NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

With the hours dwindling down to the start of the 2010 National Football League Draft, but Seattle wasn’t ready to give the three-day nationally televised circus its full attention Monday as the Seahawks announced the signing of guard Ben Hamilton.

Per Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times, Hamilton will likely play left guard and the get starting nod.  Hamilton, 32, spent nine season in Denver, where he started 104 out of a possible 111 games that he played in for the Broncos.

Terms of the deal have not been announced.

It’s been the hot topic for the past week in Pittsburgh and around the NFL, and it seems like finally it’s official – Ben’s on the block – for the right price. The Post-Gazette reports that if a team comes with something big, and we’re talking a couple first-round picks, and possibly a player, then Ben may be available.

While they are expecting to learn tomorrow what punishment quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will receive from National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell, the Steelers have received trade feelers from other teams and have not ruled out the possibility of dealing their two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, the Post-Gazette has learned. It is not believed the Steelers are actively seeking to trade Roethlisberger, nor are they close to doing what they did with Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes, who was traded for a fifth-round pick to the New York Jets because the team was planning to release him anyway. Nonetheless, the possibility Roethlisberger could be traded, provided the price is right, is not being discounted by the team.

I still have a hard time seeing this team entering the 2010 season with anyone other than Roethlisberger as the starting QB. Yes, they went out and grabbed former backup Byron Leftwich on Tuesday for a 7th round pick, but he’s not the long-term answer. And yes, Dennis Dixon is around, but again, he’s not ready. It would have to be one heck of an offer, and a real eye towards the future to move Roethlisberger.

The National Football League released the regular-season schedules of all 32 team this evening.

Seattle boasts the third easiest schedule, based off of the combined 2009 win-loss records of Seattle’s 2010 opponents.  The season starts off at home for the Seahawks, as they’ll play host to divisional foe San Francisco.  For a second straight season, Seattle will not have a primetime matchup on national TV.

The complete schedule is as follows (all times EASTERN):
Week One: 49ers at Seahawks (Sunday, September 12, 4:15 p.m. – FOX)
Week Two: Seahawks at Broncos (Sunday, September 19, 4:05 p.m. – FOX)
Week Three: Chargers at Seahawks (Sunday, September 26, 4:15 p.m. - CBS)
Week Four: Seahawks at Rams (Sunday, October 3, 1:00 p.m. – FOX)
Week Five: BYE
Week Six: Seahawks at Bears (Sunday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. – FOX)
Week Seven: Cardinals at Seahawks (Sunday, October 24, 4:05 p.m. – FOX)
Week Eight: Seahawks at Raiders (Sunday, October 31, 4:15 p.m. – FOX)
Week Nine: Giants at Seahawks (Sunday, November 7, 4:05 p.m. – FOX)
Week Ten: Seahawks at Cardinals (Sunday, November 14, 4:15 p.m. – FOX)
Week Eleven: Seahawks at Saints (Sunday, November 21, 4:05 p.m. – FOX)
Week Twelve: Chiefs at Seahawks (Sunday, November 28, 4:05 p.m. – CBS)
Week Thirteen: Panthers at Seahawks (Sunday, December 5, 4:15 p.m. – FOX)
Week Fourteen: Seahawks at 49ers (Sunday, December 12, 4:05 p.m. – FOX)
Week Fifteen: Falcons at Seahawks (Sunday, December 19, 4:05 p.m. – FOX)
Week Sixteen: Seahawks at Buccaneers (Sunday, December 26, 1:00 p.m. – FOX)
Week Seventeen: Rams at Seahawks (Sunday, January 2 (2011), 4:15 p.m. – FOX)

Check back here at NFLGridironGab.com and over at SeahawksGab.com during and shortly after the N.F.L. Draft for analysis on the Seahawks’ schedule as well as on Seattle’s draft.

As would be expected, what is a NFL draft without some rumors floating around? We’re about 48 hours away and there’s ample draft buzz permeating the air. Today is no different as Wes Bunting from National Football Post has the following rumors:

- A prospect that has been getting a lot of feedback is UCLA defensive tackle Brian Price; the word is that Price could fall anywhere between picks #19 and 40.

- Sources close to the Detroit Lions say that Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung mazy be in the team’s crosshairs, even if they don’t land Albert Haynesworth in the near future.

- South Florida wide receiver Carlton Mitchell is a “hot name” to watch in the second round of the draft. Apparently, people think that his upside and value in that round is better than taking Dez Bryant in the first round.

- Assuming they do not get the running back they want, the San Diego Chargers want to draft Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody.

- According to the University of Connecticut football program, wide receiver Marcus Easley will not fall out of the third round, citing the Philadelphia Eagles at pick #23 and one of the Cleveland Browns’ third-round picks as possible suitors.

- According to NFL scouts, Virginia Tech defensive end Nekos Brown is a name to watch for in the latter rounds as he is getting rave reviews from the Tech coaching staff (naturally).

- A wideout who isn’t getting much pub lately is Michigan State’s Blair White. A scout has him tagged as a late-rounder. The same can be said for Baylor center J.D. Walton and WR David Gettis.

- Connecticut cornerback Robert McClain has been getting the Jacksonville Jaguars attention recently. Bunting thinks that McClain is a late-rounder, but the Jaguars think that he can add some depth to the CB position and help out as a return man.

- Apparently, the stock of University of Pittsburgh tight end Nate Byham has risen, with scouts saying that he may have a future in the NFL as a #2 TE. Yet there are teams out there who had originally pegged him as a late-rounder who now have him in the middle rounds.

I'm not sure what it is, but maybe NFL teams are rarely for sale, so possibly all hell breaks loose when a franchise is actually up for grabs.  In any case, the Rams ownership drama continues. St. Louis Business Journal is reporting that Stan Kroenke is not seeking to purchase the Rams, he is simply trying to get extortion money out of the Rams bidding owner, Shahid Khan.  Kroenke is seeking this payment in order to agree to either keep his 40% or sell off his 40%.  I'm not quite sure how this is legal, but people in the know seem to call it "green-mail".

It is pretty easy to cast Kroenke in the villain's role here.  He swoops in at midnight and snatches the team, but is only holding the Rams hostage for a fee.  However, we should not jump to conclusions here (unless you have a mat) and let this all play out before we can decide who is evil and who is in it simply for the money.

I still think that Kroenke did not exercise the clause in his contract for some "go away" or "green-mail" money, but instead he really wants to own the Rams outright.  Kroenke owns lots of other teams and does not appear to be an owner in the game simply to make money.  However, I could be completely wrong here as there have been a lot of rumors about the "go away" money recently.

The only thing for certain is that is continues to get wo

via ESPN's Adam Schefter.

No word on what the Rams are getting back.  I would expect a low round draft pick in return.

UPDATE: Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch confirms that the Rams got the Redskins 5th round pick in return for Adam Carriker. That is pick number 135, which is the 4th pick in the 5th round.

The Rams now have 3 picks in the 5th round.

UPDATE 2: The Rams have simply switched picks in the 5th round with Washington in the deal.  The Rams now still have 2 picks in the 5th, but they have the 1st and 4th pick.

“Adam is a guy who our staff is very familiar with. He is talented and has an incredible work ethic,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “We feel he will fit in our scheme and will help us reach our defensive goals.”

The Jets have themselves a new veteran LB, as reports are coming in that Jason Taylor has decided to sign with New York.

Jason Taylor hesitated as long as he could, and the Dolphins never showed much interest. So he’s finally decided to join the Jets.

The long-time Dolphin is set to join the New York Jets, as first reported by Miami Herald beat writer columnist Armando Salguero. ESPN’s Adam Schefter writes it’s a two-year deal worth $13.75, but it’s really a one-year, $3.75 million contract.

Even that second number has to include a lot of phony money and/or incentives. We’ve written previously that the years governing the uncapped year limited the Jets to offering $1.5 million in base salary for Taylor.

In Taylor, the Jets have someone that can still be effective as a situational pass-rusher. He won’t be asked to do much else. This move will likely keep Adalius Thomas from joining the Jets. Thomas is expected to be released by New England.

Once again, it is that time of the year where while the NFL season is over with, all 32 teams are getting together – this year in prime time, no less – to reload for the 2010-11 season. And this year, like most years, will be difficult to ascertain which teams draft the best during the seven-round affair.

While the 32 war rooms strategize, with some possible pre-draft wheeling and dealing likely to take place, I will stick my ample neck out there and predict the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Without further adieu…

Round 1

1. St. Louis Rams
Needs: QB, DL, RB

It isn’t every day that the Rams get a chance to grab a possible franchise quarterback with the first pick of the draft. And you can rest assured: Keith Null and Kyle Boller aren’t the answer. While it’s true that the Rams need some D-line help, they need a QB even more. Ndamukong Suh would be the sexy pick here, but the Rams’ offense is sorely lacking.

St. Louis picks: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

2. Detroit Lions
Needs: DL, RB, OT

Imagine this: the Lions actually opened their wallets and spent some bucks on some free agents who wanted to play for Detroit. Having said that, they can now turn their attention to grabbing the best defensive lineman available with the 2nd overall pick. Basically, there are two: Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy. They’ll grab a running back probably in the second round.

Detroit picks: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: DL, CB, OL

The rebuilding project that is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continues, with the emphasis this time around being on the defensive side of the ball. Even with this early pick, I do wonder whether the Bucs can afford to pay him what a #3 usually commands as rumor has it that the team may have money issues. Don’t be surprised if the Bucs trade this pick for multiple picks. But assuming they don’t, I suspect they’ll grab a certain Cornhusker defensive lineman.

Tampa Bay selects: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

4. Washington Redskins
Needs: OL, QB, CB

Now that there’s two new sheriffs in town (new GM Bruce Allen and head coach Mike Shanahan), I think things will change in D.C. for the better as drafting decent players isn’t really their strong suit. They need to replace the retired Chris Samuels and need someone to back up Donovan McNabb at QB. The dilemma here is that they don’t have a pick until the 4th round, and I’m not sure they can find a quality QB with that pick. But then again, the New England Patrioits picked Tom Brady late.

Washington selects: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Needs: S, OL, DL

The Chiefs, much like the Buccaneers, are still in rebuilding mode. And it all starts with their defense, especially their secondary. While it’s true they need offensive line help, their secondary is flatlining (codepseak for leaves a lot to be desired). They did well in signing Casey Wiegmann, but Kansas City will need more than just him to stabilize their O-line.

Kansas City selects: Eric Berry, FS, Tennessee

6. Seattle Seahawks
Needs: RB, OL, DL

The Seahawks are in the enviable position of having two first-round picks (#6 and #14) so at the very least, they can address two of their most pressing needs: running back offensive tackle. Who they take first depoends on the immediate future of Walter Jones and to an extent Patrick Kerney. I’m beginning to think that Julius Jones’ shelf life in Seattle is near its expiration date, so I’m tending to believe that a RB is the likely pick with #6.

Seattle selects: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

7. Cleveland Browns
Needs: CB, QB, WR

Things should get interesting in Cleveland now that Mike Holmgren is running things. Well, ok…Tom Heckert, too. Anyways, the Browns have glaring needs on both sides of the ball, but I sense the Browns will focus on the defensive side first. And the secondary seems as likely a spot to begin as anywhere. But on the flip side, the QB duo of Derek Anderson and Brett Ratliff and the RB tandem of Jerome Harrison and Chris Jennings aren’t exactly awe-inspiring. Suffice it to say, Holmgren and Heckert will have their hands full between now and Thursday.

Cleveland selects: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

8. Oakland Raiders
Needs: QB, OL, LB

With the Raiders, you can expect – and usually get – the unexpected. Let’s face it: the social experiment known as The JaMarcus Russell Project was and is an utter failure. And Charlie Frye and J.P. Losman aren’t the answer, either. They need O-line help, too, but quarterback is their most pressing need. I can only hope that the Raiders’ braintrust can put The Cryptkeeper Al Davis in his coffin for the next three days and for once draft according to need.

Oakland selects: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

9. Buffalo Bills
Needs: QB, OL, WR

Chan Gailey has his hands full this Thursday in determining who he wants to pick first as the are glaring needs on offense. While they need the key components on offense (quarterback, O-line and wide receiver), one must wonder if the Bills’ war room have a solid draft plan in place. But I think one thing is for certain: Trent Edwards better watch his back. The Bills will draft a QB; the question is when they take one (#9 or #41).

Buffalo selects: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Needs: LB, DL, QB

This will probably be the most trying season for head coach Jack Del Rio as he has needs on both sides of the ball. But defense probably being more so. The Jags signed defensive end Aaron Kampman; hopefully, he can remain healthy and provide the veteran leadership the team sorely needs. It is also a tossup as to whether David Garrard is the long-term solution at QB, so that factors into what Jacksonville does during the draft. they can draft sensibly, or draft according to what the fanbase wants – which in the fanbase’s case is to draft Tim Tebow. If the Jaguars are smart, they’ll pass on Tebow.

Jacksonville selects: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

11. Denver Broncos
Needs: WR, LB, TE

Jay Cutler’s gone as is Brandon Marshall (Broncos get the last laugh on this one, Miami!). So that means that Kyle Orton needs a wideout to throw the rock to this season, and Eddie Royal, by default, is the #1 WR on their depth chart with Jabar Gaffney right behind him. The Broncos need a run-stuffing linebacker, as well; fortunately, there’s an abundance of quality LBs out there for the choosing (they’ll take one with one of their two second-round picks). And if they’re lucky, they can steal a tight end in the later rounds.

Denver selects: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

12. Miami Dolphins
Needs: DL, LB, S

If not for the Brandon Marshall trade, wide receiver would top the list of their needs. That aside, they can now shift their attention to defense. They’re certainly hurting at DT, so that seems the logical position to draft with their first-round pick. But they also need LB help, despite signing Karlos Dansby.

Miami selects: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

13. San Francisco 49ers
Needs: QB, S, LB

The 49ers are lucky as they have two first-round picks that are four spaces apart (#13 and #17). The pressing question is do they take a quarterback at 13 or 17? I think 17 only because their secondary needs immediate help. If they’re lucky, they can get a Bob Sanders-type of safety and luck into getting a decent linebacker in the 2nd round.

San Francisco selects: Taylor Mays, SS, USC

14. Seattle Seahawks

With the running back situation resolved with the selection of C.J. Spiller, I think they’ll turn their attention to the offensive line. Again, who they take will be contingent on what Walter Jones decides to do. But regardless, they should take a O-lineman with this pick.

Seattle selects: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

15. New York Giants
Needs: OL, LB, DL

They certainly have a need at linebacker, despite what the team has claimed. But the offensive line is where they need upgrading, since Eli Manning spent a lot of time on his posterior, as opposed to on his feet. I’m tending to think that they’ll pick an offensive lineman with their first pick, then hope a decent linebacker falls into their lap at #46.

New York Giants select: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

16. Tennessee Titans
Needs: LB, S, QB

Coach Jeff Fisher continues his mancrush of Vince Young, yet I am not convinced that he is the answer at quarterback. Come to think of it, I never thought that he was to begin with. That aside, their real need is on defense, especially at linebacker. Keith Bulluck’s gone and I’m not sold on Gerald McRath and Colin Allred just yet. Getting a safety during Round 3 may be a help to the Titans, as well.

Tennessee selects: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

17. San Francisco 49ers

Now is the time where the 49ers go and take the quarterback that will be the understudy to either Alex Smith or Shaun Hill (one of them will get cut). The thing is, the quality of the QB crop isn’t exactly blue chip, in my humble opinion. But the fact remains that they need a QB. And they’ll surpise with the selection of Tony Pike from the University of Cincinnati.

San Francisco selects: Tony Pike

18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: CB, DL, QB

Ziggy Hood was a decent find for the Steelers in 2009, but they could use another defensive lineman; at the same time, they need a cornerback to keep quarterbacks honest. Then there is the Big Ben factor. does Pittsburgh retain faith in Roethlisberger or do they draft a QB for insurance purposes? Only the Rooneys know for sure. But their defense comes first.

Pittsburgh selects: Earl Thomas, CB, Texas

19. Atlanta Falcons
Needs: LB, OL, DL

With their offense in relatively good shape, the Falcons can look for either some outside linebackers or pass-rushing defensive ends. no matter which position they pick first, the depth at both positions ensures that Atlanta will get a quality product. I’m thinking outside linebacker, although that is subject to change in the next 48 hours.

Atlanta selects: Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri

20. Houston Texans
Needs: CB, RB, S

The thing here is that while the Texans need a cornerback since Dunta Robinson’s history, they need a running back as Chris Brown’s best days are behind him. Houston is an offensive team, by nature, so I am inclined to think that they will address their secondary first. They can locate a decent RB at #51.

Houston selects: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Needs: S, TE, DL

They definitely need an upgrade at safety, yet one can only wonder how dangerous the Bengals could be if they had a Dallas Clark-type tight end for Carson Palmer to throw to. Seems like Cincinnati hasn’t had a quality TE in what seems like forever. If they;re patient, they can get one in the second round. But a safety is a more pressing need at this point.

Cincinnati selects: Morgan Burnett, FS, Geogia Tech

22. New England Patriots
Needs: LB, DL, TE

Since Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green are gone, the Patriots are missing that speedy defensive end that made the team the envy of the NFL for several years. Those days are long gone, so New England will need to restock at those positions. DE seems to be the best pick at #22, although there’s lots of decent LBs to choose from.

New England selects: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

23. Green Bay Packers
Needs: CB, OL, S

As knowledgeable Packer fans already know, the team rarely dabbles in free agency. The big issue here is whether they pick an offensive tackle to counter the aging O-line or get a shutdown cornerback to enhance their secondary. It comes down to the age vs. need problem they are faced with. At #23, I submit that they take a CB.

Green Bay selects: Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

24. Philadelphia Eagles
Needs: RB, OL, DL

Having lost Brian Westbrook, the Eagles will have to rely on LeSean McCoy. I am not convinced that he can pick up where Westbrook left off, which is why I think they need a running back in the first round. They need O-line help, but they need a RB if only to not only provide McCoy competition during training camp, but to also take pressure off quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Philadelphia selects: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

25. Baltimore Ravens
Needs: CB, DL, TE

Ed Reed has hinted at retirement, which means the Ravens will need to address the cornerback position. They also need some reinforcement on the defensive line, as well. Age is catching up to Baltimore in terms of their D-line, but they will have to decide whether their secondary needs are secondary to their D-line needs or vice versa.

Baltimore selects: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

26. Arizona Cardinals
Needs: LB, OL, WR

The Cards took a big hit in losing Antrel Rolle, Karlos Dansby and Anquan Boldin. Replacing Dansby is a big key to the Cards’ future success. At the same time, they will need some O-line help to protect Matt Leinart. This could be one of those coin-flip situations where they could pick either a linebacker or an offensive tackle with their first-round pick; it could go either way.

Arizona selects: Sean Lee, ILB, Penn State

27. Dallas Cowboys
Needs: OL, LB, S

They’ve been rather quiet, as of late; but to ba fair, they’re pretty solid at most positions, especially on defense. But they do need to solidify their offensive line since Flozell Adams’ situation is in limbo. And at some point of time, Keith Brooking will need to be replaced so a linebacker might be the smart pick here.

Dallas selects: Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana

28. San Diego Chargers
Needs: RB, OL, CB

It seems so surreal knowing that LaDanian is no longer a Charger. Which means that other than Darren Sproles, they need a running back to spell or even surpass Sproles on the depth chart. Getting a offensive tackle will ensure that the RB’s travels downhill will be more comfortable and keep Philip Rivers healthy.

San Diego selects: Jahvid Best, RB, California

29. New York Jets
Needs: LB, DL, OL

The Jets scored a coup in getting a pair former Chargers, Antonio Cromartie and LaDanian Tomlinson. so CB and RB are solid, unless Leon Washington bolts (pun unintended). Assuming everything falls into place, I expect that New York will probably go with linebacke rwoth their first pick as Vernon Gholston has proved to be unreliable. The defensive line will be addressed, but not until the second round.

New York Jets select: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

30. Minnesota Vikings
Needs: CB, DL, LB

It’s all about the defense for the Vikings as they’re established but thin in terms of the reserves, especially in the secondary. But they also need defensive line and linebacker help, as well. Any way you slice it, they need reinforcements at the aforemrntioned positions.

Minnesota selects: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

31. Indianapolis Colts
Needs: OL, DL, CB

With the Colts, it is about speed, save for the offensive line. Which is their greatest need in this draft as Peyton Manning apparently cannot rely on Tony Ugoh to protect his blind side. They also need someone to either spell Jeff Saturday at center or better yet provide competition at guard. They also need some defensive line help to clog the running lanes, as well. The Colts lost Marlin Jackson and Tim Jennings to free agency, so the secondary will need to be reinforced. A tough call here between the O-line or the secondary.

Indianapolis selects: Charles Brown, OT, USC

32. New Orleans Saints
Needs: RB, LB, DL

One thing is an immediate need for the Super Bowl champs: they are woefully thin at RB. Reggie Bush isn’t the answer and the status of Pierre Thomas in uncertain as of this posting; also factor in that Mike Bell left the team to sign with the Eagles. They’re thin at linebacker, but thery can address that need with their second round pick.

New Orleans selects: Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee

Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports! has some serious egg on his face right now, as it seems more and more that it was just wishful thinking that an announcement about a suspension for QB Ben Roethlisberger would be coming down the pike yesterday or today.

Pro Football Talk confirms that today will NOT be the day we hear about a suspension, and the earliest it could come would be tomorrow.

On Sunday night, Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reported that the NFL is expected to announce a suspension of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Monday or Tuesday.

It didn’t happen on Monday. Now, Adam Schefter of ESPN says it’s definitely not coming today, and that the earliest it will happen is Wednesday.

We’ve heard that teams who play the Steelers want the decision to be made and announced before the draft. Though it’s borderline ridiculous to think that teams could make draft decisions based on whether they’ll play the Steelers with Roethlisberger or someone else at quarterback, coaches crave information — and the teams who’ll be playing the Steelers early in the season want to know before the picks start what they’ll be facing when they face the Steelers.

Cole stated late Sunday night that the announcement would be made on Tuesday. Then the article was changed to say it could come on Monday, but it didn’t happen. Now it looks as if we’ll have to wait at least another 24 hours to see just how long it’ll be that the league sits the QB.