Antione Cincinnati, Ohio

hey matt im not giving up hope just yet on the eagles getting boldin or braylon edwards but what o u think are the chances of gettin any two of these wideouts?

Matt Mosley

  (12:00 PM)

I think you have a better shot at Boldin -- but still not a great one. Edwards drops a lot of balls and has had injury issues. I'd rather have Boldin. Welcome to today's chat, folks. I'm pleased you're here.

Ali: (richmond)

Matt, I know you arent a lawyer. But what do you think the chances of Plaxico getting off on the gun charges, and rejoining the Giants for Camp?

Matt Mosley

  (12:02 PM)

Ali: I did make it through three semesters of law school, so here goes nothing: Because he doesn't have a criminal record (just a lot of boneheaded stuff), he's not going to end up with anything too serious. I think he may receive some jail time, but it won't be anything close to the maximum. I think the NFL will sit him down for the first month of the season and then he'll be available. Case closed.

Yatin (LA)

Morning Mosley, sorry your Bears couldn't pull it off in the Big 12 tourney. Knowing Eagles' management, I REALLY think they have something up our sleeves that does NOT involve Boldin. Any thoughts?

Matt Mosley

  (12:03 PM)

Yatin: We ran out of gas against Mizzou, but it was a nice run. Hoyas coming to The Ferrell tomorrow and I plan on being there. The Eagles better have something up their sleeve at left tackle. I don't like the Shawn Andrews bailout plan.

Bryan (Altoona, PA)

Hey Matt. Do you think the Jerry Jones will take a chance in the Cutler for Romo trade?

Matt Mosley

  (12:04 PM)

No way.

Broncos Fan (state of disbelief)

IF the Broncos trade Jay Cutler, who plays QB for them next year? Brady QUinn? Matthew Stafford? I can't come up with a possible answer that doesn't make me want to hurl.

Matt Mosley

  (12:04 PM)

Don't forget about Simms.

Jeremy (Chesapeake, VA)

Matt, the Giants suspended Plax at the end of last season, doesn't that count towards "doing his time" for the NFL? Would Goodell really make him sit for additional games?

Matt Mosley

  (12:05 PM)

I could certain see the Commish extending the punishment a little further.

Clint (Tyler, Texas)

What can you tell us about Igor Olshansky and Gerald Sensabaugh? How do they compare to the guys they are replacing?

Matt Mosley

  (12:07 PM)

Sensabaugh is around the ball quite a bit and he's a big hitter. He just wanted too much money. He'll be an upgrade over Roy Williams in coverage. Igor Olshanky doesn't have the talent that Chris Canty has, but he's a hard worker and he'll be solid against the run. Nothing special, but certainly serviceable. Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen will also see a lot of time over there.

John(Danbury CT)

Hey Matt big fan!! Ive heard from a couple people that the Giants would trade up in the the draft to get crabtree. Now i know JR and i am not sure if thats something he would do. What do u think?

Matt Mosley

  (12:09 PM)

The Giants certainly have a lot of picks, but Reese isn't the type of guy to do something that splashy. Especially when the team is still hopeful about Plax's return. Teams don't want to pay top-five money. So no, I don't think the Giants will trade up to get Crabtree.

TIM CHESTER, PA

Matt are the Eagles trading for Peters or Boldin. Because i dont like the idea of trading both picks to get a tackle.

Matt Mosley

  (12:10 PM)

Boldin's the more likely scenario. Peters may be unhappy in Buffalo, but the organization has to try to protect Trent Edwards. They really don't have much recourse to get something like this thing done.

Graham (Fairport, NY)

Matt, the Eagles typically make the offensive line a high priority, and I think they are happy with DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant, etc. Have there been any indications that WR is more of a priority than the offensive line, or is all this talk about Boldin just wishful thinking on the part of the fans and media?

Matt Mosley

  (12:10 PM)

a lot of it's wishful thinking, Graham.

Simon (Brooklyn)

Matt, love the Beast blog, keep up the great work. It's my go-to for the latest Cowboys debacle. Regarding my Big Blue...everyone has us taking LBers and WRs with the 29th and 45th overall. LB is an odd selection seeing as we have 8 NFL quality players on the roster. Reese wants to develop Goff and Kehl. As far as WR is concerned, if Nicks and DHB are off the board (they won't trade up too far for either one)I don't think they will reach for Britt or Robiskie. People aren't acknowledging the need to address the two spots that really require depth, O-line and DB. Any shot they look at Britton, Beatty or Loadholt at 29...and maybe look to steal Britt or somebody at 45?

Matt Mosley

  (12:13 PM)

I think the Rutgers lad is certainly a possibility in the second round. They've had a good look at him. A lot of teams love Robiskie, but the kid from OU Iglesias might be more of a home-run receiver. Don't rule him out at 45. No way Loadholt goes that high. He'll still be there at 45.

Steiny (NYC)

Would it make more sense for Denver to fire McDaniels and keep Cutler?

Matt Mosley

  (12:13 PM)

Not gonna happen.

John(Danbury CT)

Any word on if Manning is going to get a new contract?? And if u had to pick one player on the giants, who would you say is going to have a "break-out year"?

Matt Mosley

  (12:14 PM)

Manning will get his money. It may be the first of the 2009 season (like Plax), but he's about to get one of those huge contracts with somewhere close to $45 mil guaranteed. I think Tuck could end up with 17 or 18 sacks. In my mind, that would qualify as a breakout year.

Phil S. (NJ)

Matt, I know it's not the Beast but what's your take on the reported Peppers to Patriots talks?

Matt Mosley

  (12:15 PM)

I think it's all talk. Don't see it happening.

MRL the Pearl (Owings Mills)

MM - Thought this trade up in my head and thought it makes a ton of sense for both sides. Considering how difficult it would be to get equal value for Jay Cutler, how about Cutler and the reportedly available TE Tony Scheffler for Donovan McNabb and one of the Eagle's two first round picks to compensate for the age difference / unequal future service time of the two quarterbacks.

Matt Mosley

  (12:16 PM)

Buffalo needs more in return than a 32-year-old QB and a late first-rounder. And Scheffler doesn't really sweeten the pot enough.

Jamie (Brookhaven, Pa.)

Matt, fantastic job keeping us up to date with the latest NFC East info. My question to you is this... Since the Eagles let go several of their core players from the last 8 years (Dawkins, Tra Thomas, Buckhalter, Runyan) could this year be categorized as a rebuilding year for Philly? There are just going to be so many new faces at key positions! I know with McNabb still around its tough to argue my point, but I just get the feeling the Birds are going to take a step backwards this year.

Matt Mosley

  (12:20 PM)

Thanks, Jamie. I certainly don't look at it as a rebuilding year -- and I'd be shocked if management was looking at it that way. Brian Dawkins' leadership will be missed, but it's possible that the Eagles have upgraded the position talent wise. The receivers are fine, so I'm not sure why everyone's freaking out about signing Boldin. You need another back to complement Westbrook -- and you can find that guy in the draft. So no, this isn't a rebuilding year.

Dave(Charlotte, NC)

DO you think J Campbell will be a Redskin after this year. Do you see him improving in the 2nd yr of Zorns offense?

Matt Mosley

  (12:21 PM)

I sure hope he's a Redskin after this year. I think the club has invested way too much time into him to simply let him walk into free agency. He made great strides last season in terms of protecting the football. If he can become more of a consistent passer this season, he'll be a Redskin for a long time. But then, I think they should've already done the long-term deal.

Tom(Austin)

Without Terrell Owens do you think the Cowboy offense will suffer? I mean Owens opened up the whole field for Romo to pass and Barber to run? Will Romo be as good without Owens in the lineup. I mean Roy Williams is good, but not T.O.

Matt Mosley

  (12:23 PM)

In the short-term, I think the offense will certainly miss T.O.'s production. That's why Jason Garrett has to figure out a way to take advantage of his three-headed monster at running back. Roy Williams doesn't have to be great. Just have 70 catches and somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,000 yards. By the end of the season, I think this offense could certainly be better than last season's.

bob(pittsburgh)

Do you think Samari Rolle would be a good replacement for Bryant McFadden or will they address the CB position in the draft?

Matt Mosley

  (12:25 PM)

I like Samari Rolle. Good guy who gave the Ravens some solid seasons. But teams pick on him A LOT these days. I wouldn't be in a rush to sign the guy. I think I remember my Football Outsiders pals saying that he gave up more passes than just about any CB in football in 2007. Bill Barnwell, correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Eric S

Projected over 16 games and that's 73 catches for 1035 yds and 5 td's. Consider this, Hixon spent his rookie year on IR. His 2nd season, in his 1st game the Kevin Everett tragedy occurs, he's waived shortly after. The Giants pick him up and he spends the rest of the season as a return guy. Last year was the first time as a pro that he got significant playing time at WR. His numbers without Plax in the lineup were pretty darn good for a guy who played safety his first 2 years in college. I feel like I'm the only one who sees his potential. He's listed at 6'2" and he ran a 4.36 forty on his pro day. If the general consensus is that while a rookie WR can make an impact right away it usually takes a few seasons before they become dominant who's to say Hixon won't to develop into a bona fide go to guy?

Matt Mosley

  (12:26 PM)

OK, OK, Eric. You've now asked this question 27 times. But I guess your strategy paid off. Domenik Hixon can certainly help you because he has big-time speed. But he was overexposed late last season. You need him to be a solid return guy and a home-run threat in the passing game. At this stage in his career, he doesn't look like a potential No. 1 to me.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

Should I be concerned about Osi and Tuck making less money than Canty or will they not let that effect them this season?

Matt Mosley

  (12:28 PM)

Both of these guys' agents have certainly been in touch with Jerry Reese's office. But both of them are highly professional and will not take this stuff onto the field. The Giants got the Tuck deal done right before the Super Bowl win. I'm sure Justin wishes he'd held off a little bit, but that's why they call them negotiations.

Jorge ( Huntingdon wv )

Is it just me or does it seem like "The Edge" E. James production is the future for Clinton Portis? all those carries year after year take a toll

Matt Mosley

  (12:29 PM)

Portis has been more consistent than Edge. If the Redskins continue to upgrade their offensive line, there's no reason why Portis can't have another excellent season. He was in the MVP race for a little while in '09.

Matt (Newport News)

Who do the redskins take with there 13th pick. they need a pass rusher but orakpo will definitly be taken. do they take an offensive linemen.

Matt Mosley

  (12:30 PM)

I'm not certain that Orakpo's gone there. Trust me on that one. If he's gone, they should actually think about taking one of those superb tackles. Smith will be gone. If Monroe's there, you have to think about it.

John

'Same old Redskins'-Campbell, 2009 #1 and 2010 #2 for Cutler 'Today's Redskins' not even involved in the Cutler discussions. Are we seeing a new level of restraint and responsibility in DC? Change we can believe in!

Matt Mosley

  (12:31 PM)

I'm not sure "restraint" is the word I'd choose to describe the Redskins' '09 offseason! :)

Sanjay (Da Iladel, PA)

How come all of my questions got ignored but you answered a question from Eric S. who used the "at this rate" analysis?

Sanjay (Da Iladel, PA)

Marion Barber seemed to be much more effective as a backup than he was as a starter last year. Do you think the Cowboys will start the versatile Tashard Choice and bring in Marion to finish off opponents like he did in his Pro Bowl year?

Matt Mosley

  (12:33 PM)

If they start someone other than Barber, it would be Felix Jones. I know it's being discussed, but I don't think they should do it. Look at the Brandon Jacobs model in New York. Let the big man bang on the defense for a little while and then run the fast guy (Felix) in there.

Brandon (Stephenville, TX)

Matt, What do you think the chances that B. Carpenter will have at cracking the defensive rotation this year? or should all of us Cowboys fans just consider him a bust and start looking for someone else to fill that spot?

Matt Mosley

  (12:33 PM)

I would lean toward the "bust" label, although ESPNEWS loves having the guy on for some reason.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

If Cushing isn't there at 29 who are the Giants going to look at?

Matt Mosley

  (12:35 PM)

Cushing scares me a little. I think he was a great college player who might struggle (athletically) in the pros. If Hakeem Nicks or DHB is there, you need to think about it.

Joe (NY, NY)

Matt, love your work. Who do you see the Cowboys drafting in the second round (their first overall pick)? Any chance of them trading up?

Matt Mosley

  (12:36 PM)

There's a much better chance that they trade down. I think Loadholt's a name you should remember. The Cowboys haven't hit on an offensive lineman since...Andre Gurode in 2002??? Seriously!

Bryan (Altoona, PA)

Hey Matt. I watched First Take this morning and they had the impression that a McNabb for Cutler trade would pay off for both teams. What do you feel about this rumor?

Matt Mosley

  (12:37 PM)

I think it's just that -- a rumor. I don't see any legs to this one. Andy Reid still thinks highly of Kolb by the way. Everyone forgets that.

Jake

If the Redskins go defense in the first round, could you see them going with an Alex Boone type tackle in the third or fifth? More of a Jon Jansen replacement, than a left tackle.

Matt Mosley

  (12:38 PM)

I'll admit to not studying the guys with fifth-round grades yet. But if the Redskins don't spend more time fixing their offensive line, all that defensive money won't matter.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

You're the one who recommended Cushing when I said I wanted Laurenitis! Is Kenny Phillips having a breakout season this year?

Matt Mosley

  (12:40 PM)

Bob: Don't get me wrong. I think Cushing's a nice player. I just think the Giants already have some Cushings on their team. They go by the names Kehl and Blackburn. But it wouldn't be a bad pick. And yes, I'm telling you to avoid Ohio State LBs like the plague.

Jeremy (Chesapeake, VA)

Matt, the Giants D-Line was already ready loaded with Osi returning, and the commitment to Kiwi staying at DE. Then they added Canty and Bernard, someone has to go. Any thoughts?

Matt Mosley

  (12:41 PM)

They may try to do something with Alford or Cofield around draft time. But for now, the Giants are content to have a nice training camp competition with all those guys.

Steiny (NYC)

How about if Detroit waited until their time was up on the first pick and then still get who they want later at a cheaper price?

Matt Mosley

  (12:43 PM)

Steiny, we have this conversation every year. Not specifically you, but with someone with a similar thought process. It's something that sort of makes sense with the way finances are, but I think the league would have something to say. It sort of hits at the intergrity of the draft. I don't think you'll ever see it happen -- at least on purpose. The Vikings accidentally pulled something like that the year they ended up with Kevin Williams.

Joe, Eugene

Has there been any word on Jim Johnsons health?

Matt Mosley

  (12:44 PM)

Glad you asked, Joe. I've heard he's continuing to come into the office. He's an amazingly tough individual. The Eagles were willing to give him some time away during the minicamps, but so far, he's not going to take it.

Joe, Eugene

There are many projections that have the Eagles drafting a RB in the 1st round. Do you really think this is likely or will they try to fill this need in the 2nd-3rd range?

Matt Mosley

  (12:45 PM)

I'd be surprised if they took someone like Moreno or even McCoy. I think they're willing to wait.

Jeff (Crofton, MD)

With Toomer gone and Plax's status up in the air. What are the chances the Giants bring in Holt or Harrison if only to help mentor the group of young receivers?

Matt Mosley

  (12:45 PM)

Don't see it happening.

tom(san jo) [via mobile]

hey matt. do you belive theres any chance cutler will stay? and if so how would the broncos make it happen?

Matt Mosley

  (12:46 PM)

It's not looking good, but I'm sure it could happen. If the two sides would simply sit down and act like adults, this could've been solved a while back. Egg all over everyone's face on this one.

Chris (Staten Island, NY)

Matt, what are your thought on Dallas signing Matt Jones for WR depth? Jean-Jacques Taylor wrote about JJs "man crush" on him in his blog and even though he has underacheived since he was a 1st round pick, he was on his way to an 80 catch 1000 yard season last year when he was suspended. He's only 25 years old and should be cheap. The only downside is they just cleaned out the locker room and he has a drug history.

Matt Mosley

  (12:50 PM)

Here's what was coming from one of my Valley Ranch moles yesterday: They said that Jerry Jones would certainly be interested because he's coveted Matt Jones since he played for the owner's alma mater, Arkansas. That said, the history that you refer to gives the Cowboys pause. And after you stop laughing, let me point out that Jones doesn't have any trouble bringing in locker-room wreckers and gun guys. The guys that scare him to death are the substance abuse guys (see Quincy Carter). So yes, I think there's an interest. But the Cowboys won't move quickly on this one.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

I love the Jacobs contract, but how many more years do you think he can keep taking these poundings?

Matt Mosley

  (12:51 PM)

With the help of Ahmad Bradshaw, I think Jacobs has two or three more years of solid production in him.

trent dover DE

Im hearing Jason Taylor to the Pats any truth to the rumours???

Matt Mosley

  (12:51 PM)

That would surprise me. Especially since Parcells and Belichick still talk.

Chris (Staten Island, NY)

Matt, I keep reading that the Cowboys lack speed at WR, but Roy Williams ran a 4.42 and Miles Austin a 4.47 prior to their respective drafts. That's faster than many star WRs, past and present including Michael Irvin, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Marques Colston and Chad Johnson. If both produce up to their potential and Crayton remains a solid #3, if the Cowboys fizzle, it won't be because of the WRs!

Matt Mosley

  (12:53 PM)

Chris, that's more of a statement than a question, but I wanted to reward you for being the first one in line today. And I sort of agree here. If the Cowboys don't make the playoffs, people will probably point to T.O. not being here. But then, they didn't make the playoffs in 2008 with him.

John

What's the feeling around the league about Stephon Heyer starting at RT for the Redskins. He started there last year and held his own until he got hurt. Would it be the worst thing in the world to go into '09 with him as the starter there?

Matt Mosley

  (12:54 PM)

I could certainly think of worst things. I'd sure like to see if this Rinehart kid has anything at some point. Wasn't the guy a third-round pick?

Bob (Fairport, NY)

Matt is it bad that I'm going to happy hour in 10 mins or is it alright since i'm in college?

Matt Mosley

  (12:54 PM)

Give it about five more minutes -- and then it will be noon central. Then do whatever you need to do, Bob.

Corey: (Washington DC)

Matt...Assuming he is healthy for all 16 games, give me your prediction for Roy E. Williams. I say 65 catches, 1200 yds, 16 ypc, 8 TDs.

Matt Mosley

  (12:55 PM)

Roy Williams will have 68 catches, 1,082 yards and nine TDs.

Chris (Staten Island, NY)

Matt, unless Dallas is really high on Alan Ball, they seem to need a veteran CB for depth otherwise they are going to pigeon hole themselves into drafting a CB in the 2nd round. Do you think Ken Lucas would be a good fit?

Matt Mosley

  (12:58 PM)

I thought they should've gone after Shawn Springs, but maybe the injury issues through them off. I think they're ready to see what the combo of Jenkins and Scandrick can do. A lot of talk about Scandrick moving to safety lately, but I think he'll eventually play corner this season, Especially if Terence Newman gets banged up again.

Nolan (Philadelphia)

Matt, we all want to know who is in your Final Four!

Matt Mosley

  (1:02 PM)

That's too easy. let me give you a couple of sleepers: Watch out for Tubby's Gophers from that No. 10 seed. Look out Rick Barnes. Balbay's about to get exposed on a national stage...And UCONN better watch out for Turgeon's Ags in the second round. I'm serious! But the biggest matchup is G-Town-Baylor at The Ferrell on Wednesday.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

Manning said that the Giants hope for Mario Manningham to step up as the deep threat if Plax is out for an extended period any chance we see that happen? He has talent, but was out for a lot of last season.

Matt Mosley

  (1:03 PM)

Folks, we're all out of time. Don't pin your hopes on Mario Manningham, but he could certainly help as a fourth or fifth guy. Gorgeous day in Dallas. Think I may leave my laptop for the first time in months. Let's talk soon. Show up early next time! And Happy St. Pat's Day.