Matt Williamson

  (12:00 PM)

Hey Hey! Let's do this thing...No Sid tonight, but Go Pens...The Isles are in big trouble

Bob (NYC)

What do you think of the job Idzik has done so far with the Jets ? Cheap one year replacements, shoring up the OL in draft. The lack of offensive skill players is a concern but this mess wasnt going to be resolved in one year anyway, right.

Matt Williamson

  (12:02 PM)

I have been impressed. He obviously took over a very difficult situation and there are holes that remain (OLB, TE/WR), but yeah, I think he has been smart about what he is building and building things right. I also thinkt the draft at the top didn't break as they expected, but he adapted and landed Milliner and Richardson, although you could argue that Eifert would have been the wiser selection.

Bert (St. Paul, MN)

You seemed to like Keenan Allen, so what is your take on him with the Chargers?

Matt Williamson

  (12:04 PM)

I like him anywhere-esp for the price SD paid for him, which was a bargain. Big, but very quick for that size. Excellent after the catch. His injury will heal, but it has seemed to take an awful long time to get better, which is why I think he fell.

rick (chicago)

thoughts on the Bears draft? I know the ESPN guys weren't huge fans but man I'm excited about how good this line is going to look

Matt Williamson

  (12:05 PM)

Well, OL was/is obviously at a premium and overall, I am high on Long for sure. OG to eventual LT prospect. Getting young at LB needed to be done, but I like the bottom half of CHI's draft better than the top half. I bet Wilson and/or Washington hits big

Tim (CLT)

What do you think about Carolina's draft? Falling Star at 14, double down with Short in 2nd round.

Matt Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

Star is a home run. Short can be disruptive, but really runs hot and cold with a poor motor. But they should be able to keep him in a rotation and his abilities (When On) is something they have lacked. But...I know they only had five picks, but no WR or CB? And Barner? Really? Really?

Aggie (TX)

DLine for Cowboys, Spencer, Ratliff/Hatcher, Brian Price, D Ware.Not a bad pass rush if you ask me.

Matt Williamson

  (12:08 PM)

No it isn't, but I don't love Hatcher in a 4-3 and age is very much an issue...strange they did address DL in draft-and a mistake

Sam (Nashua, NH)

Thoughts on what type of role Jamie Collins will play with the Pats? He looks like a physical freak!

Matt Williamson

  (12:08 PM)

Oh I like this guy! Pure edge explosion! My guess is he just plays on throwing downs in Year 1, but does it well opposite C Jones

PhinsFan (Mass)

Are the phins now a playoff contender after free agency additions and draft picks?

Matt Williamson

  (12:09 PM)

Hmmm...much easier conference than NFC and I think MIA is clearly the 2nd team now in the AFC East. Guess that makes them a playoff contender...but not Super Bowl contender. The D should be quite good.

Chris (California)

How big of an upgrade for the Chargers o-line would McKinnie be?

Matt Williamson

  (12:11 PM)

Just depends what version of McKinnie you get. If you get the motivated version that we saw in the playoffs, he is a massive LT upgrade. If you get one of the laziest LTs I have ever seen on tape, he isn't very useful. How motivated is he? I tend to think fellow buddies from The U in Lewis/Reed had something to do with his success last year.

Mark (Toronto)

Do the Jags really believe in Gabbert? Why would they pass (multiple times) on Barkley, Nassib, et al?

Matt Williamson

  (12:11 PM)

Because they will pick in the Top 3 next year and they don't think any of those guys are Franchise QBs...maybe or maybe not on Gabbert in meantime

Aggie (TX)

Bridgewater and 2014 QB class looks great for next year. Can't fault any team for not picking up a signal caller.

Matt Williamson

  (12:14 PM)

I think that was shown to us very clearly that week when we saw the Kolb/Palmer/Flynn QB movement for stop gap solutions

Lucio (Houston)

Do you think Brooks Reed has the skill set to move inside?

Matt Williamson

  (12:15 PM)

I don't love him at OLB, but that is quite the chnage, esp as a coverage player. Not into that expirement. While he might not be a true difference maker at OLB, he isn't a bad player there either. I say heep him where he is.

Aggie (TX)

During the draft day chat you mentioned you might pick Eagles to win NFCEast. How about a Cowboys/Eagles wager every year, as you always seem to like Philly.

Matt Williamson

  (12:16 PM)

Find me closer to the season...I also like the Giants over the Boys right now

Paul (Indy)

What is your opinion of the Colts 1st Round pick of Bjoern Werner? Can he be an impact OLB in Pagano's 3-4 defensive scheme? Where do you see him in 3 years - bust, average starter, or potential pro bowl player?

Matt Williamson

  (12:17 PM)

Don't love this pick. He will be the heavier OLB type in the Colts/Ravens D-maybe like Upshaw or J Johnson was for Ravens. But I think his motor is overrated. Decent prospect that I think went too early...no Pro Bowls.

Sam (Nashua, NH)

What type of upside to you see for Chandler Jones 2nd year? Can he put up Jason Pierre Paul like production?

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

Comparing him (or Ansah or anyone really) to JPP is a bit unfair, but I think Jones will be a Pro Bowl DE-maybe as soon as this year. Love him

Derrick (Latham)

Is Williams an every-down DT for the Broncos?

Matt Williamson

  (12:20 PM)

Yes, but not maybe right away. And, I expect the Broncos DL in passing situations to be Miller and either Philips or Q Smith at DE with Ayers and Wolfe at DT

Brett (Ottawa)

Matt, how does Datone Jones compare to Cullen Jenkins? Similar player? Or different style? Think he has reasonable upside?

Matt Williamson

  (12:21 PM)

Good comparison! Very versatile. Penetrator. Makes a lot of plays. Should be excellent interior pass rusher too.

steve (LBC) [via mobile]

Lions best pick was Slay right? Their secondary should look a lot better with Slay and Glover Quin in it

Matt Williamson

  (12:22 PM)

Their DBs overall should be MUCH better...might be their best pick. Not addressing OT was their worst decision.

Lucio (Houston)

Do you like DeAndre Hopkins?

Matt Williamson

  (12:22 PM)

Quite a bit. NFL ready. Win now pick for HOUS. I expect him to be a high end #2 WR very soon-and possibly develop into a #1, which isn't a term I use often.

Aggie (TX)

Why would Denver pick Williams? I think people are overrating their draft., They picked an interior pass rusher high last year.

Matt Williamson

  (12:23 PM)

Williams is much more of an everydown DT type than Wolfe. I can't say I was blown away with their draft myself though.

Aggie (TX)

How well does Demantre Moore compare to M. Kiwanuka? Moore needs a year or two in the weight room though.

Matt Williamson

  (12:25 PM)

Similar body types, but not as fluid as Kiwi....could use more weight room time for sure. Odd guy. Plays stronger than his numbers though, but just not sure where you put him...can't play OLB like Kiwi

Phil (ben)

What do you think Mia needs to be a legit contender for SB this year besides another OT?

Matt Williamson

  (12:27 PM)

OT for sure, but in general, just more time. Young team. Young proming QB. A lot of change in the roster.

Derrick (Latham)

Does Smith have the upside to eventually replace Dumervil?

Matt Williamson

  (12:28 PM)

I def think so, although Dumervil wasn't ideally suited to be an everydown 4-3 DE either

Dom (Toronto)

Hi Matt...thoughts on the Skins draft? Overall, I thought they did very well as I love some of the upside in their DB's selected as well as their new OLB.

Matt Williamson

  (12:29 PM)

Yeah, they didn't have much to work with, but did land quality pieces at need areas. I think they realized how short they were on pass rushers when Orakpo was lost last season.

Quinn (Columbia, SC)

Do you think GB has improved its O-Line from last year? If not, how productive will their running game be with their new backfield?

Matt Williamson

  (12:30 PM)

MUCH improved at RB..I really like Franklin. I also thought they got "Their kind of OL prospects"

Aggie (TX)

Halfway through the chat and we don't know what's blasting on the headphones!

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

Right now, Ozzy's "Iron Man"...classic

Joe (NY)

Idzik said that Milliner and Richardson were 2 of the top 4 on their overall board. Did you have them that high?

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

No and I doubt NYJ or anyone else did as well...but I don't see either as a reach for where NYJ picked them

Carl (VA)

Vikings had a great draft, I credit Spielman for moving up if Patterson was his guy! What do they do at MLB though? Can Greenway or Henderson slide inside?

Matt Williamson

  (12:34 PM)

Maybe Henderson could, and yes, the Vikes did ignore a big need position. But I bet a decent vet MLB or two are released between now and opening day-and I doubt the Vikes were counting on that position to be an every down player. If you are going to cut corners, it isn't a bad spot to do so.

TeaMoe (San Diego)

Why was Tavon Austin such a hot commodity? Isn't he more or less the same player as Dexter McCluster?

Matt Williamson

  (12:35 PM)

Far more explosive...I honestly don't think there is a comparison for Austin in the NFL right now-which is neither good or bad

Caz (Dallas)

Most of criticism I hear for Dallas' draft is centered on the first round reach, however most experts agree that we picked good players on balance. Right?

Matt Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

Yes, I think that is fair. And to defend Dallas a little, OL was flying off the board in Round 1-can see why they reached so much on such a need position. Outside of that, I just think they ignored DL too much

Aggie (TX)

Quite ironic for all the Tebow lovers, he's cut and remains available as a free agent. If he could play he'd be in the league.

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

Yeah, he isn't very good. I do bet he ends up in a camp on a team that does a lot of the read option.

Dave (Columbia, MD)

Matt, from where I sit, the AFC North and the NFC West appear to be the two most brutal divisions in football. I don't think you can say that the Rams and Browns are pushovers any more. You might still say that about the Cardinals, but they at least have Carson Palmer.

Matt Williamson

  (12:38 PM)

I think the NFC West is far and away #1 and Zona is def not a pushover. I guess the AFC North is second and BALT remains very strong. Is CLEV a pushover now? Hmmm...let me ponder that one...I think it all depends on Weeden's development

Kurtis, TX [via mobile]

Does Houston have best defense in the AFC? Top 5 NFL?

Matt Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

No and no...in AFC right now, I prefer BALT for sure and from MIA and DEN...maybe PGH and CIN

Geoff (DC)

How much better will Tampa's secondary be with Revis, Goldson & Banks? WIll Ronde come back? Thanks

Matt Williamson

  (12:40 PM)

10x better secondary than last year...but the pass rush looks even worse. I don't understand. Call Abraham or Freeney ASAP!

Matt (Boise)

Was Reid the #2 safety in this draft? I liked that the Niners traded up to get thier guy but just wasn't sure that Reid was him.

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

I think Cyprien and Elam are better prospects, but SF's Safety need was much more for a FS than SS type, so I see why like coveted Reid-although they traded up quite a ways to nab him...but they had the picks/resources to do it.

Jon (WI)

Will the Jets regret passing on Jarvis Jones at 13?

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

Yup...and Eifert

Mike (St. Louis)

Matt, Can the Rams realistically be in the playoffs this year with their additions? (We know they can beat the Niners and Hawks) AND If Sam Bradford can't make it happen this year do you believe the Rams bring in another QB to lay on some pressure?

Matt Williamson

  (12:42 PM)

Make or break season for Bradford-no question about it. And yes, I bet I predict three teams from NFC West in post sesaon next year. Rams have improved dramatically over past two seasons!

Brian (Dover)

Your thoughts on Pittsburgh having Bell as the #1 back on their board?

Matt Williamson

  (12:43 PM)

Not real quick or explosive and won't break real long runs, but he is only 21 years old and finding big RBs with his receiving skills isn't easy. And I think they VERY much want to incorporate RBs into the passing game more.

Jeff (Nashville)

Throw the NFC North in that convo of brutal divisions...2 playoff teams each of the past three years, with all 4 teams making it at least once in that span.

Matt Williamson

  (12:44 PM)

Yeah, can't argue that. The Bears look much improved to me too...not sure I can leave them and Pack out of the playoffs

Dylan (Kansas City)

Can the Chiefs make a run at the division or a wildcard this year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

Gotta say that DEN is clearly the class of that division, but I will def pick KC 2nd in West. Wild Card? Maybe they can compete with teams like MIA, PGH, CIN for two wild card spots

Frank (Beirut Lebanon)

what are the odds the ravens repeat?

Matt Williamson

  (12:46 PM)

To me, they are a very good team-esp on D-but still behind SF, SEA, DEN and NENG

Michael (Cincinnati) [via mobile]

Speaking of bringing in another QB, I have my die hard Bengal fans now admitting Dalton has only 70% chance of being the guy, down from absolutely the previous season. If they fail to win a playoff game this year, what are his odds?

Matt Williamson

  (12:47 PM)

Not a believer here at all-never really have been. It is pretty clear that Cincy surrounded him with "Dalton Friendly Weapons" like Bernard and Eifert-easier throws. Suprised Cincy didn't use a 3rd or 4th rounder on QB

Hanson (DC)

Colts better roster and less wins? Was not taking a WR as big a misstep as some are making it?

Matt Williamson

  (12:48 PM)

I am cool with Indy passing on WR and yes, I think their roster is clearly better, but I expect less wins.

Mike (Mission Viejo, CA)

The Raiders drafted well and are in position to have a high pick next year (Clowney?). On top of that they have over $50 million to spend next year. Could they be a contender for the AFC West as early as next season?

Matt Williamson

  (12:49 PM)

I have been VERY impressed with what OAK has done-with little to no resources. I guess we will quickly find out if they know how to handle having money soon enough. But who is OAK's 2014 starting QB? Still SO many holes. Shoot for 2015.

John (NY)

Geno Smith? Smart pick at 39 for NYJ? Seems to me you can take the chance there. Won't set you back like a top 5 or 10 pick would if it doesn't work out.

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

Thought it was a great pick. I didn't like him to Jets with their first rounders, but where they got him, make the pick! Fine work

Matt (Boise)

Do you think Eifert was the steal of the 1st round? He appears to be a match up nightmare and I think teams like the Bears, Jets, and Steelers will regret not picking him.

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

Agreed...I love him. Bennett is a heck of a TE though and J Jones would have been my pick for PGH too. Just too good for Cincy to pass on

James (England)

Will the Patriots offense be better or worse than last year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

Not taking the easy way out, but all depends on the health of those two awesome TEs

Awayne (Indy)

Colts offensive line improved enough to make the team at least average at running the ball?

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

I can buy that and I have no qualms with Ballard, who isn't special, but should be effective.

Craig (Braintree, MA)

T/F: Vikings WR corps will produce more in 2013 than last year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

TRUE...Jennings is a pro and I could see Wright and Simpson being more productive than in 2012.

Craig (Braintree, MA)

How do you feel about punters getting picked in 5th round?

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

That is about the right place for their kind...but they better be good. That goes for PKs as well.

Tony (MN)

I havent seen much tape on Markus Wheaton. Is he equally as dangerous as Mike Wallace?

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

No, but dangerous. No as crazy fast as Wallace-not many are, but MUCH stronger and further along as a route runner. He fits what Pittsburgh does.

Squall (Balamb Garden)

Name one second-rounder who might win OROY and one who might win DROY.

Matt Williamson

  (12:54 PM)

Arthur Brown...I don't love him, but I do expect Geno Smith to be an opening day starter

Ben (Charlotte)

Ziggy Ansah ... did the Lions reach for a boom or bust guy? or did most teams have him as the top 4-3 DE?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Well, they coached him in the Senior Bowl and Marinelli is about the best in the business. I see TONS of risk with Ansah, but I like the fit for those reasons as welll as the scheme fit.

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

"Glycerine" Bush...All about seizing the day..."Don't let the days go by"...words to live by

Chuck (Philly)

Did you like the Zach Ertz pick by the Eagles?

Matt Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

I get the value and familiarity with the player being a PAC 12 guy, but are the Eagles now collecting TEs like NENG and now CIN? Not sure how you use all three PHIL TEs, but I will defer to Chip on that

Jalky (Dodgeville MI)

Is there anything more humorous in the league than the Jets qb situation?

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

I don't see it that way...everyone else seems to though. Give Idzik credit. Gone is Tebow. Sanchez won't be far behind. D minded head coach so he brings in Geno and Garrard...what do they have in common that is MUCH different than last year? Neither one makes many mistakes...and Geno has upside to develop into much more than a caretaker. I actually see vision with what this front office has done at QB...which is the total opposite of the former front office.

Craig (Braintree, MA)

Are the Vikings modifying their traditional defense style with the pickup of Xavier Rhodes?

Matt Williamson

  (12:59 PM)

Maybe-he isnt' a great scheme fit. BUT he is a GREAT divisional fit vs. Calvin, Marshall, Jeffrey and even Nelson/Jones

Dan (Exm studying)

MW, thanks for doing this... i need a break from exams. As an outside observer, do you read anything into the Bills coach not picking his college qb as an ominous sign?

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

You are very welcome-I love doing it. Just think they liked Manuel much better than Nassib...which I can totally buy.

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

Folks, I am out. Go Pens!!!