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thoughts and observations |
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OUT OF THE GATE
Wow! Things are already going quickly. The egg the Rams laid in the big game is already committed to distant memory. Free agency has already started, and we are only a few weeks and some individual workouts away from the annual selection meeting (draft). I must say, for such a dubbed "thin" free agent crop, there seems to be plenty of action already.
It's a funny thing, everyone acted like they would take the approach the Patriots took last year, with the focus on "bargain" guys, yet guys like London Fletcher, John Parella, Elvis Grbac, La'Roi Glover and Kevin Hardy think they're going to get $10 million signing bonuses. The Rams have already signed Fletcher's replacement, and all these others have yet to be offered anything. In fact, those that have made visits or talked contract with another team has found out the talk was very short.
Grbac is a real odd one. After that year he had in Baltimore, he has the gull to hardline the Bengals. I know it's the Bengals, but they have better offensive talent that what Grbac played with last season. I really cannot figure out why the Bengals want him. They already have one Jon Kitna, what would they do with another? Has anyone even seen Kitna and Grbac in the same room together? Scary.
One player that is finding a surprising amount of interest is Garrison Hearst. At least three teams are very interested. Look for the Browns to make the first pitch. Oh, did you really think they were that sold on James Jackson?
Another player who is hotter than I once believed he would be is Cris Carter. Looks like he's the Rams for the taking. If that happens, don't expect another team to muscle the receiving corps in the Super Bowl again.
Expect an interesting off season of player movement. There are plenty of good receivers, but there are also plenty of good receivers in the draft. Keep an eye on that area.
A look around...
The Free Agency Value List
Instead of some general list, I thought I might just keep a current list posted on my page. I'll keep a running list of the top five that are available. At least until there isn't any worth being called "top five". So here you go.
Quarterbacks
- Chris Chandler, ATL - Brittle, but the best of this bunch.
- Elvis Grbac, BAL - Was reported to be retiring at presstime.
- Jonathan Quinn, JAX - There's talent and youth here.
- Gus Frerotte, DEN - Can start in a pinch.
- Rick Mirer, SF - May be ready to settle into starting.
Running Backs
- Garrison Hearst, SF - Some fears here, but still multitalented.
- Ricky Watters, SEA - Unlucky '01, but has a few years left.
- Warrick Dunn, TB - Great in the right situation.
- Michael Pittman, ARI - Buyer beware, but has lots of ability.
- James Allen, CHI - Has done it before, and is still young.
Wide Receivers
- Cris Carter, MIN - If Rice did it, so can Carter.
- Willie Jackson, NO - Deserves more recognition.
- Az-Zahir Hakim, STL - Should get a shot as a starter.
- Jerome Pathon, IND - Great talent, but injury history.
- Germaine Crowell, DET - See Pathon.
Tight Ends
- Shannon Sharpe, BAL - Still has it when there is a QB.
- Byron Chamberlain, MIN - Pure pass-catcher, but good.
- Ken Dilger, IND - Well rounded, will not last long.
- Damon Jones, JAX - Has all the talent, but needs a break.
- Stephen Alexander, WAS - Seen the Pro Bowl, but injured often.
Offensive Linemen
- Olin Kreutz (C), CHI - As good as there is.
- Victor Riley (T), KC - Not great yet, but market has thinned.
- Ron Stone (G), NYG - Good inside guy.
- Anthony Clement (T), ARI - Hasn't reached full potential, but will.
- Corey Raymer (C), WAS - Solid and underrated.
Defensive Linemen
- John Parrella (DT), SD - Continues to improve. Hard worker.
- La'Roi Glover (DE), NO - Declined, but still very solid.
- Reinard Wilson (DE), CIN - Pure pass-rusher, but still in demand.
- Renaldo Wynn (DE), JAX - Overlooked, but still improving.
- Grady Jackson (DT), OAK - Kept Raider middle from falling apart.
Linebackers
- Donnie Edwards (OLB), KC - Outstanding talent.
- Kevin Hardy (OLB), JAX - Right up with Edwards.
- Earl Holmes (ILB), PIT - Can play 3-4 or 4-3.
- London Fletcher (ILB), STL - Young, blazing fast, but small.
- James Farrior (OLB), NYJ - Solid performer who's getting better.
Defensive Backs
- Duane Starks (CB), BAL - Maybe the best of the entire bunch.
- Walt Harris (CB), CHI - Overlooked, but improves yearly.
- Brian Kelly (CB), TB - Solid starter and a gamer.
- Shaun Williams (S), NYG - Off in '01, but a good player.
- Lance Schulters (S), SF - Big hitter, and pretty salty.
Specialists
- Mike Hollis (K), JAX - Could be great after General Coughlin.
- John Carney (K), NO - Very solid kicker.
- Mitch Berger (P), MIN - Dropped off some, but still way up there.
- Todd Peterson (K), KC - Got better through last season.
- Matt Turk (P), MIA - Solid overall performer.
The Trade Zone
There's going to be some trades heating up quickly. Ricky Williams is more than likely a Dolphin pretty soon. Don't be suprised if that one is worked out quickly, with the Dolphins giving up a first rounder this year, and a third rounder next. Production will likely make that a second rounder.
Drew Bledsoe could now be looking at the Bengals, as Elvis Grbac is talking retirement. That appears to be the only choice for the Patriots right now, and it likely will not happen for multiple picks and/or players. Look for a straight up first round pick here. Maybe an extra back from the Bengals, but doubtful.
Fred Taylor will go elsewhere, more than likely. A team would be nuts not to give a third round pick for him, despite his injury history. He's as talented as they come.
Moving on...
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THINGS I KNOW:
The Bengals don't know it, but Elvis Grbac is doing them a favor.
If London Fletcher isn't close to firing his agent, he should be.
Jeff Blake could very well be the Bills starting quarterback next season.
For any team needing a tight end, this is the year to shop for one.
The Falcons better get Michael Vick some linemen and receivers soon, or he will have the confidence of "Courage, The Cowardly Dog" by season's end.
THINGS I CAN PREDICT:
With "The Debacle" in the rearview mirror, the Rams will land on their feet, and be right back near the top.
By the end of free agency and the draft, people will look at the Texans roster and say, "wow". It will not translate into as many wins as it looks.
Mike Holmgren will be happy he put his ego aside for once, and kept Trent Dilfer.
John Madden and Al Michaels will make a nice Monday night team, but we will miss Dennis Miller more than we thought.
The Redskins will finally realize their nickname is racially offensive, and will change their name to the Gators.
Mike owns and publishes SkillPositions.Com, along with a big, expensive, and talented staff. Don't use this work without permission in writing. Mike has been known as the world's only living heart donor. He also thinks morals are paintings on walls, and scruples are money in Russia.
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