Chat with Scouts Inc.'s Keith Kidd
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Kidd spent 14 years in NFL front offices before joining Scouts Inc., including eight years with the Arizona Cardinals, three as the director of pro personnel for the Cleveland Browns and three as the assistant director of pro scouting for the New England Patriots, where he was a part of two Super Bowl championship teams (2003 and 2004).
Send your questions now and join Keith on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET for all the answers.
Buzzmaster (1:02 PM)
We've got Kidder!!!
Keith Kidd (1:03 PM)
I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving. I missed talking to the Nation last week. I don't know about you, but those games on Thanksgiving Day were PAINFUL. But I was able to bounce back after those Sunday games. Let's get rolling with your questions!
Paul (Trenton, NJ)
Do you see any reason why Oakland shouldn't have McFadden on the field all the time over these last 4 games if he's truly healthy again?
Keith Kidd (1:05 PM)
I do not. The only offense this team has right now is the running game. Every time I've see Russell play, there's no doubt that he has a bazooka of an arm. It just so happens that it has no aiming mechanism on it.
Greg (Denver, CO)
Give me your take on J. Russell in Oakland. Is he always going to be the erratic QB we see right now that flashes glimpses of greatness or does he just need better WR's, OT's, and coaching continuity?
Keith Kidd (1:06 PM)
Hopefully not. He's obviously a true talent. There is a lot of growing pains that go with developing QBs in the NFL. If in fact there were a change in coaching with Oakland, you have to get a guy that develops QBs. This is your whole franchise.
Greg (Champaign, IL)
What's your take on the suspensions concerning the diuretic?
Keith Kidd (1:07 PM)
Honestly, I wish the commissioner would have dealt with these in the offseason, which have led to the 2009 season. It's unfortunate that Minnesota has to lose that interior firepower. If they don't play, this defense is going to be reeling and it may cost them the NFC North.
TK (brooklyn)
Kidder, how many coaching changes do you see coming in the offseason?
Keith Kidd (1:09 PM)
It's hard to predict, but I think you'll see a lot more than last season. San Francisco, Oakland, St. Louis, Cleveland, Detroit. These organizations are ones that you should watch: Jacksonville, San Diego, Dallas, Philadelphia and Minnesota.
Jeff (OH)
How would you grade the Browns Corey Williams acquisition. I give it a D. He hasn't been horrible, but when a team trades a 2nd and gives the player a big deal, you would expect a slight impact.
Keith Kidd (1:11 PM)
I'm going to give him a C+. I was expecting a bigger impact. He has hurt the Packers more than he's helped the Browns. You have to judge the trade on next year.
Paul (NYC)
No brainer for the MM Award this week: Plax.
Dave (Denver)
Probably one of several hundred. Plaxico Burress for the Matt Millin award, for this week and the year.
Keith Kidd (1:11 PM)
We all know the answer to the Matt Millen Award this week. Easy one.
Garry(Charlotte)
Keith can you rank these running backs out of the 2006 class today. Bush, Maroney, Deangelo Williams, Addai, MJD, Lendale White.
Keith Kidd (1:12 PM)
Addai Jones-Drew, Williams, Bush, White, Maroney.
Steiny (NYC)
Do you like being called Kidder?
Keith Kidd (1:13 PM)
Absolutely. It's better than being called some of the names I've been called in my career.
Harris Smith
I gladly accept the Matt Millen award this week.
Jeff, Albany NY
Keith what are your thoughts on Buffalo playing in Canada, and the future of the Bills franchise in Buffalo
Keith Kidd (1:14 PM)
I don't like it from the standpoint that it takes away from the home field advantage and playing in the outdoor elements against an indoor team. I think it neutralizes it. I gaurantee Miami is happy about it.
Drew (NYC)
Is it guaranteed that Rod Marinelli will be fired this offseason?
Keith Kidd (1:14 PM)
Yup. I think you'll see a whole new program in Detroit next season.
Mike (San Diego)
Kidder, I'm seeing LT turning into Shawn Alexander...runs into a guy and sits down. Is the end nearing for him?
Keith Kidd (1:15 PM)
No, I don't think the end is near. It's just a product of him being hurt this year. I think this team has no identity right now. Everyone, myself included, overevaluated this team.
Perplexed
Can you explain how Jared Gaither slipped to the 5th round of the 2007 supp. draft? I don't care if he was raw, his immense talent at a pivotal position was obvious. Besides, teams are continually reaching for that position -- Staley, Daune, Brown, Kalif, etc. It is idiotic that a OT hungry team didn't risk a 3rd or 4th rounder.
Keith Kidd (1:16 PM)
It's humans grading humans. The scouting world is a very difficult thing to do. There are a lot of things involved when accumulating the information and evaluating.
Andy (Albany, NY)
What the heck is the problem with Jauron? Shouldn't he be more upset after a loss AT HOME to the 49ers (who by the way are the only team to come from West to East coast and win)? As each week goes by his "I'm not too worried" attitude makes me more and more angry. That was by FAR the worst football game I've ever been to- NFL, college, high school etc...
Keith Kidd (1:18 PM)
I agree. It was a terrible game to watch. In this game, I was hoping that Losman would come off the bench and help himself as far as finding a team in the offseason. But he was disappointing. This team didn't seem like it was ready to play.
Liam (Houston)
Do you think the Niners need a GM change to? Nolan's the one who hired McCloughan in the first place. I think it would be hard to say they are not living up to their talent. Who could come in as GM or GM/HC?
Keith Kidd (1:18 PM)
Fair question. It looks like Jed York is taking ownership of the team. Those are some of the decisions that he'll be faced with in the offseason.
Graham (Kentucky)
Who do you vote for in the MVP races?
Keith Kidd (1:20 PM)
To me, the guy that's been the most valuable player to his team right now, believe it or not, is Matt Ryan. I'm not saying he's the MVP, but I'm saying he's the MVP to his team.
Luis (SB, CA)
Keith, if Dallas does not make the playoff this year, does Jason Garrett get the nod? I think you give Wade one more year to make this team really gel.
Keith Kidd (1:21 PM)
He seems to be the next in line. The key to the Cowboys is they have to play well at the end of December and January. But watching them on Thanksgiving and Tony Romo, wow, what a difference. I can't wait for the Steelers game.
mike (red wing, mn)
Keith, any way my Vikings can win the NFC north without Kevin and Pat Williams?
Keith Kidd (1:22 PM)
Regardless of who wins the North, it's going to be one and done in the playoffs. The loss of the two Williamses will be too much to overcome. Watching Gus Frerrotte, it scares me. Every time I'm waiting for him to make that critical mistake.
Yousef (Cleveland)
Who is the next coach to get the axe? Please say Romeo......
Keith Kidd (1:22 PM)
I would cut ties with the GM and keep Romeo.
Keith Kidd (1:23 PM)
I've never seen a GM that wants to talk to the media as much as this guy. It's amazing.
Greg (Champaign, IL)
How come Green Bay can't win close games?
Keith Kidd (1:23 PM)
Defensively, they're just not very good right now. Their offense is going to have to outscore teams in the last part of the season. The good thing is that you're in the NFC North and you're still in the race at 5-7.
Drew (NYC)
Who would rather have starting: Matt Schaub or Sage Rosenfels?
Keith Kidd (1:24 PM)
Matt Schaub. A healthy Matt Schaub.
Sean (Philly)
I just checked in Madden. Russell has a 99 for arm strength, and a 2 for accuracy.
Drew (NYC)
I personally believe that the best two coaches in the NFL are Jeff Fisher and Jon Gruden, because even though the talent level has never great in their tenures, they seem to lead their teams through great chemistry. Your thoughts?
Keith Kidd (1:25 PM)
Absolutely. But regardless of what people think I think that Bill Belichick is the best coach in the NFL.
Tim: SD, Cal
Keith, have you analyzed the Cowboys chances of getting in the playoffs? I just don't see it happening; too hard of a schedule and TB, Carolina, and Atlanta have very winnable schedules! What do you think? :(
Keith Kidd (1:26 PM)
Their margin of error is very very slim. It's going to be a difficult task to get in. If they do get in and they can stay healthy, this team can do some damage in the playoffs.
Keith Kidd (1:26 PM)
All you have to do is find a way to get in. Anything is possible, just ask the Giants and the Steelers.
Ryan (America's Finest City)
Please introduce Drew (NYC) to Mike Shanahan and Belicheck.
Anthony (NYC)
Hey Kidder the Big 3 are doin a heck of a job in Atl. Ryan/White/Turner. But can we give creit to the unsung heros- the play of that young offensive line, they've done as much as the Big 3 in turning this franchise around. Thoughts?
Keith Kidd (1:27 PM)
Absolutely. That's the one area I thought would struggle, along with the defense. A lot of credit should be given to Mike Smith. They showed no panic last week against the Chargers.
brian (belle, mo)
Keith, Im a 6'4 freshman in high school, im 230 and in shape, what position in football would you recomend me play in high school?
Keith Kidd (1:27 PM)
We'll leave it to the Nation to answer that question.
Sean (Philly)
Shanahan? I guess winning a division by default makes you a good coach.
Kevin Garnett (Boston)
Keith's right.... Annnything is Possssiiibbbbbbllleee!
Trevor (MD)
Are Lions the worst franchise in sports? I say the Pirates of the MLB are pretty close.....
Keith Kidd (1:28 PM)
No comment.
David Fairborn, OH
Beef up Brian and you'd be a good OG or OT, IMO.
Hende (OH)
Why is everyone so high on Cowher? He had great success in PIT partially because the owners stepped back and were patient for 15 years. What other NFL team (esp. Cleveland) would show that type of patience?
Keith Kidd (1:31 PM)
Because of the success that he had in Pittsburgh. I think the ownership groups will look at the teams that had success this year with the unknowns. So that's why I think teams will look at McDaniels, Ryan, Pendergast, Schottenheimer.
Mel Kiper
Brian, what is your 40 time? What kind of intangibles to you have?
M (DC)
Why do you think that Cowboys, who have not won a single playoff game since 1996, will do some damage in playoffs this year?
Keith Kidd (1:32 PM)
If the Cowboys can weather the storm and get through this difficult last part of the season, how can it not do some damage? They're one of the most talented teams in the league. Key players have to stay healthy.
Zach (CT)
Brian, you could be an all right kicker or maybe you could be an all time great holder.
Bill (Pomona California)
Hey K-squared, how about a coaching change for the NY Jets, i.e. replacing Bob Sutton with a D-coach who knows how to blitz out of the 3-4? Thanks!
Keith Kidd (1:33 PM)
Remember Bill, it almost happened last year. Based on that performance by the Jets defense Sunday, it might happen. But with a few games to go, they lead the AFC East. Hold on!
Greg (Champaign, IL)
Brian, if you're fast: TE. Slow, tackle
Sean (Philly)
Hende, 149-90-1 over 14 years with only 3 losing seasons is why everyone is high on Cowher.
Robert (Latrobe, PA)
Any chance the Steelers get to the Super Bowl despite that awful O-line?
Keith Kidd (1:35 PM)
That OL played a lot better last week against New England, because they ran the football and had success. When you can run the football and have success it takes pressure off the passing game.
Chris Mortensen (ESPN)
Although the Patriots liked what they saw, my sources tell me that Brian is likely to go undrafted unless he performs well in his private workout for the Lions
Bubby Brister
Brian, I suggest backup to the backup QB.
Mike (Murrland)
Keith, what are the chances the Ravens get in the Playoffs?
Keith Kidd (1:36 PM)
I think their chances are good. I have them as my sixth and final wild card spot. It's going to be difficult in the last quarter, but three of the last four are at home. And how can you not like what Cam Cameron has done with this offense and Joe Flacco?
Warren Sapp
Brian, just skip football and become a dancer.
tim (burlington,iowa)
hi keith do you see the chicago bears making the playoffs? if so and how there d-line is going to hold-up?
Keith Kidd (1:37 PM)
You know what, they have three of the next four games at home. Those three games are very winnable. The NFC North is up for grabs. They're set up best with their schedule.
Cris Carter (ESPN)
BREAKING NEWS: Tonight's exciting matchup bewtween the Raiders and the Chargers will not be shown on the NFL network. They are showing Heidi instead.
Mark (Bangor, PA)
Brian, stay in school. Have fun and work hard with the football, but don't hang your hat on it.
Plaxico Buress, NYC
Forgot football, firearm sales is the place to be
Eric (Indy)
I have a tough Fantasy question for ya: I have a dynamite RB group in Barber/Westbrook/RBush/CJohnson/and DeWilliams! I can only start 3 and Barber/Bush/Westbrook are a bit questionable to start because of injuries. So, which 3 whould you go with for the next 2 weeks?
Keith Kidd (1:40 PM)
I'm facing the same dilemma. You just have to keep reading the injury report. Good luck.
Sean (Philly)
Millen Award goes outside of Football for the first time, and the winner is Sean Avery.
Chris Berman (ESPN)
Look at Brian...rumblin bumblin stumblin..he could..go..all the...wayyy!
Jon (Brooklyn)
Keep Crennell? He's a good guy and all, but have you watched the Browns defense play this year?
Keith Kidd (1:41 PM)
Yeah, I have. I have concerns about the second level. Their LBs have not played very well. Obviously, they have youth at the secondary position. The biggest disappointment in Cleveland has been the offense.
zack (syracuse)
The Nfc South is a joke. Any NFC East team would easily win that division. I mean the Bucs couldn't beat the Cowboys minus Romo and company. The falcons lost to the Eagles and the Redskins beat the saints. I think the Cowboys are the second best team in the NFC behind the Giants and are the only team standing in the Giants way of making the Superbowl.
Keith Kidd (1:42 PM)
Zach, you haven't paid much attention this year, because the NFC South isn't a joke. If you want a joke, the AFC West, NFC West, those are jokes.
Mike (Murrland)
Cleveland and Cincy should be kicked out of the league
Chester (Orange County)
Kidder - If Davone Bess continues to play well as the starter opposite Ginn, I'm curious what Miami's front office approach is to their WRs in the off-season. Are they happy with a top 3 of Ginn, Camarillo and Bess?
Keith Kidd (1:44 PM)
I think they have a good core of young receivers, but I think they need to address the No. 1. I think this offense is only going to get better. It can work both ways, though. You don't have to have a No. 1 WR to have a good offense. You can run and this team is very physical in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
zack (syracuse)
The only reason I attack the NFC South is its disgusting to think the Falcons or Bucs or Panthers might get in over my Dallas Cowboys.
David Fairborn, OH
Watch your mouth Michael! The bengals deserve to be there. They count!
Greg (Champaign, IL)
Behind Joe Thomas, is anybody on the Brown's offense good this year?
Keith Kidd (1:45 PM)
Greg, great point. This OL. Kevin Shaffer has got to be one of the biggest disappointments, as far as much money as they spent on him and not getting any value back.
curt alabama
what do you think the score will be tonight and does oakland have any chance
Keith Kidd (1:47 PM)
They have a chance, because they can play defense. I would expect this game to get into the fourth quarter. Do you know the Raiders have only scored 1 TD in the first half all season? You have a feeling that the Chargers will pull away late, because the Raiders defense will have been on the field for 90 plays. I like the Chargers in this game.
Jonathan (NY, NY)
Eric Steinbach is also good, besides him and JT the rest are bums
Marc (Philly)
DeSean Jackson:Steve Smith(carolina) type future, or Santanna Moss inconsistent future???
Keith Kidd (1:48 PM)
I see him with a very, very bright future. How can you not based on the numbers and how he's played this season? I see him with a bright future.
Rob (Green Bay)
The Pack need to cut AJ Hawk. The guy can't cover anyone (Billy Miller), gets blown up by Brad Hoover, and very rarely gets a sack or turnover.
Keith Kidd (1:50 PM)
Relax Rob. The Packers aren't going to cut AJ Hawk. Remember, he's playing a new position since Nick Barnett was put on injured reserve. Sometimes in a young player's career, there are peaks and vallies.
Brian (Indy)
Quinn Pitcock retires, Johnson gets released, Bob Sanders misses almost every game, Jeff Saturday has been out, Marvin Harrison not the same, Marlin Jackson done for the year, now Gary Brackett is done for the regular season. 8-4 record with a schedule that almost cements a playoff berth, I say all of that equals Tony Dungy coach of the year and Peyton Manning MVP!....stamp it
Larry (Pasco, WA)
Mr. Kidd, are the Chargers really as bad as their 4-8 record? What has to happen for Norv Turner to be let go?
Keith Kidd (1:51 PM)
Larry, the Chargers are the biggest mystery team this season. I never saw this coming.
Jorge (Miami,FL)
Who do you think will have a better week Willie Parker or Lendale White?
Keith Kidd (1:52 PM)
I have to lean toward LenDale White on this one.
Allen (Fresno,CA)
Bucs or Panthers Monday Keith?
Keith Kidd (1:52 PM)
Hey Allen, check out my Monday Night preview show on ESPN.com's PodCenter and I'll tell you.
Ryan (America's Finest City)
How could you not see this coming with Norv Turner coaching? He is a horrible coach!
Jacksonville Jags
You never saw our record coming either, did ya?
Keith Kidd (1:53 PM)
No. Absolutely not. And you know what? My impression of the Jags right now is that the head coach hates his team and the team hates its head coach.
zack (syracuse)
Dallas 24 Pitt 17
Indianapolis Colts
We Did!!
Majeed
Will the Fins run the table and win the division? Even if they finish 3-1, that should secure a wild card berth right?
Keith Kidd (1:55 PM)
Very possible. This AFC East race is really going to be fun to watch in this last quarter. It could come down to the Dolphins and Jets or Patriots-Bills to determine that spot. All because of a QB getting injured.
Jason Kidd (Dallas)
Keith, you don't return my calls or write! I hope you'll speak to your brother this Christmas! :-( It's been a bad year!
Sean (Philly)
16 team league, and hurting at QB. Hasselbeck, Schaub, or Delhomme this week?
Keith Kidd (1:56 PM)
I'd roll the dice and go with Hasselbeck against that Patriots secondary. He's due in a big time way Or Delhomme, after throwing a bunch of picks the first time against Tampa, you think will do better under the lights on Monday night.
Cincinnati Bengal Fans
Please Keith, do something for us, anything...
Keith Kidd (1:57 PM)
I am right there with you. I have suffered for years living down here in Kentucky, watching that team consistently messing up.
Matthew Berry (ESPN)
Sean, go with Schaub. As we just learned, AJ Hawk can't cover anyone!
Kevin (OH)
Enjoy your work, but sometimes its hard to read scouts/analysts continually apologize for players. Hawk has been a flat out waste of a pick. The position change is a lame excuse, as he's only been there a few weeks. This is grown-up football. You don't pay a top five pick $5+ million a year to grow into the position. Make a dang play.
Keith Kidd (1:59 PM)
I'm not making apologies for the player. What I'm telling you is where he was drafted in the draft is why he's making the money he is making. That's the problem in the system. You don't give up on a player that's only been in the league a couple of years. And if you break down the Packers defense, the D-line hasn't been very good this year, at all. And they get paid to keep the LB's clean.
Greg (Champaign, IL)
How come fans are so critical and impatient with players when they hit a cold streak?
Greg (Champaign, IL)
Kevin (OH) needs to lay off the scotch
Jonathan (DC)
Keith, this chat has been a ton of fun! Thanks!!
Anthony (NYC)
Brian be a heavy hittin LB, if you got some quicks RB or SS..
David Fairborn, OH
Enjoyed it too
jeremy (va)
whats up with the saints this year? its like they comes o close but then just miss the mark
Keith Kidd (2:01 PM)
There's no doubt that the Saints have to address the running game. They've got to figure out the defensive side of the football, as far as the back end. Since Sean Payton took over this team, they've had problems on the defensive side. If they want to take the next step..
Ryan (Chicago,IL)
AD = MVP!
Greg (Champaign, IL)
Thanks for your time again, Kidder
Kev (NYC)
THis chat blew.
Keith Kidd (2:02 PM)
Man, you guys brought it today. Same time same place next week, as we get closer and closer to the playoffs. That's when the games really start to count.
Ryan (Buffalo)
Kev, it blew like a Burress gun! lol. Good job Kidder!
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