Chat with Bill Williamson
Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN.com AFC West blogger Bill Williamson will stop by to talk about the NFL.
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 Thursday at 2 p.m. ET!
More Bill Williamson: Columns | AFC West blog | Chat | NFL index
Bronco (SOCal)
Gotta go DT in the first round right? Unless a Top tier CB is avaliable i think. This whole speculation about RGIII is just vapor to me. Not gonna go QB till the 3rd of 4th right? or even at all?
Bill WIlliamson (2:04 PM)
I think DT, CB, will be their top options. Should eb a lot of top DTs available in Denver's drafting range. Don't relaly see the Broncos going up to get RGIII.
steve (kansas city)
would going for a player like jimmy clausen (via a trade or free agent add if cut) be a better than a veteran that the chiefs are reportedly interested in like orton, campbell, garrard or manning
Bill WIlliamson (2:05 PM)
Nah, not a big Clausen guy. Maybe if Weis was still there. I'd go for someone like Campbell or Orton over Clausen. He's young, but that may be one of his few values.
Randy (Denver)
Ive seen a lot of mock drafts and they have taken Jerel Worthy. Is he Worthy of Denvers 1st Rd pick?
Bill WIlliamson (2:06 PM)
Him, Poe, Still, Cox, those type of DTs will attract Denver.
Chris (Lees Summit, MO)
Are the Chiefs looking to add actual competition for Cassel, or a more reliable back up to avoid what happened last year?
Bill WIlliamson (2:06 PM)
Good question. I think it maybe closer to looking for a good backup.
Vijay (Nashville)
Can you see the Broncos drafting a middle LB with their 1st pick? That position makes the 4-3 work, and has been a glaring weakness since Al Wilson retired. Is there confidence Nate Irving is the answer?
Bill WIlliamson (2:07 PM)
Maybe if all those DTs are gone. I think they will give Irving a chance to play. They are fairly high on him.
Brandon (Blue Springs, MO)
What would be Pioli's dream draft scenerio?
Bill WIlliamson (2:08 PM)
Probably have Richardson, Kuechly and Jonathan AMrtin all on the board.
Jeff (Dallas)
Anyway the Broncos can lure Mario Williams to Denver? How dominate would Denver be with Mario, Doom and Miller?
Bill WIlliamson (2:09 PM)
I think he'll look at toehr options first.
Johnny (RI)
Do you think the Raiders should deal Seymour for a 3rd round pick and to free cap space?
Bill WIlliamson (2:10 PM)
I'm not sure who would pick up a $15 million deal for a guy who can leave in free agency. Plus, is a third-roudner better than Seymour right now?
Jonathan (Chicago)
Who do you think would be a better fit in Kansas City Garrard or Campbell?
Bill WIlliamson (2:14 PM)
Campbell all the way. He knows Zorn and I think he is better than Garrard.
Randy (Denver)
Is it a possability the Broncos trade their 1st rd pick to stock pile some 2nd rounders?
Bill WIlliamson (2:15 PM)
I think the Broncos would make that decision on the clock. That No. 25 range is a good trading spot for a team that is flexible.
Johnny (RI)
Do you think the Raiders could get value out Schillens or Murphy, veteran nickel back or a late round pick?
Bill WIlliamson (2:17 PM)
Boy, Johnny you want some picks, don't you. Schilens is free. Murphy could maybe get a late-round pick, but I think he'd offer more value as on the roster.
bryan (chicago)
The chief have nearly 63 million to work with. let's be honest, they well spend just enough to get about the 108 million floor. that being said, why oh why can't they RESIGN both carr and bowe and add a solid starter on both the defensive and offensive line?
Bill WIlliamson (2:18 PM)
I think they should easily be able to do all that.
Frankie (Fort Collins, CO)
Any chance larry english gets cut or traded before the draft?
Bill WIlliamson (2:19 PM)
First Charger question I have seen today. Thanks.I think he gets one more chance to make the team and make an impact. And there isn't much of a market for him on the trade market.
Andy (Goodyear)
I checked the Vegas odds to win the next Super Bowl, for our division odds are SD 12/1, KC/Den 50/1, Oak 60/1. Why does everyone think the chargers are so far ahead in the division when the last two years have shown them to be trending backwards and others upwards?
Bill WIlliamson (2:21 PM)
Good question. The Vegas folks are pretty on the money, but that difference seems out of whack. I'd guess it's because the Chargers have a top QB.
Joey (Tucson, AZ)
Hey Bill...Good afternoon. Do you see my Raiders making any big splashs in FA? We have a lot of needs and not enough draft picks. Also our salary cap numbers are pretty scary too. Do you think we can make some moves to get some players and do you think with the release of Routt that players will restructure their deals?
Bill WIlliamson (2:24 PM)
I think there will be some restructuring that will allow the Raiders to do some things. I don't neccesarily see a huge spree, but some quality players will have to be brought in. Like you said, the draft class is small, so free agency is the Riaders' best bet.
Matt (Denver)
What are your thoughts about EFX looking at CB with Denver's 1st round pick?...I would love to see janoris jenkins in a bronco uniform accross from bailey this year
Bill WIlliamson (2:26 PM)
If a corner like Jenkins and Kilpatrick are available Dnever will surely consider them unless they pick up a corner in free agency.
Chris (Lees Summit, MO)
Do you think the Chiefs will look into LaRon Landry for depth at safety?
Bill WIlliamson (2:27 PM)
He may be a guy who the Chiefs look at, yes.
Chris (Lees Summit, MO)
It seems like the Chiefs aren't going to draft a DT with their first pick. Where do the Chiefs go to upgrade that position?
Bill WIlliamson (2:28 PM)
With $62 million in cap room, they can do a lot of shoppimg at a lot of positions.
Darren (NYC)
How much purging of the current team will need to be done in order for the Raiders to have a decent Free Agent season. Remember Bill, without a lot of draft picks, I feel the team can only improve via F. Agency....your thoughts??
Bill WIlliamson (2:30 PM)
We may see a few more cuts, but I think restructuring may be the way the Riaders look first. Routt was cut because he was owed so much so early. A fast decision had to be made.
Frankie (Fort Collins, CO)
Would VY would be a good fit in Denver as a backup?
Bill WIlliamson (2:31 PM)
Yes,because he is mobile like Tebow is and team's often like their backup to be simialr to their starter. Quinn was not simialr to Tebow at all.
Andy (Chicago)
When do we find out what picks Oakland gets from lossing there FA's last year?
Bill WIlliamson (2:31 PM)
Comp picks are usually awarded during the NFL owners meetings, which is held in late March.
Jamie (BFE)
Kuechly seems abit high at 11. Dont the chiefs have bigger needs than ILB?
Bill WIlliamson (2:36 PM)
He's the type of guy teams really like. He is high-energy, smart, makes a lot of plays. I think his performance at the combine could go a long way in determining where he goes.
Frankie (Fort Collins, CO)
What's up with Hue Jackson?
Bill WIlliamson (2:38 PM)
Without work. There really isn't much left for him. Unless some team adds him as an extra coach, who may sit out the season. That really amazes me. He's a good, young coach who deserves to be, at least, an offensive coordinator.
Bash (Warrensburg, MO)
Will the franchise tag be used on Bowe or Carr? Is Carr too valuable for the KC Chiefs to lose? What kind of options do they have?
Bill WIlliamson (2:39 PM)
Well, if they sign Routt, they can let Carr wlak and franchise Bowe. That way they'd secure a top WR and their No. 2 CB.
Fabian (Las Vegas)
Do you see any major changes coming to Oakland's o-line with the change of scheme, and increasing age of some of their linemen?
Bill WIlliamson (2:41 PM)
Their new O-line coach and OC are zone-blocking coaches, so expect Oakland to go that way. I think they most of their talent can adjust. The O-line is still a work in progress, so the adjustment should be fairly easy.
Ryan (San Diego)
What defensive free agents do you think the chargers will target?
Bill WIlliamson (2:41 PM)
It's early, but Tyvon Branch, Cliff Avril and Robert Mathis may be players who interest San Diego.
Rob (Pittsburgh)
Why do teams continue to look at Orton, since when is mediocrity good enough for an NFL team? Take a chance with a rookie, we all know he is good for nothing but QB competition.
Bill WIlliamson (2:43 PM)
Quarterbacks are hard to come by. There will always be a market for quarterbacks like Orton.
bryan (chicago)
What do you think Brandon Carr's asking for? It can't be a Flower's-like contract, can it? I mean, Carr is a solid number 2 but he isn't a number 1.
Bill WIlliamson (2:43 PM)
I wouldn't be shocked if it were in the Flowers' neighborhood.
Rob (Pittsburgh)
Do you see Michael Bush leaving the division?
Bill WIlliamson (2:45 PM)
I wouldn't be shocke dif Oakalnd gives him the franchise tag. But with Tyvon Branch needing to be kept as well, I could see Oakland going that rout. If Bush is free, someone will pry him from Oakland, I could see Denver being very interested.
Christian (Bay Area)
Do you think McClain could play well in a 3-4 scheme?
Bill WIlliamson (2:47 PM)
Some scouts like McClain as a 3-4 better than a 4-3 linebacker.
Trevor (Toronto)
Are the chiefs real about routt or are they just pricing #2 cbs?
Bill WIlliamson (2:47 PM)
Combination of the two, I believe.
Frankie (Fort Collins, CO)
Tight End has to be a high priority for the Broncos right?
Bill WIlliamson (2:49 PM)
Keeping Fells may be the best option. He's a good player. Tebow needs to find the tight end better than he did last year. Fells was open a lot.
Val (los angeles)
Do your think the raiders should trade away darren mcfadden to help get players to help the defense and draft picks??
Bill WIlliamson (2:52 PM)
That's the big question. We've addressed it in the blog. I see reasons for both keeping him and trading him. But I think, in the end, he should be kept.
Nick (Kansas City)
Am I crazy to believe that KC in a bazarro world could actually sign Carr, Routt, and Bowe (franchise Carr or Bowe) ????
Bill WIlliamson (2:53 PM)
Yes, the Chiefs have a lot of cap room, but having Flowers, Routt and Carr all making big money doesn't make sense. Sign one and use the saved money to fill another hole. Plus, Routt and Carr would not sign up for that scenario.
John (Neb.)
Will Matt Prater be a top priority for Denver in free agency?
Bill WIlliamson (2:55 PM)
Yes, I think he will be. He and the Broncos are a good fit. He could be franchised, but, either way, I expect him to be back.
Rob (Pittsburgh)
Is Jacoby Ford going to be an impact player this year? It seems every year we hear about some Raiders wr all offseason with no results when the season starts.
Bill WIlliamson (2:57 PM)
Ford is different. He can make a big imapct as a receiver and as a returner. The guy with him is his health. I'm a big Ford guy.
Matt (Denver)
Are the Broncos going to go in the direction of J. Thomas this year at TE, or really look to ad one if FA?
Bill WIlliamson (2:57 PM)
He is a project, but they like him a lot. He did well before an ankle injury derailed his rookie season.
Rob (Pittsburgh)
Same type of year for P Rivers if the O-Line doesnt improve, agre or disagree? Thw WR corp is only getting weaker.
Bill WIlliamson (2:59 PM)
The WR group will only get weaker if Jackson leaves. And Rivers does need better protection. The Chargers know it and will address it. The key is also health. San Diego has really been banged up by injuries at both the OL and WR.
max (CA) [via mobile]
Do u think that Tebow potentially practicing with Rivers will help his throwing ability?
Bill WIlliamson (3:00 PM)
Rivers has never been the poster boy for mechanics.
Josh (CO Springs)
Is Rahim Moore on the hot seat a little this season? Carter is looking VERY good to me...
Bill WIlliamson (3:00 PM)
Moore has a lot more to prove than Carter does at this poimt, yes.
Marcus (Pa)
Raiders Coaching staff, too young & inexperienced or is the youthfulness a good thing?
Bill WIlliamson (3:02 PM)
We shall see. I'd like to see a tad more experience. Lots of potential there, though. Allen and Tarver are future stars, but are they ready now?
Josh (CO Springs)
Why would Denver go draft a young QB? That kid on the practise squad from Minnesota looks decent enough?
Bill WIlliamson (3:02 PM)
They will look look for QBs in the draft, probably third day.
Bill WIlliamson (3:03 PM)
Great hour, everyone talk to you next week.
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