NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

The name Gil Brandt is very familiar to Cowboys fans. Brandt was the Cowboys' head scout for their first 29 years in existence. Since he left the organization Brandt has since become an analyst for the NFL. There are few people who have Brandt's level of knowledge when it comes the draft and college players. Naturally, when Brandt says something, the Cowboys typically take notice.

A few weeks ago, Brandt made his thoughts known about Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara. Saying that he didn't believe he was an "elite prospect" and the Cowboys should move in another direction with the ninth overall pick in April's draft. Until Brandt's comments came out Amukamara was slotted in many mock drafts as the Cowboys selection in the first round.

Well, Brandt was speaking again and he thinks the Cowboys shouldn't take a defensive back at no. 9, they should be taking someone at a crucial position of need. Brandt believes that should be along the offensive line or defensive line.

"I think that the Cowboys should take an offensive or defensive lineman," Brandt said. "You get better value in second and third rounds with defensive backs. Prince is talented but get a lineman. In the 2nd round you can get a corner with more value."

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As the owners continue to insist that there will be NFL football in 2011, I'm forced to take their word for it and move on. I have absolutely no influence on what the NFL and NFLPA are doing. For that reason, I want to concentrate on some other topics through this "dead zone" we've entered. Today's focus will be on the key to success for the Jaguars. Defense.

With Gene Smith leading the personnel department, the Jaguars have built their best offensive unit since the late 90s. The Jaguars' special teams unit is one of the best in the league. The last piece of the puzzle is the defense. The Jaguars were unable to pull out a division clinching win in Indianapolis in 2010, but I'm optimistic that the Jaguars will begin competing on a yearly basis for the AFC South title from here on out.

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A judge has denied bond for troubled Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly after his latest arrest on a drug charge in Houston according to the Associated Press.

Jolly did not appear in court during a brief hearing on Wednesday. His next hearing is set for April 20th. Jolly was charged with possession of a controlled substance after being arrested early Friday morning.

Police say officers found a bottle containing 600 grams of codeine and another containing an unidentified substance under the front seats of Jolly’s car. Carl Moore, Jolly’s attorney, says his client is innocent.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is still in the midst of putting together next season's Texans defense.  This offseason, we've seen Zach Diles, Eugene Wilson and Bernard Pollard go nontendered or unsigned.  Glover Quin may move to free safety and Troy Nolan and Dominique Barber could compete at strong safety. In addition, returning former defensive end Connor Barwin will change positions to linebacker, but which side?  Moving Brian Cushing another time shouldn't be a problem if he's put in the right place to succeed, something defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is known to do for his players. On Barwin, Kubiak said no matter what, he's in the plans at linebacker:

"The question is, does Connor play the strong side or weak side?  We were counting on him huge last year. We've put in packages for him. We're looking forward to him coming back and seeing what he does with Wade."

For Quin, some spectators are licking their chops at the opportunity for the Texans to draft Nebraska's young cornerback Prince Amukamara to fill Quin's void at cornerback.  That would cement a possible change to free safety for Glover Quin, who has exceptional jumping ability with average speed.  Kubiak said the possibility of a shift to free safety:

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Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reports Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith took an official visit to the Ravens’ training complex.

The enigmatic 6-foot-2, 211-pounder has been linked to the Ravens’ 26th overall pick in mock drafts. Smith has a history of failed drug tests and an underage possession of alcohol arrest.

“If Jimmy Smith’s there,you’re getting a top 10 to 15 talent,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said. “Let’s put it that way, in the later portion of round one. “He’s a kid with great physical ability. They wanted to see what his workout numbers would be and certainly verified that.”

The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins are now looking to possibly trade down in April’s draft from the number 15th overall pick.

There’s been much speculation that the Dolphins will pick Alabama running back Mark Ingram with the No. 15 overall selection. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reiterates “for the hundreth time” since he was told as much by a source: Miami wants to trade down in the coming draft. The Fins believe the value of a pick later in the draft with the addition of a late secod-round pick would be higher (depending on who is actually available at No. 15 on draft day) compared to simply picking at their scheduled spot. Having said that, the team is considering highly talented players that come with some major flags. Ingram? Doesn’t have prototype size and his speed is a source of interest, depending on whom you’re talking to.