Chat with Bill Williamson
Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN.com AFC West blogger Bill Williamson will stop by to talk about the NFL offseason.
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!
More Bill Williamson: Columns | AFC West blog | Chat | NFL index
brandon (arlington,tx)
do you think that people are harping on the denver's front seven because no one knows them; they aren't big name guys and aren't proven, or are they not good.
Bill Williamson (2:03 PM)
I don't think its very good. There are no proven players on the front three. That could be a problem.
Anthony (Douglas, MA)
Bill, I think the Chiefs made some nice moves, but how do they expect Glenn Dorsey to play nose? He's not exactly a DE either.
Bill Williamson (2:05 PM)
I don't think the Chiefs know the answer to that question. I think they'd like to see him play DE, but he is not a naturual fit for the 3-4. It will be interesting to watch in the preseason.
Ty Christian (Vancouver, WA)
Are the Broncos a trainwreck waiting to happen?
Bill Williamson (2:06 PM)
Waiting to happen?
Brandon Calforina [via mobile]
Who Will Be The Best QB 5 Years from now Out of the 04 Draft Class Big Ben Eil Or Rivers
Bill Williamson (2:07 PM)
Tough one. I love Rivers and I think hessi the best of thre three. But if Big Ben gets another Super Bowl ring, how can you argue with him?
Chris (Norman,OK)
Bill, thanks for doing my favorite chat that doesn't involve my favorite team (49ers). I know I've posted before about how Cutler has been given a bad wrap compared with other guys who demanded trades and caused problems for more selfish reasons. However, I'm still very curious what people are referring to when they say he has a history of being a cry baby? The trade situation is the only one I'm aware of. Could you shed light on this, or are people just assuming he has a history?
Bill Williamson (2:09 PM)
Thanks for crossing over, Chris ... I think it just his demeanor and his body language. But Cutler weas never a problem in Denver with the old regime.
Shane (Los Angeles, CA)
You hear the Antrax scare that occurred at the Raider's training facility? They called out the FBI to inspect the white powdery substance on the field; the FBI determined it was just the goal line and that the Raiders were in no danger from coming in contact with it anytime soon.
Bill Williamson (2:09 PM)
Brutal, man, brutal.
Brett (la)
Best guess: How does the Brandon Marshall situation play out?
Bill Williamson (2:11 PM)
I think he is a Bronco in 2009. Folks, this isn't a unique case. Marshall wants to get paid and he wants a new start. So did Boldin and Ocho Cinco. Guess what? They've stayed put. I don't think, unless Dnever changes is mind, that this case will be any diferent.
Victor (Baltimore)
Hey Bill, love these chats. Been a denver fan since I can remember, B-Marsh is one of the most exciting receivers Denver has ever had. I'm hearing the likelyness of trading him is small, but if the Broncos were to deal him what/who do you think would be fair compensation?
Bill Williamson (2:13 PM)
Fair compensation would be a first and a third, but there is little chance Denver will get that package for Marshall.
Sean (Philly)
Does the signing of Ellis signal the trade of another player?
Bill Williamson (2:14 PM)
Like Derrick Burgess perhaps? I'd say yes. Ellis has already taken Burgess' starting spot.
SDBoltzFann (San Diego)
BW â?? With a healthy Shawne Merriman this year and a full off season of work with Ron Rivera, which side of the ball do you think will be ranked higher for the Chargers in 2009? The offense which ranked 11th overall for 2008 or the Defense which ranked 14th overall for 2007, Shawneâ??s last full season.
Bill Williamson (2:15 PM)
I'd still say the offense will be ranked a little higher. I wouldn't be surprised if San Diego's offense and defense both ranked in the top 10.
Hernan (Castle Rock, CO)
With the release of Boss Bailey, does this mean Jarvis Moss is getting a serious look at a OLB spot?
Bill Williamson (2:16 PM)
I think it's more of a chance for Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers and Tim Crowder. Moss is struggling.
Buckley (Chico, CA)
I have heard rumors the Chiefs used Otter Pops as a refreshment and to hydrate the players during OTA's. Is that true? Otter pops are very refreshing. Is this happening league wide?
Bill Williamson (2:17 PM)
Not so sure on that one, dude.
Xander (Philly)
Do you see Mike Vrabel asking for a trade?
Bill Williamson (2:18 PM)
If he did, I'm not so sure there would be a lot of takers.
Elias Trejo (Blackfoot, ID)
I think the Raiders have had a solid offseason. Do you see them finishing in 2nd in the Division or do you see the Chargers starting off like usual and giving the Raiders a shot to compete?
Bill Williamson (2:20 PM)
The Raiders' offseason has been OK, nothing special. But Denver and Kansas City are struggling. I could see Oakland being in second place. Truthfully, I could see second place in this division meaning a 7-9 or 6-10 record.
Jeremy (NJ)
With zero legit receiving options besides Bowe, any chance the Chiefs try to acquire Brandon Marshall or Plax? A few years back, Patriots-and now Chiefs- GM Scott Pioli took a chance on a troubled guy named Randy Moss, and it seemed to work out.
Bill Williamson (2:21 PM)
I don't see Denver trading Marshall within the division, so Plaxico could be the better option there.
Jason (Oakland CA)
How will the Raiders incorporate Greg Ellis into their 4-3 scheme? Isn't he more of a 3-4 guy?
Bill Williamson (2:22 PM)
He'll play defensive end in the 4-3.
Clay (Charlotte)
You made a comment on you blog about Thigpen knowing his place with the Chiefs, that it wasn't really an open competition. At what point does Thigpen throw up his hands and say "I'm out"?
Bill Williamson (2:25 PM)
I don't think he has a choice. Thigpen's best option is to have an outstanding preseason and perhaps a team that is unsure of its QB situation wil make a play for him.
Angelo (San Diego CA)
What is the status of Kevin Burnett in San Diego?Will he make an impact?
Bill Williamson (2:26 PM)
They want him to be a force in coverage on passing downs.
Kevin (Ark City, KS)
How much will the Chargers depend on the rookies they drafted this year? Especially on defense.
Bill Williamson (2:27 PM)
I think Larry English will make a big impact also watch for safety Kevvin Ellison,a sixth-round pick, to get a chance to play if he has a good camp.
Oral Roberts (Oakland, CA)
Bill,You have been beat up for your comments about DHB in Oakland. Was this a bad pick for the value there at 7?
Bill Williamson (2:29 PM)
Beat up for commenting that the guy has been hurt. I can live with that. Boy, those facts are just so judgemental, aren't they.
Chris (Norman,OK)
Worst offseason of the AFC West teams, Raiders or Broncos? Do the current regimes for both these teams spell smooth sailing for KC and SD for years to come?
Bill Williamson (2:29 PM)
It has to be Denver.
Jason (Oakland CA)
What is the ceiling for the Raiders this year?
Bill Williamson (2:30 PM)
I'd say 8 wins.
Rex Hughes (Sacramento)
Are the Chargers going to wear those mustard dispenser yellow and baby blue uniforms again?
Bill Williamson (2:31 PM)
They love those unis. and they play pretty well in them. So, I'd say look for it again.
Almar (San Jose,CA)
Will Chaz Schilens surpass 1000 yards recieving based on whats been seen out of the OTAs thus far??
Bill Williamson (2:31 PM)
That's a lot to ask for a young player, but I think he is coming on well.
Jason (Oakland CA)
Could Zach Miller make the Pro-Bowl?
Bill Williamson (2:32 PM)
Yes, I think so. With Gonzlaez in the NFC, there is an opening. I really like Miller.
Justin (Missoula)
Hey bill keep up the great work! Is it possible for Moreno and Ayers to get both offensive and defensive rookies of the year?
Bill Williamson (2:33 PM)
I like Moreno's chances better.
Tim (San Diego)
Bill, if Ben acquired another SB ring, would you rank him above Moreno or Fouts (based on SB rings)? At what point are we guilty of confusing QB play with team play?
Bill Williamson (2:34 PM)
Great quaretrback play translates into great team play. Big Ben, Brady and Montana are living proof of that.
Trevor (Texas)
Will Vincent Jackson ever be a true #1 WR...ever?
Bill Williamson (2:35 PM)
Yes ... Today. He is a No. 1.
Victor (Covina, Ca)
As a i was walking around The LA Coliseum for the Lakers parade. I noticed a lot of charger fans. when i asked one what he was doing there, he replied "After 50 dissapointing years,I wanted to see what a championship team and parade looked like"
Bill Williamson (2:35 PM)
You guys are feisty today.
Alex (VA)
How many different halfbacks will start games for the Broncos this year? Or is it just 1 now that Shanahan is gone?
Bill Williamson (2:36 PM)
If Moreno has early succes, he's the guy.
Bobby (Spokane)
There were rumors of a trade with the browns in which the broncos would recieve Cribbs. Would he make any impact for denver?
Bill Williamson (2:37 PM)
I've heard it too. I don't think Denver would be too excited about it at this point.
Andy (San Diego)
Bill, do you think that any team poses a threat to the Chargers winning another division this year
Bill Williamson (2:38 PM)
Not really.
chris (denver)
bill, what is champ saying about this mess in denver? any concern that he'll be the next one wanting to leave? i hope not...
Bill Williamson (2:39 PM)
I wouldn't be surprised if Champ wnated a new deal next year. His contract expires after 2010.
Weber (Walnut Creek)
Was Crabtree a safer pick than DHB?
Bill Williamson (2:40 PM)
I think that is safe to say, sure.
Kevin (Ark City, KS)
Other than this one, What is the dumbest question you've recieved?
Bill Williamson (2:41 PM)
What is this, Super Bowl media day?
BroncoLen (L.A.)
Bdub, who's story do you believe, Denver's front-office or Brandon Marshall and his agent's?
Bill Williamson (2:41 PM)
Here's what i belive: Denver doesn't want to trade him at this point.
Gary (Boston MA)
I think the media needs to give McDaniels a couple years before they label this offseason as a train wreck. I can't imagine people thought Tom Brady was going to be who he was when he replaced Bledsoe. Give the coach a couple years.
Bill Williamson (2:42 PM)
He probably does need a little time. Everyone does.
Victor (Baltimore)
Where do you see Alphonso Smith fitting in the D for Denver this year? Nickel? Special Teams?
Bill Williamson (2:42 PM)
He'll be the nickel and he'll play often.
Alex (VA)
Will Sproles be missed more as a returner or a back?
Bill Williamson (2:44 PM)
He'll do both. But he will run the ball fairly often. I believe.
Nevin (Richmond)
Hey Bill,Why so down on DHB?
Bill Williamson (2:47 PM)
Down? Just wrote about him being hurt. Here's a quesiton for you? Why would you be so high on him from what you've heard since he was drafted? Not ripping him. But he hasn't done anything since the Raiders drafted him to be excited about because he's been hurt. It's just the truth. There is no way to dispute that.
james (Los angeles)
do u think the colts can make a super bowl run
Bill Williamson (2:49 PM)
Peyton Manning always seems to make a Super Bowl run.
Oral Roberts (Modesto)
Anymore that you can comment on Moreno - have you seen him lately? One of the knocks on him coming out of Georgia was that he runs upright through the hole like a mustard dispenser - have they been working with him on making himself a smaller target?
Victor (Covina,Ca)
Bill, if u see the raiders or 2nd place in division at 7-9. What do u see the Chargers record at 1st being? 9-7 or 8-8.
Bill Williamson (2:50 PM)
10-12 wins.
Spencer (Denver)
when will the AFC west dominate once again?
Bill Williamson (2:51 PM)
May be a while, but it'd be fun, wouldn't it?
McGonigal (Modesto)
Does DHB have bad hands?
Bill Williamson (2:51 PM)
At times, yes.
Spencer (Denver)
Bill, with Marshalls on field stats (excluding off field and injury issues) how much would you be willing to pay him?
Bill Williamson (2:54 PM)
If it was just on the field, I'd say he deserves an eight figure bonus. But Marshall is is not just on the field with him.
Conor (New Jersey)
Where will the patriots be at the end of the season?
Bill Williamson (2:55 PM)
At a parade perhaps?
Justin (KC)
What is the word on Brian Waters? Has he had some time to calm down. Has he changed his mind about Pioli and Haley? Will he be in uniform this year?
Bill Williamson (2:56 PM)
I think it is a ongoing situation.
Andy (San Diego)
Do you think Kyle Orton is going to be an effective QB in Denver
Bill Williamson (2:57 PM)
I'll give him a chance to show what he can do.
Dan (Kentucky)
Any news on the rookies signing in the AFC West?
Bill Williamson (2:59 PM)
Only one pick has signed, Denver's seventh rounder. This is not unusual. Watch for the signings to start in poping up in late July.
PT (Franklin, NC)
Word is that Louis Murphy has looked more impressive than Heyward-Bey do you think there is any chance he will see more playing time then Bey this year?
Bill Williamson (2:59 PM)
I like Murphy. I can see him making an impact. There is certainly room for him to make an impact.
Bill Williamson (3:00 PM)
Hey folks, another great session. Fun times. Have a good weekend.
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