Vikings Defensive Line–Not As Big As It Seems?

by | May 27, 2008 | NFL Random Thoughts

Not to sound to Perez Hilton-ish, but we were at the local giant retail store tonight, getting a few last things before the trip to Vegas, when we thought we saw a familiar face–and gut.  As I approached checkout, I noticed the Vikings logo on his shirt, and figured “Damn, it is Pat Williams.”

Funny thing, though–the reason that I wasn’t sure if it was him initially was that he appeared much smaller than I expected.  Don’t get me wrong–he’s a big guy–but he didn’t appear nearly as large as announcers always like to claim that he is.  I’d say much closer (if not below) the 317 listed on his profile.  He also didn’t have the neck that he has in his official picture.

So, the question should be raised–if Williams is going to come to camp in better shape, will that affect his ability to so effectively clog holes and devour running backs?  Could it add another dimension to his game, by allowing him to rush the passer more effectively?  Or is he just not up to his playing weight yet?  Is it possible that I’m just a horrible judge of the size of the guy?  I was distracted trying to find a tin of mints for the trip…

By the way, the guy who checked me out said that he’s seen Williams 3-4 times in the last month–and a friend has served him at a local resteraunt (one that is known for it’s salad bar, of all things), and that he’s a really nice guy.  Not that I’ve heard otherwise, but with all the bad you hear about NFL players, it’s nice to hear something good once in a while.  Oh, and for anyone who might be interested, he was buying Mountain Dew and energy drinks.  And driving a really sweet car (which isn’t surprising).

Young’s 2,000 Yard Goal Even More in Doubt

by | May 27, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, Fantasy Football, NFL Breaking News

Last week, Selvin Young claimed he thought he could reach 2,000 yards rushing for the Denver Broncos.  Despite the team also having Travis Henry, Andre Hall, and rookie draft pick Ryan Torain also on the roster.

After Henry tweaked his hamstring last week, you can add Michael Pittman to the list of names standing in Young’s rush to 2,000.

“There’s a lot of ways Michael can help the Broncos,” Rosenhaus said. “He can play fullback, halfback, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, return punts and return kicks. He’s a versatile back.”

He can also make a mean battering ram, and between he and Henry, the Broncos might actually get a full season’s worth of carries.

Jesting aside, this likely has little to no significant fantasy impact for 2008–given the injury concerns, and Mike Shanahan’s penchant for splitting carries, if you take a Broncos RB early in the draft you should be mocked mercilessly by your league mates.

Will Packers Draft a QB Just to Keep Favre Away

by | Apr 25, 2008 | NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts, NFL Rumors

In our 2008 NFL Mock Draft, we have the Packers taking a late 1st round flier on another QB, because they are feeling uncomfortable enough about their backup situation to have recently brought in Daunte Culpepper for a looksee.

Now, according to PFT (we didn’t bother to watch), Brett Favre has hinted AGAIN about coming out of retirement (even though he hasn’t really started retirement):

“I think when training camp gets close, something’s bound to happen,” Favre said Thursday night.

Asked to elaborate, he added the eloquant:

“I don’t know,” Favre said.  ”Did I just say that?”

There’s been little doubt in our mind that Favre would return, or at least want to.  Question is, will the Packers want him to?  They’ve already set up the plan to retire his number at the opening Monday night game against the Minnesota Vikings–but it might be kind of tough to retire the jersey if Favre is still wearing it.

And, given how quickly the team has moved on, and the fact that Brett has (officially or unofficially) said part of the reason he moved on was the feeling that he wasn’t sure the team wanted him, maybe the Packers really will go for a first round QB, just to further prove their point?

Of course, it would probably be even tougher yet to retire old #4 if Favre is wearing it for some other team…although, given their recent moves to strengthen the team, I wonder if another team that will be at Lambeau on that opening Monday night might be willing to find a spot for him…

Zoneblitz.com 2008 NFL Mock Draft

by | Apr 25, 2008 | NFL Draft

 We here at Zoneblitz intended to have a mock draft posted long ago. Everybody and their brothers and sisters do them these days so being an NFL blog without one left our site looking a bit naked.

That said, we stared at the draft lists forever this offseason and had a really hard time putting the pieces in place. We’re not kidding ourselves into thinking this mock is going to be any better than anyone else’s. Hell, we think it’s probably worse than a lot (Matt Ryan falling to #20?  Not likely–some team would trade up for him).

In fact, we think they are called mock drafts because that is what people who don’t do them should do to those who waste their time on this futility – mock them. Mercilessly.

So let us have it. Who did we leave out of round one? Who shouldn’t be in round one? What would you do with your team’s pick? Let’s hear it.

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