http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/2831 Recent articles about Shawne Merriman en-us Could this be true at all? I don't know what the logic behind this is at all but whatever! Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:25:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294636 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294636 The San Diego Chargers, knowing they have a limited window of opportunity to win championships, have always been an organization that looks out for their own. That trend continued yesterday, as the Bolts inked star defensive end Luis Castillo to an extension through 2014. With stars like Antonio Cromartie, Shawne Merriman and Philip Rivers just [...] Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:52:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294605 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294605 According to ESPN's Scouts, Inc., the Cowboys have the strongest linebacking corps in the NFL.  It would be hard to argue with that assessment with people like DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis and Zach Thomas in the ranks.  Consider the year Bradie James and Akin Ayodele had last year, the Cowboys certainly do have wealth at the position. Ayodele left during the offseason due to one of the many trades with Miami, but with other potential starters available such as Anthony Spencer, Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett, he will hardly be missed.  What do you think, fans, do we have the best LB's in the league?  The Chargers came in second on this deal with the two Shawns, Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, but other than these two, they aren't nearly as deep as Dallas at the position.  Not many teams are for that matter, except maybe last year's Patriots, but they're getting a little long-in-the-tooth, especially Bruschi and Vrable, which is why they drafted three very good college LB's.  I'm also willing to bet that the secondary will get high rankings, possibly the highest, this year.  Combine that with a veteran defensive line and you have all the makings for a great defensive team.  Isn't it said that defense is what wins championships,  just ask the Giants or Bears.  The Cowboys should, and I emphasise the word SHOULD, have one of the best defenses in the league this year, which could take them farther than they've been in the last decade or so. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:08:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291760 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291760 Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, Brian Dawkins, and Lito Sheppard. Pretty star-studded group wouldn't you agree? With the new addition of Samuel, the All-Pro cornerback, and Hall of Fame bound Brian Dawkins this group is stacked. The potential for this secondary is unlike any Eagles secondary that I can ever remember. But after naming all these players there is one more. The starting strong safety Quintin Mikell is left out of the picture. He is not a star, a pro-bowler, or a future Hall of Fame inductee. Quintin Mikell burst on the scene last year when the Eagles finally decided to pull the plug on the Sean Considine experiment. One that didn't last a long time. Mikell started to make plays immediatley. You all remember the play where Mikell sprawled out in the air and leaped on Jon Kitna in week three against Detroit. If you ask me, it was a spitting image of Brian Dawkins. Mikell has an absolute perfect opportunity in front of him. With this superstar secondary he has his work cut out for him and he will have to show the coaching staff that he has a "twinkle" about him too. But I am sure Mikell doesn't just want to twinkle, he wants to shine. With quarterbacks focused on keeping the ball away from playmakers like Brian Dawkins and Asante Samuel or ballhawks like Lito Sheppard, Mikell will be able to creep up and make huge plays. He will be tested a lot this year. Can he live up to the challenge? The starting strong safety position is his to lose this offseason. The real question is can Quintin Mikell not only keep his starting spot on the defense but can he shine among the brighter stars in the secondary? Well, you know I think he can, but that is a question that will be answered come September. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:54:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285913 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285913 2007 was supposed to be the year for the San Diego Chargers… supposed to be. Following a 1-3 start, many questioned the team, especially that first overall pick for many fantasy football owners, LaDanian Tomlinson. It's hard to believe, but Tomlinson had a whopping 130 rushing yards entering week 4. He proceeded to total 132 rushing yards in that game, leading many to believe he was back on top. Congratulations to those of you who bought low early, knowing that Tomlinson wouldn't stay quiet throughout the season. However, week 5, Tomlinson was back to his early season ways, rushing for only 67 yards against a Denver Broncos team the Chargers beat by 38 points. Again, congratulations to those of you who bought low. The reason why?... Tomlinson finished the season with 1474 yards, 19 total touchdowns (including the one he threw), 60 receptions, and 475 receiving yards. Further, the massive stretch run weeks 14-16, likely carried many of his owners to the fantasy football championship. I'm pretty sure Webster's Dictionary has placed a picture of LT next to the word "stud". As for the rest of the Chargers, quarterback Phillip Rivers was a bit of a... Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:14:55 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284907 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284907 I loved Prisco's top 50, but there were definite faults in it.  Even though he did a great job tackling the Brady v. Manning topic, some of his picks were, how do you say, questionable.  Here is my attempt at naming the top 50 players in the NFL.  With 1696 players on the active roster, cutting it down to 50 is tough, but here I go. 1. Tom Brady/QB/New England Patriots (Prisco Ranking-1): Ugh.  I hate this.  I hate putting Brady at number one.  50 touchdown passes does qualify him for this spot though.  This doesn't feel right.  Do I have to put Patriots players on my list? 2. Peyton Manning/QB/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-2): Ah, this feels better.  Manning in his downyear through for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, got his team a first-round bye while missing his top wide receiver for most of the year.  Scary to think of what he can do with the whole team in his "great" years. 3. Randy Moss/WR/New England Patriots (Prisco-4): When he's not bumping traffic cops, he's pushing off of cornerbacks and safeties to break the receiving touchdowns in a season record (although that title is complete bogus).  He should do well again this year, but not 20+ touchdowns. 4. LaDanian Tomlinson/RB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-3): LDT is a Hall of Fame running back, but there are other backs in the league that are catching up to him.  Tomlinson can do it all: run, catch, and even pass.  He's the definition of an all-around back. 5. Bob Sanders/S/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-7): Sanders is definitely the best defender in the league.  No other defensive player changes a game in the way that Sanders does.  We've all seen what the Colts did on defense in 2007 as opposed to the Sanders-less 2006. 6. Jared Allen/DE/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-12): Legal matters aside, Allen has moved into the category of a healthy Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney as the game's premier pass rushers.  He got 15.5 sacks in 14 games last year.  It is crazy to put him out of the top 10. 7. Antonio Cromartie/CB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-NR): I have no idea how Antonio Cromartie was not ranked by Prisco.  Cromartie led the league in interceptions, returned a missed field goal for a touchdown, and he recovered 2 fumbles.  He was definitely the best corner in the league last year. 8. Adrian Peterson/RB/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-15): Peterson exploded onto the scene last season, running for over 1300 yards, leading the league in rushing yards per game, and taking home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 9. DeMarcus Ware/OLB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-9): Last season, Ware had the best season of his career.  He had career-highs in sacks and tackles, and he is only going to improve. 10. Walter Jones/OT/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-16): Even though the Seahawks have no offensive weapons, the Seahawks have a top 10 offense.  How is it possible?  This man is the reason why. 11. Nnamdi Asomugha/CB/Oakland Raiders (Prisco-29) 12. Brian Westbrook/RB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-20) 13. Reggie Wayne/WR/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-22) 14. Steve Hutchinson/OG/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-19) 15. Albert Haynesworth/DT/Tennessee Titans (Prisco-14) 16. Terrell Owens/WR/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-13) 17. Jeff Saturday/C/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-NR) 18. Champ Bailey/CB/Denver Broncos (Prisco-5) 19. Shawne Merriman/OLB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-11) 20. Kevin Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-10) 21. Dwight Freeney/DE/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-25) 22. Ed Reed/S/Baltimore Ravens (Prisco-23) 23. Jason Peters/OT/Buffalo Bills (Prisco-27) 24. Richard Seymour/DE/New England Patriots (Prisco-30) 25. Braylon Edwards/WR/Cleveland Browns (Prisco-34) 26. Devin Hester/RS/Chicago Bears (Prisco-50) 27. Andre Johnson/WR/Houston Texans (Prisco-26) 28. Chad Johnson/WR/Cincinnati Bengals (Prisco-28) 29. Asante Samuel/CB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-37) 30. Patrick Willis/MLB/San Francisco 49ers (Prisco-43) 31. Antonio Gates/TE/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-24) 32. Osi Umenyiora/DE/New York Giants (Prisco-42) 33. Tony Romo/QB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-NR) 34. Tony Gonzalez/TE/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-46) 35. Steven Jackson/RB/St. Louis Rams (Prisco-33) 36. Patrick Kerney/DE/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-NR) 37. Mario Williams/DE/Houston Texans (Prisco-6) 38. Ernie Sims/OLB/Detroit Lions (Prisco-39) 39. Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-31) 40. Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Pittsburgh Steelers (Prisco-17) 41. Lofa Tatupa/MLB/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-40) 42. Adrian Wilson/S/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-NR) 43. Shawn Andrews/OG/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-38) 44. Tommie Harris/DT/Chicago Bears (Prisco-36) 45. Pat Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-NR) 46. Aaron Kampman/DE/Green Bay Packers (Prisco-45) 47. Drew Brees/QB/New Orleans Saints (Prisco-35) 48. Brian Urlacher/MLB/Chicago Bears (Prisco-32) 49. Larry Johnson/RB/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-NR) 50. Plaxico Burress/WR/New York Giants (Prisco-NR) Unranked Players On My List That Are On Prisco's List: Carson Palmer (8) Charles Woodson (18) Steve Smith (21) Vince Wilfork (41) Kellen Winslow (44) Marcus Trufant (47) Wes Welker (48) Fred Taylor (49) Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:49:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284878 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284878 Wes Welker, WR of the New England Patriots, said that he was disappointed that they could not resign Asante Samuel. He said that when signing with the Eagles he chose money over championships. Samuel has two championships already as Welker has zero. So what is Welker saying about the Eagles? Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:39:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283849 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283849 Pete Prisco of CBS Sportsline really likes the Vikings.  He placed four members of the Purple in his rankings of the Top 50 players in the NFL.  Actually, the four all placed in the top 20.  You can probably guess the names.  Here's the complete top 20 with the Vikes in bold: Tom Brady Peyton Manning LaDainian Tomlinson (I'm assuming this is regular season only) Randy Moss Champ Bailey Mario Williams (yeah, picking him over Reggie Bush was a real mistake) Bob Sanders Carson Palmer DeMarcus Ware Kevin Williams Shawne Merriman (still has whiplash from AD running by him) Jared Allen Terrell Owens Albert Haynesworth Adrian Peterson Walter Jones Ben Roethlisberger Charles Woodson Steve Hutchinson Brian Westbrook So we know where we're good - defensive line and running game.  Pete Prisco and Dr. Z are official Friends of the Purple. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:54:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283591 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283591 Asante Samuel. Where to start? Well his 16 interceptions in the last two seasons leads the NFL. Two years ago he recorded 10 interceptions to lead the NFL. Not to mention he intercepted A.J. Feeley twice (one for a touchdown) in the regular season last year which was a fight to the finish between Philadelphia and New England. So why are critics still debating whether he should work out on the Eagles? The word is that he cannot cover a receiver one on one. He was a zone cover specialist, not man. The Eagles defense is based on man coverage which is not the system Samuel was in while he played for the Patriots. Many say that he will get beat in man coverage because he has never had to play man before. So will Asante Samuel fall off the map in Philadelphia, or will he prove critics wrong? Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:29:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278231 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278231 Defensive end is one of the most important positions on your defense. Look at the New York Giants and how they won the Superbowl. Pressure, pressure, and more pressure. Something Tom Brady is not used to seeing much of. So with that being said, here are the teams who benefit most from having a scary tandem at defensive end. 10. Kyle Vanden Bosch & Jevon Kearse: The unpredictable outcome of Jevon Kearse's return to Tennessee after a horrific showing in Philadelphia for the past 4 seasons pushes the Titan's tandem to ten. 9. Elvis Dumervil & John Engelberger: The Denver Broncos have a young star emerging on the line in Elvis Dumervil. Dumervil had a breakout season last year recording 12.5 sacks, 4 fumbles forced, and 1 interception. The problem is, the Broncos will have a position battle for the left defensive end spot. John Engelberger started last year but Jarvis Moss will be fighting for playing time and so will Tim Crowder, two young guys waiting to jump in and shine. Until they have an established left end, I cannot move them up the list. 8. Adewale Ogunleye & Mark Anderson: The two Chicago ends helped anchor a defense that pushed this team to a Superbowl appearance just two seasons ago. The defense took a step back last year and did not have the type of season that we are used to seeing from a Bear's defense. Ogunleye and Anderson each had an alright season, but not to potential. 7. Will Smith & Charles Grant: The New Orleans Saints are not especially known for their defense, but Smith and Grant want to make us believe otherwise. With the help of a revamped front 7 (additions of Jonathan Vilma and Sedrick Ellis) this tandem should be expected to do big things in 2008. 6. Mario Williams & Anthony Weaver: The first overall pick was a mistake right? Reggie Bush was the obvious pick right? Wrong. Dead wrong. Super Mario collected 14 sacks this past season and showed everyone that Houston made the right choice. But because of the lopsided sack count, as Weaver had 0 sacks, they must be placed 6th. Not to be disappointed, they'll get better with experience. 5. Patrick Kerney & Darryl Tapp: The Seahawks pass rush brings two different skill sets to the line. Strength and speed. Patrick Kerney's brute strength gets him to the quarterback. He recorded 14.5 sacks this past season, 2nd in the NFL. Darryl Tapp brings speed and versatility to the line in Seattle. At age 23, he tallied 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Don't expect rest from these two, they bring it every single down. 4. Aaron Kampman & Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila: These two Green Bay stars are a bit overlooked by the football world. All the hype is on Brett Favre, but with his recent departure, it'll be up to the defense to get it done. Just check the stats, Kampman and KGB are the real deal. 3. Trent Cole & Chris Clemons: The Philadelphia Eagles are known for their offensive and defensive line play in the Andy Reid era. After Derrick Burgess departed to Oakland and Jevon Kearse did not pan out, Trent Cole has stepped in and been a force. His breakout numbers last season( 12.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles) showed he is among the elite pass rushers in the NFL. Clemons played for Oakland but his numbers don't lie. This 24 year old decided to breakout the same year as Cole with 8 sacks 2. Osi Umenyiora & Justin Tuck: With Michael Strahan's recent retirement, the Giants have a new look to their defensive line. Expect Osi to take a lot of double teams, but expect Tuck to explode. Tuck recorded 10 sacks last year and is good enough to step in and make an impact. Do not expect him to fill Strahan's shoes, but expect him to play very well in New York. 1. Jared Allen & Kenechi Udeze: Jared Allen is arguably the best defensive end in the NFL today. He lead the NFL in sacks last season and will be added to the Vikings stacked defensive line. With the Williams' brothers in the middle and Allen on the end, expect Udeze to have a big impact as a lot of focus will be off of him. These two hold the number one spot for the best defensive end tandem in the NFL for the 2008 season. Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:06:40 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278076 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278076 Jackson is rediculously fast and was a big time playmaker at University of Cal. I would be surprised if he did not play on special teams as the kick returner and punt returner. But there is still a question that lingers in my head. Will he be placed in the slot at wide receiver from day one? I would love to see him get on the field and make plays from the slot. This is given we do not aquire another receiver, which I still think we pull some type of deal a lot like the Donte Stallworth deal back in 2006. If we were to aquire another receiver the lineup would most likley be that receiver, Reggie Brown, and Kevin Curtis in the slot. But even if we do pick up another receiver does DeSean Jackson see offensive playing time? Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:37:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278054 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278054 Ryan Clady finished his college career a Bronco and will begin his pro career a Bronco. He was drafted in the first round (12th overall) from Boise State. He will step away from the blue turf in Idaho to start as offensive tackle and protect Jay Cutler's blind spot. Here is Clady's Q&A session that took place last weekend: What was it like being drafted? RC: It didn't feel like it was really happening to me. I was happy to be coming to Denver because it has some of the same characteristics as Boise. An outdoor town, nice weather, friendly people.   Now that you're a professional, how will you be spending your money? RC: I'll take care of my family. Maybe invest in some real estate. What do you do with your free time? RC: I sleep, listen to music, watch T.V. I like my downtime, but you don't get much in the NFL.  Will it be difficult for you to adjust to playing on a green field? RC: Naw, we practiced on green turf at Boise State. We only played on the blue field for games.  Who were your football and non-football heroes growing up?  RC: Warren Sapp and my father.  What NFL players do you compare yourself to at your position? RC: Guys with good quick feet…Walter Jones (Seattle Seahawks OT).  Which players are you looking forward to playing against? RC: Shawne Merriman. As a rookie, what's it like playing for coach Shanahan? RC: He's a great coach. I liked him as soon as I met him. What's your main goal in the NFL? RC: To win a Super Bowl. What can I say. He was all business. Short with his answers and portrayed a no nonsense personality. Perfect for a guy who will be going up the likes of Merriman. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:40:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276781 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276781 The Eagles did not make the playoffs last year but according to this sportingnews.com article they are going to make it to the post season tournament this upcoming year. Read the article and comment on it Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:10:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275669 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275669 When I say Gang Green, I mean the defense. This year, the Eagles might have the best defense that they ever had in the Reid era. Not only that but they may have set up a situation in which they could have a great defense for many years to come. My reasons for saying these things are that our defensive line is so deep this year. There are, in my eyes, no question marks on the defensive line. We know what Trent Cole is capable of and we know what Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson can do together. Those 3 will only get better each year. Chris Clemons in my eyes is not a question mark, he is a stud. Playing for the raiders his first few years, he finally broke the mold and tallied 8 sacks this past season. At age 24, he seems like he is starting to understand the game and is only going to get better in a better system in Philadelphia. The backups are Juqua Parker who can provide big plays when he is called upon and Victor Abiamiri who will get worked in occasionally and make plays. The reason I think that the backups, or role players if you would like to call them that, will make big plays is because they are surrounded by talent. The veterans like Cole and Patterson will take them under their wing and teach them a thing or two and help them through the early years of their career. Bryan Smith, a 3rd round draft pick this year, is very fast and physical and he can make plays early in his career, and mold for the future as well. With all that pressure on the quarterback, it only makes the backfield play better. A backfield which consists of Asante Samuel, Brian Dawkins, Lito Sheppard (as of now), and Sheldon Brown. If they get a lot of help from the defensive line they will all be able to make plays and get turnovers, a statistic that the Eagles lacked last year. Now we move to the linebackers. This is the reason that I think our defense can be good for a long time in the future. Omar Gaither, Stewart Bradley, Akeem Jordan, and Chris Gocong. Who? Unless you are an Eagles fan that is the question you are probably asking. Well after cutting Takeo Spikes this offseason the Eagles turned the reigns over to these four youngsters. Many think that they aren't experienced enough to take this big of a role this early in their career. I think opposite. There is so much talent in the backfield and on the line that this is the perfect time for these guys to start learning and maturing. The offense will not be completely focused on stopping the linebackers from making plays. In fact, the offense might try to pick on the linebackers and that may be a problem early on but it will give them a challenge to overcome and make them better. But with that being said, all the focus is on stopping Trent Cole and throwing away from Samuel. The linebackers can surprise the offense by sneaking up and making plays when no one thinks they are capable of doing so Stewart Bradley, 6'4 255, recorded a sack and an interception in his first career start against the New Orleans Saints last year. He also helped on a huge goal line stand and looked very elusive on the defensive side of the ball. Jordan looked very good too. Fast and physical. Gaither and Gocong started last year so they are the ones who will be teaching the younger linebackers. Gaither said that Bradley takes in information faster than anyone he has ever played with. He also said he reminds him of Brian Urlacher with his size and speed. Don't get me wrong here I am not saying he is the next Urlacher, but I believe he will be a good player. After a few seasons, when most of the veterans have passed on, the defense will be anchored by this young corps of linebackers. They will then be mature, veteran linebackers and will know eachother very well. From that point on, the Eagles can build around the linebackers and have a very good defense for a long time. Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:53:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275395 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275395 2005 had its share of stars in the 1st round but also had a handful of busts check to see where your teams pick did............. 1. Alex Smith, quarterback, 49ers: When the first overall pick is competing three years later with Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan for the starting job, that's by definition a BUST. 2. Ronnie Brown, running back, Dolphins: After a so-so first year, Brown has been solid. A torn ACL derailed his opportunity to have a strong third year. Though he hasn't lived up to the billing of the No. 2 overall pick, we're not yet ready to call him a bust. (But we could be after 2008.) 3. Braylon Edwards, receiver, Browns: Edward is becoming one of the best receivers in the league. Clearly, not a bust. 4. Cedric Benson, running back, Bears: He's been a disappointment on the field, and his arrest conjures memories of past incidents in college. Without question, he's a BUST. 5. Cadillac Williams, running back, Buccaneers: Williams made a huge splash as a rookie, but can't stay healthy. After rupturing a patellar tendon in 2007, he might not play again. If he does, he might never be the same. Based on his top-five selection, he's a BUST. 6. Pacman Jones, cornerback, Titans: BUST 7. Troy Williamson, receiver, Vikings: We once tried to throw Williamson a compliment, but he dropped that, too. BUST. 8. Antrel Rolle, cornerback, Cardinals: When a cornerback might be shifted to safety at only age 25, it's not because he's a great cornerback. BUST. 9. Carlos Rogers, cornerback, Redskins: He's on the path to being declared a bust. We'll give him one more year. 10. Mike Williams, receiver, Lions: Maybe he wouldn't have been a BUST if the Lions had made him an offensive lineman. 11. DeMarcus Ware, linebacker, Cowboys: A 2006 Pro Bowl + a 2007 Pro Bowl = not a bust. 12. Shawne Merriman, linebacker, Chargers: He could still be a bust if he gets suspended again for steroids (or blown up on a regular basis by a pint-sized running back); for now, though, Merriman is clearly not a bust. 13. Jammal Brown, tackle, Saints: The Pro Bowler in 2006 slipped a bit last year, and the Saints were rumored to be shopping him. Still, he's not a bust. 14. Thomas Davis, safety/linebacker, Panthers: He's not spectacular, but he started 16 games in 2007. Not a bust. 15. Derrick Johnson, linebacker, Chiefs: Johnson made a splash as a rookie and hasn't taken it quite to the next level in two years since, but he's not a bust. 16. Travis Johnson, defensive tackle, Texans: When the biggest hit of your career is one that you unknowingly put on a quarterback's head with your knee, you might be a redneck. And a BUST. 17. David Pollack, linebacker, Bengals: Though he was on his way to becoming a great player, a neck injury ended his career early in his second season. Unfortunately, he must be declared a BUST. 18. Erasmus James, defensive end, Vikings: Knee problems have slowed his development, but barring injury to Jared Allen and Ray Edwards (and maybe Brian Robison), James won't be a starter in his fourth season. BUST. 19. Alex Barron, offensive tackle, Rams: The Rams wouldn't have been dreaming of Jake Long sliding to No. 2 if they thought that Barron was the long-term solution on the left side, or the right. BUST. 20. Marcus Spears, defensive end, Cowboys: Yeah, he has been a three-year starter. But he was rumored to be on the trading block earlier this year, and his impact hasn't reflected his stature as one of the top 20 players in the draft. BUST. 21. Matt Jones, receiver, Jaguars: This much-hyped quarterback-turned-receiver isn't very good, and doesn't seem to care. The Jags would have been wise to let him play quarterback — for another team. BUST. 22. Mark Clayton, receiver, Ravens: The thinking in NFL circles is that a player destined to be a high-end receiver performs like one by his third NFL season. For his third season, Clayton had 49 catches for 531 yards, and no touchdowns. BUST. 23. Fabian Washington, cornerback, Raiders: Being traded for a fourth-round pick after only three seasons automatically qualifies him for BUST status. 24. Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, Packers: He has looked good when he's gotten a chance to play, but the jury is out on whether he's a bust. Get back to us in a year. 25. Jason Campbell, quarterback, Redskins: Campbell is on his way to becoming a solid starter, and could evolve into one of the better signal-callers in the conference. Not a bust. 26. Chris Spencer, center, Seahawks: If he'd been taken higher, Spencer might qualify for strong consideration as a bust. But he started every game in 2005, and the Seahawks have gotten decent value out of him. Close, but not a bust. 27. Roddy White, receiver, Falcons: White was on his way to being a bust after his first two years. He broke out in 2007, which coincidentally was his first season without catching one-hoppers from Mike Vick. Not a bust. 28. Luis Castillo, defensive tackle, Chargers: Solid defensive linemen despite some injuries. Not a bust. 29. Marlin Jackson, defensive back, Colts: Steady but unspectacular Tampa Two corner. He might be another Jason David in a defense that requires him to cover wideouts down the field. But his performance allowed the Colts let guys like David walk away. Not a bust. 30. Heath Miller, tight end, Virginia: The Steelers arguably reached on a guy who wasn't healthy in the months leading up to the draft. They ended up with a solid tight end. Not a bust. 31. Mike Patterson, defensive tackle, Eagles: The Philly chapter of PFT Planet will revolt if we were to call Patterson a bust. Not a bust. 32. Logan Mankins, offensive lineman, Patriots: Solid contributor on the offensive line. Besides, we can't call anyone who paid $7,500 for the privilege of punching a guy in the crotch a bust. Thu, 08 May 2008 07:30:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/264689 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/264689