Ask Gil Brandt: Offseason moves
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ETGil Brandt
29 comments
NFL.com personnel guru Gil Brandt chatted live on Friday, May 22nd, discussing the arrival of Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta, how the NFC East will shake out next season and the much-improved Raiders.
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Brett Lenahan, Temecula California
2:02 PM ET
Hey Gil, How much of an impact do you think Jeremy Maclin will have in 09?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Maclin is, first of all, the first WR ever drafted in the first round out of Missouri. Historically, WRs don't have an impact as rookies. I think he'll probably have a bigger impact as a kick returner, even though Jackson did well there last year. I look for him to get in the neighborhood of 45 receptions this season. -
tim, abilene tx
2:04 PM ET
Hi GIL! I just wanted your thoughts on the Bills offseason moves, and will they be in the mix for the playoffs? Thanks!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Tim. I think Buffalo has a chance to be in the mix. I like thier draft -- I know they didn't get a LT, but I think they can move Walker there. I thought their pick of Wood from Louisville and Levitre from Oregon St. were solid, and then the guard Butler is a very unsung player. He could be a Pro Bowler in the next couple of years, even though you don't hear much about him. Buffalo, in my estimate, had one of the best five drafts. -
Jerry, Kansas
2:07 PM ET
What were the Chiefs thinking of in GIVING away Tony Gonzolez?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Jerry. Obviously, they probably think that Brad Cottom can fill that void. I guess they felt that they could at least get something -- a second-round pick -- rather than nothing when he moves on or retires. Providing Cottom can stay healthy, and I was impressed with him during training camp last year, I would have made the same move. -
Joseph, New york
2:10 PM ET
Agree or disagree. Eagles win NFC east?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think the Eagles were dealt a setback the other day with Jim Johnson. It's a concern. In my opinion, he's one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL. I think it's a two-horse race between the Eagles and the Giants in the NFC East. -
phillip , dallas
2:11 PM ET
With jim johnson out, and brian dawkins gone, how will tha eagles defence fare in the nfc east?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think that anytime you lose a player like Dawkins, it hurts your defense. He was such a huge factor. In Quinten Mikell, they have a player who can take Dawkins' place, but it's tough to completely fill the shoes of a Pro Bowler. I like Mikell, he's better than people think he is. You'll see the exact same defense in Philly, except that McDermott doesn't have Johnson's same gravel voice to do the yelling. -
Nayak, Rochester, MI
2:14 PM ET
Hi Gil, Do you see an end to the Lions suffering? When do you think they will become respectable?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well Nayak, it's a long road. They have had a good offseason. They drafted a Stafford, Pettigrew and Delmas, who will all help. I think that Jim Schwartz brings a lot to the table as a head coach. Just by what they've done this offseason, they're much improved. But, much improved might mean five wins. They have a tough six games to open the season. I think that the addition of Schwartz will have a bigger impact than a player they've added. -
Jeremy T., Johnston, IA
2:16 PM ET
Hi Gil. I love your work. Most people have already written the Raiders off as a bad team. I think with all of the talent they have, they really could suprise some people, and be in contention for the AFC West title. What do you expect out of the Raiders this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I agree Jeremy. I think they'll be much-improved. If you look at the last six games that Russell started last season, it was a pretty good run. In one game, he completed 10-of-11 passes and then they knocked Tampa out of the playoffs in the season finale. In a recent chat, I said I thought the Raiders were capable of winning the AFC West. I stick by that. I think Tom Cable is a good, hard-nosed football coach -- they'll be strong in the running game and protecting the QB. -
Marian, Slovakia (Europe)
2:18 PM ET
Hi Gil, Which team will be the last in NFC east? I think Redskins...and you?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I would agree Marian. I think it will be the Redskins. I think they have one of the oldest teams in the league, and historically those teams get off to a great start, but then injuries catch up later in the season. Their lack of draft choices -- they really don't have many young players to fill the voids -- will show. I really do like Brian Orakpo. -
ryan, manteca
2:21 PM ET
what do you think of the 49ers this year and do you think smith is a bust or that he just hasn't had the opportunity to succeed because of the 7 oc's in 7 years
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Ryan. I have always liked Alex Smith a lot. He's still pretty young, he just turned 25. I don't think he's had a chance to develop because of all the different systems, and his injuries. I talked with Mike Singletary at the Combine, and I think he feels the same way. I think Smith will surprise some people, and the 49ers will win the NFC West. -
Brent, San Diego
2:23 PM ET
Right in your 'wheel-house' Mr. Brandt; who would you take Roger Staubach or Troy Aikman?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's the toughest question I've ever been asked Brent. I think I would take Staubach, and the reason is because he took a team to a Super Bowl because of his ability. Troy has ability, but had better players around him when he started his Super Bowl run. Roger, at 65, still thinks he can still play QB. Not only was a really good football player at Navy, he was also a very good basketball player. Above all, he's also one of the greatest people of all time. -
David, Kansas City, Mo
2:25 PM ET
Which new starting quaterback will have the better season, matt cassell or jay cutler?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's tough David. The Bears will run the ball more. I think that Cutler, at the end of the day, will be more likely to go to the Pro Bowl than Cassel. -
Joey, Kansas City MO
2:27 PM ET
Hey Gil, with Larry Johnson more than likely staying with the Chiefs, how do you think he and the rest of the offense will look? Also do you think Our D will be improved from our draft choices? THANKS GIL!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think Todd Haley, growing up in the coaching ranks with Parcells and then the Steelers, probably wants to run the football. I think they have to good tackles, that will help. I think Johnson will have a very good bounce-back year, which will be helped by a better passing game with Cassel, and a better blocking tight end in Cottom.
Two things about K.C.'s defese: they had two rookie CBs, and a rookie DT. I think the defense will be one year older, and one year better. I think in Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee, they landed two good linemen who I think will both be starters as rookies. -
Rhodri Jones, Tredegar, Wales
2:30 PM ET
Hi Gil. Do you think theres a player in the league now that can be the best ever at his position ? Thanks. Ed Reed ???
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's a great question. I think maybe Ray Lewis is someone who might be better than we give him credit for. I think when you look at tapes of Nndami Asomugha and see what he has done, he's an incredible player. He'll be 28 this season. Right now, he's an oustanding shutdown CB, which is difficult to do the way today's game is played. I think he might have that chance. I think Tom Brady and Peyton Manning probably also belong in that conversation. -
Bobby, Phoenix AZ
2:33 PM ET
Hey Gil I saw you said in an earlier question that you think the 49ers will win the NFC west what about the Cardinals?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, history tells us that teams that go to to the Super Bowl and lose have a very slim chance of returning the next season. In the last seven years, I think six of the teams didn't return to the playoffs the next season. I think Warner would have to have another great season to get back, and they have two new faces at coordinator on both sides of the ball. But I do like Russ Grimm a lot. -
Randy B, Clovis, CA
2:35 PM ET
Hi Gil. Roger Staubach or Joe Montana?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, Montana has more rings. And he was drafted higher ... but if I had to pick one guy, for one game, I'd still pick Roger. -
K., Indy
2:36 PM ET
Heya Gil! With the addition of over 900 pounds of beef on both lines it seems the Colts are making a real effort in the run game on both sides of the ball. Have they done enough? Thoughts?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The Colts, on defense, were very undersized. I think the fact that they brought Ed Johnson back will be a big help. They have gone out and found bigger players, which should help them. I guess it's a change in philosophy for them on defense, and it should help their biggest glaring weakness. -
Dragan, Split,Croatia
2:39 PM ET
Hi Gill.I would like to tell you that I am a Rams fan.I am also interested in your opinion on this new /old thing in St. Louis. Knowing his creativity on D,can Spags reproduce that glory times on D line with "fearsome foursome"& Youngblood later after them chasing Quarterbacks? By the way I am a guide in my country you should visit one day.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think the Rams should be put in jail for stealing by getting Laurinitis in the second round. I think they also were helped by getting DB Bradly Fletcher from Iowa.
I think you'll see them be a lot more physical on defense. Pisa Tinoisamoa has been their leading tackler, but was undersized for Spagnuolo's defense. I think you'll see Laurinitis play the same role that Aaron Pierce played for the Giants. They haven't done a great job of drafting over the last five years, but it has improved in the last two drafts. -
Ahorn again, cincy
2:45 PM ET
OK, make it shorter. Would you take Vick on your team if you thought he could help? And no you can't still have Roger.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, I think you have to consider a lot of things. He's been gone for two years. Historically, guys who have been away that long -- like players who were gone for military duty -- had trouble regaining that status. I don't think I'd take the chance on Vick. It could be another season before he really sees the field - I really don't see him playing a lot this season. It's too big of a luxury that I don't think teams can afford. -
Brett, San Diego
2:48 PM ET
Hey Gil big fan (both of your work with the Cowboys and what you do now with NFL.com). I had a question that's been bugging me for a while now. Brian Robiskie has frequently been referred to as the "most NFL-ready" rookie receiver. He has good height, experience in a pro system, more than respectable speed, good character, student of the game.. Why was he not the first receiver taken? Especially when you compare to him the first receiver who WAS taken, DHB, who it could be argued is the LEAST NFL-ready receiver, in the first round at least. What's the beef with Robskie?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think anyone had any problems with Robiskie. I think everything you say about him is correct. But I think teams look at the draft sometimes, and consider they can hit on a player who would be considered "the best" then that player has a higher ceiling. I'm not sure Robiskie will ever be a No. 1 receiver. But over the course of his career, he might spend ten years in the league and catch 600 passes. But Robiskie was plauged by a few injuries, too.
Apparently the shoe companies like Robiskie ... he's the only rookie so far to land a shoe contract ... with Nike. -
David, FL
2:51 PM ET
Which QB would you rather have lead your team Jay Cutler or Phillip Rivers. I'll ask the samething between joe flacco and matt ryan as well.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Jay Cutler or Phillip Rivers? Another tough one. I had Rivers rated higher out of college. I'd still take him now. I would take Matt Ryan over Joe Flacco.
Not to disrespect Cutler or Flacco. All these guys are good players. But just trying to answer your question, David. -
Matt, nj
2:53 PM ET
how do the jets adress thier wide recevier issue
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Matt. I think the Jets would like to address it by making a trade for Edwards or maybe signing Burress. I really think the kid from Clemson, Chauncey Stucky, can possibly contribute for them this season. He's got tremendous speed but has been injured. Lots of upside.
Really, under Rex Ryan, the Jets will want to run the ball with Thomas Jones and Shonn Green. I don't think they'll mortgage the future to land another WR. Of course, with Burress it would just take signing him, and the Jets do have cap space available. -
andy, garden grove, ca
2:56 PM ET
As a 49er fan, what type of offense do you think Jimmy Raye will employ?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
If we go back to where Jimmy Raye has been, including Green Bay, I think he'll probably run an offense that features a fullback and likes to run the ball. That's what you'll see. -
Doug, Kentucky
2:57 PM ET
I saw your reply that the Rams should be jailed for getting Laurinitis in round 2. Does that mena the Bengals get a longer term getting Rey Maualuga in round 2 and Michael Johnson in round 3?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Doug. In Maualuga's case, I think they got a steal too. In Johnson, he's going to be very interesting. He has a great deal of talent, but didn't always perform up to his potential. He has great upside. And when you take him at No. 70 overall, you're rolling the dice, but that choice could really pay off -- high risk, high reward. I think the Bengals did have a very good draft. -
Rob Mayfield, New Jersey
3:01 PM ET
Do u think it was a stupid move by the giants to release buress, because i think they should have kept him to see wat was going to happen to him, and if they were going to release him, they couldve traded him and got sumthing out of it instead
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
They had to make a statement. I think they did the right thing. It may have hurt them in the short run, but in the long run it was the right move. It's very difficult to trade players with big salary cap numbers. If you do hold on to him, you're maybe looking at a very late round pick in return. I think other teams would have been unwilling to give up much for Burress anyway. -
Lars, Norway
3:04 PM ET
Hey Gil! In your mind, are the Cowboys a playoff caliber team? If not, is this season Tony Romo's last as starting quarterback?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I do Lars. I think they'll finish third in the NFC East, but will still make the playoffs. -
ben, chicago
3:05 PM ET
do you think the bears are super bowl contendors matt forte had a great rookie season and now cutler at qb and they have young wide outs and do u think they will perform well
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
In my 32 team offseason look, I have the Bears winning the NFC North and have them as the No. 7 team overall. I think the big thing for the Bears is Tommie Harris. If he's healthy, that team is a big threat. -
Atanio, Lithonia, Ga
3:06 PM ET
Hey Gil, do you thing the Falcons will develop a different identity with the addition of #88? Everyone knows that he's a threat in the passing game and as an outstanding blocker in the running game. His presence will keep the opposing defenses honest and I know the Falcons can now open up the playbook on offense (especially in the red zone).
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I disagree a little bit about Gonzalez's blocking ability. He's OK, but not great. But it's a great pickup for Atlanta. And it didn't cost much. But it really does open up the running game for Atlanta. They like to run, and will stay primarily a running team with Turner and Norwood. With a defensive-minded head coach like Smith -- who I think is outstanding -- you'll see the Falcons continue to run and try to keep their defense off the field. -
Sean, Chicago
3:10 PM ET
Whats good gil? My questions are always skipped. Whys everyone hatten on me? Do you think Rex Grossman will get picked up and will the bears sign a WR before the season? Im glad rex headache grossman is gone
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
OK Sean, we'll answer your Rex Grossman question. Someone will pick him up ... he's too good to be sitting out. I know the Bears are trying to land a veteran WR ... but nothing as of yet. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hey everyone, I always enjoy answering your questions. Thanks for sending them in again today. That's all I have time for, and I hope that everyone has a great holiday weekend.
