Ask Gil Brandt: Offseason moves
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ETGil Brandt
24 comments
NFL.com personnel guru Gil Brandt chatted live on Tuesday, June 23, discussing who will win the NFC South, how rookie Donald Brown fits in Indy, and more.
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Gil Brandt, NFL.com
11:00 AM
Hi everybody. Hope you are well. Ready to talk football, so let's get going. -
Batman, Gotham City
11:01 AM ET
Big fan of Donald Brown. Any chance we'll see him getting a nice piece of the action in Indy? Do you think he fits into the system well?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Batman, didn't know there were many Colts fans in Gotham (although isn't there a Gotham City in Indiana?). Donald Brown had a fantastic senior year at Connecticut, not only as a runner but as a receiver out of the backfield. I don't know if he'll start ahead of Joseph Addai, but I do think he'll see significant playing time. One thing to remember: RB is the easiest position to come in and learn the system and contribute as a rookie. -
Matt, PA
11:04 AM ET
Gil, First of all, thank you for all you do for the NFL. You are truly one of the league's greatest ambassadors! Now that I've buttered you up, can you talk about the players eligible for the supplemental draft?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, thanks Matt. The only player I am aware of for the supplemental draft is Jeremy Jarmon, a DE from Kentucky who wears #99. At the spring Pro Day, he ran a 4.81 and 4.76, measured 6-3 and weighed 278 pounds. He had a very good year in 2007 rushing the passer; not as good in '08. He'll probably be a third-round choice, maybe higher simply because he's a DL. -
Phil, Montreal,Canada
11:07 AM ET
Hi Gil! Just wanted to know your top five corners in the Nfl today?Thanks!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Phil, Nnamdi Asomugha is definitely number 1. Others I like that come to mind, in no order, are Terence Newman, Ike Taylor, Asante Samuel, Champ Bailey.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Phil, Nnamdi Asomugha is definitely number 1. Others I like that come to mind, in no order, are Terence Newman, Ike Taylor, Asante Samuel, Champ Bailey. -
James, Jax, FL
11:09 AM ET
Which WR plays in the NFL again first, Burress or Stallworth? And when will that be?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
James, I think it's Plaxico Burress, but any answer by myself or anyone else is merely speculation. It's all up to the commissioner. -
Adam Jimenez, orlando, florida
11:11 AM ET
hey gil whats up? do u think maclin will have an impact this season? and how far do u think the eagles will go this season? thanks
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Adam, I think the Eagles have a very, very good chance of reaching the Super Bowl. Either the Giants or Philly, whichever wins the NFC East, has the best chance of reaching the Super Bowl. I think Jeremy Maclin is a solid receiver. It's hard to make a big impact at that position as a rookie, but look for him to catch somewhere in the area of 45 passes. -
Søren Dal, Denmark
11:13 AM ET
Greetings Mr. Brandt. Now that the wedge is eliminated, will we see less big return plays in the '09 season?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Probably. But historically, special teams coaches have devised ways of creating returns. With the new rule in effect, I think they'll still come up with ideas. I watched it with the Cowboys in practice last week and they looked good. It's different when you put on the pads, of course. But the bottom line is that we have so many talented and athletic return specialists, so I think you'll still see big plays. In my estimation, the long kick return is the most exciting play in football. -
Benny, Erie, PA
11:16 AM ET
Any idea when Favre and the Vikings will wrap this thing up? I would like to know who our QB will be this year.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Benny. We have been told by a knowledgeable source that Favre will have another meeting this week with Dr. James Andrews to check on how he has progressed. I don't think you'll see anything over the next two weeks. Brad Childress is fishing in Alaska with Andy Reid this week, and his daughter is getting married the week after that. I don't expect anything to happen without the coach there. -
mikey bates, arizona
11:19 AM ET
Have the 49ers done enough in the offseason to win the NFC West?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Mikey. Yes, I think they have. The key is to get rookie WR Michael Crabtree healthy -- as of yesterday, he was at practice but not running routes -- and he won't do so until training camp starts. And they also have to settle on a QB, and that should happen in the first two weeks of training camp. -
Dave H, Utah Valley
11:22 AM ET
Do you believe Ochocinco when he says the Bengals will be in the playoffs?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Dave. I think the Bengals are going to be a much-improved team. They had more starters lost to injury last year than any other team in the league. With that said, I do think they've got a shot to make it to the playoffs.
We had another question in the chat asking who would finish second to Pittsburgh in the AFC North. Just a hunch, but I do think Cincinnati finishes ahead of Baltimore. -
Brian, VA
11:25 AM ET
What's your expectations for Tomlinson's output this year? Do you think he'll get back into his groove?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Brian, LaDainian rushed for 1,100 yards and 11 TDs last year, which is not bad for most. I think he'll be a little better this year -- somewhere near 1,200-1,300 yards rushing. The OL will be better with Marcus McNeill healthy and Nick Hartwick back at center for the full season. I think you'll see Darren Sproles get about the same number of carries he had last year.
One extra note: I expect chargers WR Vincent Jackson to have a breakout year in '09. -
kb, NY
11:28 AM ET
Eli Manning overrated? Who'd you take, Philip Rivers or Eli Manning?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tough question, kb. Not the overrated part -- I don't think Eli Manning is overrated. But I do think I'd take Rivers first. Both are very capable quarterbacks.
One thing to consider: It's a lot easier to play eight home games in San Diego than eight home games at Giants Stadium. -
Chris, SD
11:30 AM ET
Which team wins the NFC South and why?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Chris, i like New Orleans. I feel they've really helped themselves on defense, and they have a special player in QB Drew Brees. Somehow he finds a way to win the NFC South, though it should be a pretty good three-horse race when you throw in the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons. -
JC Bernier, Quebec City
11:32 AM ET
Mr Brandt, what do you know about the future of the former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
JC, I can talk about his present: Shanahan has his golf handicap down to a single digit. I don't know exactly where he will be, but you can bet he'll be an NFL coach in 2010. -
Dustin D., Fair Oaks IN
11:33 AM ET
do you think the Bears have a chance at the playoffs this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Dustin, I think the Bears will win the NFC North, so yes. And as I've said in past chats, that's regardless of whether or not Brett Favre is starting for Minnesota.
I think Chicago strengthened their coaching staff with the addition of Rod Marinelli. The Jay Cutler trade was a great deal. And they were a good team last year that just missed the playoofs. Also, Orlando Pace will help the o-line. If he can stay healthy, he's still a Pro Bowler. -
Mike, Wichita, KS
11:37 AM ET
Any chance that the Chiefs will have the same kind of quick turn around that Atlanta and Miami experienced last year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Mike, anything is possible. I think they will definitely be improved -- and they lost four games last year by a TD or less. The addition of QB Matt Cassel should help. But they still have a way to go on defense. I think they have a chance to win seven games this year. -
Matthew, Sodus
11:39 AM ET
Hi Gil, Thanks for taking our questions it's always an honor to interact with the Godfather. My question like always is about my favorite team the Miami Dolphins. Have you been able to get any information from your friend Bill Parcells on the injury to RG Donald Thomas? Would it suprise you if he started the season on PUP? Should I be scared about the secondary. All the reports say every time someone caught a deep pass in the OTA's it's against Eric Green and Gibril Wilson. Thanks Gil, Matthew
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Matthew, I haven't talked to Bill lately. He's busy in the offseason with golf and his house up in Saratoga. I think the Dolphins will be a better team than they were last year but will not have a better record. Donald Thomas, a first-year guard last year, is somewhat of a question mark with his foot injury.
I think rookie CB Vontae Davis will help the secondary. Don't worry about what happens in the OTAs. When tere is no pass rush, it's easier to complete those long passes. -
Randy West, Dallas Tx
11:42 AM ET
As a longtime NFL and Cowboy fan, can you tell me why Chuck Howley is not in the NFL Hall of Fame?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Randy, I see Chuck Howley almost every day working out here at the local YMCA. And I think he could play today if he had to. I can't tell you why he's not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hopefully the senior committee will vote him in. Chuck was a very good football player and I don't know of any veteran not yet in the Hall who is more deserving. -
Leonard Myers, Martin, MI
11:45 AM ET
Gil, The Lions have made several offseason moves through the draft and free agent signings. Which move has been the most important thus far?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Leonard, I think the signing of Larry Foote, the MLB from Pittsburgh, will probably be the most important move. The second is the drafting of safety Louis Delmas from Western Michigan. Both will help the defense.
On offense, knowing that they want to run the ball, the drafting of TE Brandon Pettigrew will help. Overall, I think the Lions have done a pretty good job in the offseason. -
Roger, Phoenix, Oregon
11:48 AM ET
Good morning Gil! My question concerns the Raiders. How long do you think Russell will last before coach Cable puts in Garcia. Also, who will win the Bay Area battle between Michael Crabtree and Darius Hayward-Bey this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Roger, if Crabrtree is healthy, I think he'll be more productive than Heyward-Bey (though you'll see more big plays from Heyward-Bey).
JaMarcus Russell is the starter until he proves they can't win with him at QB. I don't know if that's 3 weeks or 6 weeks or never. It's really just a matter of consistency for Russell. I do think he's got enough talent around him this year to stick with it, and I think the Raiders have a shot to make the playoffs, with Russell. -
Kyle, Long Island, NY
11:51 AM ET
Gil would you please be the first to answer a question of mine?? Will the Jets trade away a second rounder next year to get Braylon Edwards? Thanks Gil!!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Happy to be the first to answer your question!
Kyle, I'm sure they would love to trade for Braylon edwards, but I don't think they can get him for a second-rounder. It all depends on the contract situation, I suppose, but that would be a steal. This is the last year of Edwards' rookie deal and he's reportedly looking for $9 million a year. -
RaiderKane, Ohio
11:54 AM ET
Mr. Brandt, why isn't Tom Flores in the Hall of Fame? He won two Super Bowls, one with a 1980 team that wasn't projected to do well and was also the first team to win the Super Bowl as a wildcard team. How do you feel about him hardly being mentioned as a Hall of Famer?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think Tom Flores was a very good coach and he took a pretty good group of players and melded them into a team. Flores also is one of the all-time nice people. I'm not sure if he is up there as a Hall of Famer, but he's close. He was a very good coach. -
josiah, ne
11:56 AM ET
hi will benson for the bengals have a good season?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think Cedric Benson has a chance to rush for 1,000 yards in Cincy. He's decided he wants to play football and has a much better attitude than he did when he was splitting time in Chicago with Thomas Jones. Last year on a very average Bengals team, he had a solid year. -
Phil, Canada
11:58 AM ET
Hey what if Brandon Marshall ends up in Baltimore. Do you think joe Flacco will become a top qb in this league
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Phil. Flacco played well last year, especially toward the end of the season, and I think Cam Cameron is as good a coach of QBs as there is in this league. I suppose adding Marshall would help. Although I do think Mark Clayton will have a good year for the Ravens regardless. Will Flacco be one of the best QBs in the league? I don't know about that. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Okay, that's it for today. Thanks for so many great questions. Have a great week.
