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NFL Draft articles - Sports Grumblings.com - Fri, May 16 2008 2:09:42 CDT


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Spring Cleaning
Spring Cleaning
By Tony Finn | Published  05/5/2007 | Featured Columns
Tony Finn
Managing Editor and Director of Operations for Sports Grumblings LLC, is nationally published covering the National Football League, Major League Baseball, College Football and has been a FSWA Writer of the Year finalist.  Involved with Fantasy Sports since 1973, Tony has hosted radio and internet broadcasts that include the 'Dog and Tony Show' with NFL draft analyst D.J Boyer, 'Football Central', 'Finn on Sports', 'Gridiron Gamblers', and is the Senior NFL analyst for the PBS broadcast of "NFL Intellect".  

View all articles by Tony Finn
The Draft is over -- what's changed?

 
Moss isn't the same player who dominated early in his career but Brady could help his numbers look that way

SPRING CLEANING!
Draft resulted in major roster changes...


Now that this year's Draft is in the books, what's next for NFL teams? Like with anyone this time of year, it's time to clean house. The arrival of new talent means some of the old talent is no longer needed, and that has already resulted in some significant roster changes. With summer workouts on the horizon for the boys of fall, who has been swept aside in the annual spring cleaning? A closer look...


 Oakland Raiders 

Out:
Randy Moss, WR (traded to the Patriots)
In: Mike Williams, WR (acquired from the Lions)
What it means: Now 30 years old, Moss isn't quite the same player who dominated early in his career. That said, he didn't really have any chemistry with any of the quarterbacks in Oakland during his two years there, and joining up with Tom Brady could boost the producting of both players. Williams was brought in as part of another trade by the Raiders on draft day, and may be looked at to start for a young and rebuilding Oakland team. Williams has talent, and could become a very good possession-type receiver alongside Jerry Porter.


 Seattle Seahawks 

Out: Darrell Jackson, WR (traded to the 49ers)
In: Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent, WRs (drafted)
What it means: It's not very likely Taylor or Kent will directly replace Jackson anytime soon, but their added depth allows the Seahawks to lean more on solid holdovers Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, Bobby Engram, and D.J. Hackett. Losing Jackson's contract will also help financially, and in return for sending him to San Fran, Seattle picked up a 4th-round draft pick they used on offensive guard Mansfield Wrotto, a solid depth addition for them considering last year's O-line struggles.


 Detroit Lions 

Out: Josh McCown, QB (traded to the Raiders)
In: Drew Stanton, QB (drafted)
What it means: It means McCown may now finally have a starting job, and that Stanton (picture) may be groomed as QB-of-the-future for the Lions. McCown was expected to challenge Jon Kitna for snaps when he arrived in Motown last year, but he didn't throw a single pass all year and asked to be traded. It will be interesting to see if he, Andrew Walter, or No. 1 overall draft selection JaMarcus Russell gets the nod running Oakland's offense this season. Meanwhile Stanton is an intriguing prospect who isn't likely to cause a QB controversy just yet, but has star potential down the road if he keeps working and stays healthy. 


 Carolina Panthers 

Out: Keyshawn Johnson, WR (released)
In: Dwayne Jarrett, WR (drafted)
What it means: That the Panthers are going younger at possession receiver. It's ironic that Johnson, soon to be 35, has essentially been replaced by a big wideout from his alma mater, USC. Jarrett's salary hasn't been decided yet but it will very likely be less than it would have been to keep Johnson around for the extended future. Johnson has reportedly already been offered work by other NFL teams, so his solid pro career will continue into the 2007 season. Look for Jarrett to compete for a starting job with the Panthers along with Keary Colbert, and the right to play alongside star Steve Smith.


 Kansas City Chiefs 

Out: Ryan Sims, DT (traded to the Buccaneers)
In: Turk McBride and Tank Tyler, DTs (drafted)
What it means: The Bucs now have another talented young defender (albeit an underachieving one), while the Chiefs have two more promising defensive tackles for their improving young defense. When McBride and Tyler were still around in the draft, KC pounced (and for good reason). Not only are both players potential stars, but Sims was a bust for them since being selected No. 6 overall in the 2002 draft. The Chiefs could afford to let Sims go, and the Bucs can use him in an attempt to replace Anthony McFarland, whom they traded midway through last season to the Colts.


 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Out: Juran Bolden, CB (released)
In: Tanard Jackson, CB, and Sabby Piscitelli, SS (drafted)
What it means: Yet again, the Bucs will focus on defense in 2007. Jackson doesn't project as a star, but he is probably one of the most NFL-ready corners to come out of the draft. Meanwhile Piscitelli adds depth and talent to the Tampa secondary, and the two rookies probably together made Bolden expendable. Along with those two, the Bucs drafted a whopping seven defenders out of 10 picks. Add that to the Ryan Sims pickup, and it's clear that some things change in the NFL, but Jon Gruden leaning toward defense isn't one of them.


 Miami Dolphins 

Out: Marcus Vick, WR/Return man (released)
In: Tedd Ginn Jr., WR/Return man (drafted)
What it means: That we are reminded Miami's offense will look much different in 2007. Vick, the younger brother of Falcon QB Michael Vick, was a quarterback in college but the Dolphins signed him for his speed. He never really panned out, spending most of his time with the team's practice squad. In the meantime, he was sued by a 17-year-old girl who claimed Vick had a long-term sexual relationship with her and abused her in several ways. The drafting of Ginn (picture) made Vick expendable, although he wasn't really in the team's plans as a wideout or returner. Ginn is mostly replacing the role previously held by Wes Welker, who was traded recently to the Patriots.


 Cleveland Browns 

Out: Joe Andruzzi, OG (about to be released)
In: Joe Thomas, OT (drafted) and LeCharles Bentley (returning from injury)
What it means: The Browns will have a very different look on their front five come September. The addition of Thomas (who is expected to start) along with newcomers Eric Steinbach and Seth McKinney and the hopeful return of Bentley from a knee injury, made Andruzzi expendable. The move also frees up the $4 Million Andruzzi had left on the final two years of his contract. The beefed-up O-line is especially good news for new QB Brady Quinn and new RB Jamal Lewis.


 Jacksonville Jaguars 

Out: Chris Hanson, P (released)
In: Adam Podlesh, P (drafted)
What it means: The Jags may get a boost in the field-position game. Punters aren't usually drafted much less coveted by teams, but Podlesh is an exception. A simply incredible athlete, he was considered the most sought-after punter in this year's draft and the fact he went in the 4th round goes to show how much the Jags are impressed by him. He is small for a punter but incredibly strong and fast, able to boom pinpoint punts with a quick release. Podlesh may have the potential to be another Brian Moorman, Buffalo's undersized but athletic Pro Bowler.


 Philadelphia Eagles 

Out with the old: Dhani Jones, LB (released)
In with the new: Stewart Bradley, LB (drafted)
What it means: That the Eagles are focusing on shoring up their hole-filled run defense. Not that their troubles were all the fault of Jones, 29, who was a regular starter for the Eagles in 2006 at strong side linebacker. But Bradley, despite being a little injury-prone, is very talented and is expected to compete with second-year talent Chris Gocong to fill Jones' place. The Eagles also added Takeo Spikes to their linebacking corps this offseason, and the two new additions will hopefully help them shore up a defense that had an awful time making tackles last year. They finished the regular season ranked 26th in the 32-team NFL in rushing yards per game.

 



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