ESPN Mike Sando 02/26 Chat Wrap... 4 'boys

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Ray Iowa: Will Jake Long be available for the Chiefs??

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Mike Sando: (1:00 PM ET ) Losing the coin toss to pick third might hurt in that regard. Several of those teams need help on the line and Long looks like a cornerstone. Not sure if they can get him fifth.


Zac (Oakland): If McFadden is still on the board when the Raiders select, what could they get from Dallas in a trade? their 2 firsts and a second, or 2 firsts and which player?

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: (1:02 PM ET ) The talk at the combine -- and it is just talk right now, but it makes some sense -- is that teams are increasingly reluctant to move around that high in the draft because the cost of moving is too high, and the salaries are out of whack (according to NFL teams) at the top of the draft.



Shaun (Shoreline, Wa): Mike! Seattle misses you, congrats on making it big time though, you deserved it. What do you think is going to happen with Shaun Alexander and the Hawks? Will the Hawk's cut him, ask for him to restructure his contract, or keep him on the roster with his current salary? I know the O-Line struggled and that was part of it, but Shaun just looks to have lost a step (or two). What do you say? Thanks Mike!

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: (1:04 PM ET ) I would expect Seattle to hold off making a decision on Alexander until after the draft. Only then will the Hawks know what they have on the roster as an alternative. Cutting Alexander as a post-June 1 designation frees up $4.6 million in cap room. Given Alexander's diminished production, that is an option. But to me it makes sense to know what you have as an alternative. If they get a guy in free agency, they can make the decision earlier.


Justin (Indy): How many rb's will be selected in the first round and in what order?

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Mike Sando: (1:05 PM ET ) Bill Polian predicted four in the top 10 and six in the first round, as I recall. It's looking like a great year for them. You can't ignore the four guys running under 4.4 at the combine. As for the order, I don't have a great feel at this point.


Ken (Tarzana, CA): When do you think Larry Fitzgerald will realize that he need to get a more cap-friendly contract for the "TEAM"? According to Graves they've already offered him a deal that will make him the highest paid WR in the NFL.

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Mike Sando: (1:07 PM ET ) The Cardinals' contract with Fitzgerald is one of the great mysteries of negotiating. They got themselves into a tough spot, and Fitzgerald owes them no favors. If he re-works his deal, he needs to recoup those inflated base salaries early in the deal. A tough spot for the Cardinals, but they did the deal.


Ron (Charlotte, NC): Do you really believe Miami really needs to invest big on a QB this year early? It's hard to fathom that they don't like Beck and that he won't get a shot. The media has inexplicably assumed that Miami doesn't have a quarterback. I am so confused. Beck had some nice moments on a horrid team. Is he really what Ireland views as the possible future?

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Mike Sando: (1:09 PM ET ) The Dolphins have so many needs. They can't take a QB that early unless they KNOW he's a 10-year starter who can take them all the way. To me, they don't know what Beck can do. They have lots of holes. If they can move back, great, but that's harder to do given the financial implications of the top pick. In general, you build from the lines, and it's harder to go wrong that way. Then you look into acquiring a veteran to compete with Beck. That would make sense to me.


Steve (Rochester, NY): How can players prospective draft positions change so much in a weekend where not one football game is played? Isn't their on-field production much more important than how times they can bench press 225lbs or how far they can leap? Isn't the combine at least a little over-rated?

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Mike Sando: (1:11 PM ET ) Perceptions change here, but I think things work themselves out as the draft approaches. Teams are smarter about not reading too much into a fast 40. You can't read too much into that at the top of the draft. General managers agree with your premise and in most cases I don't think they read too much into the combine results.


Rob (MS): Is there a chance Long is like Robert Gallery or will he turn into the Orlando Pace's of the world?

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Mike Sando: (1:13 PM ET ) There is always a chance, but the Raiders have had so many other problems that you wonder sometimes how a guy such as Gallery might have turned out elsewhere. I would be looking to build from the lines early in the draft. We've seen quite a few turn into long-term starters, even if they aren't as good as Pace, who was special.


Luis (SB, CA): Sando, what's your take on the Zach Thomas signing? Will he even start? It's a crowded LB corps but I think his intangibles are worth the 3 million that will be paid.

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Mike Sando: (1:14 PM ET ) The Cowboys are in good position to add a player with Thomas' credentials. They won't be counting on him to carry their defense. On the surface, the fit looks a little odd. The defense Parcells and Ireland built favored linebackers with much more size. The burden is now on the coaching staff to find a role for Thomas. The investment isn't off the charts by any means, but it's enough to make you think they plan to find a role for him that makes sense.



Devon (CLeveland): Mike, Whats your take on the Anderson situation? I believe that he is out of his mind to want Romo money!

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Mike Sando: (1:15 PM ET ) Derek Anderson is in a little bit of a tough spot because he's a restricted free agent, and the team has a highly regarded prospect behind him, and Anderson has done it only for one year. He doesn't have many options given that he is restricted. I think the Browns are in a great position there, and there's no need to overpay at this point.


JT (Atlanta): Mike, if building along the lines is recommended, as you suggest, do the Falcons go that route in taking Long or Dorsey instead of a playmaker? Or do they need a potential franchise guy like McFaddden or Ryan?

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Mike Sando: (1:18 PM ET ) To me you take Matt Ryan if you think he is THE guy. From outside appearances, he seems like the type of guy who handles himself well, and could become a face of the organization. If you are not convinced on him, I think you definitely look at the lines. Getting a big offensive lineman who brings attitude can help a team build in the right direction.


Larry (Cleveland): I agree. There is no reason for the Browns to overpay for Anderson, but what is the reason for Anderson to agree to a 3 year deal before free agency even starts?

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Mike Sando: (1:20 PM ET ) If Anderson thinks he's going to have another big season, he should sit back and collect as an unrestricted free agent next year. Then the money would be much, much better. Teams would be more willing to pay a guy with two good years on his resume.


Brandon (Bartlett IL): Mike, You just said 4 rbs will be taken in the top 10 of the draft and I think you are crazy. The top 3 are McFadden, Mendenhall, and Stewart in that order. If they are all going in the top 10 (their not), then who is the 4 rb going in the top 10?

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Mike Sando: (1:21 PM ET ) To clarify, Polian said four. I'd be guessing this early.


Jason (Houston, Tx): Will the NFL ever do anything to address the insane amounts of money that are now expected to be gauranteed to top picks. Mistakes at the top of a draft can set already bad teams back for years.

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Mike Sando: (1:22 PM ET ) The NFL very much wants to do something about the money at the top, but it's not an NFL decision. It's an NFL-NFLPA decision. The league has its hands full heading into the next round of negotiations, whenever that might be.


Andy (Tampa): Who would get your vote for worst set of skill people in the NFL? For me, if Berrian leaves its Chicago (Grossman, Benson, Bradly, Hester).

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Mike Sando: (1:24 PM ET ) You might have a point. Losing Berrian would hurt. I remember talking to a defensive coordinator last summer who told me Thomas Jones was the only guy they worried about when they played Chicago. The comment made more sense after what I saw last season. Take away Berrian and it seems as though the Bears would be moving in the wrong direction. Lovie Smith said he viewed Hester as a potential No. 1 receiver but I'm not sure you turn a return specialist into that type of player.


Ed (J'ville): Mike, do you think Ted Thompson is grinning in his office in Green Bay? 4 out of the 5 positions of need - CB, TE, OT, RB are some of the deepest positions in the draft. Where do you see Green Bay going?

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Mike Sando: (1:26 PM ET ) I think Ted always grins as the draft nears. He loves it. He loves picks. As I recall, no GM has exercised more picks since Thompson took over in Green Bay. I could see them taking an offensive lineman.


Ray Iowa: Well if Long is gone for the Chiefs isn't that a little high to take Clady? Who would they target then Ellis or Talib?

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Mike Sando: (1:27 PM ET ) Here is what I wonder about the Chiefs: If Ryan is there, do they consider pulling the trigger? It's not like they took Croyle in the first round.


Jason (OH): What do you see Pittsburgh doing in the draft? Personally I feel they need to address the O-Line and the Secondary. What players do you see them targeting at their draft position?

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Mike Sando: (1:30 PM ET ) Offensive line makes the most sense. Let's give them a Pitt guy like Jeff Otah. He's a huge prospect who could help solidify the line.


Sean (Seattle): Trufant: Career year, or unlocking his potential?

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Mike Sando: (1:31 PM ET ) Unlocking his potential, but I would say this: Seattle's investment in the safety position, coupled with Jim Mora's coaching and the arrival of Kerney, put Trufant in position to realize his potential. It's tough to make plays on the ball aggressively when the pass rush is inconsistent, or the safeties are not helping out enough. Lots of things came together for Trufant, and he made the most of the chance.


Scott (Bangor Maine): What do you think Randy Moss should do? Should he re-sign with the Pats or go for the Big Money in the Big-D?

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Mike Sando: (1:32 PM ET ) It's easy for me to say someone else should take less money, but to me the fit was right in New England. Moss is already a wealthy man. He said he's all about winning. That Super Bowl loss had to leave a bad taste. If I were him, I would consider coming back and trying to finish off the season right.



William (Miami, FL): With Marion Barber being a restricted free agent, what do you think the chances are of someone forfeiting a 1st and 3rd draft pick to the Cowboys should he be offered the maximum one year tender? In other words, do you think there's any shot of the Cowboys have three first round draft picks this year? That'd be one hell of a return for a guy they drafted in the 4th round who hasn't really proven he's an every down back yet.

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Mike Sando: (1:34 PM ET ) Marion Barber runs with abandon. Scouts absolutely love him. But I cannot see anyone giving up that kind of draft capital for him. The Cowboys would be in great position if that happened, but you can find running backs in the draft.


Eric(Indy): Jon Vilma wants to seek a trade with anyone except the Pats; Asante Samuel probably will play elsewhere next season along with RMoss and now Eugene Wilson. Are players starting to find out how much of a classless joke the Patriots really are?

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Mike Sando: (1:35 PM ET ) To clarify on Vilma, the Jets reportedly told him he could seek a trade with any team but New England. Vilma had nothing to do with that. Money is the most important factor in determining where players wind up. The Patriots have not been willing to pay their own players what other teams will pay for those players (Deion Branch comes to mind). Asante Samuel is simply the latest guy with a chance to cash in elsewhere.


Caleb (Macon, GA): I just read an article here on ESPN.com urging the Falcons and Dolphins to take the Browns' approach to this draft, in that they trade up for a late-first round selection to grab a QB if they don't want Ryan early. What are your thoughts?

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Mike Sando: (1:38 PM ET ) I think it's a good approach unless you know you've got a franchise QB at the top. The Colts took Peyton Manning. The Cleveland approach would not have served them better that year. Manning was considered the safe pick that year, and he was. Ryan Leaf was considered by some to be a less safe pick with more upside (as laughable as that sounds now). The Chargers would have been better off taking the approach you outlined. To me, you can't pass on the next Peyton Manning. But you have to be honest with yourself as a franchise and not guess on that guy if you are not sure.


Alex, (Tacoma): Earlier you mentioned the Seahawks need to address the RB situation. Would you see them possibly persuing Michael Turner?

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Mike Sando: (1:40 PM ET ) Possibly, but I wonder about the financial side of that one. Trufant's offer is eating more than $9 million in cap space. Does that leave enough to justify throwing a ton of money at a running back? I expect the running game to improve there as Mike Solari makes an impact as the offensive line coach. He gives them something they have not had in that role, and perhaps another reason to consider taking a more economical approach to the RB position.


Tom (Providence, RI): Do you think it makes sense for the Giants to target D. Hall? There look to be some quality LBs and DBs at their position in the draft for a fraction of the cost in $ and assets.

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Mike Sando: (1:42 PM ET ) I do not know Hall personally, but he is obviously outspoken. The Giants seemed to flourish when they let their play do the talking. Would Hall fit into that type of approach? That is a valid question. Also, teams play so much zone now that I'm not sure how smart it is to throw tons of money at a cover corner. Nate Clements had a good year for the 49ers, but how much did the Bills miss him?


PaulieP (Scottsdale): Will the addition of Solari and Wahle, along with offseason surgery, be enough to make Shaun a productive back again? Something like 1400 yds?

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Mike Sando: (1:44 PM ET ) THat would surprise me a little bit at this point, given Alexander's injury situation.


John (San Francisco): With Martz as offensive coordinator is Berrian a good fit in San Francisco, or should they look to the draft and maybe take a guy like Lavelle Hawkins early in the 2nd? Or considering their group of WRs should they do both?

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Mike Sando: (1:44 PM ET ) The 49ers need all the WR help they can get no matter the scheme. Adding Berrian would help them, no question. That position was a huge, huge disappointment to anyone who followed that team last season. Darrell Jackson made virtually no impact. They cut their No. 3 receiver early in the season. A mess.


Dan - San Jose: Justin Smith? Are the 49ers going back to the 4-3? Also...what do you make of their Rossum and Foster signings? Good bargains? Anyone else you see SF targeting Friday (Berrian, Faneca)?

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Mike Sando: (1:46 PM ET ) The 49ers have not had the personnel up front to run the 3-4 effectively. I'm not a big fan of switching schemes without switching staffs. To me, you commit to an approach and go from there. They committed to a 3-4, but just did not have the personnel. To answer your question directly, I have heard nothing of any plans to switch to a 4-3 this season.


Chad (DC): Mike, this may not be the best forum but I have a fantasy football question. I am in a 10 team, 10 keeper league (keppers have to be kept tomorrow). I am keeping: QB: Brady RB: LJ, J. Lewis, L. White, Rudi,T. Jones WR: PLax, Driver, Coles Need to keep one more: Owen Daniels, J. Shockey, or Reggie Brown.

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Mike Sando: (1:47 PM ET ) Owen Daniels intrigues me a little bit. Scouts I talk to like him. Shockey is the name guy there, but the Texans could improve as Schaub gets another year in the system. You would feel better about taking Daniels if it worked out, given that he is not a big name.


Joe - Mpls: Who do you see the Packers going after in free agency?

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Mike Sando: (1:48 PM ET ) The Packers? Free agency? In the same sentence?


Marc (Malden, MA): If the NFL wants to lower guaranteed money at the top of the 1st round, they should offer to raise guaranteed money at the bottom. It would at least put pressure on the NFLPA to show that they care about all players, not just the stars.

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Mike Sando: (1:49 PM ET ) I tend to agree with the basic premise there, and plan to write about the subject in an upcoming column.


Zac (MN): Hey Mike, what do you think the consensus would have been if the Browns finished with a top 5 pick and had to give it up for Brady Quinn? Would that make teams think twice about giving up next year's first rounder?

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Mike Sando: (1:50 PM ET ) They would definitely be questioning themselves, because having that top-five pick would have meant having a bad season. They gambled and won, so no worries.


Joe - Mpls: Very funny. Hey, wait, I forgot - where did those Ryan Pickett and Charles Woodson guys come from?

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Mike Sando: (1:51 PM ET ) You are right. But last year I the Packers spent about $200k in bonus money during the first month of free agency. Ted will be more aggressive than that -- how could he be less aggressive? -- but like Mike Reinfeldt, he doesn't believe in spending on free agents regularly.


John (Portland, ME): What do the "evil" Patriots do at #7 if they can't trade down? Gholston or best CB available?

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Mike Sando: (1:53 PM ET ) Conventional wisdom says a CB, but the Patriots do not always conform to conventional wisdom. They have built their team on the lines and picking that high would give them a chance to get another stud up front. I would never rule out that possibility with New England.


Joe Monte (San Diego): GM Jerry Reese has stated the Giants are not going to move Jeremy Shockey. Given he has missed a significant amount of playing time in his career, and that Kevin Boss has stepped in and has demonstrated the ability to play the position in the NFL, shouldn't the GMEN consider moving Shockey for draft picks, and, if so, what would Shockey bring back in return from a team (draft pick(s))?

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Mike Sando: (1:55 PM ET ) I'm not sure what kind of market there would be for Shockey in terms of multiple draft choices, given the injury concerns.

Joe - Mpls: Alge Crumpler to the Pack?

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Mike Sando: (1:57 PM ET ) I'm very interested to see what kind of money Crumpler commands based on how his knee checks out on a physical. Seattle has interest in him, and Crumpler likes Jim Mora by all accounts, but I think the Seahawks would be wary about throwing money around given the health concerns. Green Bay also would not pay a lot of money, based on precedent.


Paul (D.C.): Which of the projected top 5 has the best chance to slide (Dorsey, Long x2, McFadden, Ryan)?

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Mike Sando: (1:59 PM ET ) The Dorsey combine chatter intrigues me very much. In one report, a team doctor raised big concerns about Dorsey's health. But if that doc worked for a team that hoped Dorsey would slide, what then? To answer your question directly, I might go with Dorsey and Ryan as the guys with potential to slide, Dorsey on the injury concern and Ryan if people aren't sold on him as a franchise guy. I won't be surprised if Dorsey goes high and some of this recent chatter turns out to be overblown. But we'll see. Hard to see through the smoke sometimes.

Jonathan (Dallas, TX): Alex Smith isn't a bust right? RIGHT?!?!?!?! (Lie to me if you have to)

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Mike Sando: (2:01 PM ET ) I'm reminded of what Steve Young says frequently: Quarterbacks have a hard time succeeding when they aren't backed by strong organizations. The 49ers have had problems that way. Nolan's handling of Smith showed how much the 49ers missed Norv Turner. Martz gives SF a guy who will handle the situation better, but it's fair to wonder if Smith is damaged goods and might benefit from a change of scenery.


mike (az): did you feel bad for answering joe-mpls with a sarcastic joke or are you big a packers fan also?

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Mike Sando: (2:03 PM ET ) Feeling terrible about it. Kidding. Not a big Packers fan. I know Ted Thompson well and have ribbed him about inactivity in free agency, so my comment was in that vein. You can't argue with the approach after a 13-win season.


Terrence ( Chicago): Why is this such a weak free agent market? Any marquee safeties?

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Mike Sando: (2:04 PM ET ) We had double-digit franchise players. We have more teams re-signing their guys before free agency. It's a weird situation. The cap has gone way up, but teams aren't finding guys worthy of the investment in free agency. A lot of bad money is spent addressing needs. Hamlin had a chance to make money at the safety position, but even he got franchised.


PaulieP (Scottsdale): Sando grew up a Raiders fan, something we hated when he was in Seattle. Best Hawks analysis came from a Raiders fan. Disgraceful.

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Mike Sando: (2:06 PM ET ) Hey, you are blowing my cover! I did grow in Northern California, back when Al Davis' sweatsuits were in style!


Matt (CT): Can the Giants franchise Wilson? Will they?

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Mike Sando: The franchise deadline has passed. So has my chat deadline. We've gone an hour, and then some. Thanks for dropping by. Sorry if I missed your question. Catch you next time.
 

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Ron (Charlotte, NC): Do you really believe Miami really needs to invest big on a QB this year early? It's hard to fathom that they don't like Beck and that he won't get a shot. The media has inexplicably assumed that Miami doesn't have a quarterback. I am so confused. Beck had some nice moments on a horrid team. Is he really what Ireland views as the possible future?

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Mike Sando: (1:09 PM ET ) The Dolphins have so many needs. They can't take a QB that early unless they KNOW he's a 10-year starter who can take them all the way. To me, they don't know what Beck can do. They have lots of holes. If they can move back, great, but that's harder to do given the financial implications of the top pick. In general, you build from the lines, and it's harder to go wrong that way. Then you look into acquiring a veteran to compete with Beck. That would make sense to me.

Personally, I think any supposed interest in Ryan by Miami is a blatant smokescreen with the express purpose of getting Atlanta to give up one of its' two 2nd rounders to move up to #1 overall.

I think the Falcons would love to draft him as the new face of the franchise and the 'anti-Vick' in an effort to move on and re-energize the fanbase.
 

alancdc

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Why did someone ask him about Moss and going after BIG money in Big D? I didn't realize we were going to offer him big money? Did I miss something?
 

Stash

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alancdc;1971283 said:
Why did someone ask him about Moss and going after BIG money in Big D? I didn't realize we were going to offer him big money? Did I miss something?

Czarnecki from FoxSports.com reported that it was a rumor making the rounds.
 

speedkilz88

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He started off well with the explanation about the cost at the top of the draft, but then the guy shows a lack of Cowboys knowledge when he mentions Zach Thomas seems an odd fit since Parcells and Ireland built the defense. I mean what the heck does that have to do with Phillips' 3-4?
 

Bob Sacamano

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speedkilz88;1971294 said:
He started off well with the explanation about the cost at the top of the draft, but then the guy shows a lack of Cowboys knowledge when he mentions Zach Thomas seems an odd fit since Parcells and Ireland built the defense. I mean what the heck does that have to do with Phillips' 3-4?

this is what I was about to point out, he basically said nothing
 
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