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- Reaction score
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Jules (Boston): Hey Chris! Are you really as funny as Scoop says? Will Ricky be cleared and if so, can the Dolphins package him to move up for Cutler? I hear they like Brody but his injury history is scary!
Chris Mortensen: Ricky Williams is not enough to jump to the top three or four spots. That is elite territory, especially in this year's draft and the Dolphins can't afford the price. Croyle and Whitehurst might be interesting targets. Croyle will need two years of physical development in the weight room before he can even hope to play in the NFL. But once he is developed, he could be extremely good.
Patrick (Buffalo, NY): Mort, who do you see the Bills going after with the #8 pick? I think a trade for some extra picks is the way to go...
Chris Mortensen: It's a pretty darn good top 10 so they need to stay at 8 and see who slides to them before entertaining a trade on the clock. Extra picks also could be attractive because in this somewhat tight salary cap environment it always helps to go that route.
Tony( Atlanta, Ga): How you doing chris, my question for you is what wideout do you see the bears going after this off season? And do you think thats all they need to win it all next year?
Chris Mortensen: They could use another wideout but let's see who is on the market. They can't pour big money into another guy...I think they need to stay the course, shore up the secondary and hope that Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton continue to grow at QB.
Allen (NC): Any new news with the CBA? What are they thinking?! Isn't this really going to hurt the players? They could end up playing for less money, only the stars would get the big bucks. They lose their 401k and insurance. It sounds like the players are the one to lose everything. What are the owners going to lose?
Chris Mortensen: Good questions..don't know if I have all the answes. But the players will only have a tighter money market this year...after this year, there will be plenty of money. Sure, big stars may get more but there will be plenty to go around...and no salary cap can work for the players. There will be another CBA at some point and that will address benefits...in the uncapped year '07 under this current agreement, owners do not make their annual contribution to most of the benefit funds but the following years will certainly be negotiated with those things in tact. Could there be a strike/lockout in '08? Sure but a deal will get done at some point. Owners will lose the safety net of cost controls but good management, scouting, coaching will still rule in this league - perhaps more than ever. That may not be a bad thing. It's not a very good league right now in terms of quality of game and the current system is a contributor to that demise.
Bob (Los Angeles, CA): Do you think it would be a good pick for the 49ers to take TE Vernon Davis at the number six spot?
Chris Mortensen: Yes, Vernon Davis should be available then but there could be some other interesting guys like Chris Huff and AJ Hawk, too.
Clint, Ohio: Please clarify your statement: "It's not a very good league right now in terms of quality of game..."
Chris Mortensen: The league is a bad league right now. The quality of play is marginal at best. Too many rookies and young players are forced onto the field too early. The pereception of parity - that a team can turn it around in one year - creates an owner and public unrest when things don't go right. That triggers too many firings, too many changes, and that affects the game. It's one reason why quarterbacks struggle in this league, too. Deep subject.
fred (houston, tx): how likely are the texans to keep the pick and draft reggie bush?
Chris Mortensen: I'd say 80 percent sure they'll keep it. But this is a great year to have the first pick because there are 3 quarterbacks and three teams picking at 2,3 & 4 that might need QBs. So play the poker game, see if somebody like the Saints want to slide up to 1 to insure their QB of choice and still get Bush or Mario Williams of NC State.
Mike (Los Banos, CA): What is going on with the Chargers and Drew Brees? Is his shoulder that bad of an injury or are the Chargers being REALLY hard headed?
Chris Mortensen: The Chargers are hard-headed. Brees shoulder did not have any rotator cuff damage...he should be ready for the start of the season but I'm not sure the Chargers would change their negotiating posture even if Brees were healthy. He wants to be a Charger. I know that.
Brian (Durham, NC): Do you think the NFL will ever see a cap on rookie contracts, ala the NBA?
Chris Mortensen: Maybe, but there is a rookie pool that controls costs somewhat adn still allows for some creativity. I don't know if it will ever reach the stricter NBA model on rookies.
Al (Toronto, ON): What is all the hype with Jay Cutler? Is he that good and if so what team would best suit him?
Chris Mortensen: The "hype" is the media awakening because Cutler didn't really get national exposure at Vanderbilt. One very prominent GM laughed about this when we had a discussion recently. He said, "I've been on Cutler since he was a sophomore."
Jason PHoenix Az: the Cardinals at #9? if vernon davis falls this offense will be huge!!
Chris Mortensen: As good as Davis is, another offensive weapon in the passing game is not necessarily the move the Cards should make. Now a RB, a bigtime O-lineman, an impact defensive player - those are things. However, Denny Green is one to take whoever he believes is the best player, regardless of position or need.
Alex (San Diego, CA): Any news on T.O.??
Chris Mortensen: No, it's quiet and he's one of the guys probably hurt by a lack of CBA extension. He probably will be released next week or perhaps even in the next 24 hours.
Mike (St. Louis): So 2007 will be uncapped. The cap will then never return or be much, much higher than before. How will the small market teams compete?
Chris Mortensen: The same way they competed before - by good management, scouting and coaching. The Pittsburgh Steelers - perhaps the most dominant dynasty ever - were not a big market team. The Florida Marlins won two World Series in MLB. How did that happen? And the revenue sharing will still exist in the NFL with plenty of money coming in.
Marlon Oakland Ca: if you were the raiders and Mario Williams, AJ Hawk, or Michael Huff were available, who would you take?
Chris Mortensen: Mario Williams. I have some head coaches and personnel people who believe he may, in fact, be the best player in this draft along with Bush.
Chris (New Jersey): Will the Jets and Pennington come to an agreement? If not, what is Chad's future in free agency?
Chris Mortensen: He won't get a starting job, at least I don't think. I'm sure the Chiefs would like to sign him as a backup but Chad won't have a big market out there - I don't think anyway.
Todd (Arlington, VA): Who will the Steelers be looking at in the first round? Is there going to be any stud running back available in the late first round?? I know they have Fast Willie Parker, but I just not sold on him?
Chris Mortensen: The Steelers have always had a good talent base and what they'v e really done well in the last five years or so is target a specific need and go get that guy in the first round. I agree with you. I could see them targeting an RB but it's a tough climb from 32 to, say, the top 15. Lendale White of USC would be an ideal big back. Otherwise, I'm sure they'll get a guy they like.
Mary (Oxnard, CA): Mort, is Jay Cutler as good as recent reports are telling us? Why, then, did he end up at Vandy and not some elite program?
Chris Mortensen: Why did Brett Favre end up at Southern Mississippi? Why did Daunte Culpepper end up at Central Florida? Ben Roethlisberger at Miami, Ohio? Because high schools guys change physically and colleges do a pretty bad job of evaluating these guys.
Dave Detroit: Do you think Martz and Marinelli will work well together in Detroit? Thank you.
Chris Mortensen: I am assuming they would. Marinelli does not have the type of ego that will worry about any attention Martz gets. He knows how difficult it was to play Martz's offense. Can their be bumps? Sure. There are supposed to be.
Joe (Morgantown, WV): Chris, The uncapped year will not be what everyone thinks for the players and teams. It takes 6 years to be an UFA, not 4; the final 8 playoff teams can sign an UFA only if they lose one; teams have an extra transition designation, giving them three protection tags, and the cap will not impede them from using every single one, like before; there is no minimum cap, so some teams might decide to abuse the system and streamline player costs; and with no cap, more players will be re-signed, further diminishing the free agent market. In the end, there could be less player movement in the NFL since the Plan B Free Agency era.
Chris Mortensen: Yes, for 2007 what you're saying is all true. However, a Restricted Free Agent may get a much bigger offe.r...and the model will change 2008.....I have a phone calll...be back in a few.
Evan (New Freedom, PA): I disagree that Cutler is as talented as everybody is thinking. He has average stats, minus the passing yards, and he did it all against a weak schedule. Vandy went 5-6, but since Cutler had a load of TD's in the last 3 games, he's supposed to be talented?
Chris Mortensen: I saw him play...when you pay attention and watch him play, you will understand how good he is.
Shaun (Seattle Wa): Chris, what's the status of Shaun Alexander? Is he coming back to the Hawks or going to the highest bidder? Thank you
Chris Mortensen: I think the Seahawks will have the best offer for Alexander.
Jason (Madison,SD): Mort, Do the niners have any shot of keepin Julian Peterson?
Chris Mortensen: No, don't think so.
Bo (Honlulu, HI): With the Raiders dropping to the 7 spot after losing the coin toss, its unlikely that Hawk and Williams will be there. Who do they take?
Chris Mortensen: No way on Williams. Hawk, maybe.
Will (Boise, ID): If the Colts lose James, who are some possible relacements (via draft or FA?) Will this be a HUGE blow to the offense? If you had to pick one of the Triplets go, would it be James?
Chris Mortensen: If I hadf to pick one of the triplets to keep, it's
Chris Mortensen: I have to run...sorry if it went a little slow...phone has been ringing off the hook....we'll talk soon. God Bless!
Patrick (Buffalo, NY): Mort, who do you see the Bills going after with the #8 pick? I think a trade for some extra picks is the way to go...
Tony( Atlanta, Ga): How you doing chris, my question for you is what wideout do you see the bears going after this off season? And do you think thats all they need to win it all next year?
Allen (NC): Any new news with the CBA? What are they thinking?! Isn't this really going to hurt the players? They could end up playing for less money, only the stars would get the big bucks. They lose their 401k and insurance. It sounds like the players are the one to lose everything. What are the owners going to lose?
Bob (Los Angeles, CA): Do you think it would be a good pick for the 49ers to take TE Vernon Davis at the number six spot?
Clint, Ohio: Please clarify your statement: "It's not a very good league right now in terms of quality of game..."
fred (houston, tx): how likely are the texans to keep the pick and draft reggie bush?
Mike (Los Banos, CA): What is going on with the Chargers and Drew Brees? Is his shoulder that bad of an injury or are the Chargers being REALLY hard headed?
Brian (Durham, NC): Do you think the NFL will ever see a cap on rookie contracts, ala the NBA?
Al (Toronto, ON): What is all the hype with Jay Cutler? Is he that good and if so what team would best suit him?
Jason PHoenix Az: the Cardinals at #9? if vernon davis falls this offense will be huge!!
Alex (San Diego, CA): Any news on T.O.??
Mike (St. Louis): So 2007 will be uncapped. The cap will then never return or be much, much higher than before. How will the small market teams compete?
Marlon Oakland Ca: if you were the raiders and Mario Williams, AJ Hawk, or Michael Huff were available, who would you take?
Chris (New Jersey): Will the Jets and Pennington come to an agreement? If not, what is Chad's future in free agency?
Todd (Arlington, VA): Who will the Steelers be looking at in the first round? Is there going to be any stud running back available in the late first round?? I know they have Fast Willie Parker, but I just not sold on him?
Mary (Oxnard, CA): Mort, is Jay Cutler as good as recent reports are telling us? Why, then, did he end up at Vandy and not some elite program?
Dave Detroit: Do you think Martz and Marinelli will work well together in Detroit? Thank you.
Joe (Morgantown, WV): Chris, The uncapped year will not be what everyone thinks for the players and teams. It takes 6 years to be an UFA, not 4; the final 8 playoff teams can sign an UFA only if they lose one; teams have an extra transition designation, giving them three protection tags, and the cap will not impede them from using every single one, like before; there is no minimum cap, so some teams might decide to abuse the system and streamline player costs; and with no cap, more players will be re-signed, further diminishing the free agent market. In the end, there could be less player movement in the NFL since the Plan B Free Agency era.
Evan (New Freedom, PA): I disagree that Cutler is as talented as everybody is thinking. He has average stats, minus the passing yards, and he did it all against a weak schedule. Vandy went 5-6, but since Cutler had a load of TD's in the last 3 games, he's supposed to be talented?
Shaun (Seattle Wa): Chris, what's the status of Shaun Alexander? Is he coming back to the Hawks or going to the highest bidder? Thank you
Jason (Madison,SD): Mort, Do the niners have any shot of keepin Julian Peterson?
Bo (Honlulu, HI): With the Raiders dropping to the 7 spot after losing the coin toss, its unlikely that Hawk and Williams will be there. Who do they take?
Will (Boise, ID): If the Colts lose James, who are some possible relacements (via draft or FA?) Will this be a HUGE blow to the offense? If you had to pick one of the Triplets go, would it be James?
