Dan Graziano

  (12:00 PM)

Hello. Let's get started.

Chris (NL)

Realistically if the Eagles move up into the top 10 who do you they think they will target (excluding Tannehill, since I don't think he is worth it). Will they target a DT like Cox, an LB like Kuechly or just stay as is?

Dan Graziano

  (12:02 PM)

I think the most likely scenario is that the Eagles stay put and take the best player (likely defensive) available to them at 15. However, in your hypothetical scenario, should they trade up into the top 10, I believe it would be for Cox or Kuechly. Not for a quarterback. They can get a QB in a later round and develop him. Not worth spending extra resources when you really don't know how long Vick will be the man there.

Kevin (San Antonio)

Hi Dan! Thanks for all the work. Now that the Skins have resigned Fletcher and have gotten some help in the defensive secondary, is Hightower our next priority? You see us going after O-line in the draft or some other position?

Dan Graziano

  (12:03 PM)

I know that the Redskins are working on signing Hightower, and they believe they will. As for timetable, I do not know. And as for the draft, yes, after they take care of QB with their first-round pick, I believe their priority will be the offensive line. They need to add depth there.

Dave (not at work, if anyone asks)

How much does strength of schedule at the beginning of the year even matter? I mean, it looks like the Giants have a murderer's row of a schedule, but with the Saints gutted, the 49er's lack of a franchise QB, and the AFC north's overachieving Bengals and aging steelers team, how much should the Giants be worried?

Dan Graziano

  (12:04 PM)

Yeah, as I wrote yesterday, I think the idea of "tough schedule" based on which teams were good last year is a fallacy. When the schedule is announced tonight, I'm more interested in where the bye weeks fall, tough travel weeks, etc. That's the only thing we can realistically analyze at this point. We don't know who the good teams are going to be. It's April.

John (Maine)

Is Josh morgan really an upgrade over Moss, Gaffney or even Hankerson?

Dan Graziano

  (12:05 PM)

Well, he's younger than the first two, and Hankerson's coming back from a serious injury. So if they like Morgan for a specific role (flanker, I'd imagine), he's certainly worth bringing in to team with the rookie QB.

Brian (48th and Madison)

How likely is it for demarco Murray to produce at the level he was at pre injury

Dan Graziano

  (12:06 PM)

I think it's very likely that he'll produce in similar fashion as long as he stays healthy. My concern with Murray would be the ability to stay healthy. He absorbs a lot of contact.

BigSarj (Fort Washington, MD)

Why is David DeCastro such a far fetched idea for Cowboys?

Dan Graziano

  (12:07 PM)

It's not farfetched, it's just not a good use of the No. 14 pick, in my opinion. Given all of the work they've done on the offensive line the last two offseasons, and their needs on defense, my personal opinion is that DeCastro is not a good use of that particular resource.

Lee (New York)

Does the Giants' recent acquisition of Keith Rivers signal they won't be spending their first round pick on a linebacker?

Dan Graziano

  (12:08 PM)

I do not think it signals that. If the best player remaining on their board at No. 32 is a linebacker, I believe the Giants will take him. If it's not, I believe they will take someone who plays another position. And I think that was true before the Rivers trade and still is.

DC_Marc (Chat)

"these blue letters right here" -- Dan, that joke is too old to keep using by now, FYI. Change it up?

Dan Graziano

  (12:08 PM)

I welcome suggestions.

josht908 (slc, ut)

In regards to Hightower, is he expected to be 100% for the start of the season coming off of his injury? What are the chances Helu becomes the lead back in DC? Thanks for all your work Dan.

Dan Graziano

  (12:10 PM)

Health is the question with Hightower, and I think the Redskins will not be able to answer these questions until they get him on the practice field and find out how healthy he really is. If he's back to 100 percent, he'll begin the season as the starter. They think he's the most complete back they have, and they're not ready to give one of last year's rookies the full workload at this point.

Dave (not at work, if anyone asks)

Draft Tannehill this year, or tank the season next year to pick Barkley/Jones. Which would be a better investment in your opinion?

Dan Graziano

  (12:10 PM)

For whom?

Elvis (Tupelo, MS)

Cowboys have quietly put together a very nice Free Agent period. Orton is an underrated signing. They need to go with Giant-type pass rushers with first 2-3 picks in draft.

Dan Graziano

  (12:11 PM)

I think that would help, but those are hard to find. If they can't, I see nothing wrong with adding to the secondary.

Kevin (Pittsburgh)

Dan,The 'Skins have been signing safeties like crazy recently which I like because that's been a need for the past few years...Who do you think will be the odd man out?

Dan Graziano

  (12:12 PM)

I think Tanard Jackson is the wild card. If Raheem Morris can get the best out of him, he could be a standout player in that secondary. If not, they likely let him go. But if Jackson emerges as a starter, yeah, I could see them letting go of Madieu Williams in camp. They were in the process of signing Williams before Jackson was released by the Bucs.

David (Charlotte)

How about keeping the letters to the link in black and making us scroll thru the entire paragraph with our mouse till we find it!!!

Dan Graziano

  (12:13 PM)

Like an easter egg hunt. I like it.

Justin (Trenton)

Dan, you've commented that you think it's unlikely that the Eagles would send Asante Samuel to Dallas. Why? They sent Donovan to Washington, seemingly demonstrating that they don't fear sending players to division rivals.

Dan Graziano

  (12:13 PM)

I think the difference is that they believe Samuel can still play.

Will Kelland (New York City)

Most mock drafts have the giants taking one of four players: Donta Hightower, Lavontae david, Fleener, or Adams. If all four were on the board, who do you think the giants would pick?

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

Adams.

Chris (TX)

With the Skins picking Morgan and Garcon, who now has the best WR corps in the Beast?

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

Giants. Same as before.

Splooz (SLC Utah)

Dan - When you were at Georgetown, did you ever go see Billy Hicks wail on the sax at St. Elmo's Fire?

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

I am not NEARLY that old, sir.

josht908 (slc, ut)

albert einstein said the definition of insanity was doing something the same way twice and expecting different results (or something like that). with the eagles taking a 'mulligan' on last season, why should we expect different results this time around?

Dan Graziano

  (12:16 PM)

Because they have a whole offseason to prepare, because all of the new faces that were in new roles last year are used to each other and their roles now. Because they were losing games by the skin of their teeth last September and there's reason for them to believe such games could tilt their way this time around. I'm not saying I buy into any or all of these reasons, but the Eagles can find plenty of reasons to support their belief that it will be different this time around. Personally, I think a lot depends on how well Vick protects the ball.

David (Charlotte)

Let us know how many questions we get to today. You haven't done that in the past two chats! (not really sure why I care)

Dan Graziano

  (12:17 PM)

OK. You're 258.

Dan Graziano

  (12:17 PM)

But some jackass keeps posting the same one like 10 times a minute and I don't have any way of getting rid of him.

Chris (Giants Land, NJ)

Dan, how much does the restructuring of River's salary sweeten the already sweet trade that Jerry made for him?

Dan Graziano

  (12:18 PM)

Yeah, it was a very good, low-risk, high-reward move before the restructure, and the restructure only made it better.

Ed (Charleston, SC ... currently sweating in Africa)

Please identify said Jackass ... you can afford to lose one fan

Dan Graziano

  (12:18 PM)

Won't give him the satisfaction. Nor will I take his question.

Dave (Still not at work )

Considering I'm sure Jerry Reese would feild 11 pass rushers if he could, is there a pass rusher that you feel is a good fit for the Giants in the first 3 rounds?

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

Haha. Yes. If the Syracuse kid falls to them, I believe they'd take him first round. Chandler Jones. Otherwise, Andrew Branch, Vinny Curry, Whitney Mercilus -- there are several early-round possibilities if they don't get a pass rusher in the first. But you're right. I'd bet the mortgage that they take at least one.

Lou (Irving, TX)

Sando in his post said the Giants don't play the Packers this year isn't that incorrect?

Dan Graziano

  (12:21 PM)

The Giants do play the Packers this year.

josht908 (slc, ut)

Who got the better deal? Giants trading a 5th for Rivers, or Eagles trading a 4th for Ryans?

Dan Graziano

  (12:21 PM)

I think it was the Eagles, because I think Ryans will play more and make a greater impact on their defense. But I think both were good deals.

st8prop (Atlanta, GA)

With Osi Umenyiora not showing up to voluntary off-season workouts, is that really him sending a message about his feelings on his contract status?

Dan Graziano

  (12:22 PM)

It could be. Or it could be he feels better about working out on his own. Remember, this week's stuff is just strength and conditioning work with trainers. No football activity yet. No reason to get worked up over who's there and who's not.

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

Not that you were getting worked up, St8. But some are.

Greg (Atl)

Do you think the skins solved their safety issue? or way too early to know?

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

They're playing a percentage game, hoping they find two viable starters and some good backups out of the large group they'll bring to camp.

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

They also view Gomes as an eventual starter, though I don't think they know when that will be, exactly.

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

They also view Gomes as an eventual starter, though I don't think they know when that will be, exactly.

Mike (New Lisbon)

Does jarvis jenkins start for the skins on defense this year? He would've had he not gotten injured.

Dan Graziano

  (12:25 PM)

I don't know about "start," because I think Carriker still has the one DE spot and Bowen the other. But Jenkins, if healthy, will get plenty of work in the DL rotation. They like him a lot.

JJ (Pensacola)

Is this the year Dez Bryant becomes an elite reciever? He's got the talent and Miles Austin opposite of him

Dan Graziano

  (12:26 PM)

I think his development so far in that direction has been fine, and I can see it continuing in 2012. More will be asked of him, assuming they don't find a WR3 who gets as many looks as Robinson gets. Which is a safe assumption.

Brandon (NYC)

Does James Brewer have a chance to win a starting tackle position on the Giants? It seems both starting spots are in flux at this point. Diehl, a long time favorite is likely to get one spot, but Beatty is a question mark.

Dan Graziano

  (12:27 PM)

I believe Brewer is more of a project than that. Maybe someday, but not this year.

Joe (DC)

Day 1 QB starter for Redskins - Grossman or RG3?

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

I mean, they'll burn the place down if he starts Grossman over RG3, right? This is a no-brainer.

rob (va)

with the health issues of austin,bryant and murray wouldn't it be wise after their first pick to start drafting back-ups ?

Dan Graziano

  (12:29 PM)

Yes, I think at some point, the Cowboys will and should look to add RB and WR depth. But particularly with RBs, you can find good value later in the draft. They and Washington both did last year.

Fabio (Brazil)

with so few needs to be a starter this year, can you see the Eagles trade out the 1st, and with 2 1st rounds picks next year the team use to trade up and take one of the best players avaliable to be the next franchise QB? (Barkley/ Jones)

Dan Graziano

  (12:30 PM)

Theoretically, sure. But I think the Eagles believe (a) this draft is deep at QB and (b) they can develop a QB that they take in the middle rounds. Why put it off until next year if they have guys they like in this year's draft?

RedZoneD25 (MD)

This is potentially a stupid question, but Eagles DE Brandon Graham has reportedly lost a lot of weight, being down from 290 to 260. Is there any chance the Eagles could work with him to lose 5-10 more pounds and move him to SAM?

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

Make him into what the Giants made Kiwanuka last year? Not a crazy (and certainly not a stupid) suggestion. But I think right now the Eagles are focused on getting and keeping Graham healthy before giving him new assignments. He can be a factor in the DL rotation if he's healthy.

st8prop (Atlanta, GA)

Do you think its fair to compare RG III's rookie season with Eli's? i feel they aren't in the same situations to really be compared.

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

No, I think the Redskins are further along in their rebuilding program than that year's Giants were in theirs.

Tory (DC)

Had you seen enough from Hankerson last year, prior to his injury, to say he is a potential #1 WR?

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

I think he flashed some of that, sure. I can tell you that the Redskins' coaching staff believes he has that potential.

Voice of Reason (Anywhere but Here)

Graham should have been picked by a 3-4 team...much better fit, don't you think? Answer me man!

Dan Graziano

  (12:33 PM)

Probably. I still say it's too early (given that he hasn't played much) to say that pick was a total bust. But he'd do well to show something this year.

lupo1278 (Madagascar)

The Colts surprise the world and take Matt Kalil for the first pick of the 2012 draft... Who do the Skins pick at #2?

Dan Graziano

  (12:34 PM)

I would love to know that answer, but Shanahan wouldn't tell me when I asked at the owners' meetings. I really think they'll be happy with either one, but I'd LOVE to know who they'd pick if they were picking first. I wonder if we'll ever really know.

Ryan (Brooklyn)

Jerry Reese...best GM in the NFL? Please provide reasons for your answer. Also if he's not the best who is?

Dan Graziano

  (12:35 PM)

Whatever. A year ago it was Ted Thompson. The year before that it was Mickey Loomis. Lots of smart talent in these front offices. Reese is obviously a good fit for his position in NY and has obviously done a good job.

Joe (DC)

Do you think there is a chance the Redskins' defense regresses with the new players in the secondary?

Dan Graziano

  (12:36 PM)

A chance, but I don't see why it has to. It's not as though they lost Ronnie Lott and Darren Woodson. They were struggling to find reliable production back there last year. Maybe the new guys will play better.

Justin (Richmond)

Dan, please help me here, I just don't get why people are so anxious for the new schedule release...What's all the hype about, we already know who they're playing, does it really matter if they play in September or November?

Dan Graziano

  (12:38 PM)

I hear ya, Justin, but I can kind of understand. If you're a fan and you go to one road game a year, for instance, and it's a tradition and you're fired up about it, this is a chance to pick it out, discuss it with your buddies, etc. I've come around a bit on the idea of why fans care. But like almost everything else that has to do with the NFL, I do struggle with why people care SO MUCH.

Matt (Washington Township, NJ)

Have you been impressed with how Dan Snyder has kept his word and let Shanny and Bruce Allen do their jobs? Any chance if the 'Skins have another crappy season, Snyder reverts to his old ways?

Dan Graziano

  (12:39 PM)

I have been, Matt, and I'm surprised how many people still act as though it's Snyder making the decisions when it's clearly not. I think, if Snyder decided to go back to meddling, he'll fire Shanahan first. And I don't know that they can have a bad enough year that that can happen next offseason.

Gene (DC)

Do the bloggers fly in to NYC for the draft or work remotely? Do you guys ever hang out in the real world?

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

I can't speak for the other seven guys. I'm guessing Kuharsky goes to Indy, Seifert goes to Minnesota and everybody picks the site where the most interesting first-round story is. Personally, I'm going to Radio City. The other option was D.C., but the kid's going to be in NY, which is 20 minutes from my house, so I'll go there and write about him, then cover the other three teams' first-round picks as I would have from home or from D.C.

Hank (Arlene)

True story about waiting on NFL schedule.Buddy is getting married in Oct and is waiting on Texans schedule to come out to pick day,hoping for a bye week.

Dan Graziano

  (12:42 PM)

See, there you go. This is news that matters to fans, impacts their lives and schedules. Personally, as someone who travels to different games every week for work, I look forward to the announcement so I can have some sense of what my schedule is going to be like in the fall and winter.

Sammy (Las Cruces, NM)

Dan, greetings from the land of enchantment! Any truth to some rumors regarding Dallas/Cleveland trade? Dallas trying to move up to Clevelands spot to take Claiborne which would send Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins to Cleveland in exchange for their pick??

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

First I've heard of it. Seems like a lot to give up for a 10-spot improvement.

Prince of DC (DC)

Let see if the second try works. Any viable chance that RG3 will do a holdout (Eli style) if by any chance Irsay does the crazy in your opinion?

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

I'd be surprised. I think he'd enjoy being the No. 1 overall pick, based on everything he's said.

mark (home)

Have you met RG3 in person? Which nfcE qb has the most magnetic personality to you?

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

I've not met him. I have enjoyed conversations I've had with Eli Manning and Michael Vick. Have had very limited contact with Tony Romo. But let's just say, Griffin won't have to do a lot to jump to the top of this particular "most magnetic" list.

John Snow (The Wall)

If the Eagles' young safeties don't produce at a high enough level, instead of trading Asante, could they move him into a safety position and do you think he could be effective there?

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

Shouldn't you be more worried about staying out of Craster's doghouse? As for Samuel, I doubt he'd love the idea, and I imagine he'd kick about it.

David (Charlotte)

Interesting idea. How about you do a fantasy football league with 11 or 13 other lucky beast blog followers every year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

I was in two leagues with followers this past year. Did not do very well.

Nick (PA)

What are the Redskins plans for later rounds? I am hoping we trade down and just stockpile as many picks as possible (kind of like last year).

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

Yeah, but I think they do need to find an offensive lineman or two that they think can help soon.

Felicia Bachoo (Jo's House)

Dan Take a look at the stats belowFelix Jones 127 carries - 4.5 yards/carryRoy Helu 151 carries - 4.2 yards/carryAhmad Bradshaw 171 carries - 3.9 yards/carryHightower 84 carriers - 3.8 yards/carryBrandon Jacobs 152 carries - 3.8 yards/carryWas Jones really that bad last year that its time to cut him? I think now that they know what they have in Murray they can hopefully return to using Jones in spots. If he can stay healthy he can contribute. Dallas O-line wasn't exactly all world last year. I did some work on this one so I will submit 5 times.

Dan Graziano

  (12:48 PM)

Please don't do that. I think there's a role for Jones in Dallas. The point of the post to which I believe you refer was that Jones could find his spot in trouble if the Cowboys drafted a running back or two about which they were excited. And I think that's fair. While there's a role for him, he hasn't exactly made himself indispensible.

Ben (Philly)

Do you think Jackson won't play as well for the Eagles and he'll get cut in 2014 due to the contract deal?

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

No, I believe DeSean Jackson will play very well for the Eagles now that his contract situation has been resolved to his satisfaction. At some point, he may realize that he entered into a team-favorable deal and be upset about that. But for 2012, I believe he'll be happy and very good.

Chris (Giants Land, NJ)

What do you see the Giants doing at Mike?

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

There's some talk of moving Boley there, and it's possible. I believe they will assess post-draft based on what they have and align their personnel accordingly.

Nick (Miami Beach)

What do you think Washington's moniker should be, if not the un-PC "Redskins"?

Dan Graziano

  (12:50 PM)

I don't know, but I do think it should be changed. It's way past time.

Cam (Atlanta)

Any chance the Eagles could package Samuel with their 1st round pick and a couple late round picks to move up into a position to draft someone like Cox or Kuechly?

Dan Graziano

  (12:52 PM)

Lot of people ask this, but my response is "Does that make sense?" Think of it this way: What kind of player will they get at 15? Say it's Mark Barron. Is it worth it to trade Asante Samuel, a couple of later picks and Mark Barron for Fletcher Cox or for Luke Kuechly? This isn't like what the Redskins did, trading away a passel of picks for a guy they believe is a franchise quarterback. You'd have to REALLY LOVE the guy you're trading up to get. Is Kuechler better than, say, Barron by the equivalent of Samuel and picks?

James (Jamestown)

Dan, whenever I play Madden and I propose a Tony Romo for Eli Manning trade, I get very little interest from the Giants. What gives? Design flaw in the game?

Dan Graziano

  (12:53 PM)

I have nothing on this, but it made me laugh.

Splooz (SLC Utah)

Great column idea, compare 1-2 players or coaches from each NFC east team to a Game of Thrones character. I'll start for you, London Fletcher = Barristan "the bold" Selmy

Dan Graziano

  (12:54 PM)

Love it. Who's Ned Stark? Andy Reid?

Travis (Ridgway)

do you think 2 1st rd picks 1 2nd and no 3rd is better for the eagles than 1 1st 2 2nd and 1 3rd?

Dan Graziano

  (12:54 PM)

Wait. What?

Joey (California) [via mobile]

Do you think Eli does as well as his brother on SNL? Peyton was hilarious and is hard to top by anyone but Eli has potential.

Dan Graziano

  (12:55 PM)

I doubt it, but who would have guessed he'd do better than his brother in Super Bowls?

Devin Brooks (Detroit, MI)

Hey Dan, I am hearing from different people that the Detroit Lions are still trying to get Samuels from Philly. Do you see a trade happening with the lions and Philly on Samuels? Something like Cliff and a 5th round for Samuel and 3 round pick.PLEASE PLEASE ANSWER

Dan Graziano

  (12:56 PM)

I mean, I guess, but a lot would have to happen for that to make sense. Better bet: They get a fourth-round or fifth-round pick for Samuel because they decided to dump him for cap/age/overcrowding reasons.

Jason (Westfield)

Tony Romo would have to be John Snow. Good guy but suffering out in the cold.

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

This is not a terrible call.

Evan (Philly)

When do the Eagles start negotiating with Maclin?

Dan Graziano

  (12:58 PM)

Jeez, I don't know. If I were Maclin, I'd want to wait. I wouldn't want to negotiate off of last year. Let me get healthy and play my tail off for 16 games, strengthen my bargaining position.

George RR Martin (Westeros)

Jason (Westfield)Tony Romo would have to be John Snow. Good guy but suffering out in the cold.Dan Graziano (12:57 PM)This is not a terrible call.---------------------------Would this actually make Eli Hodor?

Dan Graziano

  (12:59 PM)

I think Eli is more Tyrion Lannister than he is Hodor.

Stephen Hendry (Inverness, Scotland)

Does it ont annoy you when people multiple post the same question or beg you to answer? I've put a few in but they didn't get taken. That's cool. Maybe they were boring questions. Maybe there were more interesting ones out there. Maybe you just get a load of questions. Maybe it's not scientific at all. Either way, some people seem to get a little upset at not getting q's read out and give you a hard time?! Surely we can take this people!

Dan Graziano

  (1:00 PM)

It's not scientific at all. I have received 959 questions since this chat began an hour ago, and I can't possibly read them all. And yes, it does bother me when someone keeps posting over and over and floods the queue with the same question, as though they have a RIGHT to have theirs picked. I do the best I can, I promise.

DC_Marc (Chat)

Next offseason, will the Giants be able to afford an extension for both Nicks and Cruz in the same year, assuming they will be as tight against whatever-the-cap-ends-up-being next year as they are this year?

Dan Graziano

  (1:02 PM)

Can I say, "Depends how much cap space Mara decides to take from division rivals next year?" Or is it too soon for that? Seriously, I think they're tight to the cap again next year, and Nicks will get first dibs.

Matt (Washington Township, NJ)

Until next week's chat, Dan. Thanks for all the hard work.

Dan Graziano

  (1:03 PM)

It is my pleasure. See you all next week.