Doomsday101
04-22-2005, 12:12 PM
Patrick Ramsey said he would have no problems with the Redskins using one of their first-round draft picks on a quarterback, considered a possibility after Coach Joe Gibbs' visit with Auburn's Jason Campbell, but as the draft approaches Saturday little is known about the Redskins' intentions.
-- Washington Post
The Redskins are exploring the possibility of moving up in the draft order. A source close to Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards said Washington is interested in him. But so are many teams. The Redskins likely would have to part with at least both first-round picks to get Edwards, which might make it impossible to draft Campbell since the Redskins don't have a second-round pick. League sources said the Dolphins are eager to trade down from the second overall pick, and will continue talking to several teams as the start of Saturday's draft approaches. The Redskins could offer their two picks and Rod Gardner, which may be enough to get a deal done.
-- Washington Post
The Vikings have admitted interest in moving up in the first round, but a swap with the Dolphins appears unlikely. It's believed Minnesota's desire to trade up stemmed from an interest in Edwards, but the Dolphins also appear to have strong interest in Edwards.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Dolphins may have a trading partner in Washington, if the Redskins truly are enamored with Edwards.
-- Palm Beach Post
Miami coach Nick Saban appears to have done a brilliant job of sending mixed signals, indicating that he could select Utah quarterback Alex Smith, Edwards or Auburn running back Ronnie Brown -- or trade the pick. Leaks from the team that Miami would consider drafting Edwards pique the interest of other teams, including Cleveland, sitting at No. 3 and hoping to select Smith or Edwards.
-- Palm Beach Post
At least one NFL team is willing to talk about trading up, and the Bears are listening. The Redskins claim they have contacted "every team in front of us and behind us," according to football operations chief Vinny Cerrato, after adding the 25th pick in a trade with Denver to their ninth spot in the first round. Washington's calls include the Bears at No. 4. "We like our position, with the fourth pick getting a good player, keeping all options open," coach Lovie Smith said. "If someone makes us an offer you can't refuse, you have to listen, and that's what we're doing."
-- Chicago Tribune
The Bears need to improve their running game, so they should draft a wide receiver. Signs point to big Texas running back Cedric Benson. They should point to bigger Southern California receiver Mike Williams.
-- Chicago Tribune
This might a make-or-break draft for Bears GM Jerry Angelo and that if the team doesn't show vast improvement in 2005, he could be history. But there is nothing in the franchise's public posture that suggests Angelo has job-security issues. The only sense of urgency I see involving the Bears comes when the bathroom lines are long at Soldier Field.
-- Chicago Tribune
The biggest challenge to the Redskins might be Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers, who hold pick No. 5, are looking to move up to take Auburn running back Ronnie Brown, sources said, and hold 12 total picks and four in the first three rounds, giving them ample trade ammunition.
-- Washington Post
If the 49ers, who hold the No. 1 pick, are unable to agree to a deal with Alex Smith before the draft, and pass, the Bucs might be able to trade up from No. 5 to take him.
-- Palm Beach Post
Here's an idea for the Bucs: Find the Edgerrin James of tomorrow. Don't get cute. Take Brown or Cadillac Williams.
-- Tampa Tribune
There is some speculation that Minnesota could use its top picks (Nos. 7 and 18) to move up and select Edwards or Southern California wide receiver Mike Williams to replace the departed Randy Moss, while numerous teams are exploring options to trade down, with specialists saying this draft is not particularly deep at many positions.
-- Washington Post
Washington and Oakland made trades earlier in the week to acquire first-round picks, and more deals appear on the horizon. That could influence the Lions, who are prepared to deal if they get the right offer.
-- Detroit News
If one of the running backs rated in the top three for the draft -- Ronnie Brown or Carnell Williams of Auburn, or Cedric Benson of Texas -- is available when the Vikings pick at No. 7, they might wait until No. 18 to take a wide receiver to succeed Randy Moss. He might be Oklahoma's Mark Clayton.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Most of the draft-day trade talk surrounding the Cowboys has been about moving down to acquire more picks, but owner and GM Jerry Jones is not against moving up. Jones would like to gain more picks, if possible, but he would not be opposed to trading a late-rounder this year or an early 2006 draft pick to move a few spots. Through a series of draft meetings, the Cowboys have identified three or four players they would take with the 11th and 20th picks.
-- Dallas Morning News
If Cowboys coach Bill Parcells gets his wish, that familiar refrain or a version of it -- namely a pass-rushing outside linebacker -- will be revisited when the Draft begins.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Considering the Jaguars play in the same division as quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Steve McNair and David Carr, having quality cornerbacks is always a need. And timing is on the Jaguars' side, because the draft offers no shortage of candidates to provide the Jacksonville defense a cornerback opposite rising star Rashean Mathis.
-- Florida Times-Union
The player many consider to be the third-best prospect in a not-so-attractive quarterback class is on the Packers' radar -- Akron's Charlie Frye. The Packers and Cleveland are believed to have the most interest in Frye. The Browns have the third pick in the first round, which would be way too early to take Frye if Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers indeed go off the board right away. Cleveland seems to be eyeing Frye for its second round selection, 34th overall. With the Packers sitting 10 spots higher with their first-round choice, it's possible they would give strong consideration to taking Frye then.
-- Green Bay News-Chronicle
Jets GM Terry Bradway said it's 'very unlikely' they would trade up into the first round -- such a move would cost them at least a No. 3 pick -- but he didn't dismiss the possibility of climbing up to a better spot in Round 2 if a highly rated player slips.
-- New York Daily News
Andre Dyson's decision to sign with Seattle makes it clear that the Jets will use one of their second-round picks on a cornerback. If they still need help, a post-draft visit with Ty Law could be in the plans.
-- Newsday
Bradway said yesterday that DE John Abraham won't be part of a draft-day deal. Law remains on the Jets' radar, but his price tag may be too high.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
If Alabama-Birmingham's Roddy White, Texas A&M's Terrence Murphy or Oklahoma's Mark Clayton is still available at No. 30, the Steelers might find themselves in the fortunate position of being able to merge need with the best athlete available and proceed accordingly.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review
There's a decent chance the Eagles wouldn't mind taking a defensive tackle with their first pick, either 31st overall, where they're scheduled to choose, or by trading and moving up.
-- Philadelphia Daily News
While linebacker, defensive back (particularly cornerback), and offensive tackle are areas of need, the Patriots have shown a willingness to draft the best player on the board, regardless of position.
-- Boston Globe
The Eagles likely will use one of their two second-round picks -- either No. 35 (acquired from Miami in the A.J. Feeley trade) or No. 63 - to select a receiver.
-- Trenton Time
The agent for former Seattle linebacker Chad Brown said the Green Bay Packers were one of the teams his client is interested in and he expects to talk to general manager Ted Thompson before the draft this weekend.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
-- Washington Post
The Redskins are exploring the possibility of moving up in the draft order. A source close to Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards said Washington is interested in him. But so are many teams. The Redskins likely would have to part with at least both first-round picks to get Edwards, which might make it impossible to draft Campbell since the Redskins don't have a second-round pick. League sources said the Dolphins are eager to trade down from the second overall pick, and will continue talking to several teams as the start of Saturday's draft approaches. The Redskins could offer their two picks and Rod Gardner, which may be enough to get a deal done.
-- Washington Post
The Vikings have admitted interest in moving up in the first round, but a swap with the Dolphins appears unlikely. It's believed Minnesota's desire to trade up stemmed from an interest in Edwards, but the Dolphins also appear to have strong interest in Edwards.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Dolphins may have a trading partner in Washington, if the Redskins truly are enamored with Edwards.
-- Palm Beach Post
Miami coach Nick Saban appears to have done a brilliant job of sending mixed signals, indicating that he could select Utah quarterback Alex Smith, Edwards or Auburn running back Ronnie Brown -- or trade the pick. Leaks from the team that Miami would consider drafting Edwards pique the interest of other teams, including Cleveland, sitting at No. 3 and hoping to select Smith or Edwards.
-- Palm Beach Post
At least one NFL team is willing to talk about trading up, and the Bears are listening. The Redskins claim they have contacted "every team in front of us and behind us," according to football operations chief Vinny Cerrato, after adding the 25th pick in a trade with Denver to their ninth spot in the first round. Washington's calls include the Bears at No. 4. "We like our position, with the fourth pick getting a good player, keeping all options open," coach Lovie Smith said. "If someone makes us an offer you can't refuse, you have to listen, and that's what we're doing."
-- Chicago Tribune
The Bears need to improve their running game, so they should draft a wide receiver. Signs point to big Texas running back Cedric Benson. They should point to bigger Southern California receiver Mike Williams.
-- Chicago Tribune
This might a make-or-break draft for Bears GM Jerry Angelo and that if the team doesn't show vast improvement in 2005, he could be history. But there is nothing in the franchise's public posture that suggests Angelo has job-security issues. The only sense of urgency I see involving the Bears comes when the bathroom lines are long at Soldier Field.
-- Chicago Tribune
The biggest challenge to the Redskins might be Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers, who hold pick No. 5, are looking to move up to take Auburn running back Ronnie Brown, sources said, and hold 12 total picks and four in the first three rounds, giving them ample trade ammunition.
-- Washington Post
If the 49ers, who hold the No. 1 pick, are unable to agree to a deal with Alex Smith before the draft, and pass, the Bucs might be able to trade up from No. 5 to take him.
-- Palm Beach Post
Here's an idea for the Bucs: Find the Edgerrin James of tomorrow. Don't get cute. Take Brown or Cadillac Williams.
-- Tampa Tribune
There is some speculation that Minnesota could use its top picks (Nos. 7 and 18) to move up and select Edwards or Southern California wide receiver Mike Williams to replace the departed Randy Moss, while numerous teams are exploring options to trade down, with specialists saying this draft is not particularly deep at many positions.
-- Washington Post
Washington and Oakland made trades earlier in the week to acquire first-round picks, and more deals appear on the horizon. That could influence the Lions, who are prepared to deal if they get the right offer.
-- Detroit News
If one of the running backs rated in the top three for the draft -- Ronnie Brown or Carnell Williams of Auburn, or Cedric Benson of Texas -- is available when the Vikings pick at No. 7, they might wait until No. 18 to take a wide receiver to succeed Randy Moss. He might be Oklahoma's Mark Clayton.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Most of the draft-day trade talk surrounding the Cowboys has been about moving down to acquire more picks, but owner and GM Jerry Jones is not against moving up. Jones would like to gain more picks, if possible, but he would not be opposed to trading a late-rounder this year or an early 2006 draft pick to move a few spots. Through a series of draft meetings, the Cowboys have identified three or four players they would take with the 11th and 20th picks.
-- Dallas Morning News
If Cowboys coach Bill Parcells gets his wish, that familiar refrain or a version of it -- namely a pass-rushing outside linebacker -- will be revisited when the Draft begins.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Considering the Jaguars play in the same division as quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Steve McNair and David Carr, having quality cornerbacks is always a need. And timing is on the Jaguars' side, because the draft offers no shortage of candidates to provide the Jacksonville defense a cornerback opposite rising star Rashean Mathis.
-- Florida Times-Union
The player many consider to be the third-best prospect in a not-so-attractive quarterback class is on the Packers' radar -- Akron's Charlie Frye. The Packers and Cleveland are believed to have the most interest in Frye. The Browns have the third pick in the first round, which would be way too early to take Frye if Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers indeed go off the board right away. Cleveland seems to be eyeing Frye for its second round selection, 34th overall. With the Packers sitting 10 spots higher with their first-round choice, it's possible they would give strong consideration to taking Frye then.
-- Green Bay News-Chronicle
Jets GM Terry Bradway said it's 'very unlikely' they would trade up into the first round -- such a move would cost them at least a No. 3 pick -- but he didn't dismiss the possibility of climbing up to a better spot in Round 2 if a highly rated player slips.
-- New York Daily News
Andre Dyson's decision to sign with Seattle makes it clear that the Jets will use one of their second-round picks on a cornerback. If they still need help, a post-draft visit with Ty Law could be in the plans.
-- Newsday
Bradway said yesterday that DE John Abraham won't be part of a draft-day deal. Law remains on the Jets' radar, but his price tag may be too high.
-- Newark Star-Ledger
If Alabama-Birmingham's Roddy White, Texas A&M's Terrence Murphy or Oklahoma's Mark Clayton is still available at No. 30, the Steelers might find themselves in the fortunate position of being able to merge need with the best athlete available and proceed accordingly.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review
There's a decent chance the Eagles wouldn't mind taking a defensive tackle with their first pick, either 31st overall, where they're scheduled to choose, or by trading and moving up.
-- Philadelphia Daily News
While linebacker, defensive back (particularly cornerback), and offensive tackle are areas of need, the Patriots have shown a willingness to draft the best player on the board, regardless of position.
-- Boston Globe
The Eagles likely will use one of their two second-round picks -- either No. 35 (acquired from Miami in the A.J. Feeley trade) or No. 63 - to select a receiver.
-- Trenton Time
The agent for former Seattle linebacker Chad Brown said the Green Bay Packers were one of the teams his client is interested in and he expects to talk to general manager Ted Thompson before the draft this weekend.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel