Go Celtics!!! Beat LA!

The Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals by defeating the Detroit Pistons, 89-81, in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals! It is Boston's 20th conference crown and the Celtics first Finals appearance since 1987. The Celtics will play the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals for the 11th time, having won eight.

Welcome to Title Town. Game one, Game ON!

Goodell says no to independent investigation

The big news from the Owners meeting today was that the owners made the decision today to opt out of the collective bargaining agreement.

Bigger news for the New England Patriots though was that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced to the media that the league has no plans to conduct an independent investigation of the Patriots' videotaping procedures at this time. Goodell feels that the league's investigation was thorough enough and that no new information was gleamed from the Matt Walsh interview. Goodell added that he has not spoken with Senator Arlen Specter since the senator called for the league to hold an independent investigation of spygate. It does not look like Goodell will be pressured by Specter in this matter.

Patriot Quick Hits

Week ending May 17th...

If you have not already noticed, most of the Patriots week was dominated by Spygate News. Everyone, from coaches, to players, to politicians, came out of the wood work with their opinions on the subject. Here is a quick rundown of the week.

Spygate News:

May 13th – Commissioner Roger Goodell and Matt Walsh Meeting; Goodell Press Conference

"I don't anticipate it [further actions against the Patriots]. As I said, I think the fundamental information provided today is consistent with what we knew last September, and that the discipline I took was unprecedented at that time, and I feel it was appropriate." –Commissioner Roger Goodell

May 13th - Senator Arlen Specter and Matt Walsh Meeting; Specter postpones Press Conference
May 14th – Specter Press Conference

Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter called for an independent investigation into the Patriots' illegal taping practices, citing what he called an obvious conflict between the interest of the NFL and the public interest. "What is necessary is an objective investigation. This has not been objective." – Senator Arlen Specter

May 14th - The Boston Herald apologized for its error on the videotaping story involving the New England Patriots. There was no video tape of the Rams Super Bowl walk though.

May 15th - Former Patriots employee Matt Walsh spoke with HBO's Real Sports program. Interview to be aired on May 16th.

"When I was doing it, I understood what we were doing to be wrong. We went to great lengths to keep from being caught. Just saying that the rules were misinterpreted isn't enough of an apology or a reasoning for what was done. ... Coach Belichick's explanation for having misinterpreted the rules, to me, that really didn't sound like taking responsibility for what we had done, especially considering the great lengths that we had gone through to hide what we were doing." -- Matt Walsh

May 16th – Prior to the Matt Walsh Interview, Belichick appears in an exclusive interview conducted by Armen Keteyian.

“For him to represent how I felt, what I thought, or what I did, I don’t know where that would possibly come from. The fact that he has tried to make it seem like we were buddies and belonged to the same book club is really a long, long stretch.” -- Coach Bill Belichick

Former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker comments bending the rules in the NFL: “Bending rules is a fact of life in the NFL. From ball boys allowing the opposing team's footballs to get soaked, to hotel employees scouring rooms for game plan sheets after a team heads to the stadium, there are several ways to get in on the act. Seemingly, no organization, no matter how accomplished or destitute it may be, is immune from the win-at-all-costs mentality. Some teams cheat and never get caught. Others simply refrain from breaking the rules but bend them right to the breaking point."

Team News:

The Patriots visited with free-agent RB Kevin Jones at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots had been high on Jones when he was coming out of Virginia Tech, and were prepared to scoop him up with the 32 overall pick in that draft, but the Lions swooped in with a trade and picked him at 31.

The Patriots have signed WR Robert Ortiz to an undisclosed contract. He is a long shot to make the Patriots' roster, with the team stocked at receiver.

Eye To Eye: Bill Belichick Interview with CBS News

The New England Patriots spy-gate scandal rocked the NFL. Now, for the first time, coach Bill Belichick counters allegations made by a former videotaper in an exclusive interview with Armen Keteyian.



Link to Bill Belichick's complete CBS News interview transcript

Spygate: Good, Bad, or Indifferent?

Everyone has a view on Spygate...

"I had the opportunity to talk to Commissioner Goodell yesterday and I was very satisfied with the NFL’s efforts to investigate the situation with Matt Walsh as it related to Super Bowl XXXVI. I’m very confident that there was no impropriety. I believed Bill Belichick when he said there wasn’t and I took that at face value. Let me make this clear – we lost to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl because we turned the ball over three times.” -- Former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz

“With the war in Iraq raging on, gasoline prices closing in on $4 a gallon, and Americans losing their homes at record rates to foreclosure, the United States Senate should be focusing on the real problems that Americans are struggling with. I’m looking forward to another great Patriots season where they can let their play on the field speak for itself.” -- Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts)

Note: Kennedy and Specter sit together on the 19-member Senate Judiciary Committee.

"When I was doing it, I understood what we were doing to be wrong. We went to great lengths to keep from being caught. Just saying that the rules were misinterpreted isn't enough of an apology or a reasoning for what was done. Coach Belichick's explanation for having misinterpreted the rules, to me, that really didn't sound like taking responsibility for what we had done, especially considering the great lengths that we had gone through to hide what we were doing." – Former Patriot Employee Matt Walsh

"What is necessary is an objective investigation…This has not been objective." -- Senator Arlen Specter

"We respectfully disagree with Senator Specter’s characterization of the investigation conducted by our office. We are following up after yesterday’s meeting with Matt Walsh." -- Statement from NFL

Spygate Over...not yet! Not even close!

It is not over till Specter says it is over…

You just had to know that spygate was not going away because Commissioner Goodell wants it to. Senator Arlen Specter now wants an independent investigation into the Patriots' illegal taping practices. The reason stated was what he called an obvious conflict between the interest of the NFL and the public interest. Specter, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, stopped short of saying the government would conduct the investigation itself if the NFL does not have one done. The NFL disagrees with Specter and the comments made by him today. "We respectfully disagree with Senator Specter’s characterization of the investigation conducted by our office. We are following up after yesterday’s meeting with Matt Walsh." Maybe someone needs to ask Specter what federal law has been broken before getting the Judiciary Committee involved.

In listening to the two press conferences, it sounds like Roger Goodell and Arlen Specter each heard what they wanted to hear from Matt Walsh. It sounded like Walsh only gave information based on what was being asked. This is where the inconsistency between the two meetings most likely comes from. Maybe all parties involved should have met together instead of having separate meetings. Goodell and Specter will agree to disagree on the handling of Spygate.

Quick Hits from the Arlen Specter press Conference:

Key issue to address: “The issue I want to get into is what happened [with the taping]? What was done? What happened in all these games? How many were there? There are a lot more games involved in this sequence, from 2000 to 2007, than we know about.”

Walsh’s Credibility: “Yeah. I’ve talked to a lot of witnesses in my day. He told a very coherent story. When it came to the big issue on the walkthrough, where he had already been derided in the press for not having disclosed earlier that he didn’t have [a tape], he was very modest about it. He was very modest in his entire approach. I think he’s a very fine young man, a college graduate, worked with the Patriots, and appeared to be very credible.”

Rams Walkthrough: “It’s a ticklish issue. There is a lot out there. People say that Matt Walsh told them that he videotaped the walkthrough. Now he says he did not. But he does have some important things to say about the walkthrough.”

Implicating other teams: “He said that once when he was filming a game, the Jets game, the guy next to him seemed to be doing the same thing he was doing. But, he didn’t get too high and mighty about it, since he was doing the same thing. He said aside from that he knows of no other, nothing else.”

New information: Walsh told Specter that a former offensive player for the Patriots told him that the offensive player was called into a meeting with head coach Bill Belichick, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and Belichick confidant Ernie Adams. During the meeting it was explained to the player how the signal tapes would be used against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (game played on September 3, 2000)

Specter Final Thought: "What is necessary is an objective investigation…This has not been objective."

Boston Herald - Sorry Patriot Nation!

From the Boston Herald:

On Feb. 2, 2008, the Boston Herald reported that a member of the New England Patriots' video staff taped the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough before Super Bowl XXXVI. While the Boston Herald based its Feb. 2, 2008 report on sources that it believed to be credible, we now know that this report was false, and that no tape of the walkthrough ever existed.

Prior to the publication of its Feb. 2, 2008, article, the Boston Herald neither possessed nor viewed a tape of the Rams' walkthrough before Super Bowl XXXVI, nor did we speak to anyone who had. We should not have published the allegation in the absence of firmer verification.

The Boston Herald regrets the damage done to the team by the publication of the allegation, and sincerely apologizes to its readers and to the New England Patriots' owners, players, employees, and fans for our error.

"I must compliment the Boston Herald for doing what is unprecedented in terms of recognizing their error in a major way. I'm really delighted with that, but I wish it never happened." -- Robert Kraft

No Spygate Smoking Gun for Patriots

Quick Hits from the Roger Goodell / Matt Walsh Meeting:

Commissioner Roger Goodell finally met with former Patriots employee Matt Walsh today, a meeting that lasted 3 hours, 15 minutes. From the meeting, Goodell gave a 28-minute press conference explaining the outcome of the meeting.

Prior to the Press Conference, the media was shown video of offensive and defensive signals shot by the Patriots, as well as footage of the San Diego Charger cheerleaders. The video footage was from the tapes that Matt Walsh handed over to the NFL. The league showed the tapes to the media most likely to make up for destroying the tapes handed over by the Patriots back in September.

Here are the major highlights from the press conference:

There was no new information regarding the Patriots videotaping practices: “Today, we were able to confirm that all of the details of his [Matt Walsh’s] activities while he was a Patriots employee. The fundamental information that Matt provided was consistent with what we disciplined the Patriots for last fall and that essentially they were taping coaches’ signals against NFL policy.”

There was no video tape showing the St. Louis Rams Super Bowl walkthrough (aka the Smoking Gun!): “We were also able to verify that there was no Rams walkthrough tape. No one asked him to tape the walkthrough. He is not aware of anybody else who may have taped the walkthrough. He had not seen such a tape. He does not know of anybody who says there is a tape.”

Two new allegations came out during the meetings: The first was the inappropriate practicing of an injured reserve player. The second was the potential scalping of Super Bowl tickets by players. Both allegations will be verified and dealt with by the NFL.

Further sanctions against the Patriots will not be handed out: "I don't anticipate it. As I said, I think the fundamental information provided today is consistent with what we knew last September, and that the discipline I took was unprecedented at that time, and I feel it was appropriate."

Delay of Game called on Specter: Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter also met with former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh for three hours today in his office, but will delay his press conference till tomorrow (Wednesday, May 14th) at noon.

stay tuned…

Goodell and Specter: Walsh is in the house!

Former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh will meet with both NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Senator Arlen Specter today to discuss New England’s videotaping of opposing coaches’ play calling signals in violation of league rules. Not all parties involved are meeting together though. Walsh is scheduled to meet first with Goodell at the NFL offices in New York at 7:30 a.m. Once the meeting is done, Walsh will then travel to Washington to meet with Specter.

Goodell and Specter each plan to hold a news conference after meeting with Walsh. It will be interesting to see if both Goodell and Specter come to the same conclusions after meeting with Walsh. It is not likely. Specter, the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been critical of the NFL’s handling of the investigation so far. Goodell is looking for closure to Spygate once and for all.

stay tuned…

Tale of the tapes

Here is an ESPN Video explaining the implications of the tapes turned over by Matt Walsh...Roll Film!

Patriot Quick Hits

Week ending May 10th...

No Rams walkthrough tape: Former Patriots employee Matt Walsh certified in writing that he has turned over eight stolen tapes (from 2000-2002) in his possession to the NFL. Missing among the tapes though is the St. Louis Rams walkthrough prior to Super Bowl XXXVI.

Spector Thoughts: Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter is not satisfied with the NFL's early stance regarding the eight videotapes that former Patriots employee Matt Walsh turned over to the league. "I think it is very unfortunate that the NFL has already started its 'nothing new' spin before watching the tapes or finding out what Mr. Matt Walsh has to say," Specter said in a written statement. "Let's see where the evidence leads." Walsh is scheduled to meet with Goodell Tuesday in New York, and then will travel to Washington to huddle with Specter later that day.

Is Drew Bledsoe done in the NFL? Former Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe was asked if he was close to coming back and playing in 2007. "No. There were some calls that came in, a couple of them where I took the all-important step of talking to my wife about the scenarios. I thought about it, spent some time on some of the different opportunities, and ultimately woke up the next morning and said I'm done, I'm ready to be done.' It's a really good feeling to know that."

Player Moves: The Patriots announced today that they signed second-year nose tackle Steve Fifita and waived rookie offensive tackle Josh Coffman and rookie defensive lineman Carlos Feliciano.

Patriot Rookies: The Patriots have received a rookie pool allotment of $4.34 million. This means the team can not go over that figure, in 2008 wages, in signing draft picks and rookie free agents. The figure is the 14th highest among NFL teams.

Letterman goofs on Patriots

Letterman goofs on Patriots (Again!)

President Bush welcomed the Giants to the White House this week in recognition of their Super Bowl upset of New England. "The Patriots weren't there," David Letterman said in his Friday monologue, "but they videotaped it."

At least this was better than this Top 10 Patriot Excuses (for loosing the Super Bowl)!

David Letterman Top 10 Patriots Excuses (ok, so it was a little funny!)

Patriot Quick Hits

week ending May 3rd...

Patriot Rookie News:

After the draft last weekend, Patriots coach Bill Belichick opened his post-draft press conference with a joke. "Who would have ever thought you would be covering a Bill Belichick draft with no offensive linemen, defensive linemen or tight ends taken?"

New England drafted ILB/OLB Jerod Mayo, CB Terrence Wheatley, OLB Shawn Crable, QB Kevin O'Connell, CB Jonathan Wilhite, WR Matt Slater, and OLB Bo Ruud (note: For those that did not like how the Patriots drafted, read the book Patriot Reign to get a better insight on the whole drafting process. The Patriots know what they are doing!) The Patriots address their needs by taking three linebackers, two defensive backs, one quarterback and one receiver/special teams’ player.

For those that though Jerod Mayo was a reach for the Patriots: Mayo can play inside or outside linebacker, and was moved from weak side linebacker to the middle this past season and registered 140 tackles. Some have compared him to another former Tennessee player, one-time Denver Bronco Al Wilson, a five-time Pro Bowler. Had the Patriots not drafted him, the Lions most likely would have at pick 15.

Don’t overlook the significance of the Patriots selecting San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell with the 94th pick; it was the highest the team has selected a signal-caller since taking Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1994. Matt Cassel only has one year left on his rookie contract, and O’Connell could be the quarterback in waiting…

At the May 1st Jersey presentation (a Kraft family tradition for fifteen years) to their #1 pick Jarod Mayo, Kraft asked of Mayo “tell me something that you think about the connection up here? Without even blinking, Mayo said 'Kraft and Mayo go together.' [Kraft] thought that was pretty good, and a great connection. Kraft-Mayo goes very well."

Georgia Tech LB Gary Guyton, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among linebackers (4.47) at the NFL combine, has signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent

Additional undrafted free agent rookie signings: OL Josh Coffman (East Carolina), DB Mark Dillard (Louisiana Tech), DT Carlos Feliciano (Maryland), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Mississippi), LB Gary Guyton (Georgia Tech), DL Chris Norwell (Illinois), OLB Vince Redd (Liberty), NT Henry Smith (Texas A&M), TE Jonathan Stupar (Virginia), DE Casey Tyler (Portland State), and C Ryan Wendell (Fresno State)

Undrafted free agent Punter Mike Dragosavich and tight end Tyson DeVree have been signed to undisclosed contracts after visiting with the Patriots this week

Rookie training camp officially started on Friday, May 2nd.

Player News:

CB Ellis Hobbs, who had surgery in February to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, underwent a second offseason surgery in March to address a sports hernia. Hobbs is expected to be ready for training camp in late July.

The Patriots cut veteran LB T.J. Slaughter and waiving CB Tim Mixon

WR Randy Moss has announced the formation of Moss Motorsports LLC. "We don't have all of the details in place just yet, but I am very excited about Moss Motorsports becoming a part of NASCAR. I am by nature a very competitive person and this is an outlet for me to compete at another level," Moss said.

Team News:

The finalists for this year's induction in the Patriots Hall of Fame were announced on May 1st: TE Ben Coates, OL Jon Morris, and RB Jim Nance

The QB Crystal Ball Revealed!

This is the follow up to my article NFL Draft: The Quarterback Crystal Ball…

Prior to the draft, teams I felt would draft a QB: Miami, Atlanta, Kansas, Baltimore, Carolina, Chicago, Minnesota, Greenbay (maybe Jets and Tampa Bay)

My pre-draft Predictions:
• Matt Ryan (Boston College): Round 1, Kansas City Chiefs
• Brian Brohm (Louisville): Round 1, Atlanta Falcons (trade back into round 1)
• Joe Flacco (Delaware): Round 2, Baltimore Ravens
• Chad Henne (Michigan): Round 2, Miami Dolphins

Quarterbacks drafted in 2008:
• 3 Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan, Boston College
• 18 Baltimore Ravens, Joe Flacco, Delaware
• 56 Green Bay Packers, Brian Brohm, Louisville
• 57 Miami Dolphins, Chad Henne, Michigan
• 94 New England Patriots, Kevin O'Connell, San Diego State
• 137 Minnesota Vikings, John David Booty, Southern Cal
• 156 Pittsburgh Steelers, Dennis Dixon, Oregon
• 160 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Josh Johnson, San Diego
• 162 New York Jets, Erik Ainge, Tennessee
• 186 Washington Redskins, Colt Brennan, Hawaii
• 198 New York Giants, Andre’ Woodson, Kentucky
• 209 Green Bay Packers, Matt Flynn, LSU
• 223 Houston Texans, Alex Brink, Washington State

Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan, Boston College: It is no surprise that Matt Ryan was the first QB taken. Some felt Atlanta should have taken Dorsey first though, and then got a QB like Brohm in the second round. This all sounds good especially since the Falcons moved up to the 21st pick to acquire OT Sam Baker. It all comes down to if you believe QB Ryan + OT Baker > DT Dorsey + QB Brohm. Arthur Blank seems to want the whole Michael Vick problem to go away by giving the Falcon Franchise a new face. Ryan fills the bill in this aspect.

Good size and a big frame...Smart and understands how to read a defense...Is a natural born leader...Solid technique and mechanics...Displays great poise...Good touch and timing...Able to buy time in the pocket...Throws well on the run...A hard worker...Has experience running a pro style offense...Top-notch competitor and a winner...Is tough, strong and fearless...Productive and had an outstanding senior campaign...Very dedicated and extremely passionate about the game of football. –nfldraftcountdown.com

Baltimore Ravens, Joe Flacco, Delaware: Many will say it was a reach for the Ravens to take QB Joe Flacco at pick #18. It could have been worse; they could have taken him with their #8 Pick! Joe Flacco will have to compete against Kyle Boller and Troy Smith for the starting job, yet you do not draft a QB that high just to let him ride the pine.

Has excellent size and a big frame...Has an outstanding arm and can make all the throws...Quick delivery...Pretty accurate...Nice touch and timing...Throws a terrific deep ball...Really smart and a hard worker....Tough and durable...Had a fantastic senior campaign...Solid leadership ability...Very productive...Still has some upside. –nfldraftcountdown.com

Green Bay Packers, Brian Brohm, Louisville: Absolutely love the pick of Brian Brohm at the 56 pick. This was a steal, especially since I thought he was the most talented QB in this draft class. It was also reminiscent of how Green Bay drafted Aaron Rogers, watching a talented quarterback slide down the draft board. You have to feel a little sad for him though. Had Brohm come out last year, he probably would have been drafted in the top 10. This puts the pressure on Rogers though, filling the shoes of Brett Farve, while looking over his shoulder at Brohm. Doubt Brohm looks to be a back up QB in the league for long, and gives Aaron Rogers a run for his money.

Has good size and a solid frame...Mechanically sound...Doesn't have a cannon but arm strength is more than adequate...Has a terrific football IQ and knows how to read a defense...Very smart and doesn't make many bad decisions...Hard worker with great intangibles who loves the game and wants to improve...Gets rid of the ball quickly...Good accuracy, touch and timing...Decent athlete...Moves well in the pocket...Has lots of experience...Very productive at every level...Good bloodlines. –nflcountdown.com

Miami Dolphins, Chad Henne, Michigan: Miami preferred Chad Henne, and did not have to reach to get him. Do not just sit back and think that John Beck is guaranteed to be the starter in 2008. Henne was drafted into a team where he would actually win the starting position.

Has a strong, solid build...Excellent arm strength and can make all the throws...Is very smart...Displays good touch and timing...Has a quick release...Pretty durable overall...Terrific leader...Has a ton of experience against top competition...Football junkie who loves the game...Throws a nice deep ball...Very productive...Hails from a program with a strong reputation when it comes to producing pro quarterbacks. –nflcountdown.com

New England Patriots, Kevin O'Connell, San Diego State: Not surprised that the Patriots drafted a Quarterback, since there is not a lot of depth after Tom Brady. It does not surprise me that it was QB Kevin O’Connell since they had a private workout with him in San Diego. It was surprising that they drafted him in the third round! O’Connell was the fifth overall QB taken in the 2008 draft, although many had him projected at the tenth overall. Many said this was a real reach for the Patriots. Do not worry; there will be no Quarterback controversy in New England!

Has excellent size and a big frame...Terrific athleticism...Great timed speed...Arm is strong enough to make all the throws..Nice touch and timing..Is mobile enough to buy time in the pocket and make plays with his feet...Can throw on the run...Hard worker...Very competitive...Team leader...A lot of experience...Has a ton of upside. –nfldraftcountdown.com

John David Booty, Southern Cal: I am sure there are some Viking fans happy that Minnesota drafted John David Booty in the fifth round. This does not mean that the Tarvaris Jackson project is over. Many felt Booty would be off the draft board by the third round, so the Vikings got good value for him.

Excellent throwing mechanics...Very accurate...Is just tall enough and has a solid build...Smart and understands how to run an offense...Still developing and hasn't maxed out his potential...Has a quick release...A decent athlete and moves well in the pocket...Hard worker and leader with very good intangibles...Good bloodlines. --nfldraftcountdown.com

Honorable Mentions:

Pittsburgh Steelers, Dennis Dixon, Oregon:

Outstanding athleticism...Good speed..Can buy time in the pocket and make plays with his feet...Adequate height with the frame to get bigger...Decent arm strength and has a quick release...A team leader...Throws well on the move...Displays nice ball handling skills...Had a great senior year...Still improving and has some upside. –nfldraftcountdown.com

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Josh Johnson, San Diego:

Good height with the frame to get bigger...Excellent athleticism and speed...Very accurate with good touch and timing...Arm strength is adequate...Solid throwing mechanics with a quick release...Can buy time in the pocket and is a threat to run when necessary...Smart with a good football IQ....Was extraordinarily productive and dominant at his level...Confident...Tough...A good leader with top intangibles. –nfldraftcountdown.com

New York Jets, Erik Ainge, Tennessee:

Has prototypical size...Arm strength is more than adequate...Displays good touch, timing and accuracy...He sees the field well and knows how to read a defense...Is naturally athletic...Tough and stands tall in the pocket...Productive...A competitor with solid intangibles...Lots of experience against top competition...Still improving. –nfldraftcountdown.com

Washington Redskins, Colt Brennan, Hawaii:

Was extraordinarily productive...Good height with the frame to get bigger...Very accurate...Arm strength is adequate...Has a quick release...Displays terrific touch and timing...A decent athlete who moves well in the pocket...Smart...Knows how to read a defense and go through his progressions...Super confident and poised under pressure...Has shown maturity in owning up to his past mistakes...A leader. –nfldraftcountdown.com

New York Giants, Andre’ Woodson, Kentucky:

Has prototypical size and a solid frame...Has a very strong arm and can make all the throws...Accurate passer...Good touch and timing...Makes good decisions for the most part and doesn't turn the ball over...Decent athlete who moves well in the pocket and can scramble...Is tough and durable...Will stand tall in the face of pressure...Excellent intangibles in terms of leadership and work ethic...Was very productive the past couple of years...Still improving and has considerable upside. –nfldraftcountdown.com

It is surprising that teams like Kansas, Carolina, and Chicago did not draft a QB at the very least to compete in camp. Considering some of the talented QBs that could have been had in the fifth round (Dennis Dixon, Josh Johnson, Erik Ainge, Colt Brennan and Andre Woodson), it would have been worth a flyer. Guess Brodie Croyle, Jake Delhomme, and Rex Grossman are ready to go!