UFA Sightings

Among the undrafted free agents thus far tentatively contracted by the Browns, Linebacker Fontaine Hunter (Vanderbilt) stands out. He's not an NFL linebacker, but could be an NFL safety. He's like 212 lbs. but clocked 4.43 on his pro day. It's not impossible that he could be a zone cornerback.

Most likely if he is retained, he'll be a special teamer or on the practice squad, because of the position change. A project. Projects are guys with p o t e n t i a l. They are taught, trained, and nurtured. They g r o w and i m p r o v e. That is to say, they are not that good at first, but then, after some time being taught, practicing, and getting a little experience, they b e c o m e good.

Joshua Cribbs was an unsigned free agent who made a radical position change from quarterback to WR/returner. Not until last season did he see limitted action at WR. This season, he might be b e t t er.

Simon Fraser is, I think, another undrafted free agent. A DT at Ohio State, he was switched to DE here. He had trouble run-stuffing, partly because he was only 288 lbs., and partly because this was a new position for him. (Outside is a LOT different than inside, and he also no doubt screwed up sometimes mentally).

Ditto him, you Memorex Morons. He should be better.

Now, look at the offensive linemen, who all have one thing in common: "Could be used in a zone scheme". The heaviest one is 310. They're all explosive and athletic. They're all undrafted partly because they're not strong drive-blockers. This is called guided discovery, so I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

Kevin Shaffer: this embarrassment who calls into NFL radio called "GM Jeff" excoriated Shaffer for asking to be traded. To the best of my knowlege, he's not being hostile or even adversarial; not threatening anything. So Jeff, as usual, needs to shut the hell up.

Any player has every right to ask for a trade, morally as well as legally. The dude wants to play left tackle and not right tackle. And now listen here carefully:

Remember what I said about his salary and the FACT that we are two deep in right tackles (and yeah, I mean Butler too)? Well, I suspect that Savage called Shaffer's agent and asked that HE ASK for the trade. That's because if Savage just made the offer, he'd have far less leverage than if other teams felt that he intended to keep him.

Yes, there's a bonus clause which would accellerate to next year (I think) and put a big dent in the salary cap. This is part of his appeal to the teams bidding for him: They don't have to pay it!
But reasonably, they could be asked to help out on it, especially when at least four teams so far have expressed interest.

The Giants thus far have offered a fourth rounder, but that's just a first offer. It should come up to a third rounder, or concievably even a low second.

Omitted from all this is the fact that we have a very good young outside linebacker named Thompson as well. The Giants, in particular, could use him. His own salary is pretty damn low. How about a second rounder for the two of them, hmm? We can throw in Matt Stewart, but we want a fifth too.

Oh yeah, self-correction: Thompson plays EVERY linebacker position...tough to think about trading him, but you gotta be cold sometimes. Ok let's just keep him.

I also repeat: They will probably try Steptoe at third down back.

Now I can't wait for the veteran free agents Savage will sign. I'm glad when they asked him to identify needs he didn't include running back.

Lewis is questionable and a one year guy, and we do need a durable workhorse type for the future, but the change-up guys and relief guy are already on the roster. Some of the free agents are here to try and bump Wright off the roster, but Harrison aint going anywhere.

The REAL needs are on the defensive line. I do think that Roye has another year in him, but needs to get his reps cut down. I repeat that Fraser will be better, but wonder how much better. Robaire Smith is a stud but os 30. The other Smith will do ok at nose tackle--but not be awesome or anything. The other younger guys will get better too, but again--how much better?

Oshinowo was indeed waived twice last season, and not claimed. But those who declare him too small for nose tackle don't understand that there is a place for a quick, disruptive, penetrating nose tackle, and that leverage and technique are more important than mere bulk. Even right here, Micheal Dean Perry was used at nose tackle. He cocked his body to hit the center from the side sometimes. Bob Golic never weighed over 275 lbs.

Oshi probably can't be THE nose tackle, but could be part of a rotation, as maybe used as a situational tackle.

They'll also be looking around for offensive linemen. If they can upgrade RG or get a more zone-appropriate RT, etc., they won't be shy about it.

Oh well okbye.