CN:Riding the Crazy Rumor Train

[cowboyjoe]

Riding the Crazy Rumor Train
http://www.cowboyszone.com/2011/04/riding-crazy-rumor-train.html
Posted by Rafael at Saturday, April 16, 2011
Some notes as we soldier one day closer to draft day -- just twelve more folks.

Over Under Sideways, Down
Which way will the Commanders move? A story by The Houston Chronicle's John McClain got immediate play on the interwebs yesterday, when he claimed the Commanders are trying ''like crazy'' to move up and grab a quarterback. Do they have the ammo to move, say to the 3rd or 4th spot? If they're willing to do a Mike Ditka and forgo most of the draft for a quarterback, the answer is yes, as this Commanders blog points out.

 

[johnnyd]

Where Do the Rumors Meet Reality?
Finally, a story broke this week with two hard assessments of top prospects Da'Quan Bowers' and Tyron Smith's surgically-repaired knees. Here's the passage on Smith:


"We've had (Smith) at the bottom of the first all along," said an NFL executive. "The media has pushed him up. No one questions the traits. But there is a miss factor...The medical could push (Smith) out of the first, no question. I would love for him to go in the top 10, but I'd be shocked if he came close."
I've always wondered about the rippers' motives, as this one does seem to protest too much. Why would you destroy a prospect in print like this, anonymously? If you're right, and the player is overrated, and over-drafted, that benefits your organization by pushing better prospects down. The best course in these circumstances is to say nothing. Besides, if your criticism causes other organizations to waffle and he drops, you're causing a young man a lot of money. That's mean.

Gabriel offers a plausible explanation:


"It seems as if this year more than any other year in recent memory there is negative publicity about certain players’ medical conditions. What it tells me is that some clubs are leaking negative information hoping that these players will drop to them. There are other highly rated players that I know have serious medical concerns and nothing has been said about them... don’t be surprised if the players in question end up going as high as people thought they would originally."
Smith has visited the Browns (6th) Cowboys (9th) Commanders (10th) Vikings (12th) and Lions (13th). He could slide on draft day, but I don't think we can blame the media for all the attention he's received in the top half of the draft



The old pump and dump . Nothing but great things about the kids until the combine then the gloves come off and it's rip city until the draft. Happens every year but i do agree with his statement regarding this year . Mostly because the draft is the only game in town. there's no free agency for people to talk about so people are over analyzing the draft and the players. it's unfair IMO but so is life

 

[burmafrd]

if that exec is right about his club, then they are worse at evaluating O line then we are.

 

[Tobal]

That probably was our front office. :bang2:

 

[kevinhickey]

I don't think there is anything wrong with Smith. I watched his Pro day and he looked fantastic. The only problem I have with drafting Smith is, selecting him at #9 to be our future RT. Jerry is not going to sign Doug Free LT money only to move him to the right side. I think Dallas can drop down several selections and still get him.

 

[supercowboy8]

I don't think there is anything wrong with Smith. I watched his Pro day and he looked fantastic. The only problem I have with drafting Smith is, selecting him at #9 to be our future RT. Jerry is not going to sign Doug Free LT money only to move him to the right side. I think Dallas can drop down several selections and still get him.

I agree and disagree. The only two teams that scare me with trading back is Washington and Detroit. If we trade back to lets say 14 so St.Louis can take Julio Jones then Washington will trade back with some team. That team they trade with might take Smith.

If they don't, Detroit might take Smith too.
Now I think if Prince is there at 13 Detroit will take Prince. They still have Backus under contract for another year. I wouldn't be surprised if Detroit wants to trade up to get in front of Houston and Minny to get Prince.

Minny has tons of needs. DT, DE, CB, and QB before they want to replace a pro bowl LT in McKinnie. They need to fix the defense before adding a OL to an offense without a QB.

If he is there at 9 I say take Smith unless you get a great offer to trade back. Detroit or St.Louis offers the house then its worth it and hope you get lucky. If Smith is gone after you trade back to 13 or 14 then trade back again. Castanzo, Pouncey, or Carimi is not worth that pick.

I would be happy with Carimi and multiple draft picks.

 

[28 Joker]

Check out this report on Tyron Smith.

NFLDraftScout.com has confirmed that several teams have not seen an issue with Smith's knee, especially in light of his solid March 30th workout. Multiple team doctors and trainers also felt Smith's knee has progressed well, and foresaw no future issues.


Some teams will undoubtedly be somewhat cautious about Smith, who is trying to add weight while also rehabbing that knee--and asking four different teams will give you four different opinions. But is also important to understand that misinformation is king this time of year, and reports can be used to sway public opinion about players.

At this point in the draft process, Smith is still expected to be selected in the top 13 selections.

Chad Reuter NFLDraftscout.com

http://rob-rang.blogs.cbssports.com/...iew/13682485/2

Perhaps, Pro Football Weekly should "hear" this. I didn't see them reporting Castonzo's back and knee issues that have teams "concerned" according to NFL Network.

 

[SnakePliskin]

I don't think there is anything wrong with Smith. I watched his Pro day and he looked fantastic. The only problem I have with drafting Smith is, selecting him at #9 to be our future RT. Jerry is not going to sign Doug Free LT money only to move him to the right side. I think Dallas can drop down several selections and still get him.

I see what you are saying about drafting a RT at #9 but in our division alone you have Justin Tuck, Brian Orakpo, and Brandon Graham all lined up on that side plus Clay Matthews in our conference.

That is also the side most teams run to. RT is extremely important. Remember the difference Erik Williams made to our o-line. He was dominant and if not for that car crash would be considered one of the best lineman ever and a hall of famer. I know he was a 3rd round pick but he gave our line an attitude.

I am not saying Smith is E. Williams but if you think Smith is the guy and a future pro bowler then draft him. Everyone thought the Colts could have gotten Dwight Freeney much later than they did, but I do not think they regret that pick.