Raiders need a QB, but Flynn isn't the answer

The Oakland Raider's are close to completing a deal with the Seattle Seahawks that would send an Oakland draft pick in 2013 and 2014 to Seattle for their backup quarterback Matt Flynn, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. You may recall during last year's off season, the buzz surrounding the then Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn and who was going to sign him. Teams were so high on this guy and I never understood why. He only had two impressive games up to that point. Seattle signed him to a three year $26 million deal in 2012 and he lost the starting job to rookie Russell Wilson during the preseason. Flynn is a backup quarterback, plain and simple. The Raiders would be making a mistake by giving up draft picks for a backup quarterback when they should be using those draft picks to try and help rebuild their horrid roster. Cut Carson Palmer and draft a quarterback. Heck, sign Kevin Kolb if you have to (just don't overpay). But don't give up draft picks for a backup quarterback, you already have one in Terrell Pryor.

Teams can't win in March

Spending money during free agency doesn't guarantee on-field success. Just ask the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles. This year the Miami Dolphins have made the most noise in free agency overpaying for Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe, and Phillip Wheeler. In all they've made some good acquisitions but I don't believe this team will be a threat in 2013. Ryan Tannehill is still learning and hasn't reached that next level in terms of his play. The team also has a glaring hole at the running back position after Reggie Bush signed with Detroit, left tackle with Jake Long a member of the Rams, and cornerback with the loss of Sean Smith to Kansas City. The Dolphins are the second best team in the AFC East behind the Patriots, however they're not yet a playoff contender. Teams can't win in March!

Who is the favorite to represent AFC in Super Bowl XLVIII?

The Denver Broncos are the "team to beat" in the AFC and the favorite to reach the Super Bowl come the 2013 season. The Broncos signed Wes Welker today to a two year deal. When you consider the fact that Peyton Manning, a future first ballot hall of famer, already has two of the best young wide receivers in the league in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker and then throw Welker in the slot... that's going to be the league's most dangerous passing attack. Denver also signed guard Louis Vasquez to help sure up their offensive line. The Broncos are having a great offseason thus far having signed key players without losing any important names. They do still have needs at running back, linebacker, and corner but those needs can be addressed in the draft and through out the rest of free agency. As of now, Denver is the team to beat in the AFC.

49ers respond to Seahawks trade, acquire Anquan Boldin

After Seattle traded for Percy Harvin, division rival San Francisco responded sending a 2013 sixth round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Boldin, 32 years old, was bound to be released by Baltimore after refusing to take a pay cut but instead of having to test free agency his head coach John Harbaugh traded him to his brother, Jim, for a sixth round pick in this year's draft. A good move by San Fran because they need help at the receiver position, there's not much depth behind Michael Crabtree. Boldin will be able to come in and be a reliable target for the young Colin Kaepernick.

Minnesota Vikings' Percy Harvin traded to Seattle Seahawks

The Minnesota Vikings traded diva Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks in return for a 2013 first and seventh round pick and a 2014 mid round pick, according to NFL.com.
Boy, as if the Seahawks weren't on the rise enough, now they add one of the league's elite play makers. Harvin, despite is diva-ish behavior, is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Whether he's lined up in the backfield, the slot, on the perimeter, or as a return man on special teams he's always a threat to take it to the house. The Seahawks put themselves in an even better position to challenge the 49ers for the NFC West in 2013 after this trade.

Brady is all about winning

Tom Brady's recent contract agreement with the Patriots really shows what's most important to him is winning. Brady's three year extension is worth $27 million and will give the Patriots more room under the salary cap. This will likely lead to the signing of his best bud and go to guy Wes Welker. With the increased cap space the Pats can lock up some of their free agents and/or dip into the free agency market and try to catch a big name. Like Dwayne Bowe or Mike Wallace.

This isn't the first time Brady has taken a pay cut to help his team, he did it back in 2005. There aren't enough players like Brady; taking less money to help his team stay in contention. That's a true professional.

NFL Combine preview

The annual NFL Scouting Combine, held at Lucas Oil Stadium, coverage starts on Saturday, February 23 and lasts until Tuesday February 26 and is aired on the NFL Network. For me the off season is better than the regular season and no, I'm not crazy. Free agency and the draft process are very exciting and enjoyable. Researching players, seeing their strengths and weaknesses, what team may select which player, reading the draft "experts" analysis, and the list goes on. The combine tests the players' physical and mental attributes. Every year there are players to watch for who have been doubted and criticized, told they can't make it in the pros. Or players who had issues off the field that have hurt their draft status. And 2013 is no different.

Here are my Top 5 players to watch for:
Manti Te'o- linebacker, Notre Dame- After all the buzz and criticism surrounding Te'o and the "catfish" hoax, people are quick to say he isn't a first round talent. I strongly disagree but, still, Te'o will need a strong all around combine performance to persuade scouts.
Tyrann Mathieu- cornerback, LSU- The man nicknamed the "Honey Badger," for his ferocious and fearless play, had issues with drugs that got him kicked off the Tigers football team and checked into rehabilitation. His character along with his small frame (5'9" 178lbs) has scouts doubting his abilities. I believe he's a third or fourth round talent but he needs to prove that to the scouts and GMs in Indy.
Denard Robinson- wide receiver, Michigan- Robinson was a record setting quarterback for the Wolverines until last season when he was converted to runningback and wide receiver. He's got the speed to be a receiver, that's for sure. But it's about more than speed. Scouts question his hands and ability to play the position. I think he's a sixth or seventh round pick. He can't afford to drop many balls at the combine.
Marcus Lattimore- runningback, South Carolina- Lattimore is a force at running back when healthy. After suffering a gruesome knee injury last season Lattimore recently said that NFL team doctors will be "shocked" by his progress, so obviously team personnel are going to have their eyes on that knee during drills. And with Eddie Lacy out, a strong showing at the combine would do wonders for Lattimore's draft stock.
Ezekiel Ansah- defensive end, BYU- While Ansah hasn't been criticized or had any troubles, he's a freakish athlete who's going to be drafted in the first round despite having so little football experience. He's very raw and when the scouts see how fast he runs and how high he jumps, plus the game tape, he's a sure-fire first rounder. I can't wait to see this guy's workouts.