Bill Williamson

  (12:03 PM)

Hi everyone. Let's get rolling.

Jim, Grapevine, TX

Bill, What will be the relationship with McDaniels and Brandon Marshall. This coaching tree seems to root out players like him.

Bill Williamson

  (12:06 PM)

We will see what happens to Marshall first. If he is suspended for a long period of time, McDaniels may want to move on. He is a free agent next year. I think they will franchsie tag him rather than give him a big contract extension. But if he gets in any more trouble, it all may be a moot point,

Joe (Columbus, OH)

Its sounding like the Chiefs aren't parting ways with Gonzales and Waters. They haven't said much about LJ. What are you hearing about the Chiefs plans for Johnson?

Bill Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

I think that is a fluid situation. My gut feeling is Johnson will not be there. it will be interesting to see if he will be at the start of the off-season program Monday,

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Can KC get a 2nd round pick for Gonzalez? He seems like a perfect security blanket for Cassell, but a high pick would be hard to pass up.

Bill Williamson

  (12:09 PM)

They probably can get a second or a third. But I think he is invaluable. You are exactly right -- he' s a security blanket for Cassel. He has to be kept.

Bob ( San Diego, CA)

Bill - great job on the AFCW Blog - about the Chargers - have you heard about if they have any interest in a guy like Mike Brown or other safeties? Thanks

Bill Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

Thanks, Bob. They have been quiet there. I do know they are studying safeties in the draft.

Chris (NYC)

Why are the Chargers thinking about taking a RB with their first pick? With LT and Sproles already here, wouldn't someone who could step in and start at safety, MLB, DL, or OL be a lot more helpful? Especially considering AJ's history of finding RBs in the later rounds, I don't even see how this is a consideration.

Bill Williamson

  (12:12 PM)

I agree. I think they need to go get a running back next year. The Chargers need an impact defensive player this year.

will(philly)

what are the chances of the Chiefs trading down to acquire more picks? Any chance the Eagles move up to draft a OL?

Bill Williamson

  (12:14 PM)

I think both are real possibilities. The Chiefs could use more picks and the Eagles need an impact player. These can happen. Don't be surprised if the Eagles ofer their No. 21 and No. 28 picks to Oakland for the No. 7 pick.

Thomas. SC

We already know Denver is interested in B.J. Raji. Do you see him being there for their # 12 pick? They also worked out USC LB Cushing. Would you think he fits Denvers system better than Maualuga?

Bill Williamson

  (12:16 PM)

Here's the deal with Denver and defensive players: They all fit the need because the Broncos have so many needs. As for Raji, I don't see him being there at No. 12.

Dave, Fredonia ,NY

How would you rate how the off-season is going so far for the Raiders? It seems as if they are doing things a little bit differently this season. Also, do you think Cable has the potential to turn this team around in the next few years?

Bill Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

Afer last year's fiasco, Oakland is being more stable. But they really haven't improved much. They are hoping their o-line is better but they are making slow strides. I do like Cable. i think he is doing the right things.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

Why hasn't Javon Walker been released yet? Is there really anyone in that organization who thinks he will live up to that contract?

Bill Williamson

  (12:20 PM)

He took a big pay cut and he will be in Oakland in 2009.

Tim (Beatrice, Nebraska)

I read a previous article you wrote about the meeting that took place between Jay Cutler and inexperienced Head Coach Josh McDaniel's. It was a very baffling article to read. You had one source that you said knew what had gone on in the meeting. You had another source who said he had not didn't actually know what happened in the meeting but he heard it only made these unfortunate matters worse. How exactly does a writer get two different stories on a meeting that could only have gone one way or the other? Also, if this second source really had no actual account of the meeting, isn't it your responsibility to fact check the article you write and not use any information that is questionable? Does ESPN use conflicting sources just to make a story seem more interesting or are they held accountable for the things they write?

Erik (NH)

Bill, I don't see the Raiders trading back unless Crabtree is off of the board. Your thoughts?

Bill Williamson

  (12:25 PM)

The Raiders are going to be facing a player who can help them at the No. 7 pick. There will be a reciever or a left tackle there who can help. So they will have options.

JD (AZ)

Bill: Any chance the Chargers look at a 3-4 pass rusher like Maybin? After all Merriman is coming back from a pretty serious knee injury.

Bill Williamson

  (12:27 PM)

I could see it, sure.

Tyler (Boise, ID)

Bill give us an early prediction on how you think the AFC West will finish this year.

Bill Williamson

  (12:29 PM)

San Diego has to be early choice, doesn't it.;

jorgey villafake

TO to the chargers

Bill Williamson

  (12:30 PM)

What, nexr year?

Larry (Pasco, WA)

If Merriman comes back to close than 100% and with Rivera running the "D" for a full season, do you see them returning to a top 10 defense?

Bill Williamson

  (12:35 PM)

Yes, I do. They are two huge keys. Tyey'll make a huge difference.

Cole (Kansas City)

Do you think the Chiefs pick at #3 will be a surprise? Or, will you pretty much know by then who they will be selecting?

Bill Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

If Curry is off the board, it could be a surprise -- Crabtree perhaps.

matt

Will LT have a pro bowl season this year?

Bill Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

If he stays healthy, sure.

Anthony

Could you PLEASE tell me if there is any truth to Scott Pioli being seen in Denver?

Bill Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

If he was I don't know who he was talking to -- all of Denver's brass was in California on Wednesday.

Aaron (K.C.MO.)

I know its an afc west chat but give a KC guy an outsiders opinion of what the vikings are thinking about with their QB situation?

Bill Williamson

  (12:38 PM)

Open competition -- unless they trade for Cutler, of course.

Rigidy1: (Hartford, CT)

Is there really a potential QB competition going on in KC? Seems like after giving up an early second rounder that Cassel should be pegged in as their guy.

Bill Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

Don't believe that chatter at all. Caasel is the guy. Done deal.

Sarah (Denver)

will Oakland deal michael bush before next season? he has to be the most talented 3rd string rb in the nfl.

Bill Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

I think he stays. Yes, the Raiders are stacked at running backs. Maybe they will learn how to use them.

Winston (Seattle)

You said that you don't think the Raiders have improved much, but don't you think that the moves they have made have significantly upgraded their o-line?

Bill Williamson

  (12:42 PM)

Maybe. Barnes has never been a world beater and the new center lost him job to Oakland's former cneter Jake Grove.

Matt

Whose better, Clinton Portis or LT?

Bill Williamson

  (12:43 PM)

Tough one. I still got LT, barely.

Bill Williamson

  (12:43 PM)

Tough one. I still got LT, barely.

Chuck (Virgina)

What makes Cutler better than Matt Staford or Josh Freeman? All he has going for him is his arm strength I do not understand why the Broncos do not take advantage of this situation. They can come out big winners.

Bill Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

Cutler is already proven. Neither of those players are proven. Plus, the Broncos would be starting over with a rookie.

Matt

Even with LT being 30?

Bill Williamson

  (12:46 PM)

That was the reason for me using the word "barely."

Chuck(Columbus)

Will brady Quinn Win the Starting poposition in Cleveland?

Bill Williamson

  (12:47 PM)

I think so.

Kris (Terre Haute, IN)

There have been reports popping up that say elements on the Vikings staff didn't like something about Cutler. Now, I understand that no one is perfect that is not my question. Instead, what do you think sunk it: legitimately something about Culter, the picks being demanded, or Childress's undying love for saving face with T-Jack? I am trying to wrap my head around Cutler's quality. Is he as good as his stats say, or is he a problem QB like a Jeff George?

Bill Williamson

  (12:48 PM)

I think he is a big talent who can be great and the Vikings should consider him.

Aaron (K.C.MO.)

Does a package of LJ and Waters have any value? Individualy?

Bill Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

If a team was looking for both a guard and a RB, they'd probably be worth a second. Individually, a fourh hfor each, perhaps..

John ( Ann Arbor MI)

This is supposed to be an AFC WEST chat room and your taking questions about brady quinn. But I am asking you a serious question about the chiefs and you keep ignoring me. I give up!!!!!!!!!!

Bill Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

What's your question, John?

Matt

Whose your favorite team. are youjust doing AFCW because you were assigned or do you like those teams the best?

Bill Williamson

  (12:54 PM)

Yes, these are the teams I was assigned.

Tyler (Oakland, Ca)

Bill, love your work, if the Oakland and Philly trade were to go down att he draft, who do you see Oakland targeting with those picks? Position and players?

Bill Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

WR and OL. Not sure of the players yet down in that range.

Bob (Oakland, CA)

Do you believe Cable when he says that OT is still Oakland's biggest need even after signing Barnes? If so, could you see them take A. Smith or M. Oher at #7?

Bill Williamson

  (12:56 PM)

Yes, I do believe him. But the most interesting thing he said was the tackle pool is deep and you can get an impact guy in the thrid round so I see Oakland taking a receiver in the first round.

Jay (Oakland)

Ramses Barden ran a 4.55 and 4.55 40 yard dash at his pro day. Where do you see him going in the draft?

Bill Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

I think he is a riser. Early second round, perhaps.

Eric KC

with goff and waters not leaving if lj stays how much power would the chiefs offence have if they draft crabtree

Bill Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

I'd like it a lot. But the defense ... yikes.

Phil (Ann Arbor, MI)

What's the possibility of tony gonzalez being dealt to the falcons?

Bill Williamson

  (12:59 PM)

Rigth now, the Chiefs are focusing on keeping Gonzalez.

Bret (walton NY)

who the heck is ramses barden?

Bill Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

Cal Poly receiver. Read up on him. he's the goods.

Dave (Denver)

Who is at the root of Cutler's stance, Cutler or Cook?

Bill Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

McDaniels.

Jay (Oakland)

Do you see Oakland going after Ramses Barden at #40 if they were to trade their #7 pick to Philly and get OL and DL help with the #21 and #28?

Bill Williamson

  (1:01 PM)

I think the Raiders get a receiver in the fist round. But I know they really like him.

Bill Williamson

  (1:02 PM)

Great hour, folks. Thanks. Talk to you next week.