Sideline Scouting

Winter Meetings Talk

The Denver Broncos are reportedly satisfied with keeping Jay Cutler as their franchise quarterback, but it all is smoke and mirrors according to one of our sources. The organization is making this claim in order to drive his value up and get more in return for Cutler when they do in fact trade him.

Jerry Reese, the New York Giants GM, did in fact, as we reported, inquire about Cleveland Browns WR Braylon Edwards, according to the New York Daily News.

The Dallas Cowboys have been shopping former first rounder, linebacker Bobby Carpenter. Carpenter’s failure to adapt with the defensive scheme in Dallas has resulted in being labeled as a bust. Don’t be surprised to see Carpenter land in Miami, via trade or release, as VP Bill Parcells was the one who had drafted Carpenter out of Ohio State.

A columnist from the Oakland Tribune speculated that the Oakland Raiders should pursue LB Derrick Brooks & WR Amani Toomer, both veterans that were released recently. None of our sources could confirm that Oakland was interested in either player though.

The Detroit Lions have begun contract negotiations with their number one overall pick, but have been hush-hush on whom it is. Basic speculation would conclude that it is either QB Matt Stafford or OT Jason Smith, but don’t rule out OT Eugene Monroe or LB Aaron Curry.

Back to the Draft

In exciting news, former Cal Poly WR Ramses Barden will attend the Southern Cal pro day and receive passes from QB Mark Sanchez. Barden is a small school sleeper that should get plucked from the undrafted in or around round three. The mere fact that he is receiving this much hype, enough anyways to catch passes from Sanchez, is an encouraging sign that his value is rising.

Former Eastern Michigan LB Daniel Holtzclaw fared decently at his pro day which stern onlookers from the Jets, Giants, and Texans. Holtzclaw is a late-rounder/privileged free agent most likely.

Brigham Young QB Max Hall, who will be a senior for the 2010 NFL Draft, has already added 15 lbs. to his frame. Hall is considered a dark horse for the Heisman Trophy and needs to improve on his pass placement.

With A.Q. Shipley departing for the NFL, the Penn State Nittany Lions will move talented offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski to center. Wisniewski was an every game starter at guard last season in Happy Valley.

Former UTEP center Robby Felix has been cleared to play football again. He suffered a minor stroke a couple of months ago. His draft stock took a considerable hit.

An NFL “insider” told a writer at the Akron Beacon Journal that former Kent State QB Julian Edelman reminds him of Wes Welker and Antwaan Randle El. Edelman ran a 4.48-forty at his pro day and is worth a sixth or seventh round flier at best.