Chat with James Walker

Welcome to SportsNation! On Tuesday, ESPN.com AFC East blogger James Walker will stop by to chat about the NFL and what to expect from your team.
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch.
Send your questions now and join Walker Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET!
More James Walker: AFC East blog | Chats | NFL index
James Walker (4:00 PM)
Training camps are almost here. Let's talk about the AFC East.
Matt (CT)
I know it isn't really Philbin's 'style' but do you forsee any chance that Tannehill gets some snaps as a wildcat and/or motion WR? (ala Tebow)Tannehill isn't going to start this year (barring injury) so this would give him a chance to get some game experience and throw a wrinkle into the offense.
James Walker (4:02 PM)
No, no, no, no, no. Sorry to be repetitive, but I just want to emphasize the point. The Dolphins drafted Ryan Tannehill No. 8 overall. He is their hope for a better future. They should not and would not put Tannehill in a position to get injured running around linebackers or going over the middle playing wide receiver.
Lamar (Oakland)
When is Welker gonna get that contract he deserves?
James Walker (4:03 PM)
There have been talks Lamar. So that's a good thing. But I'm told both sides still have work to do to get in the same range. Maybe something happens in the next few days. But it hasn't looked promising.
LeAnne (Washington)
James, David Harris says the Jets will have a pass rush this year with new schemes. Do you think they will have one? How well will Coples do his rookie year?
James Walker (4:05 PM)
Yes, LeAnne. That has been a big focus for the Jets this offseason. Additions like Quinton Coples also will help. The Jets are doing more 4-3 looks this year, which is something we're not used to seeing from a Rex Ryan team. But the goal is the pressure the QB.
Lindsey Joseph (Florida)
What are the chances that the Buffalo Bills relocate or build a new stadium?
James Walker (4:07 PM)
Pretty slim, Lindsay. I would never say never. But funding has been tough enough just to get Ralph Wilson Stadium renovated. That is much more cost effective and makes much more sense for the taxpayers of Western NY. I think something gets done with renovations before the lease is up. But definitely not starting over and building something new, which would be about double the cost.
ken (montreal)
do you think the bills passrush will eliminate a new england TE.this in my opinion will be a huge difference in how the bills play the pats and sweep the series
James Walker (4:10 PM)
Ken, our reigning "Homer of the Week." How is it going? I think Buffalo's improved pass rush makes it more likely for Brady to use Gronk and Hernandez over the middle. The reads will be shorter if Tom Brady has less time, and usually that means less throwing outside the hashes.
Barry (NH)
Who is more important to sign, Welker or Hernandez?
James Walker (4:12 PM)
That's a tough call, Barry. Welker is 31, but New England already has a Pro Bowl tight end. Do the Patriots really need two? But age matters in the NFL. So I would go with Hernandez. He has his entire career ahead of him and signing him long term with Gronk will make New England's offense dangerous for a long time. Welker may only have 2-3 great years left in him. Hernandez hasn't even reached his prime.
James Walker (4:13 PM)
The Patriots should enjoy both for now while they have them. I don't think Welker and Hernandez will both be on the team in a couple years.
Ethan (San Diego)
James, don't you think it's a little unfair to get all of the Bills' fans hopes up? We have seen it before after 5-0 starts and 5-2 starts, but this time they havent even played a game yet!! If we crowned champions after offseason pick-ups, the Redskins would have 5 rings in the past 10 years!
James Walker (4:17 PM)
Yes, I was leading the Bills sleeper bandwagon this offseason. But I've always wrote what I thought. I think Buffalo has done some great things this offseason and have a lot of players returning from injury. That combo could make them better than most on the outside would think. Just my take on things.
Josh (DC)
Assuming Sanchez stays healthy and plays well enough to keep that starting spot, what will Tebow be doing?
James Walker (4:19 PM)
Tim Tebow would be great for the Jets if Mark Sanchez performs. Tebow can just use his athleticism and run NY's Wildcat packages. That's what he's best at. If Tebow is starting, at some point he has to throw the football -- and that's where problems start.
Ethan (San Diego)
The Patriots have been a pass-first team for awhile now, but always seemed to have a bruising back for short yardage and clock-killing time. Now that Green-Ellis is in Cincy, who takes over that role?
James Walker (4:21 PM)
It's going to be a RB by committee in New England, Ethan. Really, it's been that way for a while. BenJarvus Green-Ellis just got the most carries. Stevan Ridley or Shane Vereen are probably the favorites.
James (Jackson miss)
Can the jets make it to the playoff?
James Walker (4:23 PM)
The Jets have the potential, James. But, like a lot of teams, they have to put things together. Mark Sanchez needs a bounce-back year. That would mean a lot.
jason (saranac lake,new york)
is there a chance fitzpatrick gets traded if he under performs?
James Walker (4:25 PM)
Trade Ryan Fitzpatrick? Never thought of that one. Buffalo isn't thinking of that either. The Bills just paid him $59 million. They think he's the guy. If he's not, Fitz will be impossible to trade anyway with that contract.
Tom Brady (Boston)
Will i win the superbowl this season?
Nelson (NY)
Do you think Stephen Hill will make an impact his rookie year?
James Walker (4:27 PM)
Tom, you will win the AFC East this year. That's the only prediction I will make. Stephen Hill has been hurt most of camp. So I need to see more from him in training camp.
Mike (Colorado)
Who has the best backup QB situation?
James Walker (4:27 PM)
The Miami Dolphins. Matt Moore or David Garrard will make for a very viable backup.
James Walker (4:28 PM)
The problem is I don't know if either will make a viable starter.
Bryan (Cheektowaga Ny)
how far do you think the bills can go in the playoffs
James Walker (4:29 PM)
Whoa! Whoa! Let's see if the Bills can make the playoffs first, Bryan. That's something they haven't done in 13 years.
Ryan T. (Miami)
What are my chances of being the starting QB this season?
James Walker (4:31 PM)
Better chance later in the season. Zero chance at the beginning, unless Moore and Garrard get injured.
Joe (Lakeland,FL)
I know you think very little of the Doplhins, but would it surprise you if they get into the playoffs this season?
James Walker (4:33 PM)
I'm just being honest about where they stand. I'm still shocked Dolphins fans don't think this team is rebuilding. Miami not making the playoffs this year. If so, it would be a huge upset.
cgc5783 (WB, NC)
Is the potential Revis holdout, step 1 for yet another Jets implosion?
James Walker (4:35 PM)
It definitely wouldn't be good. For the record, Darrelle Revis hasn't said he's holding out and he hasn't said he's not. We don't know at this point. We only know he wants a new contract.
jason (saranac lake,new york)
how many pro bowlers could buffalo be possibly fielding?i say freddy stevie k.william m.williams dareus sheppard barnett byrd wilson
James Walker (4:37 PM)
Bills fans are on a role today. First, they want to know how far they will go in the playoffs this year. Then, you ask how many Pro Bowlers will they have. Let's start with beating the Jets in Week 1, Bills mafia. Don't get ahead of things. It's going to be a long season.
Brett (Rochester, NY)
Besides Aaron Williams, do you have any other sleepers on your radar?
James Walker (4:38 PM)
Yes, we will highlight more sleepers throughout the week. I have my list. But feel free to send your suggestions to our AFC East inbox.
Mike (Colorado)
Are you considering doing a Fitzpatric/(?)/Sanchez grading this season?
James Walker (4:39 PM)
I've been thinking about it. But I'm not sure.
Mike G. (Keys)
I don't care what you say Walker, the dolphins are gonna win it all this season. You heard it here first.
James Walker (4:40 PM)
Dolphins winning the Super Bowl? We have a new "Homer of the Week" candidate.
Josh (DC)
What is the state of the Pats o-line?
James Walker (4:43 PM)
Jumbled at this point. Matt Light is gone and both starting guards are in question for Week 1. But New England has depth on the line. I think it would be ok.
Lunas (Chicago)
Do you ever plan on doing any contest or giveaways for us AFC East followers. Maybe something like a pizza giveaway...
James Walker (4:45 PM)
A pizza giveaway? Nah, I haven't thought about that. I have thought about having some kind of AFC East blog training camp get together. But I'm not sure.
Nick (New York)
Who is more likely to have a breakout season this year Marcus Easley or Jarius Byrd?
James Walker (4:46 PM)
Byrd
cgc5783 (WB, NC)
Any favorites on who is going to reach/land Josh Gordon?
James Walker (4:47 PM)
I think it will come down to whoever is willing to use a third-round pick. I don't anticipate Gordon going in the second round. Those picks are too valuable.
Marcus (Marathon)
Why do you keep hating on the Dolphins? They are gonna turn alot of head (including yours) this season.
James Walker (4:49 PM)
I'm just realistic about all four teams in the AFC East. If the Patriots had Miami's roster and vice versa, I would be saying the same thing about New England.
Bills Fan Josh (Mesa, AZ)
if you are Chan Gailey, why would you not keep Vince Young as your backup QB (minus a terrible Training Camp/Preseason)? It seems he is perfect backup for his system, and Thigpen is not a starting QB.
James Walker (4:53 PM)
I don't see a problem with the way Buffalo is handling it. Young and Thigpen will battle it out, and the best QB will win. If anything, I think the Bills deserve credit for now playing favorites since VY has the resume over Thigpen.
David (New York)
James, which Jet rookie Coples, Hill or Davis will have the biggest impact this year?
James Walker (4:55 PM)
You have to go with Coples. He will definitely start and should make an immediate impact. Coples can bring it. He just needs to stay motivated.
TJ (Long Island)
In a quarterback league, how can the jets be a threat this year?
James Walker (4:56 PM)
The defense has to be elite, and Mark Sanchez has to do a much better job taking care of the football.
Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)
What AFC East Team has the Best Shot of Playing in Super Bowl XLVII?
James Walker (4:59 PM)
The Patriots were there last year. It's safe to say they have the best chance against this year.
James Walker (5:00 PM)
Everyone, thanks again for your time. Remember to check out the AFC East blog for the latest updates.
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