mesaSteeler
04-02-2009, 12:06 AM
Chat with James Walker
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=25679
Welcome to The Show! On Tuesday, ESPN.com AFC North blogger James Walker will stop by to give his thoughts on the NFL offseason.
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.
Send your questions now and join Walker on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET!
Walker Archive: Columns | AFC North Blog | Chat | NFL index
SportsNation James Walker: Hello everyone. Let's get into another round of AFC North conversation.
eric buffalo,ny [via mobile]: do u think the steelers will really try to resign hampton next year? or draft high on a nt and try to replace him. he is over 30year age.
SportsNation James Walker: The 30 mark in Pittsburgh is never a good thing. The team makes some exceptions to the rule, but I'm not sure Hampton would be one at this point. Another great year in the middle would help.
Chris (Staten Island, NY): What do you think Cleveland would ask for in a trade for Shaun Rogers? Would a 3rd or 4th round pick do it?
SportsNation James Walker: Chris, I don't believe the Browns would move Rogers. He's too good a player and the salary cap hit would be too much. He is worth more than a third or fourth round pick, though. But this is probably a moot point.
Steiny (NYC): What is John St. Clair going to mean to this Cleveland Browns team?
SportsNation James Walker: St. Clair wasn't the best tackle in the NFL last season. A lot of Chicago fans would tell you that. But Kevin Shaffer wasn't great either. The Browns feel they've upgraded at the position. Change was certainly needed there. How much better this change is remains to be seen.
Jeff, Mpls: What are the odds that Palmer returns to old form this year, and how much does not having Housh going to hurt Palmer?
SportsNation James Walker: As long as health isn't an issue, Palmer will be fine. He is a very good QB. Houshmandzadeh's absence will change the look of the offense somewhat. Cincinnati wants to get back to the deep ball and not throwing underneath so much. Laveranues Coles and Chad Ocho Cinco could provide that.
chauncey (teaneck): Will Ocho Cinco be a factor this year?
SportsNation James Walker: I'm not sure what Ocho Cinco is thinking right now. He's been extremely quiet, and for him that is hard. He may be unhappy in Cincy and won't be a factor at all there. Or he could come back focus and want to play hard. I think he can still be a good WR if he's willing to put the work in again.
Mike (Akron): I am really sorry to ask this, I still don't know. As far as you know or can speculate, who are the Browns going to go after with the First round? I assume Crabtree? Or would you go defense?
SportsNation James Walker: 1. Aaron Curry. 2. Brian Orakpo 3. B.J. Raji. Those are the most likely targets for Cleveland right now.
Glenn Lexington, Kentucky: Hi James, Which of the center prospects do you think would help the Bengals most against the physical defensive lines in the AFC North?
SportsNation James Walker: There are several good centers this year. But I feel Alex Mack of Cal will turn out to be the best of the lot.
Michelle (Altoona, PA): Do you think there's a chance the Steelers decide to draft the best available player in the first round, rather than drafting for needs? That was fine last year but I really feel like we need depth along both lines and it would be inexcuseable to go a different direction in the first round.
SportsNation James Walker: Very possible, Michelle. Pittsburgh lost just one starter from a Super Bowl winning team. There is really no glaring need, just places they would like to add depth and competition.
Jeremy (Cleveland): Would Mangini/Paoli trade Quinn+more if it meant getting Cutler? Cutler doesn't seem to fit the whole Patriots "system qb" style, but is a great talent.
SportsNation James Walker: I've said from the beginning that everyone needs to forget about the whole "three-team trade" notion. This isn't the NBA. It hasn't happened in football in a long time because it's just too difficult to pull off. Look at the mess/agony/pain it caused Denver.
Jacob (NYC): Ravens brought in Beanie Wells. Last week, you, I, and the rest of the NFL thought that they had no interest in him. Is this just posturing for a possible trade down, or would Ozzie really select him?
SportsNation James Walker: Not really, Jacob. I wouldn't go crazy over rookie visits. I know people care about their teams, but I think it's one of the most overblown aspects of the offseason. Wells, or any top prospect, may visit with 15 teams. It doesn't mean all 15 teams want to draft him.
Jacob (NYC): By the way, James, if Cutler were traded to the Browns, the AFC North QB Rankings for 2009 would look like this: 1. Palmer 2. Cutler 3. Roethlisberger 4. Flacco
SportsNation James Walker: Wow. I'm sure many would disagree with your ranking system.
eric buffalo,ny [via mobile]: how come heath miller doesnt get more respect at te. he actually blocks very well. gonzo,gates,etc just catch balls.
SportsNation James Walker: It's a numbers thing, Eric. Miller is a very good TE because he does everything well. But he will never be asked to catch 80-90 passes in a season like some of his counterparts.
chauncey (teaneck): Is Joe Flacco a legit QB?
SportsNation James Walker: I'm pretty high on Flacco, Chauncey. It's pretty obvious that he is physically gifted, but I think he has a great mental makeup to handle the ups and downs of the position.
Lebron (Cleveland): Do you think I could play in the NFL? If so, what position and would I dominate?
SportsNation James Walker: There is no doubt in my mind that you would be a Pro Bowl WR or TE. I can't imagine the matchup nightmares you would cause opposing coaches.
Eric: Tamaqua PA: Are Limas Sweed and Dallas Baker really going to be the third and fourth reciever for the Steelers? Or are the Steelers going to go after WR in the draft?
SportsNation James Walker: Pittsburgh will take a receiver at some point. I think it's a concern, but not a huge concern. This is a good year to snag a good WR in the second or third rounds.
Matt (Fayetteville): With a descent draft this year, addressing our biggest needs, is it possible that the Browns could steal one from the Steelers this year? Or should I not get my hopes up for a few more years?
SportsNation James Walker: I've covered the Browns the past four years and they are 0-8 against the Steelers in those games. I've seen every one of them in person, and most were not close. I would err on your prediction until it happens at least once.
Keith (Folsom, CA): Hi James, good stuff. Do you think the browns defense will be the vanilla version of the 3-4 mangini ran in NY or will Rob Ryan actually give us an aggressive D?
SportsNation James Walker: Ryan attacks. That's in the family DNA. The bigger question is who will have the most fingerprints on the defense: Ryan or Mangini? That will determine Cleveland's style.
Stan (West Des Moines, IA): Can you just feel the hunger in every question from Browns fans? If the team can ever get its act together, that town will explode.
SportsNation James Walker: The Browns have a great fan base. Everyone knows that. Not many would stick around and stay strong after all Cleveland has been through.
Joe (Philly): whats the current status with Edwards? If he is traded, where is his most likely destination?
SportsNation James Walker: Only a contender would want Braylon Edwards at this point. He is in the last year of his deal, so teams like Philly and NYG could rent him for a year to see if he gets them a championship. After the season, Edwards will be free to sign with anyone, and he most likely will be looking to play for a winner.
Zach (Baltimore, MD): What do you think of the Foxworth signing for Baltimore?
SportsNation James Walker: The Ravens got younger and faster at corner, which are always good things. I do wonder if he's physical enough to play in the AFC North. We will see.
jason (charlotte nc): call me crazy but it seems the bengals are a scat back and run stuffing dt away
SportsNation James Walker: From what, Jason?
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=25679
Welcome to The Show! On Tuesday, ESPN.com AFC North blogger James Walker will stop by to give his thoughts on the NFL offseason.
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.
Send your questions now and join Walker on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET!
Walker Archive: Columns | AFC North Blog | Chat | NFL index
SportsNation James Walker: Hello everyone. Let's get into another round of AFC North conversation.
eric buffalo,ny [via mobile]: do u think the steelers will really try to resign hampton next year? or draft high on a nt and try to replace him. he is over 30year age.
SportsNation James Walker: The 30 mark in Pittsburgh is never a good thing. The team makes some exceptions to the rule, but I'm not sure Hampton would be one at this point. Another great year in the middle would help.
Chris (Staten Island, NY): What do you think Cleveland would ask for in a trade for Shaun Rogers? Would a 3rd or 4th round pick do it?
SportsNation James Walker: Chris, I don't believe the Browns would move Rogers. He's too good a player and the salary cap hit would be too much. He is worth more than a third or fourth round pick, though. But this is probably a moot point.
Steiny (NYC): What is John St. Clair going to mean to this Cleveland Browns team?
SportsNation James Walker: St. Clair wasn't the best tackle in the NFL last season. A lot of Chicago fans would tell you that. But Kevin Shaffer wasn't great either. The Browns feel they've upgraded at the position. Change was certainly needed there. How much better this change is remains to be seen.
Jeff, Mpls: What are the odds that Palmer returns to old form this year, and how much does not having Housh going to hurt Palmer?
SportsNation James Walker: As long as health isn't an issue, Palmer will be fine. He is a very good QB. Houshmandzadeh's absence will change the look of the offense somewhat. Cincinnati wants to get back to the deep ball and not throwing underneath so much. Laveranues Coles and Chad Ocho Cinco could provide that.
chauncey (teaneck): Will Ocho Cinco be a factor this year?
SportsNation James Walker: I'm not sure what Ocho Cinco is thinking right now. He's been extremely quiet, and for him that is hard. He may be unhappy in Cincy and won't be a factor at all there. Or he could come back focus and want to play hard. I think he can still be a good WR if he's willing to put the work in again.
Mike (Akron): I am really sorry to ask this, I still don't know. As far as you know or can speculate, who are the Browns going to go after with the First round? I assume Crabtree? Or would you go defense?
SportsNation James Walker: 1. Aaron Curry. 2. Brian Orakpo 3. B.J. Raji. Those are the most likely targets for Cleveland right now.
Glenn Lexington, Kentucky: Hi James, Which of the center prospects do you think would help the Bengals most against the physical defensive lines in the AFC North?
SportsNation James Walker: There are several good centers this year. But I feel Alex Mack of Cal will turn out to be the best of the lot.
Michelle (Altoona, PA): Do you think there's a chance the Steelers decide to draft the best available player in the first round, rather than drafting for needs? That was fine last year but I really feel like we need depth along both lines and it would be inexcuseable to go a different direction in the first round.
SportsNation James Walker: Very possible, Michelle. Pittsburgh lost just one starter from a Super Bowl winning team. There is really no glaring need, just places they would like to add depth and competition.
Jeremy (Cleveland): Would Mangini/Paoli trade Quinn+more if it meant getting Cutler? Cutler doesn't seem to fit the whole Patriots "system qb" style, but is a great talent.
SportsNation James Walker: I've said from the beginning that everyone needs to forget about the whole "three-team trade" notion. This isn't the NBA. It hasn't happened in football in a long time because it's just too difficult to pull off. Look at the mess/agony/pain it caused Denver.
Jacob (NYC): Ravens brought in Beanie Wells. Last week, you, I, and the rest of the NFL thought that they had no interest in him. Is this just posturing for a possible trade down, or would Ozzie really select him?
SportsNation James Walker: Not really, Jacob. I wouldn't go crazy over rookie visits. I know people care about their teams, but I think it's one of the most overblown aspects of the offseason. Wells, or any top prospect, may visit with 15 teams. It doesn't mean all 15 teams want to draft him.
Jacob (NYC): By the way, James, if Cutler were traded to the Browns, the AFC North QB Rankings for 2009 would look like this: 1. Palmer 2. Cutler 3. Roethlisberger 4. Flacco
SportsNation James Walker: Wow. I'm sure many would disagree with your ranking system.
eric buffalo,ny [via mobile]: how come heath miller doesnt get more respect at te. he actually blocks very well. gonzo,gates,etc just catch balls.
SportsNation James Walker: It's a numbers thing, Eric. Miller is a very good TE because he does everything well. But he will never be asked to catch 80-90 passes in a season like some of his counterparts.
chauncey (teaneck): Is Joe Flacco a legit QB?
SportsNation James Walker: I'm pretty high on Flacco, Chauncey. It's pretty obvious that he is physically gifted, but I think he has a great mental makeup to handle the ups and downs of the position.
Lebron (Cleveland): Do you think I could play in the NFL? If so, what position and would I dominate?
SportsNation James Walker: There is no doubt in my mind that you would be a Pro Bowl WR or TE. I can't imagine the matchup nightmares you would cause opposing coaches.
Eric: Tamaqua PA: Are Limas Sweed and Dallas Baker really going to be the third and fourth reciever for the Steelers? Or are the Steelers going to go after WR in the draft?
SportsNation James Walker: Pittsburgh will take a receiver at some point. I think it's a concern, but not a huge concern. This is a good year to snag a good WR in the second or third rounds.
Matt (Fayetteville): With a descent draft this year, addressing our biggest needs, is it possible that the Browns could steal one from the Steelers this year? Or should I not get my hopes up for a few more years?
SportsNation James Walker: I've covered the Browns the past four years and they are 0-8 against the Steelers in those games. I've seen every one of them in person, and most were not close. I would err on your prediction until it happens at least once.
Keith (Folsom, CA): Hi James, good stuff. Do you think the browns defense will be the vanilla version of the 3-4 mangini ran in NY or will Rob Ryan actually give us an aggressive D?
SportsNation James Walker: Ryan attacks. That's in the family DNA. The bigger question is who will have the most fingerprints on the defense: Ryan or Mangini? That will determine Cleveland's style.
Stan (West Des Moines, IA): Can you just feel the hunger in every question from Browns fans? If the team can ever get its act together, that town will explode.
SportsNation James Walker: The Browns have a great fan base. Everyone knows that. Not many would stick around and stay strong after all Cleveland has been through.
Joe (Philly): whats the current status with Edwards? If he is traded, where is his most likely destination?
SportsNation James Walker: Only a contender would want Braylon Edwards at this point. He is in the last year of his deal, so teams like Philly and NYG could rent him for a year to see if he gets them a championship. After the season, Edwards will be free to sign with anyone, and he most likely will be looking to play for a winner.
Zach (Baltimore, MD): What do you think of the Foxworth signing for Baltimore?
SportsNation James Walker: The Ravens got younger and faster at corner, which are always good things. I do wonder if he's physical enough to play in the AFC North. We will see.
jason (charlotte nc): call me crazy but it seems the bengals are a scat back and run stuffing dt away
SportsNation James Walker: From what, Jason?