NFL Network Insider: Solomon Wilcots
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ETSolomon Wilcots
26 comments
NFL Network analyst Solomon Wilcots was back to chat with NFL Nation on Tuesday, June 2, giving his take on why Ed Reed is the best safety in the NFL, Leigh Bodden will have a big season in New England and Michael Bush will be the star of the Raiders' offense.
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Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Hey everyone. Thanks for joining us today. Let's hit up your questions. -
Ali, Baltimore
1:03 PM ET
Who do you think is the best safety in the league right now? Regardless of if they are a FS/SS. Thanks.
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Know doubt it's Ed Reed. And I'm not saying that because of his run on INTs in teh postseason. I've always put him at the top. I love Troy Polamalu and Bob Sanders too.
What puts him at No. 1, is that when you talk to QBs around the league, he's the one they fear the most. Ed Reed knows where the ball is going before the QB knows where it's going. That's trouble. -
Mike, Brooklyn
1:12 PM ET
With the addition of Pisa Tinoisamoa, do the Bears now have one of the top 4-3 LB corps in the league?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I would say they're OK, they're doing alright. I like the three-some in Seattle, with Hill, Tatupu and the rookie Aaron Curry. But Tinoisamoa is a good fit in Chicago with Scott and Urlacher. He's a good football player, and I thought he was headed to Buffalo. I'm not sure what the Rams were thinking. -
Joe, Baltimore
1:14 PM ET
Soloman you are wise beyond your years. Ed Reed is the best Safety.
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Well, thank you Joe. -
Matt, Red Bluff, CA
1:15 PM ET
Hey whats up? Who's your favorite current nfl player that no one talks about?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Hey Matt. Good question. It was Adrian Wilson up until last year! He's such a good defensive player, for a long time. And he's the best blizting safety in the league. But he was wearing a Cardinals jersey, so know one would recognize his talent. But they went to the Super Bowl, and that all changed. So this year, I'll have to pick another guy ...
Getting ahead of the curve, I think Leigh Bodden is a heck of a football player. And now that he's on the Patriots, everyone will know about him. -
Kyle, Wichita, KS
1:17 PM ET
Solomon, is Matt Cassel the real deal?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I don't think he's Tom Brady, but I think he can be a good QB. I think thing may be turning for the worse, though, because he still isn't signed to a long-term deal. I do know this -- he'll have to step outside of the sytem he was used to way too soon. If you want to be successful in a system, you have to do it for more than just one season in order for your confidence to build.
I don't expect what you saw last year to continue. I'm not saying he's not good; he is good. But he'll be in a different environment this year. He didn't go to the playoffs did he? He hasn't started a playoff game has he? Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan have more playoff experience. -
Matt Juliano, Glens Falls, NY
1:20 PM ET
How do you think the New Orleans Saints will do this year? Will Reggie Bush be the superstar that we thought he would be?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Hi Matt. I think Reggie Bush, when healthy, has been the star we thought he would be. They want to point to him as the problem. When you look at his TDs per game, he's been electric. He's like Tony Dorsett. TD went to a good team has a rookie, and next thing you know, he's a Hall of Famer. Reggie Bush is getting it done. Look at the numbers. The only problem is he's finished the last two seasons on the sidelines. We know how good he is. The problem is, can he stay healthy and be more durable?
The Saints will have an improved defense, and they will win the division. -
Colby Davis, Cape Coral, FL
1:23 PM ET
Yo Solomon! Do you think we can consider Tony G. the best TE in history? Why or why not?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I think you can make the arguement. I think you can make it because in overall production, he's all-time in just about everything. He's the only TE to have a 100 receptoins in a season. The only reason you would argue against it is this -- what did those numbers translate to? How many division titles? How many Super Bowls? I thought you were supposed to win in this league. -
Rob Shandler, Saskatoon, Canada
1:24 PM ET
Hey Solomon, Steve Spagnuolo has accepted the daunting task of turning a putrid Rams defense into something special. Does he have the horses to make them a top 15 defense this year?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
No. I don't think so. I think they need so much more, particularly on the line. To rush the quarterback, you need depth, and a rotation, and I don't think they have that yet. They will be improved, but Spags will need more talent to create the type of defense he's looking for. -
Graham Day, Milton Keynes, England
1:26 PM ET
Hi from England! A lot has been made of the Raiders draft from this year, but do you believe that Tom Cable is the man for the Raiders from what you have seen so far? He seems convincing in interviews i have seen?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Hello Graham. The answer is yes. The reason why is (1) unlike a lot of other coaches, he really wanted this job, and (2) he understands the importance of a power running game. That's what he'll bring to this team. The line and trio of RBs are suited for that. That, combined with defense, should allow them to improve. -
Matt, Cincinnati
1:28 PM ET
Solomon, Do you think that bengals have made enough moves in this offseason to make it to the playoffs?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I don't think so Matt. From where they were last year, even though I love the moves they've made, considering they're playing in the AFC with the Colts, Patriots, Steelers, Titans, etc ... get in line. I'm not so sure Cedric Benson will fuel the run game to take on the Steelers defense. I'm not so sure the offensive line is good enough to protect Palmer from the Patriots or Chargers blitzing defenses. And I haven't heard of one player who will be a double-digit pass rusher to deal with Peyton Manning.
Other than that, they're alright. -
Duane, Little Rock, AR
1:30 PM ET
Is it me, or are the Dallas cowboys the only NFC team who are not making very many improvements at all. After coming off a terrible season? Looks to me like Jerry Jones would rather pay for a huge tv than pay for better players.
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I think you're right. Those reasons aren't for a lack of wanting, they're for having no room under the cap. Instead of getting Ray Lewis, you get Keith Brookings. Insetad of re-signing Chris Canty, you lose him to the division rival in the Giants. The money allocated for the stadium has nothing to do with the money allocated for players. Different budgets. If he could spend it on players, he would. -
Kevin, Jacksonville, Florida
1:32 PM ET
Please give my your opinion on who you think will win the AFC South and how will the rest of that division shape out?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I think Houston will do some damage. I think they're an organization that's well-organized, well-funded and has great moral. If Schaub stays healthy and the defense can force some turnovers, but they could win it. I know it sounds crazy, but the AFC South is ripe for a takeover. Changes in Indy. Not enough done with the offense in Jacksonville. And the Titans are a Kerry Collins injury away from having a flat tire and being stranded on the side of the road. -
chris l, arkansas
1:34 PM ET
how much of an impact do you think darren mcfadden will have on the raiders team this year?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Here's the deal -- I think he'll have more of an impact than a year ago, but the major impact will be Michael Bush. There's no doubt in my mind. He'll be their leading rusher and the star of that offense. -
jason, miami
1:37 PM ET
the jets defense looks to be getting better and better, but as for the offens im not sure. do you see the jets picking up any WR's in whats left of FA
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I think they're only interested in a Plaxico Burress type of player. An explosive veteran who could take a way the double-teams and be a sure thing to take pressure of Sanchez. Boom or bust. I think they'll only focus on him unless another veteran unexpectedly hits the market. -
Joe, Virginia
1:38 PM ET
Hey Solomon, Who do you think wins the starting QB job of the 49ers?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Hi Joe. I'll go with Shaun Hill. He seems to be the more poised and capable QB. Now we'll see if he can do it for a full season. I think he's the leader in the clubhouse at this point. -
j, miami
1:39 PM ET
who do you see starting for the jets at qb?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I think Kellen Clemens can probably beat out Sanchez. He's been in that same offense for a few seasons. If he has any ability, he should be able to beat out a rookie who is just showing up. It should be Clemens, he'll be more functional in the offense. It should be his to lose, even if the Jets would love to give it to the first-round pick. -
Brock, anoka
1:41 PM ET
you said your most underrated player what about the most overrated player in the nfl right now?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I'm not sure that there are any players in the NFL who are overrated. The NFL has a lot of great players. I don't know that there are many players who get too much credit. You're part of the one percent of all the players who are playing -- tough to be overrated. -
Bradley, California
1:42 PM ET
Hello Solomon, I have a question for you, do think the Chargers will win there first Super Bowl anytime soon?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
That's really tough to say Bradley. I know they have the talent. They have the experience too - they're not a young team anymore. They're in their prime. They've eliminated the Colts the last two years. Now they have to break the jinx against the Patriots and the Steelers. Pittsburgh beat them twice last year. They know they can beat the Colts, but they have yet to prove they can beat the Steelers and the Patriots -- the other two teams who keep making it to the Super Bowl. You can't go until you beat them. -
Simon, Denver
1:44 PM ET
who do you think will win the starting job at qb in Denver?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
It will be Orton, I believe. I think Chris Simms has a lot of talent, but when you have a body part removed, I just think it takes awhile to get back. I think he's still being challenged physically by that. Either way, it's a drop off from what they had in Jay Cutler. -
Remi Fritzell, Eskilstuna, Sweden
1:47 PM ET
Hey Mr. Wilcots! Why do you think Michael Bush will be the star of the Raiders offense? Please expound your views.
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
One, he's explosive. And he's a big back who can run it and catch it out of the backfield. He's a nimble guy who can break tackles. He proved it in college, and in the season finale last season. Here's a guy everyone was waiting to get healthy. He's the best back you've never heard of because of the injuries. He proved it at the end of the season. Everyone is talking about him, including his teammates, about what an athlete he is. They've been watching him every day, and they know he's getting ready to have a monster year. Of course, it could NOT happen, because it is the Raiders. -
John, Yi
1:49 PM ET
can you consider hines ward as the best all around reciever in the NFL right now? How good is hines ward really?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
He's a good football player. You don't mention Ward when you talk about the best receivers. The best two right now are Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson. Those are the only two names I'm using.
But, when you talk about best football players, I'll put Hines Ward on that list. I can't believe he even played in the Super Bowl. I don't even know how he did it. Him starting made a huge difference -- Santonio Holmes would not have had the game he did if Ward wasn't on the field. His mere presence on the field made them a better football team.
Ward is one of the few offensive players who strikes fear in the minds of the defensive players. How valuable is that? -
Don, Pa.
1:52 PM ET
Do you think that Trent Edwards will step up this year? Or is he an injury away from being labeled as too fragile to be counted on.
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
I like Edwards. He's an awsome player. He's young, but he's developing. I thought he stepped up at times last year. I think he'll continue to improve and play well. Will he have a period of the season where you wished he played better? Yeah, but he's still growing. He's outperforming Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell right now from the 2007 draft class. -
Cody Groesser, Ft. Myers, Florida
1:54 PM ET
Hey Solomon, before you go, there has been alot of speculation on the Vikings QB situation, can I have your opinion on how well you think Adrian Peterson will be? MVP Potential?
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
By the time AP is done this year, he might be the franchise's all-time leading rusher. That's what I think. And, I predicted it the day he was drafted. -
tim , portage mi
1:55 PM ET
Do you think tat the DET lions have made the turn around they needed to in this off-season?? How many games will they win this year?? thanks
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
Turning around 0-16 is like turning around an ocean liner. You're not going to turn it around on a dime. It's a slooooow turn. You still have issues on defense and the pass rush, and the secondary too. There's not much there. You've got a bunch of young players on offense -- a rookie QB, a second-year RB, a third-year WR, and a second-year LT. Then a rookie TE too. Lot of youngsters on offense, and still searching for talent on defense.
But, you should be better than 0-16 ... how about that? -
Solomon Wilcots, NFL Network
OK everyone, that's all I have time for today. Thanks for sending in your questions, it was good stuff. I'll be back to chat again soon.
