Just Some Notes on the Draft:

First off, let me say that I love the new format. I was not sure what I thought about it being segregated in to three days (First day round one, Second day round two and three, Third day round four five and six), but the tams seemed to like it for the purpose of evaluation and decision making, and it was kind of exciting as a fan to have time to get excited again each day.

Second, it was a great day of surprises, trades, and suspense. Russell Okung falling to the 6th pick, Time Tebow being taken in the first round, Dez Dryant falling to Dallas, Jimmy Clausen taken late in the second by Carolina, and many more made it emotional and exciting.

Third, the Seattle Seahawks had one of the best drafts I have ever seen. The best offensive tackle in the draft (Russell Okong) fell to the 6th overall pick, and maybe the best safety in (Earl Thomas) was still there at 14th. Then if that wasn’t enough, they managed to get Golden Tate (WR) in the second round, arguably one of the top two wide receivers in the draft. What a year.

Lastly, it was a great opportunity to see the human condition at its best. There is nothing like seeing young men’s dreams come true. The tears shed with family and friends over the culmination of their life’s work is a moving experience. I am excited and happy for each of them, and wish all the best success.

Happy Draft Day!!!

Well my friends, we have just a few days before the 2010 National Football League Draft. Here at True Football Fans, we are so excited we can hardly stand it. In fact, me and my friends can seem to talk about anything else. We have got the stage set. We all have our mock drafts done. We have talked a lot of crap, we have ironed our jerseys, we have the number for Dominos on speed dial. Got a frig full of beer. And now we are waiting like little kids under a Christmas tree for that most joyous day of the year.

I guess that is kind of the point I am trying to make here. The draft is such a great day. Football fans from all teams gathered. No reason to hate each other for one day a year. Good feelings about the next season. Reasons to have hope. Excitement over trades. It really has become a kind of holiday for me and many of my fellow True Football Fans. We look forward to it as much as the Super Bowl.

So let me just extend my season’s greetings to you. May all your hopes come true this draft. May your team get all the players it wants (except for those my team wants). Have fun, relax, and eat way too much. Happy draft readers.

Who Got the Better Deal

So there was another huge move made in the National Football League this week as the Denver Broncos traded Brandon Marshal to the Miami Dolphins for two second round picks (the 2010 45th overall pick, and next year’s second round pick.

A quick evaluation. I think this was a good move for both team. I know that it is hard to believe that is ever a good idea to trade away a franchise player like Brandon Marshal, but it isn’t likely that the Broncos were not going to get a deal done with him. If they would or could, it would have happened by now, and Marshal would have been a free agent next year. Better to get something for the guy than nothing since the Broncos are not a contender right now.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying I would have made the move if I was Josh McDaniels, but I wouldn’t have traded Jay Cutler either. Since he decided to rebuild that team as his own, he has done a great job of getting a lot of good draft picks from which to draw new talent, and this is a nother move in that strategic direction.

It was also a great move for Miami. To get a player of Marshal’s caliber for two seconds is a steal. He is one of the most talented wide receivers in the league. Some teams spend countless picks, including first round picks, trying to get a guy like him. He also makes that offense on its way to being totally complete. They have their future quarterback (Chad Henne), the left tackle of the next decade and a half (Jake Long), their running back (Ronnie Brown) if he can stay healthy, and the now the wide receiver (Bradon Marshal).

So who got the better deal?...Time will tell.

Has Justice Ben Served?

So I know there are going to be 8 billion blogs posted on this subject, if there isn’t already, but I just wanted to make sure someone is addressing both sides of this issue. The Pittsburg Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holes trade to the New York Jets.

I know there are 8 billion bloggers and sports analysts condemning the Ronnies(Steelers owners) and the Steelers right now for the way they are treating Holmes who recently got his second drug possession charge, but how they are not treating Ben Roethlisberger who just got his second accusation of sexual misconduct. Look, I know it looks bad to come down on Holmes the way they did and Ben hasn’t been reprimanded yet, but there are some distinct differences to take into consideration before passing judgment.

First, Ben has not been convicted of any crimes. I know it looks bad, but innocent until proven guilty. Now I am not saying he hasn’t made some bad decision, he has, but he has not broken any laws he has been proven guilty of. Holmes has.

Second, the Steelers were probably looking to get rid of Holmes any way. Mike Wallace emerged last year. Ward is under contract for the next few years. They drafted Sweed in the second round two years ago and still are hoping he develops. They just pick Randle El back up. And holes was due 8 million dollars, they probably weren’t going to retain him anyway with his troubles and they could use the cap space (assuming there is ever another cap).

Third, the Ronnies have been a staple of fair and equal treatment in this league for year. They are staunch advocates of minority hiring and have been a bright spot of ownership in the NFL for decades. Give them the benefit of the doubt here and know Ben’s time will come.

Booms Bust Steals & Rip Offs

So here it is. The 2010 National Football League Draft Boom, Bust, Steal, Rip Off list. This is a short list of those players that are going to live up to expectations (Booms), fail to meet expectations (Bust), are going to way out perform their draft status (Steals), and those that are no worth their draft status (Rip Offs).

Booms:

Russell Okung – This guy has it all. The feet, the feel, the size and the experience. He will be the next Joe Tomas.

Dez Bryant – The best looking receiver since Calvin Johnson. He has all the physical tools. The hands, the concentration, the speed, agility, acceleration, size. If it wasn’t for some media trouble he would be a top 5 or 10 pick.

Bust:

C.J. Spiller – Here is a lack of options pick. Spiller is a good back with a little bit of everything, but he doesn’t have that 1 thing. You look at all the good backs in the league and they do it all well, but the best have that one thing (LT’s vision, AP’s explosion of speed and power…)

Taylor Mays – Here is the next Roy Williams (Cowboys Safety). He is extremely one dimensional, and that just doesn’t work in the NFL. Safeties, even strong safeties need to be somewhat versatile, and Mays is not. He would be better suited for an outside linebacker position if he could gain another 25 lbs. Either way, he is going to bust at safety.

Steals:

Eric Berry – This guy is the next Troy Palamalu or Ed Reed. He has it all. The coverage skills. The hard hitting mentality. The intellect. The speed. Even though he is defiantly a top 10, his value is number 1, so he is a steal anywhere after that.

Jimmy Clausen – If he falls below the top 10, this guy is the steal of the century. It isn’t often that you get a QB that is ready to start in the NFL day 1, and Clausen is. He has the vision, he reads great, is able to work through 3rd and fourth progressions, has great pocket awareness, and has the physical talents (arm strength, size, speed and accuracy). He also has higher potential than even Sam Bradford.

Rips Offs:

Some of the late first round offensive tackles (Charles Brown & Rodger Stafford) – Everyone can use another tackle so people tend to reach at this position. Carolina did it a couple years ago for Sam Baker moving back into the first round. How has that turned out?

Brian Price – There are so many teams looking for a Defensive nose tackle that teams are reaching this year. Now don’t get me wrong, this is the year to do it, but Brian Price in the first round???

Sorry Seattle?

Well the last week has done a lot to shape up what is going to happen on Day 1 of the 2010 National Football League draft, and I thought I would take a minute and shed some light just in case you haven’t figured it out.

Picked number 1 overall in the 2010 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams is quarterback Sam Bradford out of Oklahoma. That’s right, St. Louis cut Mark Bulger from the team this week leaving no doubt that St. Louis is taking Bradford. Now there is always the possibility that they will go after Jimmy Clausen, but all indications are they prefer Bradford.

So what does this mean, Detroit now has whatever player they want. It was possible for the rams to take Suh or Okung (which are the top two on Detroit’s board), but now they have to take a QB.

The next bomb shell was Washington trading for Donovan McNabb. It was possible for them to take Bradford if St. Louis didn’t, or Clausen if they deemed him worth, but not now. Now they are going to take a Defensive or offensive linemen. This is going to depend who is on the board.

If Detroit takes Okung, it is likely that Washington will take one of the remaining D linmen (Suh, McCoy or Morgan). If not, they will take Okung.
So that means Rams take Bradford, Detroit takes Okung or Suh, the Bucks take McCory or Morgan, and Washington takes Okung or Suh.

So what does this have to do with Seattle? They were hoping the Rams would take Suh, the lions would take Okung, Bucks would take McCoy, the Redskins would take Morgan leaving KC with Berry and they would have Bradford fall in their laps.

Sorry Seattle?

For Your Draft Needs

If you are a True Football Fan like me then there is only one thing that you are thinking about right now! The National Football League Draft. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, the draft is almost here. And if you are a True Football Fan like me, then you want to know what is going to happen before it happens. You want a breath of knowledge about the players your team could take. You want to evaluate the experts to see if they really know what they’re talking about. You just want good draft info!

With the draft right around the corner there is a plethora of information out there for you to take in. Combine results, college number, and professional analysis. So who do you turn to for the best information…No one! Let me tell you, Mel Kiper and Todd McShey are usually not even close. I have been doing mock drafts for years and never been beat by either of them. You can do a better job trust me.

What you need is simply a good source of information from which to judge for yourself. And for that, I turn to the annual Sporting News draft magazine. They have the most comprehensive coverage of players and analysis, they provided the most accurate portrait and predictions of team needs, and they have the most current information of all the magazines available.

Sure there are a lot of online sources you don’t have to pay for, and their information may be more current, but you never know the qualifications of these analyst. Sporting news is both reputable and recommended by this site.

Here We Go Again!

Making the case for Washington’s best quarterback. Washington has been looking for a franchise quarterback since… well since Joe Theismann retired. Well finally they have him, he completed 64.5% percentage of his passes, threw for 3600 yards and twenty touchdowns and all this to a group of receivers either ridiculously young or ineffective, and his best target was injured for a majority of the year. This guy even managed this in spite of having a new offensive coordinator every year of his career, and a running game that was horrid at best last year, behind an aging, oft injured offensive line. Aren’t you impressed by these amazing accomplishments and excited about the new, brighter future of the Washington Redskins?

I was, and then they muddied the waters by bringing in Donavan McNabb. Oh… you thought… no no, those were Jason Campbell’s statistics, McNabb is older, less accurate (has not had greater than 61.5% completions since 2004), and has more turnovers per start than Campbell. But hey Philadelphia has surrounded McNabb with superior talent for most of his career so he must be better right!....maybe? Washington figured that in spite of an inept front office the last 10 years they could erase most of that damage by bringing in a different quarterback. I will get criticized, hated, tarred and feathered for saying it, but Washington would have been better off saving the draft picks, starting Campbell and surrounding him with more talent, instead of playing the Donovan McNabb sweepstakes.

Another Great Blog

I know that on this site we often criticize main stream sports media sighting its elementary nature and pop culture focus, but trust me when we are not so arrogant to believe we have all the best information or that no one else is capable of good analysis. In fact, quite the contrary. There are some really great sights and information out there for True Football Fans.

I know some of you might be wondering, where is it we turn for our information, so as much as I like to bash on other National Football League blogs, sites and analysts, I do still believe that there are a lot of good ones out there. In fact, there are some that we strive to reach the high standards they have set.

One in particular is the Sports Gab Network (www.sportsgabnetwork.com). I thought I would take a moment and promote and congratulate this blog on its excellence. This site is a comprehensive blog dedicated to in depth analysis and new for each team, and the league itself.
This site provides recent information as well as archived data on each team. It addresses everything from rosters, to free agency, to draft analysis, to anything you could imagine would impact your team or the league.

The Sports Gab Network maintains a high level of accuracy, relevance, timeliness and credibility. Their articles are insightful and accurate. The analysis is deep and broad in scope. Their writes are both intelligent and dedicated fans obvious by their writing.

Here at True Football Fans, we would suggest this to all our readers or those of you who just love football.

When You Want the Best Insight

For me, as a True Football Fan, I am always looking for new and objective football information and news. With a plethora of National Football League web sites out there, it is often hard to find reliably good and objective insight and data. So where should you go. For that, I would suggest that you ask yourself a few questions:

What kind of information am I looking for?

Real news and information that impacts my team and league, or gossip about Tom Brady?
What do I want to learn?

Knowledge about important issues facing the NFL and the intricacies or the game, or just how many yards AP had last week.

Who am I getting this information from?

Dedicated fans with a lot of experience, or analysis getting paid to cater to the masses.

You see, there are two types of fans, those who watch their team on Sunday’s (and sometimes Monday’s) during the season. These fans can probably tell you who their quarterback, running back, and maybe even who their coach is. They have no idea if there team runs a 3-4 or a 4-3 or the difference in the two. There not sure who their team got in free agency. They don’t watch when their team is not going to the playoffs. And they have no idea about the rest of the league.

Then there are the True Football Fans. There is no off season for us. It is 24/7/365! We want to know it all. How it works. Who is running it. How it is being done, and much more. We want the latest, most insightful, meaningful, relevant, and encompassing news and information we can get. And for that, there are a few good sights. One of them is For True Football Fans (fortruefootballfans.webs.com). If you are one of these fans, come check them out.

Thank You Seattle!

Let me start by saying that I don’t think there is a single (maybe dozen) moves the Seattle Sea Hawks can make to have an impact on their season. Well, save trading for Peyton Manning. That is about as likely as Terrell Owens going back to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, their trade for the San Diego Chargers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst does have an impact on other teams. In fact, potentially a huge impact. Congratulations Seattle, you have become relevant again… For a minute. Ok, so what do you care about a never has been quarterback?... Two things.

First, The Sea Hawks did give up a third round pick for the guy. They did give him a two year 8 million dollar deal. And oh yeah, they did get a new coach, Pete Carol. Fine a third round pick isn’t huge, but it isn’t chump change. Any good team will tell you how important draft picks are. Second, 4 mill a year isn’t a ton, but it isn’t chump change unless he is the “potential” future. And third, Pete Carol may have not had much success in the NFL in the past, but they guy is SMART. This wasn’t just some random deal they paid too much for.

Second, the mock drafts all just go rewritten! Look there are a lot of teams that are looking for a quarterback this year. It just so happens that there are four or five pretty good ones in this draft. We all assumed that Seattle was going there. Not anymore. Not for the price they paid. Now that means that Bradford or Clausen could keep falling down the board. That means two things, if St. Louis and Washington don’t take quarterback (and with the DT, DE and OL this is possible), these guys could start a trade war!

It’s going to be interesting. Thank you Seattle!

Um...Go Brown's!?!

So I realize that there is much more about the National Football league that I don’t understand, than I do. There are aspects about the NFL that I don’t even know how much I don’t know; talent evaluation, leading, media, play calling, scheming, managing, coaching, drafting, motivating, contracting, fitness, and the list goes on…

However, I also know that there is a lot I don’t know about…Um space. But there are some things you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand. Like the sun makes the planet warm. Sure it would be nice to understand the difference between fusion and fission, and what the spots and flares actually are, but you have no problems intuitively understanding that the sun produces heat that warms the planet detrimental to life’s continuation.

Similarly, I know without a doubt that it takes a good, even great, quarterback for sustained success in this league. It takes that player with something special, and they don’t come along often. Some time you have to find a diamond in the rough (Tom Brady), and sometimes it just takes time (Aaron Rogers). So could someone please tell me what I don’t get about the National Football League? I mean it, someone please respond and tell me how wrong I am. How is it that I can’t look back for a single season without seeing an NFL owners, General Managers or Coaches making some RIDICULOUS quarterback decisions!!! Like, I don’t know, say Denver trading that Jay Cutler loser??? Or how about Oakland’s genius idea to draft that 60 million dollar dude from LSU that is lazy, fat and pretty stupid.

I know that is a little harsh, but im not taking about questionable decision like the Drew Brees to New Orleans trade in 2006. There were good arguments on both sides, and we are not all going to agree on everything. I am taking about STUPID decisions. What am I not getting here?...I was hoping for a moment this might be the year to shut me up. I was wrong thanks to the Browns!

How do you let a second year first round pick (that you traded up to get) go?... And for almost nothing!

First off, Brady Quinn never got a chance to prove himself. If you weren’t going to give him a change, why did you draft him?

Second, apparently no one in Cleveland remembers the first couple seasons of a guy names Brees and a dude name Manning.

Third, Quinn is one of the most fundamentally sound quarterbacks I have ever seen in a draft class, GIVE IT SOME TIME!

Fourth, I am not sure the offspring of Joe Montana and Tom Brady could do anything on a team that bad.

And lastly, why give him up for nothing? It’s not like he was making that much money? I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are too many good Cleveland Brown’s quarterbacks to count right now…WAIT, NO THERE ISNT.

Guess there is just something I don’t understand here.

By: Matthew Walden

Free Agent Wrap Up

Free agency is a time of year for teams and fans to get excited. It is a chance for your team to go out and pick up that missing piece that may put you over the top (Like Bret Favre to the Minnesota Vikings last year). Or maybe a chance to get that once in a life time player to build your franchise around (Like Drew Brees to the New Orleans Saints in 2006). Maybe you even want to go beyond that. Maybe you are a True Football Fans, and want to know how other teams around the league are going to affect things next year and for years to come. Maybe you are a 365 day a year fan that wants to know it all. With so many moves happening right now in free agency, it is hard to keep track of them all. It is hard to find the time to keep up with all the news. So we here at TrueFootballFans.com have went ahead a put the list together for you of all the important moves so far and what we think of them

Chicago Bears – Julius Peppers (Way over paid!!! Awful Move)
Chester Taylor (Cheap insurance, Smart Move)

Jacksonville Jaguars – Aaron Kampman (Depleted line needed the help, Great Move)

Miami Dolphins – Karlos Dansby (This has the Big Tuna written all over it and he knows you need two sides of the ball to be a champion so who am I to judge, Awesome Move)

New York Jets - Antonio Cromartie (3rd round pick? Well worth the role of the dice on his injuries, Great Move)

Baltimore Ravens – Anquan Boldin (He is injured a lot but you didn’t give up much for the only piece you are missing, the only question is he worth the 10 mil a year he is going to want, Good Move)

Atlanta Falcons - Dunta Robinson (Heck yeah I’ll take the guy, but he better be gold plated for that kind of money especially since he only plays two out of three game, Bad Move)

Kansas City Chiefs – Thomas Jones (Wait…2.5 mil…Ill take two, Awesome Move)

Detroit Lions – Lots of Defensive Players (At least some one has finally seen the light in Detroit, cant will if you need 63 points a game to do so, Awesome Moves)

New York Giants - Antrel Rolle (He isn’t cheap, but who is going to even attempt to through the ball against you now, Great Move)

Denver Broncos – Jamal Williams (Fine, I understand the enticement, but the guy hasn’t show up for years now, OK Move)

Cincinnati Bengals – Antonio Bryant (Expensive, poor work ethic, mediocre talent, troublesome and a big enough price tag when you are trying to get TO? Horrible Move)

2010 Free Agent- Defensive Linemen

The 2010 NFL free agent Defensive line class pretty deep, the only issue is that I don’t think many of them are actually going to be available. Good defensive linemen, especially pass rushers and nose tackles are just too hard to come by to let one go, but here are the candidates anyway.

Elvis Dumervil (Denver Broncos) Here is the big prize in this year’s class. This guy has been getting better and better each year he has been in the league, including leading the league in sacks last year. This guy was a key to the Broncos defensive turn around last year, and they would be out of their mind to let this guy go. Most experts believe the Broncos will spend the money to retain this guy, but they may be wrong. The Broncos only slapped a mid level tag on Dumervil and that is going to prompt a lot of teams to make offers. This was either a huge mistake by the Broncos or an attempt to get compensation for the guy, which would also be a big mistake. A good pass rush is essential in todays passing league and guys like this just don’t come along often enough.

Julius Peppers (Carolina Panthers) This maybe one of the most talked about free agents this year, but not in a positive light for Peppers. Everyone has realized that he just isn’t consistent, versatile or young enough to be considered elite anymore. He had the contact on the table from the Panthers last year and turned it down. Peppers has cost himself millions. Don’t get me wrong, they guy is still good, but not elite. His 10ish sacks and ok at best run defense is worth about 5 mill a year, not the 10 he is looking for. If your team ends up with this guy, don’t be excited, you probably over paid!

Aaron Kampman (Green Bay Packers) In my opinion Kampman is one of the most underrated 4-3 defensive ends in the league. The only problems is Green Bay moved him to 3-4 outside linebacker??? I know that Green Bay wanted to make the move to 3-4 and with their personnel, a passing league, and the price tag of good defensive linemen, I don’t blame them. However, they don’t have much of a need or reason to keep Kampman around. This guy should be a steal for a team looking to compliment a pass rusher. I could see Kampman ending up somewhere like St. Louis or Washington.

Adewale Ogunleye (Chicago Bears) Ogunleye still wants to start, but I am not sure there are many teams that are going to give him that chance. They guy is still a great situational pass rushers, but no longer a 3 down player. This is going to depend on how much money he is looking for. If he doesn’t want much, the Bears will retain him. If he wants a lot, look for a team like Pittsburg, who could use that situational pass rusher, to take a look at him.

Ray Edwards (Minnesota Vikings) This guy is being hyped after a good season. Maybe no one noticed, but he is playing on the same line as Pat and Kevin Williams and Jarred Allen? My grandma could make the Pro Bowl playing next to those guys. With the age of Pat and Kevin, I look for Minnesota to try and get a contract worked out, But make no mistake, if that doesn’t happen someone will over pay this guy and be disappointed.

Cromarti?... Nice Try!

So I admit I am a bit emotionally disturbed. To fast a start for you huh? All right, I will ease into this a little slower then.

Antonio Cromartie, who is an absolutely brilliant cornerback was placed on the trading block by Chargers GM A.J. Smith. My first reaction was OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD! (SQUEEEEEEEEEEEAL) ALL HE WANTS IS A FIRST ROUND PICK!! But before you petition your favorite franchise to sell their soul for a shutdown corner via blockbuster trade lets consider the source.

A. J. Smith is a Gm who has a pretty solid track record, not to say that he has been perfect, but I would argue he rivals the best personel guys in the league. My proof? He drafted Eli Manning, then traded him for what would end up being Phillip Rivers, Shawne Merriman and Nate Keading, all of which have made Pro-Bowl appearences. He kicked Marty Shottenhiemer out the door (hey, I like the guy to, but lets be objective for once) to bring in Norv Turner who has not had a great deal more success but certainly has not had any less. He drafted Cromartie in spite of Cromartie having not played football the previous year due to injury. Then Cromartie turned around and had a pro-bowl season in 2007.

A.J. Smith knows how to stock a franchise with the best talent available, to me that says that there must be a serious long term health issue with Cromartie. I doubt it is the knee that needed reconstructed after his college career, rather it is probably the hip he broke in 2008 that has never fully healed. In my mind if A.J. Smith is willing to part with Cromartie, he is off my list of trade worthy players, at least at the price that A.J. is asking and someone will inevitably pay.

It is not the end of the World...Yet!

So everyone is worried about the effect of the uncapped year on the NFL. I am going to make a wild and crazy prediction now: No one will notice. Now that I have made my prophecy I will just sit back, wait for those with deep pockets to notice my brilliance and cash out when the time is right…It may be a while though, so in the meantime let me explain.

Due to the uncapped year players now have to accrue 6 years of service to the franchise that drafted them instead of 4, before they become unrestricted free agents. Since most rookie contracts run 3-5 years this means that lots and lots of guys who would have been unrestricted free agents are now able to be tagged at a pretty affordable price. Thus, all the good young talent in the NFL is going to be locked down by their respective franchises for at least one more season. Not to say that there will not be a few key players available, Peppers (we already talked about this), Karlos Dansby, some other key players could move by trade, but even with an uncapped year no team will be able to just spend away and get tons of good talent because there is not tons of good talent available, there are a few guys available and lots of lower tier role players.

About now you are asking, well what if Jerry Jones with his deep pockets decided to go after ALL the big names? Well here is a little secret, the teams that finished in the top 8 in the league (participated in divisional round playoffs) can only take in an equal number of and contract values worth of free agents as they brought in. So essentially any team that won a playoff game can make lateral moves at best. Not conducive to getting over the hump. However if Daniel Snyder in Washington decided to go get all the free agents out their then…well he might actually have a playoff team.

2010 NFL Free Agents - Defensive Backs

Ok, so if your team is in need of a good cornerback, you are looking in the WRONG place!!! There is little to no help to be found in this free agent class. A lot of has beens and never was. Here are the limited high lights.

Dre’ Bly (San Francisco 49ers), Nick Harper (Tennessee Titans), Walt Harris (San Francisco 49ers), Anthony Henry (Detroit Lions), Ken Lucas (Seattle Seahawks) Here are the 30 something’s that will be hitting the market. It’s a sad truth that youth is an almost essential part of being a good (even productive) corner in this league. Most of these guys have all outlived their prime, but if you just need some depth or a nickel or dime corner you might consider one of these guys. But don’t get delusions of glory that these cats are going to produce as they once did.

Leigh Bodden (New England Patriots) Here is a guy that was thought to be washed up when he left the lions, hence the one year deal with the Patriots, but he proved this year to be a quality corner. He is a quality number one and a shutdown number two. Don’t look for the Patriots to let him go unless he just want a ridiculous amount of money. Which could happen with the lack of depth in the free agent and draft class this year for corners.

Richard Marshall (Carolina Panthers) Marshall could play safety for the Steelers, hell maybe even linebacker. He is young, though, smart and only lacks a little bit of pure speed and agility to be elite. He is better suited to play in a 3-4 where talking is more of his responsibility, but Carolina can’t let go of a good young corner (too hard to come by). And if Peppers leaves (maybe if not), look for this team to think of switching defensive style anyway. Basically, this guy isn’t going anywhere!

Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, (Green Bay Packers) Both are restricted free agents, but not trade bait. This comes don’t to one thing. Is Harrison and Woodson coming back. Both guys are still performing, but there comes a time when you got to hang it up. I don’t think Green Bay (or anyone else for that matter) is convinced about these two, but they may be around out of necessity. This could go either way, but it will provide some insight into where the Packers may go in the draft. Either way, don’t get too excited if your team gets one of these guys.

Dunta Robinson (Houston Texans) Can we say career suicide? This guy just had to shut up and wait to get paid. He was a great young corner that was going to get his, but after holding out, and performing ok at best, he just cost himself money and credibility. And if you haven’t noticed, selfish players always seem to fade away (Where have TO and Chad been the last two seasons?).

Carlos Rogers (Washington Redskins) This guy was in the same boat as Robison mentioned above, but showed what can happen if you get your act together. Here was one of the most talented corners I have ever seen, but his ego and pocket book got to him. Got sent to a poor system, and faded away. Since then, Rogers has grown up, got into a good system, and is back to his former self. In fact, I would say he is back to elite. If he wasn’t playing on a bad team, I think more people would have taken notice. I don’t see Snyder letting him go with an excuse to write blank checks with no cap this year. Washington will keep him. Hats off to you thought Rogers.

2010 NFL Free Agent - Offensive Linemen

There are a lot of good offensive line free agents in this class, but not a lot of Allen Fanecas. No real impact players that could give you an anchor to build around. But there are some great compliment players to fill a weak spot or solidify your line.

Chad Clifton (Green Bay Packers) His play waned last year, but in my opinion it was not due to his abilities, but instead due to injury and a lack of help on the inside. It is no great secret that Green Bay could not protect against the blitz last year and will probably look to reconcile that in a deep offensive line draft class. Green bay could go either way here; it kind of depends on how much Chad wants. If not, look for a team like San Diego, who could use a good run blocker, to take him.

Logan Mankins (New England Patriots) Here is probably the best offensive linemen in this class. Too bad the Patriots won’t let him go. Historically New England does not like to pay big money for players, but when it comes to protecting Tom Brady, spare no expense! But make no mistake, there are plenty of teams that would give up the picks to get this guy. The 49eres or the Seahawks would love to have this guy and have the picks. Especially since they are both likely to take quarterbacks on the first day of the draft this year.

Marcus McNeill (San Diego Chargers) Here is the problem with McNeil, INCONSISTANCY! This guy is young, strong and talented, but he just doesn’t produce all the time. That is a big problem at left tackle when you are protecting a franchise quarterback. I think this one could also come down to money. The Chargers have to worry about resigning Sproles and Jackson, and in an uncapped year, they know their value in the market and so does McNeil. You can tag them all, so you have to make a decision, and I don’t see someone spending picks on McNeil with a deep draft class. This could be a hold out situation.

Jared Gaither (Baltimore Ravens) There is no way the Ravens let this guy go. He will either get his contact or a tag. Sorry AFC North. Good Luck with that.

Willie Colon (Pittsburgh Steelers) Look for Colon to get a contract. He isn’t a great player and has been a disappointment, but right bow Pittsburg just doesn’t have options. Pittsburg will likely draft a linemen day one this year, but they have more than one hole to fill up front. For now, Colon will have to do at right tackle. Don’t get me wrong, he is a good run blocker, but let just say it’s a good thing been is durable.

Jammal Brown, Jahri Evans, Jermon Bushrod (New Orleans Saints) The Saints have three guys that are due new contracts, and after a Super Bowl season, they are all going to want paid and there is just no way to afford all of them. Look for Evans and Bushrod to get paid, but Brown will be the odd man out. After his injury last season, Bushrod came in and did at least as good as job, if not better, than brown, for less money. However, that does put Brown on the Market or make him trade bait for New Orleans at the 32nd overall pick. Brown is a great player, I just don’t see it being worth it to New Orleans to keep both of them. Brown could end up on any number of teams if he is released, but if the Saints want draft picks compensation, it will narrow quickly. This will be one to watch if your team needs a lineman.

Donald Penn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Is one of the most underrated left tackles in the league. He isn’t going anywhere. Especially considering the chance that Tampa take a QB early in this draft.

2010 NFL Free Agents - Running Back

Maybe not as deep as the receiver pool, but there is a lot of quality all the same in the 2010 running back free agent class. There are many quality players here to help out teams in need of a good running second back. There are even some notable game changers.

Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) here is one of the most intriguing free agent of the season. Brown is an unrestricted free agent, so that means he is free game. When this guy is on the field he has proven to be a game changer and maybe even one of the best back in the league. The only problem is that he isn’t always on the field. Two season ending injuries are going to hurt browns chances to get paid. And it is going to give Miami pause to resign him. I would love this guy on my team, but not for more than 4 or 5 million with his injury history. This could be a steal for with some money and in need of a back. I could see Arizona or Kansas City taking as a potential home

Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) Don’t look for Thomas to hit the market. This guy will get signed soon! He is too good and too young and too versatile for New Orleans to let him get away. And the presents of a good back allows them to keep bush in a spot roll which works well for them. There probably wont be a lot of offers made anyway with his lack of experience. I know it’s going to be hard for them to afford, but with the cap gone its going to happen even though they have not historically been big money spenders. Sorry guys!

Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers) in my opinion this guy is the best value at this position this year. He is a speed, agility and power back all in one, and after a down year for him (due to the Chargers run game, not Sproles) he is going to have a moderate tag. Look for San Diego to try and retain him, maybe even tag the guy. But if they don’t, he is going to have a starting job and a 7 million dollar a year contract from someone. He might even anyway if scouting reports are any indication someone will give up some picks for this guy.

Le’Ron McClain (Baltimore Ravens) NOT GOING ANYWHERE! This guy maybe the most exciting fullback since Mike Allstot. There is no way the Ravens let him go. Especially with the production Ray Rice has with him on the field. But this may free up McGhee for a cut.

Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers) Willie is in more than a slump. He has been less than productive since his knee injury a couple of years ago. He still has the wheels, but doesn’t seem to have the burst. Pittsburg has already made the change to Mendenhall as a starter and they don’t like to pay guys who aren’t producing. Parker should be in another jersey next year. Look for him to end up behind a power back somewhere like the Jets or Giants, maybe even the Redskins.

LenDale White (Tennessee Titans) can we say complimentary back only. Look for one of those teams that lost one of the above mentioned backs to take a look at white. He is a fantastic compliment to any system, but when you got Chris Johnson, you don’t need a Cadillac backing up; you just need something that runs. You can get that with a 6^th round pick for no money so why resign the guy unless its really cheap. And I don’t look for White to want to sit.

Kevin Faulk (New England Patriots) the best nobody in the league for the last several decade. The guy just goes out and gets it done in every situation. He doesn’t turn the ball over, can do it all, and is a leader. I would look for a team like Minnesota, who has a great back but can’t afford to lose the running game due to injury if Farve retiers, to look for another back like this to replace Taylor. The other scenario is that maybe someone is planning on drafting early and needs some insurance and veteran guidance. This guy is a hall of fame backup if they had those.

2010 Free Agents - Wide Recivers

Now that we talked about the what free agents quarterbacks could possibly be under center (or not be under center) for your team, let’s take a look at who they could be throwing to. It is a star studded field this year for free agent wide receivers.

Terrell Owens (Buffalo Bills) should not be back in Buffalo for a second season. No because he doesn’t still have “IT” (or at least most of it), but because there is no reason to pay a player close to 10 million dollars a year in that situation. No QB, mediocre Defense. I applaud buffalo for taking the chance last year, and attempting to get better, but you guys just don’t have the infrastructure. Sorry. But with no salary cap this year, look for Owens to get a nice (short) contract. My money is that Dan Snider (Redskins) or the Bears jump at this chance if they can’t get anyone younger.

Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos) is the big prize here, he has had some of the best and most consistent numbers over the last few years, and he is young. And despite the off the field trouble, he manages not to get into too much trouble. Someone is going to take a chance on this guy, he is just too good. But who? He is a restricted free agent meaning that it will cost a first and third round pick to get him away from Denver. The question becomes is he worth the trouble? And do we want to pay anymore first round picks after snagging two for Jay Cutler. It is hard to say, but look for him to end up somewhere about 2 days before the draft.

Braylon Edwards (New York Jets) this guy has not produced in two years, and has really only manage one good (Great) season during his career. He is going to get paid because there is no cap and people go crazy during free agency (hence Bennard Berrian getting 8 mill from the Vikings a few years ago). However, the question is wheatear the Jets can unload him. Once again, only because there is no cap, I’m going to say yes, but this is not something your team should be happy about. Look for Dallas to potentially get involved. Especially if they can’t get Austin back.

Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) young, explosive, consistent, fast, great hands, crisp routes… Jerry paid TO 10 million a year and gave up a first rounder for Williams and didn’t get all that. There is no way this guy gets out of Dallas. He might as well not be a free agent, so forget it.

Others to consider:
Vincent Jackson (San Diego Chargers) Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals), Chris Chambers (Kansas City Chiefs), Derrick Mason (Baltimore Ravens) here are the player that you should really be excited about. Here are the players that your team could actually end up with if your not Dallas, Washington or New York, and for a good price too!!! These are the kinds of players that show up each week, you have no problems with, don’t ask for that much money, and always produce. Free agency is not to build a team, its to compliment it, and here are the best values.

Notable: Look for Chad Johnson and Anquan Boldin to be on the trading block before draft day.

By: Matthew Walden