Harold (New Jersey)

After BJ Raji failed his drug test is there any chance he falls to the Bucs on draft day?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:56 PM)

Wondered the same thing as soon as I saw the report. Possible he could fall some, but details would have to be pretty bad for him to fall to 19. If he does, it could be another Sapp.

Miles (Orlando, FL)

Right off the bat... please tell me the Bucs aren't targeting Josh Freeman with pick 19.

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:56 PM)

Can't tell you for absolute certain. But I don't think so.

Preston: Bloomington, IN

Hey Pat, I'm a huge Saints fan, and I can't help but wonder...is this gonna be our year in the NFC South? I mean, the defense has taken huge strides and the offense was already awesome. I saw yesterday on SportsCenter that one analyst has Drew Brees as the number one QB next year (Peyton Manning dropped to 4th!) With all that firepower, and a defense that can at least give the offense some resting time, how big of a threat do you think the Saints are this year? Potential contenders? Playoff bound? Or is it going to be another disappointing season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:57 PM)

Like what the Saints have done with the d in the offseason and already loved the offense. Obviously, you never know what's going to happen with injuries, but they're sure looking like a contender right now.

Michael, Thibodaux, LA

What are your honest expectations of Dan Morgan this year? Is he a difference-maker for the Saints' defense? How many games do you think he might play in? Does he start at OLB?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:58 PM)

Always a huge question with Morgan. But I've talked to him several times and he says he's feeling better than he has at any time since before his rookie season. If he stays on the field, he'll be their best LB and that includes Vilma.

Will Wilson, NC

What are the Panthers going to do with Julius Peppers?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:59 PM)

My guess still is they'll trade him right before the draft.

Cody Philly

I saw the bucs might be interested in the Browns QBs, have you heard anything? Personally they should trade up for Sanchez IMO Thanks Pat

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:00 PM)

I'm with you on the Sanchez thing. That's what I'd do. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of one of the QBs from Cleveland, but I haven't heard there's anything definite going on there.

JS(Statesville,NC)

I know you've heard a lot of Peppers questions but I have to ask. Is there anyone willing to pay the price to get him. I wouldn't want to trade 2 first round picks for him nor would I take anything less for him.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:01 PM)

I wouldn't give up two first rounders for him. But I think you'll see some team step up right before the draft. Maybe something like a first and a third.

george, england

Does Trey Lewis fill a need at DT?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

Yes, right now I think he's a possibility as a starter. At worst, he'll be in the rotation.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Pat: Were the Panthers ever seriously in the running for Cutler or do you think they are content with Delhomme for now?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

No, I have no indication they were truly involved.

Ben (Fresno, Ca)

Do the Bucs have the ammo to trade up for Sanchez? Wouldnt it take quite a bit to move up high enough? Thanks Pat

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:03 PM)

Yeah, but I don't think it would take as much ammo as it would have for Cutler.

Todd D. (Sandy Springs, Ga.)

I think that S-OLB-DE-DT are the Falcons' four biggest needs. Needs-wise, I would think Delmas or R. Johnson would be best, but I'm also enamored with the USC OLB's, Matthews & Cushing. Out of those four, which do you think would best for the Falcons @ #24, and why?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:04 PM)

I've been going back and forth on this. But right now I'm going to say Delmas. He'd start immediately and fill a big need.

Nathan (Cary, NC)

So Marty Hurney apparently has been making some serious rounds at pro-days. If they have the smallest value of picks in the league, why are they paying for all of these plane tickets? I know you have to work hard to find good players late, but come on, they just fired 20 people! I bet you he isn't flying coach either...

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:05 PM)

Nature of the beast. They cut people that didn't work on the football side. They're not messing with the budget on that side.

Kevin (Houston)

pat, i love your work man, i have a question. you did a segment on espn and i could have swore i heard you mention something about heyward-bay. do you really think thats a good possiblity?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:06 PM)

At least a possibility. Wouldn't it be nice to see a downfield threat in that offense?

vance (greensboro)

Do you see Dwayne Jarrett and/or Gary Barnidge more involved in the Panthers office this season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:06 PM)

Jarrett maybe. I think the light might finally come on.

MassRevelry, New Orleans

One of the knocks against the Saints has been that they are a finesse team. Does DC Gregg Williams bring smashmouth credibility?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:07 PM)

Yes, he's an old-school coach. The guys they've brought in so far fit what he does. Think you'll see a much more aggressive style.

Jared West Palm beach

What was it in the late feb trade 3 way trade that made the patriots back off?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:08 PM)

Depending on who you believe, the Bucs either never really made an offer or got into it very late in the process.

Raleigh, NC

What about Vick coming to Carolina

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:08 PM)

No way. Jerry Richardson would never have him.

Rip (Boulder, CO)

With so many teams looking for a capable reciever with deep threat potential, why is there so little interest in Lance Moore?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:09 PM)

Shhh ...keep that one quiet. You could see somebody jump forward and try to sign him to an offer sheet soon. Teams know he's there and they may try to hit the Saints when they don't have a lot of cap room.

Sugarland, TX

Will Vick play anywhere?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:10 PM)

Yes, but I think it's safe to say it won't be anywhere in the NFC South.

Decatur, GA

Pat, obviously the falcons are looking to go young. lately i have been hearing about us possibly considering rodney harrison. why would we do this, also do you think if this happens he would be given the starting job or competing? (im assuming we would be giving him less money than what milloy was willing to accept)

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:11 PM)

That only happens if Falcons come out of the draft without doing anything at safety.

george, england

HOw do you feel about the Falcons corners, if Vontae drops that far does he pull the trigger?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

Yeah, but I don't think he falls that far.

Aaron (Dade City, FL)

Instead of going thru the draft for defensive line help what about a couple free agents Jerome McDougal, Tank Johnson, and Dewayne Robertson. All should be pretty cheap. Your thoughts.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

I'd take any one of those three and still draft a DT somewhere in there.

Neil (Carolina)

Hi Pat. Are the Panthers really talking to Jake about an extension? Aren't they better off waiting the year out, and if the Panthers dive, getting rid of Jake, Marty H., and John Fox??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:13 PM)

They've just had very preliminary talks with the agent. Don't know if they'll actually do it or wait and see how Jake plays this year. I'd wait.

JOHN, TX

What about Brooks going back to the Bucs?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

Not gonna happen. At least not as a player.

Nathan (Cary, NC)

Get rid of Fox, Hurney, and Jake - maybe Neil should go look at the Panthers before they came!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

Good point.

Jason (Greensboro)

Some speculated the Panthers were involved in the trade for you-know-who because the Broncos wanted defense. Carolina wants 1st round picks, and now Denver has 4 of them over the next two years. They also have an extra third round pick. Might that trade have been a move by the Broncos to make a run for Peppers? For example, IF they trade 2 firsts for him, they essentially get Peppers, Orton, and a 3rd rounder for Cutler and a 5th rounder. Or IF they do a 1st and 2 thirds, they get Peppers, Orton and a 1st for Cutler, a third and a 5th.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:15 PM)

Not sure the Broncos even want Peppers.

Matt (Tampa)

Hey Pat..What do you think the BUCS will do at 19?? I heard Josh Freeman, but since we are rebuilding and might not be that good this year, and with the QBs that should come out in next years draft (McCoy, Bradford, Tebow), shouldnt the BUCS pass on a QB and go after PERCY HARVIN???

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:16 PM)

I'd take Heyward-Bay before Harvin.

Dylan, Tampa

Cutting all the fakeness, do you think the move to remove Brooks internally was deep down a cap move because with all the respect the team owed him seems they would've atleast let him finish his last year of his contract to retire in Pewter and Red.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:17 PM)

No, they didn't save all that much -- about $3 million in cap space and less in actual cash. They already had plenty of cap room.

Tony(Orlando,FL)

Pat, what are the chances the Bucs trade for Derek Anderson and Shaun Rodgers? thanks

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:18 PM)

I like that idea a lot and I know a lot of fans do, too. But I don't know that the Bucs like the idea. Would probably cost a few draft picks.

JS(Statesville,NC)

Is there a date for when the rest of the NFL's regular season schedule comes out?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

Word is it's coming out April 14. If that's not accurate, it should be right around then.

Steve: (Eugene, OR):

Pat, have you seen the report floating around that in addition to Raji, probable first rounders - Harvin, Davis, Matthews and Cushing all failed the combine drug test? If true, how will that affect a team like Atlanta that talks a lot about the Falcon Filter?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

I've seen only a report on Raji.

Goldsboro,NC

Do you think Carolina will Trade For Brady Quinn Or Anderson

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:21 PM)

No, I just don't see Fox and Hurney trading for a QB.

Jeff (NC)

Is there any possibility that the Panthers draft Jarrett Dillard, so maybe Smith could mentor him? They seem like the exact same player.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:22 PM)

You really want Smith mentoring someone???

Josh (Michigan)

Everyone seems to kiss your ass on these chats, Pat. I just wanted to tell you you suck. I don't want you to get comfortable and start slacking on us, this should keep you on your toes. And to get this posted... who do you think will be the best corner in the NFCS in 3 years. I say Talib. He's the truth.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:22 PM)

Love you, too. I'm gonna agree with you and go with Talib. Liked what I saw last year and he's going to be way better this year.

Jared West Palm

Pat, what on earth are the buccs going to do with ward, graham, and williams?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

Be happy with them. We still don't know if Caddy will make it back fully. If he does, you could see Graham getting some time at FB.

justin, sc

i do not get to blog with you much pat because of my work schedual so i will ask a million questions. One question i have with so much cap space why have the bucs not gone out in free agency to get some help i know we need help on defense and another WR wouldn't hurt are they just waiting until after the draft?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:24 PM)

Got to wait until after the draft now because there's not much in free agency right now.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:28 PM)

Sorry. Computer bumped off for a minute. Back now.

Nathan (Cary, NC)

Since the Bucs are without a 2nd round pick, could they sign Lance Moore to an offer sheet? How does that type of situation work?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:29 PM)

No, they can't do it without a second-round pick.

Lamar (NC)

I've seen a recent report that Carolina bought in Josh Freeman for a personal workout. What do you make out of it? I'm shocked the Panthers would even consider bringing in a QB, much less one expected to go in the 1st round. Are the Panthers serious about him?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

Every team brings in a bunch of players for a visit. Don't read too much into that.

hank New Orleans

Who do you have the Saints taking?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

Malcolm Jenkins or Beanie Wells.

Tony(Orlando, FL)

Pat, don't listen to josh(michigan) You do a good job. How come the Bucs don't look at bringing in Tank Johnson? thanks

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:31 PM)

Might be waiting until after the draft.

MJ (Boston)

Mel Kiper says Bucs should take Josh Freeman, do you agree? Earlier you didn't think so, but Mel is Mel....

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:31 PM)

I don't agree. No knock on Mel. He could be right.

Jared West Palm

Was it smart for the buccs to move Phillps to weakside lB?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:32 PM)

Yes. They need speed there. He's not much smaller than Brooks -- if at all.

Jared(Charlotte)

Josh... That was mean, Pat does a good job on these.. although I do think he sucks on getting MY questions in.. Do you ever think think J. Stewart will ever get tired of splitting carries?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

I'm hitting as many questions as I can. There are over 500 in front of me. Nah, Stewart and Williams is a good situation. Carries will sort themselves out and keep both happy.

MJ (Boston)

As the biggest Cowboy fan there is (and most knowledgeable) the Bucs should stay away from Tank, he's over-rated, once and awhile he'll make a play, but Steven Bowen played better than him. Not too mention, after the Philly game he was being a punk....Buyer Beware!!! Good luck in Cincy Tank!!!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

Might be good advice.

Josh (Michigan)

Pat, can you do me a favor and post the question where I apoligized and said I enjoy your blogs. These guys are calling me names and I feel it is undeserved since my apology came right after you answered me. And to make this a legit question, why do you like Heyward-Bay over Harvin? Both have +'s and -'s over each other. Interested to hear your take.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:35 PM)

There you go. I like Heyward-Bey because I think he's a better deep threat. Harvin's more like a Reggie Bush.

Justin, SC

you will get tired of my questions before the day is over. i know the bucs want to run the ball more this season but what about holt isn't he still avalible i heard he was a decent second option

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

Holt's making the rounds right now. Bucs don't seem interested.

chris (DC)

do you think josh johnson will ever become a starter for the bucs

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

Nope.

MassRevelry, New Orleans

Do you see Payton using Reggie Bush in the smae manner as he has been using him the past three years, or will we see something different?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

Think it's gonna change some. More Reggie as a receiver. Still some runs, but ore creative with him in passing game.

Miles (Orlando, FL)

How was Dexter Jackson looking in the voluntary mini-camp this week?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:37 PM)

Better than last year. There's still hope. He's got the speed and this is a fresh start. But he's also got to learn a whole new offense.

george, england

What's Chris Houston's ceiling?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:38 PM)

I like that question. I thought Houston came a long way last year. I think he can be a solid No. 1 CB.

Tom(SC)

Why do people want the Saints to use their only first day pick on Wells? They already have solid big backs in Hamilton and Bell, as well as Pierre. I also expect Bush to have a HUGE year running the ball. Yes, Wells is good, but with Bush and Thomas, I don't think he would get enough carries to warrant first round money. They could get a back in the 4th round that could be just as good at short yardage and has a price tag similar to what his work load would be.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:39 PM)

I'm with you. I'd go defense and get a back later or let Mike Bell be the short-yardage guy. But the bandwagon is rolling for Wells. We'll see.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

When will people realize that Reggie Bush is not a running back? He's a WR with some skills outside the tackles. I think he would excel splitting out wide.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:40 PM)

You might see more of that this year.

Miles (Orlando, FL)

Is Ronde going to be a starting CB next year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:40 PM)

My guess is he at least opens the season as a starter as they bring along a young guy.

MJ (Boston)

When Chris Houston came out, people were saying he may be the best corner in the draft. He'll get more exposure now that Atlanta is winning....

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:41 PM)

Agreed.

vance (greensboro)

any idea why the Thomas Davis gets no love. he is one of the most underrated linebackers in the league. also, shouldn't Charles Godfrey be playing corner instead of free safety?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:41 PM)

TD didn't really come on until last year. And he came on strong. He'll get his due. I think Godfrey's decent as a safety.

Bryant East Freedom PA [via mobile]

I did'nt know this was an all NFC Q&A...but aren't the steelers clearly the favorites to repeat?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

Sorry, it's an NFC South chat.

Jason (in Tampa)

Pat, any chance the Bucs can trade up to get a worthwhile defensive player in the draft?? It is not likely there will be much available at 19 in a weak defensive draft. Beyond that I'm with you on Howard-Bey at 19.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

Maybe, if Raji falls into the early teens.

Justin (San Antonio)

Since the saints released McKenzie, do u think they will have Greer and Porter as their starting CBs?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

Yep and I like that combo.

AC (orlando, fl)

Do the bucs have any interest in Ramses the big WR /Keyshawn Johnson look alike? i think he is a sleeper in the draft and can provide help during his rookie season

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

They don't need another big WR. They've got Bryant and Clayton. They could use a deep threat, though.

Mark H (Greensboro, NC)

Hey, what's going on with your computer? I am a computer man and would love to be your tech dude. Anyways, why has Peppers not signed his Tender yet? If he doesn't sign it, come draft day, they aren't going to be able to trade him.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:44 PM)

It just shorted out and turned off for no apparent reason. Had to re-boot it. With Pep, hang in there. I think something's going to play out before too long.

daniel (tampa)

whats more likely.... tampa drafting freeman, trading up for sanchez or trading up for raji

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:45 PM)

Take a shot on Raji. It worked with Sapp.

Keenan (Tampa, Florida)

What does the Bucs starting Corner Rotation look like Ronde Barber starting show his age last year and Aqib Talib really started to shine, is it possible to see Ronde Moved to Nickel and possibly an Elbert Mack or someone else to start Wide Corner?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:45 PM)

You'll see another CB in the mix come draft time.

Rick San Diego, CA

hey pat wat r the chances that my question gets answered?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:46 PM)

Send it again. I only see 10 at a time and some of them get bumped off the screen without me ever seeing them.

Mark H (Greensboro, NC)

So, I guess it looks like Tory Holt has gone back on his statement of wanting to go back home and Play for Carolina? Is it because he knows they don't have any cap room, his brother is no longer with them, or something else?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:47 PM)

Or maybe Carolina's not interested in him?

Nick (Jacksonville, FL)

Why are so many mock drafts thinking the bucs will go after freeman instead of a DT? I feel that DT is by far the biggest need and if McCown doesn't do well this year as the starter, then there is a great QB class coming out next year.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

I'd take a DT and sign a free agent QB (like a Leftwich) to compete with McNabb.

Rip (Boulder, CO)

Which underachieving players in the NFC South are on your radar for breakout seasons?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

Dwayne Jarrett and Michael Clayton pop quickly to mind.

Kev (NYC)

McCown, not McNabb

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:49 PM)

Sorry.

Jaymadd (Atlanta, GA0

The Falcons are in desperate need of a pass rusher. What are the chances of us getting Micheal Johnson at 24. Do you also think that the Bucs may take a shot at him too.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:49 PM)

Possible on both ends. If I'm Falcons, I trade down to late in the first round and see if Johnson's still around.

justin, sc

you messed up pat you said bring in a qb like leftwich to compete with mcnabb mcnabb is eagles lol i knew you were a traitor

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:50 PM)

All right, everybody relax. I screwed up. I meant McCown.

Keenan (Tampa, Florida)

One last Question...Is this finally going to be the year Gaines Adams breaks out as an elite Pass Rusher i mean when i watch their games its like he's just one step away from making a QB regret getting into the Biz...the dude can fly off the edge but just seems to come up short lack of DT rush perhaps to let him be the Sack Master?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:51 PM)

Could be. I think Bates will help him. It would help if he could develop a move or two.

Justin, SC

my last attempt at this question i know its hard to answer so many questions but do you think McCown will be a decent QB for the buccs

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:52 PM)

Hard to tell because we just haven't seen enough of him. But scouts and coaches seem to like his potential. Like the rest of the offense and that could help him.

Mark H (Greensboro, NC)

How does your bracket look? UNC all the way!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:52 PM)

I have Villanova winning it all.

Nathan Cary, NC

With everyone out for Jake Delhomme's head, why has no one connected the Panthers with Byron Leftwich. Didn't they think about drafting him in '03?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:53 PM)

It doesn't really matter what we all think about Panthers and a QB. Fox and Hurney don't seem to think they need one.

Rick San Diego, CA

What type of moves(cuts, restructured contracts) will we see the saints make in order to have enough cap room to sign Lance Moore and their draft class?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:54 PM)

Can easily do it with a few restructures. Lots of veterans to choose from. Start with the two DEs.

Justin, SC

you do a great job pat do you see the bucs trying to get any more draft picks for a player on there roster now? and if so who do you think they would try and deal

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:55 PM)

Not really. Don't see anyone who's expendable or that anyone would have an interest in.

Jeff Garcia

Any chance the Bucs resign me if McCown struggles?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:56 PM)

Not a chance. You'll get a job, but it'll be somewhere else.

Michael Johnson (At the crib)

Why do so many peoples and "experts" hate on me. I would fit in perfect with the Atlanta Falcons. D-Line Coach Ray Hamilton will coach me up.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:57 PM)

Scouts say the same thing about you as they did about Peppers when he was coming out. You take plays off, etc. You need to prove them wrong.

Mike ( Charlotte, NC)

Do you agree with Fox and Hurney regarding Delhomme?? You always state what their stance is, but do you have an opinion of your own?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:59 PM)

No, that's why I say it's their stance. I always backed up Jake and still do to a degree. But that playoff game scared me off. I'd try to get another QB into the mix. Jake might bounce back, but he might not.

Lamar (UNC)

How could you possibly have Villanova winning it all?????

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:59 PM)

Cuz I grew up in PA and have always been a Villanova and Temple fan.

Chris (Atl, GA)

ould you see the Falcons taking James Laurinitis with the 24th pick? He has the same measurables to play SOLB as well as Cushing, and he can be moved into the middle. Doesn't Coach Smith value interchangable players? Last time I try...lol

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:01 PM)

Possible. But I think Cushing or Matthews would be the better fit.

Terry (Rock Hill, SC)

So you form your opinion off the QB's last game of the season? Gotcha, you must hate Matt Ryan now too...

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:02 PM)

There's a difference. I said I always was a Jake defender until then. Do you remember how bad he looked???

Nathan

Pat, Get out of here, the clock has struck 2... I know I won't be here long after 5.

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:02 PM)

Thanks for the opening. I'm out. Thanks to all for stopping by.