Chat with Chris Mortensen
Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen will stop by to take your questions on the NFL Draft, the upcoming season, free agent moves and much more.
Send your questions now and join Mort in The Show, Wed. at noon ET!
SportsNation ShowGirl: Mort will be here shortly, send in those questions now!
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Hey folks. Let's go.
Daniel (Athens, Ga): Chris, everyone talks about how now that teams have drafted first round receivers that some QBs now have no excuse (Harrington & Boller). Isn't there a severe learning curve for rookie WRs? Don't the QBs have to have time for the WRs to be effective?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, yes, there is some degree of truth to what you're saying, but I think that we're talking about adding talented young receivers to a group of some experienced receivers. For Boller, it should be a little bit easier b/c they've brought in a vet in Mason and they've got Todd Heap and a power RB in Jamal Lewis so when you add Mark Clayton to the mix, it certianly gives him the opportunity to perform at a higher level. Harrington has it a bit more difficult -- except that he's been in the year for another year. Charles Rogers is basically a rookie while Roy Williams has only one year and then you add an incoming rookie. Yes, the learning curve WRs is one of the most difficult for any new rookie.
Jimmy (Maryland): Hi Mort. The Ravens did not draft any secondary help, so does that signal the return of Deion?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well they did sign Samari who replaces Gary Baxter who left for Cleveland. That was a huge pickup. There are some indicators that Deion will return ... there will still be some more transactions across the league before -- and even AFTER -- training camp.
Chris Columbus GA: Is the combination of Roddy White and Peerless Price a significant 1- 2 punch? Would it worry you if you had to gameplan against the Falcons?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I would hardly call it a significant 1-2 punch since Roddy has never stepped on an NFL field. The passing plan will get better as Michael Vick logs another year in this system. The Falcon's passing woes were not all related to the receivers, it can also be attributed to Vick's inexperience in a new system.
Marty (NY): Are Kicker ever supposed to be taken before the 7th round? How'd my Jets do overall?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, the Nugent selection makes perfect sense. You have a team in the Jets that you can make the argument that had Doug Brien kicked some field goals when they really needed them, they could have been playing for the AFC Championship and a shot at the Super Bowl. By all accounts, Nugent is an elite prospect. I thought the Jets did pretty well, especially upgrading their secondary, however, there are still concerns about their O-line.
Darius (Oakland): Mort, it seems the consensus that Dallas had a pretty good draft. With that said, did it suprise you that they did not draft a reciever who could help now? Do they need to sign another one before the season starts?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, as we have noted many times, the odds against a receiver stepping in and having an impact are long. So, the Cowboys accomplished their goals of upgrading their defense. Parcells knows that he's not really going to be able to chase a championship until his defense takes a big leap forward.
Fraser (Toronto): Mort, with the addition of Ronnie Brown and another year under A.J. Feeley's belt, will Miami's offence be any good or is the oline going to cripple their production?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, the Phins O-line got its greatest boost when Saban hired Hudson Houck away from the Chargers. Do I expect this offense to be sensational? Absolutely not. But I do believe that O-Coordinator Scott Linehen will find a way to move the ball and certainly be more productive than they were a year ago. Ronnie Brown was a really good pick up.
Chuck (Tulsa): Mort, the Bears have improved their offensive line and added a 25 carry back in Benson. Can Grossman be efficient enough in the passing game to keep 8 out of the box?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: That's a good question, Grossman showed some signs that he was coming along nicely, then he got hurt. I think that's why it was so important that the Bears signed Muhammad and added Mark Clayton -- a pick I really like. Plus, Cedric Benson will attract some attention as good runners always do.
Jason (Stuart, FL): Why didn't the Eagles package their picks to move up in the draft? Couldn't they have tried to move up when Derrick Johnson or Mike Williams slipped?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: No, they didn't have enough to go high enough to get Mike WIlliams. I've heard that they did try to move up to get their top rated receiver -- Mark Clayton -- but nobody was willing to trade with them. It also was unfortunate for them that Jax grabbed Matt Jones b/c I've heard more than one O-Coord or personnel man say that in a couple of years, Matt Jones could be a cross btwn T.O. AND Randy Moss. But I wouldn't worry about your Eagles too much, Jason. They are going to be just fine.
Jeremy (Staunton): Mort, is the Travis Henry-Eagles deal dead with the drafting of Ryan Moats? Or are the birds planning something big?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I think the Eagles are on a wait-and-see basis. I think they'll want to get a feel for Ryan Moats once they have him in camp and if they are uneasy, I could see them putting something together for Travis Henry.
Kyle (Cincinnati): Hey Mort! After the selection of David Pollack, Odell Thurman, and Chris Henry do you think that Kevin Hardy, Nate Webster and Peter Warrick are on their way out?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I'm not sure who is on their way out, but somebody is in Cincy! If I were a Bengals fan, I'd be pretty excited. The key is, how fast Marvin Lewis can get this young defense to play at a higher level. If it takes a big step forward this season, I really believe the Bengals can challenge anybody in the AFC in 2005.
George (Seattle, Washington): Do you think that Alex Smith will be able to start right away for SF? What will happen to Ken Dorsey and Cody Pickett?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: No, the 9ers would certainly like Alex to grasp their offense quick enough to step in right away, but that could be a ltitle unrealistic. If you talk with his college coach Urban Meyer, Alex is one of those guys who is so smart and so analytical that, in some ways, it actually keeps him from jumping out of the box quickly b/c of his reluctance to make mistakes. But, as soon as Alex ''gets it'' he'll be ready to roll.
Dan, Work: With the steroids hearing taking place in Congress, what was the Commissioners response to San Diego taking Castillio in the 1st rd? Will the NFL put policies in place to prevent future draft prospects who cheat to be rewarded with big contracts?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I guess, the idea is implementing some sort of punative entry-level restraints is possible -- but unlikely. Castillo, himself, has volunteered to pay back his signing bonus if he ever tests positive again and he is now subject to up to 20 random tests per year for the rest of his career. He also provided all of his medical drug testing history, which did not show prior steroid use. Now, whether or not he was beating the system, who knows? He happened to be a kid that everybody I've spoken with regarded as a very high character young man.
Denis( NY): With the drafting of Tuck. Will the G-men start playin a 3-4 defense. And what do you think of the back they got from Auburn.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: No, I have never heard of the Giants thinking of a 3-4. As for Jacobs, he is a really, really good pick up to me. He should help them tremendously in short-yardage and at the goal line. I imagine they may get pretty creative with him as an H-back possibility.
Erik (Cleveland): Mort, which undrafted rookie free agent do you see as having the best pro career. This year it seemed that the biggest surprise was those players that were not drafted.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I really have no idea, we have a tendancy to get stuck on the QB names like Jason White and Timmy Chang, but I will say this as an encouragement to those guys -- it seems like every Super Bowl, there are undrated free agents who are either starting or making significant contributions to their championship teams.
Greg(Madison, WI): What do you feel is Aaron Rodgers' biggest flaw that he must overcome to be successfull in the NFL?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I don't know that I could sit here and sight one thing. Sure there has been a lot of criticism about him carrying the ball too high. That argument has some legitimacy, but I think that a lot of ''experts'' have totally misinterpreted what Cal coach Jeff Tedford teaches with mechanics. All-in-all, it's a lot more sound than anybody has singlely led us to believe. Rodgers transition to the NFL is like any other young QB's -- it's very, very tough. A lot tougher than the pre-salary cap QBs had. Without continuity and stability on coaching staffs and rosters, QBs have a much tougher uphill climb.
Alex (Manchester, NH): I hate to question the Pats, but why draft Matt Leinarts backup QB in the 7th round? Overall how do you think the Champs made out?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, I actually liked what the Pats did especially with the O-line. I will agree that the drafting of Matt Cassel (Leinart's backup) was a headscratcher, but this is a guy that's got some very good physical tools, he's a pretty good athlete, he played behind two gifted QBs in Carson Palmer and Leinart, but, unlike Tom Brady, there's not any track record for us to draw any conclusions. But remember, he was a 7th Round pick.
Dan, Work: Has Gibb's finally found a QB, or will Theisman be getting a call soon?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I'm sure Theisman still thinks he can play! ... I like Jason Campbell, but he's still a rookie and we've already covered that ground. He offers a little more mobility than Patrick Ramsey and he's a little bit better on the touch passes, but Ramsey's arm is just as strong if not stronger, for whatever that's worth.
Joe D. (NYC): Mort, what's with the Bills? I thought when Donohoe came over from Pittsburgh the team was heading back to the early 90s' glory days, now it seems they're mired in mediocrity, especially with what has been labeled by many as a poor draft. What direction do you see this franchise moving in? Thanks!!
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, first of all Tom Donahoe drafted extremely well since he's been in Buffalo, so I"ll always give them the benefit of the doubt. It was frustrating not being able to move Travis Henry, but you can't ship somebody if you don't have a concrete offer. The Bills showed last season they were coming on strong and I am really, really high on Mike Mullarky as a coach. I'm also among those that believe you have to count J.P. Losman as part of this draft and that is a pretty good get for the 20th pick.
Andy (Portland): Is Matt Leinart a sure fire first pick next year?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Nothing is sure fire, Andy. Leinart will certainly come into the league with those expectations, but you're still talking about a guy who many scouts say has average armstrength, who throws more than his fair share of wobblers, and who has been surrounded by great talent at Southern Cal ... not to mention he's had some elbow problems. BUT, one thing that really encourages me about Matt Leinart is that he knows he has to get stronger to play at the next level. Remember, Jason White played in two national championship games and won a Heisman, too -- and where did it get HIM?? I personally will be rooting for Leinart b/c I really appreciated the reasons he stayed at Southern Cal.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Times up. Thanks for the questions. Catch you next time!
Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen will stop by to take your questions on the NFL Draft, the upcoming season, free agent moves and much more.
Send your questions now and join Mort in The Show, Wed. at noon ET!
SportsNation ShowGirl: Mort will be here shortly, send in those questions now!
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Hey folks. Let's go.
Daniel (Athens, Ga): Chris, everyone talks about how now that teams have drafted first round receivers that some QBs now have no excuse (Harrington & Boller). Isn't there a severe learning curve for rookie WRs? Don't the QBs have to have time for the WRs to be effective?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, yes, there is some degree of truth to what you're saying, but I think that we're talking about adding talented young receivers to a group of some experienced receivers. For Boller, it should be a little bit easier b/c they've brought in a vet in Mason and they've got Todd Heap and a power RB in Jamal Lewis so when you add Mark Clayton to the mix, it certianly gives him the opportunity to perform at a higher level. Harrington has it a bit more difficult -- except that he's been in the year for another year. Charles Rogers is basically a rookie while Roy Williams has only one year and then you add an incoming rookie. Yes, the learning curve WRs is one of the most difficult for any new rookie.
Jimmy (Maryland): Hi Mort. The Ravens did not draft any secondary help, so does that signal the return of Deion?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well they did sign Samari who replaces Gary Baxter who left for Cleveland. That was a huge pickup. There are some indicators that Deion will return ... there will still be some more transactions across the league before -- and even AFTER -- training camp.
Chris Columbus GA: Is the combination of Roddy White and Peerless Price a significant 1- 2 punch? Would it worry you if you had to gameplan against the Falcons?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I would hardly call it a significant 1-2 punch since Roddy has never stepped on an NFL field. The passing plan will get better as Michael Vick logs another year in this system. The Falcon's passing woes were not all related to the receivers, it can also be attributed to Vick's inexperience in a new system.
Marty (NY): Are Kicker ever supposed to be taken before the 7th round? How'd my Jets do overall?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, the Nugent selection makes perfect sense. You have a team in the Jets that you can make the argument that had Doug Brien kicked some field goals when they really needed them, they could have been playing for the AFC Championship and a shot at the Super Bowl. By all accounts, Nugent is an elite prospect. I thought the Jets did pretty well, especially upgrading their secondary, however, there are still concerns about their O-line.
Darius (Oakland): Mort, it seems the consensus that Dallas had a pretty good draft. With that said, did it suprise you that they did not draft a reciever who could help now? Do they need to sign another one before the season starts?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, as we have noted many times, the odds against a receiver stepping in and having an impact are long. So, the Cowboys accomplished their goals of upgrading their defense. Parcells knows that he's not really going to be able to chase a championship until his defense takes a big leap forward.
Fraser (Toronto): Mort, with the addition of Ronnie Brown and another year under A.J. Feeley's belt, will Miami's offence be any good or is the oline going to cripple their production?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, the Phins O-line got its greatest boost when Saban hired Hudson Houck away from the Chargers. Do I expect this offense to be sensational? Absolutely not. But I do believe that O-Coordinator Scott Linehen will find a way to move the ball and certainly be more productive than they were a year ago. Ronnie Brown was a really good pick up.
Chuck (Tulsa): Mort, the Bears have improved their offensive line and added a 25 carry back in Benson. Can Grossman be efficient enough in the passing game to keep 8 out of the box?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: That's a good question, Grossman showed some signs that he was coming along nicely, then he got hurt. I think that's why it was so important that the Bears signed Muhammad and added Mark Clayton -- a pick I really like. Plus, Cedric Benson will attract some attention as good runners always do.
Jason (Stuart, FL): Why didn't the Eagles package their picks to move up in the draft? Couldn't they have tried to move up when Derrick Johnson or Mike Williams slipped?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: No, they didn't have enough to go high enough to get Mike WIlliams. I've heard that they did try to move up to get their top rated receiver -- Mark Clayton -- but nobody was willing to trade with them. It also was unfortunate for them that Jax grabbed Matt Jones b/c I've heard more than one O-Coord or personnel man say that in a couple of years, Matt Jones could be a cross btwn T.O. AND Randy Moss. But I wouldn't worry about your Eagles too much, Jason. They are going to be just fine.
Jeremy (Staunton): Mort, is the Travis Henry-Eagles deal dead with the drafting of Ryan Moats? Or are the birds planning something big?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I think the Eagles are on a wait-and-see basis. I think they'll want to get a feel for Ryan Moats once they have him in camp and if they are uneasy, I could see them putting something together for Travis Henry.
Kyle (Cincinnati): Hey Mort! After the selection of David Pollack, Odell Thurman, and Chris Henry do you think that Kevin Hardy, Nate Webster and Peter Warrick are on their way out?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I'm not sure who is on their way out, but somebody is in Cincy! If I were a Bengals fan, I'd be pretty excited. The key is, how fast Marvin Lewis can get this young defense to play at a higher level. If it takes a big step forward this season, I really believe the Bengals can challenge anybody in the AFC in 2005.
George (Seattle, Washington): Do you think that Alex Smith will be able to start right away for SF? What will happen to Ken Dorsey and Cody Pickett?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: No, the 9ers would certainly like Alex to grasp their offense quick enough to step in right away, but that could be a ltitle unrealistic. If you talk with his college coach Urban Meyer, Alex is one of those guys who is so smart and so analytical that, in some ways, it actually keeps him from jumping out of the box quickly b/c of his reluctance to make mistakes. But, as soon as Alex ''gets it'' he'll be ready to roll.
Dan, Work: With the steroids hearing taking place in Congress, what was the Commissioners response to San Diego taking Castillio in the 1st rd? Will the NFL put policies in place to prevent future draft prospects who cheat to be rewarded with big contracts?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I guess, the idea is implementing some sort of punative entry-level restraints is possible -- but unlikely. Castillo, himself, has volunteered to pay back his signing bonus if he ever tests positive again and he is now subject to up to 20 random tests per year for the rest of his career. He also provided all of his medical drug testing history, which did not show prior steroid use. Now, whether or not he was beating the system, who knows? He happened to be a kid that everybody I've spoken with regarded as a very high character young man.
Denis( NY): With the drafting of Tuck. Will the G-men start playin a 3-4 defense. And what do you think of the back they got from Auburn.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: No, I have never heard of the Giants thinking of a 3-4. As for Jacobs, he is a really, really good pick up to me. He should help them tremendously in short-yardage and at the goal line. I imagine they may get pretty creative with him as an H-back possibility.
Erik (Cleveland): Mort, which undrafted rookie free agent do you see as having the best pro career. This year it seemed that the biggest surprise was those players that were not drafted.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I really have no idea, we have a tendancy to get stuck on the QB names like Jason White and Timmy Chang, but I will say this as an encouragement to those guys -- it seems like every Super Bowl, there are undrated free agents who are either starting or making significant contributions to their championship teams.
Greg(Madison, WI): What do you feel is Aaron Rodgers' biggest flaw that he must overcome to be successfull in the NFL?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I don't know that I could sit here and sight one thing. Sure there has been a lot of criticism about him carrying the ball too high. That argument has some legitimacy, but I think that a lot of ''experts'' have totally misinterpreted what Cal coach Jeff Tedford teaches with mechanics. All-in-all, it's a lot more sound than anybody has singlely led us to believe. Rodgers transition to the NFL is like any other young QB's -- it's very, very tough. A lot tougher than the pre-salary cap QBs had. Without continuity and stability on coaching staffs and rosters, QBs have a much tougher uphill climb.
Alex (Manchester, NH): I hate to question the Pats, but why draft Matt Leinarts backup QB in the 7th round? Overall how do you think the Champs made out?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, I actually liked what the Pats did especially with the O-line. I will agree that the drafting of Matt Cassel (Leinart's backup) was a headscratcher, but this is a guy that's got some very good physical tools, he's a pretty good athlete, he played behind two gifted QBs in Carson Palmer and Leinart, but, unlike Tom Brady, there's not any track record for us to draw any conclusions. But remember, he was a 7th Round pick.
Dan, Work: Has Gibb's finally found a QB, or will Theisman be getting a call soon?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: I'm sure Theisman still thinks he can play! ... I like Jason Campbell, but he's still a rookie and we've already covered that ground. He offers a little more mobility than Patrick Ramsey and he's a little bit better on the touch passes, but Ramsey's arm is just as strong if not stronger, for whatever that's worth.
Joe D. (NYC): Mort, what's with the Bills? I thought when Donohoe came over from Pittsburgh the team was heading back to the early 90s' glory days, now it seems they're mired in mediocrity, especially with what has been labeled by many as a poor draft. What direction do you see this franchise moving in? Thanks!!
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Well, first of all Tom Donahoe drafted extremely well since he's been in Buffalo, so I"ll always give them the benefit of the doubt. It was frustrating not being able to move Travis Henry, but you can't ship somebody if you don't have a concrete offer. The Bills showed last season they were coming on strong and I am really, really high on Mike Mullarky as a coach. I'm also among those that believe you have to count J.P. Losman as part of this draft and that is a pretty good get for the 20th pick.
Andy (Portland): Is Matt Leinart a sure fire first pick next year?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Nothing is sure fire, Andy. Leinart will certainly come into the league with those expectations, but you're still talking about a guy who many scouts say has average armstrength, who throws more than his fair share of wobblers, and who has been surrounded by great talent at Southern Cal ... not to mention he's had some elbow problems. BUT, one thing that really encourages me about Matt Leinart is that he knows he has to get stronger to play at the next level. Remember, Jason White played in two national championship games and won a Heisman, too -- and where did it get HIM?? I personally will be rooting for Leinart b/c I really appreciated the reasons he stayed at Southern Cal.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: Times up. Thanks for the questions. Catch you next time!
