Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

I agree with taking Rivers at 10 because i think it would be easier for a rookie LB to come in and play well opposed to a rookie CB...but i do not see the saints going after Briggs.

I have a gut feeling that tells me that the saints will pursue a veteran CB even if it means spending alot of money. When Payton first got here, he knew the team couldnt even be competitive without a quality QB and they made it clear that they would beat any offer for Brees. I think they will have the same mindset when it comes to an impact CB this year. Thats not to say they will land one, but i think they will be aggresive in going after one...or two.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

You may be right...especially since MM might not be back at all in 2008. However, I think the DL will get "thiner" with Coach O, and the LB's will get young and fast...either through the draft or FA!

I am hoping Briggs, however, if Vilma is available and healthly, then work a trade with the Jets. Also, I think Carpenter from the Cowboys would be a good fit in NO. Options, options, and more options.

One last point. If, and it is a big IF, McFadden is available at #10...the Cowboys will be a calling. I would trade #10 and use the second of the Cowboys first round draft at #28 pick to trade again for a second and third. Five picks in the first three rounds and a couple of FA would be a dream come true.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Thats is some major wishfull thinking. McFadden being there at 10 is like saying Reggie Bush would be available at 10 2 years ago. Not even a possibility.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Stranger things have happened. Remember Quinn last year?

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

While I understand your point, I must point out that Quinn wasn't the runner-up for the Heisman two years in a row like McFadden.
Quinn didn't light-up great SEC defenses like McFadden did.
Also, McFadden's running style is alot like this years Rookie of the Year, A.Peterson.

GM's would never let him drop to #10.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

That would be a shocker if he falls to 10. Also, Quinn was not considered the top prospect in the draft last year. Assuming the Falcons are looking QB, Jerry Jones will be doing all he can to possibly look to get that pick with the Raiders picking 4th. I agree with looking for a rookie LB at 10 either Connor or Rivers. If we can land a starting caliber CB in FA, then there is plenty of depth at CB in the draft in the middle rounds. With the recent turnout of rookies like Patrick Willis, Jon Beason, AJ Hawk, Ernie Sims, Demarcus Ware, Shawn Merriman, Demeco Ryans making impacts in their first year as opposed to the development of corners, you will get more bang for your buck by taking a LB or DT (if Ellis falls) at 10 and waiting on a CB in round 2.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Its not the same thing at all when comparing McFadden to Brady Quinn. QB's tend to slide a bit more because of their position. Elite RB's dont slide that far. Team needs at QB are different than they are at RB. Most teams now are looking for a RB tandem and there is no such thing in the NFL as a QB tandem.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

I can think of a few teams during the 2007 season who only wished they had a tandem at QB.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Dont confuse "tandem" with "reliable backup". Most teams prefer to be able to use 2 RBs weekly to keep them fresh and toy with the defense. No one gameplans during the week to play 2 QBs. That being said, no one uses a top 10 draft pick to groom him to be a reliable backup. Thats just not how it works.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Don't confuse wish with actually doing. I get your point, but to my point look at the three headed QB situation the Bears had in 2007...Griese (third round), Grossman (first round and 22nd overall), and Orton (fourth round).