Chat with Dan Graziano

Welcome to SportsNation! On Tuesday, ESPN.com NFC East blogger Dan Graziano stops by to chat about the league.
Graziano joined ESPN.com in 2011 after two years as a Senior NFL Writer for AOL FanHouse. He covered Major League Baseball, the Olympics and various other sports during his time at the Star-Ledger and the Palm Beach Post. A New Jersey native and author of two published novels, he now lives in Ridgewood, N.J., with his wife and two sons.
Send your questions now and join Graziano Tuesday at noon ET!
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Dan Graziano (12:00 PM)
It is that time again.
JKM (Scranton, PA)
Hi Dan, thanks for the chat. Why does it seem as if everyone is sleeping on the Giants? They were a fluke 4th-quarter collapse away from winning the division last season, and that was with major injuries along the offensive line and at wide receiver. Throw in Eli's big interception totals, and I would argue that a little progression back towards the mean and the Giants are the team to beat in the Beast. Dallas has yet to prove it can get its act together, and while the Eagles are explosive their D seems suspect and I think Vick, Jackson and McCoy might regress towards the mean from their fantastic seasons a year ago. And the Redskins...maybe in a few years.
Dan Graziano (12:01 PM)
I'm not sure who's "sleeping on the Giants," JKM. I don't think we can have any idea how to handicap this or any other division until free agency unfolds and we know what the rosters look like. I imagine the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys all will have a chance to win the division this year, depending of course on what they do the rest of the way personnel-wise. But I will say this: The Giants need to figure out a way to beat the Eagles head-to-head, or else it's going to be tough for them to win it.
Benjamin (Maryland)
Who would you rather have going into their third year, LeSean McCoy or Brian Westbrook?
Dan Graziano (12:03 PM)
Interesting question, Benjamin. Obviously, Westbrook has had a brilliant career, and if McCoy turns out to be as good he'll be thrilled. But I might take McCoy, since I think he's in a system that's built to make him a star. Tons of weapons around him, not a lot of real physical pounding required, etc. I think McCoy is great and is set up to really blossom.
Gregg (Allentown,Pa)
Rivers hasnt won in the postseason since '08.Vick since '04. Neither has been to the big dance. Why do we not hear that they are not 'big-game' QBs like we hear about Romo?
Dan Graziano (12:04 PM)
Probably because the Chargers aren't in the spotlight as much as the Cowboys are. And because Rivers never fumbled a field-goal snap to cost his team a playoff game (a blunder that is still, no matter how well he's played since, held against Romo by many). And as for Vick... I mean, he did miss a few years in there, right? Way back when I do remember him being the first visiting quarterback ever to win a playoff game at Lambeau Field. Is that right?
Ethan (Colorado Springs)
Who do you think will have the bigger impact on the Redskins offense, Roy Helu or Leonard Hankerson?
Dan Graziano (12:05 PM)
Probably Helu, since there's some concern about Hankerson developing into an NFL route-runner and some thought that he'll need more time to learn the ropes. I think they drafted Helu imagining they could use him right away.
Andy (FL)
What do you think the Giants will do with Osi and Cofield? I think they'll pay Osi.......Cofield? ehh, dont think so
Dan Graziano (12:05 PM)
I think they'll say good-bye to Cofield and tell Osi to play for his contract or go home. I do not think they plan to give Osi a new deal or grant him his wish to be traded. They will call his bluff, is my bet.
LeAnne (Washington)
Dan, I know this isnt NFC East, but it involves one of their players. Do you believe Kolb will be the starting QB for the Cards week 1?
Dan Graziano (12:06 PM)
Yes.
Kevin Barnes (D.C.)
If I got the starting job at corner, the Redskins would be _____?
Dan Graziano (12:07 PM)
Happy their safeties are so good.
Mark (Baltimore)
How much do you know about the new eagles de who lead the CFL in sacks last year, Phillip Hunt? any cameron wake potential?
Dan Graziano (12:07 PM)
I confess I know nothing about him. Sorry, Mark. I'll work on it and get back to you.
shanard ((slc,ut))
Dan, when free agency begins could dallas be interested if david akers is released from philly since they drafted a kicker....
Dan Graziano (12:08 PM)
I mean, they SHOULD, if they expect to contend. I don't think they can count on Buehler, and I don't think Kris Brown is enough pressure on Buehler to get better. But Dallas has a number of needs, so I expect they'll continue to go with Buehler even though I believe it will cost them at least one game.
Travis (Lancaster)
Do you foresee a regression in the Eagles Defense this year? New coordinator, new d-line coach, no mini-camps, and the presumed loss of Quentin Mikell seems to indicate a very steep learning for the Bird's defense this year.
Dan Graziano (12:10 PM)
All good points, and that could be the result. But (a) they weren't a very good defense last year, so I'm not sure how much room there is to regress, and (b) I believe there are reinforcements on the way in free agency. The current defensive roster is not the one that will begin the season in Philly.
Jake (Saturn)
Didn't the Eagles use one of their tags on Akers? Wouldn't it make sense to deal him outside of the division at least if not the conference?
Dan Graziano (12:11 PM)
Yes. And yes. Interested to see what becomes of the tags once the new deal is in place. i.e., do they let teams "re-tag," or are you stuck with the tags you put in place pre-lockout. Would seem fair to let everybody re-tag.
Nick (Orlando)
Now that a season is loooooooking (said with much caution and worry) more positive, any news on the Beast fantasy football league?
Dan Graziano (12:11 PM)
We have two months to work that all out.
Dave (South Central, PA)
Dan, can the Skins really expect to sign a solid WR in free agency with so many questions surrounding the QB position? Who, besides Santana, would be willing to sign up for the promise of lackluster production?
Dan Graziano (12:12 PM)
No, you're right, Dave. I don't think they're going to be able to convince a top WR to go there while the quarterback situation is so unsettled. I expect they'll bring back Moss and let the young guys develop around him.
Jon (Fairfield, CA)
Dan, if the Boys are truly going to be over the cap, how the heck are they going to re-sign Free, Kosier and Bowen???
Dan Graziano (12:13 PM)
They're going to have to cut some people and re-work some contracts. It's going to get messy.
Mark E Mark (Suffern NY)
do you think free agent deals have been consummated bedind the scenes? At least discussions?
Dan Graziano (12:14 PM)
Man, I'd be really surprised. Teams risk huge fines for doing something like that during the lockout. Agents would be foolish to limit themselves to only the team or teams willing to break the rules. Teams risk being ratted out by agents or players. It could be going on, but I doubt that it is.
Frank (Queens, NY)
Hey, you're a good guy and all, but whatever happened to Matt Mosley? I really enjoyed his chats.
Dan Graziano (12:14 PM)
Matt Mosley, also a good guy, is now with Fox Sports Southwest.
jamie (Ontario)
Enough eagles questions. Whos minnesota going to go after in free agency, hopefully after signing rice. They'll probably sign Mcnabb. But what are some names they might go after in free agency for secondary and o-line.
Dan Graziano (12:15 PM)
I mean, it's an NFC East chat, dude.
Mark (Los Angeles)
What are the odds that Shawn Andrews starts at left or right tackle for the Giants sometime this season? I haven't heard anything about his back this offseason.
Dan Graziano (12:16 PM)
I do not think that would be an ideal scenario for the Giants. David Diehl is not great at LT, but Kareem McKenzie is at RT, and Andrews is there for depth. I think their hope is that Will Beatty starts at LT at some point soon.
James (VA)
What would you think about the prospect of making an "NFC East All-Star Team" column?
Dan Graziano (12:17 PM)
Actually, I was thinking of doing something like that -- a "Running All-Division Team" that we'd update every week. So we'd start the season with an All-Division Team, and then after Week 1 we'd re-evaluate and maybe make a change or two depending on how guys played. I'd seek input from readers and make it kind of interactive. It was actually one of the ideas I gave my bosses when I was trying to convince them to hire me.
Redskinsfan2010 (WV)
Because of the money the Redskins will have leftover to spend with the minimum salary cap, do you think that they will keep Mcnabb as a transition qb for this season until they draft one next year?
Dan Graziano (12:17 PM)
No.
Andrew (Chicago)
If the Redskins add a blocker-eating NT, a decent corner, and a good inside LB in Free Agency once it opens, is it possible for the Redskins D to be one of the best in the NFC right away?
Dan Graziano (12:17 PM)
Yes.
Dan Graziano (12:18 PM)
Yes.
Will Kelland (New York City)
Hey Dan, this is my first time in a chat so if you answer my question I promise I'll come back every week. What would be the ideal realistic offseason for the giants?
Dan Graziano (12:19 PM)
All right, you're ours now. I think the most important thing for the Giants will be to sign their own free agents, starting with Bradshaw and including Smith, Boss and Kiwanuka. I think they need linebacker help, but I don't imagine they'll pursue that at the expense of one of those other guys, and I'm not sure they should.
Brandon (GotFanhood) (New York)
Would the Eagles ever swap Kevin Kolb for Patrick Peterson (or Rodgers-Cromartie) and a 3rd round pick?
Dan Graziano (12:19 PM)
Yes. But the Cardinals won't.
Jon (Fairfield, CA)
Dan, will it be cheaper for Dallas to re-sign Sensabaugh or bring in a FA like Huff or Elam?
Dan Graziano (12:20 PM)
I believe their plan is to do both.
Justin (Eastern Shore)
What?s your take on Anthony Armstrong and his goal of 1,100 yards and double digit TD?s?
Dan Graziano (12:22 PM)
It's great to have goals. It's great to have the kind of talent Armstrong has to help him achieve those goals. But I think it's going to come down to how well John Beck, Rex Grossman or whoever plays quarterback in Washington does. Without a quarterback, those numbers will be tough to attain.
Chris Biele (melbourne)
Dan, do you see Moss or Burress truly landing a roster spot in the Beast? If not, where do you see them being signed?
Dan Graziano (12:23 PM)
Randy Moss, I assume you mean, and the Jets have interest in him. If you meant Santana, I expect him back with the Redskins. As for Burress, I feel he'll go to the highest bidder, though I think he'd be better off going to the Eagles, who I don't think will be said highest bidder.
Brandon (GotFanhood) (New York)
Dan, how in the world do you choose which questions to post? I imagine you are getting dozens and dozens every minute.
Dan Graziano (12:25 PM)
We've received 199 so far in the first 25 minutes of a July chat in the middle of a lockout, so I imagine it'll get crazier once things get going. I wish I had a better answer for you, but the fact is I skim through them and pick out ones I think are good.
MattC (Dallas)
Dan, Do you see Jeremy Maclin eventually out producing the streaky Desean Jackson in Philly?
Dan Graziano (12:25 PM)
Yes. I also see Jackson's contract situation being a big issue in Philly, and I think there's a chance he's not around there long-term.
kevin (nyc)
Dan I hear so much about what eli manning is not and how much he needs plaxico etc. It's interesting how people revise history. When plaxico was a free agent in 05 the only teams that wanted him was minny and new york, as a matter of fact when they tried to manufacture a bidding war the giants let it be known they were out of the deal and still no one took him. During the time he played with eli he was being compared to TO and Moss. The giants wr corps after plaxico was said to need a number on wr, now they're talked about as one of the best in the league. Even Tiki had his best years with eli. So what do you make of that?
Dan Graziano (12:26 PM)
I think Eli is underrated and over-criticized.
Nick (MD)
Is there any reason why Grossman would start over John "The Franchise" Beck? Grossman is definitely awful while the franchise is only almost definitely awful, but maybe not. Please tell me I won't have to suffer through any more Grossman
Dan Graziano (12:27 PM)
I think they'll probably go with whoever plays the best in training camp. And I wouldn't be surprised to see them switch back and forth throughout the year, depending on how each guy performs.
Steve Fredericks (Jersey City, NJ)
Let's say Coughlin retires at the end of 2011. Who's our new coach?
Dan Graziano (12:27 PM)
I'd have to think Perry Fewell would have a real shot at it, especially if the defense plays well in 2011.
James (VA)
That's awesome Dan. Perhaps you could start with a lockout team, and a post lockout team (with free agents signed) as well. As for a question, why do many act as if Stewart Bradley is a key of the Eagles D'?
Dan Graziano (12:28 PM)
There's some concern over whether Jamar Chaney has the pass-coverage skills yet to really handle the middle linebacker spot right now. They love his speed, and he exceeded expectations when he had to play there last year. But I think the feeling in Philly is that they'd be more comfortable with Bradley in the middle and Chaney on the outside until he's ready to take over that middle spot for good.
Brandon (GotFanhood) (New York)
Pre-Season favorite to win the division?
Dan Graziano (12:28 PM)
Ask me again a month from now.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
Who will have the better year, Dez Bryant or Miles? It seemed like Dez had a connection with Kitna, but maybe that "connection" was that he was open all the time? Who will Romo look to more?
Dan Graziano (12:30 PM)
Not trying to be smart-aleck about this, Scott, but the answer is: Whoever's open. If Bryant is healthy, the Cowboys have two extremely good, extremely exciting wideouts and defenses will have to decide which one to focus on. If teams are trying to take Austin out of the picture, you'll see Romo throw to Bryant more that week. It's a good situation in Dallas on offense. Now, about that defense...
Those Philthy Eagles (XXI XXV XLII)
Dan, great job so far. You've been a much-welcomed addition. I'm interested in your take on the Desean Jackson homophobic slurs made recently. It just seems to me that this guy is too cocky for his own good. He's 160 soaking wet and he's becoming a marked man AKA he could have a shorter career than HE expects...
Dan Graziano (12:33 PM)
I wrote about this issue Sunday, and you can check back on the blog if you want to read my thoughts. What I didn't like about what he said was this: Jackson goes to schools and helps kids deal with bullying. He went on the radio and called someone a name that bullies undoubtedly call kids when they're bullying them. How does he justify using that kind of language when he's telling other people it's not right?
Adam (Auburn, AL)
Hey Dan, what do you expect the Redskins to do at ILB? Obviously Fletch will be holding down one spot but who do you see manning the other starting spot? Is it that unreasonable to think Perry Riley could earn the starting job in his 2nd year?
Dan Graziano (12:33 PM)
There's some talk of Lorenzo Alexander moving in there with Ryan Kerrigan starting on the outside.
Glenn (NY)
odds Bradshaw leaves the Giants?
Dan Graziano (12:34 PM)
18 percent
GMEN FAN (iowa)
dan,love your work!! what happened to justin tuck in the top 10 defensive ranks?? ... he does it all
Dan Graziano (12:34 PM)
I love Tuck. Which ranks are you talking about? League-wide top 10? I don't think he makes that.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
If you were picking today, you taking Trent Williams or Russell Okung?
Dan Graziano (12:34 PM)
Probably Williams, but I must confess I've seen him more.
Mr. W (Dallas)
You said you don't think D-Jax is in Philly long-term. Sadly I kinda agree. What do the Eagles to make losing him easier?
Dan Graziano (12:35 PM)
Well, Maclin will do that. I think he's going to be a star. So they'll have to find a No. 2 to replace Jackson if he leaves, not a No. 1. Much easier.
Shut.Up.Phyllis (Lame Job)
Dan,I know no rosters are set, but he NFC East is slated to play the NFC West next year, while no game is a "gimme game" in the NFL the NFC East should handle business in those games. However, there is always room for upsets, which team from the NFC East do you think will fare worst against the NFC West? Which will fare best? What NFC West team do you feel is a potential "sleeper"?
Dan Graziano (12:37 PM)
I think the best team in the NFC West would be the Rams, since they have their quarterback situation figured out and the other three don't. As for which NFCE team will do worst against the NFCW... I mean, I expect the Redskins to be the division's worst team, so I have to say them.
Steve (Bristol)
From what i hear, it takes about 2 years to switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 defense. Does the lockout put the Skins back another year? Or do you think they'll be able to improve this year?
Dan Graziano (12:38 PM)
Great question, Steve. I know for a fact Haslett was expecting this to be a critical off-season for the transition. I do think it'll take longer for the Redskins, because of the lockout and because they're still finding the right personnel for the 3-4. Too many guys they used last year were bad fits, and they're still putting it all together. The guys who played in it last year and are coming back should have better years, though, I think.
vic (no cal)
TIKI BARBER QUESTION!! Do you think he can make an impact with a contending team? Can you list a few who might take a chance on him?
Dan Graziano (12:39 PM)
Why do you guys try to get me upset. No, I don't think he can make an impact. No, I can't list any teams that I think might take a chance on him, because in my wildest imagination I have no idea why anyone would.
Shane (Los Angeles, CA)
Did you read the hot button article between John Clayton & Matt Williamson on which RB resigning was most important to their respective teams in Bradsaw
Dan Graziano (12:40 PM)
Yes
Jon (Fairfield, CA)
Which young Dallas defender has more to prove in 2011: Jenkins or Spencer?
Dan Graziano (12:41 PM)
Both critical, I think, Jon. I think more eyes will be on Spencer because he showed so much in that late 2009 run they made. But you can make the case that a Jenkins rebound is more important, especially if cap concerns lead them to second and third options in free agency in the secondary.
Ben (Philly)
Dan - great work, but you have to explain something. Youve mentioned twice now in the past two chats that you think Deseasn might not be around long term. Why? He is an absolute game changer in the league. Eagles can afford to pay him. Maclin is great, and could replace him as the legit number 1, but hes a totally different type of WR. Why not have option 1A and 1B? The Eagles are know to spend big when its necessary, and get rid of older talent at the right time. I dont see them being dumb enough to let him go.
Dan Graziano (12:42 PM)
I'm not saying they WILL let him go. I'm saying the contract situation is going to be an issue, and that means there's the possibility that he leaves. I know they drafted Maclin thinking he had the ability to be a WR1, and I think he's shown that he does. So they feel like they have leverage on Jackson in negotiations, and if he's determined to get top dollar (and another team offers it), I don't think they'll be scared to let him walk.
BClark (Philly)
If Dallas were to resign Free and a certain cornerback formerly of the Raiders. Best D in the division? I guess you would have to assume Jenkins and Spencer progressed instead of regressed like last year as well?
Dan Graziano (12:43 PM)
No, because (a) Free doesn't play defense, so how would that help? (b) what about safety? and (c) what about defensive end? Cowboys have lots of work to do on defense yet.
Justin (Richmmond)
I've heard both Aubrayo Frankin and Cullen Jenkins' names tossed around as potential Redskins signings to sure up the D-line. Do you think we'll pick up both? And if not, which one? Or neither??
Dan Graziano (12:45 PM)
Both would be a serious coup, and would really make them a defense to be reckoned with. I don't imagine it's possible to get both, and I think if they end up picking one over the other to pursue, it'll tell you a lot about what they're doing philosophically on defense. If they get Jenkins, for instance, expect the nose tackle they end up with to be a mountain who sucks up blockers and stops the run, rather than a guy with great pass-rush ability. If they get Franklin, expect them to go with space-eating ends who create room for the linebackers to rush the passer.
Da U (Miami)
DG,Kenny Phillips was coming off a serious, career-threatening injury before last season. From what you saw last year, is he a guy that can really come on this year- another year removed from said injury?ORIs he an average to slightly above average player and we're seeing what we're going to get from him?Thanks
Dan Graziano (12:46 PM)
I think he was on his way to being a top safety in the league when he got hurt, and if he's healthy I don't see any reason why he can't continue on that path.
Shut.Up.Phyllis (Lame Job)
Are you excited about the new Harry Potter movie?
Dan Graziano (12:46 PM)
Never seen a minute of any of them, nor have I read the books.
Brandon (GotFanhood) (New York)
Where do you think the Giants would be if they had stuck with Philip Rivers? Perennial Super Bowl contenders?
Dan Graziano (12:47 PM)
There's no way to know if Rivers could have succeeded in New York. That's harder than people outside the market give it credit for. Eli has a great temperament for a New York QB, and we don't know if Rivers could have handled it. I think the Giants are fine with how that worked out, and they should be.
tmscfinest (Toronto (at work))
How does Shut.Up.Phyllis get a question answered on Harry Potter??? Anyways, which of the Eagles rookie LBs will have the biggest impact in their career: Matthews, Rolle or Lloyd Jr?
Dan Graziano (12:49 PM)
I try, whenever possible, to give my regulars the benefit of the doubt. And come on. EVERY question has to be football? We're not robots here.As for your question, I'll say Lloyd.
st8prop (Atlanta, GA)
Dan...Brandon got two questios...can I get one in?Which Beast team you predict making a coaching change if their 2011 campaign does not result in a positive or play-off ending position?
Dan Graziano (12:51 PM)
Man, with the scorekeeping. You guys are like my kids.Head coaching, I assume you mean, right? Personally, I don't think any of those four seats is particularly "hot," but if the Giants were to just totally fall apart like they did in 2009 and not contend, I could see them parting ways with Coughlin. Maybe even amicably.
Tony (Massachusetts)
What possible free agent signing do you think would have the greatest impact on the Eagles D this year?
Dan Graziano (12:51 PM)
Nnamdi Asomugha
Mr. W (Dallas)
D.G. I would like to respond to Ben (Philly). First off I am a huge Eagles fan and supporter of D-Jax. In reality though he's very streaky almost inconsistent at times. He's is a huge focus of the Eagles offense and it really makes the teams offense suffers when he disappears. I hope he progresses more as a receiver to show up more consistently.
Dan Graziano (12:52 PM)
There you go.
l.pensinger (South Central PA)
Is there a way to get questions answered without whining like st8prop after Desean Jackson stole his candy bar?Seriously though: I keep hearing the Skins d might be a force to be reckoned with. Should I be excited? And how much excitement is appropriate?
Dan Graziano (12:53 PM)
No, the Redskins have a LONG way to go. I think there's a chance for rapid improvement on defense if they add the right pieces. But the offensive line is a work in progress, the receiving corps is nothing special, they're playing around with different running backs to see what works and they don't really have a quarterback to speak of. Stranger things have happened, but a big year from the Skins would qualify as a major surprise. (Sorry)
Mark E Mark (Suffern NY)
Cowboys questions have only comprised of 14.5 of your questions? What free agents do you think they will sign? Give me 3 names please
Dan Graziano (12:56 PM)
I can't write the questions myself, Mark. I can only post what comes in. Anyway, how about Michael Huff, Josh Wilson and Justin Blalock? That get your blood going? I assume you meant outside FAs, or else I'd surely have put Free, Kosier and Sensabaugh on the list.
Jake (Saturn)
Too many statisticians on here today Dan. When, because we know it's going to happen, Vick goes down what do we know about Kafka? Could he realistically carry the team for 4-5 games?
Dan Graziano (12:57 PM)
I'd be surprised if he could at this point. I expect the Eagles to bring in a veteran backup if they deal Kolb.
Andy (FL)
What type of season is Jason Pierre-Paul gonna have?
Dan Graziano (12:58 PM)
Could be a big factor this year. You'll see his name on a lot of "breakout player" prediction lists.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
Who the #1 FF QB at the end of the year - Vick or A-Rod?
Dan Graziano (12:58 PM)
Tough call. I'll say Rodgers. More likely to play all 16.
Donovan McNabb (Waiting for my fate)
Do you think I made a mistake in asking Andy to sign Vick in 2009? I feel like if I didn't, I wouldn't have been traded to Washington for pylons & a bag of footballs...
Dan Graziano (12:59 PM)
Revisionist history, Don! When you were traded, it was to make Kolb the starter, not Vick. Remember?
Jon (Fairfield, CA)
Dan, if you had one Beast game to go to this season, which one would it be?
Dan Graziano (12:59 PM)
I'll go to at least 16, but I have to think Giants-Eagles is the must-see matchup at this point, right? Lots of bad blood building up.
Biochemskinsfan (St. Louis)
Dan, you bash the Skins QB situation a lot (as you should) but have yet to propose any sort of clear "best possible move" (despite your weak attempt last week). Stop "Palin-ing" the topic and tell us, what would you do?
Dan Graziano (1:01 PM)
Your criticism is unwarranted and unfounded. I wrote a 900-word column on this very issue last week. I would do what they are doing -- take a chance to see if the guy they like (Beck) can take a step forward while conserving resources so I could make sure I'm in a position to draft my franchise QB next April if I have to. What don't you get?
Jonathan (NYC)
Couldn't Matt Leinart's experience in the Gary Kubiak offense the past year make him in attractive option to bring in to compete with Rexy and Becksy given the shortened offseason. He won't cost a lot and at this point, knowledge of the system is as important as anything else.
Dan Graziano (1:03 PM)
Sure, but Beck and Rex were on the roster last year and know the system too, right? This isn't like a baseball spring training where you can bring in 20 pitchers and hope to find five good ones. At some point, you have to go with what you've got.
Ryan (PA)
You are the man, now my second favorite chatter on ESPN. I am a baseball guy so Keith Law is 1.
Dan Graziano (1:03 PM)
I have no problem finishing behind Keith, whose chats I also enjoy very much. Thank you.
Dan Graziano (1:04 PM)
Really just going overtime to see if Biochem writes back.
sepe (new york)
who do you think will have the best defense is the nfc east? and who is the best defensive player in the nfc east?
Dan Graziano (1:04 PM)
Giants, I guess, but no way to really know until the rosters get filled out in free agency. And DeMarcus Ware.
Plaxico (Desean Jackson's crib)
i really really really want to play for the birds
Dan Graziano (1:05 PM)
We know. You've said.
Brandon (GotFanhood) (New York)
Love how you actually respond to questions on Twitter, much appreciated! Anyway, do you see the Redskins focusing more on the defensive or offensive line when Free Agency begins?
Dan Graziano (1:05 PM)
Defensive. And yeah, for those who don't know, you can get me on Twitter at @ESPN_nfceast or at @dangrazianoespn. Love to chat on Twitter.
Biochemskinsfan (St. Louis)
I still think you're overly critical, and don't address things.
Dan Graziano (1:06 PM)
Sigh. Well, think what you want. I am critical. It's part of my job. But I'm not sure how much more clearly I could explain myself on this issue.
Shut.Up.Phyllis (Lame Job)
Dan,You seem a bit miffed at some of these comments today...why so serious?
Dan Graziano (1:06 PM)
Never! It's all good, all part of the deal, all fun. I enjoy this.
Joey T. (Central Jersey)
Question attempt number 3 for me today. Tell me Dan when will the Giants get a great Lb core again? The years of LT were magical and I love Goff but he isn't much of a cover guy. Bulluck has to be approaching 80 years old. if Lb has been a need for the past few years please tell me DO THE G MEN GET ONE THIS OFFSEASON?! I'll ask kiper later will they ever draft a top one haha
Dan Graziano (1:08 PM)
The only way the Giants would draft a stud linebacker is if they were picking 19th and a guy they had ranked in the top 5 or 6 in the whole draft was still there at 19. That's how they draft -- best guy on their board at their spot. They don't trade up. They don't trade down. There's no art or creativity to what they do in the draft. They believe in drafting for value and that's it. It's worked okay for them, but I do think they need a linebacker and they've overlooked it for the past two years to their detriment.
Dan Graziano (1:08 PM)
Critical FTW!
Bobby (Middletown)
Thanks for the Chat DAN, like you alot better than mosley. That being said, wondered who you would pick for the best impact by an offensive and defensive rookie this year in the beast.
Dan Graziano (1:09 PM)
Helu and Kerrigan, and only because I think Amukamara will play in a rotation and probably won't be on the field as much as Kerrigan is.
Greg C (pittsburgh)
Hey Dan I wrote a much longer question earlier, all I really want to know is if Dallas might resign Witten and Ratliff to cut down some salary
Dan Graziano (1:10 PM)
I don't know which contracts they'll re-work, but they'll have to do some.
Brandon (GotFanhood) (New York)
Who would win in a fist fight, DeMarcus Ware or Brian Orakpo? Trent Williams or Doug Free? Tony Romo or Eli Manning? I would pay PPV money for these fights!
Dan Graziano (1:11 PM)
Picking Orakpo, Free and Romo in those fights.
Dan Graziano (1:11 PM)
Gotta run, folks. It's been fun as always.
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