Pre-Combine Notes from Next Level
NFL Team-related notes prior to the Combine

posted February 18, 2005 - print me!
neworleansprofootball.com

*NFL TEAM-RELATED DRAFT NOTES:

Houston Texans general manager Charley Casserly recently stated that if they have already scouted a player then that player's performance at the NFL Combine is not going to change their overall grade that much. "The most overrated thing that just drives me crazy is that (a player's) performance at the combine can drastically change a (player's) rating," explained Casserly when asked about the workouts at the Combine.

Casserly also went on to say the team is not likely to be a big player in the free agent market, as they plan to put most of their focus on improving through the NFL Draft with wide receiver, offensive line, front seven being the primary positions they are focusing on, while running back and safety might not be too far behind.

New England Patriots, who are coming off back-to-back Super Bowl titles, may not be a team that gets overly enamored with the crop of underclassmen that attend next week's NFL Combine, as they continue to lead the NFL in the number of players on their roster with actual college degrees. One other note on the Patriots is that there are a number of teams waiting to see what kind of tender the team will make to restricted free agent wide receiver David Givens if they wish to ward off possible suitors they will have to tender him at $1.5 million, which would mean anyone that would then try to sign him away would have to giveup a first-round pick to do so if the Patriots decided not to match the offer.

Dallas, Denver and San Francisco are the latest teams to privately discuss the idea of using more of a 3-4 defense, as their primary scheme for next season. All three teams would need to address the change in personnel via free agency and in the draft. The Cowboys may start by releasing veteran linebacker Dexter Coakley, while the Broncos have already let it be known that former All-Pro defensive lineman Trevor Pryce can be had for a "Day One" selection. The 49ers believe that they have a strong foursome of linebackers; Julian Peterson, Jeff Ulbrich, Jamie Winborn and Derek Smith, but would need to upgrade themselves by adding a nose tackle and another defender that could add pressure opposite Peterson.

Denver Broncos, which is without a third round pick (salary cap violation) and fifth round pick (dealt to Atlanta) are expecting to receive at least one "Day One" compensation choice from the NFL for the free agent loss of Bert Berry (Arizona) and Ian Gold (Tampa Bay) last season.

San Diego Chargers gave themselves some room by franchising All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees, which will reward him with a salary nearly four times greater than it was last season, but it gives them the chance to listen to trade offers other than the mandatory two first-round choices, which although it would give them great flexibility on draft day it would be nearly impossible for them to retain and use three first round picks in one draft due to the league's rookie salary pool.

Buffalo Bills, who recently released veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe, are hoping to find a suitable veteran signal caller that can come in and help mentor the physically gifted, but sometimes overly emotional J.P. Losman. Basically, they would need to find a Trent Dilfer-type guy who is comfortable with aiding his development, but could fill-in if necessary. Some names that could surface include Charlie Batch, who coach Mike Mularkey knows from his days in Pittsburgh, Jay Fiedler, who is likely to be cut in Miami, and is an East Coast guy or possibly Kelly Holcombe if the Cleveland Browns do not make a strong offer to keep him.

*All rights reserved by Next Level Scouting, Inc. and John Murphy... any use of the material enclosed without the express written or verbal consent of Next Level Scouting, Inc. or John Murphy is prohibited... John Murphy can be reached via phone or email at 504.415.9979 and draftjm13@aol.com.

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