Quick Slants

Safety Gibril Wilson will be a Cincinnati Bengal. Will sign shortly, but team thinks he can bring a lot to Bengals defense.

Jamarcus Russell is released today

Al Davis publicly declared it himself: He wanted JaMarcus Russell. Lane Kiffin wanted Calvin Johnson. Someone was right; someone wasn't.

Cowboys preparing to trade LB Bobby Carpenter to Rams for OT Alex Barron. Not official yet but going that way.

Former NFL star Lawrence Taylor arrested in rape investigation

Adam "Pacman" Jones signs 2-year deal with Bengals

The Buffalo Bills: New Look Raiders

With the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft the Buffalo Bills select...

I fully expect to hear that come draft day next year. As Mike "the situation" from the Jersey shore would say, Buffalo looks like a "grenade".

The 4-3 scheme of old is out, in with the 3-4! Trent Edwards was called salvageable by head coach Chan Gailey, is that good or bad. My guess is that Buffalo employs the vaunted quarterback carousel technique, often utilized by perennial losers.

The Bills managed to win while being a wreck going 6-10 per se with a decade of mediocrity. With three of their scintillating wins coming from Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Indianapolis in week 17. While beating the Colts in the last game of the regular season, would give most fans a sense of optimism towards next year, not quite. Curtis Painter was quarterbacking Indy that day and the closest Manning and the other starters got to the field was the run to the tunnel during halftime.

Many thought they might select Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen or an elite offensive or nose tackle prospect (all were available). In the draft this year they selected Clemson running back CJ Spiller, with the ninth overall pick, surprising many. Now Spiller is a dynamic playmaker, I want to get that out right now, the man can play ball. Running backs have a very short shelf life though, and are the easiest to find. In my humble opinion, the position is a little glorified, they look great on your fantasy team and in highlight reels. Spiller will forever be compared to the elite players that the Bills passed on.

The luxury pick can only make sense to me one way, that general manager Buddy Nix and company are biting the bullet and the organization just plain knows they can't compete 2010 or 11. There is a chance that the team could go 0-6 in the division, the Dolphins, Jets and Patriots are simply eons ahead of the Bills. The organization is clearly not living for today, and focusing on the future.

Saying the defense was mediocre last year would be very kind. The loss of Kawika Mitchell devastated the linebacking corps, creating an almost funnel up the middle. The run defense was terrible, third worst in the NFL, 1.2 yards off the top spot. The secondary could be the lone highlight of the defense. Jairus Bryd is a star at the safety position, Leodis McKelvin, Drayton Florence, George Wilson and Donte Whitner aren't bad either. Okay maybe Whitner is a reach. A 3-4 switch should not affect this area, but the front seven is in trouble.

Aaron Schobel who led the team with 10 sacks last year does not fit in the new scheme. Very similar to Aaron Kampman's struggles in Green Bay last year. In switching to the 3-4 defense this year there should be major growing pains. By not having all the pieces, Buffalo was forced to reach on some players to fill these voids in the eyes of the Mel Kipers of the world. Now I don't think that Torrell Troup and Alex Carrington were a reach. But the whole draft class will hinge on Troup, that's for certain. Nose tackle is too critical of the position in the 3-4 scheme to just be average. They chose two projects with upside to rush the passer in Arthur Moats & Danny Batten.

The good news is that maybe Aaron Maybin has a home now as the strong side OLB.

Now on to the offense.

The definition of the word flux according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is: a continuous moving on or passing by (as of a stream).

Sounds like the quarterback situation to me. As of today Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Levi Brown and Brian Brohm. Enough said. Now if I were the GM, would I of drafted Jimmy Clausen, no (the talent evaluation seemed pretty consistent, when 30 teams pass on your services) but I would've prepared the offensive line to draft one next year. If you believe the Ed Wang or Kyle Calloway are anything more than revolving doors or developmental projects, then as Mr. T. would say "I pity the fool".

The laundry list of needs is quite large the left tackle, right tackle, quarterback, center, and maybe tight end. Eric Wood was arguably the best offensive lineman on the team, but suffered a Joe Theisman like leg break.

It seems to me that they are trying to cut corners rebuilding. I fully expect the team to be in the Jake Locker and or Ryan Mallett, Andrew Luck sweepstakes next season. If Buffalo chooses a top quarterback, it's very possible he could be shellshocked right out of relevancy, similar to what happened with David Carr. The Bills have a great fans and deserve a better product than what they have. As a Detroit Lions fan, I feel their pain.

Quick Slants

Apparently Jeff Ireland isn't such a bad guy. Miami's version (1) Ireland asked Bryant what his father does; (2) Bryant openly admitted he's a pimp; (3) Ireland then asked what mother does; (4) Bryant said that his mother works for his father; (5) Ireland then asked if his mother is a prostitute.

The crowded Dallas receiver group has Patrick Crayton wanting to leave. (Cut Roy)

The re-signing of Cardinals DT Bryan Robinson may indicate that DT Gabe Watson might dust off his job resume.

In light of Broncos LT Ryan Clady's recent injury, the Football Outsiders note that no player has ever returned from a torn patellar tendon in fewer than six months

Brett. Favre. Again. Always............Favre is deliberating whether to have ankle surgery or simply to end his 19-year NFL career.

On 5,703 pass attempts over 13 seasons, according to coaches stats, Walter Jones was called for holding 9 times and surrendered 23 sacks.

Kevin Kolb -- one year extension done. $12.25 million. And here's the ultimate sign of respect - contract is 100% guaranteed.

I don't get making Felix Jones number 1 in Dallas. In 5 yrs as an RB at Ark and Dall, he's averaged 106 carries/yr. Barber/Choice a better choice.

Quick Slants

Bucs will release DT Chris Hovan today.

Patriots released LB Adalius Thomas. Only question was when. And the when is now. Thomas now free to sign elsewhere.

Jaguars will release former Pro Bowl DT John Henderson today. Their top two picks were DTs.

Clint Ingram Jaguars' ILB had tender removed, soon to be released or traded

Texans are checking out Alan Faneca, who was dumped by the Jets.

Holmgren "pulled rank" to draft Colt McCoy

Tom Cable says Jason Campbell shouldn't assume he'll start

Cowboys, Bills expressed interest in Jared Gaither

Norv Turner: Ryan Mathews will get 250 carries, 40 catches

Darryl Clark signs with the 'Skins/Blount nigs offer on 49ers, signs with Titans

In no more than 2 days I will post a look into the 2011 NFL Draft prospects. You will be ablle to find the finished product on my syndicated profile

It's very early to look at the 2011 NFL draft class, as injuries, scheme changes and outside influences can affect the development of the most talented prospects. Based on the early looks, next year figures to be another deep draft class. The defensive line seems to very deep again this year with an abundance of playmakers. The quarterback class is much improved with as many as three going in the top half of the draft.

Quick Slants

McNabb in Skins attrire will take getting used to

WOW! Just read Big Ben's police report total pervert should get 8 games

Raiders signed Kyle Boller.. makes sense with Hue Jackson coming over from Baltimore

Brandon Marshall on ESPN: "What's the Island called? Revis Island? Well, I just got married. Maybe we'll honeymoon there."

NFL's timeline: release schedule Tuesday night, conduct draft Thurs through Sat, discipline Ben Roethlisberger...wait on Brett Favre.

Put up a new team needs
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/379255-miami-dolphins-2010-nfl-draft-top-5-needs

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/378742-detroit-lions-needs-for-2010-nfl-draft

Best Names in 2010 NFL Draft

Writing about Akwasi Owusu-Ansah I had a grand epiphany what are the best names in the 2010 NFL draft? Well I did some digging and wa-lah...

• Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) - Well we all can say it now! But how about last September? First name translates to "House of Spears".
• Tyson Alualu (Califonia) - This Cal DT has a great name
  
• Deji Karim (Southern Illinois) - I can't say it but he averaged 7.1 yds a carry
  
• John Conner (Kentucky) - Nicknamed "The Terminator" and is currently looking to clear running lanes for Sarah Connor
• Seyi Ajirotutu (Fresno State) - Need I Seyi more? Sure handed WR
  
• Michael Hoomanawanui (Illinois) - Illini TE is a big target
• Zane Beadles (Utah) - This Ute guard could kick inside to center
• Vince Oghobaase (Duke) - 6'6", 300 pounder plays to upright at DT
  
• Ekom Udofia (Stanford) - with a 335 lb. frame would anchor a 3-4, late round prospect
  
• Syd'Quan Thompson (California) - Tackling machine & 1st team all Pac-10 DB
  

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah of IUPUI

For starters, don't worry about pronouncing his name correctly. Most of his friends call him "Kwas" for short, though lately he said he's heard some "AOA". Add to that the Div II. school where he started as a corner is a tongue-twister in it's self, "Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis" (IUPUI).Appropriately for Owusu-Ansah, his name means "Sunday born," which is ideal for the 6', 207-pound cornerback, whose aspirations are to play in the NFL on Sundays.

As a junior in 2008, Owusu-Ansah has 10 pass breakups and eight interceptions, including seven in the final four games of the season. His senior year saw some reduction in his numbers, but it was more a function of team's simply not throwing his way and injuries. In 2009 with the ball in his hands he returned three punts and two kickoffs for scores. In his career at IUPUI he totaled nine return touchdowns and holds school records for punt return yards, punt return average, and kickoff return average.

At the Scouting Combine he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash, third-fastest among the cornerbacks. As an invitee to Ohio State's Pro Day on March 12, Owusu-Ansah improved his time, clocking in in the low 4.3s. Because of his shoulder he was unable to do the bench press in Indianapolis; however he performed the full workout last Friday and completed an impressive 21 reps.

Most scouts have him graded as a third to fifth round pick with elite athleticism but needs coaching and acclamation to the NFL. "AOA" should contribute early on special teams however his covering skills will need fine tuning. Compares to Arizona Cardinal, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who also came from a Div II. school in Tennessee State.

Quick Slants

RFA WRs Miles Austin and Vincent Jackson would like to take this opportunity to thank Brandon Marshall for his $50 million deal.

Washington Redskins announced today that they have signed tackle Stephon Heyer and defensive lineman Anthony Montgomery.

Brandon Marshall reaches agreement with Dolphins on four-year, $47.5 million extension, including $24 million guaranteed.

Big winner in the Marshall trade is the Lions...further evidence that the Cowboys gave up WAY too much for Roy Williams

Brandon Marshall now a Miami Dolphin

While I was at work today cutting down trees, Adam Schefter broke the story that Brandon Marshall was traded to the Dolphins for two 2nd round draft choices. The Broncos get the Dolphins 2010 and 2011 2nd round choices.

The deal includes a five year extension worth $50 million, including $24 million guaranteed. Between Marshall and Dansby the Dolphins have spent almost $95 million on free agents. They've definitely taken advantage of the no cap this year.

On a side note restricted free agents, Cowboy Miles Austin and San Diego's Vincent Jackson are elated with the $50 million dollar deal.

Marshall has been in conflict with coaches in Denver since Josh McDaniels arrival, and had off-field problems before then. However he's an incredibly talented WR who has had three consecutive 1,000+ yard & 100 catch seasons since becoming the starter in 2007 (this despite missing at least one game each of those seasons.

I think this is an excellent deal for both teams, though I'm surprised the Broncos got two 2nd round picks for Marshall since the wide receiver market this off-season has seemed to be quite low. There was no way the Broncos were going to get a 1st round pick, not in this year's draft. Bill Parcells does not draft wide outs in the first round often and likely to stick with a defensive player in this years draft.

This fills a huge need for the Dolphins in a position in which they need top flight talent. Chad Henne now has a great target to throw to, if Ted Ginn Jr. is still on the team he could emerge as the deep threat they drafted him to be. While slot guys like Davone Bess and Brian Hartline give help underneath.

Lito Sheppard in Motown?

RFA Lito Sheppard is visiting Detroit today and tomorrow.

Sheppard, 29, started nine regular season games and two playoff games last season for the New York Jets.

Before going to New York in 2009, Sheppard was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles for seven years, most notably as a starter from 2004-08.

After having the worst pass defense in the NFL, the Lions are in the midst of another overhaul at the corner position. None of last year's primary starters, Will James, Anthony Henry, or Phillip Buchanan, will return back to Detroit this season. James and Henry are both unrestricted free agents, and Buchanan was released by the Lions last month.

So far this offseason, Detroit has acquired starting corner Chris Houston from the Atlanta Falcons, and signed free-agents Jonathan Wade and Dante Wesley for depth to their rotation.

Wade and Wesley may be decent backups and special teams players, but the Lions are still in need of at least one more starting cornerback.

Lito has registered 19 career picks, three TD's and sixty-two pass break ups.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/378164-2010-nfl-draft

Quick Slants

It is only preliminary talks and it is still early in the process, but the Green Bay Packers have contacted free-agent RB Brian Westbrook.

Saints have re-signed restricted free agent tight end David Thomas.

49ers announced G David Baas has signed the one-year contract he had previously been tendered.

QB Sam Bradford visits Rams today. Whether or not he can be signed before the draft will not affect whether St. Louis drafts him.

16 players will attend the 2010 NFL Draft this year

Steelers Trade Super Bowl MVP For Case of Beer

Last night the Pittsburgh Steelers traded 26 year old Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets for a fifth round pick. Holmes comes with some baggage, he allegedly threw a drink(glass included) at a women in a nightclub. Holmes has been arrested previously for possession of marijuana and domestic violence, also admitting to selling drugs as a teenager. Santonio is facing a four-game suspension to start the 2010 season for the league substance abuse policy. Hard to imagine a Super Bowl MVP with no production drop off traded for a fifth round pick. Last season the 5-11, 190 pound receiver put up a gaudy 79 grabs for 1,248 yds and 5 td's . The Jets organization now has Braylon Edwards, Jericho Cotchery, Dustin Keller and Santonio Holmes as targets for Mark Sanchez. I doubt the ground and pound attack Gang Green used last year will be the staple of the offense this season. Hopefully he gets his act together I enjoy watching him play(even though he is a buckeye) and this could also be a warning shot at Big Ben.

1. Rams: Sam Bradford-Team needs a QB almost set in stone at this point
   
2. Lions: Ndamukong Suh-Detroit is doing back flips if they get Suh, they WON'T take a LT
   
3. Bucs: Gerald McCoy-They are ecstatic that they can fill the void Warren Sapp left
   
4. Redskins: Russell Okung-They had the worst O-Line last year, need to protect McNabb
   
5. Chiefs: Bryan Bulaga-Need to protect Cassell, Brenden Albert can move to RT now
   
6. Seahawks: Trent Williams-Walter Jones could retire this year, Trent can play LT/RT
   
7. Browns: Eric Berry-Browns have no play makers in the secondary, Berry is a star
   
8. Raiders: Anthony Davis-Raiders need a LT bottom line... Al Davis is a tough nut to crack
   
9. Bills: Jimmy Clausen-Not high on Clausen but Bills need a QB, after Bradford he's the man
   
10. Jaguars: Derrick Morgan-The Jag's had 14 sacks all year, need I say more
    
11. Broncos: Rolando McClain-Broncos need defense, McClain upgrades the whole defense
    
12. Dolphins: Dez Bryant-Chad Henne needs a big time target, Ginn/Turner not the answer
    
13. 49ers: Joe Haden-Troy Vincent is wearing down, Haden has top talent, makes sense
    
14. Seahawks: C.J. Spiller-C.J. will give this offense another dimension
    
15. NY Giants: Dan Williams-Maybe a value pick, big body helps the LB's/frees up DE's
    
16. Titans: Jason Pierre-Paul=Raw,physical freak/high ceiling/reminds Fisher of Javon Kearse
    
17. 49ers: Earl Thomas-No OT is a value pick here, Thomas too good to pass upgrades all DB's
    
18. Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey-Maybe safest pick in the draft plug and play for ten years
    
19. Falcons: Brandon Graham-Only Suh is more disruptive, should be a stud
    
20. Texans: Ryan Matthews-Should take DB but they LOVE Ryan, final piece to offense?
    
21. Bengals: Jermaine Gresham-Gives Palmer a security blanket, will become better blocker
    
22. Patriots: Jared Odrick-Could go WR or OLB, but Odrick is a great 5 technique fit
    
23. Packers: Mike Iupati-Will help protect Rodgers they may move him to LT in future/beast
    
24. Eagles: Corey Wootton-Daryll Tapp not answer/they have a lot of picks prolly will trade
    
25. Cardinals: Kyle Wilson-Arizona corners for 2oo Alex.... DRC is all they have/GB torched em
    
26. Ravens: Devin McCourtey-Could go many ways Gronkowski? Mays?/DB's needs upgrades
    
27. Cowboys: Taylor Mays-Hamlin's replacement/need LT Campbell?Brown?/WR Thomas?
    
28. Chargers: Terrence Cody-Has kept the lbs. down/J-Will's replacement/RB Best? Dwyer?
    
29. NY Jets: Jerry Hughes-Gholston was a bust, Hughes is a 3-4 OLB/Rex loves pass rush
    
30. Vikings: Kareem Jackson-Winfield is old, Griffin ACL, Jackson is pro-ready
    
31. Colts: Carlos Dunlap-Needs disciplene/big boom-bust/Maybe they pick OT
    
32. Saints: Sean Weatherspoon-Vocal leader fills Fujita's spot mabye even instant upgrade
    

Top 25 Draft Talent for 2010 (6-10)

6.)Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa (6-5, 312)
Well coached tackle who cuts off the outside rush extremely well. Struggles when defenders get under his pads and leverage the bull rush. Has the quickness, agility and balance desired to play on the left side; along with the toughness, physicality and brute strength to play on the right.
7.)Joe Haden, DB, Florida (5-11, 190)
Long-armed corner who was a tackling machine at UF, showed a poor forty time at the combine but plays very fast on tape. Aggressive and physical in run support, shows great body control and instincts to break up passes. Haden is not a finished product but leaves it all on the field, Joe has a high ceiling.
8.)Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma (6-4, 308)
Few tackles move as well or physically dominate as Trent, he can play both left or right tackle. Displays a nastiness on the field similar to Jason Smith of Baylor last year and finishes blocks. At times he lapses in technique.
9.)Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech (6-4, 270)
A strong, pro ready base end who can defend the run as well as rush the passer. Morgan progressed every year in college, although he lacks elite burst he plays with a high motor. Has good size and a variety of pass rush moves. A solid all-around player.
10.)Earl Thomas, FS, Texas (5-11, 185)
Best instincts out of any defensive player in the draft a total ball-hawk, has a great understanding of offensive schemes. He is undersized and underdeveloped only a two year starter. Has the athletic ability, agility, fluidity and speed to become a standout player.

Top 25 Draft Talent for 2010

1.)Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska (6-4, 305)
Suh has the potential to be a blue-chip DT for years to come. He has elite explosion and upper body strength, plays with a good motor and is stout against the run. The man's name translates as "House of Spears" great all around player with a high floor.
2.)Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma (6-4, 300)
Gerald is an extremely quick, penetrating and instinctive tackle who is the prototypical three technique or under tackle. Has great potential and rare physical talents.
3.)Eric Berry, FS, Tennessee (5-11, 203)
Very solid all-around athlete with Ed Reed like ball-hawk skills. Eric is very instinctive with elite cover skills who can easily match up with a slot receiver though some question his run support. Overall versatility and ball skills should cement him in the top 10
4.)Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (6-5, 236)
Sam had his junior season cut short with a shoulder injury but showed toughness trying to come back for the Texas game. Has a good quick release with laser accuracy and understands the passing game for what it's worth he aced the wonderlic. A potential franchise QB with rare accuracy.
5.)Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State (6-6, 307)
Okung has long arms and looks effortless in pass protection he's an elite athletle who is the most pro ready left tackle. Play's with great length but stuggles in run blocking who will be coached up on use of hands.

A familiar face returns to Detroit: Free agent DE Jared DeVries will sign a one-year, $1.7 million contract with the Lions today.

You can bet my mock will change now that Santonio Holmes was traded. There is no chance the Jets pick a Wide Receiver in Round 1 and the Steelers might.

Tomorrow I will put up my 1st round mock draft and try to get my Top 50 player rankings for the 2010 NFL Draft. Goodnight!

Hello and Welcome

This will be the first of many entries to my "blog" I guess that a purpose should be stated. Well it is to provide an intelligent viewpoint into the sports world. Mainly football both the college and professional variety. I follow a handful of teams but primarily the Detroit Lions & The University of Michigan. Now I am no journalism major and do not proclaim to be one, so mispellings and grammatical errors are to be expected.