NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

The National Football League will unveil its 2011 Regular Season schedule tomorrow night at 7 p.m. ET.

The one game set already is the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 23, at Wembley Stadium, in London.

However, if the labor problems last until August 1, the game will be re-scheduled for Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Leslie Frazier is a defensive coach. He still understand offenses, though. When the name “Christian Ponder” is read off the card next Thursday, it won’t be solely about what Ponder can do to defenses and how he meshes with the Minnesota offense. His selection has a little to do with Favre, a little to do with T-Jack and a lot to do with Ryan Mallett.

Why Ponder?

1. Frazier comes from the Tony Dungy School of Leadership. Frazier talks all the time about leadership. He talked about how no one is bigger than the team when he took over November 22nd. He talked about the leader Favre was when he said he never questioned him as starter. Dungy, Frazier, Tomlin, and Morris all have their differences but they love to consider themselves leaders and molders of men. Think of how Mewelde Moore spoke of Frazier. Frazier wants that sort of inspirational fire in his quarterback as an extension of himself on the field.

Christian Ponder led by example and played through an elbow injury his last year. He has that intangible “alpha male” quality. I know Trent Dilfer is a bad name among Minnesota fans, but he had some interesting thoughts about quarterback when talking with Bill Simmons on his podcast. He talked about how Mark Sanchez has a sort of “leader of the pack” bravado where he inspires confidence in the rest of his huddle. He said that Sanchez’s leadership ability made him more organically a quarterback than his peers. Ponder has that. We might not read much into someone’s body language or their demeanor, but I think Leslie Frazier does look for someone stoic and confident to lead. Ponder can also be enthusiastic and in-your-face at times.

2. Frazier has been gunning down talks of rebuilding. Who’s the most pro-ready quarterback in this draft? Ponder played in a pro-style offense at Florida State and was able to do all the things asked of him at the Senior Bowl (MVP) and the Combine.

The ironic thing is I have Gabbert ranked overall ahead of him. I’ll even openly acknowledge that Newton, Mallett, Taylor, even Locker COULD have better careers than Ponder. But, I would argue that Ponder is the most ready right now and the most intelligent (undergraduate degree in finance, earned his MBA and will be halfway through a master’s). They can’t trade up for Newton or Gabbert. Locker doesn’t have the most important things down yet: accuracy and decision-making.

I can tell you why Mallett isn’t going to be taken 12th. Three words: recreational drug use. I love the honesty of Mallett, but didn’t he also deny the rumors? It has nothing to do with which drugs or how long ago. It doesn’t even have to do with drugs. For someone like Frazier was a part of the Dungy tree and talks all the time about leadership, teamwork and accountability, he wants someone who is crazy about football. For quarterback, coaches like Frazier don’t want guys who just do the bare minimum or maybe put in a little extra like Romo supposedly does. He wants someone who will eat, drink, and sleep Viking football and any sort of “recreation”, whether that be a serious interest in another sport, a love for celebrity (Leinart, Newton) or even just a preference to hang out with non-Vikings, that will likely put you below Ponder. The reason people question Romo – other than for his big game blunders – is that he is a quiet guy and has formed tight bonds with Witten and former cowboy Carpenter but is not as hands-on as Jon Kitna.

3. Frazier may have been smitten by Ponder before Senior Bowl week, but witnessing him there in person might have solidified it.

4. Christian Ponder will NOT be available when they pick again in the second round. He’s not even making it out of the second round. The Vikings don’t have a third-rounder to even try to move up should they want to move back into the first to get him. Rather than roll the dice and move down too far (past Miami would be too far) to take him, I expect Minnesota will stay put and know that Favre’s work is now finished.

The Complete Works of Favre:
1. He got Childress fired. His trademark INT began to seal Childress’ fate. If Childress had been to a Super Bowl, I doubt Zygi fires him a year later.
2. His training camp boycott showed Frazier what he really wants in a quarterback: teamwork. The fact that the Gunslinger looked so out of it early in the season proved Childress made a bad decision not requiring him to be in Mankato. That might be considered part of Favre’s first accomplishment but I think Frazier realized that he wants a guy he can count on.
3. He got injured, which led to another vivid reminder that intelligence is what keeps T-Jack from ever being “the guy”. Leave it to Favre and his conditioning (though, maybe that’s not what caused it) to miss his first game in his 19th season as a starter. But, he got hurt, Tarvaris got out there and did what he always does. He showed that scrambling ability against a bottom-feeding Patriots defense. He lit up a non-descript Bills defense. But then, he threw 3 interceptions to that same defense and would have thrown a fourth if not for an uncalled offensive pass interference by Sidney Rice.
4. His lack of chemistry caused a season that pushed them far enough up the draft board to take Christian Ponder.

If I were Rick Spielman, I’d take Christian Ponder, Virgil Green in the 2nd, spend all my next picks on offensive line and defensive BPA and finish off with Jeremiah Masoli in the 7th round. Then, if you get a veteran quarterback, Ponder can sit a year or two and win the position outright and Masoli can be molded cheaply to replace the veteran as the #2.

Follow me at: http://twitter.com/Chris_M_Bach

In the lead item in Greg Bedard’s “Football Notes” column in The Boston Globe, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck discusses his “old-school” off-season and his hope to remain in Seattle. “I'm definitely hopeful that I'll be able to stay in Seattle, but at the same time I understand the first thing's got to happen first and that's definitely reaching some kind of labor agreement,” said Hasselbeck.

Following the season, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider said they hoped to have Hasselbeck back in 2011 but talks between the club and David Dunn, Hasselbeck’s agent, failed to produce a new contract. Once there’s a resolution to the labor situation, barring a grace period for teams to resume negotiations with their own free agents, Hasselbeck will hit the unrestricted free agent market. Hasselbeck earned $6.75 million in total compensation in 2010, the final year of a six-year, $48 million extension signed in February of 2005.

Click HERE to read the rest

Lions QB Matthew Stafford showed off his surgically repaired shoulder in a throwing display at the University of Georgia on Saturday. Stafford, who attended Georgia, took part in a workout at the university’s spring game. He threw several passes in a charity event, part of a return to throwing that began last month. “It felt good,” Stafford said of his shoulder, via the Detroit Free Press.

“It was fun. We just had a good time out here today — nothing too crazy, just fooling around a little bit. Stafford played in just three games last season (and just 13 since being drafted first overall in 2009) and had surgery on his shoulder performed by Dr. James Andrews in January. How has his return to throwing gone? “I’ve just been rehabbing with Dr. Andrews and doing whatever he wants me to do and whatever my trainers at the rehab facility have told me to do,” he told the Free Press.

“It hasn’t gone too bad at all, it’s actually gone pretty well. Obviously, having surgery is not fun and being out is not fun, but being able to come back as quick as I did has been nice.”

Former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott is once again taking a few shots at his former club. Just as before his main target seems to be Head Coach John Harbaugh.

"The Ravens don't operate like the Ravens anymore," Scott told Metro New York. "Harbaugh changed everything. The Ravens aren't that loose anymore."

Scott talking about his former club is nothing new. But his recent comments don't really make much sense since he is now two years removed from the team to know anything about the state of the locker room.

Those that are closer to the situation, like the Ravens players themselves were quick to refute Scott. On an NFL Network appearance, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs disputed Scott's claim.

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Taiwan Jones: Chris Johnson (Speed/Skill) Meets (Looks) Marshawn Lynch

After Mark Ingram, you have to consider Taiwan the second best player at the position because of his unmatched play-making ability and speed -forget the fact he played at EWU; Chris Johnson played at ECU.

1. Taiwan Jones, RB from Eastern Washington, is skyrocketing up team’s draft boards; and rightfully so.  Jones has the rare, game-changing speed coveted around the NFL and can make plays, period.  Taiwan will be a difference-maker wherever he is drafted and I undoubtedly would invest a first-round pick on him.  If he does not go at least early second round, teams will pay.  He is the second best back in this class behind Alabama’s Mark Ingram. Third is Kendall Hunter from Oklahoma State. Four is Jacquizz Rodgers out of Oregon State. I believe all four backs, if healthy, will generate over 1,000 all-purpose yards in their rookie campaigns.  Who said the RB’s are weak this year?
2. Bruce Carter (North Carolina) is the best linebacker.  If not for a torn ACL, he would be a lock for the first round.  He is the most completed and talented ‘backer.  His fellow teammates on the defensive line, Robert Quinn and Marvin Austin, also should not be passed up on, due to off-field issues alone.  I feel this Tar Heel trio will be immediate impact defenders in ’11.  Also, don’t forget safety Deunta Williams. He can flat-out play, too.
3. Jordan Cameron, TE from Southern California, is the next big thing at TE.  A former basketball player, endorsed by his buddy Blake Griffin, Cameron is a first-round talent who will go later than he should.  TE-needy teams should not pass on him in the second round.  Look for a smart, playoff team to select him and Jordan to reward them in the postseason with some big-time plays.  He’s going to give you 7-8 touchdowns as a rook.
4. Cam Jordan (California) is the best defensive lineman.  He’s the closest thing to Julius Peppers/Mario Williams that I see.  He will give opposing offensive tackles fits because of his unreal athleticism.  I also like his personality and the way he handles his business.  He will be a special, special player from day one.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a pick or two.  Perennial Pro-Bowler.  A “sky is the limit” type player who is still learning and will only improve.  UNC’s Quinn is my second-rated defensive lineman.
5. Two sleepers to keep an eye on that will go 3rd round or later: Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State and Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska. I think Paul can have a Mike Williams-esque impact first year and Marsh has the ability to be the second best corner behind Patrick Peterson. With Marsh, he will get unfairly downgraded because of the school he attended.  Paul doesn’t have the flashy numbers because he played with a running QB in College.

Cincinnati Bengals

David Klinger. The 6th overall choice from ’92, Klinger eventually was shipped out of town after Jeff Blake, the 6th round choice from the same draft, outplayed him and took his starting job. Despite having Carl Pickens and Darnay Scott at his disposal, the former Cougar could not live up to the hype generated from College. He finished his pro career with more interceptions (22) than touchdowns (16). Klinger is a prime example of how a great system in College can make you look better than you truly are. As a starter in Cincy, he finished with a career 4-21 record. That says it all.

Russ Loede – Columnist BengalsGab.com

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have had their share of bad picks over the past 12 years they have been back in the league, but let’s go back to the Marty Schottenheimer era for the worst overall pick in team history. That of course would be linebacker Mike Junkin, who was the 5th overall pick in the 1987 draft. Known as “Mad Dog,” Junkin was a bust who was supposed to take the place of Chip Banks, who was shipped out to the Chargers. The Browns moved up 19 draft positions in the first 2 rounds by swapping picks with the Chargers and then Schottenheimer shocked the world by drafting Junkin fifth overall. Not only was Junkin an unknown from Duke, he was injury prone. Junkin could have easily been gotten much later in the draft, but Marty felt he was worth the 5th overall pick. Boy was he wrong. Junkin did make one sensational play for the Browns, albeit in pre-season, when he intercepted a pass in the flat and returned it for a touchdown. Later, Schottenheimer admitted that Mad Dog was out of position on the play, and the interception was a should have never happened.

Matt Loede – Columnist BrownsGab.com

Baltimore Ravens

QB Kyle Boller has to be one of the more polarizing figures in Ravens history. There are still plenty of Boller backers out there among the Ravens faithful today that will say that he was rushed too soon, and that he didn't have the weapons around him to compete. Both have some validity.

But the fact remains that he didn't get the job done as a quarterback. He had a strong arm, but had difficulty with reads and progressions. He had excellent mobility but often escaped the pocket too soon and was the victim of "Happy Feet". He never could seem to put it all together but through it all he always took responsibility and showed toughness. He just should have never been taken that high.

The quote that best sums him up comes from his former Head Coach Brian Billick, "You know what happens when you miss on a QB in the first round? You get fired."

Matt Jergensen – Editor RavensGab.com

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers usually don’t blow first round picks, but one name comes to mind in the Bill Cowher era that gives Steelers fans nightmares – Jamain Stephens. This bust was a 340 pound out of shape OT from North Carolina A&T who was a converted DT who never became much of anything in 7 seasons in the NFL. No experts had him going in the first round and he was a “long-term project” who basically didn’t play in 96, played in 8 games in 97, and then in 98 finally played in 11 games, starting 10 on a team that could have been the worst of Cowhers years in Pittsburgh. Finally in 99 he failed the run test in training camp and Cowher had seen enough, cutting him. He played a couple seasons in Cincy before finally hanging it up. RB Tim Worley and LB Huey Richardson deserve consideration for the list as well.

Matt Loede – Editor SteelersGab.com

Peter King of SI.com reports someone who knows Bill Belichick well told him the other day his MO for this draft will be like it’s been for many others: Approach a pick like he wants to trade it, wait until there’s a minute left on the clock, and if he doesn’t have a good offer, turn in a name to pick.

This person said he thinks this could be the case at number 28, with Mark Ingram on the board. He’ll have Ingram in his back pocket — the Patriots love him — and if they don’t get a good offer from a team moving up (probably moving up for a quarterback), Belichick could say, “Turn in the card for Ingram.”

Mark Ingram tweeted earlier today that he’s, “Headed to the airport, off to Boston… Another week living in the airport.” He will talk to the Pats today, maybe a sign of things to come on April 28th.

It is Browns running back Peyton Hillis against Eagles quarterback Michael Vick for the Cover of Madden 12. Vick beat out Vikings running back Adrian Peterson to reach the finals while Hillis prevailed over Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The winner will be announced on April 27th. The winner will be announced that afternoon on “SportsNation.”

Vick was a No. 3 seed in his 16-player bracket and easily outpaced DeMarcus Ware, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis and Adrian Peterson to reach the final. The 10th-seeded Hillis had a Butler-like run through his bracket, squeaking through an early matchup against Matt Ryan and then upsetting top-seeded Aaron Rodgers to reach the final.

Senior writer jclombardi–Packers draft needs & grades talent depth.

Packers Top Draft Needs & Talent Depth Grades:

1. DE–Grade: A. With eight first round talents, the defensive end position is strongest position. Class maybe a little light in dominant 4-3 pass rushers but this year is a workman-like group.

2. OT—Grade: B-. Top rated tackle is currently rated just 18^th overall. More of a quantity vs. quality years as five total tackles receive mid/late first round grades. Overall depth is down as left tackle is shorter supply after first five taken. Yet good supply of right tackle or guard/tackle tweeners available for the mid-late rounds.

3.  OLB—Grade: B-. Talented duo of rush linebackers (Miller and Houston) keeps this year’s OLB class from falling into abyss. Team’s looking to fill holes outside may need to reach.

4. DT—Grade: A. Remarkably strong and deep highlighted nine total prospects with first and second round grades. Depth remains strong into the later rounds. The variety of tackles may be even more impressive than the depth.

5. CB—Grade: B+. Top two Peterson & Amukamara give solid one-two punch but bit of drop-off to next tier. The second tier is full of big, toolsy prospects with high upside. Overall depth is solid but not spectacular.

6. WR—Grade: B-. The drop off after Green & Jones & dynamic duo is significant. Then only Baldwin earns first round grade. While low on top end talent, depth is above average and features variety of options including a number of possession & slot types.

7. Guard—Grade: B+. Guard position may lack sure-fire first rounder but depth is strong throughout led by four players with second round grades. The depth is bolstered by three small school prospects.

COMMENTARY: Focusing upon top Packers needs, we liked NFL Draft 101's impressive brief review of draft talent at positions and depth. After reviewing the depth positions and how each round plays out, the Packers will look at best overall players available compared to top immediate needs. In speculating, one mock draft suggested the Packers are targeting OLB Ayers, versatile DT Wilkerson (strong pass rusher), versatile DE Heyward (average pass rusher), and raw pass rusher DE/OLB Reed. Or, they may simply upgrade interior offensive line getting G Watkins to replace probably gone LG Colledge or get versatile OT Sherrod to play LT. Or, they may even trade back into round two. Finally, the draft could see several Packers reaches and sleepers in the later rounds. In a way, the pros are right describing the draft as a carp shoot. Fans, what do you think?