LKelley67

that i found interesting while surfing...

SAN FRANCISCO may look to deal quarterback TIM RATTAY during or right after the NFL Draft if he gets a clean bill of health with Tampa Bay being a possible destination... the 49ers would likely receive about a sixth round draft choice in return for him... but might be able to get a conditional pick in 2006 that could move up to a fifth round choice based on his playing time and performance, although he is likely to be at least a #2 where ever he goes.

New Name- SOUTH CAROLINA senior linebacker MARCUS LAWRENCE is one of the players that could find himself getting called earlier than expected come draft day... at 6-2, 243 pounds... he has the size several teams are searching for at SLB and also has prior experience in the middle, as well... according to one team source, he played every game after the Georgia contest, which was early September with a severely pulled groin muscle (left side), which required constant extra treatments, but he did not miss many practices and took the field every week... drawn additional interest from Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay... 3-4 teams feel he can play inside... 4-3 teams have evaluated him at both middle and strong-side... switched between both spots during the Senior Bowl practices... as a whole this draft does not have great depth at the linebacker position, which should lead to increased visibility for a guy like this... expect to see him come off the board between picks #71 and #93 of the third round, as each of the teams previously mentioned have choices during that point of the draft.

16. New Orleans ... LB is an area of high need for the Saints but unless Johnson or Merriman free falls, this might be a little too early to grab an all-around 'backer like Tennessee's Kevin Burnett or a project like Demarcus Ware of Troy State. Either getting DT bust Johnathan Sullivan to start playing like a high draft choice or drafting a replacement here might be the option. Travis Johnson or Castillo would be a good fit at this point in the draft. And if underachieving WR Donte' Stallworth doesn't get it together soon, Clayton or Brown could be the guy. An earlier rumour of the Saints drafting SS Thomas Davis of Georgia is unlikely now with the signing of Dwight Smith from Tampa Bay, however so that is a possibilty.

SOUTH CAROLINA junior wide receiver TROY WILLIAMSON will have made a total of nine private visits by time the next week or so is complete... one interesting note is that Minnesota has decided not to bring him in, although they are a team that has kept very close tabs on him throughout this process.

There'll be a more than intriguing workout later today when Arizona State QB Andrew Walter takes to the field. Walter has been sidelined since late last year when he underwent surgery to repair a shoulder injury. With a strong showing today, walter, who throws one of the best deep passes in all football, could firmly establish himself as one of the top second-tier QBs in this year's draft.

FireVenturi

Really good stuff. I would like Thomas Davis at WLB.

baronm

I\'ve heard good things about him.

2. I\'d stretch to get burnett before I take travis johnson. atleast burnett has more than one year of productivity.