- Buzz in the combine is that Miami is buzzing about Jason Brown. I hesitate to believe any of these rumours because, well, because they are rumours spread by rumour mongers. Unless someone from the Dolphins organization says it, it's no different than one of us fans speculating about it. If Jeff Darlington has a source, he should present a full story.
- The NFL Combine is really shaking up the mock drafts out there as well as teams' draft boards. Top guys either aren't working out by choice (Matthew Stafford, Andre Smith) or have gotten injured and thus aren't completing the work-outs (Michael Crabtree, Rey Maualuga, Brian Orakpo). Then you have people coming in undersized, slower or weaker than advertised. For the most part the group of 300+ has held its own, but some of the bigger names have not been able to blow anyone away. If you're expected to be amazing and you turn in a 'pretty good' performance, that's a bit of a let down.
- I have not seen Sparano or Ireland during crowd shots. They might've been there during some of my satellite outages but I've seen mostly Tennessee, San Francisco, New York Giants, and Chicago reps.
- At about 11am eastern, 8am pacific, the defensive backs will save the combine by turning in at least 6 sub-4.4 times in the 40. I'm calling it here now before it starts ;).
Seeing that Jason Brown is a former 4th round pick it makes you think we might be better off drafting one being that it's a deep draft for centers.
ReplyDeleteWow, Mr Bungle, I thought you had a man-crush on this guy?s What changed it...the money?
ReplyDeleteI don't have man crushes on any guys. LOL
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I jumped off the Jason Brown bandwagon last week after we re-signed Carey. I just don't see tying up so much money on the OL with Long, Smiley and now Carey. Add Brown and that seems like too much.
So you only have man crushes on women?s huh?
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I think if we signed Brown we'd look like Dallas in the 90s.
Tin and Mr. Bungle, I like Jason Brown and it's debatable either way on what we will do.s I've told Tin before that it was obvious of our inability to run between the tackles. By gettings Brown we can solidify the middle w/some physicality. By drafting a center, the risk is does he make the transition to the pros? I like a few of the centers in the draft(keep and eye on Caldwell of BAMA).In regards to money, look at the teams that like to run and they all have money invested in the OL(especially the Vikings and Jets). It starts w/a stud center. Remember Langer, Stephenson, etc...
ReplyDeleteMy entry issabove, commenting while it's available. LOL
ReplyDeleteA power OL with JB would indirectly benefit the defense by eating up more clock and keeping the D fresher. I agree with Mr. B that it's unlikely.
ReplyDeleteThe highest paid center in the NFl to go along with the highest paid tackle, Smiley and his 10mill, and Carey's new contract... that's like the yankee's pitching staff. It's already in my not going to happen box right next to Ray lewis and Bart Scott
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I think we draft a center somewhere in the draft, but not in the 1st for sure
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I went over to my friends house last night with NFLN and watched the LB drills, pretty impressive. That LB/DE/TE was amazing, he definitely moved up a round. Mathews seemed better than Man Boobs of Steel Cushing, although I'd take any of those USC LB's. I wasn't very impressed with the DL drills, but I guess they don't look good running 40's. Raji had like 5 early jumps, I just imagine the whole stadium shaking as he runs
Yes Tin, I'm a man and I have crushes on women.s 8-)
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If we sign Jason Brown I won't complain I just don't see it happening.
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Those 90s Cowboys Olines were built with mid and late round picks. They didn't have a big salary with those guys. But I understand what you mean, we'd be a powerhouse.
Quick, Kent, while you can say something smart, lol.s Here's the deal, I had a look at the roster salary break down and most people would be amazed to see how little most of our players are making,s The discrepancy from 75% of the roster to about 12 players who make 'football money' is staggering.s Also, for those of you Jason Allen haters, you may be interested to know that he, as well as many other Dolphins, actually will make less money year to year on their current deals.s Think Wilford as an example.
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To be honest if I were looking for some cap space I would cut Ricky Williams (gasp).s The guy's base salary for 2009 is almost $4 million.s That's insane considering his role.s Surely if we can pay Ricky that kind of money we could pay Jason Brown.s I can't remember off the top of my head but I think Only Jake and Chad have higher salaries this year, and Chad only by about 50K.s By comparison, Chad Henne's deal is basically minimum wage.s I think Beck makes more than Henne.s Bottom line is that the current management wants to sign lower priced contributors, but obviously in less than two offseasons have spent an S-load of money on the o-line.s I expect they will continue the same.
Smiley got $10 mill last year but it drops down to about $2.5 this year I think.
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Do you mean Connor Barwin?s yeah he impressed the hellout of me.
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To be fair to Raji, everyone had early jumps.s There was an OL on the first day, I forget who, who took about 10 minutes to do his 40.
Didn't we just give Ricky that new deal at the start of last season? I remember reports of him getting underpaid.
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So Porter, Ronnie, Chad, Long, Carey, Ginn, Allen, Smiley are eating up all of our cap. How is it that Dallas and the Pats stay under cap and we only had 20 million before Carey? So what does that leave us with to sign FA and Rookies 14 million
Ok the deal is Smiley is getting 1.9M, Porter 4.8M, Long 3.75M, Williams 3.4M, Brown 3.6M, Will Allen 3M.s Those are the expensive guys.s There are a few on the next level between 1 and 2 million like Jason Allen, Vonnie Holliday, etc.
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Ginn makes only $600k.s Bess $300k.s Carey's deal only resulted in about a million dollars of cap space so it barely affected us.
Yeah Barwin, that guy seemed on another level
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good to know those numbers, I wasn't sure, just throwing names out their. It is kinda surprising that Ricky makes that kind of money, that is really close to Ronnie. We were a 2 back system last year, but is normal for both to be making such similar money
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I guess they don't show everyone's early jumps. It seems like the NFL network is eventually going to force me to poney up some money. Although I should be able to afford since I'm in a elitist blog club
Word is our bail-out money is coming soon.s We blog elitists have had a rough year.
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It would seem to me that we're over paying for our running backs, but usually when there's a 2 back system, it only lasts with the same backs for a short time because one always gets into free agency and leaves for the big bucks.s I suppose with both of them making the big bucks, there's no squabbling or temptation.
Word is our bail-out money is coming soon.s We blog elitists have had a rough year.
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It would seem to me that we're over paying for our running backs, but usually when there's a 2 back system, it only lasts with the same backs for a short time because one always gets into free agency and leaves for the big bucks.s I suppose with both of them making the big bucks, there's no squabbling or temptation.
No wonder Ronnie is always smiling. That's probably why they get along so well. A few more rushing TD's would be nice for that kind of money
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I have added a Connor Barwin video to yesterday's update.
How is Ginn only making $600K? He must have gotten a huge bonus.
ReplyDeleteI'm guest. *DONT_KNOW*
ReplyDeleteOh I forgot to mention Ferguson.s He's going to make $4 million this year.
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Oh I forgot to mention Ferguson.s He's going to make $4 million this year.
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Tin, do you have any footage(football) of the DL from Michigan? He tested well and could be a mid round pick.
ReplyDeleteKent, Terrance Taylor?
ReplyDeleteMr. Bungle, that's him.s Strong and moves fairly well. Wondering what he might look like at NT.
ReplyDeleteKent, that's the guy that Omar is drooling over.s Personally I don't think he's NFL caliber.s He has the size for NT but Michigan got run all over last season.s I think he's got some injury issues too.
ReplyDeleteThere's a guy with the same first name from Temple, Terrance Knighton, looks like a kid, but 320 lbs and strong.
ReplyDeleteThanks,s I like to find value in the mid rounds.sTime to go home and watch the CB's.s
ReplyDeleteAnyone else think the NT position needs to be a rotated position like the two back system that teams are all gravitating to? It seems a lot to ask for one guy to handle 30 snaps taking on two blockers every time. How could he not be worn down late in the season.
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Terrance Taylor is considered a very good athlete for his size. He's only 6-0 but he's like 330 and extremely strong. I've seen him listed as a late 2nd early 3rd. But like Tin says, I'm not sure if he can handle playing the nose at the NFL level. It's not just about size and strength. He has to be able to play the game at the highest level in the trenches and 99% of the time he's going to be playing against guys taller than him.
Tin, why did you stop using typekey as an allowable login? Seems to me that since you're poaching virtually your whole readership from the SS you could at least offer the same type of login :)
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Seriously though, it's probably something to do with your fighting off the imposter(s).
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I just wanted to chime in and point out this from Omars blog: "According to a source, Carey will be on the books for $5.25 million this season."
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So it does put a "dent" in our cap space, but there's still lots of room.
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I'm a big fan of the Cal Center, and I'm kinda with Bungle, that you can get a damn good young center from this draft without the huge cap hit. I also fully believe that this kid is worth our first round pick.
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I also fully believe that a healthy Sam Satele is far better then the one last year, who happens to be the popular scapegoat for the Oline's problems last year in spite of the fact that he had musical chairs going on on both sides of him last season and reportedly had a torn labrum. FWIW if the fins do NOTHING at center I wouldn't be terribly surprised. Last year taught me that DEPTH, not another superstar is what this Oline needs.
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I also gotta wonder about that RW number...4 million seems like way too much. I thought the whole contract was only like 6 million, but I'm probably wrong.
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I'm all for nabbing a LB/DB at 25, then looking at Kenny Britt w/the 44 pick (my numbers might be a smidge off, but you get the point). I think the Dline reinforcements have to come deeper in the draft, since it seems as if NTs are no longer being developed in the college ranks, and NFL teams are forced to develop them-themselves.
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Cheers dolfans.
Bungle,
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I tend to agree with your 2 player rotation at NT, as I mentioned in an above post, it seems as though colleges no longer develop NTs...I guess the 3-4 is not often used?
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It could be argued that your explanation is exactly what the fins did last season with Ferguson and Soliai...I think you draft big bodies in the mid-late rounds and hope to stumble across some young kid who can make the transition and spell Ferguson for 10-15 snaps a game. Then Soliai does the same and Ferg can stay fresh.
Jahndoh, good points. Colleges really don't do the players with an NFL future much of a service. They run too many gimmicky offenses, lots of shotgun and then there is the old style of the wishbones that won't work in the NFL on a consistent basis. That effects the type of defense college teams play as well. So it's hard for NFL teams to determine where players fit in for the NFL game. They do eventually find out, but the college game doesn't make it easy.
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Did Soliai even play 10-15 snaps per game? It seemed more like 5 or 6 to me. Let's hope Soliai is ready to take the next step and maybe Joe Cohen another former 2007 4th round pick is ready as well. Then maybe we can get better and more consistent NT play. Hopefully one of them will emerge. I still think we'll draft another young NT to compete. But it may not be until the 4th round. Probably some unknown guy we haven't even talked about.s :)
I would correct that to Ferguson and STARKS.s Starks played the nose on 'passing' downs and Soliai only came in on goal-line defense.s Personally, on goal line I would put in Ferguson and Soliai in the middle with two ends and an extra linebacker (4-4).s That would fortify the front against any QB draws as well as putting bigger defenders across the length of the end zone, minimizing any passes over the middle, leaving essentially just the fade open, which our CBs can handle.
ReplyDeleteJahndoh, it's funny you've commented today (well yesterday actually but I just read it today) because I was just thinking I hadn't seen you around lately.s Your name popped into my head because I woke up this morning with that stupid Slumdog Millionaire song stuck in my head...i think it's called Jai Doh or something like that.
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Anyway, I switched comment scripts to eliminate the imposter, and it did allow typepad at first but then they changed THEIR script and took it out.s The 'openID' option is the best IMO.s Plus this way you can reply directly to individual comments/questions AND post pictures and videos.
Solai only had 5 tackles all year, and he got lucky that nobody blocked him in the ravens game when he got that fumble. He had 4 tackles the year before, how much development does a guy need before he can make an impact. Then the one game we need him to step in he's suspended for not coming to work out or something, which happened 3 times last year. Is never liked solai and I know NT are supposed to take a couple years to develop but this guy, dolphin or not, does not seem to have the work ethic which allows you to succeed in the NFL
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My take on NT is drop Solai in the first round of cuts, or if he comes to camp too fat or something. Pick up some FA NT who can help out Fergie when he needs a rest, and pick up a young guy in the middle rounds to develop with a better attitude then Solai
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I like the 2 NT rotation, maybe it's easier to find 2 RB with the neccesary skill set then finding 2 giant NT who eat guards for breakfast. Or maybe that is why some teams still stick with the 4-3 since it's easier to find one kinda big guy and another not as big but pretty big
I agree with Bungle that we will go Defense with the #25 pick and I think the Dolphins will trade up to get a specific player if they have to.s I haven't narrowed it down yet but one of my suspects is Brian Orakpo.
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I also agree with Jahndoh that if Britt is available at #44 we should take him.s The only knock against this guy is that he's very confident in himself, which last time I checked, is not a bad trait.s
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I understand the admiration of Alex Mack, but honestly believe he is a center-only player, whereas Unger is a multi-position guy and thus is far better value if they are evenly ranked at the end of the day.s I'd still prefer to keep Satele as the back-up if we get Brown.s We can only dress so many players and I think Long, Smiley, Brown, Thomas, Carey as starters with Satele and Garner as back-ups (Garner may be replaced by a promising draftee) would be a very solid group without much complaints from fans and coaches alike.
It's been my contention since December to give Soliai one more offseason and then decide.s For all we know he could get his act together by June.
ReplyDeleteI know they will probably keep him until at least pre-season cuts. I just don't like the guy, which is very few and far between on the dolphins roster. I defend Ginn, you know.
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Defense with #25, I'd like a LB like Orakpo. To be honest I have a list of 10 players for #25 and their all LB's or DE conversions. I don't know how WR, C/G, NT, and DB are going to work out where and when, but I'm hoping they plan on infusing some youth at all of those positions. An upgrade for Garner would be nice
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If a college team were to run a 3-4 defense with a pro-style offense, wouldn't it lure prospects their way since they'd be more prepared for the NFL. Coaches would rather draft from that team because the learning curve wouldn't be as steep. Players would be more prepared for the next level
I really have no opinion on Soliai other than he's the 3rd string NT and got suspended twice last year, thus he's just roster sediment really.s That doesn't mean he can't raise his stock, but that's where he is right now for me.
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As for the pro-style in college, that's exactly why Matthew Stafford is the top-ranked QB, because Georgia runs a pro-style offense.s Also why Boston College's Raji and Brace get extra attention, because even though they ran a 4-3 most of the time, they would also run several 3-4 plays in each game.
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Also, if you ever wonder why Hampton often has a top DE prospect, because they run a 3-4 quite frequently.s Think Langford last year and Baker this year (who I wouldn't be surprised if he was on the Dolphins board).
Exactly Tin,
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I guess college coaches are more concerned with getting the most wins in their conference and making a Bowl appearance rather than setting up their players for success
Tin, what's your take on Brace? I think we go LB at #25 and it could be MLB ors OLB, either way they both have to be addressed.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it's not that black and white.s Obviously these coaches are paid a lot of money (in many cases more than NFL coaches) to bring boosters and national attention to the school by winning games and if they fail at that task they lose their jobs.s So there is that pressure.
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But at the same time, most of them wouldn't be where they are if they didn't exhibit the ability to "Coach" which includes mentoring the players.s Think of a team like USC.s They have the kind of recruiting where they can lose all their starting linebackers in one class without having much of a dropoff.s But when an underclassman declares, the coach gets upset because he's concerned the player is setting himself up to fail.s You know at USC the QB has a shelf life of about 20 games before the next superstar QB comes in, so it's not like "hey, we need sanchez so we can win games!".s At the same time, even though these teams including USC are moving towards a full-time spread offense, it's not stopping NFL teams from drafting those players.
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Crabtree is a product of the spread, still considered the best WR for example.s The position it hurts the most, actually are the Offensive linemen.
Kent,
ReplyDeleteI like LB at 25 and Brace with our first pick in the second. The argument could be made that their are so many good LB's that the drop off wouldn't be to big to wait until the 2nd to take one and to solidify some quality youth at NT by taking Brace at 25.
Kent, here's my take on Brace.s It's very simple.s He is a big guy with similar strength to Raji, but without the quickness.s I watched several BC games in 2008 and this is what I noticed:s Most of the time, when Brace made a play it was because Raji got double teamed or Raji flushed the QB into Brace, or Raji fell down and half the OL tripped on him, etc.s The point is, that Brace's numbers are significantly affected by Raji's presence.s When you watch Raji, you just see him beat his man one-on-one or swallow up two OL from the Nose.s I don't see that from Brace, and that's why, despite Omar's man-crush on everyone not-raji, I don't think Brace is a NT.s He would fit in very well in Buffalo or Seattle in the 4-3.
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I agree we go LB at #25, however, I wouldn't be surprised if either Jenkins or Davis fall, that we pick CB.s Basically I think the top value defensive player will be the pick at #25.s I still think we will trade out of that spot though.s If we can't make the trade to move up for a specific player who's ranked in the top 15 or so, and we're on the clock at #25, I think we'll trade it down to a high 2nd and a 6th.
Phinatic, If we go front seven on D the 1st 2 out of 3 picks, I'll be very happy. If there are in love w/a WR in the second, I have no problem.s It will take start to take shape after free agent opens up and moves forward.
ReplyDeleteTin, I agree on the value at 25, but I hope it's a front seven pick. I won't be happy w/a CB that early(wasn't impressed w/their times), because we have to get tougher against the run. I'm tired of LB's tackling from the side in a chase mode, We need some downhill performers at LB.
ReplyDeleteTrue, and there will be plenty to choose from, but if Vontae Davis is there at #25, there would have to be one hell of a LB there as well to skip over him.
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Forget the times, they may all change by the end of the pro-days.s Davis ran a sub 4.4 unofficially and then when the official times came out they added like 0.15 seconds!s It really just depends on who has the biggest nose or leans forward the most anyway.s We know from game film these guys are faster than they ran at the Combine.
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Agree. I think Matthews is a Parcell's type guy.sBrad Van Pelt that played w/the Giants passed awayslast week and I can see some similarity between the two, rangy and good athletes.sJust don't know where and what position the run will take place in the first round(OL,LB,CB,WR).s
ReplyDeleteIf the draft happened today it would be LB and WR.s Once the dust settles I think it will revert back to OL and DE/OLB.
ReplyDeleteJai Ho!
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Classic. I personally think slumdog may have been the best movie I've ever seen too, so I'm glad you (even remotely) associated me with the movie :)
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I can deal with whatever the login stuff dictates, I was mostly just bustin chops. I've been traveling alot so my comments have been far and few between.
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Your blog is getting better and better, and I personally am starting to wear down trying to read all the SS blog comments, so I'll probably contribute here a bit more as well. Cheers and thanks for the efforts.
I think Soiai played about 10 snaps per game....when he was ACTIVE!
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That seems to be his biggest obstacle imho...he's gotta stop pissing off the brass which clearly thinks highly of his playing potential or he would've been cut by now.
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I hold out hope he'll get his attitude in check and realize he has a real chance to excel in this organization. I also think you're right that we'll end up with a couple other young guys to compete at that position. Since we tend to agree that NTs aren't very easy to identify in the college ranks, I think it's wise for NFL organizations to develop their own exactly like the fins appear to be doing. 3 4th rounders take less cap space then 1 first rounder anyway, and competition ALWAYS makes a position better imho.
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Cheers
I gotta be honest phinatic, Soliai was a project since before he was drafted, and tackle numbers for a NT don't say nearly as much as the fact that this draconian coaching staff has kept him on the roster in spite of his transgressions.
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As long as he can eat up 2 blockers he can get zero tackles, and zero sacks and still be a productive NT....there truly are very few NTs (3-4 offenses specifically) that post big tackle numbers...nobody questions ferguson,. but he had what?....22 tackles all year? He probably had about 5x the snaps that soliai did so really, tackle totals are only remotelys relevant.
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More relevant than that to me are in game assesments, and in the biggest game of the season (wildcard game) Soliai played very well against a very good front line including the player that we're all lusting after at center.
Yeah, the confidence thing is hardly a knock on a WR in this league...hopefully it's confidence in his ability to help his team...instead of narcissism, but I don't get to interview him so I'm not sure we'll ever know. If I hear an interview with him on Sirius NFL (I'm doing alot of driving right now so it's on all the time), I'll post notes.
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I'm wondering though...I've read from various sources (and it could easily be misdirection) that Heyward-Bey is being targeted..in which case he'd have to be the first rounder...I'm concerned that there won't be a good value at defense in that slot, and I'm not all that keen on another DB (shades of Jamar Fletcher) at the 25 spot (I think that's pretty close to when JF was taken anyway...)