Checking in at the combine

I am very disappointed by the showing by the runningbacks at the combine this year. I really expected better numbers by some of the athletes. I expected Georgia's Knowshon Moreno to run atleast a 4.4 and he did not. Although he did put up 225lbs 25 times. I didn't think he was that strong. His pro day numbers will really effect his draft position. A guy who has really helped himself out if Andre Brown out of NC State. He ran a 4.49 and showed good strength lifting 225 24 times. A team like Denver would be a great fit for Andre. My favorite runningback in this class is Donald Brown out of UConn. He ran a 4.51 which is not blazing speed by any means. Brown was a top performer in almost every category of the rest of the drills he was put through. Brown was a beast in college running for over 2,000 yards. Chris Wells did okay at the combine. But questions still surround him about his durability. Boise State's Ian Johnson also performed well at the combine and could be a sleeper in this draft. Much like Steve Slaton last year. The pro day numbers will give another look at when and where these guys will end up in the draft. Other player to look out for are: Rashad Jennings(Liberty) Gartrell Johnson(Colorado st) Javarris Williams(Tennessee St) Javon Ringer(Michigan st)

Fred Taylor

Veteran runningback Fred Taylor was released the other day. This is player who could help a team. I don't think he is an every down back. But the NFL has gone to dual runningback systems. A team like Denver could use Taylor. Houston is also another team that could use Taylor to give rookie Steve Slaton a rest. Slaton is a smaller back. Philadelphia would be a good spot giving Westbrook a break. I think the eagles would like to limit his carries a little more. Westbrook has gotten banged up the past couple years. I don't think New England needs to run out and grab him. I'd like to see them go younger and draft a runningback. It will be interesting to see where Fred Taylor ends up. He still has some miles left in the tank.

win win for Pats and Cassel

The New England Patriots placed the franchise tag on QB Matt Cassel yesterday. It is a good situation for both parties. This now makes it so Cassel can't just walk away and the Patriots get nothing back. The Pats can match any offer made by another team or allow him to sign with that team in exchange for two first-round draft picks. If they think Tom Brady may have trouble playing next season they can keep Cassel for one year at a high price of over 14 million. But they could trade Cassel rather than pay him the $14.65 million offer for 2009 in the franchise designation. Either way both parties win. They know what they have if he stays and they can get something in return if he doesn't. Good move for both sides.