NFL Network Insider: Solomon Wilcots
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ETSolomon Wilcots
20 comments
NFL Network analyst Solomon Wilcots discussed the winners and losers in the NFL Draft, as well as other offseason issues, during a live chat on Tuesday, April 28.
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Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I'm here, let's get ready to roll! -
Mark Pilkington, Scotland UK
5:58 PM ET
Hi Solomon,Ive been a long suffering Bengals fan since 1987(fond memories of you,Fulcher,Billups and Thomas).Do you think we have what it takes to bounce back into the playoffs after a long hard 08 season? the draft gave me alot of hope and I think Maualuga is going to change our whole defensive identity.
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Thanks Mark. The defense rests in the hands of Mike Zimmer who is a great coach. He's got the right attitude and the defense will be better. That's going to be great. Andre Smith is a great tackle. The Bengals did a wonderful job addressing needs and getting great value. Quan Cosby is a great player, great route runner. The Bengals have done well there, with T.J. The problem is I can't put playoffs next to their name because they play in the AFC North. Pittburgh, Baltimore. They do have a shot. Their stock is on the rise. -
Wayne Ellis, Letchworth, UK
6:04 PM ET
After the Jay Cutler trade and some questionable decisions in the draft, do you think Denver HC Josh McDaniels is now under more pressure to be successful in his first season?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Thanks Wayne. He went into this draft trying to take that pressure off. Knowshon Moreno can do that. Nobody is cricitzing who they took. They are saying who they took and when they took them. They could have taken some of those players later. You get the feeling that when they signed all of those RBs, why use your first pick? That's what was upsetting.
It's not a knock on Moreno, just the poor design about going on this thing. But Moreno can play. -
Yancy, Wyoming
6:06 PM ET
The Broncos drafted DE Robert Ayers with their second pick in the first round. Was this a good pick and can he contribute this year?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
According to Mike Mayock, he was one of the best defensive players on the board. He seems really mature. The problem is that he doesn't take the coaching. There is a value in listening to the coaches. But he can play. He was destroyed in the Senior Bowl. He can't be a miss, though. If this team doesn't get better on defense, they aren't going anywhere. -
Sean, Iowa
6:07 PM ET
The Green Bay Packers picked up B.J. Raji and traded up to get Clay Matthews in the first round, at the expense of their second and third round picks. What do you think of their moves in this year's draft?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I love their draft, Sean. I love Raji at zero-technique nose tackle. Matthews is going to be one of your bookends that can cover and play the run. Hawk and Barnett will be in the inside. They got some help in the secondary. The Packers are a playoff team if their defense can do it. Aaron Rodgers is a player, he proved that.
I was concerned about the Packers before the draft, now I'm no longer concerned. -
Terrance, San Francisco, CA
6:09 PM ET
What is your overall opinion of the Bucs selecting Josh Freeman? I thought it was a pretty good pick considering our uncertainty at the QB position for so long.
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Well, again, they seem to be disjointed, Terrance. Nothing seems to be done as a plan. They get rid of Garcia, sign McCown, don't know what to do with Griese so you let him sit. They sign Leftwich and you think he's going to compete with McCown who must be wondering why they gave him a contract.
Now all of the QBs must be wondering what's going on. They are still a quarterback-loving team and Gruden is no longer there.
Freeman has the tools and talent. But he's one of those guys who looked good in those private workouts throwing against air. Anybody with skills can look good in that situation. I just don't get it. -
Aneal, NY
6:11 PM ET
Good evening Mr. Wilcots. Although the Jets proved to be aggressive in the draft, they still have not addressed an important position of need, WR. The addition of Sanchez "should" help but how much of a winning record can they have this season? Thanks
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Thank you, Aneal. I think they are a team that needs to get a receiver to take a lid off the coverage. They think Clowney is that guy. I don't think they are done, though. They got their QB, rightfully so. They had to do something. They are looking for a stimulus package to put butts in the seat. Much like Buffalo and Chicago did.
They are going to be in the Plaxico Burress converstation. They might look at Braylon Edwards. They would probably give up their entire draft next year for Anquan Boldin if he was a good fit. The Jets know, and I know, that they need more. They aren't finished yet. -
Josh P, Oceanside
6:14 PM ET
Hey Solomon, I have asked questions every chat and have yet to be answered! How would you rate the Colts draft? Do you see any of their rookies becoming successful in the NFL?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
We're changing that now, Josh. Donald Brown is a great fit. He's a good fit and a heck of a player. He can pass protect. I think he's going to offer some longevity to Addai who has slowed down over the past couple of years. There is no doubt Brown will flourish immediately. I like him a lot.
They didn't go out and get any LBs, so they must like their guys. They like to build from within. Fili Moala they took in the second round is a really good player they need badly.
The OL took a huge step back last year, so that's why they took a RB and some line guys. They do need to start growing the LBs and defense and they did that by drafting Moala.
Those first two picks have a real good shot. -
brian j, seattle washington
6:17 PM ET
I was wondering what you think about the seahawks #4 pick. We got Aaron Curry, but do you think we should have gotten Mark Sanchez like a lot of people anticipated?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Hey Brian. No, they should have gotten Curry. In the absence of Peterson, they needed a LB and needed to improve the defense. The team needs more playmakers and rebuild the offensive line. I don't know if drafting a QB pays off real quick. We got lucky last year with Ryan and Flacco, although some teams are trying.
Curry is going to be a day 1 player, more than Sanchez would have been if they had taken him. Instead of causing a quarterback controversy, they drafted a player who can help make one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL. -
Dean, Montana
6:19 PM ET
What are your thoughts on the following Chargers picks? Larry English OLB Northern Illinoin Vaughn Martin DT/DE Western Ontario Kevin Ellison S USC Free agent pick-up Darry Beckwith ILB LSU
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I love Larry English, Dean. I had him going mid-first round, not making it past New England. That's why the Patriots traded down. A lot of those 3-4 teams were looking for him. He reminds me of Charles Haley. The Chargers got the biggest surprise in the draft. He will have the kind of numbers -- with Shawne Merriman on the other side -- to be the defensive rookie of the year. He could have double-digit sacks.
I thought they'd go RB a lot earlier. This Ellison is a good player.
Byrd is really good. He could be a real steal. I know he had the accident, but he could be a steal. -
Laurence, Houston Tx
6:22 PM ET
If Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy would have came out this year in the draft. If that would have happened do you think Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez would still have been first round picks?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I think Sanchez would have fell. He would not have been as highly touted. Tebow would not have been looked at so fondly if he had waited. Bradford and McCoy would be in that mix. McCoy would be compared to Drew Bress.
Those kids did the right thing by staying in. I wouldn't have been as high on them had they come in.
Stafford and Sanchez went so high because they were the only guys available. I'm waiting for a draft when guys don't take a quarterback if they don't merit it. But they are there so we make them Sammy Baugh. -
gd, california
6:24 PM ET
Mr Wilcots: Any ideas on why some team hasn't signed LB Derrick Brooks? He's gone from the Pro Bowl in February to unemployed in April?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
It's up to Derrick. Look at Junior Seau, where was he at this time of year a few years ago? He was on a surf board. He waited and picked a perfect spot.
It's about where he wants to play and how much he wants to play. When he's been out for a while and starts missing it, it will be the perfect storm. If he weights he can create an interest and situation for him to return.
But don't panic on him. When he's ready to go, and finds the perfect situation, he will be playing. -
Michael, NC
6:27 PM ET
Solomon, Pat White vs. Chad Henne arguments have already begun amongst fans. Both have tremendous upside, do you think both can remain on the team as QBs after Pennington steps down after this year OR do you see maybe White taking over the starting position and make the Wildcat become fulltime? Thanks
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Thanks Michael, it will always supplment their base offense. White can play both in and out of the wildcat. I had Henne a higher rated QB than Flacco last year. If he can learn from Chad Pennington, it would be hard to beat out Henne. We love the flash that Pat White will give you. But QBs that run, tend to be more RBs than QBs, he will get hurt. White can run the wildcat and it's a good pick.
The Dolphins don't have a lot of talent, but they wildcatted themselves to a AFC East title. And now they got a player better than Ronnie Brown who can run it. This was a good move for them. -
Chris Fiegler, Latham,NY
6:30 PM ET
Will Hakeem Nicks ,Rasmas Bardens, & Andre Brown Make Great Fits For The New York Giants?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Hey Chris? I like Hakeem Nicks. I would have taken Britt, but I can't argue with Jerry Reese. They needed a big receiver to replace Plax. Barden is very tall, but weak. He's got to get stronger.
They are going to be o.k. But it will take a while for Barden. Playing at Cal Poly he broke some of Jerry Rice's numbers, but high school kids were covering him. He's a good player, but has to get stronger. That isn't going to happen between now and training camp.
Brown is a lot like Ward, and he can get into the rotation. He's a very good player, Chris. -
Jesse, Rhode Island
6:33 PM ET
Hi Solomon Just was looking for your thoughts on Kenny Britt and the Titans Do you think he can be the big play WR needed out there?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Yes, Jesse. I love Kenny Britt. This kid can play. Long, tall, athletic, great route runner. For a big guy, he runs better routes than anybody I've seen. Other than Jerry Rice, of course. -
Y.T., Oakland, Ca
6:35 PM ET
Everyone is critical of the Raiders Draft - How do U evaluate their picks and do you see them making a move w/Denver and K.C. on downcycles?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
No. I love coach Cable. I like their first-round pick. I think they could have taken them later. Heyward-Bey is a great player, but you didn't have to take them seventh overall, Y.T.
It's not always the players they took, but when. -
Tommy Lee, California
6:36 PM ET
What is your impression on Jason Campbell? Is he worth anything in terms of trade value?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I like him as a player. I think there will be some trade value. They got a first-rounder for Jay Cutler, but he was a Pro Bowl QB. They aren't getting a first rounder for Campbell. -
Mark , San Jose
6:37 PM ET
Hi Solomon, Weren't high school kids covering Jerry Rice as well? I think he turned out alright as a pro nonetheless. Do you think Barden will make some plays in the league this year?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I grew up in California, I knew were Cal Poly is. But Mississippi Valley State has some greyhounds. Small doesn't mean lack of quality. We're talking about playing down in the South, where they come out of the womb driving a forklift.
On the West Coast, they go to Lakers games, Yosemitte State Park and then work out. And I can say that because I'm a native of California. -
Michael Valdez, Ulysses,Kansas
6:39 PM ET
Why will Michael Crabtree have a better career than Heyward-Bey?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I don't know that will be the case. I just think Crabtree comes in as more of a complete receiver, Michael. He's stronger, thicker in the frame. You need to look more than speed. You have to because their have been so many busts. Straight line runners, the Raiders have had a lot of them. They need somebody with something more than being fast on the resume.
Crabtree has shown that he will do all of the little things that will make him a great receiver. -
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
This has been fun. Thanks for the question. We'll do it again next week.
