Chat with Gary Horton

Welcome to SportsNation! On Monday, ESPN's NFL "Caveman" himself, Gary Horton, stops in to talk some football and other news from around the league.
Horton, from Scouts Inc., works year-round on ESPN's NFL-related shows, including NFL32, where he breaks down film, earning him his Caveman nickname.
Horton spent 10 years in the NFL as a scout and another 10 years at the college level as an assistant coach and recruiter. He is the founder and most seasoned member of the Scouts Inc. staff, and his extensive experience at all levels of football make him an excellent talent evaluator.
Send your questions now and join Horton Monday at 4 p.m. ET!
More Gary Horton: Chats | Search | NFL index
Jason Pelfrey (Florida)
More excited to see Tebow in NY or Manning in Denver?
Gary Horton (4:02 PM)
I think Manning in Denver because he's a complete QB. He will raise the level of every player around him. He's great comeback story. Tebow is fascinating in terms of the role he will play but he's also just a part time player.
James (Indy)
Where do you rank LT all-time among running backs?
Gary Horton (4:04 PM)
I think he has to be in the top 10-15 RBs. I think he is defiantly heading to the Hall of Fame. What I loved watching about LT on film is his versatility. He can run inside and out, he can catch the ball and throw that ball when needed. His best feature was his ability to press the hole before bouncing it outside. Another thing he was good as was trusting is FB and following the blocks.
Alex (Anaheim)
What's the toughest position to play in the game?
Gary Horton (4:06 PM)
QB because there are so many adjustments to make. You need to have the mental and physical. Left tackle is also very challenging. Offensive center is challenging as well.
Timo (San Diego)
How much will sitting out a season hurt Vilma? Working out is one thing but you can't recreate a game, ya know?
Gary Horton (4:08 PM)
I think its going to be a real problem for him. He's not a young guy and losing a season will be very difficult especially since he can't train every day. I wouldn't surprise me if the Saints move on from Vilma. I know they've tried to upgrade their LB position through free agency.
Scooter, minny [via mobile]
Do u think the vikings got ponder enough weapons 4 him to have a good year?
Gary Horton (4:09 PM)
I think they still need more but it's really important that AP and Harvin are healthy. If they aren't, the Vikings will have some real problems. I worry about the No. 2 receiver spot and it's imperative that they use the TE position more. They've said they were going to do that but they need to show it.
Roger (sf)
will Alex Simth really be the Qb Harbaugh is saying he is this year? Or could we see one of the back up either Kaupernick or Johnson share playing time
Gary Horton (4:11 PM)
I think this is Alex Smith's team. They have a done a great job of surrounding him with weapons and explosiveness. This is a really good team and I think Harbaugh will do a good job keeping Smith's confidence up. There are no excuses for them to fail this year.
Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)
What NFL Teams will have the Best Defense,Rushing,& Passing Yards in 2012?
Gary Horton (4:14 PM)
I believe the 49ers might have the best defense in both categories. I love them against the run because their front seven is so strong against the run. I think people forget how good their secondary is too. They are hard to take advantage of. Obviously the Steelers will have a good defense. The Jets could have good defense if their pass rush gets better. And don't underestimate Miami.
Josh (mi)
Is matt stafford the best QB under 25 in the NFL. More or less TD passes and yards for him this season compared to last year?
Gary Horton (4:16 PM)
You have to make a case for him. His improvement has been amazing. Obviously he has a great WR corps. He hasn't had a consistent running game and he still puts up huge numbers. I think he's a guy with a high ceiling. I would probably say Stafford and Newton are the two young guys who are very fascinating right now.
Sean (AZ)
The Ravens d has been solid for a good ten years now, mostly behind the leadership of Ray Lewis. I won't say that he's lost a step yet, because he continuosly proves that wrong, but as his age gets closer to 40, what, is the Ravens' plan moving forward?
Gary Horton (4:19 PM)
I'm amazed when I watch him on film that he's still playing at such a high level. I don't think we've ever seen a guy play at the level or with the leadership as Lewis does. I think his weakness right now is his pass coverage and teams try to take advantage of that. The Ravens have some guys I like in McClain and Ellerbe but I'm not sure that they are totally satisfied but I do like what I see from McClain. And keep in mind that behind Lewis they have Ed Reed. Two guys that will be hard to replace.
michael (alabama)
Do you think the Atlanta Falcons have enough talent with some of the reciever weapons for matt ryan, and why not add another running back to take the pressure off all the passing they do?
Gary Horton (4:23 PM)
I think their passing game will be excellent this year. I believe Julio Jones will take his game to the next level, Tony Gonzales has one or two years left. Harry Douglas working out of the slot gives them a lot of weapons. I think the key to their offense is Michael Turner. Will he have another good year or is he on the down slide? They need Turner to play well in order to free up other options. They play in a tough conference, I feel the NFC South with be very competitive this season.
Harrison (New York)
End of the season..who winds up with the #1 overall pick?
Gary Horton (4:23 PM)
The worst team.
Gary Horton (4:25 PM)
Indy is heading for a tough year along with Jacksonville, Cleveland and maybe you can throw in Arizona and Washington. I think Indy and Washington will be entertaining with their young guys but I think we would be fooling ourselves if we think they can become respectable in one year.
Carter (Winnipeg)
How much money do you think Drew Brees deserves... I could not stand to see him leave the Saints and they should pay up
Gary Horton (4:28 PM)
I don't get involved in the numbers. I think he should be in that top group of QBs. I know we blame the organization for not getting this done but something tells be that Brees' reps are asking for more than what is expectable. I have no inside knowledge, it's just a feeling.
Gary Horton (4:30 PM)
As mini camps and OTAs wind down, almost everybody will enjoy the next 3-4 weeks with a well-deserved vacation. I just hope the players are smart enough to realize that with all the free time they have in the next month to really remind themselves to stay out of trouble and not start the season with a blemish. I know the coaches have really tried to drive home this point and I really hope the players get it.
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