Category — NFL Predictions and Speculation

The Ravens and Ray Lewis apart? Not if team owner Steve Bisciotti can help it. “If he becomes a free agent next year, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams,” Bisciotti said. “We know Ray’s value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. We know the commitment and the effort he gives to winning.” The Ravens and Lewis have had disputes about extensions in the past, but with the defense’s collapses growing more frequent during the season and the offense’s continued apathetic play, it makes sense to keep an icon and leader like Lewis around.

If the Cowboys get a deal done, we’ll hear about it within the next few days. “It’s probable, if we’re going to get something done, we’ll do it while we’re here at these meetings,” Jerry Jones said. “…We’ve got some more talks we’ve got to do with the Titans, and we will do that while we’re here.” The meetings referred to by Jones are the owners’ annual meetings, when the league’s owners, general managers, and coaches meet in Florida to discuss changes in the NFL, so Jerry Jones (who’s clearly making the call on this one) can meet with the Tennessee Titans officials face-to-face to discuss Pacman. It seems likely the Cowboys will acquire Jones. They’ve shown serious interest in the Titans defensive back and since the Titans aren’t asking for a lot — a fourth round pick this year and a sixth round pick next year — the upside of Jones almost certainly outweighs the costs to acquire him.

Pacman Jones has made it clear that his days with the Tennessee Titans are over. At a charity basketball game this weekend, Pacman signed a ball with the number 21 — the number of former Dallas great Deion Sanders — instead of his own number, 32. But his agent is adamant in denying that any deal has been made, yet. “You would think the Titans would tell me they had traded him if they had,” agent Manny Arora said. Of course, a deal will likely be done soon to ensure Pacman does have the opportunity to wear number 21 next season.

What You Say: Quarterback

What I Say: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Safety

Unlike most fans, I don’t think that the Bears greatest need is at quarterback. Rex Grossman is still a relatively inexperienced and young quarterback at roughly the same stage of development as a player like Matt Leinart (considering actual game time — Grossman, as most will remember, had a history of injuries).

But the team does have other issues on offense. The Bears struggled for the first time in years to run the ball effectively and the quarterback, whether it was Griese or Grossman or Orton, had little time in the pocket. That reflects on the offensive line. Meanwhile, tackle Fred Miller and guard Ruben Brown are both nearing the end of their career. Clearly, the Bears should do something in the draft to acquire some new talent on the line.

What You Say: MLB, FS, and WRs

My Top 3: DL, WR, and TE

Albert Haynesworth has been a great defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans for a considerable amount of time now, but his contract expires after the season. Whether the team keeps him around via the franchise tag or a long-term deal or lets him go to free agency remains a question. The team also no doubt could use someone to play opposite him at tackle.

After watching the Titans struggle over the past several seasons, it’s become incredibly apparent that the team has a gaping hole when it comes to talent at receiver. Vince Young is a good, young quarterback who has struggled at times because of his receiving talent. Acquiring some help at wide receiver, as well as tight end, could make the Titans a more threatening team. And considering what they’ve accomplished without great talent on offense, they could finally give Indianapolis a real run for the division.

Many draft experts are calling Darren McFadden a carbon copy of Adrian Peterson. Some are going further than that. But regardless of how he compares to 2007’s rookie of the year, the ultimate consensus is that McFadden is a playmaker and the most electrifying player in the 2008 NFL draft.

The Jets, meanwhile, have a running game that limped through the 2007 season, ranking 28th in rushing touchdowns. The offseason addition of Thomas Jones can unofficially be considered a failed maneuver as he averages 3.6 yards per carry this season and has scored only one touchdown.

But does Eric Mangini believe the position needs improving? Not necessarily. In fact, he doesn’t mind the idea of a three-back system featuring Jones, Leon Washington, and Brad Smith.

We’re still several months from April’s main event, the NFL Draft, but if you want a temporary fix for your draft cravings, look no further than than the top five projected picks.

Mid-December and already talking about the draft. Got to love the NFL, right?

1. Miami Dolphins - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU

Picking number one overall, it makes sense that the Dolphins will take one of the best players available in the draft: Dorsey. They don’t need McFadden here, or he would likely be the pick. And while an argument can clearly be made for Jake Long, it’s not clear whether the team’s offensive line is in dire need. Dorsey, meanwhile, is a playmaker on defense, the type of player Miami would be wise to invest in.

As the Baltimore Ravens inch closer to a top five pick in the NFL Draft, questions concerning Brian Billick’s job security are raised. The Ravens coach has one of the longest tenures with one team in the current NFL — eight seasons (T-4th) — but after the Ravens endured perhaps the most painful loss this season, dropping a game to the previously winless Miami Dolphins, Billick has slid deeper onto the hotseat.

But are the team’s lack of successes as of late enough to can the coach who led the Ravens to a 13-3 record and a first round bye in the postseson?

No. At least not in my mind. And I’m sure the Ravens front office feels the same.

Bobby Petrino might be considered a sellout, exiting after a disastrous season with the Atlanta Falcons — a position he originally regarded as a “dream job” — and bolting for Arkansas. It doesn’t help matters that he left during the NFL season. But whether or not he’s a sellout, his leaving already impacts the NFL draft.

We’re not even through the 2007 season and we’re already beginning to discuss his plans for 2008. At least one AP reporter isn’t afraid to speculate about what’s going on in Favre’s head:

Favre at least hinted that the Packers’ successful season makes him more likely to return next year.

“If last season gave me hope, if I felt optimistic after our Chicago game last year at 8-8 and not making the playoffs, sure, I obviously have to feel a little bit better — especially individually,” Favre said.