Chat with Matt Williamson

Welcome to SportsNation! On Wednesday, Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson will stop by to chat some NFL.
Before joining ESPN and Scouts Inc. in 2005, he was both an NFL and college scout for the Cleveland Browns. Before that, he spent three seasons as assistant recruiting coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh and followed J.D. Brookhart from Pitt to the University of Akron, where Williamson was the director of football operations.
Send your questions now and join Williamson Wednesday at noon ET!
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Matt Williamson (11:58 AM)
Let's do this thing...Anything major happen in the NFL since last Wednesday?
Danny (Houston)
I have heard some critics bash Cowboys for moving up to get Claiborne - I believe if you can get a "elite" player at a cornerstone position (QB, LT, DE, CB) you do it! Ur thoughts?
Matt Williamson (11:59 AM)
Yeah, I am with you-and it isn't like it cost Dallas a ton to make the move. He fits what they do, as Rob Ryan wants to dial up a lot of blitzes and play man coverage behind it. No complaints here!
Jon (Dayton)
TRUE OR FALSE! Cleveland will be drafting Matt Barkley next year under NEW management
Matt Williamson (12:00 PM)
Perhaps...but betting they win enough games that they would have to trade up some to get that done.
Joey (DC)
Will the Redskins get a 2nd rounder or something better within 3 years for Kirk Cousins?
Matt Williamson (12:01 PM)
It is possible, but in the meantime, you need to give RG3 WAY more reps than Cousins. Not going to be easy to develop the lesser draft pick.
Rob (Denver)
Osweiler clearly has some development to do. Having said that, how would you grade is ceiling compared to this years draft class, or other established QB's in the league.
Matt Williamson (12:02 PM)
I think he has a ton of work to do. But he does have gifts. And sitting next to Peyton in the meeting room for the next year or two has to pay off in some way. But like with RG3, Manning is going to take EVERY rep himself. Could be a real long process with Osweiler.
Stephen (Alaska)
Who did you have rated higher... and who do you believe the Pats had rated higher- Chandler Jones or Quentin Coples?
Matt Williamson (12:03 PM)
Bet they preferred Jones. Both have a ton of upside and both have versatility, but I think Jones is a little more of a perimeter player than Coples. Also, Jones has a great motor...Coples, not so much
Chris (Houston)
Texans draft Devier Posey in the 3rd round with Sanu and Randle on the board. What were they thinking?
Matt Williamson (12:05 PM)
I don't get that pick at all. But Randle did go ahead of Posey. I like Sanu better than Posey though, but I bet HOUS was looking for more speed than Sanu provides.
Bert (St. Paul, MN)
Will Lamar Miller be a runner than R. Bush and D. Thomas by year 2?
Matt Williamson (12:05 PM)
It is all about health with Miller. Knee and Shoulder issues from what I understand. That is why he fell. MIA does want to play this fast paced O-and I think Miller will fit that well, esp better than Thomas.
Pete (Cincy)
Years down the road, will the Bengals be kicking themselves for not getting DeCastro at #21?
Matt Williamson (12:06 PM)
Perhaps...maybe the Chargers too
Tim (NY)
Did you like what Detroit did taking Reiff and Broyles?
Matt Williamson (12:07 PM)
Liked the Reiff pick-was a good blend of value and need. He will play early there. Didn't think DET had the luxury though of going WR in round 2 with their DB situation.
Peter (MN)
So, the Cowboys have their Aikman (Romo), Smith (Murray), Irvin (Bryant), and now Sanders (Claiborne). Who are they still missing?
Matt Williamson (12:07 PM)
Well...none of those present day players are as good-or as close to as good-as the all time greats you compare them to.
Kyle (Lock Haven, PA)
Over or under 50 catches for Coby Fleener this year?
Matt Williamson (12:08 PM)
Pretty good line you set there. INDY does have a lot of receiving options now though. Will take the U
Blueman (Indy)
I no Colts had to many holes to fill in one draft,but taking a second TE seemed to be a bit of a luxery pick when you need everything.
Matt Williamson (12:09 PM)
Sorta...but the D will be awful either way. At Stanford, they ran a TON of multiple TE sets and Arians also did in PGH. And INDY was Awful at the position pre-draft.
Matt Williamson (12:10 PM)
Is it true that four Saints defenders just got suspended for an entire year? They can recover losing the LBs, but W Smith is a major loss
Kyle (Lock Haven, PA)
Going with the Colts again, why do people say they are going to have a terrible defense? They have two quality edge rushers in Freeney and Mathis, Pat Angerer is a quality middle linebacker, and Antoine Bethea is the best safety in the league not named Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu. What's the deal?
Matt Williamson (12:11 PM)
Cause that is all they have on D. I think the Colts will have the worst D in the NFL. They couldn't be making a more difficult transition from a fast/small/Cover 2 to what the Ravens do.
Ryan (DC)
Do you like any of the offensive lineman the Redskins drafted?
Matt Williamson (12:12 PM)
Not super high on any of them, but each of those guys moves well and I VERY much trust Shanny to make players out of mid/low round OL picks who play hard and can move. Impressive
Colin Bailey (Indy)
If Josh Chapman had been healthy all year and played to potential, how high could he have gone in the draft? I think Colts made a nice pick of him, assuming he comes back 100%
Matt Williamson (12:13 PM)
I would say Chapman goes in Round 2 if totally healthy...nice pick for sure, but might not pay off until next season, which is fine
Jon (Dayton)
Vilma, only one who got the year, Smith got 4 games, Hargrove got 8, Scott Fujita got 3
Matt Williamson (12:13 PM)
Gotcha...thought they all got a year...WOW
Greg (Seattle)
You listen to any hip-hop/rap Matt? Also, who starts the most games at QB in Seattle next season?
Matt Williamson (12:13 PM)
Not a ton, but I do have Tribe on as we speak! Flynn starts the most games-no question
Bernard (France)
Does the Kendall Wright pick say alot about what the Titans expect from injured Kenny Britt next year?
Matt Williamson (12:15 PM)
In a way-insurance. But I like the pick and didn't see this angle pre-draft. He is very different than Britt and Washington. Burner. And Locker has a massive arm. This was a pick for Locker, not Hass.
Awayne (Indy)
Is there really any excuse you will buy for taking a punter in the 3rd? Oh yea he's a really good holder too.Not like the Jags were so talented that all they needed was a punter to be a SB team.
Matt Williamson (12:16 PM)
Talked about this in detail on yesterday's podcast-check it out. I don't condone it! Unless he is R Guy, it is TOO EARLY. BUT...JAX didn't have a 4th round pick and a punter that changes field position is going to be more valuable to a grind it out team like JAX. They are not going to beat anyone 31-17
Hank R (Denver)
You ever catch any games at PNC Park? And I am the only one in Denver who thinks Phil Rivers is the best QB in the AFC West?
Matt Williamson (12:17 PM)
PNC Park is awesome...the team playing there is not. Nicest minor league park I have ever seen. Anyways, I am with ya. I gotta see it from Manning before I am totally on board. Always been a huge Rivers fan here.
Frank (Chi)
What do you think of the Bears taking Jeffery in the 2nd? If he can produce like his sophomore year the Bears can have a top 5 offense this year.
Matt Williamson (12:18 PM)
Would have preferred to see them go OL...but it is a high risk/reward move. Could pay off. Also some insurance if Marshall has a meltdown/suspension
Steve (Bristol)
What do you think about the Skins adding Goff? Assuming he's healthy, they have quite a bit of depth on that front seven now.
Matt Williamson (12:19 PM)
Yeah, they do. I feel like Goff has been written off too early. I like the guy-as a run stuffer only.
Bailey (Boston)
Out of all the 49ers skill position addtions, Jenkins, Manningham, Moss, James, Jacobs.. who has the biggest impact?
Matt Williamson (12:20 PM)
Would put Jacobs last on that list, but that is a really tough question. One of those WRs will step up-and all are capable. Still worry about the guy throwing to them though-as they are all deep threats
John (Wisconsin)
Which of the Packers top 3 draft picks (Perry, Worthy, Hayward) do you think will have the greatest impact on the team?
Matt Williamson (12:22 PM)
All should be specialty/passing down players. And clearly that was GBay's biggest area that need addressed. Love those three picks-will use Perry as a designated pass rusher opposite Mathews. Worthy will be like Jenkins, but doubt he plays much on early downs. And I see Hayward grabbing the nickel job with ease. Great work.
Jake (Miami)
What did you think of the Dolphins draft? I feel they addressed alot of needs QB, WR, TE, RT, DL, LB and RB. Only thing they missed was S and OG.
Matt Williamson (12:23 PM)
I don't agree that they addressed WR adequately at all. But they sure did have plenty of needs. I like Tannehill and I like the fit. That is really all that matters when analyzing this draft. Martin was good value too.
Frank (Medford )
Do you see Donta Hightower as an every down player right away given his versatility to play inside and out?
Matt Williamson (12:24 PM)
Writing an article as we speak that will come out on Friday about NEng's D, with an emphasis on the new guys. Gonna make you wait...
Ryan (DC)
How do you think Tenard Jackson will do with the Redskins? His former head coach Morris is our DB coach btw.
Matt Williamson (12:25 PM)
Yeah, I knew that-makes sense. Jackson is a heck of a player when he is actually out there and out of trouble. I have no worries about his ability to help their D...might be better than OJ last year.
Shaun (Rochester)
What are your thoughts on Bills 3rd round pick TJ. Graham? Any comparrison to Mike Wallace coming out of college?
Matt Williamson (12:26 PM)
Both are slender and REAL fast. Graham is very much a work in progress, but even if he doesn't play a ton of snaps, but comes in and runs some streaks down the sidelines, he could have an impact-like T Smith did for BALT last year. Just opens up room for others.
Jeff (NM)
Your impression of the Broncos draft, and what impact they could make this year.
Matt Williamson (12:27 PM)
For DEN, I can't complain with any of their specific picks, but is there a 2012 starter in the group?
Jake (Carlsbad, CA)
You said the Chargers may regret passing on DeCastro. Wouldn't they have regretted passing on Ingram even more??
Matt Williamson (12:28 PM)
Not saying they made the wrong choice. Very high on Ingram here too. But I bet that was a super difficult decision. They did already have Philips, Barnes, Johnson and English-could be worse off than those four
Fred (Philly )
With the addition of Cox and departure of Samuel do we finally see the Eagles Pass D turn into the monster we thought it would be last year?
Matt Williamson (12:28 PM)
Yup. Press Man coverage. Unleash a sick DL. Better at LB too. Kendricks might be my choice for DROY
rahim aka rah-steam (hackensack, nj)
If Stephen Hill can block good and catch a few jump balls in the end zone is he an improvement over Burress?
Matt Williamson (12:29 PM)
He will block well. Maybe catch a few jump balls-sure. But yes, certainly an upgrade over Burress. Burress is just SO slow...Hill is not
Eric (NYC)
When looking at the moves of the Bears and Lions between FA and the draft, which team finishes higher in the standings? Can either dethrone the Packers?
Matt Williamson (12:31 PM)
I feel like the draft helped GB more than CHI or DET for the short term. I will still pick the Pack to win the division.
Jeff (Clearwater)
How cool is it that the Vikings drafted Warren High and Arkansas WRs Wright and Childs?
Matt Williamson (12:32 PM)
That is nuts...these guys don't know what it is like to not have the other on their team!
Norman (NY)
What's your take on Dallas' other picks besides for Claiborne, and over/under 4.5 INTs for Claiborne this year?
Matt Williamson (12:33 PM)
He will get tested, but I will always go U for interception O/Us....I would call the rest of the draft Underwhelming
Steve (Bristol)
NFC East have the best overall defense for any division in the NFL? If not, who's the weak link out? Tough division (at least on paper)
Matt Williamson (12:34 PM)
I would put it like this for 2012: 1. Philly 2. The Champs 3. Wash 4. Dallas...very strong division for D!
Repentent (New Orleans, La.)
Thoughts on the Saints selections this past weekend? Left me feeling "Blah".
Matt Williamson (12:35 PM)
Well, they didn't have a ton of picks. That crew could get a lot out of Toon-like an Arrington type. Hicks has ALL KINDS of ability. Talk to me in two years about him.
Matt (Toronto)
It seems Ireland has dropped some hints he has not finished adding WRs... Driver (if he becomes available), Gaffney, Jones or Braylon for Miami? Or is there someone else you think might make more sense? Thanks for the great work, as always!
Matt Williamson (12:36 PM)
Seems logical. Braylon and Driver seem logical for sure
Rob (San Antonio)
Were you suprised to see Pittsburgh take a guy with character issues even if he drove to Pittsburgh to plead mercy?
Matt Williamson (12:38 PM)
Must have stated his case really well! I know PGH has a good relationship with his agent and Ohio State in general. But when you are an upper tier team that constantly picks late,you can't find true LTs. Adams is a true LT.
Ryan (DC)
With Santana Moss possibly being the 4th best wide receiver on the Skins wouldn't you say there offense has improved greatly? Thoughts on Niles Paul moving to TE?
Matt Williamson (12:39 PM)
Would like that Paul will be a move TE. Fred Davis Lite. BTW, I watched Davis in high school in Toledo-was an amazing WR. Anyways, I do think it has improved substantially. RG3 is legit. They will always have a run game. OL is a worry, but they have weapons.
Louie (Tampa, FL)
I feel like Rex is just going to tell Maybin, Davis and Coples to "go get me the QB." If the Jets can generate a consistent pass rush without blitzing they once again have the best D in the AFCE, correct?
Matt Williamson (12:41 PM)
That isn't Davis' game, but I hear ya. That is what he told Maybin last year. Coples will improve the interior pass rush. I don't see it as the best in the AFC though
Beast (Mode)
I don't care how good RG3 is, the Skins are a distant fourth in that stacked division. BOOM
Matt Williamson (12:41 PM)
Probably, but they are improved. And set up well for the future
Rahim aka rah-steam (hackensack, nj)
Who is most likely rookie receiver to start right away besides Blackmon and Floyd?
Matt Williamson (12:42 PM)
He is raw, but probably Hill. Take the top off opposite Santonio
Rahim aka rah-steam (hackensack, nj)
Am I in the minority to think St. Louis shoulda took Clairborne? I understand filling multiple needs but I would rather get a garaunteed starter at key position than 4 or 5 maybe's!!!!!!
Matt Williamson (12:43 PM)
Yeah, the Rams' trade downs didn't exactly work as planned. I suppose I agree. Put him next to Finnegan. But if Jenkins works out, they hit a home run at the same position. And STL's young DL is quite talented now.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
I was hoping Denver would take Brandon Thompson over Wolfe and Lamar Miller over Hillman...will I be right in a year?
Matt Williamson (12:44 PM)
I thought Thompson was a better fit too. Miller as well, but he is all about the injuries. Otherwise, I think they scoop up Miller in a hurray. That is up to the docs. I like Hillman quite a bit, but not sold that he will ever be a 20 carry RB at this level.
Not too Concerned (Boston)
I'm its the talk of the town...but Wilson at 48? This pick is SO STRANGE that the only thing I can think of, is that BB MUST absolutely know something we don't. Have you heard any upside to this guy who had 1 pick last year in college? Or is he like Revis who doesn't get picks because theyre afraid to throw it his way.
Matt Williamson (12:45 PM)
Sill doing some digging on that guy! Was a shocker for sure! But I think he is a movement Safety that should compliment Chung well. Has ability for sure.
Johnny (VA)
What kind of impact will a healthy Jarvis Jenkins bring to a already good 3 man front of Carriker, Coefield, Bowen?
Matt Williamson (12:47 PM)
Great point. He is like getting another draft pick. And fits the scheme really well. I said on the podcast the other day that Wash's D would take a step back-I don't agree with myself. Could be strong.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
Do you applaud the 'Hawks for having their own opinions on players and being steadfast, or castigate them for not looking around and realizing if they want these guys, they could probably trade back and still get them?
Matt Williamson (12:48 PM)
Takes two to tango though in a trade back. If there were offers to move back and get something of value, they I would be critical-but I will never know those answers. Irvin could have 10 sacks this year....but it was still a major reach
Dan (Sheffield, UK)
In a year's time, who's going to look the smarter - the coach who drafted Tavon Wilson in round two, or all the critics who said "Who the heck is Tavon Wilson?"
Matt Williamson (12:49 PM)
I a believer in Wilson! He could pass Flynn down the road.
Pat (NYC)
What players would you compare Ruben Randle and David Wilson to? I didn't see them play much in college.
Matt Williamson (12:50 PM)
Wilson has been compared to Tiki quite a bit. L McCoy too. Those are great players, but you get the idea. He also fumbles. But fast. Randle is a smooth size/speed player that looks the part. I expect him to make a quick impact on the outside opposite Nicks when they go 3 WR
Richard (Cape Cod, MA)
Hi, R. Morris got a bum deal in Tampa, how many times does a coach/mgr take a team over the top, after one guy built it....Dungy in Tampa comes to mind....Gruden is good, butTony built the team..sure there are others.
Matt Williamson (12:52 PM)
I hear ya...but no team in the NFL quit more than TBay last year
Rob (San Antonio)
I was kind of surprised the Steelers did not take a qb late. Nothing against Leftwich and Batch but they are kind of old.
Matt Williamson (12:52 PM)
Yeah, but they signed Leftwich the day before. Not going to keep 4 QBs on the roster. So why bother?
Brandon (Phoenix, AZ)
More and more I like the KC - Poe pick. #1 need, and with the standup players (Berry, Hali, DJ, Flowers) holding the Locker Room and Crennel with players, I assume they can get Poe to become dominant.
Matt Williamson (12:52 PM)
Romeo is the key. I love the pick.
Will (Tallahassee)
Do you think the Rams did enough so far to give Sam some weapons this year? They already had a roster full of possession receivers and they added size and speed with their two WR picks. Could be an interesting year in the Lou....thoughts?
Matt Williamson (12:53 PM)
My big question is Who of the Rams WRs emerges? Does anyone? They have a ton of guys-but no standout, esp for immediate future.
David (New Jersey)
Will the Giants ever run the ball effectively with David Baas as teh center? I feel like they're hamstrung not admitting that was a bad signing.
Matt Williamson (12:54 PM)
I hear ya. OL overall isn't very good. I still like Snee a lot. They drafted some projects (& Brewer last year). We shall see, but I think that is the biggest weakness on the team right now.
CC (Atlanta)
Konz to Atlanta... is he a day 1 starter? We could sure use him!
Matt Williamson (12:55 PM)
I think he starts at Guard in Week 1 and eventually becomes the starting Center. Great pick. Needs to stay healthy.
Raoul Duke (Las Vegas)
Poe is a great pick, but Coples is a question mark? Hmmm, seems the guy with the questionable work ethic outworked Poe to me.
Matt Williamson (12:56 PM)
I never questioned Poe's work ethic on the field. But he did play too many snaps-and is 350 lbs!
Edge (Arizona)
A great lead in chat to Jason Babin. Thanks.
Matt Williamson (12:57 PM)
Didn't realize he was next. Very cool. That DL is going to be sick.
Brandon (Phoenix, AZ)
Doesn't every really high dT pick have questions about their motor? Memphis also ran him into the ground /w no coaching.
Matt Williamson (12:57 PM)
Couldn't agree more. Teach Poe how to use his hands and look out!
Matt Williamson (12:58 PM)
Folks, I have to run. Great chat as always. Drop me a line on Twitter (@WilliamsonNFL) and look for Todd McShay's 2013 Mock Draft...yes, 2013! I did the Power Rankings...Colts picking first again
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