Chat with Bill Williamson
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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.
Send your questions now and join Williamson in The Show on Thursday at 2 p.m. ET!
Williamson Archive: Columns | AFC West Blog | Fantasy Football Chats | Fantasy Home
Bill Williamson (2:02 PM)
Hey everyone, let's get rolling.
Iggy (Vancouver)
Hey Bill, thanks for giving me my offseason NFL fix. Your consistency is appreciated. If Malcolm Jenkins is there at 16, any real chance the Bolts take him as a FS like Mel Kiper suggests?
Bill Williamson (2:03 PM)
That's interesting, Iggy (and thanks for the ncec words). I think San Diego has other needs and rather than hoping Jenkins can make the switch, I'd take the best linebacker available.
Johnny (Denver, CO)
I'm sick of the you initiated it no we didn't back and fourth between Mcdaniels and Cutler, what have you heard on who actually intiated the trade talks?
Bill Williamson (2:04 PM)
From what I heard, Denver began the talks in an attempt to get Cassel.
Tyler(Greencastle,IN)
Hey bill, im sittin in school wondering where Marvin Harrison. Where do u think he will go?
Bill Williamson (2:07 PM)
Our educational system at work! Well, Tyler, I am a little surprised that Harrison is still out there. Maybe Philly? I stil say he'd fit in everywhere in the AFC West for different reasons.
James( Hampton Roads, VA)
Hey Bill, do people really think Detroit and Tampa were sitting around saying "Gee we need a QB, lets call Denver and ask about Cutler"...
Bill Williamson (2:08 PM)
Thank you, James.
mojo (Castle Rock, CO)
Assuming the Broncos take Tyson Jackson at #12, who would their front 3 be right now?
Bill Williamson (2:08 PM)
Great question. Maybe Marcus Thomas and Kenny Peterson.
Jim (Indy)
Hey Bill, bored to death at work and woondering how KC will go with that # 3 pick? Is Curry the slam dunk (providing he's still on the board)?
Bill Williamson (2:09 PM)
I think so -- slam dunk.
Seattle, WA
With Mike Vick possibly returning to the NFL and Jim Mora Jr., Vick's old coach, now head coach of Seattle, what are the chances he reunites with his old start quarterback? Especially with Hasselback's reliablity in the air, and the addition of T.J. and possibly Crabtree. Good fit?
Bill Williamson (2:10 PM)
Again, I think Vick won't play until 2010 if at all. Maybe if Hasselbeck slips badly then, maybe, but really I don't see it happening.
Bret Walton NY
bill- why aren't the raiders signing pace, and why isnt anyone looking at roy williams?
Bill Williamson (2:13 PM)
I think the Pace deal could pop in a cuple of days. The Raiders really need to be on him. As for Wiliams, I think a lot of teams are turned off my his recent play.
joey (richmond)
How close are the raiders to signing khlaif barnes or any body for that matter
Bill Williamson (2:14 PM)
The Barnes thing is still out there but it took a bad turn a couple of days ago and him ending up in Oakland may be a longshot.
Vijay (NYC)
C'mon Bill: Crabtree to the Broncos. Why not?? Great replacement for Brandon Marshall.
Bill Williamson (2:14 PM)
Too many other needs, I think.
Cole (Kansas City)
Are the Chiefs trying to trade any players on their roster? If so, who?
Bill Williamson (2:15 PM)
Well, I think Larry Johnson, Brian Waters, and Tony G. all could be possibilities.
Ron (Denver)
Bill, I read in a report somewhere that Cutler had asked to be traded when some of the coaches were let go after the season - several weeks before the Cassel fiasco. Did you hear anything about that?
Bill Williamson (2:17 PM)
From what I hear that is not true.
David (KC)
Bill, enjoy your columns...Don't you think Pioli & Haley have to give Cassel another weapon to work with? Both these guys have been around great receivers, and I think it will be difficult for them to pass on Crabtree (or Maclin). I know there are a lot of holes (including the right side of the Ol), but they have to get another receiver if Cassel (whom they have a lot on the line with) is going to be successful. I think they trade down a few spots & grab one of these elite receivers (fix the D next year.) Thoughts?
Bill Williamson (2:18 PM)
If Kansas City can get a stud receiver and a second-round pick back (which would be no easy feat) would be tempting.
Zac (MN)
Hey Bill, word out of MN is that they are no longer pursuing Cutler. Why would they not continue to go after him? I don't care if they have to trade 2 #1s and Rosenfels(someone to compete with Simms). wouldn't he be the perfect fit in Minny?
Bill Williamson (2:20 PM)
I think so. Cutler and Peterson and that defense. In that division. Wow.
New York NY
Dont you think they would want to keep Tony? give Cassel a good target
Bill Williamson (2:21 PM)
Yes for sure but will Tony want to stay? He wants that defense upgraded and it hasn't happened yet.
Steve (seattle)
Bill thanks for answering my email - Now that Olshansky is gone who replaces him. What was the reason that the Bolts didn't have any interest in resigning him. Also every year we hear how great Castillo is and his contribution but what we see is him taking a seat with the trainer maybe waiting in the IR line. Seems to me that the Chargers need two ends now. Your thoughts?
Bill Williamson (2:23 PM)
I think on Igor, the team thought he wasn't making as big of an impact as he should and there may have been some attitude issues,
bret (walton ny)
do you think that williams would fit in the raiders system, and if nobody is looking at him can't they get a good deal?
Bill Williamson (2:24 PM)
Yes, I think he would come fairly cheap.
Jack (Boston)
Can you envision the Broncos having a successful season with all the issue they've had this offseason?
Bill Williamson (2:25 PM)
It may be difficult, Jack. if the Cutler deal isn't resolved, and Marshall gets a steep suspension, it could be very difficult. And we're not even talking about that awful defense.
Cole (Kansas City)
Will the Raiders take Andre Smith at #7 if he is still there?
Bill Williamson (2:28 PM)
After his average workout at Alabama's pro day Wednesday and with him being so out of shape, yes, he will very likely be there at No. 7. I do't think it's worth the risk to take him that high. Oakland has to score with this pick.It can't take a chance.
Bob (Detroit)
Bill, I realize it's mostly hype because it's the off season but if Cutler doesn't report on Monday how much do you think the chances increase of him beind dealt? Would Detroit's pick at 20 be enough?
Bill Williamson (2:31 PM)
If Cutler doesn't show Monday, and I've been told he is mulling it over, it would take this problem to the next level. As for the Lions, I think it may take the No. 1 pick and them some.
Bronco Fans (Denver)
What did we do to deserve this?
Bill Williamson (2:32 PM)
Good question. No one asked for the team to create an isue with their 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback, did they?
Bret (Walton NY)
Do you think LT will rebound this year or do you think he will have injury issues again? he likes to tear up the raiders run D and i hate playing him twice a year especially with Sporles in the mix now
Bill Williamson (2:33 PM)
If LT can stay healthy, I think he'll have a good year, especially if the offensive line has a better season.
Sportsnation
Bill, do you put that much thought into each answer, or do you type that slow? Chop chop!!!!
Bill Williamson (2:33 PM)
A little of both.
Grant (Phoenix)
Now that San Diego has resigned LT. Do you see a long term deal for Sproles being done in the near future?
Bill Williamson (2:34 PM)
I think they will continue to work on it for sure. Both sides want to get this thing done.
Zac (Oakland)
If the Raiders go WR at #7 (Crabtree or Maclin), do they go OL in the 2nd round and hope that Oher or Mack is available. That seems like the best case scenario for them to me.
Bill Williamson (2:36 PM)
For sure. The Raiders need some O-line help. If the team goes the other way and takes a tackle at No. 7, I think they go receiver with their next pick.
Bret (Walton NY)
Do you see Kansas City being able to make this project work, or in your opinion is it a lot of hype for nothing?
Bill Williamson (2:37 PM)
It will take time but Pioli is good and he will get this thing turned aorund. But he needs to get that defense right and he hasn't done much there yet.
zach young (indiana) [via mobile]
who is the best team in the afc and who u liking in super bowl 44
Bill Williamson (2:38 PM)
I'll give you four teams _ New England, Pittsburgh, Indy and San Diego.
Raider Fans (Oakland)
To Bronco fans: We don't know what you did to deserve it, but we are sure enjoying it!
Bill Williamson (2:39 PM)
Good to see there is no sympathy. I wouldn't expect anything else.
FreeLOE (Denver)
Does ANYBODY out there besides McDaniels think Cassel is/will be better than Cutler? This deal STILL makes no sense to me and gives me overall reservations about the intelligence level of the front office.
Bill Williamson (2:40 PM)
I think a lot of people are with you on that one.
Jason (bmore)
Do you see Tyler Thigpen staying as a backup, or eventually leaving to compete as a starter elsewhere?
Bret (walton Ny)
who is your AFC playoff sleeper, not including BUffalo
Bill Williamson (2:45 PM)
Houston.
Rob ( NYC)
apparently, Mel kiper thinks Cassel is better... what a joke.
Bill Williamson (2:46 PM)
I don't think Mel has a lot of company there.
Juan SD CA
BW, you still think chargers go linebacker eventhough they signed burnett? and what do you think about Mike Brown at safety?
Bill Williamson (2:47 PM)
I think they could go linebacker, yes. I hear good things about Burnett but he only has four career starts so he is no sure thing.
Tyler Thigpen (KC)
Please answer Jason's question. I would like to know myself.
B-Diddy (Munstoeville, WYO)
More hall of fame-worthy- LT or Priest Holmes?
Bill Williamson (2:50 PM)
LT.
Ryan (NJ)
McD pitched to all his FA pickups that they would be immediate contenders. Do you believe this?
Bill Williamson (2:50 PM)
Depends on how the Cutler fiasco shakes out.
John(Buffalo)
What are your thoughts on Terrell Owens playing in Buffalo? Good move or bad move by the Bills? I Love it!
Bill Williamson (2:52 PM)
I like that's it just one year. He usally behaves himself for a year.
Ryan (NJ)
How much longer will the Raiders wait for Russel to become a good nfl QB?
Bill Williamson (2:54 PM)
This is a pivotal year for Russell. He needs to show something.
James(Missouri)
If the Bills offered a 4th rd pick to the Chiefs for G Brian Waters? Do the Chiefs take it?
Bill Williamson (2:55 PM)
Maybe. I could see the new Chiefs' regime wanting to go younger and with Waters reportedly wanting out, I could see the Chiefs pulling the trigger on a deal.
Aram (The Valley)
I hate you
Bill Williamson (2:56 PM)
I'm OK with that.
Rob ( NYC)
Have you heard how active Pat Bowlen has been in this fiasco ? for someone who said he took back the keys, sure looks like McKid has them to me...
Bill Williamson (2:58 PM)
I'm with you, Rob. Bowlen said he would take control. If ever a situation needed an owner to take control it is this one. To Bowlen's credit, he was on the conference call with Cutler. He is trying.
PT (Franklin, NC)
I thought Russell showed himself pretty well the last 6 weeks of what was basically his rookie year.
Bill Williamson (2:59 PM)
I thought he was just OK. To his defense, he needs better receivers and protection.
Dan- NY
I'll try to get one quick one in before you leave...Merriman is coming back in SD this season...does he return to "Lights Out" form?
Bill Williamson (2:59 PM)
If healthy, yes, I do believe.
Ryan (NJ)
Any update on Shaun Rogers in Cleveland wanting out? I know the Broncos, the Chiefs, and the Raiders could use him.
Bill Williamson (3:00 PM)
If he is dealt or cut, he'd be a great fit in this division.
Bill Williamson (3:01 PM)
Hey everyone, great hour. Thanks a lot. Talk to you next week. BW.
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