Matt Williamson

  (12:01 PM)

Just finished taping the Football Today Podcast...chat time!

Nick (Middletown, NJ) [via mobile]

What's with this 'huge project' you keep tweeting about?

Matt Williamson

  (12:02 PM)

I guess it isn't that HUGE, but I will be doing about 12,000 words with my opinion and grades for every NFL team's offseason. Haven't turned it in yet, but digging deep into it now.

Paul (Boise, Id)

The Seahawks DB's are all giants, except for Earl Thomas. Are they setup to beat the Gronkowski's and Graham's?

Matt Williamson

  (12:03 PM)

Well, if you don't compromise movement skills, bigger is always better. I think SEA will have a Top 3 D overall this year and yes, I would say they are as well-equipped to handle today's crazy TEs as well as any team out there. However, I am still not so sure there is a true answer for those guys, esp Gronk & Graham.

Leonard Hankerson (DC)

What do you expect out of me this season?

Matt Williamson

  (12:04 PM)

A lot. Actually think you might end up being the Skins best WR when it is all said and done. Get that hip right first!

Craig (Lakeland, FL)

just purchased Plant/Page No QuarterSince I've been loving you is phenomenal!

Matt Williamson

  (12:05 PM)

That entire album is top notch...underrated..."The End" Live here now...Gotta love Jim too

Kegan (NC)

What do you expect out of the 49ers new look receiving corps this year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:06 PM)

Would expect a rotation-always have fresh troops on the field...and the D won't. More verticality in the passing game. More on Smith's plate overall too. I like what they have done. I said yesterday that I expect Crabtree to lead them in catches.

Joe (NYC)

Are you in agreement with Jaworski's Qb rankings to this point??

Matt Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

That entire series that Jaws (& Greg Cosell) has put together is just fantastic. I haven't seen every one thus far though and will get them off YouTube I imagine. Sorry, but I also don't know their order, but the ones I have seen I have not disagreed with in terms of rankings.

AJ (Oakland)

The Panthers drafted Luke K. and are getting Beason back. As a rookie last year Cam lead a top ten offense. What should realistic expectations be this year? Playoffs?

Matt Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

I just decided yesterday that I am going to pick the Panthers to win the difficult NFC South

Matt Williamson

  (12:08 PM)

"The Killer Awoke Before Dawn...He Put His Boots On..."

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

What do you think the 49ers plan is with Smith and Kaepernick? I found it weird that Smith's deal was so long.

Matt Williamson

  (12:08 PM)

I do think CK is VERY much in the long term plans. Those deep threats sure seem more CK-Friendly than Smith-Friendly to me.

Nick (Middletown, NJ) [via mobile]

The Bills are going to win the next 4 SB's. Figured I'd give everyone here the heads up

Matt Williamson

  (12:09 PM)

Thanks for the update...are they getting a new QB?

Joe (NYC)

Is it me or has brady's deep ball throwing been off the last few years ever since he got hurt in 08?? Short throws nobody is better. but deep and medium he isn't that good

Matt Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

I think I can buy that, but not having a deep threat also has to be factored in here. Let's see now that Lloyd is on board.

Awayne (Indy)

Who is the best bet for a backup QB to get way overpaid to be someones starter next year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

How about Hoyer? He fits the Flynn mold.

Corey (D.C.)

Your 2015 Best Pass Rushers list had Robert Quinn at #4, which I think is bold but very possible given his skill set. Im curious though, how do you think he will do vs the run? Was that factored into the rankings at all?

Matt Williamson

  (12:12 PM)

It was not factored into those specific rankings. Judging Quinn as a run defender is tough to do right now. Was pretty much a specialty guy as a rookie and didn't play college football his last year at UNC. I highly doubt it will be his forte (compared to pass rushing), but there have actually been favorable reports out of Rams camp that Quinn is doing very well vs. the run...but that also isn't full contact

AJ (Oakland)

Who will win the QB battle in the desert? I get the feeling the players are warmer toward Skelton.

Matt Williamson

  (12:13 PM)

I think with Floyd, Larry, Housler, Roberts as receiving threats, Zona needs to be quite vertically inclined, which is more Skelton's game than Kolb's.

Josh (Phoenix)

I think its safe to say that there are three top receivers in the league right now with Fitz, C. Johnson, and A. Johnson. How would you rank the three?

Matt Williamson

  (12:15 PM)

Calvin is 1. Larry is 2nd. When healthy, yes, I still think Andre is 3rd, but I also think Green will be Top 3 when we have this convo a year from now

Mike (Boca Raton)

As a steelers fan i am confused why Joe Flacco is always talked about as being overrated. He wins games and has been clutch against the steelers and even had a very good AFC title game last year despite the shank by ray finkle at the end of the game. what gives?

Matt Williamson

  (12:15 PM)

If you only look at those games, yes, you are dead on. But Flacco had a VERY uneven season. Has done his best work at the most important times though of late.

Steve (Grand Island, NY)

Marcell Dareus, All-Pro andTop 5 DT by the end of the season?

Matt Williamson

  (12:16 PM)

Sounds about right

Matt Williamson

  (12:16 PM)

Football Today was just released by Frank Dale! http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=8101854

Brandon (Phoenix, AZ)

I am in anticipating of your off-season review because as a fan of you and the Chiefs, I know the Chiefs are going to be highly rated.

Matt Williamson

  (12:17 PM)

That is very true. I think KC will end up with one of the best grades. No doubt.

Eric (Chicago) [via mobile]

Cutler to Marshall...how many catches, yards, TDs?

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

Marshall has been allergic to the end zone of late, but I will still go with 88/1275/9

Joe (Fla)

Did Suh take a huge step back last season? It seemed like it I don't buy the he got doubled on every play excuse. As a former d-lineman that isn't possible.

Matt Williamson

  (12:19 PM)

Minor step back. Even as a rookie though, his run D wasn't that great. His pass rush fell off a bit, but that rookie sack production is prob unsustainable.

AJ (Oakland)

In your opinion, where does Randy Moss rank all time? I say slightly behind Jerry Rice.

Matt Williamson

  (12:19 PM)

I would put him well behind Rice. Rice is the GOAT. Moss? Top 5ish...remember him as a Raider? Yuck. But still, I think he is the best deep threat that ever lived.

Eric (Chicago) [via mobile]

Allergic to the end zone...I like that. He played for Miami, isn't that enough said?

Matt Williamson

  (12:20 PM)

Yeah, but just watching him of late, he seems to self destruct near the stripe

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Do you think Cinn will field a top 10 DEF? Love some of those players, especially Atkins/Dunlap combo...

Matt Williamson

  (12:21 PM)

That is a great combo and that is a deep talented D. I don't think they are Top 5...there are a lot of Ds I am very high on right now ahead of Cincy...but 10ish seems about right

Gabe (LA)

Do you have any early predictions for OROY/DROY?

Matt Williamson

  (12:23 PM)

No one is jumping off the page at me right now. Luck/RG3/Richardson is so boring, but would really shock me if one of those guys didn't win it. I would say the smart money is on Luke K in Carolina...LBs or sack guys win that award. Part of me really wants to say Ingram for DROY. Still haven't made my mind up totally yet.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Do you think New England has done enough on Defense to improve on their 31/32 ranking from last year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:24 PM)

Yeah, but they have MORE on O, so that D doesn't need to be anywhere close to great. I contend that they are champs right now if Gronk doesn't mess up his ankle. That is easy to say of course, but obviously that was a REAL tough team to beat last year. And that D really firms up in the red zone. They allow yardage, but not a ridiculous amount of points, which is more important.

Awayne (Indy)

With teams putting playbooks on ipads how long before we have a "Hackergate" ?

Matt Williamson

  (12:25 PM)

Certainly not my specialty-technology that is-but sure seems feasible to me!

Justin (Stockton, CA)

Can the 49ers do as well this season as they did last?

Matt Williamson

  (12:25 PM)

They certainly had a heck of a year, but their D and Special Teams should still be the NFL's best. The O should be more explosive-more big plays.

Brian Chrzanowski (Kokomo)

Over under 5 TD's for Forte this season?

Matt Williamson

  (12:26 PM)

Not a goal line guy as you must know, but I still go OVER.

Drew ((NY))

Wut Up M-DUB, wuts good on the iPOD? Also, wut are ur expectations of Peyton Hillis in his new home?

Matt Williamson

  (12:27 PM)

I am actually quite high on J Charles right now-and can't wait to see him in the preseason. Hillis is a great complement though and has a lot to play for along with great familiarity with the OC. Should be one of the Top 5 Rushing Attacks in the league. iPod is especially loud today...on random...but right now: VH's Panama...loud

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Who has more catches this year - Sproles or McCoy?

Matt Williamson

  (12:28 PM)

Tough one, but Sproles...hmmm, I don't even know why exactly I am picking Sproles, but I will stick with it

AJ (Oakland)

Why doesn't Cedric Benson have a home yet? Do you think he would look good in silver and black?

Matt Williamson

  (12:29 PM)

We just discussed that on the podcast-check it out...after this chat! But yeah, that seems like his best home. He is a grinder. Needs a lot of carries. Offers nothing in the passing game. That type of RB (like Blount) is a dying breed in this game.

Jim ((NY))

I think the Giants can be even better in 2012 but I have doubts about the o-line. How were they able to win last year with the line being so bad at times??

Matt Williamson

  (12:30 PM)

For some reason, no one talks about how awful that OL was last year...and the running game really wasn't good either. Not sure how you can be better than Super Bowl Champs though! Give Eli a TON of credit for manipulating that poor OL...reminded me of Big Bro

Dan (DC)

Early favorite for MVP? Brady? Rodgers?

Matt Williamson

  (12:31 PM)

They are certainly the leaders in the club house. I will take AR...best player on the planet. But, my darkhorse: M Vick...this will be his first full offseason since 2006!

Fred Davis (Washington D.C.)

Over/under 10 touchdowns for me this season with RGIII?

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

HUGE Davis guy and I think he plays the S Sharpe role in Shanny's O, but UNDER...10 is a big number

Drew ((NY))

Where do u rank Moreno among RB's this year assuming Manning stays healthy all year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:33 PM)

Bottom 1/3 of the entire NFL...not just starters. Moreno might not even make the Broncos team. Hillman Baby...Hillman

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Is Perry the answer opposite Clay Matthews in Green Bay to give the Packers more pressure on the QB?

Matt Williamson

  (12:33 PM)

At least in subpackages/throwing downs...yes. They don't need D Ware, but just need some sort of threat. I think Perry can do that in year one.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Mike Vick? Really? I can't think of a more overrated player in all of professional sports.

Matt Williamson

  (12:34 PM)

He is far from the complete QB and I certainly didn't mean to mention him in the same breath as Brady or Rodgers, but I think Philly wins a ton of games this year and we know Vick can put up monster stats.

Josh (Phoenix)

By the end of this year Patrick Petterson will be a top 5 CB in the NFL?

Matt Williamson

  (12:35 PM)

He will be 2nd

Drew ((NY))

If both are healthy this year who puts up the better numbers Jones or White? (ATL)

Matt Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

I would bank on White catching more passes, but Jones having more big plays and prob more TDs. Yardage? That should be close.

Corey (D.C.)

If Isaac Redman is a successful lead RB for the Steelers, will Mendenahll be brought back? If I am correct this is a contract year for Mendy.

Matt Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

Doubt that Mendy is in PGH's long term plans

Todd (Pa)

Barring any major injury of course can Sean Lee be for the Cowboys what Ray Lewis has done for the Ravens. Yes Lewis is a Hall of Famer n way to premature to compare Lee to that status but truly believe Sean Lee has it all work ethic, god given talent, preparation, field awareness, leadership etc. to be the next big time MLB for the next 10 years with possible multiple All Pro seasons. You on board with that?

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

I am on board with that. No question. Lee is already a great player. Not sure the Ray comparisons are fair though. I see you are from PA...interesting that you bring up Lee....

AJ (Oakland)

Will it be another cellar dweller year for the Vikings? Are they heading in the right direction?

Matt Williamson

  (12:38 PM)

To me, the O is really heading the right direction in terms of the big picture. The OL is set. I believe in Ponder. Peterson will get back to being great. I love Rudolf and Harvin. Also think Simpson or the Arkansas Rook WRs could really be helpful. Another WR might not hurt, but this D will need a lot more offseason attention. But yes, last in the NFC North

Mark (RI)

Over/under for Steeler wins this year? 10?

Matt Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

I think I go OVER. 2nd best team in AFC

Larry (Pasco, WA)

Are people under estimating how good P Rivers is? He had a rough season last year, with the turnovers, but still has been elite for three seasons before that.

Matt Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

Yes, still one of the best

Deano (J-T0wn)

Is there a place for WR Chris Givens to shine in STL and do you expect him to do so?

Matt Williamson

  (12:40 PM)

Predicting that STL WR situation is brutal. I don't think Fisher/Bradford/Me/Anyone knows that answer. I like Givens, esp in a dome. Fast edge player.

Josh (Phoenix)

Long term are the Raiders or Jags in a worse situation?

Matt Williamson

  (12:42 PM)

Well, I like JAX's D much better for the long term. I don't see a QB of the future on OAK's roster. Is Gabbert that for JAX? At first glance-of course not, but let's give him at least one offseason. Can't say I am betting on him to be great though. So, I still say JAX.

Deano (J-T0wn)

If Patrick Peterson is #2, where does (SEA) Richard Sherman finish ?

Matt Williamson

  (12:43 PM)

Sherman proved to be an excellent player right away. I really like him, but not in the Top 5 type discussion...at least not yet

Brent (Seattle)

Does Tarvaris Jackson win the starting job?

Matt Williamson

  (12:43 PM)

I bet he comes in third in that race

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Who comes back from a season-ending rookie injury and shows they're a player - Mike LeShoure or Ryan Williams? Or both?

Matt Williamson

  (12:44 PM)

I think Williams (pre injuries) was the better RB, but I can't guess how these guys are going to come back. Let's watch a little preseason first, but if I had to pick today, it would be Williams.

MIke (Brooklyn)

You buying Norv's and SD's praise of Robert Meachem running the full route tree? I never saw what was so great about him in NO.

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

There is clear ability there in Meachem, a former first round pick with size, speed, strength and body control. Has been inconsistent for sure, but also never really had the chance to be featured in NO. Will get more of an opportunity for that now. He gets deep, which is his primary role in this O that loves to stretch the field.

jason (saranac lake,new york)

matt over/under bills win 10?BILLIeVER

Matt Williamson

  (12:46 PM)

UNDER. The Bills are improved and their schedule isn't very tough at all. But I can certainly see 9 wins much more than I can see 11.

AJ (Oakland)

Where does Houston rank in the AFC pecking order? They looked great with Yates. With Shaub what should expectations be this year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:47 PM)

Would prob put them 3rd behind PGH and NENG. Strong D and running game for sure, but I also don't think this off season was particularly kind to the Texans.

Steve (NY)

Are you buying that Ryan Fitzpatrick's poor play down the stretch last season was the undisclosed rib injury? Have we seen the best football he has to offer?

Matt Williamson

  (12:48 PM)

I won't discount that the injury was a factor-no doubt. But he has been incredibly streaky his entire career. That is who I think he is. I don't trust him to play at a high level for a long stretch.

AJ (Oakland)

What will the Martz-less Bears offense look like? More running?

Matt Williamson

  (12:49 PM)

Fewer 7 step drops, more help with RBs and TEs in protection, fewer sacks, more stress on bigger more physical WRs rather than smaller quick (think I Bruce) types...better fit for Chicago's personnel and weather/field conditions

Hanson (DC)

Will the Redskins be the best Last place team in football?

Matt Williamson

  (12:49 PM)

No, I think that will be the Colts

Lance (Weston, WI)

Colon Cowherd said on a recent poll, 2/3 of people would take Tebow over Manning? My thoughts: absurd. Yours?

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

That is insanity...honestly, I don't believe that. Who was polled?

Jim ((NY))

Will Victor Cruz be a one year star or can he sustain this level of play? I have my doubts, small school, undrafted

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

He also generated a ton of his stats from an unsustainable number of long runs after the catch. Good player, but not the production we saw last year. Eventually, it would not surprise me if Nicks and Randle started and he was just the slot guy. That isn't to "Hate" on the guy

Drew ((NY))

Have not heart much about "All Day", Realistically what week do u think he will be back?

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

No clue. Not being a jag off here, but when you guys ask me about injuries, I really have no clue. Didn't go to med school. I go with what I heard until I get to see them actually on the field. If anyone can come back strong before the usual time frame it is Peterson though.

Brent (MN)

Can Joe Webb succeed as a poor man's Mike Vick? Maybe not in Minnesota, but elsewhere? I'd love to see him have a shot.

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

He certainly makes plays. There is a role for him in this league. And like many young QBs, this offseason will be huge for Webb. He's not Vick though. Again, Vick has many QB deficiencies, but Vick is a legit starting NFL QB

Frank (Chi)

I love that you answered with " not being a jag off here" ... you are now my favorite chatter... way to keep it real

Matt Williamson

  (12:54 PM)

Always Frank...Always

jason (saranac lake,new york)

with a much improved defense and top 3 running game do you see buffalo making a jump to a top 10 offense?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

That is possible. Top 3 running game? Not sure I expect that, but it will be good no doubt. As you can tell, I have serious doubts about Fitzpatrick, but I also am a huge believer in Gailey's ability to coach up that side of the ball.

Jay Cutler (Chicago, IL)

Is Rex Grossman more respected in the Windy City than I am?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Geez, I would hope not. Cutler is a big time QB

Dan (Washington, DC)

Wait -- you think the Colts are going to better than the Redskins?!

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Nope

AJ (Oakland)

How would you assess Pete Carroll's performance so far? How far off is Seatle from being a deep playoff team?

Matt Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

Well, I think he has done a real nice job totally rebuilding and changing that roster for sure. I LOVE the D. The O is okay, but they REALLY need Rice and Okung to stay healthy, which might be far fetched. Still might need one more piece on O. I like R Wilson though...

MP (SD, CA)

what do you think of the Chargers secondary? i feel like Weddle lived up to his contract, but Cason and Jammer were pretty bad last year.

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

Strong Safety was a huge problem too...as was the pass rush. Love Weddle for sure and I tend to give Cason and Jammer the benefit of the doubt, although Jammer's age could now be a concern. The pass rush has to be better this year.

Matt Williamson

  (12:59 PM)

Folks, I have to run. Fantastic chat as always. Stop back next week at the same time and drop me a line anytime on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL Thanks!