What I Think about the NFL Free Agency in 2010

Strange as it mean seem, I find myself more interested in the NFL off-season moves than anything to do with March Madness (which is no longer an appropriate term since games now extend well into April). But, here are just a few of my thoughts about what teams did right or wrong ...

- The Bears are this year's Redskins, pulling in Peppers and Taylor through FA. I think Peppers will enjoy his time in Chicago and finish his career with pride. But that defense is aged, including Peppers. This past season should show Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli that one injury is enough to take the wind out of that whole group. I'd be surprised if Peppers plays in every game. He'll be across from the Williams' twice next season and get a proper welcome to the NFC North. Taylor will also enjoy those games against Minnesota, and I see him taking over the rushing duties from Forte very quickly. However, unless the Bears improve that O-line in the draft, it won't matter because they'll both spend more time pass-blocking.

- The Cardinals have all but ruined any chance for them to return to the Super Bowl for awhile, unless Leinart has some kind of massive revival of skill (which I don't see happening). Their defense is all but decimated, and with the loss of their leader Warner I don't see that team having what it takes to get back to the big game. Thankfully, the 49ers are still 1-2 seasons away from being a real threat to them in the Division so at least they'll make the playoffs.

- Jake Delhomme shouldn't be so surprised he lost his job. The Panthers should be draft pick shopping to move up and get a new franchise QB, because Matt Moore just ain't the guy. Of course, John Fox (still one of my favorite active coaches) is loyal to a fault so I see him bypassing a rich draft pool of QB's to stick with his man.

- Same with Derek Anderson. It was great to see him succeed a few years ago, but he's proven that was just a fluke.

- I like Boldin in Baltimore. Joe Flacco always needed someone besides Todd Heap to throw to. Immediately increases the fantasy value of several players without even taking the field once.

- Poor Terrell Owens. Should have stayed in Philadelphia. I think your career light is all but out. Don't worry, there's plenty of reality TV shows for you to participate in.

- It only seems like a few years ago that L.T. was the hands-down, no doubt #1 Fantasy Football pick. Now, he'll have to work hard to convince a team he's worth the investment. Unless he can find his way into Miami or Seattle, I don't see him as the #1 back this fall, and that just breaks my heart to write.

- Brian Westbrook too. Talk about Fantasy staples for so many years. Hard to imagine the opening draft rounds without them.

- The Jets defense is going to be any early pick in the draft next season, maybe somewhere in the 8th or 9th round. They're going to score a shitload of points in turnovers, low scoring games and TD's.

- Larry Johnson revival in Washington? Depends on how Shanahan runs the draft. He loves a solid RB, but Portis and Johnson aren't exactly at the top of their games. I don't know why, but I just don't see his career as being over just yet.

- Benjamin Watson obviously doesn't care about winning the Super Bowl.

- I don't understand why no one has signed Miles Austin yet. In my opinion, he and Chester Taylor were the 2 most immediately valuable players in FA.

- Good job, Chiefs, keeping Chris Chambers one more season. Denver and San Diego are going to hate you a LOT in 2010.

- I like the Pack keeping Clifton one more year, but sad to see Kampman leave. If not for his injuries, I'd love to have seen him stick around with Dom Capers a few more years and really develop that program.

A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE DRAFT ...

- I don't understand what mock drafts are giving so much credit to Sam Bradford, even suggesting him as the #1 pick of the draft. At the peak of his career, Bradford was at the top of the NCAA QB's without a doubt. But now he's coming off extensive shoulder surgery and missing 2/3 of the last season. It'll be almost six months since his last snap when he has his pro day (which was extended to allow more recovery time from said surgery). Yes, the Rams need a franchise QB, and yes, the needs of the Rams are so extensive they win no matter who they take with their pick. But wasting the #1 pick on Bradford would be disgraceful. They should pick up Suh who will play every down for them for 4 full years.

- I like how Seattle is getting setup for the draft. They and the 49ers should get some premium players this year. Seattle could easily end up with the top QB and RB if the chips fall right. That'd be the best thing to happen to them since Shaun Alexander came into town, and we remember how long ago that was.

- This first round is going to be so full of linemen, most of their names will be swallowed up by the big QB, RB or WR draft. Sad, but true. Even Jets' fans will be bored.

- Seriously, the only reason I can think a player's appearance at the Combine could make a difference as to where they're drafted is if they show up 50+ pounds heavier than they were at their bowl game. Teams should be looking at the 20+ games they played to determine draft order, not how fast they run the 40.

- The Packers' draft is going to be one big zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

More to come as we get closer to NFL draft day.

#1 Fantasy draft pick is still Adrian Peterson.