Matt Williamson: Let's get rolling a little bit early today!
Adam (Washington, DC): Matt, I keep hearing people talk about Fred Smoot as the weak link on the Skins D. Is it just me or has he had a very solid season, playing especially well since Carlos Rogers went down against NE?
Matt Williamson: Agreed. He was considered the weak link going into the season, but he has played well. I don't think he is a great player or anything, but has exceeded expectations for sure.
Steve/ San Diego: With all the injuries that the Titans have on offense, how do you see them scoring enough to beat L.T. and the Chargers?
Matt Williamson: I really don't. They have terrible weapons to begin with and certainy cannot afford to lose Scaife and Williams-plus VY isn't going to be as mobile. Tenn is in big trouble.
Malik (Philly): Matt; What must the Eagles to get better? And do you agree with A. Reid that the Eagles are just a player ot two away?
Matt Williamson: I do agree with Reid. One of those players has to be a legit big receiver-either a true #1 WR or a stud TE. Will help in the red zone tremendously. A DE opposite Cole would be a fine addition as well and then youth/dpeth in the secondary and OL.
McKinney, Texas: Who do you think is the better MLB between James Laurinaitis, Rey Maualuga, and Dan Connor? And if you where the Saints with the 10th pick, which one would be a better fit?
Matt Williamson: I like Maualuga the best, but he prob is staying at USC. I guess I would take Laurenitits over Connor for NO-nastier. They need a trend setter on D.
Alap (NJ): Why are so many people on the Giants bandwagon since they had a "moral victory" against the Pats. They are still 1-5 against playoff teams and have a very inconsistent QB, and poor playoff record. Is there something I'm missing?
Matt Williamson: I think all those things you said are true and valid. I don't think many out there are expecting them to win the whole thing, but they are excellent on the road and should play TBay very tough. I personally like TBay in that game, but it was a tough call for me.
John (DC): Matt, what's next for Cameron? OC in Buffalo would be an excellent fit. He could utilize Lynch much like he used LT in SD.
Matt Williamson: That certainly is not a bad call-same with OC in Dallas if Garrett leaves. But remember, he now has a pile of $$$ from that Head Coaching contract and doesn't have to jump into anything.
pete rockville, MD: Does Jim Haslett get any consideration for another head coaching chance?
Matt Williamson: I would think so and I got the feeling that STL would consider him if they can Linehan. That D played hard the entire year, but still-more production is needed.
Tank(Melbourne FL): Do you think the dolphins should trade down in the draft and is there any big time secondary players they can get in free agency
Matt Williamson: A Samuel from NEng! Trufant, although he could be franchised. Yes, trading down is the right move, but it is also easier said than done for a fair price. So expensive to sign that pick.
Dan: (Buffalo, NY): Alright that Cameron question doesn't count as a Bills question, so you have to answer this one too. Who do you see the Bills getting in the offseason to take that next step towards the playoffs?
Matt Williamson: Okay-you convinced me. First off, they really need one more big weapon to complement Evans. Big strong WR or a field stretching TE. After that, move to D and attack it on all levels. Big run stuffing DT first, CB next and then one more playmaking LB-probably at MLB.
Mike (Boca Raton): The national media hasn't made much out of the fact that the steelers (players) voted j. harrison team mvp over roethlisberger. have you heard the rumors that roethlisberger isn't well-liked among his teammates?
Matt Williamson: I live here in Pittsburgh and don't think that is the case. Obviously Ben deserved the award-obvously. Might just be a "nice gesture" type of situation. Still-kinda odd.
Ed (Boston): Wouldn't signing Samuel eat up so much cap space that they wouldn't be able to address other areas?
Matt Williamson: It sure wouldn't be cheap, but I expct Miami to cut some vets and open up a lot of room.
Justin (Queens): The Jets need a pass rusher in the worst way. With the 6th pick, who should Tannumbaum go get?
Matt Williamson: I think the Jets need a LOT. Yes, a pass rusher for sure is a priority, but I also have zero faith in either of their lines. Some names-C Long would be awesome, but probably gone-still, there are nto a lot of true 3-4 DL at the top of this draft. Could be a good trade down team to get a OG, RT, DE, NT and OLB....at least!
Kelly (New York): What position in the NFL,would you say is more prone to having a player in college do well and then coming to the NFL and being a total BUST?
Matt Williamson: QB is the obvious answer-the game is just SO much faster and the QB has to decipher so many more coverages much quicker. Next? Hmm, seems like a lot of WR busts as well.
Mike (Washington): My favorite part of the NFC pro-bowl team was that the waste-of-space Roy Williams wasn't on it. How was he 1st alternate.
Matt Williamson: I hear ya there. Undeserving, but...how many good NFC safeties were there this year? Small group.
Kenny ( Florida): If Atlanta get the 4th or 5th picks, do you think we have any chance to draft Darren Mcfadden?
Matt Williamson: Doubtful, but Peterson lasted longer than that! RB is a tough thing, because you can often plug in a decent player and get very good production.
Mike (NYC): Matt - Giants are playing in the NFC championship, you can no doubt in my mind, just thought you should know
Matt Williamson: Wow-thanks for that. Come see me in a few weeks.
Devon (OH): hey matt, should the browns look to sign or draft a no. 2 wr because joe jurevicious isnt getting any younger?
Matt Williamson: Maybe draft a WR in the 3rd round or so, but that isn't a major need. DEFENSE!
Jon (orlando): Is it wierd that the one team that want a three week blizzard in the northeast is the Jags, I think they would be happy with a game being a 9 on 7 drill. What do you think?
Matt Williamson: JAX is designed to be a cold weather playoff type of team. Massive. Physical. Run oriented. Not a ton of risks. Perfect for the slop. Plus, Pittsburgh isn't as adept as they used to be and if PGH wins, it will be on Roethlisberger's arm.
Adam Brooklyn: What do you think of Eddie Royal at the mext level. i think he will be one of those hidden gems like MJD.
Matt Williamson: He is okay-not NEARLY as physical as MJD. Wouldn't spend a 2nd rounder on Royal.
Bill Murray (Buffalo, NY): ..."playmaking LB-probably at MLB"...Does this mean you are not sold on Pozlusney? Also, it doesnt look like any 1st round TEs in this draft, so do you like Sweet, Kelly, or other with the #11?
Matt Williamson: I like Puz a lot, but he could even better at WLB than MLB. Sweet?
Matt,Mpls: Is there a WR worth taking at 17 for the Vikings?
Matt Williamson: Sure. It will depend on which juniors declare of course, but a few names: M Kelly, E Doucet, D Jackson, M Manningham-although those last two are not bigger guys
Jon: Columbus, OH: Chad Johnson. Does he stay or does go go? Thanks.
Matt Williamson: I would keep him for sure, but I wouldn't doubt that he leaves. He is a much better WR than Housh-which isnt a big knock on Housh, but 85 is an elite WR.
Ahmed (Queens, NY): "sweet?" I think Bill Murray was refering to Limas Sweed from Texas
Matt Williamson: Threw me off there-yeah, you are probably right. Depends how "Sweet" runs. Could be an excellent 2nd rounder-same with A Bowman. Pretty early to really pinpoint where these guys are going to go ya know!
Navarro Fisher, Dallas, Texas: Why is no one giving the Titans a chance to win on Sunday? I didn't see anything in the first game to lead me to believe it will be a high scoring affair. SD was dominated for 3.5 quarters. If the game stays close, what makes you believe Titans have no chance?
Matt Williamson: SD is playing quite well on both sides of the ball. Game is in SD. Rivers has improved. LT is a man on a mission. Tenn has zero weapons. Sure, Tenn's impressive D could keep it very close, but I don't trust the Titans to score points.
Keith (Dallas, TX): Jamal Charles a 2nd rounder, correct? Does it make sense to come out early to be chosen anywhere but the 1st?
Matt Williamson: Depends what your $$$ situation is like-who are we to say? Charles could go higher-he is going to post a blazing 40 time. I do think he is behind McFadden, Mendenhall and Stewart for sure though-all of those guys are juniors though.
Joe (Houston): Please tell me the Texans finally address their LT position. Will Clady, Otah, and Baker all be available? Who fits their zone scheme best. thanks.
Matt Williamson: Not sure that Clady will still be there. The other two should be. Otah is a big project-tons of upside, but won't make as quick of an impact. Clady would be ideal. Oher also makes a lot of sense. Is LT their biggest need? Not positive on that, but they can't pass a very good LT prospect.
Mike (Boca Raton): how did usc lose to stanford?
Matt Williamson: Amazing, huh? Even with all those injuries---geez. Could be the best team in the NCAA right now. Playoff!
Steve (Baltimore): No good safeties in the NFC? How about LaRon Landry for the 'Skins. He hasen't played like a rookie this year and is playing way above expectations. His play has saved the 'Skins secondary due to the death of Sean Taylor. He is much more deserving than a slice of toast (I mean Roy Williams).
Matt Williamson: I agree and didn't say that there are zero good safeties-but it is slim pickings this year. T Jackson in TBay is a very good rookie S as well.
Anthony (Nashville, TN): The Titans will score at least once if not twice on Defense and that will be the difference in the Upset win.
Matt Williamson: Make no mistake, I am NOT a P Rivers fan-so sure, that could happen. However-quite a weak limb to walk out on.
Majeed (San Diego): M-Dub, Can you believe the Bolts game is not a sell-out and it might be blacked out? How crazy is that!
Matt Williamson: Just terrible. Come on!!!
Tom (CA): Matt, Can you see Pacells going after Alex Smith, JP Losman or Pennington to try and upgrade thier QB problem?
Matt Williamson: I don't see Smith moving. The other two? Maybe. BUT-they need to figure out what O and D they are going to play first! big armed guy? Short precision passing?
Majeed: M-Dub, It's supposed to rain cats & dogs this weekend. I guess that's what's keeping all the Charger fans away.
Matt Williamson: Afraid to get wet? Geez.
Keith (Iowa): In three years how scary would an offense be built around Adrian Peterson, Tarvaris Jackson, Sidney Rice, and possibly DeSean Jackson?
Matt Williamson: T Jackson stinks...so not very scary.
Catherine OR: Will a new OC really make a difference in SF with Nolan as the HC and Smith as the QB?
Matt Williamson: Have to see who they hire first, BUT-SF has a new OC EVERY year! So tough on everyone, but esp A Smith. Need some stability there in a huge way.
Jack (richmond Hill): What are the Jets going to do with Vilma? He has become expendable with the way Harris filled in. If he makes a comeback would they move him to WLB?
Matt Williamson: They have to trade him. Should be plenty of suitors. If not, cut him? Maybe.
Jimmy (MD): Matt, thanks for that T Jackson comment.. I just lost a bit of my drink on my desk. Oh well, company property!
Matt Williamson: No sweat Jimmy...make your Friday go a litlte quicker. That is what I am here for brother.
Chris (CT): No one is showing any love for the Skins except Mike Greenberg (GULP), do they have a shot?
Matt Williamson: GREAT story. Just an okay team. I see them getting beaten pretty handily this weekend. Still, pretty impressive way to finish up the season. Just don't see them hanging with Sea's now fully healthy passing attack. Plus, Collins is going to get hit.
Joe (Omaha): What will the Bears do about their QB? Ryan and Brohm will both be gone.
Matt Williamson: They do not have a starter on their present roster. Cut ties with Grossman! Orton is your #2. Losman? Hmmm, maybe. They NEED a strong armed QB in that weather. A Woodson could still be on the board. I would not spend a ton of draft picks to trade up though-too many other needs.
Devon (OH): hey matt, do you think that chudzynski will take the ravens job?
Matt Williamson: If it is offered to him-for sure. Pretty good job! Still, like Chi, they really need to somehow find a QB. But, some pieces in place there and a tremendous front office/scouting staff.
Cody, Minneapolis MN: Your right Matt, Jackson does stink! So, what do the Vikings do about their weakness at QB?
Matt Williamson: If McNabb is on the market-overpay for him! However, McNabb should never go on the market. D Anderson? Pennington? Losman? Of that crew, Pennington seems like a good fit-keep building the D and running game and let Pennington manage the game. Wouldn't want to bring in another rook.
Callie (Meriden CT): Hello Matt, Seems like there's quite a few teams that need an upgrade at QB. Are there enough FA QB's to go around?
Matt Williamson: Not even close. Real QB shortage in the NFL right now.
Mike (San Fran): MW- What do you think about the Niners looking at a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round to give A. Smith some competition? Maybe a Flacco or Brennan? They certainly need to upgrade WR and OL/DL as well.
Matt Williamson: They do have some needs for sure, including DL. Yes, it is time to draft someone pretty high (not first pick though) to grow into AT LEAST a backup.
Jeff (Buffalo, NY): Matt, Thanks for the time today. I've been spending a lot of time looking at team's front offices and I came across Greg Gabriel of the Bears; he looks like he might be a great fit for the Bills as the new GM. Buffalo Native, successful drafts (specifically with the Cover 2 D), has a history with Jauron. He could continue his focus on college and work with John Guy on the pro player personnel side. Thoughts?
Matt Williamson: No inside knowledge if he will make that move for sure or not, but I think you stumbled accross something there Jethro.
Eric (Sioux City): Wouldn't Erik Ainge represent great value in the 3rd for the Bears or 49ers?
Matt Williamson: VERY much so. I am a HUGE fan of Ainge. Much more so than others I have read. He will surprise.
Doug (NY): Is it 'first team to 20, wins' in the Bucs/Giants game?
Matt Williamson: Sounds about right. Looking forward to that one for sure. TBay's D is very tough.
Glenn Dorsey (LSU): What team colors with I be suiting up in next year?
Matt Williamson: Wow, tough call Glenn. Miami is the obvious choice, but my guess is that they will implement a 3-4-which would be a waste of your immense talents. Won't last too long though.
Eric (Sioux City): Will Hester, Cribbs, Leon, Parrish, etc force teams to start spending higher picks on their coverage units and K/Ps?
Matt Williamson: Not on K/Ps, but I do think teams will take more and more pure returners on DDay and wont mind holding a roster spot for that guy who doesn't play O or D.
Tim (Rochester, NY): Javon Walker wants out of Denver, where do you see him ending up?
Matt Williamson: Gotta think there will be a lot of teams interested-okay, off the top of my head: Tenn for sure!, TBay, KC, Oak, Buff, Miami, Carolina, NYG?, Wash?, Philly, Minn, SF....probably missing a few teams too!
Kenny ( Florida): Glenn good luck in the Nation Championship. I hope you can suit up with the Falcons. Matt, what is the biggest need for the Falcons?
Matt Williamson: 1. QB, 2. LOTS of OL. A lot of fans are pushing hard for McFadden and I can surely see why, but they need the foundation first (including some more D help).
Sam (Fla): Matt, Do you think Ted Ginn Jr. was a strecth at the #9 pick overall pick, and what should us Dolphins fans expect from Ginn from here on out?
Matt Williamson: I wasn't overly critical of the pick at the time. Yes, it was a bit early for sure, but I saw Ginn as D Hester Light as a returner nd he still could develop into that. Will be a difference maker as a returner. At WR, I think he is a going be a very good big play #2 WR who could really use a proven guy on the other side of him.
Stu (Houston): Any good guards in April's draft?
Matt Williamson: Not a great interior OL draft from how it looks right now. The best guy is probably Duke Robinson at OU, but he is a junior. If he declares, he probably goes late in the first round. Could be a very strong OT draft though.
Anthony (NYC): Matt with all the turnover going on with Baltimore, is it likely that Suggs will be available in free agency or does he get hit with the franchise tag?
Matt Williamson: Franchise. Ozzie Newsome is still there and he is exceptional. Knows how good and young Suggs can be. Building block of that D.
Raider Nation: You can't ignore us forever! Say something - good, bad or indifferent! Even tho it is usually something bad...
Matt Williamson: Yes, it is bad...but it is better than it was one year ago. You guys do have some needs yet though!
Brad(NM): What team does Calais Campbell best suit?
Matt Williamson: A LOT of teams would love to have a 6' 8" physical freak who can rush the passer!! He needs much more consistency, but there is a lot to like there.
Steven (tulsa): how does the 3-way tie for the #3 pick get sorted out? if the chiefs pick at #5, can they still get jake long?
Matt Williamson: Doubt J Long is still there at #5. I think it comes down to coin flips at the Combine. Maybe rock/paper/scissors.
Brad Childress: Tarvaris Jackson is by no strecth of the imagination a stellar quarterback but for only having started 14 games I would take Jackson before Eli, Alex Smith, Matt Leinert, or Matt Schaub.
Matt Williamson: I wouldn't...well, maybe A Smith. NO WHERE close to Schaub or Eli.
Dave (SF): Willis just got Defensive Rookie of the year. Will he get any votes for Defensive Player of the Year?
Matt Williamson: He should, but
D Ware, A Haynesworth and B Sanders are all far more worthy.
Paul (Baltimore): What will the Ravens do with the #8 pick in the draft?
Matt Williamson: Only two options here: CB or QB.
Mike Shanahan: Matt, you think I should hire Rob Ryan and stick it even further to "Da Raiders" and specifically Al Davis?
Matt Williamson: Ryan is an excellent DC, but I think you stick with Bates, who has a good track record as well.
TD (Boston): Would the Pats go CB at #7 - are there any worth the #7?
Matt Williamson: They might have to if Samuel walks. Still, I would bet on a trade down and I have a hunch that they really like Laurenitis. Are Jenkins from Ohio St or Cason worthy of such a high pick? Hard to say right now, but probably not. They won't reach.
Mark (San Francisco): What's up Matt? Not to get ahead of ourselves, but are the Packers poised to be a successful team for year's to come, given the fact that they're one of the youngest teams in the league?
Matt Williamson: VERY much so...but, that QB they have isn't a spring chicken and while Rodgers could be very good some day, we don't know that.
Mike (San Diego): M-Dub, Laurinitis to the Pats at 7?? They are going to be stupid good again next season. The exact opposite of the Falcons.
Matt Williamson: Yup
Tom (Seattle): Thanks, Matt, for finally showing the Hawks some love! Sportsnation poll has the Hawks as the team most likely to be upset this weekend. How does beating a fading Minnesota, a not-trying Dallas, a wishy washy Giants, and a bad Chicago team make you capable of winning in Qwest. The Hawks do not lose at home people!!
Matt Williamson: Still amazes me that fans around the country do not know how much of a home field advantage that Sea really has. Samuels and Heyer are going to have a tough time hearing the snap...not good against Kearney, Tapp and Peterson!
Greg (Pitts): Matt - Why won't the Steelers and Feneca settle up on an amount? He is their best lineman and there is talk about moving him to LT with the injuries. It would ba shame to see him go.
Matt Williamson: I hear ya, but he is also beginning to decline and they feel that they can use that huge amount of $$$ in better spots. Still, this OL is terrible and yes he is the best guy. Could also lose Starks. PGH might need to find as many as 3 new starting OLinemen this offseason.
Adam Brooklyn: BTW the best corners in College football are Talib and Jenkins.....from South Florida.
Matt Williamson: Those two are excellent. How about Talib last night? Fine work. Not sure the top CB has stepped up yet.
Dylan (Detroit): Haven't seen any Lions talk yet and good reason for it. Do they go OT or DB with the first pick? Probably WR, but we won't consider that here...
Matt Williamson: Well, I guess they are "fortunate" enough to have plenty of needs, so they don't have to take just one spot. You touched on two big ones though. S Rogers could be shipped out and that D is based on great DL play. Even with Rogers, they need a DE. They need a lot Dylan.
Joe (IA City): Charles Godfrey will be considered one of the best CBs after the combine.
Matt Williamson: Good call. Under the radar guy who many will get more familiar with in the next couple of months. Okay folks, I am out! It was a lot of fun as usual.
