The Answer
05-01-2007, 06:39 PM
Billy: (Mount Vernon, NY): Has NE basically sent a message to the league not to even bother fielding a team this year. Even after all this they have another 2 1st round picks next year. Amazing.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: As far as New England goes Billy, you are dead on. They really made just one pick of note during the weekend but essentially picked up Wes welker with qa second round pick and Randy Moss with a fourth round pick. Most teams would be pretty happy with that.
John (Baltimore,MD): We all know New England is good but I think it's going a little to far. Walker still has a lot to prove. Moss has been a disaster since he left the Vikings. Check out the track record of defensive players who left the Ravens for the big money(Starks? Sharper? Hartwell?). The other thing is Corey Dillon is gone and isn't there a question about Maroney's shoulder? So while the Pats might be good I don't see them as the clear cut favorite.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: John if you get a chance let me know who you think is in better position. You make an excellent point about Maroney and Dillkon but this team was a defensive stop from going to its fourth Super Bowl in six year. Welker will play the No. 3 role and return kicks. He's been productive doing that before so he doesn't have as much to prove. Moss is a cocnern but he;s never played with a quarterback like Brady. And few if any coaches know how to get the most out of defensive players like Belichick. The Pats are going to be tough to beat.
Geoff (Clifton Park): Steve, I have been hearing a lot of hate about the Ted Ginn Jr. pick by Miami. Im a Dolphins fan, but I really think they got a guy they needed, even if they reached a bit. Plus, getting Beck in the second round and a tackle as well sures up thier top three needs. Your thoughts?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: I just can't justify taking Ginn that early. Don't get me wrong. He is a first-round talent with great speed. But he's hurt and he has to make substnatial strides at receiver. The rest of the draft is ok but they should have traded out of that pick and tried to get Ginn a little later.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: To whoever said the Patriots amost lost in the divisional game I couldn't find your comment after responding to the last one so i apologize but you have a good point. San Diego is anoter team to look out for though I still see the Pats as the team to beat at this point.
Graham (Titletown, FL): Steve, I was wondering if you could fill me in on the "character issues" that were associated with Brandon Siler. Every projection I saw had him in the second or third round, then all of the sudden I hear people saying he has "character issues". I follow my Gators pretty closely all year round and don't think I've heard one negative thing, at least from a character standpoint, about Brandon Siler, what gives?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Ahh the biggest mystery of the draft. I'm not willing to say he has character issues but something is fishy here, He may have an injury that only nfl teams were aware of but other than that or some other problem and I do mean MAY that caused him to drop so far. He is an absolute steal as one of the last picks in the draft in my opinion.
Joe (Ithaca NY): Hey Steve, What do you think of the Jets? Did they sacrifice too much quantity for quality, and how do you see Revis and Harris fitting their defesne? Thanks.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Only time will tell. I think Revis and Harris make immediate impacts but they have to or the Jets have leveraged too much of the future.
Jed (St. George UT): You were ignorant enough to say the Bills had a 'weak' draft last year. What do you think about their draft this year?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Ignorant huh? Ouch. I just can't figure why they took Posluszny when they already had Keith Ellison from last year. In addition, 2006 first-round pick John McCargo did nothing last year so they had to trade for Darwin Walker. And oh year Youboty had a great season right? Or is that me just being ignorant again? The good news Jed is I think they had a very good draft. They got good value and good fits for their scheme.
Rob (NYC): Was Revis over Hall the right call?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Tough to say because they were neck and neck and heading into the draft but Revis' return abilities may have pushed him over the edge.
Rich (Fredonia,NY): Buffalo had one of the best drafts in years. What else do you think they need to do get back into the playoffs?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: They really need a franchise quaretrback. That could be Losman or Edwards or a new addition but someone hqas to step up. They need Youboty to get on track and they need Lynch to pan out. The potential is here but they need a lot to work out because they play in such a tough conference
Christopher (Phoenix, AZ): Not long ago you were singing the praises of Brady Quinn, but he fell deep into the first round becuase he's an overrated, inaccurate QB from overhyped Notre Dame. Do you STILL think he'll do anything in this league on a team with less than modest talent?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: He was the second quarterback taken and Miami made a mistake by passing on him. In fact, the biggest reson he fell is most teams belived that they already have a capable starter on their rosters so they filled other needs. The accuracy issue has been raised because Russell is more accurate but that doesn't mean that Quinn can't hit the open man. If the line meshes and Winslow as well as Edwards stay healthy, Quinn will be just fine. So yeah I am still singing his praises.
Nick (Bensalem, PA): You say, the Patriots were "a defensive stop from going to its fourth Super Bowl in six year", but they were also a bonehead safety's fumble away from losing in San Diego and my lasting memory of Beli-choke and company last year is blowing a 21-3 lead in the playoffs...They went into the draft with two number one picks and left day one with only a safety with SERIOUS character flaws to help them this year. You say most teams would be happy with Welker and Moss for the draft picks they gave up to acquire them, but Welker's just a slot guy/special teams contributor and I wouldn't take Moss if he was free. What gives with ESPN and the Patriots??
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: I am speechless. Did you just call him Belichocke because he lost to an explosive Colts' team on the road? Four our of the last six AFC championship games and three Super Bowl wins. PERIOD. It is it biased to commed a team that has done so well in a conference that is far more competitve thsn the NFC? And you wouldn't take Moss for free? I guess that why you aren't a GM. Finally, Meriweather is a good pick whose character concners aren;t nearly as great as say DC Eric Wirght's and now they are the odds on favorite with two first round picks in next year's draft.
T: According to some Beck, Stanton, Edwards and even Kolb were better prospects than Quinn!
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Everyone has got a right to their opinion. I just don;t see it that way and Quinn came off the board second so at least I got something to back my opinion up.
Nate (Buenos Aires): Maybe Nick is a GM. Seems like Randy Moss was basically free and NO ONE WANTED HIM. If he was any good, how come no one ponied up a 3rd? Or a 4th and a 7th? The Raiders gave him away because NO ONE WANTED HIM. I guess you aren't a GM either.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Come on Nate. I'm 100% sure that New England isn't the only team interested in Moss. In addition, it was clear that Moss wasn't going to play for the Raiders next year so nay sound business man is going to exploit that by low balling Oakland. Hey Moss can be a cancer in the locker room and it's hurt him but he can still be one of the best in the league. The only thing that I can agree with you on is I'm not a GM either.
Mike (FL): Nate, NE got Randy Moss for less than other teams were willing to give up because Randy only agreed to restructure his contract for certain teams. NE was one of them. GB was not. That is why he is in NE: salary issues. However, it is hard to believe that the Dolphins werent one of the teams he wouldve restructured for.
George (Dallas): Nobody wanted his salary. He has since restructured for 3mil He is a steal
Eddie (Dayton,OH): You also have to pay Moss, not just give up draft picks Nate.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Wow, we all must be wrong.
Tom (Boston): The reason no one ponied up a 3rd is because the only team Moss publically said he would take a pay cut to play for was the Patriots. He was worth 3 mill not 9 mill.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: And the hits just keep coming
Nick (Bensalem, PA): Excuse me Steve and Kate from Boston, but when a Muench answers a question about how New England has sent a message to the rest of the league to not even field a team with a "dead on", that's a joke. And as for the reason I'm not a GM, I seriously doubt it has anything to do with my misgivings about the shoddy track record of Randy Moss and it's probably much more tangible.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Nick, of course the rest of the league thinks it has a chance to get it done and some teams do like a San Diego. But the Pats are clearly the team a need. You're also right that that;s not the only reason you are not a GM. There are probably a number of reaosns but you said you wouldn't take Moss for free. In other words, you wouldn't even give him a chance and then cut him if it didn't work out for FREE. Moss' antics are well known but would you take TO or on a lesser level Joe Horn?
Tod (Sedona, Az): For the love of God, let go of the Randy Moss thing people. Clearly his potential is worth taking a flyer on. A fourth rounder is cheap but lot's of good players have come out of that round. I am not a Pat's fan but if you don't think they aren't the clear favorite now then give me 7-1 odds and your mailing address.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Thanks ffor the laugh Tod
Fernando (Mty., Mexico): It's been now three offseasons after Saban, Crennel and Nolan were hired as HCs, and considering the state of each franchise before they were hired, Nolan and co. have done by far the best job. Who would have guessed it, huh?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Nolan has been great but I don't see that as a surprise.
Steve (Moscow, Idaho): Well its official, you can add this chat to the list of things that Randy Moss has ruined. Come one people you know the only reason you bust the chops of these ESPN guys is because you are jealous of their jobs. What do you think that by proving them wrong ESPN is going to call you up and offer you their jobs? Good heavens I've seen more maturity from a group of videogamers debating World of Warcraft. Thanks Muench for taking the time to put up with the jerks in these chats.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: This is great but I think that Nick has every right to speak his mind and that we should listen. The problem is I have is some people are so set in their opinion that they see it as "right" and everything else as wrong. I never said that the Pats are going to win it all and that MOss is going to be a Saints. I did say they are the favorites and that getting MOss for a fourth round pick is a great move.
Majeed: Brady is Brady Quinn dude. AFter all, he was talking about him in his 2 other posts!
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: yeah I missed that so I guess I'm not a lock to get that steak huh? whoops and thanks for catching it.
Nick (Bensalem, PA): The point is that New England's being a contender again this year has nothing to do with what transpired this weekend. Whether you'd take chance on Moss or not, he's certainly no slam dunk. Same for Welker, same for a 1st day draft that nets only Merriweather. New England's moves need to be scrutinized too and ESPN does a poor job of this by just deferring to Belicheck's judgement.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: here we go again. I'm not deferrring to anyone's judgment. Welker caught 67 balls for 687 yards last year and he's gotten better each year. I'll take that in my No. 3 any day of the week. Moss isn't a slam dunk I agree but it's tough not to be excited about him teaming up with Brady if you are a true football fan. You can make the argument that they didn't do a great job of getting more on the first day but they did pick up another first round pick for next year.
Joe (NY): You can criticize Miami for passing up Quinn, but would you rather have Quinn/Rice or Beck/Ginn from the draft?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: I'd rather have Quinn and Smith who came off the board after Rice.
~The Answer
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: As far as New England goes Billy, you are dead on. They really made just one pick of note during the weekend but essentially picked up Wes welker with qa second round pick and Randy Moss with a fourth round pick. Most teams would be pretty happy with that.
John (Baltimore,MD): We all know New England is good but I think it's going a little to far. Walker still has a lot to prove. Moss has been a disaster since he left the Vikings. Check out the track record of defensive players who left the Ravens for the big money(Starks? Sharper? Hartwell?). The other thing is Corey Dillon is gone and isn't there a question about Maroney's shoulder? So while the Pats might be good I don't see them as the clear cut favorite.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: John if you get a chance let me know who you think is in better position. You make an excellent point about Maroney and Dillkon but this team was a defensive stop from going to its fourth Super Bowl in six year. Welker will play the No. 3 role and return kicks. He's been productive doing that before so he doesn't have as much to prove. Moss is a cocnern but he;s never played with a quarterback like Brady. And few if any coaches know how to get the most out of defensive players like Belichick. The Pats are going to be tough to beat.
Geoff (Clifton Park): Steve, I have been hearing a lot of hate about the Ted Ginn Jr. pick by Miami. Im a Dolphins fan, but I really think they got a guy they needed, even if they reached a bit. Plus, getting Beck in the second round and a tackle as well sures up thier top three needs. Your thoughts?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: I just can't justify taking Ginn that early. Don't get me wrong. He is a first-round talent with great speed. But he's hurt and he has to make substnatial strides at receiver. The rest of the draft is ok but they should have traded out of that pick and tried to get Ginn a little later.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: To whoever said the Patriots amost lost in the divisional game I couldn't find your comment after responding to the last one so i apologize but you have a good point. San Diego is anoter team to look out for though I still see the Pats as the team to beat at this point.
Graham (Titletown, FL): Steve, I was wondering if you could fill me in on the "character issues" that were associated with Brandon Siler. Every projection I saw had him in the second or third round, then all of the sudden I hear people saying he has "character issues". I follow my Gators pretty closely all year round and don't think I've heard one negative thing, at least from a character standpoint, about Brandon Siler, what gives?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Ahh the biggest mystery of the draft. I'm not willing to say he has character issues but something is fishy here, He may have an injury that only nfl teams were aware of but other than that or some other problem and I do mean MAY that caused him to drop so far. He is an absolute steal as one of the last picks in the draft in my opinion.
Joe (Ithaca NY): Hey Steve, What do you think of the Jets? Did they sacrifice too much quantity for quality, and how do you see Revis and Harris fitting their defesne? Thanks.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Only time will tell. I think Revis and Harris make immediate impacts but they have to or the Jets have leveraged too much of the future.
Jed (St. George UT): You were ignorant enough to say the Bills had a 'weak' draft last year. What do you think about their draft this year?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Ignorant huh? Ouch. I just can't figure why they took Posluszny when they already had Keith Ellison from last year. In addition, 2006 first-round pick John McCargo did nothing last year so they had to trade for Darwin Walker. And oh year Youboty had a great season right? Or is that me just being ignorant again? The good news Jed is I think they had a very good draft. They got good value and good fits for their scheme.
Rob (NYC): Was Revis over Hall the right call?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Tough to say because they were neck and neck and heading into the draft but Revis' return abilities may have pushed him over the edge.
Rich (Fredonia,NY): Buffalo had one of the best drafts in years. What else do you think they need to do get back into the playoffs?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: They really need a franchise quaretrback. That could be Losman or Edwards or a new addition but someone hqas to step up. They need Youboty to get on track and they need Lynch to pan out. The potential is here but they need a lot to work out because they play in such a tough conference
Christopher (Phoenix, AZ): Not long ago you were singing the praises of Brady Quinn, but he fell deep into the first round becuase he's an overrated, inaccurate QB from overhyped Notre Dame. Do you STILL think he'll do anything in this league on a team with less than modest talent?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: He was the second quarterback taken and Miami made a mistake by passing on him. In fact, the biggest reson he fell is most teams belived that they already have a capable starter on their rosters so they filled other needs. The accuracy issue has been raised because Russell is more accurate but that doesn't mean that Quinn can't hit the open man. If the line meshes and Winslow as well as Edwards stay healthy, Quinn will be just fine. So yeah I am still singing his praises.
Nick (Bensalem, PA): You say, the Patriots were "a defensive stop from going to its fourth Super Bowl in six year", but they were also a bonehead safety's fumble away from losing in San Diego and my lasting memory of Beli-choke and company last year is blowing a 21-3 lead in the playoffs...They went into the draft with two number one picks and left day one with only a safety with SERIOUS character flaws to help them this year. You say most teams would be happy with Welker and Moss for the draft picks they gave up to acquire them, but Welker's just a slot guy/special teams contributor and I wouldn't take Moss if he was free. What gives with ESPN and the Patriots??
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: I am speechless. Did you just call him Belichocke because he lost to an explosive Colts' team on the road? Four our of the last six AFC championship games and three Super Bowl wins. PERIOD. It is it biased to commed a team that has done so well in a conference that is far more competitve thsn the NFC? And you wouldn't take Moss for free? I guess that why you aren't a GM. Finally, Meriweather is a good pick whose character concners aren;t nearly as great as say DC Eric Wirght's and now they are the odds on favorite with two first round picks in next year's draft.
T: According to some Beck, Stanton, Edwards and even Kolb were better prospects than Quinn!
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Everyone has got a right to their opinion. I just don;t see it that way and Quinn came off the board second so at least I got something to back my opinion up.
Nate (Buenos Aires): Maybe Nick is a GM. Seems like Randy Moss was basically free and NO ONE WANTED HIM. If he was any good, how come no one ponied up a 3rd? Or a 4th and a 7th? The Raiders gave him away because NO ONE WANTED HIM. I guess you aren't a GM either.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Come on Nate. I'm 100% sure that New England isn't the only team interested in Moss. In addition, it was clear that Moss wasn't going to play for the Raiders next year so nay sound business man is going to exploit that by low balling Oakland. Hey Moss can be a cancer in the locker room and it's hurt him but he can still be one of the best in the league. The only thing that I can agree with you on is I'm not a GM either.
Mike (FL): Nate, NE got Randy Moss for less than other teams were willing to give up because Randy only agreed to restructure his contract for certain teams. NE was one of them. GB was not. That is why he is in NE: salary issues. However, it is hard to believe that the Dolphins werent one of the teams he wouldve restructured for.
George (Dallas): Nobody wanted his salary. He has since restructured for 3mil He is a steal
Eddie (Dayton,OH): You also have to pay Moss, not just give up draft picks Nate.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Wow, we all must be wrong.
Tom (Boston): The reason no one ponied up a 3rd is because the only team Moss publically said he would take a pay cut to play for was the Patriots. He was worth 3 mill not 9 mill.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: And the hits just keep coming
Nick (Bensalem, PA): Excuse me Steve and Kate from Boston, but when a Muench answers a question about how New England has sent a message to the rest of the league to not even field a team with a "dead on", that's a joke. And as for the reason I'm not a GM, I seriously doubt it has anything to do with my misgivings about the shoddy track record of Randy Moss and it's probably much more tangible.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Nick, of course the rest of the league thinks it has a chance to get it done and some teams do like a San Diego. But the Pats are clearly the team a need. You're also right that that;s not the only reason you are not a GM. There are probably a number of reaosns but you said you wouldn't take Moss for free. In other words, you wouldn't even give him a chance and then cut him if it didn't work out for FREE. Moss' antics are well known but would you take TO or on a lesser level Joe Horn?
Tod (Sedona, Az): For the love of God, let go of the Randy Moss thing people. Clearly his potential is worth taking a flyer on. A fourth rounder is cheap but lot's of good players have come out of that round. I am not a Pat's fan but if you don't think they aren't the clear favorite now then give me 7-1 odds and your mailing address.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Thanks ffor the laugh Tod
Fernando (Mty., Mexico): It's been now three offseasons after Saban, Crennel and Nolan were hired as HCs, and considering the state of each franchise before they were hired, Nolan and co. have done by far the best job. Who would have guessed it, huh?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: Nolan has been great but I don't see that as a surprise.
Steve (Moscow, Idaho): Well its official, you can add this chat to the list of things that Randy Moss has ruined. Come one people you know the only reason you bust the chops of these ESPN guys is because you are jealous of their jobs. What do you think that by proving them wrong ESPN is going to call you up and offer you their jobs? Good heavens I've seen more maturity from a group of videogamers debating World of Warcraft. Thanks Muench for taking the time to put up with the jerks in these chats.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: This is great but I think that Nick has every right to speak his mind and that we should listen. The problem is I have is some people are so set in their opinion that they see it as "right" and everything else as wrong. I never said that the Pats are going to win it all and that MOss is going to be a Saints. I did say they are the favorites and that getting MOss for a fourth round pick is a great move.
Majeed: Brady is Brady Quinn dude. AFter all, he was talking about him in his 2 other posts!
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: yeah I missed that so I guess I'm not a lock to get that steak huh? whoops and thanks for catching it.
Nick (Bensalem, PA): The point is that New England's being a contender again this year has nothing to do with what transpired this weekend. Whether you'd take chance on Moss or not, he's certainly no slam dunk. Same for Welker, same for a 1st day draft that nets only Merriweather. New England's moves need to be scrutinized too and ESPN does a poor job of this by just deferring to Belicheck's judgement.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: here we go again. I'm not deferrring to anyone's judgment. Welker caught 67 balls for 687 yards last year and he's gotten better each year. I'll take that in my No. 3 any day of the week. Moss isn't a slam dunk I agree but it's tough not to be excited about him teaming up with Brady if you are a true football fan. You can make the argument that they didn't do a great job of getting more on the first day but they did pick up another first round pick for next year.
Joe (NY): You can criticize Miami for passing up Quinn, but would you rather have Quinn/Rice or Beck/Ginn from the draft?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Steve Muench: I'd rather have Quinn and Smith who came off the board after Rice.
~The Answer