Chat with John Clayton
Welcome to The Show! On Monday, NFL senior writer John Clayton will stop by to talk about the NFL draft and the upcoming season.
Did the 49ers make the right choice in Alex Smith? Are the Patriots primed to repeat as Super Bowl champs? Send in your questions and join John in The Show on Monday at 2 p.m. ET.
SportsNation Buzzmaster: Helloooooo! John Clayton will be here soon!
SportsNation John Clayton: Hi everybody. I'm hear for questions. How can I help.
Larry ( Rock Hill, SC): Freddie Mitchell to the Panthers???? Please tell me this isn't true. Even if he was productive, which he isn't, Freddie Mitchell is the last guy the Panthers would trade for.
SportsNation John Clayton: I don't think so for Carolina. The Panthers want a veteran WR, but Mitchell may not have the speed the Panthers are looking for. If he's cut, then it might be a different story. I'd say no on a Panthers trade.
Bill (New Hope, PA): If T.O. continues to frustrate the Eagles, is there any chance they try to move him? Say to Detroit with Mariucci and Garcia, and get a little payback in the process?
SportsNation John Clayton: There is no chance the Eagles will give him more money or satisfy him in a trade. If they do, too many players would come in for restructures. Detroit's overloaded at WR. Owens will stay an Eagle even if they lose games with his potential holdout.
Rob (Melbourne, FL): Does Jason White have any chance in the NFL?
SportsNation John Clayton: Doesn't look good now. He lacks arm strength. Dick Vermeil suggested the Arena League to Jason after he worked out for the Chiefs over the weekend.
Glenn: Louisville, KY: Hi John, Do you feel Marvin Lewis drafted well with David Pollack and Odell Thurman? Thanks!
SportsNation John Clayton: I do. Pollack is the most developed linebacker Lewis says he's ever worked with this early in his career. Thurman is a play-maker at middle linebacker. It was a great draft for the Bengals in that regard.
Shane (Burlington, NJ): What's the latest on Ty Law and Troy Brown? Any chance of either of them signing back w/the Pats?
SportsNation John Clayton: Law can't do anything until the end of the month but the Jets appear to be the front runner. Troy Brown is waiting to see if the Patriots will make an offer to him because he's hearing from other teams.
Ray Myrtle Beach, SC: Is there any way the Steelers can lure Chad Brown back for less money? And also sign Ty Law if nobody else has interest?
SportsNation John Clayton: Brown is in New Orleans. I'd give the Steelers the No. 3 seed behind the Broncos and Patriots for getting Brown. The Saints could lure him if they offer $1.5 million this year.
RK (motown): John, You think Charles Rogers will have a breakout year? He has gain 18lbs of muscles and haven't lost his speed yet.
SportsNation John Clayton: The big worry is the collarbone. The Lions are being extra cautious and not have him get hurt even more. Joey Harrington looked good this weekend, but you wonder if there is enough completions available to keep all those receivers happy.
Terrelway (Denver, CO): Let's talk Broncos. The returning offensive starters are almost identical to last year (except for rb). Realistically, is this an 8-8 team?
SportsNation John Clayton: It seems like the Broncos are always nine or 10 wins. I'm not sold that the move to get the Cleveland Browns defensive line was a good one. They have made some good veteran pickups. The offense is solid. A nine-win season, though, might not be good enough to make the playoffs in the AFC.
Jim West Palm Beach, FL: With Doplhins drafting & signing free agent DE's & MLB, is this end of Taylor & Z Thomas for Dolphins
SportsNation John Clayton: No. Both players are too valuable. Even though Nick Saban likes bigger players on his defense, he is keeping the 4-3 because of Taylor and Thomas. How they play this year will determine their future for 2006.
Michael Lake Forest College: Do you think Reggie Bush will be a good NFL running back?
SportsNation John Clayton: Reggie would be a top two or three pick in next year's draft if he comes out. It would be interesting to see if he would go higher than Matt Leinart.
Chris (Rochester): any word on the Bills? Any possibilities for O-Line or DT help?
SportsNation John Clayton: The Bills are hurting on both fronts. They are solid enough along the DL, but they need a left tackle desperately. Because they don't want LJ Shelton, the options are limited. Plus, they lost TE Kevin Everett for possibly the season or at the very least October. They should have made the Shelton trade.
Karim (Raleigh, NC): Do you think the Panthers have adequately addressed the lack of speed in their defensive secondary?
SportsNation John Clayton: Very definitely. Lucas has very good speed, and getting Thomas Davis at safety should help in the future, too. In two years, they have gone from a patchwork secondary to one of the best in the division.
Jeremy (West Side, MA): What do you think the Patriots are looking at to solidify their linebacker and cornerback problems?
SportsNation John Clayton: They have offers to Anthony Simmons and Chad Brown, and they have the locker stall still avaiable for Roman Phifer.
Jack (Cincy): With Cincy resigning TJ and drafting Henry, has Peter Warrick played his last game for the Bengals?
SportsNation John Clayton: I think Peter will be there the whole season. There is no reason to let him go. Kelley Washington is slow coming off shoudler surgery, and Warrick has value, This might be his last season, not his last game in Cincy.
Zak (New Orleans): What does the coaching situation look like in New Orleans, should they not make the playoffs this year?
SportsNation John Clayton: Jim Haslett should stay if they don't make the playoffs. They are still working on extending his contract. They've had a pretty good offseason and will be a contender. They need Aaron Brooks to take more control of the offense and show more leadership.
Bob (Miami): Would you trade the entire Dolphin recieving core for Hines Ward?
SportsNation John Clayton: No. Ward is an institution in Pgh and won't be traded. The Dolphins would need a speed receiver if they make any deals, but they are pretty much set with Booker and Chambers.
Joe (Cleveland): Whats the word on Edgerrin James in Indianapolis. What is the situation there?
SportsNation John Clayton: James has been off the trade market for two months. There will be no trade of James. He's a Colt on a one-year contract.
Tim( Chicago, IL): Are the Bears going to address their need for linebacker help for Urlacher?
SportsNation John Clayton: The Bears are looking for a minimum salary linebacker. Don't know if that's Jason Glenn or Warrick Holdman. They probably are looking for an outside guy instead of an inside guy.
RedButtons (Denver, CO): What kind of rb do you think Tatum Bell will become this season and in the future?
SportsNation John Clayton: Tatum has a low running style and explosion. If he can stay healthy, I think he could get 1,200 yards. I'm not sold, though, he can stay healthy. He was hurt a bunch last year.
david (tzfat): do you see kyle boller becoming decent enough to carry the ravens deep into the playoffs?
SportsNation John Clayton: Kyle has the talent to win a game or two in the playoffs. He didn't have any wide receivers last year. With Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton and a healthy Todd Heap, he has a chance of maybe completing 60 percent of his passes. Still, they will run the ball a lot to take the pressure off of him.
Will (Los Angeles): What do you think of the Raiders secondary?
SportsNation John Clayton: It still has question marks at safety. It's very young at the cornerback position on the other side of Woodson. If the Raiders can't pressure the quarterback and I think they will have troubles, they will have difficulties on defense.
mike, dayton nj: what is the word on Winslow and the motorcycle accident last night (Dan Patrick just mentioned it on ESPN Radio)
SportsNation John Clayton: Winslow's at the Cleveland Clinic. No word on how bad he is hurt. Stay tuned.
Rick (Barrington,NJ): Is there more behing Washington drafting Cambell than "future qb" that we dont know about?
SportsNation John Clayton: Obviously, Gibbs isn't sold on Ramsey and Brunell. He liked what he saw of Campbell at the minicamp. He liked how smooth Campbell threw the ball. Campbell is No. 3 for now, but if Ramsey and Brunell struggle, Campbell could be moved up quickly. That will play out in August and September.
Bill (oswego ny): What is the deal with Charley Woodson? Is he still a problem? Do they still want him out? Tell me he will not wear silver and black for too much longer, please?
SportsNation John Clayton: Woodson was at minicamp and he's going to make $10.5 million and then leave after the season. The Raiders have tried to trade him but no one can take on his cap number. The Raiders are tight against the cap, and they realize Woodson will be with the team this year.
Paul (Kutztown, PA): Any news on the Travis Henry trade front? Seems to me that the Bills need to get rid of him and that the Eagles would be a good spot for him. They need a runner to play with Westbrook since Buckhalter is always injured. Thanks
SportsNation John Clayton: No news on Henry. The Bills want a No. 2 next year for his value. That isn't happening. They overplayed their hand and lost. Expect him to be a long holdout.
Montreal (Quebec): Do you think the Bears will keep MacQuarters or will he be cut prior to the season?
SportsNation John Clayton: There is no reason to cut him. He's a high paid backup but he can help on returns and you need three corners in that division. Plus, he didn't look bad at safety. He's athletic and fills a lot of roles.
Tony (Danbury, CT): Does Farve retire after this year???
SportsNation John Clayton: No i think he gives it two or three more years, but if the Packers drop to a six-win team and look as though they need to rebuild, he might retire. The better the Packers are the longer he stays.
Mike (Madison, WI): Is Javon Walker serious about holding out for a new caontract with the Pack and how long can he sit before he hurts the team. He is a budding star in GB.
SportsNation John Clayton: Javon is going to hold out and it's going to be ugly if he does. The Packers don't appear to be ready to budge. They didn't last year on Mike McKenzie. The only difference is that they won't trade Walker. He's too valuable.
Daniel (Athens, Ga): With the Saints having contract disputes with the state of Louisiana, does that make them the favorite to be the team moved out to Los Angeles? Also, if a move did occur, would the NFL try to realign the divisions?
SportsNation John Clayton: Tom Benson doesn't want to move the team, but the finances won't work by 2010. Unless they get a new deal, I think he could sell the team and let it move to LA. That's not a bluff or a threat, it's a reality.
Phil (Rochester, NY): John, thanks for taking questions today. If AJ Feeley falters this year, what replacements might Miami look at? The 2006 draft doesn't look strong for QBs, Leinart aside, and the free agent QBs are seldom a good option.
SportsNation John Clayton: If they are back in the top five of the draft, they could go for Leinart from USC.
AB NYC: But you didn't answer if Bush will be a good NFL back JC...
SportsNation John Clayton: If he's taken in the top three of next year's draft, that obviously means he's going to be a great back.
SEAN (FULLERTON): IS ELI MANNING GOING TO BE THE GIANTS QB OF THE FURTURE? AND CAN HE BE AS GOOD AS HIS BROTHER?
SportsNation John Clayton: Eli's not Peyton, but he's not going to be bad either. He should get to the next contract and get an extension. He may not get a Pro Bowl quarterback every year, but he's also not going to be horrible. He's a good player.
ty webb: what are the saints chances of trading darren howard, and getting help at linebacker
SportsNation John Clayton: The Saints could sign Chad Brown for LB help. They pretty much realize that they aren't going to get value for Darren Howard, so they will keep him on their roster for this year.
Jamaal (New York, NY): What is the Jets D-tackle situation? They lost Jason Ferguson and Josh Evans retired. What are they going to do?
SportsNation John Clayton: I think they are hurting and thin at defensive tackle. Lance Legree is an undrafted guy who is now the starter and there isn't much other than James Reed behind him. They better not get an injury there.
Trent (Utah): Kijana Carter perhaps?
SportsNation John Clayton: Perhaps not.
Joe (Iowa): Are the Broncos finally equipped to beat the Colts? And if not, what do you think it will take for them to get to that level?
SportsNation John Clayton: They have a lot of cornerbacks, but the Colts have their number against their passing offense.
Big Ben: Will I have Hines Ward for the long term or is Pittsburgh going to let him go just like my favorite target last year?
SportsNation John Clayton: Negotiations for Wards contract begin this week. They should get done by the summer and have him signed for more than $5 million a year.
Edo (Seattle): Do you think that Seattle addressed their defensive issues enough with the draft? What do you think about letting Simmons go? He seemed to be the only one who could tackle last year.
SportsNation John Clayton: They didn't a defensive end in the draft. Bryce Fisher is a good third end, but they need an every down guy. The linebacking corps is a mess. They've done some good things at corner, but I'm not sold they are better than the 26th defense.
Michael (Philly): John, Did Maurice Clarrett attend mini-camp with the Broncos(I'm assuming they had one) and how did he look?
SportsNation John Clayton: Minicamp is this weekend coming up. Maurice will be there.
Sean (Hoboken, NJ): Why ins't the Cowboys getting their due here today? Do you have something against Bill Parcells?
SportsNation John Clayton: Sean, I have said many times they had the best draft and, next to Minnesota, the second best offseason of anybody in football. What more do you want?
Sean (Hoboken, NJ): What rookies really impressed in Mini-Camps this year? Who disappointed?
SportsNation John Clayton: Roscoe Parrish of Buffalo, David Pollack of Cincy and Jason Campbell of Washington drew the biggest buzz during the weekend of 26 minicamps.
SEAN (FULLERTON): HOW GOOD WILL JULIAS JONES BE?
SportsNation John Clayton: very good. Should go for 1,300 yards.
Brandon (W.Monroe,LA): Will Marcus Spears and Demarcus Ware be penciled in as starters from day one?
SportsNation John Clayton: Probably not in Week One, but they should both be starting by week six or week seven.
Kyle (San Ramon, CA): Do you think Kevin Barlow will regain his 2003 form?
SportsNation John Clayton: I think he will. Their offensive line is better and they should have better play at quarterback if Alex SMith is starting by week three or four.
Tyler (Las Vegas, NV): Who do you think will be the starting Linebackers for the chiefs this year? With Fujita, Mitchell, Johnson, Barber, Fox and Maz(if back from injury) competing. Also will the chiefs defense improve dramatically?
SportsNation John Clayton: Bell, Mitchell, Derrick Johnson. Mitchell needs to pick it up or he could be the guy on the bench.
Eric (Bloom): please tell me the jaguars offense will improve this year
SportsNation John Clayton: They have more speed with Matt Jones is mixed in and Reggie Williams should have a better season now that he's in better shape. They will score more points easily.
SportsNation John Clayton: Thanks for the question. Chat with you again at another time.
Welcome to The Show! On Monday, NFL senior writer John Clayton will stop by to talk about the NFL draft and the upcoming season.
Did the 49ers make the right choice in Alex Smith? Are the Patriots primed to repeat as Super Bowl champs? Send in your questions and join John in The Show on Monday at 2 p.m. ET.
SportsNation Buzzmaster: Helloooooo! John Clayton will be here soon!
SportsNation John Clayton: Hi everybody. I'm hear for questions. How can I help.
Larry ( Rock Hill, SC): Freddie Mitchell to the Panthers???? Please tell me this isn't true. Even if he was productive, which he isn't, Freddie Mitchell is the last guy the Panthers would trade for.
SportsNation John Clayton: I don't think so for Carolina. The Panthers want a veteran WR, but Mitchell may not have the speed the Panthers are looking for. If he's cut, then it might be a different story. I'd say no on a Panthers trade.
Bill (New Hope, PA): If T.O. continues to frustrate the Eagles, is there any chance they try to move him? Say to Detroit with Mariucci and Garcia, and get a little payback in the process?
SportsNation John Clayton: There is no chance the Eagles will give him more money or satisfy him in a trade. If they do, too many players would come in for restructures. Detroit's overloaded at WR. Owens will stay an Eagle even if they lose games with his potential holdout.
Rob (Melbourne, FL): Does Jason White have any chance in the NFL?
SportsNation John Clayton: Doesn't look good now. He lacks arm strength. Dick Vermeil suggested the Arena League to Jason after he worked out for the Chiefs over the weekend.
Glenn: Louisville, KY: Hi John, Do you feel Marvin Lewis drafted well with David Pollack and Odell Thurman? Thanks!
SportsNation John Clayton: I do. Pollack is the most developed linebacker Lewis says he's ever worked with this early in his career. Thurman is a play-maker at middle linebacker. It was a great draft for the Bengals in that regard.
Shane (Burlington, NJ): What's the latest on Ty Law and Troy Brown? Any chance of either of them signing back w/the Pats?
SportsNation John Clayton: Law can't do anything until the end of the month but the Jets appear to be the front runner. Troy Brown is waiting to see if the Patriots will make an offer to him because he's hearing from other teams.
Ray Myrtle Beach, SC: Is there any way the Steelers can lure Chad Brown back for less money? And also sign Ty Law if nobody else has interest?
SportsNation John Clayton: Brown is in New Orleans. I'd give the Steelers the No. 3 seed behind the Broncos and Patriots for getting Brown. The Saints could lure him if they offer $1.5 million this year.
RK (motown): John, You think Charles Rogers will have a breakout year? He has gain 18lbs of muscles and haven't lost his speed yet.
SportsNation John Clayton: The big worry is the collarbone. The Lions are being extra cautious and not have him get hurt even more. Joey Harrington looked good this weekend, but you wonder if there is enough completions available to keep all those receivers happy.
Terrelway (Denver, CO): Let's talk Broncos. The returning offensive starters are almost identical to last year (except for rb). Realistically, is this an 8-8 team?
SportsNation John Clayton: It seems like the Broncos are always nine or 10 wins. I'm not sold that the move to get the Cleveland Browns defensive line was a good one. They have made some good veteran pickups. The offense is solid. A nine-win season, though, might not be good enough to make the playoffs in the AFC.
Jim West Palm Beach, FL: With Doplhins drafting & signing free agent DE's & MLB, is this end of Taylor & Z Thomas for Dolphins
SportsNation John Clayton: No. Both players are too valuable. Even though Nick Saban likes bigger players on his defense, he is keeping the 4-3 because of Taylor and Thomas. How they play this year will determine their future for 2006.
Michael Lake Forest College: Do you think Reggie Bush will be a good NFL running back?
SportsNation John Clayton: Reggie would be a top two or three pick in next year's draft if he comes out. It would be interesting to see if he would go higher than Matt Leinart.
Chris (Rochester): any word on the Bills? Any possibilities for O-Line or DT help?
SportsNation John Clayton: The Bills are hurting on both fronts. They are solid enough along the DL, but they need a left tackle desperately. Because they don't want LJ Shelton, the options are limited. Plus, they lost TE Kevin Everett for possibly the season or at the very least October. They should have made the Shelton trade.
Karim (Raleigh, NC): Do you think the Panthers have adequately addressed the lack of speed in their defensive secondary?
SportsNation John Clayton: Very definitely. Lucas has very good speed, and getting Thomas Davis at safety should help in the future, too. In two years, they have gone from a patchwork secondary to one of the best in the division.
Jeremy (West Side, MA): What do you think the Patriots are looking at to solidify their linebacker and cornerback problems?
SportsNation John Clayton: They have offers to Anthony Simmons and Chad Brown, and they have the locker stall still avaiable for Roman Phifer.
Jack (Cincy): With Cincy resigning TJ and drafting Henry, has Peter Warrick played his last game for the Bengals?
SportsNation John Clayton: I think Peter will be there the whole season. There is no reason to let him go. Kelley Washington is slow coming off shoudler surgery, and Warrick has value, This might be his last season, not his last game in Cincy.
Zak (New Orleans): What does the coaching situation look like in New Orleans, should they not make the playoffs this year?
SportsNation John Clayton: Jim Haslett should stay if they don't make the playoffs. They are still working on extending his contract. They've had a pretty good offseason and will be a contender. They need Aaron Brooks to take more control of the offense and show more leadership.
Bob (Miami): Would you trade the entire Dolphin recieving core for Hines Ward?
SportsNation John Clayton: No. Ward is an institution in Pgh and won't be traded. The Dolphins would need a speed receiver if they make any deals, but they are pretty much set with Booker and Chambers.
Joe (Cleveland): Whats the word on Edgerrin James in Indianapolis. What is the situation there?
SportsNation John Clayton: James has been off the trade market for two months. There will be no trade of James. He's a Colt on a one-year contract.
Tim( Chicago, IL): Are the Bears going to address their need for linebacker help for Urlacher?
SportsNation John Clayton: The Bears are looking for a minimum salary linebacker. Don't know if that's Jason Glenn or Warrick Holdman. They probably are looking for an outside guy instead of an inside guy.
RedButtons (Denver, CO): What kind of rb do you think Tatum Bell will become this season and in the future?
SportsNation John Clayton: Tatum has a low running style and explosion. If he can stay healthy, I think he could get 1,200 yards. I'm not sold, though, he can stay healthy. He was hurt a bunch last year.
david (tzfat): do you see kyle boller becoming decent enough to carry the ravens deep into the playoffs?
SportsNation John Clayton: Kyle has the talent to win a game or two in the playoffs. He didn't have any wide receivers last year. With Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton and a healthy Todd Heap, he has a chance of maybe completing 60 percent of his passes. Still, they will run the ball a lot to take the pressure off of him.
Will (Los Angeles): What do you think of the Raiders secondary?
SportsNation John Clayton: It still has question marks at safety. It's very young at the cornerback position on the other side of Woodson. If the Raiders can't pressure the quarterback and I think they will have troubles, they will have difficulties on defense.
mike, dayton nj: what is the word on Winslow and the motorcycle accident last night (Dan Patrick just mentioned it on ESPN Radio)
SportsNation John Clayton: Winslow's at the Cleveland Clinic. No word on how bad he is hurt. Stay tuned.
Rick (Barrington,NJ): Is there more behing Washington drafting Cambell than "future qb" that we dont know about?
SportsNation John Clayton: Obviously, Gibbs isn't sold on Ramsey and Brunell. He liked what he saw of Campbell at the minicamp. He liked how smooth Campbell threw the ball. Campbell is No. 3 for now, but if Ramsey and Brunell struggle, Campbell could be moved up quickly. That will play out in August and September.
Bill (oswego ny): What is the deal with Charley Woodson? Is he still a problem? Do they still want him out? Tell me he will not wear silver and black for too much longer, please?
SportsNation John Clayton: Woodson was at minicamp and he's going to make $10.5 million and then leave after the season. The Raiders have tried to trade him but no one can take on his cap number. The Raiders are tight against the cap, and they realize Woodson will be with the team this year.
Paul (Kutztown, PA): Any news on the Travis Henry trade front? Seems to me that the Bills need to get rid of him and that the Eagles would be a good spot for him. They need a runner to play with Westbrook since Buckhalter is always injured. Thanks
SportsNation John Clayton: No news on Henry. The Bills want a No. 2 next year for his value. That isn't happening. They overplayed their hand and lost. Expect him to be a long holdout.
Montreal (Quebec): Do you think the Bears will keep MacQuarters or will he be cut prior to the season?
SportsNation John Clayton: There is no reason to cut him. He's a high paid backup but he can help on returns and you need three corners in that division. Plus, he didn't look bad at safety. He's athletic and fills a lot of roles.
Tony (Danbury, CT): Does Farve retire after this year???
SportsNation John Clayton: No i think he gives it two or three more years, but if the Packers drop to a six-win team and look as though they need to rebuild, he might retire. The better the Packers are the longer he stays.
Mike (Madison, WI): Is Javon Walker serious about holding out for a new caontract with the Pack and how long can he sit before he hurts the team. He is a budding star in GB.
SportsNation John Clayton: Javon is going to hold out and it's going to be ugly if he does. The Packers don't appear to be ready to budge. They didn't last year on Mike McKenzie. The only difference is that they won't trade Walker. He's too valuable.
Daniel (Athens, Ga): With the Saints having contract disputes with the state of Louisiana, does that make them the favorite to be the team moved out to Los Angeles? Also, if a move did occur, would the NFL try to realign the divisions?
SportsNation John Clayton: Tom Benson doesn't want to move the team, but the finances won't work by 2010. Unless they get a new deal, I think he could sell the team and let it move to LA. That's not a bluff or a threat, it's a reality.
Phil (Rochester, NY): John, thanks for taking questions today. If AJ Feeley falters this year, what replacements might Miami look at? The 2006 draft doesn't look strong for QBs, Leinart aside, and the free agent QBs are seldom a good option.
SportsNation John Clayton: If they are back in the top five of the draft, they could go for Leinart from USC.
AB NYC: But you didn't answer if Bush will be a good NFL back JC...
SportsNation John Clayton: If he's taken in the top three of next year's draft, that obviously means he's going to be a great back.
SEAN (FULLERTON): IS ELI MANNING GOING TO BE THE GIANTS QB OF THE FURTURE? AND CAN HE BE AS GOOD AS HIS BROTHER?
SportsNation John Clayton: Eli's not Peyton, but he's not going to be bad either. He should get to the next contract and get an extension. He may not get a Pro Bowl quarterback every year, but he's also not going to be horrible. He's a good player.
ty webb: what are the saints chances of trading darren howard, and getting help at linebacker
SportsNation John Clayton: The Saints could sign Chad Brown for LB help. They pretty much realize that they aren't going to get value for Darren Howard, so they will keep him on their roster for this year.
Jamaal (New York, NY): What is the Jets D-tackle situation? They lost Jason Ferguson and Josh Evans retired. What are they going to do?
SportsNation John Clayton: I think they are hurting and thin at defensive tackle. Lance Legree is an undrafted guy who is now the starter and there isn't much other than James Reed behind him. They better not get an injury there.
Trent (Utah): Kijana Carter perhaps?
SportsNation John Clayton: Perhaps not.
Joe (Iowa): Are the Broncos finally equipped to beat the Colts? And if not, what do you think it will take for them to get to that level?
SportsNation John Clayton: They have a lot of cornerbacks, but the Colts have their number against their passing offense.
Big Ben: Will I have Hines Ward for the long term or is Pittsburgh going to let him go just like my favorite target last year?
SportsNation John Clayton: Negotiations for Wards contract begin this week. They should get done by the summer and have him signed for more than $5 million a year.
Edo (Seattle): Do you think that Seattle addressed their defensive issues enough with the draft? What do you think about letting Simmons go? He seemed to be the only one who could tackle last year.
SportsNation John Clayton: They didn't a defensive end in the draft. Bryce Fisher is a good third end, but they need an every down guy. The linebacking corps is a mess. They've done some good things at corner, but I'm not sold they are better than the 26th defense.
Michael (Philly): John, Did Maurice Clarrett attend mini-camp with the Broncos(I'm assuming they had one) and how did he look?
SportsNation John Clayton: Minicamp is this weekend coming up. Maurice will be there.
Sean (Hoboken, NJ): Why ins't the Cowboys getting their due here today? Do you have something against Bill Parcells?
SportsNation John Clayton: Sean, I have said many times they had the best draft and, next to Minnesota, the second best offseason of anybody in football. What more do you want?
Sean (Hoboken, NJ): What rookies really impressed in Mini-Camps this year? Who disappointed?
SportsNation John Clayton: Roscoe Parrish of Buffalo, David Pollack of Cincy and Jason Campbell of Washington drew the biggest buzz during the weekend of 26 minicamps.
SEAN (FULLERTON): HOW GOOD WILL JULIAS JONES BE?
SportsNation John Clayton: very good. Should go for 1,300 yards.
Brandon (W.Monroe,LA): Will Marcus Spears and Demarcus Ware be penciled in as starters from day one?
SportsNation John Clayton: Probably not in Week One, but they should both be starting by week six or week seven.
Kyle (San Ramon, CA): Do you think Kevin Barlow will regain his 2003 form?
SportsNation John Clayton: I think he will. Their offensive line is better and they should have better play at quarterback if Alex SMith is starting by week three or four.
Tyler (Las Vegas, NV): Who do you think will be the starting Linebackers for the chiefs this year? With Fujita, Mitchell, Johnson, Barber, Fox and Maz(if back from injury) competing. Also will the chiefs defense improve dramatically?
SportsNation John Clayton: Bell, Mitchell, Derrick Johnson. Mitchell needs to pick it up or he could be the guy on the bench.
Eric (Bloom): please tell me the jaguars offense will improve this year
SportsNation John Clayton: They have more speed with Matt Jones is mixed in and Reggie Williams should have a better season now that he's in better shape. They will score more points easily.
SportsNation John Clayton: Thanks for the question. Chat with you again at another time.
