to a 13-1 record during the regular season and routed the Cleveland Browns, 34-0, in the NFL championship to avenge their only loss.
The Colts heard about Joe Namath guaranteeing a win, but the 18-point favorites never took the Jets seriously.
One year after the Colts’ 16-7 loss, the AFL and NFL merged.
“We went down to Miami with a little different attitude -- that we were just going to win that game,” said Rick Volk, a three-time Pro Bowl safety for that Colts team.
“We were expecting to do it and I don’t think anybody had any question that we weren’t going to win. We went down not focused totally on the game itself.”
Volk suffered a concussion early in the game and doesn’t remember much of it. He had to watch film afterward to see how he played.
Following the loss, he asked quarterback Earl Morrall in the showers whether the Colts had won or lost.
“It was more than a game when we got beat,” Volk said. “It was devastation.”
The 2001 Rams can relate.
Most key players remained in place from their 1999 championship team. They breezed through the regular season with a 14-2 record, outscoring the Patriots by 132 points (503-371). They had scored 84 points in the divisional and conference championship rounds.
AP PhotoNo one gave Joe Namath and the Jets a chance to win Super Bowl III.Marshall Faulk considers the 2001 team better than the 1999 version.
Players had been together longer. They were more proven, more refined. But the Patriots’ defense roughed up Faulk and the St. Louis receivers, taking the Rams out of their game.
The Greatest Show on Turf bogged down.
Faulk used the term “hack-a-Shaq” to describe the plan Belichick put into place that day.
The tactics New England used in that game might not fly as well under current rules. As much as any Super Bowl loser, those Rams would have benefited from new guidelines discouraging the rough-house tactics New England employed against Faulk and the St. Louis receivers.
“When I played, the game was played outside the numbers,” Faulk said. “You didn't challenge people down the middle. Cover 2 was built to put you in the middle of the field.
"Now, people want to see Cover 2 because, one, you can't touch a receiver down the field and, two, you can't separate him from the ball and three, you have to make sure he can see you before you hit him because he is defenseless, and you can't get hit him in the head. It is just a different game.”
The current Patriots are taking full advantage of the differences by targeting tight ends down the middle of the field. They were more of an outside passing team four years ago, when Randy Moss remained a dominant force at wide receiver.
Times change, but losing against the odds lingers. Those 2007 Patriots, like the 2001 Rams and a few others, never could enjoy the exalted places in history they seemed so likely to earn.
“I wish when you lined up to play that the team that was the most talented won the game,” Faulk said. “If that was the case, we wouldn't be so excited about the matchup we're about to see, because it's obvious the Patriots were the better team [in 2007], but the Giants played better that day.”
TOP 10 SUPER BOWL LOSERS
1. 2007 Patriots: The only 16-0 team in regular-season NFL history outscored opponents by 19.7 points per game, a record. Tom Brady's 50 touchdown passes exceeded by one the record Peyton Manning set in 2004. New England scored at least 38 points in half its regular-season games. The Patriots drew fines for illicitly taping opponents' signals and criticism after twice going for it on fourth down while leading Joe Gibbs' Redskins by 38-plus points.
2. 1968 Colts: Baltimore had a 13-1 regular-season record, the NFL's top-ranked defense, No. 2 offense and eight Pro Bowl players, including John Mackey and Bubba Smith. After a 34-0 shutout of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL championship, the Colts were touted as "the greatest team in pro football history." That is, until they faced the 18-point underdog Jets and Joe Namath from the AFL.
3. 1969 Vikings: Minnesota had allowed only 10 points per game in winning the NFL title. As feared as the Vikings were for their "Purple People Eaters" defense, their quarterback, Joe Kapp, seemed nearly as tough. Famed oddsmaker Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder called the Vikings' offensive line the best he'd ever seen in making Minnesota a 13-point Super Bowl favorite. But the Chiefs knocked Kapp from the Super Bowl with an injury in rolling to a 23-7 victory.
AP Photo/Phil SandlinJackie Smith was wide open in the end zone when he dropped this pass.5. 1978 Cowboys: Dallas rode an eight-game winning streak into the Super Bowl and had shut out the Los Angeles Rams, 28-0, in the NFC title game. The Cowboys were defending Super Bowl champs and led the league in scoring. Legendary head coach Tom Landry masterminded a "Doomsday Defense" that led the NFL in sacks with 58. Jackie Smith's dropped TD and a disputed pass-interference call against Bennie Barnes proved pivotal in the Cowboys' 35-31 Super Bowl loss.
6. 2001 Rams: The Rams rolled to a 14-2 mark by lighting up the scoreboard with Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. The "Greatest Show on Turf" outgained opponents by an average of 137 yards per game and outscored them by an average of two TDs. But the 14-point favorite Rams were upset by Bill Belichick's defense and an unknown QB named Tom Brady.
7. 1990 Bills: A 51-3 victory over the Raiders in the AFC title game launched the Bills to the first of four consecutive Super Bowls. They amassed 502 yards against a Raiders defense that had held 12 opponents beneath 290. The Bills put an NFL-best eight players in the Pro Bowl, led by Jim Kelly, who posted a career-best 101.2 NFL passer rating. The Bills were so confident, claiming they would have rather faced the defending champs from San Francisco.
8. 1997 Packers: The defending Super Bowl champions were peaking by winning 10 of their last 11 games. Brett Favre led the NFL with 35 touchdown passes in winning the MVP for a third straight year. But the 11-point favorite Packers ran into an inspired John Elway.
9. 1967 Raiders: These Raiders established owner Al Davis' reputation for building top teams with castoffs. Daryle Lamonica, Hewritt Dixon, Dave Kocourek, Bill Miller and George Blanda were among the players from other franchises assuming prominent roles.
10. 1988 Bengals: One of the more underappreciated Super Bowl teams, Cincinnati tied for the best record in the NFL at 12-4, recorded seven games with a 100-yard rusher and beat the Buffalo Bills, 21-10, in the AFC Championship Game. Only a dramatic Joe Montana touchdown pass with 39 seconds left stopped the Bengals from continuing to do the Ickey Shuffle in the Super Bowl.
AP Photo/Rusty KennedyJohn Taylor's last-second touchdown reception from Joe Montana lifted the 49ers past the Bengals.1. 1979 Rams: The definition of mediocre, the Rams barely outscored their opponents in total points (323-309) and finished the regular season with a 9-7 record. Vince Ferragamo, who replaced an injured Pat Haden, completed fewer than half of his passes and threw twice as many interceptions (10) as touchdowns (five). Los Angeles was outclassed in the Super Bowl.
2. 1985 Patriots: They lost three of their first five games but managed to get into the playoffs despite a third-place finish in the AFC East. Tony Eason struggled in his third NFL season, throwing 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Not exactly the quarterback you wanted going against the 15-1 Chicago Bears.
3. 1986 Broncos: It was surprising to see that Denver went as far as it did after finishing with four losses in its final seven regular-season games. As their defense crumbled throughout the season, the Broncos needed "The Drive" to get past the AFC Championship Game but there was no Elway magic left.
4. 2008 Cardinals: Every Super Bowl loser outscored its opponents during the regular season, but the Cardinals did so by only a single point. Kurt Warner made them dangerous in the playoffs, but a 47-7 defeat at New England in Week 16 completed a slide from 7-3 to 8-7. Arizona drew Atlanta Falcons rookie Matt Ryan in the wild-card round, then unexpectedly landed the NFC title game at home when Philadelphia upset the 12-4 Giants in the divisional round.
5. 1994 Chargers: They managed to split their final 10 games in the regular season before edging out the Dolphins (22-21) and Steelers (17-13) in the playoffs. But Stan Humphries was no match for the 49ers' Steve Young, who threw a record six touchdown passes.
Report: Rams to hire Brian Schottenheimer
Read more from Schefter's report here.
Trey and Mort discuss their biggest shockers of the weekend, AP gives his choice for the hottest defense going, and Did You Hear That? Michael Boley talks about the 49ers' physicality.
