First Round NFL Draft Order Set
The order for the first round of April’s draft was officially set following the conclusion of last week’s Super Bowl. I have color coded the entire draft list to make it easier to visually understand why certain teams are picking ahead of other teams: PFC’s 2008 Draft Page The Cowboys are particularly strong in the first round, having [...]

The order for the first round of April’s draft was officially set following the conclusion of last week’s Super Bowl.

I have color coded the entire draft list to make it easier to visually understand why certain teams are picking ahead of other teams:

PFC’s 2008 Draft Page

• The Cowboys are particularly strong in the first round, having the 22nd and 28th picks courtosy of their trade with the Cleveland Browns last season.
• Last year, a 6-10 record was good enough for the 9th overall pick. This year, there weren’t any 6-10 teams, but if their were, they still would’ve picked 9th.
• The Bills finished 7-9 last year and this year. Last year, they took Marshawn Lynch at No. 12. This year, they get the 11th pick.
• The Patriots forfeited their natural pick due to Spygate. However, they still have the No. 7 pick, which was acquired through the 49ers last year.

I’ll have some special features reviewing the season online soon. Then, to kick off our three-month countdown to April’s draft, I will review the best and worst picks of the 2007 draft in terms of impact this past season.

Five ways each team can win the Super Bowl
Super Bowl XLII And so the big game is finally here. After weeks of teams battling hard to get to the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are the two who’ve reached the grandest stage the sport has to offer. I expect Chris will posting a Super Bowl analysis of sufficient [...]

Super Bowl XLII

And so the big game is finally here. After weeks of teams battling hard to get to the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are the two who’ve reached the grandest stage the sport has to offer. I expect Chris will posting a Super Bowl analysis of sufficient depth to dwarf anything I’d put together so I’ve decided to write down how I feel each team can go about win these games (aside from “Scoring more than the other team“, obviously.) Aside from that, I’m just hoping for a good game after being a little let down by previous Super Bowls. (more…)

Trade Bait: Other Side of the NFL Market
With so much talk about free agency, sometimes people forget about the players that teams are looking to trade. And, if the teams can’t trade that particular player, they will likely release them before they are due a signing bonus. So, either way, these players are worthy of paying attention to, especially in the next [...]

With so much talk about free agency, sometimes people forget about the players that teams are looking to trade. And, if the teams can’t trade that particular player, they will likely release them before they are due a signing bonus. So, either way, these players are worthy of paying attention to, especially in the next couokd of days:

nfl/wp-content/uploads/image/jvilma.jpg” style=”padding: 4px; float: right;” alt=”" />1. DeAngelo Hall, CB, Atlanta Falcons: Hall has already proven during his stay with the Falcons that he has the potential to be a shutdown corner. The organization and Hall aren’t on good terms right now, and it seems as if it will take at least a first-round draft choice from a team to get Hall. The New York Giants reportedly have a strong interest in him, but other teams, including the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys are in the running as well.

2. Shaun Rogers, DT, Detroit Lions: The Lions know that Rogers is a very physical force if he plays with the highest enthusiasm, so they aren’t going to part with him just for the sake of parting with him. However, management are listening to calls and several teams have reportedly shown an interest already.

3. Jonathan Vilma, LB, New York Jets: While still talented, Vilma has not been the best fit in Eric Mangini’s 3-4 system. Knowing that they won’t receive any compensation next year for Vilma when he becomes a free agent, trading him now would benefit them, even if they give him up for a bargain.

nfl/wp-content/uploads/image/twilliamson.jpg” style=”padding: 4px; float: left;” alt=”" />4. Javon Walker, WR, Denver Broncos: Walker could be on the move again, but his injury concerns no doubt remain the biggest risk associated with him. Walker has clearly shown the potential to be a No. 1 receiver, but a team can’t afford to spend money on him if they aren’t already deep at the receiver position. Rumor has it that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are interested in him, but they could always wait until around the beginning of March. If the Broncos haven’t traded him by then, they’ll cut him to prevent him from earning a $5 million roster bonus.

5. Troy Williamson, WR, Minnesota Vikings: The former first-round selection hasn’t done anything worthy of production with the Vikings, and he has been given permission to seek a trade. Williamson would like to play for the Cleveland Browns due to his ties with receiver Braylon Edwards, but it’s hard to imagine Cleveland trading a draft pick for him. The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly interested in him, as they are still searching for answers at the receiver position.

6. Jevon Kearse, DE, Philadelphia Eagles: Although the Eagles would like to find someone to take him, he’s probably going to end up getting cut instead.

With some players, trades are not an option. The Bengals are refusing to trade Chad Johnson at this point, due to the impact they know he can still have. On the other side of the spectrum, it may not be worth it for a team to give up a draft pick if a team will give up and cut a player. Two weeks ago it seemed like the Panthers were interested in trading DeShaun Foster, but they cut him a few days later.

Williamson to Jaguars: All But Complete
When the Minnesota Vikings put receiver Troy Williamson on the market earlier this week, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the team that showed the greatest interest. Reports are now indicating that a trade between the Vikings and Jaguars is all but complete for the former first-round pick. The only thing holding the trade back is the [...]

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When the Minnesota Vikings put receiver Troy Williamson on the market earlier this week, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the team that showed the greatest interest. Reports are now indicating that a trade between the Vikings and Jaguars is all but complete for the former first-round pick. The only thing holding the trade back is the fact that teams must wait until Friday at midnight EST to finalize it.

Williamson caught 18 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown last season. Considering the numbers that receiver Braylon Edwards put up this season in Cleveland, since he was taken a few picks ahead of Williamson, the Vikings feel that it’s time to give up on him. However, Williamson’s potential technically may have been limited in Minnesota due to group of ineffective quarterbacks. After all — since Randy Moss left the team, who has been effective?

Jacksonville will get: Troy Williamson
Minnesota will get: 6th-Round Draft Pick

The trade would also re-unite Williamson with former Vikings head coach Mike Tice, who is now an assistant coach for the Jaguars.

2008 NFL Free Agency Tracker
I am pleased to announce that Pro Football Critics now has one of the best Free Agency Trackers on the Internet. Your assistance in alerting us of any errors in the list will be greatly appreciated. As signings or releases are made in the coming days, the tracker will be updated accordingly. Included in the tracker [...]

I am pleased to announce that Pro Football Critics now has one of the best Free Agency Trackers on the Internet. Your assistance in alerting us of any errors in the list will be greatly appreciated. As signings or releases are made in the coming days, the tracker will be updated accordingly.

Included in the tracker are players that are expected to be traded and players that have been slapped with the franchise tag. Remember that not all of the players are official free agents yet — some of them will not become free agents until next week.

Also, after the coin flip the other day, the final order of the first round of the draft was determined. The Falcons will pick third, the Raiders will pick fourth, and the Chiefs will pick fifth. The order is now reflected on our Draft Order page.

Patriots to be Dealt Aces in Super Bowl XLII
Game:  New York Giants (13-6) vs. New England Patriots (18-0) Where: University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, AZ) When: 6:32 PM EST on FOX Announcers: Troy Aikman & Joe Buck Tom Brady scoffed when told Wednesday that New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress guaranteed New York will beat Brady’s undefeated New England team in [...]

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Game:? New York Giants (13-6) vs. New England Patriots (18-0)
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium?(Glendale, AZ)
When: 6:32 PM EST on FOX
Announcers: Troy Aikman & Joe Buck

Tom Brady scoffed when told Wednesday that New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress guaranteed New York will beat Brady’s undefeated New England team in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

“We’re only going to score 17 points?” Brady said before chuckling about it. “OK. Is Plax playing defense? I wish he had said 45-42 and gave us a little credit for scoring more points.”

When the playoffs started, I already had the Super Bowl matchup that I wanted to see in the back of my mind. That game featured the Indianapolis Colts defending their title against the Green Bay Packers. It would’ve been a battle of my favorite quarterbacks playing the game today — Peyton Manning versus Brett Favre — in a showdown that I’ve been waiting years to see. Neither of my teams made the postseason. The Colts won’t have the chance to defend their title. Favre may never get the Packers as far as he did this year before he retires. And yet, the Super Bowl we’ve been given may turn out to be the best contest imaginable. (more…)

Lions 3-year draft history among NFL’s worst

The Dallas Cowboys get an A. So do New England, the New York Giants and San Diego. via Ann Arbor News

Bucs anxious to give Talib a chance

“We always let guys come in and compete, especially first-round or second-round picks…. But that doesn’t mean that we just start them. They have to earn it because we like who we have right now”

When he finally encountered one he couldn’t answer, the first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some unexpected assistance. via Kansas.com

Ex-Wisconsin Punter Signs With Pack

DeBauche, who also played at Bay Port High School, told the Green Bay Press-Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the move took place Sunday shortly after he was not taken by any team in the National … via WFRV

Nix out as Chargers assistant GM, Muller named senior exec

“I have had the privilege of working alongside him for 15 years in Buffalo and San Diego. He did an outstanding job. We appreciate his contributions and wish him well.”

Buddy Nix is out as assistant general manager of the San Diego Chargers, with the team saying he retired and his wife saying he resigned. via New Orleans Times-Picayune

Popularity: 14% [?]

N.F.L. Draft: Giants See Potential and Take a Chance
In the third round, the Giants took the talented Michigan receiver Mario Manningham, whose past had raised questions among teams concerning possible character issues.

Bona Fide or a Bust? Don?t Rush to Judgment
Many N.F.L. talent evaluators believe that three years is the necessary incubation period to pronounce a draft pick a boom or a bust.

Keeping Score: The Race of Truth: 40-Yard Times Can Tell the Future
Based on an examination of the last 10 years of data from running backs at the combine, it is clear the 40-yard dash does help predict whether a college running back will be an effective professional.

New Orleans Arena League Team Casting Quite a Spell
After a season lost to Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans VooDoo, aspiring champions of the Arena Football League, have enjoyed the embrace of a damaged city.

Former Patriots Video Assistant Reaches Deal With N.F.L.
The former Patriots video assistant negotiated a deal to share with the N.F.L. information he has related to the investigation of the team?s videotaping tactics.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Raiders release Rhodes, get some cap space back
Oakland Raiders notified halfback Dominic Rhodes that he is being released.

9 Vote(s)

Handing out draft grades for NFC teams
Atlanta got its franchise QB in Matt Ryan. But did the Falcons earn a high grade from our NFL Czar? See how the entire NFC fared.

Handing out draft grades for AFC teams
The Chiefs scored big at the NFL Draft with Glenn Dorsey. Our NFL Czar hands out draft grades for every team. How did yours rank?

Panthers reach terms with DT Walker
The Carolina Panthers added depth on their defensive line by agreeing to a one-year deal with free agent Darwin Walker. Walker’s agent, Al Irby, confirmed the deal Monday. The Chicago Bears let Walker go in February. Walker played in 11 games with seven starts in an injury-plagued season with Chicago in 2007. He finished with 17 tackles and one sack. Before that, Walker was a five-year starter in Philadelphia.

With Johnson big unknown, Bengals stockpile WRs
The Bengals have two ways to replace Chris Henry. Maybe Chad Johnson, too. They took Florida’s Andre Caldwell in the third round, giving Cincinnati t

8 Vote(s)

Jeff Otah holds up his new Carolina Panthers jersey.

“We all have the same philosophy that you can’t go wrong selecting good football players.”

No, the Carolina Panthers aren’t switching to a 3-4 defense. But they sure have enough linebackers to do it. via WTVD

The McFadden effect: Raiders dump RB Rhodes
Read full story for latest details.

10 Vote(s)

Well-known names called on Day 2 of draft
After threatening Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record in college, Kevin Smith now can concentrate - or at least dream about - Sanders’ marks with the Detroit Lions. The Central Florida running back and nation’s leading rusher in 2007 was chosen atop the third round of the NFL draft Sunday. The Lions even traded up two spots with Miami for the privilege of beginning the second day by grabbing Smith. Last season, Smith rushed for 2,567 yards and scored 29 touchdowns.

No flameout: Flacco a surprise at 18th pick for Ravens
Joe Flacco was at the center of a more memorable draft-day drama than most. And that wasn’t pre-draft smoke the Flacco family …

11 Vote(s)

Patriots bolster roster with defensive players
Read full story for latest details.

10 Vote(s)

Popularity: 14% [?]

Cowboys owner Jones on Pacman: Risk-reward needs to be done

“That’s quite a convoluted situation”

Jerry Jones isn’t certain Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones ever will play for the Dallas Cowboys. Yet the chance he might, and that he might play really well, was good enough for Jerry Jones to absorb the public-relations hit that comes with acquiring the cornerback known more for arrests than interceptions.

‘To say I’m totally convinced (it will work out), no, I don’t know that,’ the Cowboys owner said Saturday. ‘I don’t know that at all. But I do know enough to do what we’re doing. And I feel positive enough that it’s worth that.’ Read more

Popularity: 12% [?]

At Round?s End, Giants Find What They Need
At 6 feet 2 inches, 213 pounds, Kenny Phillips is a big, physical safety in the mold of the former Miami safety and Pro Bowl player Sean Taylor.

Packers Interested in Pacman?
The Packers are reportedly interested in acquiring Pacman Jones from the Tennessee Titans, who Jones has all but vowed he will never play for again. There are, of course, a few things wrong with this rumor. First and foremost, the Packers have two of the better corners in the AFC, Al Harris and Charles Woodson. [...]

N.F.L. Roundup: Seahawks Give Alexander an Unconditional Release
The N.F.L.?s 2005 most valuable player was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday after two consecutive seasons marked by injuries and decreased production.

Jets Mix Serendipity With Study in Draft
Despite all that preparation, draft-day decisions often come down to something trivial. Like a bathroom break.

Booms and Busts - A Look at the No. 1 Picks Over the Past 20 Years
The NFL Draft has earned a reputation for being little more than a crapshoot. Considering the number of hours NFL scouts spend poring over game tapes, watching athletes run sprints, and quizzing them to find a “Wonderlic” score, it’s a bit odd that there are no “sure things.” Even players drafted first overall in the draft [...]

Popularity: 9% [?]

Pair of Cowboys Traded to Dolphins

The Dallas Cowboys traded linebacker Akin Ayodele and tight end Anthony Fasano to the Miami Dolphins for a fourth-round draft pick, a person familiar with the deal said Friday. via KSDK NewsChannel 5

Patriots’ needs point to linebacker, cornerback in draft

“What really means something is a year or two down the road whether the player you’ve taken can do what you selected them to do.”

For a team that was less than a minute away from a perfect season, the New England Patriots enter the draft with more needs than might be expected. via NFL

Team Needs: Chicago Bears
What You Say: Quarterback What I Say: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Safety Unlike most fans, I don’t think that the Bears greatest need is at quarterback. Rex Grossman is still a relatively inexperienced and young quarterback at roughly the same stage of development as a player like Matt Leinart (considering actual game time — Grossman, as most [...]

Trades could be the name of the game in today’s NFL draft

“But you have to have an idea and prepare for that.”

The Miami Dolphins went the safe route in signing Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long earlier this week, thus making him the No. via The Orlando Sentinel

Bills mum about draft despite obvious needs

“We’ll do what’s in the best interest of the organization and, ultimately, it will be my responsibility”

Russ Brandon didn’t land the second-most powerful position with the Buffalo Bills by being careless, and he’s not about to start now. via WSTM-TV Syracuse

Deal for Pacman Likely to Get Done Within Days
If the Cowboys get a deal done, we’ll hear about it within the next few days. “It’s probable, if we’re going to get something done, we’ll do it while we’re here at these meetings,” Jerry Jones said. “…We’ve got some more talks we’ve got to do with the Titans, and we will do that while [...]

Thoughts from the Dark Side: Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin speaks on the coming draft

The Raiders lifted their shroud of silence today and Lane Kiffin answered some questions on the state of the Oakland Raiders and the upcoming NFL draft. via Oakland Raiders Football

Favre, Letterman talk retirement

“Yes, yes, I can. I can take care of that”

Brett Favre repeated today that he has retired from pro football but admitted to TV host David Letterman that as the Packers‘ training camp gets close, “something’s bound to happen.” Dressed in jeans, a … via WisInfo

Jets agree to trade Dewayne Robertson to Denver

“So how big of a risk are you going to take?”

The Denver Broncos acquired defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson from the New York Jets on Thursday for a conditional pick in the 2009 draft. via Newsday.com

Ravens Want to Keep Lewis
The Ravens and Ray Lewis apart? Not if team owner Steve Bisciotti can help it. “If he becomes a free agent next year, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams,” Bisciotti said. “We know Ray’s value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. [...]

Popularity: 8% [?]

Vikes, Chiefs make blockbuster deal for DE Allen
Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen has a new home. The former Chiefs player has agreed to terms with the Vikings, Allen told FOXSports.com exclusively, on a contract that makes him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. The deal is for six years and just under $74 million, including a stunning $31,000,069 guaranteed — 69 is his jersey number.

Sports of The Times: Vick Case Exposes Rift Among Animal-Rights Advocates
PETA, a daily presence in court during the Michael Vick case, generally advocates euthanizing rescued fighting dogs, while other groups lean toward rehabilitation.

Bona Fide or a Bust? Don?t Rush to Judgment
Many N.F.L. talent evaluators believe that three years is the necessary incubation period to pronounce a draft pick a boom or a bust.

After No. 1, early signings would hurt the draft
Signing the No. 1 pick early is fine, but if the NFL allows other prospects to sign, the draft will never be the same, Alex Marvez says.

Sports of The Times: Striking an Unlikely Friendship
What is intriguing about the relationship between Terrell Owens and Andy Roddick is Owens?s connection to rising young stars searching for the secret of breaking through.

Five ways each team can win the Super Bowl
Super Bowl XLII And so the big game is finally here. After weeks of teams battling hard to get to the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are the two who’ve reached the grandest stage the sport has to offer. I expect Chris will posting a Super Bowl analysis of sufficient [...]

Super Bowl XLII

And so the big game is finally here. After weeks of teams battling hard to get to the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are the two who’ve reached the grandest stage the sport has to offer. I expect Chris will posting a Super Bowl analysis of sufficient depth to dwarf anything I’d put together so I’ve decided to write down how I feel each team can go about win these games (aside from “Scoring more than the other team“, obviously.) Aside from that, I’m just hoping for a good game after being a little let down by previous Super Bowls. (more…)

Popularity: 8% [?]

If I called the shots on draft day…
Michael Lombardi is a 22-year veteran of NFL personnel departments, spending eight years with the Raiders and nine years with the Browns, in addition

10 Vote(s)

Lots of yards, but no hype, for RB prospect Smith
You won’t find Kevin Smith’s name in anybody’s mock draft for the first round. After rushing for 2,567 yards last season just …

12 Vote(s)

Glazer on Long

Popularity: 8% [?]

Vikes, Chiefs make blockbuster deal for DE Allen
Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen has a new home. The former Chiefs player has agreed to terms with the Vikings, Allen told FOXSports.com exclusively, on a contract that makes him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. The deal is for six years and just under $74 million, including a stunning $31,000,069 guaranteed — 69 is his jersey number.

N.F.L. Roundup: Seahawks Give Alexander an Unconditional Release
The N.F.L.?s 2005 most valuable player was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday after two consecutive seasons marked by injuries and decreased production.

Group of Players Plans Removal of Upshaw
Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover has proposed a plan to replace the N.F.L. union chief Gene Upshaw.

With a Little Imagination, a Football Field Sprouts From the Concrete
Leon Williams, a Cleveland Browns linebacker who routinely plays in stadiums in front of 60,000 people, played his early football on concrete fields in Brooklyn.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Five ways each team can win the Super Bowl
Super Bowl XLII And so the big game is finally here. After weeks of teams battling hard to get to the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are the two who’ve reached the grandest stage the sport has to offer. I expect Chris will posting a Super Bowl analysis of sufficient [...]

Super Bowl XLII

And so the big game is finally here. After weeks of teams battling hard to get to the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are the two who’ve reached the grandest stage the sport has to offer. I expect Chris will posting a Super Bowl analysis of sufficient depth to dwarf anything I’d put together so I’ve decided to write down how I feel each team can go about win these games (aside from “Scoring more than the other team“, obviously.) Aside from that, I’m just hoping for a good game after being a little let down by previous Super Bowls. (more…)

Report: Seahawks to cut Alexander (AP)
The long-anticipated separation between the Seattle Seahawks and former MVP running back Shaun Alexander appears imminent. Alexander’s agent, Jim Steiner, told The Associated Press Tuesday that “an announcement is pending” about Alexander’s future with the Seahawks. Reports surfaced Tuesday morning that Alexander was about to be cut by the team, but not until after he passed a physical.

Popularity: 10% [?]