Wyche's Word
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ETSteve Wyche
25 comments
NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche has been on touring pro days at Alabama, Georgia Tech and Tennessee this week, and checked in for a live chat on Friday, March 12. Check out Steve's blog for more.
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Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Awwwww yeah! What's up party people. It's Friday so I know some of you guys are getting ready for the weekend. Worked a hard week and all that. Make sure to do it big but do it right. Let's make that the theme for today's chat too. Let's have fun with this Bad Boy and make it last through the weekend. Party Time! -
James, Marietta GA
2:08 PM ET
Hey Steve.Will D.Thomas's (GT) broken foot affect his draft status?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
James, Let's get it started in the A with a great question. In case you don't know, James is referring to G. Tech WR Demaryious Thomas, a likely first-round pick who broke his foot training and might not be able to run for scouts before the draft. This is kind of like the Michael Crabtree situation and, even though he doesn't have the hype, Thomas is viewed as a big-time play maker. I don't think Thomas will be overly affected by the injury when people saw how much of a big play threat he is when they review film. From everything I've heard, he will be a first-round pick. I will be at GT's Pro Day Monday and I will talk with him (even though he won't work out). Log onto the NFL.com and check out my fresh blogs and watch for a report on NFL Network as well. -
Matt, Ca
2:11 PM ET
Morning Steve, Hope you are enjoying your friday. What do you think Da Bears will do with Greg Olsen? If they end up trading him, how much can they get? Also, Do you think they go after a FS like RFA OJ or FA Sharper, or just wait and address it in the draft?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Matt, Great question. I don't think the Bears are going to shop him but I do think the will listen. A team like Cincy could explore the opportunities. Otherwise, Chicago should keep him. Just because Mike Martz hasn't used tight ends in the past doesn't mean he won't evolve based on this talent. Martz is a smart coach who will figure something out to capitalize on Olsen's ability. Chicago could make a move on a good player like Otagwe, but the Rams will likely match any offer...I don't see them going after Sharper. I do think the Bears will address this in the draft, where the safety talent is pretty deep. -
Garrett, calgary
2:14 PM ET
Hey Steve - I'm a huge Lions fan, and i know that they have alot of needs and it's all about the d-line and o-line in the NFL, but where do you think the Lions put there money this year - I would hate to see us pass on Suh - but I think if we protect Stafford and keep him healthy it's going to make a huge difference for us this year - what do you think they do? Take Okung or Suh? I would hate to see another Clady pass us bye!! thanks Steve
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Garrett, love the insight and I appreciate you checking in from North of the border. Beautiful country up there...I can't see Jim Schwartz passing on one of those D-tackles. He's a defensive guy and the Lions' D last season was as stout as wet tissue paper. That doesn't mean they will shy away from O-line prospects but Detroit has a high second round draft pick to possibly move into the first round with to grab an O-lineman. You don't know what they will do and they really can't go wrong but adding a stud young DT like Suh would be a strong move. -
Tom, Athens
2:16 PM ET
Vikings and Ray Edwards. Lots of teams have interest especially those picking late in first round. How do you see that playing out
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Tom, Good question. Ray Edwards is one of the many players who could have made stacks of loot had there been regular free agency. However, because of the uncertain labor deal between players and owners, he was tagged. I think there is interest in Ray but the Vikings will match and offer. He is vital to that defense. -
Tim C, Colorado Springs
2:19 PM ET
As the Pats, using your first two picks in the draft (#22 and early 2nd round), would you rather have a Jared Odrick/Hughes or Sapp combo or a Brandon Graham/Houston type combo?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Tim, Wow. Great question being thrown down the middle from one of the most beautiful parts of the U.S...I hadn't thought too much about Odrick but he is a stud DT who could play in a 4-3 or 3-4. Your first scenario is probably a little more realistic because Lamarr Houston (I presume that's the Houston you are speaking of) is more of a 4-3 front, 3 technique (guard-tackle gap) player. Strong but not the physical prototype for a 3-4. -
Krazy george, Kc
2:22 PM ET
who are the top 5 defensive tackles in this years draft??
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
George, You so Krazy! Whaddup from the BBQ capital. Suh and Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy are 1-2. Dan Williams, Jared Odrick and either Brian Price or Lamarr Houston are in that group as well. Don't be shocked if Terrence Cody, the prototype 3-4 nose tackle, gets selected before some of these guys. -
Campire, Nigeria
2:27 PM ET
Me love NFL in Africa, man! Me love Steve Wyche! Me question that who is gonna sign Jake Delhomme...Cardinals, Browns, Seahawks..who? Thanks!
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
What's up man? Not quite sure where Jake will land but Cleveland wouldn't be a bad spot. Something tells me that New Orleans will be in the picture very seriously as well. -
Matt Terry, Visalia
2:29 PM ET
Hey Steve! What up Buddy!? Ok I got one for ya... They have just come out with the new Steve Wyche Action Figure! Do you come with the Karate Chop arm, or the Judo Kicking action? Also, what will the Wyche catchphrase be??? Steve Wyche, THE ACTION FIGURE!
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Matt, It would be a left hook with a follow up right to the dome followed by "Bet you didn't see that coming now, didja?" -
Josh, Wellington FL
2:30 PM ET
Steve, in class again! but im already done its just extra work, How do you think Miami will adress their safety situation?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Josh, With guys like Ryan Clark now off the market, I think Miami will be patient, see how things go with the draft and see if any vets get cut throughout training camp. I would think they would draft a safety at some point to develop. I don't see them moving on someone like Darren Sharper right now. -
Jerry, Los Angeles
2:31 PM ET
I'm a big time Panthers fan and all I've seen so far is players being cut and Julius Peppers go the Bears. Being that they don't have a pick til mid-second round what do I have to look forward to?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Jerry from the LA, Carolina is going to have to draft a DE at some point. This is not a great DE class. It will not be active in free agency as you see they are not spending. The Panthers also have to find some wide receivers in the draft. Don't look for anything amazing in their player acquisitions and you can just hope that group of really proud players and a solid head coach can grind through the season and be competitive behind Matt Moore. -
Cannon, In front on my computer, TX
2:34 PM ET
Besides the recent visit with LT, which I hope he ends up signing with them, the vikings havent shown much involvemnet in FA so far while they still need improvement at S and CB. Do you think they'll pursue someone to fill those voids in FA or be more aggressive in the draft and trade up to be able to select S Eric Berry or continue to go DT like the mock drafts say.? I think Berry is worth trading away 3-4 picks to get. thanks
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Cannon, the main reason the Vikings haven't been active in free agency is that they can't. They are one of the final four teams based on them advancing to the conference championship. With the new free agency rules in place because there is the final year of the labor deal between players and owners, the Vikings (Saints, Jets and Colts) can't sign an unrestricted free agent until they lose one and he signs with another team. They can sign players who have been cut, like L.T. Minnesota could be aggressive in the draft but this is a deep class in some of their areas of need (safety, linebacker, DT) so I think they will be patient and draft mostly from their current slots. -
Davie F, Aberdeen, Scotland
2:38 PM ET
Lovin' your work Steve! With the addition of Jones to compliment JC, will the Chiefs be a run dominated team like the Jets were last year? P.s give all us Scottish NFL fans a big shout out! Cheers.
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Davie, A shout out to all the peeps in Scotland! Thanks for checking in. Adding Thomas Jones definitely shows that the Chiefs want to run and set up the passing game through play action. I like the addition of Jones. I think he is a perfect complement to Jamal Charles. Now, they have to get that passing game in order. -
Atanio, Lithonia, Ga
2:41 PM ET
Hi Steve, do you think the Falcons will look for a veteran DE during free agency or look for another hidden gem at the position opposite Abraham via the draft? Hopefully they won't take him with their first pick. We all know the last DE that was taken with the first pick has been a bust so far.
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Atanio, What's up? Now that they signed Dunta Robinson, I think the Falcons will select a DE or OLB in the draft. Don't be shocked if they go after an offensive lineman early. they need to start finding someone who will replace C Todd McClure. I would be shocked if they went after the DE from Michigan, Brandon Graham, if he's there, or Derrick Morgan from Ga. Tech, if he's there. OLB Sean Weatherspoon from Missouri could also be in play. -
David, Tampa, FL
2:43 PM ET
Hi Steve! Thank goodness its Friday. It is no secret that the Buccaneer's receiving core is terrible. There have been reports that the Bucs would be interested in trading for Brandon Marshall. The Bucs need to improve their receiving core before the season. How would you suggest they improve?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Hey David, It would be a huge surprise if the Bucs made a move for Brandon Marshall. They seem to be set on drafting players and not spending money in free agency. I look for the Bucs to be busy on draft day, holding five of the top 99 picks. That is probably where they'll land at least one WR. In terms of how they impove, keep going young, get a DT and DE and S. Got to get stronger on the defense and let Raheem Morris, who did an excellent job last season when he took over the defense, put them in position to make plays. I may sound like a fool but I think the Bucs will be much better in 2010. -
terrell, New orleans
2:46 PM ET
Can i have a prediction please steve..... With the 27th pick Dallas Cowboys select who? I LIKE EARL THOMAS OR MIKE IUPATI
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Terrell, Might your last name be Owens? Great choice of prospects there. Both guys could be gone but I could see them going after a playmaker like a Thomas. I would be stunned if Taylor Mays is on the radar either. -
bengal al, amarillo
2:49 PM ET
Which wide-out would you take between Golden Tate or Gilliard?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Bengal Al, Wow, tough choice. Gilyard would be a good local pick but I agree with my colleague Bucky Brooks that Golden Tate reminds me of Steve Smith (Carolina). I am a huge Steve Smith fan for his toughness and competitiveness. I will take those traits all day. -
Carlos, Ottawa, Canada
2:51 PM ET
Do you think that McClain will be there for the Giants at 15? And if not, who do you see them getting?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Carlos, If he is there, I can't see them not taking him. Tom Couglin and Jerry Reese were really eyeballing him at Bama's Pro Day. I don't think he is going to be there, though. If he's not there, they could look at Sergio Kindall from Texas or one of the many stud DTs. -
jim.s, webster ny
2:53 PM ET
hi krazy steve...how much control will pete carroll have in seattle and the draft
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Jim S. Pete will have tons of control. He didn't leave his sweet gig at USC not to have a lot of power. -
D,, Illinois
2:53 PM ET
Yo Yo let me be the last questions!! Why do people think Bradford is better than Clausen? Clausen played under center and got better every year, Bradford mainly played in the gun most of the time.. Your thoughts?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
D, Not the last question but a good question. People love Bradford because of his accuracy, big arm and he is the prototype (6-4ish, 36). Clausen is a little shorter but, like you said, he played in a Pro style system. Although Bradford played out of the shotgun, scouts and coaches said he played from under center enough for them to see all they need to see. The feeling is this: Had Bradford come out last season, he would have been drafted ahead of Stafford and Sanchez. They were regarded more highly than this season QB crop so Bradford, injury and all, remains the top QB -- and top player to a lot of people -- in the draft. -
dan, Ny
2:56 PM ET
Would AL dAvis draft someone like Cj Spiller beacuse of his speed,like a yaear ago he draft heyward bey
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Dan, We all know that is a possibility and none of us would be shocked if that happened. -
Will, San Diego
2:57 PM ET
Do you think the Chargers will let LT come back if no other team will take him?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Will, No. He isn't in their plans. -
Asher Wong, Shenyang, China
2:58 PM ET
Hi Steve! Not a lot of people to talk with over here. Moved from DC big skins fan. If the redskins decide to trade their pick, what will they receive? What kind of trade value will they get in return?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Asher, Good question. It depends on if they want to trade up or down. I could see a team moving up to that spot (Seattle #6) to get a quarterback it might think Washington wants. I could also see a team moving up to get an OL, like Okung, if they felt they needed to. The Skins would probably still be drafting in the top 15 but could get an addition #3 or #4 in that type of scenario. -
sam, seattle
3:00 PM ET
TGIF!! Steve I'm a die hard Seahawks fan and the rumors at QB are coming down like the rain over here. i've heard they're making moves for Mcnabb as well as Anderson. would either of these be a smart pick up? and what happens to Hasselbeck if such a move was made?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Sam, You get the last question. Seattle is going to bring in a quarterback but it won't be McNabb. Pete Carroll isn't going to bring in a short-term fix. They will be going younger. they could kick the tires on Derek Anderson. They are hosting Charlie Whitehurst. Whitehurst is interesting because even though he is No. 3 in San Diego, a lot of teams really like him -- and have for years. Don't be shocked if Arizona or Seattle signs Whitehurt, a restricted free agent, to an offer sheet. -
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
My peeps. So sorry I have to bounce but there are other people ready to occupy this seat and bring more knowledge to you. Keep logging in through the weekend to check on any updates. Make sure to come back Monday for mu upcoming column. I hope to hit on Jake Delhomme, Rolando McClain and much more. I will also be a Georgia Tech's Pro Day Monday and will have the freshest stuff for ya. Have a great weekend and make it good, Bet you didn't see that coming, Didja? Peace
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