NFL News & Headlines

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Category : Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs

NFL News & Headlines

Chiefs Sign Jones

Kansas City Chiefs have signed free-agent RB Thomas Jones to a two year deal. The 31 year old ex-New York Jet ran for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009. This move should add that much needed punch in the back field for the Chiefs.

Say Goodbye Mr. Anderson

Only one day after the Browns acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, Derek Anderson gets released. The 26 year old Anderson has spent 5 up and down seasons with the Browns after being snagged off of the waivers in 05. With Brady Quinn looking to get the chance to become the full time starter in Cleveland and Wallace the ace in the whole if things go wrong, Anderson was dead weight.

Broncos Super Size

Trying to improve on an average defensive line the Denver Broncos have signed DE Jarvis Green and, DT Jamal Williams. While both players are huge in size the expectations haven’t always been filled, making todays signings not the end all solution to the defensive line…just some much needed depth.

Team Needs Mock Draft (Part 2)

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Category : Around the League, Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, NFL Draft / Off Season, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

Team Needs Mock Draft (Part 2)

It’s a little early to be predicting the first round of the NFL Draft, yet people love to speculate what teams will do (Mel Kiper 9.0 by March). Every year Gridiron Experts refuses to post a Mock Draft too early, so instead we’re posting a 3 part team needs mock draft, giving an educated guess to what teams might be thinking.

Not every position that is lacking on a NFL squad has to be filled with a first round pick. There are still a ton of free agents that are about to hit the open market, and second year players that can step in now that they have a year under them, and the first few weeks of March should completely change the draft. So here is a look at the NFL Draft based on how teams are sitting at the moment.

Read the First Article: Team Needs Mock Draft (Part 1)

11) Denver Broncos Team Needs: DT | DE | WR | QB

Strange to see Denver this high on the board considering the fast start to the season with new coach Josh McDaniel’s. The Broncos completely fell apart in the final month of the season, losing 4 games in a row, including losses to the Chiefs and Raiders.

The Broncos will likely try to improve their running defense through free agency and could target an offensive playmaker with pick 10. The Brandon Marshall trade rumors have started to fire up, causing many mock draft experts to target the top wide receiver landing in Denver.

Demaryius Thomas is high in our books, but a broken foot could hurt his stock value, making Dez Bryant a strong favorite. There is also a chance that if a top QB is available at 10 the Broncos could fill the shoes left by Jay Cutler. Either way the Broncos are sitting strong at pick 10 to take the best player available without the huge rookie money at the top of the draft.

12) Miami Dolphins Team Needs: WR | LB | SS

The Dolphins had injuries to key players in ‘09, but did an amazing job filling position spots. Players stepped up week after week to fill roles unlike any other team. The Dolphins are a diamond in the rough; if they can stay healthy and add a couple playmakers, this team could challenge for the AFC East division title.

This young team is a year older and wiser now, and will try to grow on the accomplishments of the ‘09 season. Personally Gridiron Experts would like to see this pick used on the offensive side of the ball, and we’re sure fans would agree. Adding a WR that can stretch the field would be ideal for this running attack, yet the team has enough rookies, and leadership would be nice as well.

We think trading this pick to a team like Arizona for a smart, tough WR like Anquan Boldin would be a great move. At 29 the trade wouldn’t be pick for player, but if a mid round pick came with Boldin, the Dolphins would walk away happy. Gridiron Experts sees pick 12 the first traded away pick of the draft, either down to gain more picks, or to another team for a veteran leader. The Dolphins are already a young team and need to add talent and wisdom now.

13) San Francisco 49er’s Team Needs: OT | WR | SS | KR

The only thing the 49er’s need to do this offseason is cut Takeo Spikes. Why? Because the veteran linebacker is a playoff curse. In the 12 years that Takeo Spikes has been in the NFL he has never been a part of a team that has made the playoffs…wow!

The 49er’s don’t really have any massive needs on the team, despite what some may say about QB Alex Smith.

Alex Smith was solid down the stretch and should have done just enough to have earned another opportunity to start for the 49er’s next season. There is a chance that Smith could succeed and lead this team into the post season if a smart offensive system can be installed that this young club can get behind.  Keep in mind we’re being optimistic, as newly hired offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye II doesn’t come with an impressive resume. Raye has never run an offense that has ranked high in any category that mattered, and his hiring makes no sense in the direction the

NFL Spring Cleaning Starts Early

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Category : Around the League, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers

NFL Spring Cleaning Starts Early
You know the expression: One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. It works in the NFL too, as teams continue to clean house like never before.

It seems if you were a 70’s baby you’re looking for work this year in the NFL. Old running back releases are nothing new, but some teams are getting rid of anything that has a heavy price tag and/or bad memory of a losing season.

San Diego Chargers: Letting go of LT is not much of a shocker, (although it will be strange to see him in another jersey color) what is strange is the soon to be loss of Darren Sproles, a player that was thought to be part of the future. It won’t be too hard to predict the Chargers draft needs in about a week, but if a replacement isn’t found that can be looked at as an addition, then why let quality players walk in a cap-less year.

Buffalo Bills: The Bills informed free agent WR Terrell Owens, WR Josh Reed, and DE Ryan Denney that they will not be offered contracts before March 5 , therefor making the Bills that much crappier. The one thing that we see after years of being die hard NFL fans here at Gridiron Experts is that people can’t wrap their brains around the fact that these are people and respond differently under different coaching units. Everybody hates change, but a new regime can do amazing things. New coaches are always quick to paint the walls a different color, but T.O has still got talent and played a fairly “media-quite” year. Giving up on arguably the teams best receiver is a mistake.

New York Jets: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Thomas Jones will not restructure his contract, and he’s expected to be released within a week. Jackpot for Shonn Greene fantasy owners who are getting a faster keeper than expected.  Thomas Jones on the other hand shouldn’t be rolled in the same blanket with Westbrook & Tomlinson, he had a good season last year and could be a free agent steal for a team.

Denver Broncos: A source has confirmed that coach Josh McDaniels hasn’t spoken face-to-face with Brandon Marshall since the end of the season. I’m not going to play the fiddle for Marshall, but take a page out the Eagles offseason playbook and make it look like he’s not dead in the water. The best franchises can blow a smoke screen of lies that even their mothers will fall for. Make it look like he isn’t a massive headache and that maybe it’s just a bad chemistry thing, otherwise teams will play hard ball and wait for you to release that canker sore, thereby losing a chance at draft picks.

Philadelphia Eagles: Speaking of smart franchises (expect when it comes to a Super Bowl) the Eagles are very clever in their dealings off the field, and should walk into this years draft with extra picks thanks to the signing of Vick.

We wrote an article when Mike Vick had signed last summer ( Mike Vick Buy Low Sell High) that fits well into the current situation. but the 1.5 million that the Birds are willing to eat just to drag trading talks on longer might just back fire. If more unexpected players continue to get released the market for a QB could go down, especially with the young rookies and all their new sparkle and shine wowing those who might do the math that a new talent is better than an old jail-bird (zing).

Currently the going market for quarterbacks is weak ,with Daunte Culpepper and Kyle Boller topping the lists, but other back up quarterbacks are probably being looked at and the Eagles need to find a home fast for this overratted QB before the water boils over. McNabb has a year before he’s gone, Kolb is the future, don’t get greedy and miss out on dealing a player your not using.

2010 Fantasy Potential of Knowshon Moreno

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Category : Denver Broncos, Player Profiles

2010 Fantasy Potential of Knowshon Moreno

After a solid rookie campaign in which Knowshown Moreno put up fairly solid starters numbers, the second year back’s fantasy potential in 2010 is a positive one for 2010 owners.  Moreno finished the 2009 season with 247 carries for 947 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns.   On top of these rushing statistics he also added 28 receptions for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns.  In summation that would be an overall 275 touches for 1160 total yards and 9 touchdowns.

Now that the learning curve associated with his rookie season is over, Moreno can concentrate on learning more of the details related to playing at the professional level.  With a better knowledge of the playbook, more time with the coaching staff, and more time studying film, Moreno could blossom into a solid back for the Bronco’s.

Many experts thought the Bronco’s selection of Moreno with their top pick in the first round of the 2009 draft may not have been the best direction for the team.  However, Moreno must have undoubtedly been targeted by Denver and/or was the best player on the board at the time of Denver’s selection.  In the upcoming season Moreno has the ability and the skills to prove that some

Top 5 Trade Destinations for Brandon Marshall

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Category : Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins

Top 5 Trade Destinations for Brandon Marshall

The Denver Broncos have most likely already received trade inquiries about star wide receiver Brandon Marshall, many see this star player a lost cause in the Denver areas and expect him to be released any day. In all likelihood the Broncos would want to bring back their top pass catcher for the 2010 season but know that cutting the ties with Marshall is a smarter move, instead of trying reconcile any outstanding issues in hopes of a long term contract and dealing with weekly headaches through the media.  If however the Broncos do decide the best case scenario would be to unload Marshall, as they did with Cutler, then they would be looking for certain criteria from trade partners.

First off the Broncos would be reluctant to trade Marshall within the AFC and extremely reluctant to trade him within their own division.  Therefore, this first criterion would eliminate half of the NFL teams.   Second, and most importantly, Denver would try and get as much as they can for a player who can dominate on any given Sunday.   There are not many NFC teams with a possible need at WR and the desire to pull off a trade for Marshall.

Below is a listing of the top five NFC teams that could make a run at acquiring Brandon Marshall.  The analysis of each team includes the teams current offensive situation along with the teams picks within the first four rounds of the upcoming 2010 draft.

5)  St Louis Rams – The Rams are arguably the worst team in the NFL, but imagine what their skilled positions would look like if they were to pull off a trade for Marshall?  With Marshall on board defenses would have to respect Marshalls abilities and this in turn would open up the running game for Steven Jackson.  In all likelihood the Rams will use a draft pick on a

2010 NFL HOF Ballot

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Category : Around the League, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers

My 2010 HOF Ballot

First of all, I’m not a fan of “big” Hall of Fame classes. I’d honestly like to see no more than five guys inducted a year. I think smaller classes shine the spotlight on each player receiving the greatest individual achievement in their sport.  I also think that when the big-name players are enshrined, the classes should be smaller, like three players max. Point in case: we’re already forgetting that David Robinson and John Stockton were part of the Michael Jordan NBA HOF Class of 2009.  Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and Rutgers women’s basketball coach Vivian Stringer were also part of that class, but no one will remember that in five years. It’s a shame.

That being said, the problem with the NFL Hall of Fame is that the voters continue to overlook a lot of well qualified individuals, thus creating a backlog of players who should be enshrined in Canton, OH. (Cough, cough…RAY GUY!!!)

So, I pared my list down to seven individuals. That’s more than the five I’d like to see. But, as you’ll see, there are some old-schoolers on this list

Oakland Raiders No Joke

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Category : Around the League, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders Hold Their Heads High

For years the Oakland Raiders were the punchline to any NFL joke. Al Davis’s itchy trigger finger for his head coach earned Oakland the reputation of being a nightmare job where no one wanted to go. The rotation of quarterbacks that have taken snaps for the black and silver during this 7 year drought can make a list as long as most NFL rosters. And while you have to add the 2009 year into the losing category, respect has to be given to a team that is making huge strides at becoming better.

The Oakland Raiders have knocked off the following playoff contending teams this year: Denver on the road, Pittsburgh on the road, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia. All have winning records, and all faced a Raiders team that controlled the game from the first snap. A few bad turnovers did help in the Cincinnati game, but overall these were earned victories.

In week 15 JaMarcus Russell came into the game in relief and led the game-winning, 58-yard touchdown drive to beat the Broncos . Russell hasn’t been great this season, but baby steps need to be made with the 1st overall draft pick. He might not be the answer at quarterback, but time is on his side and big performances like this one should give him more game time. Michael Bush also ran for 133 yards, the second 100-yard effort by a Raiders running back this season. There is talent on this team, it’s just a matter of building on it. The Raiders need to address a few more holes but for the first time in years Oakland Raiders fans can go to work Monday morning with a smile on there face knowing their team could have ruined a divisional rivals playoff opportunity.

Waiver Wire Sleepers Week 14

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Category : Denver Broncos, Fantasy Football Strategies, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans

Hot-sexy-girl-playing-american-football

We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty. Most leagues have two or less regular season games left, while many leagues start their playoffs this week. That means you need to scour the Waiver Wire for a gem or two if your current roster isn’t boosting your confidence heading into Week 14.

Stay updated with NFL Soups’ Breaking News, and then hit our other top fantasy pieces to get all the information you need this week to be successful and keep your fantasy team alive.

The following are the top guys available in at least 50% of leagues:

Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans (Available in 63% of leagues)

Young and Alex Smith (below) continue to be available in over 60% of leagues a piece, yet churn out respectable fantasy days on a regular basis. Young’s Titans didn’t hand the Colts their first loss this week, but Young was able to throw for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Needless to say, if you’re depending on Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, or a rookie passer, Young would be a solid upgrade for your playoff run.

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers (66%)

Smith continues to perform at a high level, responding with a career high 310 yards, while also throwing two scores and no picks, a week after throwing three touchdowns in a game for the second time this season. Smith has the 49ers’ offense running smoothly, and even though it hasn’t added up to wins, he’s still a decent fantasy starter, and could help a team in need.

Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins (90%)

Henne is growing up right before our eyes, as he dropped in two touchdowns and 335 yards passing against the New England Patriots. He’s still a bit risky to use due to his inexperience, but with his solid progression and the help of his strong running game, he’s at least a safe bet to carry over this success into Week 14.

Correll Buckhalter, RB, Denver Broncos (67%)

Buckhalter is clearly still a big part of the Broncos’ rushing offense, and even though he normally will get less total touches than Knowhon Moreno, his ability to make things happen with the ball sustains his moderate fantasy value. He cracked 100+ rushing yards last week in Denver’s second straight win, and should continue to run the ball as Denver goes up against an Indy pass defense that is still performing well.

Rock Cartwright, RB, Washington Redskins (68%)

With Clinton Portis likely out once again in Week 14, Cartwright should get the majority of the carries, and could be a quality RB2 with a nice match-up against a soft Oakland Raiders defense. His total yardage so far has been weak, but the touches are high enough to warrant taking a chance on him.

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans (75%)

As Vince Young goes, so goes Kenny Britt. The rookie has burst onto the scene since start Justin Gage went down with a back injury, and has really never looked back. He continue his solid success with 46 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Colts, and has a fantastic match-up in Week 14. He should make for a quality WR3 start the rest of the way.

Next up: St. Louis Rams

Match-up Rating: 5/5

Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay Packers (82%)

If there was any question about Finley’s role in the Packers offense, it was answered on Monday night. Finley caught seven balls for 70+ yards

Dude…Relax

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Category : Denver Broncos, Fantasy & Pick Results, The Lighter Side

Hey coach, relax, it’s Thanksgiving and we’re up big.
The Denver Broncos went for it on 4th down (and got it) around the Giants 30 yard line for a first down, only to blow a touchdown drive with 3 false start penalties. As you can see, coach Josh McDaniels was a little pissed off.

758Thanksgiving was great but the football was flat, all three games were one sided. Despite many surprised by the poor play from the Giants, we are high-fiving another solid upset. Man, where were these picks 6 weeks ago? We pick the Raiders last week, and start week 12 off 3-0 straight up and against the spread, but really I wouldn’t mind a new LCD with a couple more long shots.