NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

With the 2011 NFL Draft quickly approaching, all of the Dolphins smokescreens that they are so fond of putting up, are starting to come out into the public eye.

For instance, one of the more popular topics among the South Florida media and Dolphins fans all around is the current quarterback situation.

According to multiple reports, the Dolphins have worked out several quarterbacks, mostly the ones they expect to be on the board when they are on the clock at pick #15. Among those quarterbacks are Ryan Mallett, Christian Ponder, and Andy Dalton.

The draft is next Thursday, and there is talk of the Dolphins possibly selecting anyone of these young gunners being picked by Miami in the first round. The problem with that is, do any of the above really warrant a 1st round selection, when the Dolphins have other, more pressing holes at the moment.

So let’s analyze each quarterback and see if any would indeed warrant a first round selection by the Dolphins, starting with Mallett, the superior physical talent:

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Once Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa is done running the baseball team in St.Louis, he can take on the role of being the manager of his daughter – the lovely Bianca, who is now officially America's # 1 Cheerleader, as she will be strutting her stuff for the Oakland Raiders in 2011.

Bianca, who goes by "Bianca Tai" on twitter, announced the news last week that she’ll be cheering for the Raiders. "A goal and a dream come true- I'm a 2011 Raiderette! I'm so excited to rep an organization that does so much good."

While there was a report on NFL.com that the Pittsburgh Steelers' have serious interest in moving up in the draft to draft Mike Pouncey and pair him next to his brother, Maurkice, I am hearing that is highly unlikely to happen. Many officials believe that the team simply won't fork over third and a fifth round picks for a guard.

The Atlanta Falcons are very high on WR Julio Jones and WR A.J. Green. So much so that they want to trade up for one of them might they fall a little bit. It seems Jones would likely have to fall out of the top ten for the Falcons to even consider making a move.

According to a report it seems the New York Giants might not be as hot on T Anthony Castonzo as many believe they are. Either way, it appears the Dallas Cowboys (9th pick) or the Detroit Lions (13th pick) will likely select Castonzo.

Don't rule out Colorado T Nate Solder at pick #19 for the New York Giants. He remains a strong possibility at 19 if Castonzo, Pouncey and Illinois DT Corey Liuget are off the board.

Liuget by the way, is being strongly considered at pick #14 by the Saint Louis Rams. Liguet is quickly rising up draft boards.

Another strong possibility for the New York Giants at pick #19 is Colorado CB Jimmy Smith. According to reports, the Giants did a ton of research into Smith's character. Some people believe Smith might be selected before the 19th pick, some think he might fall into the late first round to the a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, who need a cornerback. He, too, is in play for the Saint Louis Rams at pick #14.

Akeem Ayers is being strongly linked to the New York Jets at pick #30, which remains a strong possibility, but many also still believe Baylor NT Phil Taylor will be the Jets' selection if he's still on the board. Don't rule out DT Muhammad Wilkerson at pick #30 if he's still on the board, either.

The 2011 NFL Draft kicks off within 24 hours and albeit it’s highly unlikely the Oakland Raiders will move up the board to the first round, there’s no shortage of excitement and speculation for the team’s second round pick (48th overall) and the direction that Al Davis and head coach Hue Jackson will take this weekend.

Last week Jackson stated in a press conference that while there is more than one voice when it comes to the draft process, Al Davis has the final say at the end of the day. “A lot of people think it’s a one-man show,” Jackson said. “He makes the pick and he should. He’s the owner of the team.”

The new man in office joined the organization as the offensive coordinator for Tom Cable, but this is Jackson’s ship this season and so far he’s put together a very good staff around him. Let’s hope the team pillars Mr. Davis to make some wise decisions. But if that doesn’t work, they can always tie him up to a chair, blindfolded and stranded during the event, until he’s able to return by the fourth round in time to select another speedster like Jacoby Ford.

Round 2, Pick 48 Stefen Wisniewski, G, Penn State

Oakland has held several private workouts for high-caliber prospects like the “Transformer” Colin Kaepernick of Nevada and Colorado’s cornerback Jimmy Smith. It’s uncertain whether either of these prospects will still be around at No. 48, but placing bets on that happening isn’t exactly all the rage in Las Vegas.

I can’t see the Raiders passing on either of them if they’re available, but there are a few areas that must be addressed on defense, especially for depth. Moreover, in order to maintain the level that was implanted on the offensive side of the football last season, the most sensable direction with this selection is the offensive line.

Robert Gallery is a free agent, so the center/guard position must taken seriously and upgraded early. Oakland invited Stefen Wisniewski last Thursday for a private workout and the coaching staff left happy, with their socks blown clean off from an extremely impressive performance. Wisniewski has blood ties with his uncle, who’s currently the team’s assistant offensive line coach. If he’s not still on the board, expect Marcus Cannon to be the pick. The versatile TCU offensive lineman can play tackle, both guard positions, and with his great strength, he would be an excellent fit for a team that loves to pound the football on the ground.

Round 3, Pick 17 Shane Vereen, RB, California

Well, here comes a shocker, at least on the surface. But with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush’s past injuries on a contract year, it’s only fitting to introduce a young talent to emerge and add insurmountable depth. CBSSports.com is reporting Shane Vereen spoke with the Raiders running backs coach Kelly Skipper. Vereen chalked up 4,069 all-purpose yards in his collegiate career, despite leaving early as a junior for the 2011 NFL Draft. The California star has terrific burst to evade holes and cut lanes at the second level and this is the icing on the cake that makes Davis feel all warm and fuzzy about his decision.

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Von Miller - A Sure Top Five Pick?

The Latest Draft Tidbits from the Crew at NFL Network – Steve Wyche, Kara Henderson, Ari Wolfe, Charley Casserly and Mike Lombardi.

* Steve Wyche: I still believe Cam Newton will be the pick. Everything that’s been coming out of this building indicates that Newton will be the guy.

* Kara Henderson: The Broncos really like Von Miller. They think he’s the most athletic player in the draft, which is something they value very highly.

* Ari Wolfe: I don’t think a quarterback is likely at No. 3. Ryan Fitzpatrick won the Bills over with his toughness, and Fitzpatrick is their guy. If Marcell Dareus is there, it’s automatic; he’s their guy. If not, Von Miller and Patrick Peterson are close.

* Charley Casserly: It’s almost as if the Panthers are afraid not to take Cam Newton because of his high ceiling.

* Charley Casserly: Von Miller will have to play SAM in the 4-3, which will be a learning experience.

* Mike Lombardi: The best pick for the Bills is to go with Patrick Peterson.

By Abe Munch

Stefen Wisniewski, OG/C, Penn State, 6'3 297

Position Ranking: #3

Strengths: Plays with very good overall technique and balance; brings his feet along in space and isn't easily tripped up. Shows the ability to be effective on pulls inside and out, sealing the edge, and clearing the inside running lane. Gets to the second level and quickly locates a target, consistently neutralizing linebackers. A technician in run support. Uses angles and hand placement to gain leverage and create a crease for the running back.

Very good at establishing an inside fit on the defender and sustains blocks in both run support and pass protection; maintains hand placement even if he loses his base. Sets himself quickly in pass protection while maintaining choppy feet to mirror the defender. Very good lower body strength when he sinks his hips; holds the point of attack with consistency when he plays with bend and locks out his arms. Able to handle much bigger defenders when he sinks and anchors. Has mastered his upper body technique, and uses arms and hands extremely well. A three year starter and hasn't missed a game due to injury. Started 26 games at right guard and 13 games at center (2009 season).

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The draft is now only one day away, and all sorts of mocks are flying around. I had yet to do a mock for the Eagles, mainly due to the fact that I was incredibly indecisive on who the Eagles would wind up drafting. Now that the draft is so close, I have gathered all of my resources and have completed all of the research I have needed to compose a full seven round mock for Philadelphia. Some of the picks might come as a surprise to some of you, but check it out! Here's my full seven-round Eagles mock draft:

Round 1 (23rd Overall): Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado OR Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Eagles have two huge needs they need to fill, a cornerback and an offensive lineman. The reason I listed both players is because I like both of them so much I didn't know which one too choose. Although there is no guaranteeing that Smith will still be available by the Eagles pick, so in reality Carimi is the safest bet.

Saying that Smith is still available, the Eagles will take him. This goes without saying, it's just that his stock has been rising like crazy and there are a number of teams above the Eagles that have been openly interested in him. There have been issues regarding his character, and that may scare some teams away, but the Eagles and Andy Reid have been fearless with taking controversial players, (Michael Vick).

Carimi on the other hand is a monster who can hold an entire side of a line down. An offensive tackle that is solid through and through and it would be an instant upgrade on the Eagles offensive line. This was arguably the Eagles biggest weakness last season, and it is something that must be upgraded. Carimi could protect Vick's blindside and keep him healthy, which is paramount to Philadelphia's success.

Round 2 (54th overall): Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

I honestly do not believe that the Eagles will be able to score Smith in the first, so they will have to fill this need in the second. A great alternative that could play opposite Asante Samuel is Aaron Williams from Texas. Overall Williams stock has fallen slightly since the end of the college football season and the Eagles may be able to scoop him up at the end of the second. I know that Williams may not be available, but he definitely could.

Click HERE to read the rest

Legendary senior writer jclombardi–possible Packers trades on draft day.

On his philosophy to draft the best player available, GM Thompson said, “Obviously, if there are what we would perceive as needs, that position might get a little extra care or we might re-evaluate things a bit more. But at the end of the day, we still believe drafting the best player on the board is the best policy."  Also, he acknowledged that he may trade down from the first round saying, "If we can move back five spots and still get the same player, then we are not averse to doing that. It kind of goes both ways." Some fans and mock draft bloggers think that he will trade down because of his early reputation of trading down to gain more draft picks.  Yet, in recent drafts, he traded away picks in the last three drafts to move up getting DE Thompson (4^th round 2008), OLB Matthews (1st round 2009), and safety Burnett (3^rd round 2010).

Thus, what kind of scenario to move up?  Scenario: If G.M. Ted Thompson needs a trading partner in the first round he needn’t go any further than Seattle at No. 25. His former associate, John Schneider, is general manager there and the two would have no hesitation doing a deal together. It’s as good a time as any to move up given Thompson has extra fourth- and seventh-round picks and doesn’t have that many holes to fill on his roster. If he moved up, he would probably target falling DEs such as J.J. Watt or Adrian Clayborn.

Next what kind of scenario to move down?  Scenario: With the expected run on Des, OTs, & OLBs in the early and middle parts of the 1^st round, along with a number of teams looking for solid QB choices available in the 1^st and 2^nd rounds, he may trade down for more picks. Thus, if top prospects for our top needs are no longer on the board at number 32 and a team exists to deal for good early QB prospect, the Packers may deal to get extra picks by moving down. Maybe.

Either way, fans will know tomorrow night. We will cover the 3 days NFL draft reporting Packers choices and their detailed scouting reports.  Amusingly, toward the end of the first round, we’re are all going to be bored to death from reading endless nauseating twitter verbiage from those "no lives lonely" bloggers or unemployed "college wanna bes" bloggers (hint: bottom dwellers in Packers bloggers rankings).  Thus, as the pick number 32 for the Packers gets close and after, fans can look for instant quality news on twitter and NFL Gridiron Gab–Packers about the Packers choice and more.  Go Pack!

NFL Draft guru and soon to be color man for NFL Networks “Thursday Night Football” in 2011 Mike Mayock is out with his final Mock Draft. It’s kind of surprising considering what many felt about the draft, and as you can see, it bucks the trend of most mock drafts out there right now.

1 CAR Cam Newton QB Auburn - This is a tough one for me. I've been trying to talk myself out of a quarterback for the last three months. The Panthers took Jimmy Clausen a year ago in the second round, so by taking one here they’re admitting a mistake. But if you don't have a franchise guy, you can't compete. Newton can run, he can pass. They're going to have to protect him early by running the ball and playing good defense. They want to build the offense around his talents.

2 DEN Von Miller LB Texas A&M - Everyone thinks this pick will be Marcell Dareus, but look at the big picture for the Broncos. Defensive tackle is a strength of this draft, so the Broncos take Miller, the best edge rusher, and then come back and get a defensive tackle with their next pick.

3 BUF Marcell Dareus DT Alabama – With everyone thinking Miller would go to Buffalo, what are the Bills going to do? They go Dareus, a scheme-diverse guy who can play all three spots in the 3-4 front. My favorite player in the draft.

4 CIN A.J. Green WR Georgia – I struggled with this pick. Could easily be a quarterback, but Green has a rare skill set. I almost picked Blaine Gabbert here, but I really believe with the uncertainty over T.O. they go Green here.

5 ARI Patrick Peterson DB LSU – The Cardinals pass on the quarterback here and take the top corner in the draft. He can take pressure off other guys in the secondary and can also help in the return game. With this pick, the Cardinals feel they can compete right now in a watered-down NFC West. This pick shows the Cardinals believe they'll get a veteran QB this offseason.

6 CLE Julio Jones WR Alabama – This is a tough position for the Browns, who would like to get an edge rusher with this pick. But new coach Pat Shurmur is an offensive guy. I love Jones, who will help protect the development of young quarterback Colt McCoy.

Click HERE to see the Rest of Mayock’s Mock Draft

Former Bucs receiver Reggie Brown now has his UFL rights secured.

He, RB Willie Parker, 4-time collegiate bowl winner and ex-Parcells pick QB Pat White, and WR Hank Baskett had their rights secured by the Virginia Destroyers.

Rights to former Bronco RB J.J. Arrington, former Bear S Kevin Payne and former Frankfort Galaxy TE Jamie Petrowski have been secured by two-time defending UFL Champion Las Vegas Locos.

The Hartford Colonials secured the UFL rights of Colt Brennan, former Packer CB Ahmad Carroll, and former Ravens T Adam Terry.

The rights of C Donovan Raiola, RB Ryan Moats, WR Chad Jackson and former Lions S Daniel Bullocks belong to the Omaha Nighthawks.

Some players would rather retire than play in the UFL, some would rather wait it out and try to get on an NFL squad.