Chris Mortensen

  (10:00 AM)

Good morning! Once again, it's been rather busy in the NFL, so let's see what's on your mind....

Zach Cooper (Philly, PA)

I am glad the birds got T.O. even if it all seems "wrong" but they still need more Offense and corners - any rumblings on additional moves?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:03 AM)

I disagree with you on the offense part, even with the loss of Duce Staley. They have enough firepower - now it depends on Donovan McNabb and T.O. to become an unshakeable combo. The Eagles have prepared for this day of Vincent and Taylor kleaving, but they willa dd another corner, I'm sure. They really need to address their LB corps - that's the most screaming need with Emmons and Whiting gone now in an area that needed upgrade anyway. As for "rumblings," not yet.

Brian (Dover, DE)

G'morning Mort, Who do you see the Steelers taking at #11? Rivers? Could Ben R fall? Trade up? A corner? I see this draft as a rare chance for them to trade up to get Ben, without giving up too terribly much since they're at 11 anyway. Thoughts?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:05 AM)

The Steelers are in a very interesting position. There is very definitely the chance that Rivers and maybe Rothliesberger will be there - I've talked to a lot of teams that do like Rivers better, though Rothliesberger is well regarded. Obviously, corner is a need, too, but none may be worth that 11th pick, unless you want to gamble a little - pun intended - on Gamble.

Chris (Baltimore, MD)

Now that the TO debacle is over what can the Ravens possibly do to improve their WR core?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:08 AM)

As you know, they don't have a No. 1 pick, though it is a deep draft for WRs. They could make a play via trade for the Browns' Dennis Northcutt, although he is not the big catch Owens would have been for them.

Jason (Raleigh, NC)

Hi Mort, Thanks for all the great work. What's the latest on the Skins' draft plans, stick with the #5 or trade down for more picks?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:10 AM)

I think the Skins are open to trading if it makes sense. Otherwise, I've still got Sean Taylor pegged for their spot - although Taylor did not have an impressive workout on Miami's Pro Day. Nevertheless, he is a heck of a player.

Tom (Atlanta, GA)

Mort, what are your thoughts so far on the Falcons moves to sign Coleman (DT) and Webster (CB)? Also, do you think they will get Volek(sp?) from Ten to backup Vick? Thanks.

Big Leelo (Oakland, Ca)

Hey Mort, What do you thi nk the Raiders will do come draft day? Do you see them trading down and picking up a few picks in the later rounds, or do you see them drafting a reciver or QB in their current position? We have so many holes to fill, I personally can't see them staying put at #2 unless they make some moves via FA, in which theve been extremely slowon. Your input would be appreciated greatly!

Chris Mortensen

  (10:15 AM)

I'm hearing some rumblings that the Raiders could enteratin a slight trade-down with the Giants. If they stay there, I see the Raiders most likely taking one of the three big WRs (Fitzgerald, Roy Williams or Mike Williams) and/or Gallery.

Gary (Ventura, Ca)

Mort, love the chats, you are the best. How do you see the Pats addressing the RB situation? I like Faulk, but he's not an every down type of back. Thanks.

Chris Mortensen

  (10:17 AM)

I have heard that there is no question the Patriots will draft a RB in the first round...and they are in about the right position for the guys in this draft.

Eric Boston, MA

Do you see the Pats getting rid of Ty Law this before June 1st? And maybe picking up John Lynch?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:17 AM)

Law is a corner and Lynch is a strong safety (a la Rodney harrison). Even though Law has said just about everything you can to get dumped, I don't see it happening. I still see Law as a Patriot.

Charlie, Dallas TX

Mort, I want my props. Announce to the world that I am the master prognosticator.

Chris Mortensen

  (10:18 AM)

There you go world...

Travis (Lexington, KY)

Mort, what do you think will happens with Corey Dillon? It seems he still is a very very good player but do you think Marvin Lewis will get rid of him for anything less that a 2nd rounder?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:19 AM)

Right now, a second-rounder is way too lofty for expectations. I hear the Raiders and Broncos are not that hot to trot on Dillon. At some point, you take what you can get, or you just keep him.

Graham (Toronto)

Hey Mort, any idea what the Texans are planning for the draft? and am I crazy for thinking Vince Wilfork would play well as a 3-4 nose tackle for them?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:20 AM)

I don't think you're crazy. I think he's ideal for them, but we'll see.

Mark, Dayton, OH

What do you make of the Bengals offer to Sapp? Can he still make a difference on team that needs significant upgrades on its defense?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:23 AM)

I think picking up Sapp would be a terrific move for the Bengals, as long as they adjust their defense to him. He's theone guy who may have miscalculated the market but I still believe he can be the type of guy who can make a difference. I've actually enjoyed his attitude through this process - he has said the right things. He wants to play for a winner and he wants to establish himself as a bona fide Hall of Fame player. With his resume, and hearing those words, I'd want him on my team without bankrupting my payroll.

andy, buffalo

Mort, what's your take on the Bills offseason to date? Who do are you hearing they like at #13 in the draft? Thanks and I can't wait to see Alex suit up in 2005.

Chris Mortensen

  (10:25 AM)

I like the Villarial signing - he will bring a toughness at guard...and I really like Vincent. The 13th pick is right on the bubble in rgeards to the elite first rounders of this draft, so I don't know. Again, they have put themselves in position to take the best player - although I would eliminate RB and OL from that spot for now.

Patt, CA

Since the Chargers traded away David Boston, what are the possibilities that they trade down in the draft and pick up Mike Williams or Larry Fitzgerald instead of staying put and getting Eli Manning?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:29 AM)

The Chargers have a great situation but not without risk. I think they're locked onto Eli Manning...but a trade-down would be tempting with the WRs in this draft, not to mention that you can also get a QB like Phillip Rivers.

Johnny C. Philly, PA

Mort, do you think T.O. is the missing piece that will enable the Eagles finally to get over "the hump?"

Chris Mortensen

  (10:31 AM)

T.O. & Kearse clearly make the Eagles the NFC favorite next year, but that's why they play the games.

Steve, Minneapolis, MN

Mort- No Packer questions answered yet, so here's one for you: How can the Packers possibly believe that their defense is good enough that they don't have to do anything this offseason in free agency? Do you think they made a mistake signing Clifton to that huge contract when they could have instead used that money on defensive upgrades?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:32 AM)

I think signing Clifton was the highest priority the Packers had - they do have to address some defensive needs, and they need a solid draft in that area.

ray, burlington, n.j.

mort, are the cowboys going to draft a running back, or are they more concerned about the quarterback position?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:34 AM)

As of now, I do see the Cowboys taking a RB in one of the first three rounds, unless they make an end play for Corey Dillon. Drew Henson was a good get for them, but they could still add one more QB either through free agency or the draft.

Terry, NC

Mort, what are the Lions doing at the moment. I get on here and go to their website everyday hoping to find soemthing new out but never can. And if you think Was. will take Taylor, who will that leave for the Lions?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:38 AM)

I'm not sure, to be honest, but I think they have gotten better - certainly upgrading the secondary. They just need to take the best defensive player available, I think, unless they just want to shock everyone and take another WR to complement Rogers. They can't take an RB this high, but they could trade down, I suppose.

Marshall, Va Beach, VA

Hey Mort. I'm a big JETS fan, and I was wondering whats going on with the Jets signing John Lynch. I heard they were the top contender to get hom, because of the Herman Edwards situation, but I havent hear a thing since. I was just wondering if they have progressed any in the sgning of the ex-Buc... and also what do you think of the Jets offseason moves so far and upcoming draft.

Chris Mortensen

  (10:40 AM)

Even though the the Patriots are making a play, I've been of the mind set that it will be the Jets. San Diego is an interesting darkhorse because it's his hometown, but he may not want to go where rebuilding is take place.

Liam, Ireland

Mort-Happy St. Pat's. Do you agree with me that it doesn't matter about TO signing, unless McNabb improves his recognition of defenses and his accuracy? Am I crazy?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:41 AM)

Happy St. Pat's. I can't say it "doesn't matter" but one of TO's strengths is RAC (run after the catch) and McNabb must improve his accuracy to take full advantage of that.

Jon,Winnipeg, Canada

Hey Mort! Love your work... what's up with RAMS... are they sinking fast? What can we expect in the draft from them? One more: Is it time to get rid of Mad Martz and replace him with a coach with some football sense... I think he is partially to blame for Kurt Warner's downward spiral. Thanks.

Chris Mortensen

  (10:43 AM)

I catch your drift, but the Rams did win 12 games last year and I believe Martz is either first or second in most wins in the NFL since he took the job. I understand some of the criticism, but let's keep things in perspective.

Reed, Philly

Tired of hearing about T.O. Mort , Who is the Veteran QB that The Tuna will go after to start for his Boys? You know he wants to win now.

Chris Mortensen

  (10:44 AM)

No veteran that will start. Quincy will be the starter unless or until Henson beats him out. A guy like Vinny Testaverde is a possibility if he is released - obviously, Vinny would play a support role.

Scott (San Diego)

Mort: I am not hearing much on Patrick Ramsey. Any chance the Chargers could swap number 1's and send a pick or Brees to Washington to get Ramsey?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:45 AM)

Boy, I like your imagination. Really. But I haven't heard that.

Paul, Philly

Good morning Mr Mort!! I wonder if you think that Correll Buckhalter is capable of being a #1 back, or should the Eagles draft one with their 1st pick? Thank you!

Chris Mortensen

  (10:46 AM)

I think the combo of Buckhalter and Westbook will do fine.... I do expect the Eagles to draft another one, but not necessarily with the first pick.

Nick (Oshkosh, WI)

So I keep hearing different things about Brett Farve. The Packers say three years...I have heard one more year. How long is he going to play anyway?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:47 AM)

One to three years. I think Brett is taking it year to year with the idea that he feels he has at least three years left physically in him. As Phil Simms once said, "Brett's arm will outlast his desire to play the game."

Lee (alcoa)

MORT, do you think that the DOLPHINS Offense has found its missing piece in BOSTON. They've had RICKY & CHAMBERS stepping up but never another hude WR like BOSTON. Is it possible that BOSTON, if he stays clean & doesn't have a bad attitude, could takem back to the big game?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:50 AM)

If Boston performs like the guy you want, the Dolphins have changed dramatically with thise move. The key is, he is reunited with Jerry Sullivan, arguably the best receivers coach in the NFL (or one of them) who was Boston's position coach with the Cardinals.

Donahoe (Buffalo)

Mort, I'm pretty sure i have the Defense ready to go, but i still need to do someting about the Offense. I'm stumped. Should i sit tight and try getting a speedy WR in the 1st round or make a move for a proven player?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:52 AM)

Ask the cab driver.

Patrick (Indianapolis)

Mort, How is going? Just wanted to ask if there is any possibility the Colts will end up with John Lynch or Warren Sapp or both, given Tony Dungy's relationship with those players? Thanks.

Chris Mortensen

  (10:52 AM)

I'm kind of doubting it because of the salary cap issues...but for the right price, I wouldn't rule it out.

Jimmy (New York, NY)

Hey Mort, great job as usual. I am confused by the Jets lack of interest in Owens or Boston. Seems they could have been had for a lot less then what they payed for McCareins. Any idea what was going through their minds. Also who do you think the Jets will take in the draft?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:54 AM)

I think Herm Edwards has a firm model on the type of player he wants with the Jets, and I don't think T,O. or Boston fit his standard.

Tim (New York)

Mort, rumour is that former NCAA wrestling champion Brock Lesnar is leaving the WWE to try the NFL. do you think a guy with his size and wrestling background could make this a success?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:55 AM)

Tim, you are persistent. The answer is no, I don't think he would be a success. Football players are football players, if you know what I mean...and wrestlers are wrestlers.

Mike(Trenton,NJ)

Is it just me or was one of the main beefs T.O had with Garcia was his tendency to scramble? Why would he want to play with McNabb who using scrambling to make most of his best plays?

Chris Mortensen

  (10:57 AM)

You make an interesting observation, although McNabb knows he has to work from the pocket...and at 240 lbs, he's not the scrambler he once was, not does he want to be with the injury risk.

Casey (Springfield, IL)

Hey Mort, What's the chance that the Vikings could do a sign and trade for Ogunleye to get him for less than the 1st & 3rd picks the tag requires? Could they get him for less, how much will it cost? How good is Ogunleye? One hit wonder or real player? Thanks

Chris Mortensen

  (10:59 AM)

I haven't dug deep on that one, but there's no question there's a piossibility there and certainly you would not give up 1st and 3rd picks. Ogunyele is a pretty good player, but you don't want to overpay either in picks or salary. I don't know what it will it will take, though. Sorry.

Chris Mortensen

  (10:59 AM)

I have to call it a day, so thanks again for your time and interest. Hope all is well with everyone...can't wait for the draft. Good day and God bless!