Zachary GirsbergerMaking Sense of Free Agency and Player Profiles
July 28th 2011 18:07
Category: No Category
Has there ever been a more interesting final week of July in sports? Normally we are deep into pennant races with some trade chatter in baseball, but the NFL lockout has created a brilliant side effect.
Yes, the Hall of Fame Game was a casualty, fans had to suffer months of rumor, and rookies may not be fully developed, yet there is some upside. Football is back and the dog days of August should be less painful for all sports fans as NFL franchises struggle to get the lost months back. Free agency and trades have been exciting so far, with McNabb as the major headliner and rumor surrounding dozens of other players, maybe the NFL should push back the start of free agency in future years. Players do not like OTAs anyways, so why not?
Top Names Left on the Free Agency Board
As the time this was written, most high profile free agents have yet to sign, but four stick out.
Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
Nnamdi is just about to begin the downturn of his career, but is still considered one of, if not the, best players in the league. Rumors have him heading back east, but I think if paired with another elite corner or safety, say Revis or Polamalu, the secondary of that team could be brutal.
Antonio Cromartie, CB
Cromartie is an interesting character and a gambling player. Remember his three picks of Peyton Manning in San Diego? How about the longest play in NFL history against the Vikings? Sure, fantastic games. But how about all the deep plays he gives up because he gets to aggressive? Cromartie has amazing upside but can burn you. I see him staying in New York, but should play well anywhere he isn’t the number one corner.
Braylon Edwards, WR
Braylon is overrated, but his name deserves to be on this list. He has hands of stone and a personality that clashes, but he has talent and as history has shown, talent prevails. Edwards as a number two or three would make most teams better, as long as the team does not force him in a possession role.
Zach Miller, TE
Miller was one of the best players for the Raiders last year, and if they lose him, their offense will be severely damaged. Miller could be a star on a decent offense with another option. He can turn any team around and I hope he lands on a contender.
A Thought on Haynesworth
If you are reading this, you probably already know about the Patriots trade for Haynesworth (a 2013 fifth-round pick for the $100 million DT) and probably have mixed feelings. I think the Pats fleeced the Redskins, but personality clashes with coaching killed any chance Albert had of being productive. The Pats got a high-reward, low-risk trade and if any coach knows how to quash a personality it is Bill Belichick. Look out for the Pats again this year, they aren’t going anywhere.
Yes, the Hall of Fame Game was a casualty, fans had to suffer months of rumor, and rookies may not be fully developed, yet there is some upside. Football is back and the dog days of August should be less painful for all sports fans as NFL franchises struggle to get the lost months back. Free agency and trades have been exciting so far, with McNabb as the major headliner and rumor surrounding dozens of other players, maybe the NFL should push back the start of free agency in future years. Players do not like OTAs anyways, so why not?
Top Names Left on the Free Agency Board
As the time this was written, most high profile free agents have yet to sign, but four stick out.
Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
Nnamdi is just about to begin the downturn of his career, but is still considered one of, if not the, best players in the league. Rumors have him heading back east, but I think if paired with another elite corner or safety, say Revis or Polamalu, the secondary of that team could be brutal.
Antonio Cromartie, CB
Cromartie is an interesting character and a gambling player. Remember his three picks of Peyton Manning in San Diego? How about the longest play in NFL history against the Vikings? Sure, fantastic games. But how about all the deep plays he gives up because he gets to aggressive? Cromartie has amazing upside but can burn you. I see him staying in New York, but should play well anywhere he isn’t the number one corner.
Braylon Edwards, WR
Braylon is overrated, but his name deserves to be on this list. He has hands of stone and a personality that clashes, but he has talent and as history has shown, talent prevails. Edwards as a number two or three would make most teams better, as long as the team does not force him in a possession role.
Zach Miller, TE
Miller was one of the best players for the Raiders last year, and if they lose him, their offense will be severely damaged. Miller could be a star on a decent offense with another option. He can turn any team around and I hope he lands on a contender.
A Thought on Haynesworth
If you are reading this, you probably already know about the Patriots trade for Haynesworth (a 2013 fifth-round pick for the $100 million DT) and probably have mixed feelings. I think the Pats fleeced the Redskins, but personality clashes with coaching killed any chance Albert had of being productive. The Pats got a high-reward, low-risk trade and if any coach knows how to quash a personality it is Bill Belichick. Look out for the Pats again this year, they aren’t going anywhere.
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