BearcatMania04Post subject: April 12, 2004 New draft news
Hello everyone. Sorry, my responses have been few but travel has kept me busy. I've spent time recently with Jacksonville, New England, and Cleveland consulting on draft scenarios. I will try and get to yoru questions this morning before I'm off on the road again to Miami.
Anyway on to what I feel may be the most surprising news to date concernignthe draft. First, let me start by saying the Washington to Oakland trade talk is strictly scenario maneuvering by Washington. Washington has been in contact with San Diego officials for more than a week now discussing trade parameters. This os course has gone unreported because Washington and San Diego signed an agreement prior to discussions that has monetary ramifications for both parties if the trade is leaked. How do I know of such trade talk. Well, let's just say I was a witness to the discussions and I was not forced to sign any agreement nor was I under contract by either team. I'm reporting this to you because my retirement is finalized and ramifications to me are minimal at this point.
So here's how the deal breaks down. As I reported to you several weeks ago Cris Samuels and his agent are refusiing to renegoiate Cris's contract. Samuel's agent just so happens to be the agent for Patirck Ramsey. As you may already know Ramsey and Samuel's agent Jimmy Secton refused to renegotiate Cris's contract as protest for Snyder signing Brunell. The media has reproted that Ramsey and Gibbs patched up there differences. This is as far from the truth as possible. In fact Sexton is still protesting Brunell's signing per Ramsey by not renegotiating Cris's contract.
So for about the last month Mr. Secton has been talking with coach Schottenheimer regarding Patrick and Cris. Marty is more than intrigued with both players. Sexton had dinner with Snyder and Gibbs recently to relate to them that he had opened the door for trade talks with San Diego for the 1st overall pick. Washington preceeded to meet with San Diego officials at a private club in Palm Beach, Ca. I was present at these some waht tense discussions. Snyder came in with his guns loaded by offerring Samuels, #5, and a 2005 2nd round pick. Well, let's just say Jimmy Sexton didn't take this well and preceeded to verbally attack Snyder in front of everyone.
Sexton demanded that Ramsey and Samuel's be part of a packaged deal for the #1 overall pick. Snyder not knowing that Sexton has already come to preliminary contract agreements with San Diego for both players. The meeting broke up and both clubs needed some time to think. The next day we were back at it by 8:00 a.m. with San Diego making an initial offer to Washington of the #1 overall pick + Drew Brees for Samuel's, Ramsey, #5 overall, and a 2005 tbd.
Snyder balked at any future consideration picks arguing that Samuels was a prior 1st rounder and Ramsey a 2nd rounder. San Diego responded that Brees for Ramsey was a straight trade but that the #5 + Samuel's for the overall #1 left a trade diferential of 300 points. Snyder didn't care and essentially said take it or leave it. The next day back in Washington Snyder decided he could play hardball with San Diego by contacting Oakland. San Diego has taken notice and from what I'm hearing will agree to a trade on draft day only. Snyder responded that contract negotiations must take place with Samuels and Ramsey to only find out that San Diego had already completed this step. Snyder was not pleased that he had been black balled by Sexton.
So where this all stands according to San Diego is a likelyhood that the trade will occur. However, I would not be surprised if Snyder tries something to aggravate Sexton. Teh two variable here though are that one Snyder has no idea who San Diego intended to take at #1. Second, Sexton can throw a wrench in any trade Snyder makes that he doesn't like. San Diego to may just threaten to take Gallery #1 forcing Snyder's hand. For once I don't see Snyder winning this duel as he's been backed into a corner. Additionally. Gibbs has made it known that he does not want disgruntled players on his team. On a side note Gibbs and Drew's dad are pretty close and have discussed Drew's future.
On to other news as if you need more after that. Buffalo is maneuverign to get in place to draft Ben Roetlisberger. Buffalo seems to believe Roethlisberger may be availabel at #9 which just so happens to belong to Jacksonville. Buffalo picks #13 while the Steelers pick #11. Malarky knows as a former Steeler that Rooney and company are high on Roethlisberger and will select him if he's avalaible. Buffalo is making contact with clubs to move ahead of Pittsburgh to draft Roethlisberger. A deal would not happen until draft day once Buffalo knows Roethlisberger falls from the top 5. They will not move up to the top 5 to draft him as they feel the price is too steep. Pittsburgh has to now made no indications that it will move up for any one player. Stay tuned.
Arizona would like to one of these two players to be avaliable at #3. Larry Fitzgerald or Sean Taylor.
Cleveland has a mess on its hands with the Northcutt and Couch situation. If the Davis was such a moron both of these players would have been traded by now. Unfortunately, Butch has a lot of control and has so far blown three possible trades up himself. Time is runnign short for Cleveland to put themseleves in great postion for the 2004 draft. We will find out soon who is the real boss in Cleveland as a few teams are still trying to obtain these players. For the record San Diego will not even consider Northcutt in a trade as Davis's verball assault on them has left a bad taste in San Diego's mouth. Additionally, any deal with St. Louis for Pace is off the table as well. Take a guess who screwed this up by releasing key numbers of a contract to St. Louis because he has no idea how to keep his mouth shut. I sure hope Cleveland gets it act in gear and takes Butch out of al trade or contract talks.
As a part time consultant to Cincinnati it was my firm that suggested the D. O'Neal trade to Cincinnati. This trade was suggested as early as March 1st. I'm happy to see that Cincinnati made a wise move. O'Neal has everything Lewis and Frsier look for in a corner. He will flourish under Frasier's tutorage. As i've said previously Shanahan's impatience with defense is his achilees heel. Denver has never had a quality secondary coach under Mike who can develop and motivate players. Jimmy Spencer is a thug which si why his teaching shows no results. Denver moved up in hopes of landing a starting OLB.
Unfortunately, for them DJ Williams will be gone,but they may have a shot at Karlos Dansby. Cincinnati moving back was in hopes of landing Jake Grove at #24. They need some depth behind Braham in 2004 and a future starter for 2005. They may also have interest in Cris Gamble or Wil Poole at #24 as well. Lewis is high on Gamble but felt #17 was too high for him. If Cincinnati grabs a DB at #24 they will focus on grabbing Alex Stoponavich G/C Ohio State in round #3.
Any players is really an option at #24 for Cincinnati. Lewis needs depth at LB and in the secondary as well as at center.
Hello everyone. Sorry, my responses have been few but travel has kept me busy. I've spent time recently with Jacksonville, New England, and Cleveland consulting on draft scenarios. I will try and get to yoru questions this morning before I'm off on the road again to Miami.
Anyway on to what I feel may be the most surprising news to date concernignthe draft. First, let me start by saying the Washington to Oakland trade talk is strictly scenario maneuvering by Washington. Washington has been in contact with San Diego officials for more than a week now discussing trade parameters. This os course has gone unreported because Washington and San Diego signed an agreement prior to discussions that has monetary ramifications for both parties if the trade is leaked. How do I know of such trade talk. Well, let's just say I was a witness to the discussions and I was not forced to sign any agreement nor was I under contract by either team. I'm reporting this to you because my retirement is finalized and ramifications to me are minimal at this point.
So here's how the deal breaks down. As I reported to you several weeks ago Cris Samuels and his agent are refusiing to renegoiate Cris's contract. Samuel's agent just so happens to be the agent for Patirck Ramsey. As you may already know Ramsey and Samuel's agent Jimmy Secton refused to renegotiate Cris's contract as protest for Snyder signing Brunell. The media has reproted that Ramsey and Gibbs patched up there differences. This is as far from the truth as possible. In fact Sexton is still protesting Brunell's signing per Ramsey by not renegotiating Cris's contract.
So for about the last month Mr. Secton has been talking with coach Schottenheimer regarding Patrick and Cris. Marty is more than intrigued with both players. Sexton had dinner with Snyder and Gibbs recently to relate to them that he had opened the door for trade talks with San Diego for the 1st overall pick. Washington preceeded to meet with San Diego officials at a private club in Palm Beach, Ca. I was present at these some waht tense discussions. Snyder came in with his guns loaded by offerring Samuels, #5, and a 2005 2nd round pick. Well, let's just say Jimmy Sexton didn't take this well and preceeded to verbally attack Snyder in front of everyone.
Sexton demanded that Ramsey and Samuel's be part of a packaged deal for the #1 overall pick. Snyder not knowing that Sexton has already come to preliminary contract agreements with San Diego for both players. The meeting broke up and both clubs needed some time to think. The next day we were back at it by 8:00 a.m. with San Diego making an initial offer to Washington of the #1 overall pick + Drew Brees for Samuel's, Ramsey, #5 overall, and a 2005 tbd.
Snyder balked at any future consideration picks arguing that Samuels was a prior 1st rounder and Ramsey a 2nd rounder. San Diego responded that Brees for Ramsey was a straight trade but that the #5 + Samuel's for the overall #1 left a trade diferential of 300 points. Snyder didn't care and essentially said take it or leave it. The next day back in Washington Snyder decided he could play hardball with San Diego by contacting Oakland. San Diego has taken notice and from what I'm hearing will agree to a trade on draft day only. Snyder responded that contract negotiations must take place with Samuels and Ramsey to only find out that San Diego had already completed this step. Snyder was not pleased that he had been black balled by Sexton.
So where this all stands according to San Diego is a likelyhood that the trade will occur. However, I would not be surprised if Snyder tries something to aggravate Sexton. Teh two variable here though are that one Snyder has no idea who San Diego intended to take at #1. Second, Sexton can throw a wrench in any trade Snyder makes that he doesn't like. San Diego to may just threaten to take Gallery #1 forcing Snyder's hand. For once I don't see Snyder winning this duel as he's been backed into a corner. Additionally. Gibbs has made it known that he does not want disgruntled players on his team. On a side note Gibbs and Drew's dad are pretty close and have discussed Drew's future.
On to other news as if you need more after that. Buffalo is maneuverign to get in place to draft Ben Roetlisberger. Buffalo seems to believe Roethlisberger may be availabel at #9 which just so happens to belong to Jacksonville. Buffalo picks #13 while the Steelers pick #11. Malarky knows as a former Steeler that Rooney and company are high on Roethlisberger and will select him if he's avalaible. Buffalo is making contact with clubs to move ahead of Pittsburgh to draft Roethlisberger. A deal would not happen until draft day once Buffalo knows Roethlisberger falls from the top 5. They will not move up to the top 5 to draft him as they feel the price is too steep. Pittsburgh has to now made no indications that it will move up for any one player. Stay tuned.
Arizona would like to one of these two players to be avaliable at #3. Larry Fitzgerald or Sean Taylor.
Cleveland has a mess on its hands with the Northcutt and Couch situation. If the Davis was such a moron both of these players would have been traded by now. Unfortunately, Butch has a lot of control and has so far blown three possible trades up himself. Time is runnign short for Cleveland to put themseleves in great postion for the 2004 draft. We will find out soon who is the real boss in Cleveland as a few teams are still trying to obtain these players. For the record San Diego will not even consider Northcutt in a trade as Davis's verball assault on them has left a bad taste in San Diego's mouth. Additionally, any deal with St. Louis for Pace is off the table as well. Take a guess who screwed this up by releasing key numbers of a contract to St. Louis because he has no idea how to keep his mouth shut. I sure hope Cleveland gets it act in gear and takes Butch out of al trade or contract talks.
As a part time consultant to Cincinnati it was my firm that suggested the D. O'Neal trade to Cincinnati. This trade was suggested as early as March 1st. I'm happy to see that Cincinnati made a wise move. O'Neal has everything Lewis and Frsier look for in a corner. He will flourish under Frasier's tutorage. As i've said previously Shanahan's impatience with defense is his achilees heel. Denver has never had a quality secondary coach under Mike who can develop and motivate players. Jimmy Spencer is a thug which si why his teaching shows no results. Denver moved up in hopes of landing a starting OLB.
Unfortunately, for them DJ Williams will be gone,but they may have a shot at Karlos Dansby. Cincinnati moving back was in hopes of landing Jake Grove at #24. They need some depth behind Braham in 2004 and a future starter for 2005. They may also have interest in Cris Gamble or Wil Poole at #24 as well. Lewis is high on Gamble but felt #17 was too high for him. If Cincinnati grabs a DB at #24 they will focus on grabbing Alex Stoponavich G/C Ohio State in round #3.
Any players is really an option at #24 for Cincinnati. Lewis needs depth at LB and in the secondary as well as at center.
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