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David (NY, NY): Since Sparano was a O-Line coach, do the Dolphins take the OT Long from Michigan with the first pick in the draft?
Chris Mortensen: Maybe but not for that reason. The Dolphins' pick will be the best big-guy, 10-year player. Long meets that criteria.
Bud, Huntington Beach, CA): Mort, I've always believed it usually takes a team a few years before they can develop into a championship caliber team. Hence, Rivers is still developing. Do you think that the Chargers are more a work in progress rather than a now or never team?
Chris Mortensen: They have been a pretty strong foundation with a very good roster that has good young players, not to mention a young quarterback.
Tom (FL): Who does Sparano look for at Def-Coor? Is Rex Ryan available? Is he a good fit? Who could the Off-Coor?
Chris Mortensen: Ryan is available. Monte Kiffin is available. Jim Schwartz is available. But I can see either Paul Pasqualoni or Todd Bowles from the Cowboys being that guy.
Carlos, Miami FL: Do you think the Chargers have a chance against the Pats?
Chris Mortensen: I want to say yes but it's difficlt if LT, Gates, Rivers aren;t healthy (and they're not). Lot of talent on the Chargers.
Art (Atlanta, GA): Is Carrol in the mix anymore for the Falcons coaching job? Who are the top candidates? Thanks!
Chris Mortensen: No, Pete Carroll is out. Garrett, Rex Ryans, Jim Caldwell are the leaders in the clubhouse. I do think Josh McDaniels could be a sleeper there.
Scott (Reno): What does Norm Chow do now? Call up Hawaii before their press conference today or hope for another OC job in the NFL?
Chris Mortensen: Norm should be a valued coordinator. He did a great job with the Titans. Hawaii has their man and I think Norm would really like to stay in the NFL. BTW, Mike Heimerdinger will be the new guy with Titans.
Mike Atlanta, GA: If Holmgren retires, who are the best candidates for the Seattle job? Would Seattle be attractive to Pete Carroll?
Chris Mortensen: Jim Mora is anatrual for the Seahawks and well-deserving. Yes, I do think that job would intrigue Carroll but he wouldn't get control of the football operation.
Greg (Stephens Cit;y, VA): Why didn't Garret accept the Ravens job yesterday? Baltimore has to be a much more attractive position that Atlanta.
Chris Mortensen: I have alwys thought Garrett was more likely to stay in Dallas. I also think he if does take another job, Baltimore has the edge, although Atlanta is making a string pitch and probably offering much more money.
Nate (Madison): Norm could only do so much with the lack of talent the Titans had on offense and having a rookie/young quarterback. I mean they didn't have one TRUE 25 carry RB that was consistantly healthy and their WR's or TE's sure were not anything special.
Chris Mortensen: All great points. What kind of skill guys did they have on offense?
Nigel (Ohio): Mort who do you think gets the call for the hall this year? Any chance Monk,Carter,and Reed get in the same year togther?
Chris Mortensen: It's possible, although my gut says one will get left out. I believe Gary Zimmerman has to get in.
Jordan (Dallas): If Garrett goes too, could Chow come to Dallas?
Chris Mortensen: He'd be perfect for them but Cam Cameron could get a look and they might promote Ray Sherman from within, too.
Mike (Mpls): Why are people making such a big deal of Rivers talking trash when other players do it just as often? Rodney Harrison makes Rivers' smack talk look like child's play but he gets a free ride?
Chris Mortensen: It's because he's a quarterback and I don't believe Rodney Harrison talks more smack than Rivers. It's funny, when Rivers came out for the draft I asked a coach on that staff (who loved Phillip) to tell me the one thing about him that nobody knows. He told me Rivers was one of the biggest trash talkers anyone will ever see. Quarterbacks are supposed to be different.
Henry (Silver Spring,MD): Is Greg Williams the number 1 choice for the Commanders? If not who is?
Chris Mortensen: I have assumed Williams is the leading candidate but watch out for Jim Mora. He will interview very well today.
Denny (ATL): kind of under the radar, but I think a good move by the Browns in getting rid of Grantham for Mel Tucker....have you heard anything about what went down there?
Chris Mortensen: I heard it was more about personality and chemistry than anything else.
Terrence (Jacksonville, Fla.): Mort, does David Garrard make Tony Romo or Matt Schaub money next year? Are the rumors true that Larry Fitzgerald or Ocho-Cinco could end up wearing Jaguar teal in 2008?
Chris Mortensen: I would hope the Jags would do the right thing and give Garrard a contract that comopares to Romo and Schaub. I don't know about the receivers. That would have to take a trade and it's a little early.
Larry - Boston: Mort - Do you see Ex- Nebraska coach Bill Callahan getting back into the NFL this year as an assistant ?
Chris Mortensen: I expect it, maybe even back with the Bucs as an asst head coach or with somebody else as line coach.
Falcons Fan: Who do you see out there that would be crazy in being intrested in the Head Coaching Job? After all, all we have going for us is that we have an owner that is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful!
Chris Mortensen: Rex Ryan will take it. Jim Caldwell will, too.
Adam (Lakefield, MN): Big, frustrated Vikings fan. Do you think Tarvaris Jackson is the short term answer with our aging defense, to take us to the playoffs, or does the team need to look at free-agency next year. If so, what are some good options?
Chris Mortensen: I think they need to bring in an upgrade with a veteran, but still with the idea that Jackson is the starter until he plays himself out of it. The Vikes have a shot to be a playoff team, without question.
Matt (Philly): Is Jim Harbaugh a candidate for any head coaching positions?
Chris Mortensen: No, but his brother John (Eagles) has an excellent shot at the Ravens job if Garrett passes.
Jason (Iowa): I'll admit it, I was frustrated for the first few years, but the Ted Thompson blueprint of building only throught the draft and not free agency has worked. Is there any team out there right now that is set up better for the long run than the Packers?
Chris Mortensen: Well, I agree that we all sold Thomspon a little short. He's a terrific football man, low key and clearly his own man. The Packers are set up great for the long run, especially if Aaron Rodgers is the guy at Qb, although I can see them drafting an acquiring another one just in case.
Sean (Pittsburgh): What kind of numbers is it going to take for Ben Roethlisberger to sign that extension?
Chris Mortensen: It would have to be in excess of Romo.
Brian D. Adams (Prague, VA): Is Jared Allan going to be franchised by the Chiefs?
Chris Mortensen: Yes, he is, unless they get him signed to a long-term deal.
pete rockville, MD: Who is the next coach in Iny if Dungy retires and Caldwell goes to another team?
Chris Mortensen: Leslie Frazier (Vikes) would be a leading candidate.
Brian D. Adams (Prague, VA): How many people are summiting questions to you in one of these chat secession?
Chris Mortensen: I usually get about a 1,000 per session, although I have exceeded 3,000 before.
Brody (Miami): Chris, please help me out here. I'm tired of people pumping up Glen Dorsey as a #1 overall pick. I have yet to see him take over a game. The great DTs took over games in college (Sapp, Haynesworth, etc..), and he did none of that. The guy can't stay healthy and "occupies blockers". This sounds like the second coming of Eric Swann or Dwyane Roberson. Am I wrong here? You can get a good 300-pounder to "occupy blockers" much later in the draft.
Chris Mortensen: You might be right. I think he may be a little undersized for Parcells and Ireland but let them do the evaluation. I haven't ruled out a QB for them, or they could grab one of the Longs. Also, a trade would be desirable, without question, if they can find a partner.
Eric (Sioux City): What's up with your boy Matt Jones? Will he ever develop into the receiver you predicted?
Chris Mortensen: Matt will only be what I projected if he buys into the daily regimen of being a pro. Now he was among the top 3 WRs in production in his draft class the first 2 years. He fell out of favor this year with a different pos. coach, o/c,...He has the talent. Does he have the passion to reach his potential? Will he pay the price? He has the answers.
Jacob (Sioux Falls, SD): I was looking at espn's NFL mock draft last month and I was wondering if the Cowboys were going to trade up to get McFadden. The mock draft said they would go for Limus Sweed but they have some good WR's and just extended Crayton's Contract. JJ is also on the go. Would getting McFadden be a good move for the Cowboys?
Chris Mortensen: I think the Cowboys would have a difficult time getting to No. 1 for McFadden. I can see them eyeballing his teammate, Felix Jones, around that 20 mark, maybe even moving up a few spots to grab him. Great complement with Marion Barber.
Kyle (Baltimore, MD): What do you know about John Harbaugh? What makes him uniquely qualified for the position? What kind of changes can he (or Garrett) enact on that unruly locker room?
Chris Mortensen: Harbaugh is considered a dynamic leader with a good football mind. The Ravens like that he has been around Andy Reid all this time, too. You are right - getting a handle on that Ravens' locker room is going to be a priority.
Jason, Fl: I know there is a value chart that most NFL executives go by, what is the value of the number one overall pick? and can the Fins get that value from anyone?
Chris Mortensen: I believe they will have to igonore the value chart to trade out of there. and that's OK.
The Commish (ATl
: Do you really think Caldwell would take the Atlanta job? And is he a better fit for the Falcons over Ryan?
Chris Mortensen: I love Caldwell and yes, I think he would take the Atl job if offered right now. Better fit? I like 'em both and can make a case for both guys.
Joe (N.O.): Why haven't we heard Mike Singletary's name come up for any of the Head Coaching openings?
Chris Mortensen: People just feel he's not ready.
Frank (Toms River, NJ): Any indications Mort on when Garrett will make his decision about the Ravens, Falcons and Cowboys?
Chris Mortensen: I kind of expect something by the end of the day or Thursday at the latest.
David (iowa city): Do you think Ron Turner will bless the bears fans and leave?
Chris Mortensen: I don't think that would be a blessing.
Erik (Atlanta, Ga): Mort are there any franchise type QB's in this draft. Can you rank Brohm, Ryan, Woodson, and Brennan? thanks
Chris Mortensen: They all have different qualities. I may like 'em in the exact order you listed. I would put Brennan higher but I think he needs a couple of more years of physical maturity. I believe there are a bunch of good ones that could be had in the 2nd qtr so a team doesn't have to force one early.
Ben (Baton Rouge, LA): Is Joe Flacco the real deal? I watched some tape on him and I'm very, very impressed!
Chris Mortensen: Me too! I can't wait to see him this post-season and hear the evaliations. (Flacco is the Delaware QB).
Ron (Atlanta): So if Singletary isn't ready, why is everyone jockeying for Garrett. With only 4 years coaching, what makes him so qualified to run a team.
Chris Mortensen: I have heard some make that argument. Singletary has never been a coordinator, though, and teams believe you have to be more than a motivational speaker to be successful as a head coach. That's what I have been told.
Jon (Pa): What do you think the chances are that the Ravens draft a QB in the first round? And if they do, who do you think they'll go for?
Chris Mortensen: I expect them to draft an QB and I have heard Matt Ryan could be a target. They may have to move up from 8 to pull that off. Maybe they could be a trade partner with Miami.
steve (la crosse, wi): i thought this chat was supposed to be about the conf. championship games? i think i've only seen one question about that. How do you think GB will fair against NYG?
Chris Mortensen: Thanks. I believe the Packers will win. I can see the Giants pulling off an upset but I think the Packers are too complete to let that happen. But the extreme cold forecast should be a concern for all.
Tommy(TheStatPack): I'm a believer in Mike Singletary and Tony Sparano has never been a coordinator at the NFL level and his head coaching at New Haven doesn't exactly transfer into NFL head coaching.
Chris Mortensen: Actually, Sparano was pretty much the coordinator AND line coach in Dallas last year.
Rick (Evanston, IL): Re: Singletary. Ditka was never a coordinator either, and he was a pretty good coach. Shouldn't sheer leadership qualities mean something? Who has been a greater or more respected leader of men than Mike Singletary?
Chris Mortensen: Parcells also was not a coordinator, notr was Dan Reeves. I get it. I'm just giving you what I am hearing from teams. It might be telltale that the Ravens chose not to interview him, don't you think? It doesn't diminish Mike's accomplishments and he may need another year or two to get that shot.
Chris Mortensen: gotta go do tv. later, Cacth s on ESPN Radio Primetime on Friday night at 7 ET (may have surprise guest). Sunday NFL Countdown at 11 a.m. for the champiopnship blowout. God Bless!
Bud, Huntington Beach, CA): Mort, I've always believed it usually takes a team a few years before they can develop into a championship caliber team. Hence, Rivers is still developing. Do you think that the Chargers are more a work in progress rather than a now or never team?
Tom (FL): Who does Sparano look for at Def-Coor? Is Rex Ryan available? Is he a good fit? Who could the Off-Coor?
Carlos, Miami FL: Do you think the Chargers have a chance against the Pats?
Art (Atlanta, GA): Is Carrol in the mix anymore for the Falcons coaching job? Who are the top candidates? Thanks!
Scott (Reno): What does Norm Chow do now? Call up Hawaii before their press conference today or hope for another OC job in the NFL?
Mike Atlanta, GA: If Holmgren retires, who are the best candidates for the Seattle job? Would Seattle be attractive to Pete Carroll?
Greg (Stephens Cit;y, VA): Why didn't Garret accept the Ravens job yesterday? Baltimore has to be a much more attractive position that Atlanta.
Nate (Madison): Norm could only do so much with the lack of talent the Titans had on offense and having a rookie/young quarterback. I mean they didn't have one TRUE 25 carry RB that was consistantly healthy and their WR's or TE's sure were not anything special.
Nigel (Ohio): Mort who do you think gets the call for the hall this year? Any chance Monk,Carter,and Reed get in the same year togther?
Jordan (Dallas): If Garrett goes too, could Chow come to Dallas?
Mike (Mpls): Why are people making such a big deal of Rivers talking trash when other players do it just as often? Rodney Harrison makes Rivers' smack talk look like child's play but he gets a free ride?
Henry (Silver Spring,MD): Is Greg Williams the number 1 choice for the Commanders? If not who is?
Denny (ATL): kind of under the radar, but I think a good move by the Browns in getting rid of Grantham for Mel Tucker....have you heard anything about what went down there?
Terrence (Jacksonville, Fla.): Mort, does David Garrard make Tony Romo or Matt Schaub money next year? Are the rumors true that Larry Fitzgerald or Ocho-Cinco could end up wearing Jaguar teal in 2008?
Larry - Boston: Mort - Do you see Ex- Nebraska coach Bill Callahan getting back into the NFL this year as an assistant ?
Falcons Fan: Who do you see out there that would be crazy in being intrested in the Head Coaching Job? After all, all we have going for us is that we have an owner that is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful!
Adam (Lakefield, MN): Big, frustrated Vikings fan. Do you think Tarvaris Jackson is the short term answer with our aging defense, to take us to the playoffs, or does the team need to look at free-agency next year. If so, what are some good options?
Matt (Philly): Is Jim Harbaugh a candidate for any head coaching positions?
Jason (Iowa): I'll admit it, I was frustrated for the first few years, but the Ted Thompson blueprint of building only throught the draft and not free agency has worked. Is there any team out there right now that is set up better for the long run than the Packers?
Sean (Pittsburgh): What kind of numbers is it going to take for Ben Roethlisberger to sign that extension?
Brian D. Adams (Prague, VA): Is Jared Allan going to be franchised by the Chiefs?
pete rockville, MD: Who is the next coach in Iny if Dungy retires and Caldwell goes to another team?
Brian D. Adams (Prague, VA): How many people are summiting questions to you in one of these chat secession?
Brody (Miami): Chris, please help me out here. I'm tired of people pumping up Glen Dorsey as a #1 overall pick. I have yet to see him take over a game. The great DTs took over games in college (Sapp, Haynesworth, etc..), and he did none of that. The guy can't stay healthy and "occupies blockers". This sounds like the second coming of Eric Swann or Dwyane Roberson. Am I wrong here? You can get a good 300-pounder to "occupy blockers" much later in the draft.
Eric (Sioux City): What's up with your boy Matt Jones? Will he ever develop into the receiver you predicted?
Jacob (Sioux Falls, SD): I was looking at espn's NFL mock draft last month and I was wondering if the Cowboys were going to trade up to get McFadden. The mock draft said they would go for Limus Sweed but they have some good WR's and just extended Crayton's Contract. JJ is also on the go. Would getting McFadden be a good move for the Cowboys?
Kyle (Baltimore, MD): What do you know about John Harbaugh? What makes him uniquely qualified for the position? What kind of changes can he (or Garrett) enact on that unruly locker room?
Jason, Fl: I know there is a value chart that most NFL executives go by, what is the value of the number one overall pick? and can the Fins get that value from anyone?
The Commish (ATl
: Do you really think Caldwell would take the Atlanta job? And is he a better fit for the Falcons over Ryan?
Joe (N.O.): Why haven't we heard Mike Singletary's name come up for any of the Head Coaching openings?
Frank (Toms River, NJ): Any indications Mort on when Garrett will make his decision about the Ravens, Falcons and Cowboys?
David (iowa city): Do you think Ron Turner will bless the bears fans and leave?
Erik (Atlanta, Ga): Mort are there any franchise type QB's in this draft. Can you rank Brohm, Ryan, Woodson, and Brennan? thanks
Ben (Baton Rouge, LA): Is Joe Flacco the real deal? I watched some tape on him and I'm very, very impressed!
Ron (Atlanta): So if Singletary isn't ready, why is everyone jockeying for Garrett. With only 4 years coaching, what makes him so qualified to run a team.
Jon (Pa): What do you think the chances are that the Ravens draft a QB in the first round? And if they do, who do you think they'll go for?
steve (la crosse, wi): i thought this chat was supposed to be about the conf. championship games? i think i've only seen one question about that. How do you think GB will fair against NYG?
Tommy(TheStatPack): I'm a believer in Mike Singletary and Tony Sparano has never been a coordinator at the NFL level and his head coaching at New Haven doesn't exactly transfer into NFL head coaching.
Rick (Evanston, IL): Re: Singletary. Ditka was never a coordinator either, and he was a pretty good coach. Shouldn't sheer leadership qualities mean something? Who has been a greater or more respected leader of men than Mike Singletary?
