Proudiddy

Whatever they do, it's gonna screw us. With them taking whoever they get, and the Falcons taking Lance that win against Washington really fuged us. No matter what we get at 8, both of them got better and did so ahead of us. This will really be the test of how good of a coach Rhule is.

I really hate the Falcons are getting Lance. I hate it.

But not enough to make him the pick?

Thanks as always, Verge! You're the best. So you don't think there is actually any legitimate interest in Fields from us?

Yeah, you're right... I'm thinking the organization hires the radio guys, bc i know they are the ones that announce that directly, so that may be where my confusion was. Also would explain why, as you mentioned, that when the TV network forced Martin out, the team brought him back as the radio guy. Makes sense. Either way, I imagine it makes sense for the network to try to keep him (and keep him with the Hornets) bc of both his and the team's trajectory, and it constantly keeps their name in the public conscience.

You sure about that? I'm pretty sure the team does have say in it. I know the network pays them, but I thought they were contracted out. I'm pretty sure if they had Billy Bob and Jimbo up there announcing our games, the organization would ensure that wouldn't last very long. I mean, I don't know all the ins and outs of the deals, but the organization has to have some influence... they've had to. I mean, it's probably why we've had more play by play guys since we have had a franchise back than other franchises have had in 40 years.

I think EC and MJ meet in the middle and keep EC here long-term. I see EC as a loyal guy so he wouldn't gouge MJ for too much l, but he will definitely be getting a significant raise. And I see MJ seeing the value in having possibly the most renowned play-by-play guy currently in the league, attached to a young, up-and-coming core with Melo, Terry, and Miles as they grow into a contender. It makes sense for both sides to stay together... also, if I'm not mistaken, whatever these local deals are, I don't think they keep play-by-play guys from working with other networks when it comes to the playoffs (Eagle comes to mind, as well as Stephanie Ready and our former guy Devlin, as they all worked the playoffs for TNT while they were with us), so I fully expect EC to cash in on that while still staying on with us for the future.

Ok, so draft day... and as I expected, I have a clearer idea of how my board breaks down. I have it Fields/Lance, Sewell, then Horn/Surtain. I have a feeling Fields, Lance, and Sewell will be gone. I think we trade back a few spots and still take Horn or Surtain, and I give Horn a slight edge as my preference.

I would still pick it up, regardless of whether we take Fields or not. It sounds like we're making Darnold the starter regardless to start the season, and if we can rehabilitate his value and move him for close to the value we traded for him, I would prefer that.

I'm sure every team has talked to every other team about potential moves at this point. And although NE may really want a QB, moving up just doesn't fit their M.O. That being said, if they do, and our options end up being limited to only picking corners at 8 (which still isn't bad), just think back to that win against Washington again.

Hey guys, remember that hilarious time that Teddy dressed up as a referee for his press conference? Golly, Imma miss that kind of top-shelf content.

Thought we could've gotten more value... at least a 5th. But, I'm not complaining. Bye, Edmund. It's been miserable.

I like Horn. I kind of feel like I'd be happy with any one of Fields, Lance, Pitts, Horn, Sewell, Chase, Surtain, or the other big name tackle. Horn has the chance to be an absolute lockdown corner and take away a whole side of the field while also providing some much needed physicality as well. Donte would likely put up huge numbers playing across from him. All that being said, I'm not sure I have any order on my preferences for the candidates I listed above, although I suspect once we're on the clock I will. And last point, I see the argument every year about who should've been taken and where and how projections determine value and help influence for better or worse where teams feel comfortable picking certain guys... so again, I have to put it out there, some players don't have X value, until they do. Meaning, a lot of teams may not feel comfortable taking a guy at 8, but if we feel he is the guy to take even though he's projected at 25, you take him. Now, the key is, if you feel he is the guy, can you trade back and still get him to maximize value. Regardless, if you get the pick right and he plays like a Top 3 pick should, it doesn't matter that you took him 15+ spots higher than he was projected. It feels to me, like there are a lot of guys in that spot this year, and Horn is one of them, so there is a chance to get outstanding value at 8.

Or it could be him giving the impression that mobility is super important to him, when in fact, it isn't and they already have locked in on Mac. Then again, they're rumored to really like Lance, too.

Meanwhile, Louis Riddick was on the radio this morning saying everything he has heard from front offices in the know is that Lance is absolutely killing it in interviews and evaluations. Said his football IQ and intangibles are through the roof and a lot of teams are falling in love with him for that reason.

I know PFF wasn't very flattering in their grading of him, but I wasn't mad at the signing. I wanted us to pick him up when he left MIN because he had a really good reputation that first year or so. So, I'm hoping for the best... and if we are going to be playing him at guard, after a year of starting Chris Reed, he can't be any worse.

Only thing I can think of, without having seen a ton of him since he left the Texans is that I know he lined up all over the front 7 while in Houston, including a lot of snaps on the interior and/or ending up rushing inside because of stunts, and they dropped him in coverage quite a bit too. Obviously, rushing on the interior isn't advantageous for guys primarily built to rush from the edge, so I think scheme has contributed it some... but, I agree, his numbers overall have been very disappointing as a pass rusher.

Wow. Time has flown... it seems like it was just yesterday that he took over that game versus State and ran back that punt for a TD. I know he's had a few injuries, but he has produced when given the touches... I feel like Cincy always underutilized him. I wouldn't mind bringing him in, but being he's a 30 yo RB, I wouldn't bank on him being around after camp, and if he is then that would be a welcomed bonus.

Is Steven Nelson still around?

No, not neccessarily... I have never been a believer in Darnold, in fact, I thought he would be a bust coming out of college. And considering he has one of the lowest QBRs of any qualified starter since he came into the league, I don't have much hope for him... but, Rhule has shown great promise as a developer of talent, and I believe Brady is still a great playcaller that was hindered by horrible QB play last year. So, if there is any chance Darnold can be an acceptable starter, I think he has a chance with our staff. I really just don't think he's a franchise QB, but I hope I'm surprised.

Considering we gave up a second round pick for (possibly) a marginally better upgrade, to a team who had made known they were considering moving on from Darnold, all while we were the only team bidding for his services... I'd say it was completely about just getting away from Teddy. And to think, had we just held onto Cam OR not went out there like idiots and beat Washington when we had nothing to gain, none of this would've been necessary. Rhule has shown a lot of promise with certain things, but I'm not gonna lie, his handling of the QB situation has been an absolute mess. It doesn't matter how good of a coach you are or how great you are at all the other little things, if you mess up QB, you're screwed. But, we'll see what happens...

Like I said, taking a flyer on him for a mid to late pick or two was fine. Giving then a second for him is what gives me huge pause... especially now knowing there were no other bidders.

Cool anecdote, but is it just me, or does this speak to just how dysfunctional the Jets are that they were having a guy conduct meetings in what sounds like some sort of official capacity in case he got the job, when he actually didn't have the job?

You are correct, forgot about the third year option thingy. Still, I think it shows the commitment to Darnold and why would we have Teddy occupy that much cap space this season if he won't be on the field?