Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Several teams have told me that they would be willing to part with a conditional fourth-round pick for Raiders receiver Randy Moss this weekend, but to make such a trade, Moss would definitely have to re-work his contract, which calls for almost $22 million in salaries over the next two seasons. Oakland ;would ;ask for ;a second-round pick for Moss, but a fourth that could move up to a third-rounder in 2008 is out of the question at the moment. Raiders owner Al Davis doesnt have much leverage with Moss, considering his lack of production last season and his apparent unwillingness to remain with the non-playoff contender. It is the Moss situation, or lack of clarity on his predicament, that has draftniks thinking Davis will draft receiver Calvin Johnson over JaMarcus Russell with the first pick. Many believe Johnson is worth the big money that the first overall pick will collect while Moss isnt. Some also believe that Oakland could acquire a decent quarterback in the second round if they decided to pass on Russell. Drew Stanton has great feet, as good as Rich Gannon had when he was winning the MVP for the Raiders, one personnel director said. Now, Stanton (of Michigan State) needs to be coached on his delivery and such, but hes a tough player and someone who will be drafted in the second round. Gone fishin Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas planned back in February to be fishing for Coho salmon with his father on draft day. Now, the NFL Network plans to have a crew near his boat on Lake Michigan, checking his reaction whenever hes drafted. Thomas has long been considered to be the drafts best offensive tackle, but you have to wonder how good he is, considering he didnt face that many great pass rushers in the Big Ten. Purdues Anthony Spencer and Michigans Lamaar Woodley are the conference's best defensive ends in this draft, and neither of them is expected to be selected higher than the third round. Everyone said Robert Gallery of Iowa was a cant-miss pro and weve all seen him struggle with the Raiders. Thomas is a safe pick because of his awesome strength, but there are no guarantees hes the next Jonathan Ogden. By the way, Thomas is not related to the professional bass fisherman of the same name. The real odds Jimmy Shapiro of Bodog.com sent me four pages of betting odds on the draft, which is becoming almost as popular as Super Bowl Sunday. There is no doubt that JaMarcus Russell is the favorite to be the first player selected. You have to bet $165 to win $100, which is pretty much a sure thing. Theres been a lot of talk about the Lions trading out of the second overall position, but the oddsmakers say Detroit will keep the pick. Its even money that Randy Moss will be traded before the first week of the regular season, plus the bookies believe that Chicago will trade ($150 to win $100) linebacker Lance Briggs this weekend. The odds say that Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith will be selected in the third or fourth round. If you think Smith will be taken in the first round, you can win $1,200 on a $100 bet. Bodog also listed Antonio Pittman of Ohio State as the running back favorite to be taken by the Buffalo Bills, and that the Dolphins probably will draft a quarterback in the second round. Redskins changes The rumor has been circulating for more than a month now that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder plans to hire a new personnel director to work with head coach Joe Gibbs after the draft. Bobby DePaul, Jerry Angelos right-hand man in Chicago, has been mentioned the most because he and Gibbs are friendly and could work together. 49ers defense It appears that San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan will choose between Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker, who is a better fit for a 3-4 defense, or Mississippi inside linebacker Patrick Willis. Both players figure to be still available when the 49ers are on the clock with the 11th overall pick. Teams interested in Calvin The teams most interested in selecting Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson appear to be Tampa Bay, Denver and Atlanta. It appears unlikely the Bucs will trade up from the fourth spot to acquire Johnson, but the Broncos and Falcons are considering making a move if Johnson isnt taken by the Raiders. Johnson would be an unbelievable weapon with Denver quarterback Jay Cutlers strong arm. Ginn perfect for Packers When Green Bay won its last Super Bowl, the MVP of the game was kick returner Desmond Howard. There is no question that Ohio States Ted Ginn, Jr. is the best returner in this draft, plus he could give Brett Favre a great deep threat. Ginn has a bad ankle right now, but he is expected to be 100 percent for training camp. Ginn is expected to be on the board when Green Bay picks 16th in the first round. Lions and QBs For past couple of months, Lions GM Matt Millen has sounded determined to trade out of the second overall spot, believing that his team needs multiple picks in this draft and next year to raise the level of talent in Detroit, and make the Lions competitive in the shaky NFC North. However, the Lions seem to be one of the teams in need of a quality quarterback. I hope they do pass on Russell or Brady Quinn in this draft, said one NFC general manager. They are a lot easier to beat with Jon Kitna and Dan Orlovsky as their quarterbacks. Its like Mike Martz has convinced Matt that they can win without a big-time quarterback. 11 Comments Moss may matter in this draft