Tim Graham

  (2:59 PM)

Let's get an early start. Thanks to everybody for dropping by.

A.J. (Delray Beach, FL)

Hey Tim, Thanks for being a great journalist. My question for you: In order of importance, which is more essential to a team's defensive success: shut-down coverage or a disruptive pass rush? I ask because I believe the Dolphins will be faced with the same decision on draft day - choose a stud corner or an edge pass rusher. Thanks for your insight.

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

I like the Rex Ryan model of disruptive pass rush. The Ravens have had decent corners over the years, but not many superstars. Ryan's defense is based on stopping the run and getting after the quarterback.

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

OK, pet peeve ... I have received this post at least 30 times in my queue already ...

eric kck

i doubt the chiefs would do it but would denver trade cutler for cassel straight across, if not what would it take. to me i think cutler would work better with haley like kurt warner

Tim Graham

  (3:02 PM)

First off, don't hit the send button a bazillion times and expect me to respond. I don't take well to obnoxious people.

Tim Graham

  (3:02 PM)

Second, at least ask a freaking question.

Eddie FL

Miami has very young recievers and will likely add another with the draft, why would they not find a cheap veteran to sign for a year or two to help show them the ropes?

Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

That type of player really wasn't out there. Those mentors are a luxury. You need to find a place on the roster for them and they have to come cheap.

eric kck

i FREAKIN said what would it take

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

OK. We heard you. Now go away.

Jeff W (Boston)

Hey Tim, I read an article recently in a Miami paper that said the Patriots had "inched past the Dolphins" during the offseason. I immediately thought this was ridiculous, because the Pats were already way better than the Dolphins before the offseason and just had some bad luck this past season. Now, the Patriots are a good deal better than the Dolphins, who just got lucky with an easy schedule. Am I way off base with this, or are the Patriots a good deal better than the Dolphins on paper?

Tim Graham

  (3:07 PM)

I know the article you're referring to. What blows up the premise of the Patriots and Dolphins being on some sort of equal footing is that Tom Brady is coming back. The Patriots got off to a roaring start this offseason because of that alone. ... But let's not kid ourselves about the easy schedule. Everybody in the AFC East had it pretty easy.

John(Buffalo)

Do you think the Bills are one of the teams interested in trading for Jay Cutler?

Tim Graham

  (3:07 PM)

No.

Jason (Hoboken, NJ)

Tim, when you were clinging to life how come we didn't get a trippy medicine-head article after you had popped you 17th pill of the day?

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

I wrote several of them, but I kept filing them to the editors at Mad magazine. Each one was rejected.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's a personal foul against "eric kck", whining about the chat, 15 yards and it remains 2nd down

Jesse (Pittsburgh, PA)

You said the best 48 hours in sports involves college basketball. You write for pro football. Thats blastfamous, wether its actually true or not. You are better than that. I'm sure you'll have a good excuse though.

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

I'm nothing if not blastfamous.

Antwan (Buffalo NY)

So, is Jason Peters getting ready to shop for some Eagle green and become fond of Philly Cheese Steaks yet?

Tim Graham

  (3:11 PM)

There's a prevailing notion out there that Philly will be Peters' landing pad. Very educated football minds see a fit there. Whether a deal transpires depends on how much headway the Bills can make between now and the draft.

Kyle (Boston)

Has there been any news regarding Jason Taylor and where he might be headed?

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

Jason Taylor won't be signing anywhere soon. He's going to take his time and weigh his options. I'd say sometime around the draft or soon thereafter he'll sign a contract.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

How much of an impact will Galloway have for the Patriots? Is he a legitimate starter at 37 with an injury history?

Tim Graham

  (3:13 PM)

As a No. 3, he should be fine. The Patriots always seem to be good judges of older players and what they can get out of them.

Jorge E. (Honduras)

hey tim, which team do you think has done a better job in the pre-draft signings ??

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

The Jets and the Patriots by far. Between them, I'll have to go with the Jets ... for now. I really like what they've done with their defense. They had a vision for what they wanted and went out and got those players. But if the Patriots can land Julius Peppers, then they take the offseason personnel lead.

Scott (FL)

Tim, do you think Eric Green does much for the Dolphins? Why not go after a Samari Rolle or Chris McAllister even if it's a short term deal?

Tim Graham

  (3:16 PM)

In the brief time I covered the Ravens in the playoffs, I was exposed to some sources who insisted both McAlister and Rolle were too far on the downside.

Tom (North Carolina)

Tim..the Bills already made a deal with the devil(t.o.)why not go all in and go after Cutler? It would go a long way toward making them relevant.

Tim Graham

  (3:19 PM)

Don't get too caught up in being relevant, which is a buzz word for "making moves that get your team on SportsCenter." Edwards is fine, and the Bills need every premium asset they can find. Trading Edwards and a high pick (or whatever) would not be the answer.

Isaac (Go Pats)

Hey Timmy, just popping in to say keep up the good work on the blog and chats. Looking forward to burning an hour plus of work in the chat.

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

Thanks, Isaac. Are you giving me the finger pistols?

judah (New Jersey)

What do you think the New York Jets will do about there quarterback situation?

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

If Mark Sanchez falls to them, I think they snag him or maybe even trade up a few spots to get him. Otherwise, then they go into the summer with a three-way battle among the guys on the roster.

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

They might have their eye on Josh Freeman also. But I don't think they're going to bring in a veteran.

Bill (Pomona California)

Hey Tim, good to have you back. So if you had to pick between another question about Cutler, a ham sandwich, or a hamster, which would you pick?

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

Is the hamster in a wheel or one of those globes you put on the floor?

Ryan Twigg ( florida)

dont u think jay cutler will cause to much of a probem and get traded to tampa

Tim Graham

  (3:24 PM)

I do believe the situation will get so ugly the Broncos will have no choice but to trade away the distraction. I'm not so sure he ends up with the Bucs, but that's a team that badly needs a quarterback.

Jason (Washington)

What do you think of the Fins move in getting Tony McDaniel? Does he have enough upside? Could you shed some light on his injury history?

Tim Graham

  (3:25 PM)

He's an undrafted player from Tennessee. He's had a broken wrist, a knee injury and a hip injury. He's intriguing because he's so athletic and lanky (6-foot-7, 305 pounds). I wouldn't expect him to turn into a star, but for a seventh-round pick (which the Dolphins had three of) it seems like a worthy gamble.

Brian (Washington IL)

Do you think the Pats will trade Cassel for Cutler?

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

I can safely say probably not.

Marcus H, Denver

Pat White just had a private workout with the Pats, then the Broncos. Where do you see him fitting in for either team?

Tim Graham

  (3:29 PM)

He could be the first post-Wildcat player drafted specifically with the Wildcat in mind. The scouts who saw his workout at the combine really were impressed with his passing ability, and they already loved his athleticism.

Nick (Bills, NY) :

wow cassel for cutler huh? wheres hoculi on that one??

Bill (Pomona California)

Shouldn't that be a delay of game penalty on Brian from Washington IL?

BUFFALO THE CITY

tim, how was your trip to the B?

Tim Graham

  (3:30 PM)

Had a great time in Buffalo last week. Didn't get to Duff's, which is odd because I drove past it about five times, but I did have lunch at Ted's twice.

Jake ( Lancaster)

What do the Bills get for Peters? How crazy is it to trade him when any team drafting #1 would gladly pay $11.5 million per year for a LT that turned out like him?

Tim Graham

  (3:33 PM)

If the Dolphins had their choice between Jason Peters and Jake Long, I'm sure they still would have taken Long. Peters was an undrafted tight end the Bills happened to mold into a good tackle. I'm not sure what the Bills eventually will get, but I wouldn't expect a first-round pick.

Joe (Kendall,FL)

Should the Jets draft RB Beannie Wells? Thomas Jones will be 31 in August.

Tim Graham

  (3:33 PM)

The longer Jones pouts about his contract, the harder the Jets will look at running back in the draft.

Jason (Washington)

It seems Fins filled many of their needs with stopgap players this off season. Without taking into account their needs as much, who is the player that they SHOULD want to go after in the draft.

Tim Graham

  (3:35 PM)

The Dolphins seemed to do the same thing last year, too. The Dolphins need to go cornerback or linebacker. They have zero cornerback talent waiting in the wings. They need to start building that position for the future. Vontae Davis might be available at No. 25.

Tim Graham

  (3:36 PM)

Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest is another possibility.

Taryn duong St. petersburg Fl

Do you think DEnver will trade Jay Cutler

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

I do. Unless the Broncos call in a UN peace broker to settling everything down. This ordeal seems to be escalating, not waning.

Shane (Memphis, TN)

Everyone keeps saying that Miami needs an pass rushing OLB. Do you not think that Cameron Wake can fill that role and have an impact?

Tim Graham

  (3:40 PM)

I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with Cameron Wake because he's going to be playing under different rules and a different level of opposition. But too many people I trust have told me he can be an impact NFL player.

Eric (Syracuse)

Tim, how are your brackets looking? Who you got winning it all?

Tim Graham

  (3:42 PM)

I'm doing well because I couldn't get away from the chalk. The selection committee has so many formulas at its disposal, I think the upsets are going to remain down, like they were last year. No big upsets for me aside from Syracuse making it to the Final Four. I have Pitt beating Louisville in the final.

devin whitmore lake michigan

tim it is pritey munch and done deal whit stanford numer one pick

Tim Graham

  (3:44 PM)

I'm not so sure. The Dolphins did a pretty decent job last year by drafting tackle and then getting their quarterback of the future in the second round. Stafford seems like the pick, but I don't see it as automatic.

Jesse to Eric

Get out of here with that basketball hoopla.

Tim Graham

  (3:46 PM)

You're right. I should treat brackets like fantasy football. Nobody cares about your brackets or who you're starting at flex this week. Duly noted.

Justin (NY, NY)

Devin do you live under powerlines? Ref should red card you

Bill (york, PA)

Wow Devin. Happy hour must start early on Lake Michigan.....

Tim ( Erie Pa)

My choice for Bills #1 pick would be Maybin (defense) or pettigrew (offense). Where is the greater need and/or value.

Tim Graham

  (3:48 PM)

The greater need is at defensive end. The Bills need another pass rusher to make that defense go. The addition of Terrell Owens lessens the need for a tight end because he does some of those things the Bills were missing last year. But they still could use a guy like Pettigrew. I just think defensive end is a bigger need.

D (NYC)

What are the chances that the Jets get Cutler? Honestly.....

Tim Graham

  (3:49 PM)

28 percent

Joseph (Ft Worth)

Why should anyone take a TE early? Who is the last TE taken early who was worth the selection? The top 2 TEs now were basketball players in college . . .

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

Brandon Pettigrew is the only one worth taking in the first round this year, and No. 11 seems too early to scouts I've spoken to.

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

Dustin Keller could turn out to be worth a first-round pick.

Big Mac (Boston)

Who would do think would be the Patriots most probable first round pick? What is there most pressing need now with all the recent signings?

Tim Graham

  (3:54 PM)

What's great about the Patriots draft (and what makes it hard to predict) is now that they've gotten Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, they have no one position they MUST target. They can draft the best player that falls to them in the first round. With so many second-rounders, they can afford to collect talent and not worry about positions.

Rico (Hialeah,FL)

Do you think the phins will be successful this season. To be honest, I thought they won with smoke and mirrors last year on top of getting help from other teams. I hope not but i see them under .500 this season.

Tim Graham

  (3:55 PM)

I predict a substantial dropoff for them in wins. But the division and the schedule is so tough, I wouldn't be shocked if 10-6 wins the division.

Bo (Los Angeles, CA)

Thanks in advance for picking my Q Tim. You do great work...I have seen a lot of mock drafts pick Laurinitis or Cushing at 25 for the phins? But when is the last time an OHIO state LB did anything in the NFL? and Cushing just doesn't impress me as much either. I think Clay Matthews or Sintim would be a better pick. Who's the better pick in our opinion?

Tim Graham

  (3:56 PM)

How quickly they forget Tom Cousineau ...

Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

Between Mathews and Sintim, I'll go with Mathews, who played with Cousineau. So it all comes full circle ...

Ben (Boston MA)

10-6! Gimme a break Tim. Pats will be back on top of the AFC east with minimum 12 wins. Order will be restored to the AFC east this season.

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

That's not far-fetched.

Balanced Journalism (Bristol)

You'll answer the question: "Will the Patriots trade Cassel for Cutler?" but won't answer mine. I think I know why. I didn't preface it with an obsequious lead in. Add* "Thanks Tim, you're a first-rate journalist" at the beginning. Thanks

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

Oh ... now an ESPN chat is being chided by "balanced journalism." If you came here for "Meet the Press" you're in the wrong place, hammerhead.

Nelson (Traverse City, MI)

Aren't you going to berate Ben for not asking a question? In fairness to eric kck, I think you should.

Jeff (Boston)

Are you satisfied with the current overtime rules. I can see both sides of the argument, but I feel there must be a way where the first team to get possession doesn't win 63 percent of the time.

Tim Graham

  (4:02 PM)

I'm a huge fan of college overtime. I would love to see that be adopted by the NFL, but it never would happen.

Jeremy (Tallahassee 850)

Why does everyone ask predictive questions as if you're Miss Cleo? Lets ask some REPORTING questions. Who handled the fins drafting last year? Parcells?

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

Parcells called the shots.

B (Seattle)

Haven't heard anything about Anquan Boldin in a while. What are the chances that Boldin and Leinart are packaged in a draft-day trade?

Tim Graham

  (4:05 PM)

Funny what a little T.O. and Cutler news will do ... Boldin seems so last month. I still predict the Cards will keep him, but -- like the Cutler situation -- he could force their hand by making matters too uncomfortable.

Ben (Philly)

T-Dog, keep ripping up these dumb questions - I love it. Who is your AFC/NFC Champion and Super Bowl pick this year?

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

How's that for irony?

Matt (Orlando)

I've pretty much lost all faith in ESPN to report without bias with the Cutler situation. Just about everybody outside of ESPN puts Bus Cook as the main catalyst in this situation citing multiple league sources. But everyone at ESPN acts like he's their sweet innocent little grandmother because they don't want to piss him off and hurt the chances of getting Brett Favre to join ESPN. What's your take on that Tim, or should we talk privately since you have to answer the way ESPN tells you to?

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

You're asking the wrong guy. I've had no contact with Bus Cook and, as the AFC East blogger, haven't been covering the Cutler story.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Tim, how long of a suspension do you see Marshawn Lynch getting?

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

Popular belief among the intellgentsia is two games.

Jeremy (Easton, Pa)

Lynch seemed sincere enough in his PC. Do you think he finally learned his lesson?

Tim Graham

  (4:09 PM)

As long as he keeps his grill out, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Chris (NE CT)

This chat is going insane and nobody's asking the most important question: who's gonna win American Idol?

Tim Graham

  (4:10 PM)

I want to know how long it will be before somebody gets the guts to tels the blind guy he's not as good as everybody else.

Ryan (Boston)

Tim, why aren't we locking up Freddy Jackson? He just wants a little security, and he wants to stay in Buffalo. What happened to rewarding a classy, hardworking guy?

Tim Graham

  (4:11 PM)

He's an exclusive-rights player, meaning he can't negotiate with any other club. So the Bills can concentrate on other matters for now. No rush on Fred Jackson.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

I think Obama has the guts to make a comment like that . . . at least based upon last night.

Tim Graham

  (4:11 PM)

I think you're right. Somebody get Simon's number to the president.

Justin (NY, NY)

Does this look like a rash?

Tim Graham

  (4:12 PM)

I'd put some salve on that and stay out of the sun.

Marshawn's grill

No you didn't!

Dana (Boston)

I think Jay Cutler is an overrated cry baby..... How do you see Cutler?

Tim Graham

  (4:13 PM)

I'm not ready to call him overrated yet.

Tim Graham

  (4:14 PM)

I don't see it as a priority, but the tackle position is deep enough that the Jets can come away with a prospect who can be good for many years.

Miles, Bristol RI

Tim, this chat is a total scam,admit it, you are running an illegal online sports betting shop out of this chat room...thats why your always in shady buffalo all the time, why else would anyone ever go there!

Tim Graham

  (4:16 PM)

I use specific words to give hints on which games are my mortal locks for the week. Crack the code and you, too, can win. Or call my 1-900 number.

Tim's Worman's Comp Lawyer

Yes repetitive stress injury's to fingers can occur during chat's lasting more than an hour.

Tim Graham

  (4:16 PM)

zuh?

Xander (Philly)

Did that just come from a dude who lives in rhode island? Rhode Island is the freaking butt lint of the country. Stop embarrassing yourself.

Tim Graham

  (4:17 PM)

I'm sorry. That made me laugh hard. I had to post it.

Joseph

Tim, better show - Seinfeld or Friends?

Tim Graham

  (4:18 PM)

Seinfeld. Not even close.

Jeremy (Easton, Pa)

I don't understand Jets fans clamor for Cutler. After seeing Farve's play last year, do they really want someone who beats Farve in risks and bad decisions?

Tim Graham

  (4:19 PM)

KC Joyner just wrote about that very topic on the New York Times site, which I linked earlier today on my blog.

Brandon (East Lansing, MI)

Tim, yes or no, Michael Vick plays in the NFL again?

Tim Graham

  (4:20 PM)

Yes, he does.

Alex

LeBron, Kobe,D-Wade?

Tim Graham

  (4:20 PM)

D-Wade.

D (NYC)

Seinfeld is 50 times better than Friends. Tim, what are your insiders telling you about draft day trades involving big names. Do you foresee alot with some big names like Cutler and Boldin?

Tim Graham

  (4:21 PM)

I'm not hearing anything about that actually. There's still too much time in between. But some good rumors should come out of the owners meetings, which begin Monday in California.

Matt (Orlando)

I got a new nickname for you Chris Berman style. Tim "is a joke" Graham. Considering Cutler has been linked in the news to the Patriots (via 3 way trade), the Bills (via Bus Cook and rumors), and the Jets (via GM call to Broncos about Cutler)... I guess you're too busy covering AI, Friends, and your favorite pair of socks... You won't post this though because you don't have it in you...

Tim Graham

  (4:22 PM)

You're on the record.

Jorge E. (Honduras)

who would have more TD's this upcoming season T.O. or Joey galloway ? (P.D. damn!, i was rooting for VCU yesterday!)

Tim Graham

  (4:23 PM)

Terrell Owens will be much more prominently featured and have more touchdowns than Joey Galloway, who will be more of a role players with New England.

Jason (Washington)

Who is the most underrated player in the AFC East?

Tim Graham

  (4:23 PM)

Darrelle Revis ... off the top of my head.

Matt (Orlando)

I baited you so well. That last sentence really made you want to prove me wrong and got me what I wanted... my post on this page.

Tim Graham

  (4:24 PM)

Congratulations. You're becoming a chat-room star. Feel free to list this experience on your resume and let me know if you need a reference.

Tom (Boston)

Any recent updates (or possible rumors) on Brady's progress? Thanks Tim

Tim Graham

  (4:25 PM)

Every update I've heard for the past two months has been positive, but nothing was more emphatic than the Matt Cassel trade.

Kris(Iowa)

Wow! a chat over an hour on a Friday afternoon..either the big mouse has you chained to a desk or your personal life is really lame...

Tim Graham

  (4:26 PM)

The latter. I'll admit it. But two-hour chats are the norm for me.

B (Seattle)

Cutler has also been rumored to Minnesota, San Fran, Seattle, St. Louis, Miami, Tampa Bay, Washington DC, etc. It's not "news", it is called rumors!

Tim Graham

  (4:27 PM)

I think that's in response to Matt from Orlando.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

This Matt character is giving Orlando a bad name..... I don't like the cut of his jib....

Matt's future employer (Orlando)

Tim, what do you think of Matt? Would you trust him with a salt shaker, frozen fries and hot grease?

Tim Graham

  (4:28 PM)

Like Louie Anderson in "Coming to America," I would allow him to wash the lettuce.

Matt (Orlando)

Speaking of a chat-room star, I was going to ask you how much a guy gets paid to run a chat for 2 hours talking about their favorite movies, hot dog toppings, and how they like suicide drinks.

Tim Graham

  (4:29 PM)

If I told you, you wouldn't believe it.

Anna (Corning NY)

If Jason Peters is not worth a 1st round pick, then what LT is?!

Tim Graham

  (4:31 PM)

Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Jordan Gross, Joe Thomas.

Matt's Mom (Orlando)

Honey. Get off the web chat and come up from the basement. Your hotpockets are getting cold.

Jimbo, Brooklyn

Does Lito Sheppard have a significant impact?

Tim Graham

  (4:32 PM)

He does because he's opposite Revis. Teams are going to throw at Sheppard, to be sure. But the Jets consistently will roll help over top of him. Sheppard should make some plays.

Adam (Amherst NY)

Tim, did you check out the new Irish bar on NF BLVD? Shenanegans? Good St Patty's day party.

Tim Graham

  (4:33 PM)

I was back in Florida by the time St. Patrick's Day festivities began.

Rick (lowell, MA)

Pretty please answer my question about the Pats LB situation..

Tim Graham

  (4:34 PM)

Rick, I didn't see it. We're up to 721 questions over the past 90 minutes. That's eight a minute. I don't see a large percentage of what's sent. The queue moves too fast. But try sending again.

John (Austin)

E.Tenn. State is about to be the first 16 seed to knock of a number 1 seed. Stop this nonsense and go watch.

Tim Graham

  (4:35 PM)

I have it on one foot away from my monitor. My home office is sweet!

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Is ESPN gonna start inviting the bloggers to ESPN the Weekend at Disney?

Tim Graham

  (4:37 PM)

I was going to go this year, but the weekend coincided with the start of free agency. I was anchored to my desk the entire time.

Chris (Baltimore)

What does Miami's coaching staff think of Kendall Langford?

Tim Graham

  (4:38 PM)

The front office is high on him. The offensive linemen who faced him in practice every day also rave about him.

George (Buffalo)

Can you ask the higher ups at ESPN why they don't have any hockey on anymore? And bring back NHL2Night! Are they still mad that the Whalers aren't around?

Tim Graham

  (4:39 PM)

Gary Bettman made his choice to be the marquee sport on Versus rather than one of many on ESPN.

Mike (Rochester, NY)

Tim - I love the blog, and the interview with Byron Brown was great - but I think you must still be feeling the effects of the bubonic plague if you think Peters is not worth a first round pick or that the Bills would trade him for less than that

Tim Graham

  (4:42 PM)

If you had a first-round pick, why wouldn't you use it to draft a tackle and groom him yourself rather than use it on a player who was undrafted as a tight end and coming off a bad year? Plus, Peters wants the sort of money Jake Long received last year as the No. 1 overall selection. Maybe the Bills will be able to convince a team to give them a first-round pick, but it would be robbery.

Jorge E. (Honduras)

let's say the pats will draft a LB with their #23 pick, you think if they get peppers , they will try to do otherwise ? maybe CB or S, or maybe you think they will stick with a LB ?

Tim Graham

  (4:43 PM)

They've already signed two corners, so I think they're done there. They need a physical inside linebacker who can replace Tedy Bruschi.

Connor Barwin (Cincinnati, OH)

Wouldn't I look great in a Patriots uniform this fall?

Tim Graham

  (4:44 PM)

You know what? It's getting to the point where every player looks better in a Patriots uniform.

Rick (lowell, ma)

You said the Pats don't have a glaring hole to fill since the signings of Bodden and Springs, but wha about OLB, or LB in general? They currently have 3 starters, and one is Bruschi who is getting older and slower by the minute. With all the peppers and Jason Taylor talk, people seem to forget that their 4th best LB is likely Woods, and Guyton likely gets some of Tedy's time...and they have little depth there, so it seems like unless they get a veteran OLB, that's a glaring need. Also, OLB for BB is talked about as a tough position to learn for rookies, so even if they get a stud OLB in the first, they'd likely struggle, right? How do you see them fixing the hole at OLB? Do they get a veteran to start, draft a rookie early to start right away (and hope he's as good/smart as Mayo was last year) or maybe start woods until aforementioned rookie is rookie is ready?

Tim Graham

  (4:46 PM)

Inside and outside linebacker are needs, but they're not glaring, must-address holes in the first round. They have enough first-day picks to spread around and use any number of ways. ... Julius Peppers and Jason Taylor are the highest-profile possibilities at outside linebacker. A lot will depend on whether or not they come aboard.

Jimi (Poughkeepsie)

Tim, do you think Marshawn Lynch showed true contrition at the press conference on Tuesday? Is this just one more step towards an eventual big time screw-up?

Tim Graham

  (4:47 PM)

I was somewhat impressed by what he had to say and, more importantly, that I could understand it.

KV from IL

Any news on JP Losman. Was that bonehead fumble against the Jets his last NFL highlight?

Tim Graham

  (4:49 PM)

He's unsigned and probably will wait until after the draft to make a decision. There's no sense signing and then have the team draft a quarterback and change the whole landscape. He'll want to know the situation he's signing up for, so he might as well wait.

Rex Ryan ( New York)

Who's your favorite team? Answer wisely!!

Tim Graham

  (4:50 PM)

I'm from Cleveland, so I was raised on the Browns. But I'm not a fan of anybody. Haven't been for a loooong time. Of course, Art Modell moving to Baltimore made the detachment that comes with this job easy.

Chris (NE CT)

Tim, where in the world is Rodney Harrison? Is he still on the Pats?

Tim Graham

  (4:52 PM)

He's a free agent and, based on the latest interview I saw, still determining if he wants to play. Although I'm sure his decision will rely heavily on whether the Patriots want him back.

Xander (Philly)

Could Bus Cook have been in Buffalo to talk about Scheffler? He'd be a great addition for the Bills.

Tim Graham

  (4:56 PM)

Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News debunked the hot rumor that Bus Cook was in Buffalo last week. Gaughan, quoting Cook's assistant, wrote Cook never met with the Bills.

Paul (Cheektowaga, NY)

The Bills just let Angelo Crowell walk (limp) away to Tampa Bay and then sign Pat Thomas. Are they seriously considering him/Keith Ellison to fill the starting spot this season or do you see another signing/high draft pick?

Tim Graham

  (4:58 PM)

If I were a Bills fan, I would be discouraged if they don't sign another linebacker. But they've left that position thin in recent years.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Tim, odds that T.O. gets mad and ends up doing shirtless situps in his driveway this year?

Tim Graham

  (4:58 PM)

18 percent

JR (Florida)

Even though the phins need a LB and a CB, do you think they might try to draft a DT to replace Holliday?

Tim Graham

  (5:01 PM)

Holliday played 3-4 defensive end for them. They have Philip Merling and Kendall Langford there. That seems to be a position that's in good hands.

char (hoboken, nj)

ok - maybe this question is good enough to warrant an answer...what are the odds that roscoe parrish gets traded?

Tim Graham

  (5:03 PM)

Parrish does look like a spare part in a crowded receiver corps and with Leodis McKelvin a sensational punt returner. Parrish has value. I'm sure they're shopping him.

Will (Nashville by way of WPB)

TG- just got a call from a friend...Anquan Boldin spotted leaving a hotel in Palm Beach...care to address that possibility?

Tim Graham

  (5:04 PM)

If true, it wouldn't mean much. First, he's from down here. Second, Palm Beach is an hour north of the Dolphins facility with traffic. If he were in town for anything Dolphins related, I'm sure he'd be in Broward County.

KV from IL

Tim, I just re-read the chat and I have to say the hotpockets post is funnier than the RI post.

Jeremy (Easton, Pa)

Tim, it's after 5pm. What's the count?

Tim Graham

  (5:06 PM)

851 and counting, but we're slowing down.

J (NYC)

The reason for the cutler clamor is b/c he is young and not even in his prime yet. Also last year the first 3/4 of the season Favre was Superman and there was talk about him being MVP, But then he sustained a bicep and shoulder injury that he tried to play through and his arm strength suffered immensely. Jets melted down. Now, Will Cutler be a Jet?

Tim Graham

  (5:07 PM)

A lot is going to need to happen to reach that juncture. The Broncos still seem like they want to salvage the relationship. They need to be willing to trade him before another team can acquire him.

carlos L. (Miami,FL)

Tim, what do you think Brett Favre is doing right now?

Tim Graham

  (5:08 PM)

High likelihood it involves trying to kill an animal.

Bill (Pomona California)

Tim, Jets defense in 2009 - top 5?

Tim Graham

  (5:09 PM)

With health and some production out of Vernon Gholston.

Tim Graham

  (5:10 PM)

Why am I stuck with the Dayton game when the Pitt game has 65 seconds left?

Mike (San Diego)

Tim, speaking of Favre, does he really think he's going to get a TV job? He doesn't sound all that bright to me. I think that's why he un-retired last year...nobody wanted him in studio...thoughts?

Tim Graham

  (5:12 PM)

I find him to be a compelling speaker. He's one of the best talkers in football, and the networks will be jockeying to get him.

Dan (Saratoga)

Do you think the Pats use all their day 1 draft picks this year? package them to move Up? Package them for more picks next year and/or later in the draft?

Tim Graham

  (5:14 PM)

The Patriots always seem able to spin picks to set themselves up for the next year regardless of their record.

Jacob (NYC)

Chances on Henne taking over for the phins this season?

Tim Graham

  (5:15 PM)

Unless Pennington gets hurt, Henne will be the backup for another year.

Tim Graham

  (5:17 PM)

I'm going to wrap it up, folks. We stayed on for 2:20 today and amassed 881 questions and comments. Thanks for visiting. See you next Friday.