DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum 2008 AFC North Free Agents

I know it's early, but I was curious as to who could potentially lose the most in FA next year from the AFC North. The DA situation made me think of this. Interesting to see who could be available next year.

Somewhat interesting. What team do YOU think could potentially lose the most?

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AFC North free-agent reports


Nov. 14, 2007


Editor’s note: The “potential UFAs” category lists players expected to become unrestricted free agents after the 2007 season, when their current contracts expire. Unrestricted free agents have completed at least four years in the NFL and are free to sign with any team, provided they have not been designated their team’s “franchise” or “transition” player, which would limit their options. Players in the UFA category who have an asterisk (*) following their names are believed to have voidable clauses in their contracts that will allow them to opt out of their pacts early, making them free agents. The “potential RFAs” category lists players expected to become restricted free agents after the season. Restricted free agents have completed three NFL seasons, and their movement is somewhat limited, as their current team generally has a chance to match any offer from another team. This is an unofficial list obtained through various NFL sources. The NFLPA does not release the “official” list until after the regular season.

Baltimore
Potential UFAs: WR Devard Darling, SLB Nick Greisen, RS B.J. Sams, S Gerome Sapp, RB Musa Smith, OLB Terrell Suggs.

Potential RFAs: OG Jason Brown, FB Justin Green, LS Matt Katula, ILB Mike Smith.

Analysis: By far the most important name on this list is OLB Terrell Suggs, who is only 25 and one of the AFC’s most accomplished pass rushers. The Ravens have talked contract with Suggs, but the sense is that he’s likely to test the market. Suggs’ somewhat slow start to the season (only three sacks in the first nine games) complicates matters, as he has certainly not helped his leverage to date. If the Ravens re-sign Suggs, it could take them out of the bidding for other free agents, considering that Suggs, given his age, production and potential, is likely to command one of the biggest contracts in free agency should he hit the market in March. Of the Ravens’ other unrestricted free agents, RB Musa Smith may be the most intriguing, as he’s flashed some natural ability in limited duty. But he’s struggled to stay healthy, as has RS B.J. Sams. OG Jason Brown is the Ravens’ restricted free agent most likely to draw interest from other clubs. The Ravens would probably consider matching a reasonable offer sheet.

Cincinnati
Potential UFAs: OT Stacy Andrews, WR Antonio Chatman, PK Aaron Elling, WLB Landon Johnson, WLB Dhani Jones, P Kyle Larson, OLB Lemar Marshall, WLB Caleb Miller, DE Bryan Robinson, DE Justin Smith, C Alex Stepanovich, S Madieu Williams.

Potential RFAs: DE Jonathan Fanene, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, OT Adam Kieft, WR Tab Perry.

Analysis: The Bengals’ most pressing free-agent decisions will come on defense. Three starters — LB Landon Johnson, DE Justin Smith and S Madieu Williams — will all hit the open market. All figure to draw significant interest, and the Bengals — whose defense ranks among the league’s worst — are unlikely to be able to re-sign all of them. Johnson, an intelligent, versatile linebacker, was on the radar of scouts when he was a restricted free agent. Williams has not had his best season, but he’s also well-regarded, and he’s spent an inordinate amount of time this season covering for oft-burned CBs Deltha O’Neal and Johnathan Joseph. Smith, who received the Bengals’ franchise tag in ’07, will not get the tag again, and he could be out of Cincinnati’s price range. The other unrestricted free agent likely to be popular with other clubs is OG-OT Stacy Andrews, who drew interest from the Jets last offseason. Andrews has proven he can play both guard and tackle, and he could get a bigger contract than one might expect.

Cleveland
Potential UFAs: CB Gary Baxter, WR Tim Carter, CB Ricardo Colclough, QB Ken Dorsey, OT Nat Dorsey, OG Lennie Friedman, DT Ethan Kelley, RB Jamal Lewis, C Seth McKinney, OLB Matt Stewart, ILB Chaun Thompson, DT Ted Washington.

Potential RFAs: QB Derek Anderson, DE Simon Frasier, LB Kris Griffin, CB Daven Holly.

Analysis: RFA QB Derek Anderson figures to at least draw a second-round tender from the Browns, and the two highest tender offers (the first-round and the first- and third-round tenders) also have to be strongly considered given how well Anderson is playing and the dearth of promising young quarterbacks in the NFL. Of the team’s unrestricted free agents, RB Jamal Lewis is the most interesting case. Lewis has played well for the Browns, but he will be entering his ninth NFL season in ’08, and Cleveland is unlikely to offer him more than a one-year deal. ORG Seth McKinney has been a fine addition to the line, and the Browns would probably bring him back at the right price. QB Ken Dorsey, WR Tim Carter, OG Lennie Friedman, NT Ethan Kelley and LB Chaun Thompson are serviceable backups who could be re-signed. NT Ted Washington and S Gary Baxter are unlikely to return. The Browns, who have been active in free agency the last two seasons, are likely to look to add a defensive front-seven player or two in an attempt to shore up the weakest part of the team.

Pittsburgh
Potential UFAs: DT Nick Eason, OG Alan Faneca, OLB Clark Haggans, DE Travis Kirschke, FB Dan Kreider, QB Brian St. Pierre, OT Max Starks.

Potential RFAs: OT Trai Essex, OLB Andre Frazier, OG Chris Kemoeatu, LS Greg Warren, WR Nate Washington.

Analysis: The Steelers are generally not active shoppers in free agency, and this offseason figures to be no different. Priority No. 1: signing QB Ben Roethlisberger to a contract extension. OLG Alan Faneca is all but certain to hit the free-agent market, and he is likely to draw heavy interest. Reuniting with former coaches Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm in Arizona has been rumored. If Faneca leaves, the Steelers could replace him with RFA OG Chris Kemoeatu or go shopping for a free-agent replacement, but we’re hearing there is growing concern about a Kemoeatu-Kendall Simmons guard tandem in ’08. OLB Clark Haggans is likely a long shot to be re-signed, as young LaMarr Woodley is waiting in the wings. ORT Max Starks is also likely to leave. There are evaluators intrigued by Starks’ potential, and he needs a fresh start. FB Dan Kreider could be back if he takes a short-term deal. WR Nate Washington is a restricted free agent who could draw some interest from a team looking to upgrade its receiving depth.

I would like to see us get T Suggs and A Faneca..

Suggs is overrated and Faneca can't play RG.

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and Faneca can't play RG.

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Because............

08 FA by position

Here is the entire list by position.. I spent more time looking at DE's and DT's than anything else..

Jared Allen, Justin Smith, Albert Haynesworth.. hmm..

I gotta say, I'm pretty pleased with what I see there.

We have a chance to really let some poor talent hit the bricks. I think, re-sign Chaun, Ken Dorsey (sign Ken for quite a while), Lennie, maybe Jamal and maybe Ricardo Coclough (if he turns into anything, i feel like he'd be better than Kenny Wright).

The rest of them can go for a walk. Ethan Kelly...maybe, but I still am not impressed with him. Fraser, eh, i wouldnt care if he left. Our RFA's all need to be signed with the exception of Fraser. I think he's a good guy, and has adecent motor on the rass rush side, but eh. Daven and Kris Griffin should stay.

On the other teams. Musa Smith is in fact intriguing. It's too bad he gets hurt so much, but if doesnt command much of a price tag, and we can bring someone else in to share carries AND or take the load if need be, then I'm in. Terrell Suggs would be nice to have, but I feel like the amount of money he'd command could be better spent elsewhere. I mean Peek hasnt been stellar, but he's been good enough IMO to think that the amount of money wouldnt be worth the signing. We need DL like its insane, and a bonafide ILB. Also...Clark Haggans is intriguing. I think if we paired him off with Kam we'd be looking very good.

Terrell Suggs would be a nice LOLB for us. If Wimbley bounces back that could be a nice young outside rush tandem. But other than him and maybe Clark Haggans I don't think anyone on that list is worth our while. We ain't gettin' Faneca, he's gonna get a huge payday and the last thing we need is another big $ free agent to play O-Line for us, that would totally break our bank and our line's great as it is anyways.

Not strong enough. Plus the crazy amount of money he would cost would make our OL a huge hinderance to the salary cap.

I really can't see Suggs leaving Baltimore; there's no way they loose their best players on Defense two years in a row. Saying that stranger things have happened.

Er... is Matt Stewart still on this team?

CHECK: Oh, he's on IR. My bad. I thought he was in Seattle or something.

My wish list includes Suggs, Michael Turner, Haynesworth, Tommy Kelly and, it may sound blasphemous because old Phil's leg ain't what she used to be, Rob Bironas.

They let Thomas walk too because they were saving money for Suggs. The scary thing is Jarret Johnson might end up being as good as Thomas, and he's on the cheap for a another season or two.

I saw that Haynesworth was a FA next year too. Must be why he's having such a good year. Would definitely demand some big $$. Not sure about him fitting in the 3-4. At 6'6" 32 lbs, is that big enough to clog the middle?

Also I'm not sure Phil would take a chance on a player that likes to take player's helmets off and step on their heads.

Thing is we don't just need a NT, we need 3-4 defensive ends. Hayneworth could be a nice replacement for Roye.

I want to comment on us first. We are losing ALOT of guy's but it doesn't bother me at all. Because one it's going to free up alot of cap space and enable us to focus on our defense this off-season.

Out of all our players I think McKinney, Friedman, Thompson, Holly, DA and maybe Baxter if he can come back healthy. Those are the only ones who I think we should re-sign.

That's 4 guy's out of 16 FA's. That's alot of bodies to fill but it's going to free up quite a bit more spending money. I look for us to pursue at-least one huge pickup on the defensive side of the ball this year and focus the rest through the draft and pickup a few more quality FA's.

I would sign Jamal but there is absolutely no need to at-all. This years draft and free agency is absolutely STACKED with quality running backs.

Now as for the rest of the AFC North. There isn't a single person from any of those teams I want. Suggs is great but he is a punk and Faneca would be cool but we got Bentley coming back next year and we already have TONS of cash invested in this line.

My "big name" FA wish list go's like this.

Michael "The Burner" Turner (size, speed, and vision)
Asante Samuel (shut down corner)
Bernard Berrian (great #2 option with speed)
Terrell Suggs ( I know, I know. I said I didn't want him but by the time I typed this I changed my mind, he is really good and I think I could put up with him if he's pounding the opposing QB)

Trying to figure out who will actually become available through FA is like crystal ball gazing. You can only try to guess as to who will actually become available. There are certain players like Faneca that you just automatically check off the list because no matter if he is available or not, the Browns aren’t likely to be interested anyway.

Haynesworth will be pursued heavily by the Browns and I would assume several other teams as well. I realize that some people will say that he has some character issues, and perhaps he does. I don’t think so, but I don’t work with him on a day to day, so I really don’t know. He is a great player though and would go a long long way towards making the interior of the Browns defensive line solid. In fact his presence in the middle is just what the Dr. ordered for this defense IMHO. The thing is though, will the Browns become so hell bent on AH that they turn a blind eye to his past. I don’t think so there isn’t anybody especially PS and RAC that wants to do anything but add quality players of character. I happen to believe that AH is OK he lost his cool against Dallas, and has been a model citizen since. I like a player that is aggressive on the field, and that plays smart ball, and is a team first player. I think AH can be that guy. If there is one guy that can truly change the fortunes of the Browns defense my guy would be AH. This guy is a force that is not easily dealt with up the middle.

I could see the Browns taking another approach as well and going after JA from KC. A really solid DE, and then move SS back to NT where I believe he would be a force as well. I like him at nose better then I do at DE anyway, JMHO.

I would like to see us do something at the IMLB spot and perhaps at OLB as well. perhaps, Briggs, perhaps Suggs, or hell maybe both. The list is pretty long as to guys we could use. Perhaps the addition of AH would go a long way towards making our ILB look a hell of a lot better. It goes without saying they will be a lot cleaner then they have ever been. I think RAC and PS will develop a plan that insures the defense becomes much better then at any time in the past. In fact I’ll go out on a limb here, next season this defense will be one of the better defenses, I don’t think were as far away as people think we are from being just that now.

No brainer, will resign DH, will resign EK, and SF. Will need backups and these guys fit the bill perfectly. DH could turn into a problem, perhaps he will want to go someplace where he can start, here he is a nickel and will remain so. I am not sure if we will try to re sign SM or not. He has played very very well at RG, but the health issue has to be of concern, however I think we most likely can get him on the cheep so to speak, and perhaps if Bentley can find his way back to the field, will still keep SM, for insurance and quality depth, can’t ever have too much quality depth.

I can see us pursuing and landing AS, but not for Clemens money, no way. I think given the results in SF we can all state that given the needs of this team in other areas his signing was plain old stupid on their part. The reason I think we have a better then average shot at AS is RAC mentored him when he came into the league, there is a connection there, and RAC has a better then average idea, of how AS would fit here in Cleveland. Perhaps if the Browns actually do go after AS, DH will not be a guy that the Browns wish to resign anyway, but I don’t think you can ever have to many DB’s, and DH has proven to be a very serviceable backup.

The strategy that the Browns adopt will in no small measure be in relation to the draft as well I would assume. Who are and will be the targets that the Browns tag going into the draft will in no small measure be determined by who or who they do not sign thru FA.

Sorry I don’t think the Browns will pursue Turner, we can get a serviceable back either by resigning JL or via the draft. Backs IMHO are a reflection of the quality of the line. Put a good back behind a good line he becomes a great back. Put a great back behind a great line he becomes greater, but I don’t see the Browns becoming a team that will rely on the RB to carry the load. We are built to be a pass first team that will mix in just enough of a running game to keep defenses honest. We could use a great back, but I don’t think the Browns will want to spend the money on one. That leaves Turner off the Browns radar, I think. Yeah, we could use him, but at what cost. It’s not worth it, and my guess would be will pick up a RB through the draft, and go with what we got.

I do however honestly think the Browns will make a move to fill the void at our #2 receiver position, we lack depth, and JJ while a great player in his own right is better suited to a #3 WR spot. We don’t need a great player here, somebody with some speed, that runs good routes and that has good hands. We need the other bookend WR to compliment BE. Perhaps the Browns will actually stand pat, they work on a daily bases with Wilson and perhaps the feeling in Berea will be to fill the void with Wilson, if he has shown progress that is. If not I would bet we make a move for a WR, either thru FA, or the draft.

At the end of the day, I don’t think were as far away from being a great football team as we all seem to think, a player here, a player there will be much better. Some positions really stand out. D line being one of them, but then again it appears that we could use some help to our LB core. Then you realize that perhaps the only thing that is missing to our LB core is a solid DL that can help to keep them clean. Same goes for the outside guys. If the D Line can actually provide a push, that should help raise the level of play of the OLB’s as well. I would be more then interested to see what strategy PS and RAC adapt. I honest to God trust these 2 man to develop, and implement a plan that raises the level of this team across the board through FA, and the draft to championship caliber next season. The really really great thing is we have the bucks to go shopping and get whatever we target as being a must fill position. The strategy is likely being formulated as we speak.

The long and the short of it are, were getting there, and were going to be a great team going forward. SB or bust in 2008!!!!

First off, I know that I started the character issues of Albert Haynesworth. The reality is it was Andre Gurode (the Dallas Center) was chop blocking and going after Hayensworth's knees that entire game. I read a great article on Haynesworth in SI about him and he just completely lost it in that game as in his defense, he was fed up with O-linemen trying to ruin his career by going after his knees.

I don't think he has character flaws, he just simply blew up in one game and it cost him dearly. He's a great player and I'd love to see him in a Browns uni.

Ooops!

My bad. 320 lbs.

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Sorry I don’t think the Browns will pursue Turner, we can get a serviceable back either by resigning JL or via the draft. Backs IMHO are a reflection of the quality of the line. Put a good back behind a good line he becomes a great back. Put a great back behind a great line he becomes greater, but I don’t see the Browns becoming a team that will rely on the RB to carry the load. We are built to be a pass first team that will mix in just enough of a running game to keep defenses honest. We could use a great back, but I don’t think the Browns will want to spend the money on one. That leaves Turner off the Browns radar, I think. Yeah, we could use him, but at what cost. It’s not worth it, and my guess would be will pick up a RB through the draft, and go with what we got.

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I just don't get this line of thinking by people. YES, a running back is just an extension of his O-Line, but you MUST have a good RB to be a successfull team. Hell, just two quick examples that spring to mind are Baltimore and Denver. Yes, Baltimores defense won them their only SB, but Jamal (while in his prime) was their sole offense, with great help from his O-Line. Denver went to the superbowl how many times before they actually won one.......but they didn't begin to win until they got a great RB in Terrell Davis !!!!!!!!!

Not many on here wanted Peterson, and honestly, I understand why (now ), Thomas has been outstanding and Peterson has fullfilled many prophesies by getting hurt. But this yr. we NEED to get ourselves a Feature RB!!!!! Lewis has shown that good RB's only last 4, 5, 6yrs at the most before they tend to slow down.

You stated that we seem to be a pass first team.....how well is that going to work when the weather starts to turn bad as we all know it will. Those deep passes that Anderson is throwning now aren't going to be as pretty in December winds by the lake front, hell some of them aren't that pretty now.

Our O-Line is turning into one of the better ones in the NFL right now. Those of you that know O-lines have said that it is easier to pass block than run block in the NFL, so maybe next yr. we will be even better.

There must be some reason that Harrison isn't seeing the field more, Wright ISN'T a feature back, and Lewis is beginning to look more and more like he really is on his last legs.

Hopefully, with the depth of this yrs. RB class we can get a good one, but I still feel that we are going to have to spend a 1st day pick to get a true "feature" back, and as good as BQ, Winslow, and Edwards may become, we will not win a SB without a "feature RB".

JMHO

He would be a bit tall for the NT role, but I've always pimped him as a guy who could be an amazing 3-4 DE. His quickness off the line is amazing. When he's in shape, he's a load to handle.

I'd love to get him. He is tops on my list actually!!

ncdawg I don't see it that way. Yes we need a good running back, and inspite of the weather this team as do most teams in todays NFL continue to go down the field. The weather thing is way over rated and always has been. Teams that throw the ball throw the ball no matter the weather. Yes the Browns could use a young stud RB and yes Turner would make a very nice addition, but what I was trying to say is he isn't as high on the priority list as you and some others would like to believe. Our 1st dollars will go for defensive help, and after we have shord up our most glaring needs perhaps we may go after a Turner or someone else or just stick it out with what we got and add a player threw the draft. I wouldn't spend big in this area and I wouldn't draft a RB higher then the 3rd round, I just think that you can do just fine in the later rounds and I think you can get along just fine. You raise the Denver issue but the part you left out was I think Davis was a 4th or 6th round pick. JL was a 1st, but that just proves my point you don't need to sped big to reep good results you just need to find a RB that fills the void in whatever type offense you run. For me I want a guy that can block, can, run and most importantly can catch and run with the ball out of the backfield. It sounds like a lot but like you said Davis is out there we just need to define what we really want, and go and get a player that can fill that roll best. Big bucks on a RB is a waste IMHO..

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Potential UFAs: CB Gary Baxter, WR Tim Carter, CB Ricardo Colclough, QB Ken Dorsey, OT Nat Dorsey, OG Lennie Friedman, DT Ethan Kelley, RB Jamal Lewis, C Seth McKinney, OLB Matt Stewart, ILB Chaun Thompson, DT Ted Washington.

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Out of that group of players, I'd want us to find a way to keep Ken Dorsey, Lennie Friedman, Ethan Kelly and perhaps Chaun Thompson,,.

Not because we can't live without any of them, but because unless we find upgrades, it's better the devil you know..

I'd put Seth McKinny in that mix as well if he's healthy,, Also, I got nothing against Jamal Lewis, but I'd rather we focus on finding a way to get Mike Turner who is a UFA in SD or some other high profile back that might just need a change of scene.

It might be hard to outbid the Bears for Turner though.

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It might be hard to outbid the Bears for Turner though.

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you just never know!

JMHO here...

Turner...what do we know about him that makes him so wanted? He's been LT's backup for couple of years now...so, obviously he isn't a superstar or has shown plenty to gain a 30 million dollar contract...I know he has speed and all but that's not the point. Sure, I would love another RB, but I believe we can ride Lewis for another 2-3 years. He's not THAT old and beat up already.

I just don't get the Turner "pimps" around here. To me, he hasn't shown much.

Turner wouldn't really be considered a "change of pace" back. By change of pace i consider that a speed back. Which he is but what people don't seem to realize is that the guy is also 237 pounds and still runs a 4.3 40. He is a bruiser.

The ONLY reason he is not starting in San Diego is because he's behind LT who when all is said and done barring some major injury will be the greatest RB ever to put on a uniform, and yes even though I hate to admit it better than our own Jim Brown. The stats don't lie.

I guess nobody seen his 10 carry 147 yard game this year? The guy is sick, why else would San Diego hold on to him after getting a ton of offers last year when they knew they would get nothing this year.

I'm not saying he isn't good. I'm saying there is additional risk in dealing with somebody whose only been a backup. And most teams don't evaluate that risk well (see the Derrick Blaylock contract), thus he will be overvalued on the free agent market this year. He will end up getting a bigger contract than he's worth, and I don't know that I want the Browns to be part of it.

~Lyuokdea

No question Turner is a quality back. I think or believe you can get near Turner quality and not pay FA prices. If the Bears want him they can have him, same goes for Greenbay. I think that we can do just fine sticking with JL, or by drafting someone in the later rounds. As I said the Browns offense isn't built around the running game, and looking forward we aren't likely to be. I think that Turner has benefited from backing up LT, in fact Turner has a better YPC, but LT is the starter. Don't you all think that if Turner were better then LT he would be the starter? No it is clear Turner has and continues to benefit from being the backup. It doesn't mean he isn't a good back I believe him to be, and by NFL standards he is a back with low mileage another advantage to the teams that will be out for his services.

As for the part about other teams making offers for Turner, I never heard that anybody had actually offered up a 1st pick. In fact most of what I heard or saw in print, said the asking price was to high. And I think the fact that nobody was willing to pony up says it all. I still think that the price will be to high, mileage to the side. We should be able to get a good solid back from the draft or from FA without paying the price that Turner will be out for. We need a good running back, but I don't think we need a great one and Turner is going to be out for great money. And I hope he gets all he can, but not from the Browns, sorry I just don't see us having that large a need, because we will continue to be a throw 1st team, regardless of who the running back is.

JMHO

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Turner...what do we know about him that makes him so wanted?

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It's an example,, if you got someone better to talk about, let's hear it!

J/C Daman.

Anyone have any ideas where Darren McFadden is projected in next years draft?! That is if he claims eligibility. I was listening to Wills and Snyder from the home site and it appears that Savage was scouting the Razorbacks and this was the primary reason. I haven't followed the Razorbacks but one of Mcfadden's nicknames is "D-Dawg". source

Sounds like a Brown already. Any chance that Savage goes RB in his first selection and addresses the D with FA and the rest of the draft?

I am not saying that we should go after Turner either, hell, I don't know enough to say wether we should or not. I, like you, am a little hesitant to go hard after a guy that we haven't seen alot off.

Unlike you, I DO beleive we need a quality RB to complete this offense. Can they be had in the lower rounds.....yes they can, and so can WR's, DB's, LB's, DL, QB's, etc........you get my piont. Some on here have even said that RB's have a higher percentage of low round hits. I don't know if the percentage of finding a good back is any better than it is for any other position? I also agree with you that a good O-Line can make an average back look ALOT better. I just feel that to be a GREAT TEAM, you must stop the run and run the football and I don't feel comfortable with any of the backs on our team RIGHT NOW as feature backs.

Jamal is on his last legs and I don't think he has many more miles left in him. My hope with him is he becomes our Jerome Bettis. Gets the tough yards in short situations and can come in late in games to spell and pound.

Wright is just a decent back-up. Nothing more, nothing less. I love his character and work-ethic and don't mind him in the line-up as you know everytime he gets the ball he will fight for every yard given to him.

Harrison I haven't figured out yet. We haven't seen enough of him but what we have seen has been mighty temping. Why haven't we seen more of Jerome and what is the reason he isn't even active for a majority of our games? All very important questions to me.

My quandry this yr. will be one of the same I had last yr. Were do we take a RB in the draft? EVERYTHING depends on what we do in FA'gency and WHO is left when we pick. But RIGHT now we can't run the ball effectively and consistantly and we can't stop the run effenctivley or consistantly. In my opinion if we want to get to the promised land we MUST be able to do BOTH CONSISTANTLEY & EFFECTIVELY.