Norm on the Ticket/ Merriman interview

[dr_hefley]

Right now he's breaking down draft scenarios.

He thinks the Cowboys are targeting Merriman at 11 and stand a good chance of getting him there. He says a lot of people believe Ware could drop as far as 20, where the Cowboys could pick him up. Oddly enough, Ware is smaller than Merriman, but Norm is projecting Ware as an end and playing Merriman at SS linebacker. (Ellis, Glover, Ferguson, Ware in front of James, Nguyen, and Merriman).

Sounds farfetched for Ware to fall that far. I don't know.

He says if Merriman is gone, expect Spears at 11 then Ware at 20 (still unlikely).


Says if the Cowboys trade down, or their original plans are un-doable don't be surprised if they take Darryl Blackstock and Chris Canty based on Parcell's relationship with Al Groh.

[Duane]

Good recap. He also says to look out for Alvin Pearman in the 4th.

[SALADIN]

Link?

[Crown Royal]

If we stay 4-3, I prefer Merriman as a sam. However, if we go to 3-4, I want him on the weakside.....

JMO.

[Duane]

Link?
http://www.theticket.com/listen.htm

[SDogo]

Link?

Look at the title. "Norm on the Ticket"

[Smith22]

He mentioned that Pearman is the best pass catching RB in the draft. A do-it-all type of guy, has started at RB, WR, plays special teams and can even play as a return guy. Also had 2,000+ rushing yards in college.

[JohnsKey19]

Pearman would be a good 3rd down nickel RB. He's very similar to Mwelde Moore last year.

[Alexander]

Says if the Cowboys trade down, or their original plans are un-doable don't be surprised if they take Darryl Blackstock and Chris Canty based on Parcell's relationship with Al Groh.

That is some cutting edge journalism there.

[Smith22]

Link: www.theticket.com

[Portland Fanatic]

Detroit is the team that worries me about Merriman...I think they may take him....

[InmanRoshi]

I'm taking notes. I'll post the recap when he moves on the Mavs and the playoffs.

[InmanRoshi]

That is some cutting edge journalism there.

Not everyone of his radio listeners reads internet messageboards on the draft every day.

[Duane]

I'm taking notes. I'll post the recap when he moves on the Mavs and the playoffs.
Thanks man.

[Smith22]

Teams 20-30 on down want to move down per Goose.

[Roy Williams]

Anybody catch the name that Norm said that Dallas would be looking to take to be a backup Nose Gaurd in the later rounds?

[Duane]

Anybody catch the name that Norm said that Dallas would be looking to take to be a backup Nose Gaurd in the later rounds?
IIRC it was Andrew Hoffman Virginia.

[SALADIN]

Look at the title. "Norm on the Ticket"

The link on the Ticket Website doesn't work.

...so what was your point again?

[Alexander]

IIRC it was Andrew Hoffman Virginia.

So according to Hitzges, we have an all Cavalier/ ACC draft?

1) Merriman
1) Blackstock
2) Chris Canty
4) Alvin Pearman
5) Andrew Hoffman

Sounds smashing.

[Duane]

So according to Hitzges, we have an all Cavalier/ ACC draft?

1) Merriman
1) Blackstock
2) Chris Canty
4) Alvin Pearman
5) Andrew Hoffman

Sounds smashing.
No, he said that since Parcells is close to Al Grohl he has as much information on those guys as anyone. He's not suggesting taking all Virginia players in the draft.

However, I could live with Blackstock in the 2nd and Pearman in the 4th. Hoffman is a late round guy or undrafted.

[Smith22]

Spoke about Pool some. Said someone mentioned to him that they had plenty of tape on Pool and would describe him with one word, LAZY.

Norm said he thought if we targeted Pool it would be by trading down from 20 and taking him end of 1st, early 2nd.

[Smith22]

Talking with Merriman now.....

[slick325]

Thanks for the recap. Welcome to the board dr_hefley.

[Smith22]

Merriman just wants to play, doesn't care if he was listed as a safety. He just wants to play and hit people.

Merriman said he could play OLB at 270/275, but would drop some weight if the coaches wanted him to.

Merriman says the Cowboys showed A LOT of interest, along with the Browns.

[Smith22]

Merriman gave a plug for his website, says most visits went the same and he is just as confused as everyone else on where he will go.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Merriman just wants to play, doesn't care if he was listed as a safety. He just wants to play and hit people.

Merriman said he could play OLB at 270/275, but would drop some weight if the coaches wanted him to.

Merriman says the Cowboys showed A LOT of interest, along with the Browns.


Said although he has not met with Cleveland....he says by far Cleveland has done the most research on him.....actually going back and talking to people at his High School.

[Smith22]

Merriman is close friends with Arrington, went to school with Lavar's younger brother.

I believe they have worked out some together (heard it somewhere, can't recall where).

Said he would love to play for Parcells, interview over.....

[Duane]

Said although he has not met with Cleveland....he says by far Cleveland has done the most research on him.....actually going back and talking to people at his High School.
Sounds like Cleveland is really covering their bases in case they trade down.

[dr_hefley]

Didn't catch all the interview. MM said it would be a joy to play for Parcells. They have had a general conversation, nothing specific.

Doesn't beleive he would have to drop any weight to play LB in a 3-4 or a 4-3. Says he runs as fast at 274 as a lot of LBers run at 240.

Says Cleveland at #3 has shown the most interest in him. Is that a little high or is it just me?

[Avery]

Didn't catch all the interview. MM said it would be a joy to play for Parcells. They have had a general conversation, nothing specific.

Doesn't beleive he would have to drop any weight to play LB in a 3-4 or a 4-3. Says he runs as fast at 274 as a lot of LBers run at 240.

Says Cleveland at #3 has shown the most interest in him. Is that a little high or is it just me?

In this draft, I'm not sure if could be high or not.

Avery has the Browns selecting DJ at #3 in his soon to be released mock on the draft board.

[InmanRoshi]

What the Cowboys would like. Shawne Merriman at #11. Cowboys and other maybe thinking Ware could slide to #20. Ware would be an end, and Merriman would be an OLB, and the Cowboys would play a base 4-3 defense. Merriman would be a strongside linebacker lined up over the tight end. If Merriman is taken before the Cowboys at #11, and there is a chance of that. Arizona could go DJ at #8 and Merriman might then go to Detroit at #10. Also, the Browns are desperate to move down if Braylon Edwards isn’t there … and if Miami trades the pick it will be someone looking to get Edwards. If Cleveland moves down, they will try to take Merriman. If Merriman is gone, the Cowboys will take Spears and hope that Ware is there at #20, and then they would have a monster and deep defensive line. I hear talk of Mark Clayton at #20. I believe the Cowboys are going defense in this draft.

Bill Parcells loves to trust his friends, and that’s not unusual in the NFL. Look at the number of LSU players Belichick has because of Saban. Al Groh is a trusted friend of Parcells, and he has a mountain of prospects at Virginia. If something goes wrong in Round 1 or they deal down, look for Daryl Blackstock. Chris Canty two years ago was thought of a #1 draft pick, but he’s had injuries … who would have the best information about those guys? Al Groh. So if something falls apart in the scenario for Merriman/Ware/Spears, those are players too look for. Andrew Hoffman is a nosetackle who will go very late in the draft is another Virginia player. Also, Alvin Pearman is the #1 receiving back in this draft at catching the football and could be a versatile backup RB and kick returner could be a guy Parcells loves, because he does everything. Keep an eye on those Virginia kids.

** Callers **

DJ or Merriman?

Merriman more fits Parcells types. Derrick Johnson is a sideline to sideline player, not a north/south linebacker. He had two sacks last year at Texas, that’s not very many. Many people are split on him. And let me say … he’s a good football player, period. They say he doesn’t take on blockers. Well, there are a lot of good LB’s who don’t take on blockers in this league because they can run past them. However, people who watch him on film claims that he “balls up” when he takes on a blocker and kinds of surrenders and doesn’t fit through it. I think Johnson goes either #8 are Arizona or #10 to Detroit.

I get visions of Ekuban and Pittman and Peppi Zellner on DeMarcus Ware .. its always the athletic guy. What about David Pollack?

I think the consensus on Ware is that he’s a diamond in the rough because of his incredible burst. I also don’t like the way people nitpick on Pollack. He goes in the top 20 somewhere, and whoever gets him know what they’re getting. But many people feel Ware is the better pure pass rusher. The Cowboys need a havoc rusher. They sit back in coverage and don’t hassle a QB, so they don’t make big plays. Also, I think they believe Pollack will be gone by #20, and Ware might still be there, and since they like Ware better anyway it could be the best of both worlds. But Pollack was one of the players the Cowboys brought in.

Last night on Sportscenter I see Merriman at #11 and Williams at #20?

Mike Williams is a head scratcher to me. They say he’s not fast. Well, not all WR’s in the NFL who make plays are speedy types. I saw that on ESPN too. If Mike Williams falls to #20, the Cowboys have to consider him because he would be value at that pick. There is always someone who slides. Aaaron Rogers might fall too, and I don’t think he’s value in at #20 because I don’t think he’s one of the 20 top players in the draft. Williams would provide tremendous value at #20. The Cowboys brought Williams in for a visit just for this scenario .. that somehow he falls to #20. I talked to Goose this morning who’s been hitting the phones, and he said teams between #20 and #30 are trying to get out of those picks. You can drop from #20 to #35 and get a comparable player.

If any of the bigtime CB’s fall to #11, could the Cowboys trade with KC at #15?

I think the Cowboys would hesitate falling all the way back to #15, beause they might not get the guy they want. Now, if all three of the guys they want are there, you might gamble that one will still be there at #15.


Robert McCune?

I don’t know a lot about McCune, I’ve only evaluated about the top 100-120 players. I show him as a 5th or 6th round type. Its not a deep pool of LB’s. You’ll see several drafted in the top 50 picks or so, and then you could see a dead period where not many are selected at all.

Vincent Jackson?

A lot of people listening don’t know about this guy. The’s a 6’4” 240 lb. WR for those that don’t know. He ran a 4.46 at the Combine. He’s a former basketball player, like Antonio Gates. He was hot and cold at the Senior Bowl. He would follow up a spectacular catch with a drop. He’s a boom or bust type, but he’s interesting.

*** Mickey Spagnola ***

What’s going on at the Ranch?
By this time all the preparation is done, and the Cowboys are sitting back and see how the action goes.
.
Do you see the Cowboys trading up?
I can’t imagine that they would need to trade up with the #11. The problem with trading up is that if you trade up, you’re almost forced to trade down in the 2nd to recoup that pick. They are already look to get that 3rd rounder back from the Henson trade.

I hear that a lot that the Cowboys “have” to recoup that 3rd rounder. Why do they “have to”?
I’m just saying if the opportunity is there. I think the Cowboys are wanting 3 starters in this draft.

Well, in effect, one pick has already been made. They took Drew Henson with the 3rd.
Yeah, and that’s fine.

Yeah, if you look at who will be there in the 3rd now.. David Greene?
I like Henson better than David Greene. He’s already got a year in the league.

Exactly right, and people say Buffalo doesn’t have a first round pick this year. Yeah they do. Its JP Losman. He’s already been selected.
Yeah, so .. pie in the Sky, Cowboys sit at #11 with Merriman, Ware or Spears and make their pick, and hope one of them falls to #20. There would be dancing going on at the Ranch if that happens.

I think this is the order…. Merriman at #11, and if Merriman is off the board they take Spears. Then hope that Ware is there at 20.
For whatever this is worth, I participated in a mock draft where a beat writer would participate in each city. I took Spears at #11 and Merriman was there at #20.

I don’t think that will happen, but that would be nice.
Who knows? There’s a lot of movement and a lot of different opinions. Someone might need a TE and take Heath Miller early. So something gets pushed down to #20.

One more note … on Brodney Pool … the Cowboys do like him, and if they trade down from #20 into the early 2nd round he might be a consideration, but I will tell you this … I talked to someone around the league today on Pool who said he’s seen tons of hours of tape on him and he said he wouldn’t take him because he doesn’t chase the ball sometimes. There were plays where I just have to describe him as lazy.

** Interview with Shawne Merriman **

How you doing?
Okay, just trying to pass the time away.

Aren’t the last days the hardest?
I can’t sleep at night. Stomach’s churning. But its still a blessing to be in this position and to be selected anywhere.

Well, I think you go in the 4th round.
(Laughs) Stop joking.

Talk about the whirlwind of the process.
Well, just declaring early was a hard decision. Then getting ready for the Combine. Then getting ready for Pro Days. So each step is a different experience.

Did you seek advice on where you’d go in the draft before
I spoke to my best friend and business manager and Coach Friedgen, and they told me if I was projected as a 1st rounder then to go for it. I got the projections back and they showed 2nd round, which was fine. Then I weighed in at 273, and things just started blowing up. The problem was my listed weight had been wrong. They had me down at 240, but I actually played at 263 last year.

Cowboys project you as an outside LB. Is that okay with you?
I just want to get on the field and hit. Safety … anything. I just want to play and contribute, but it would be a joy to play for Coach Parcells.

You’d have to drop a few pounds wouldn’t you to play outside linebacker?
I don’t think so. I’m as fast as most 235-240 lb. linebackers. I run around 4.6. I might want to be around 265 or 267. I’m 274 right now. If the coaches thought I needed to lose weight, I would definintely do that. But I think I’m in pretty good shape now.

Wow, a 275 lb outside linebacker. Well, as Parcells says …. Roy Williams is supposed to be one biscuit away from the LB position .. you two could do some damage.
Haha.

How was the visit with Parcells?
He said he liked my style of play. Said they like me. But you know, they probably say the same things to all the guys they’ve brought in. I’ve heard that from lots of teams. The whole process is a chess match and teams try not to show their hands. Me and Coach Parcells had a short conversation and it was probably a lot like he’s had with other guys they’ve brought in.

The Cowboys would probably love you at #11, but the fear is always that you’ll go right before the pick. Who before the Cowboys pick have shown the most interest?
Bears just called me today. Miami brought me in for a visit. Othe than the Cowboys, Cleveland has shown the most interest. They didn’t bring me in for a visit, but they called my high school to ask for me.

Called your high school? What did your high school say?
That was just a rumor, I don’t know if its true.

Did they tell the teams about the time they caught you smoking behind the gym?
Hahahahah. I can tell if I get picked by Dallas that me and you are gonna have some fun.

Hey, if you get picked by Dallas, we’ll do a rookie diary.
Yeah, I need to do something like that.

Have the Lions shown interest?
They brought me in for a visit. But you know .. even with Miami at the #2 pick … they all say the same thing. I took my visit to Detroit with 10 other guys. At Dallas I was visiting with 15 other guys. And all of these guys aren’t 1st round guys. So, I really take those visits with a grain of salt. Really, I’m just as confused as you guys are.

The nice thing is the confusion is 20-25 hours away.
Yeah, I know. I have a countdown ticker on my website … shawnemerriman.com.

So are you counting down to Cle at the 3rd pick or Dallas at the 11th pick?
Haha .. I would be a liar if I said I didn’t want to go at #3. You’d want to go as high as possible. But either way, it’s a blessing that I’ve been dreaming about since I was 10 years old.

LeVar Friends?
Yeah, I went to school with his younger brother. He’s a great guy.

You gotta know ..if you come to Dallas, he ended Aikman’s career. So his name reverberates around here.
Yeah, I know.

Well, Tommorrow at 1:30 I’ll call you and ask you what number you want to wear.
I hope so. I would love to wear the star on my helmet.

[Portland Fanatic]

In this draft, I'm not sure if could be high or not.

Avery has the Browns selecting DJ at #3 in his soon to be released mock on the draft board.

Personally I do not see DJ as a solid 3-4 fit, which Cleveland is going to...Merriman is a much better fit. Crennel knows how huge an impact a real OLB is in the defense...me may go at #3 if they can not trade down...if they do...they will not go below us, Wash or Detroit. Which puts them in a perfect spot to get Merriman.

[WoodysGirl]

Great recap Immanroshi. Thx.

[jobberone]

site not operational yet. Very interesting player. I'm hot and cold on him but I don't think this guy will be a wash. I sold on his being a solid contributor day one and probably a starter. Stardom. We'll see but the potential is definitely there.

[LA=Pancakemaker]

Detroit is the team that worries me about Merriman...I think they may take him....


Actually they worry me the least. Matt Millen is the worst GM in the league & I am surprised hes still running the show?.

As for Cleveland showing the most interest in Merriman, this maybe the absolute shocker of the draft?

[Chief]

Great recap, Inman.

Thanks.

[kartr]

Wouldn't mind Blackstock in the 2nd, but he's too one-dimensional in the 1st and I like Canty in the 3rd if we trade down from the #20 pick.

[LeonDixson]

Great recap, Inman.

Thanks.

Ditto! Thanks, Inman.

[Hollywood Henderson]

Yep, good stuff!

[LA=Pancakemaker]

Vincent Jackson?

A lot of people listening don’t know about this guy. The’s a 6’4” 240 lb. WR for those that don’t know. He ran a 4.46 at the Combine. He’s a former basketball player, like Antonio Gates. He was hot and cold at the Senior Bowl. He would follow up a spectacular catch with a drop. He’s a boom or bust type, but he’s interesting.


BOOOOOOOOOOOM! TAKE HIM PLEASE!

[BigWillie]

Canty as a low pick? Just call it what it is....HIGHWAY ROBBERY!

When this guy was healthy, he was literally unblockable at times for UVA. Now coming off the knee injury, who is to say he'll be the same? But for a late round pick to see what this guy has in his tank is WELL WORTH IT.

You give me a draft of...

#11: Ware or Merriman
#20: Clayton
#42: Josh Bullocks
4th rounder: Chris Canty

...I know I'll certainly be dancing in the streets. Wait, in BFE (where I live) we don't have streets. So I guess I'll be dancing on the dirt roads! ;)

[Cbz40]

Thanks Inman....very well done

[Alexander]

Spoke about Pool some. Said someone mentioned to him that they had plenty of tape on Pool and would describe him with one word, LAZY.

Norm said he thought if we targeted Pool it would be by trading down from 20 and taking him end of 1st, early 2nd.

Pretty harsh criticism, but you cannot argue that he did not look absolutely horrible in the Orange Bowl.

[silverbear]

Anybody catch the name that Norm said that Dallas would be looking to take to be a backup Nose Gaurd in the later rounds?

Sione Pouha, Utah... 5th round...

You heard it here first... :D

[Alexander]

Sione Pouha, Utah... 5th round...

You heard it here first... :D

Scribbling that one down in my handy dandy notebook right alongside all the of the predictions that say "book it", "jot it down" and so forth.

[Qwickdraw]

Great recap.
I'm sorry but we gotta get this guy. Period.
I need to be hollaring "Lights Out!" repeatedly on Sundays.

[dbair1967]

Right now he's breaking down draft scenarios.

He thinks the Cowboys are targeting Merriman at 11 and stand a good chance of getting him there. He says a lot of people believe Ware could drop as far as 20, where the Cowboys could pick him up. Oddly enough, Ware is smaller than Merriman, but Norm is projecting Ware as an end and playing Merriman at SS linebacker. (Ellis, Glover, Ferguson, Ware in front of James, Nguyen, and Merriman).

Sounds farfetched for Ware to fall that far. I don't know.

He says if Merriman is gone, expect Spears at 11 then Ware at 20 (still unlikely).


Says if the Cowboys trade down, or their original plans are un-doable don't be surprised if they take Darryl Blackstock and Chris Canty based on Parcell's relationship with Al Groh.

IMO Merriman's a wasted pick as a 4-3 OLB...if they want a 4-3 OLB then draft Derrick Johnson, a guy who knows how to play that position...Merriman's value IMO is either a 4-3 DE or (better) as a 3-4 OLB who rushes the QB alot

David

[Chocolate Lab]

Pretty harsh criticism, but you cannot argue that he did not look absolutely horrible in the Orange Bowl.
I think that may have been kind to Pool. I watched his videos on the OU page someone posted yesterday, and his highlights were a couple of weak tackles against Baylor and an INT off a deflected pass. Worse, in a studio interview, he seemed less than bright. Much less.

I've seen a lot of OU ball the last few years and I've never understood Pool being rated so highly. I still don't.

[booboo]

Pretty harsh criticism, but you cannot argue that he did not look absolutely horrible in the Orange Bowl.

Wow dude, double negative city.

So he looked good then, by your post.

[Chocolate Lab]

Wow dude, double negative city.

So he looked good then, by your post.
Um, no. Try again. ;)

[Alexander]

Wow dude, double negative city.

So he looked good then, by your post.

Sooner fan, I presume?

[Chief]

I think that may have been kind to Pool. I watched his videos on the OU page someone posted yesterday, and his highlights were a couple of weak tackles against Baylor and an INT off a deflected pass. Worse, in a studio interview, he seemed less than bright. Much less.

I've seen a lot of OU ball the last few years and I've never understood Pool being rated so highly. I still don't.

I trust your judgement very much.

Brodney Pool just became Cess Pool in my book.

[Chocolate Lab]

Thanks, Chief...

Just forget I said that when he makes his first Pro Bowl. ;)

Seriously, I keep thinking I'm missing something on Pool... I just can't figure out what it is. Maybe he's looked special in some games that I missed. That's entirely possible.

But even if I'm wrong about what he can do on the field, his interview skills -- or lack thereof -- would concern me if I were a scout or GM.

[ddh33]

I've actually taken up for Brodney Pool on a couple of occasions. It really just depends on which Pool you get...

Two years ago, he was a monster. He helped out in run support and was a ballhawk pulling down around seven interceptions or so.

Last season, he looked lethargic. Lazy would be appropriate. Some folks said it was due to a slightly new system that confused several of the DBs. Following that, Pool made known his intentions to go pro. Bob Stoops made very clear that he thought Brodney was making a mistake, and the school didn't support his decision.

By the way, the last time this happened at OU, a defensive end named Jimmy Wilkerson thought he was ready for the bigtime. He slid to the sixth, if I'm not mistaken.

I guess I've just taken the long way around to simply say that I'm not sure what you get. He's a great athlete who could likely be a fantastic pro. He might also be just another guy back there in your secondary. I don't think he'll ever be a Tony Dixon type bust or anything though.

[Bullet22]

It's going to be a fun weekend..hope it rains so I don't have to get out..

[ravidubey]

The draft countdown at shawnemerriman.com is about 12 hours early, but no one said Merriman was getting drafted for his math skills.