Friday, April 16, 1999

PFW Editor-in-chief Ron Pollack chats it up on the eve of NFL Draft '99

Ron Pollack: Hi everybody. Ron Pollack of Pro Football Weekly here. You provide the questions and I'll come up with the answers. Let's go.

Barry Buc: How do you think Cade McNown would do for the Bucanneers?

Ron Pollack: I think McNown makes a lot of sense for the Bucs. And I'm a person who still hasn't given up on Trent Dilfer. I just think that the Bucs have so many pieces of the puzzle in place that they should take McNown, let him fight it out with Dilfer, and the Bucs will know they'll have at least one top-notch QB.

Cornell Bill: Do you think that the Dolphins have a chance at getting one of the top two running backs in the draft?

Ron Pollack: Jimmy Johnson would have to give up an awful lot to move into place to take Ricky Williams or Edgerrin James. I think JJ is more likely to trade down, since no RB has a late first-round grade. After trading down, the Dolphins could draft a running back (Rob Konrad?) whose grade fits the spot.

Ben Sosne: The Bears are desperate for a quarterback and it now looks certain that Donovan McNabb will be gone as well as Akili Smith. It seems like Daunte Culpepper would be a strong choice and they could even afford to trade down a few slots and still get him, but they seem to have little interest. Why has Culpepper's stock dropped so much?

Ron Pollack: I think the Bears do want to draft a QB, but it seems like they now want McNown not Culpepper. The biggest knock on Culpepper in my book is that he had a very bad game against Auburn, which was throwing complex, tight man coverages at him.

Kirk Deffke: There is all this comparison between this draft and the '83 draft because of the QB's. Do you think this year's draft is as deep as that one?

Ron Pollack: I don't think this year's class of QB's is close to being as good as the Class of '83. I think there are concerns about all of these QB's. Is Couch a product of the system? Was Akili Smith a one-year wonder? Can McNabb read defenses? I already raised my concern about Culpepper. Does McNown have enough height and arm strength? Don't get me wrong. I think these guys all have a lot of ability, but I don't see a John Elway in the bunch. I suspect there will be one superstar, one star, one good player and two busts in the big five QB's when all is said and done.

Maddogg: Who do think the Lions will choose at the No. 9 selection?

Ron Pollack:Jevon Kearse.

Dolphinfan: Are the Broncos with all their extra picks looking to work out a deal to get in position for a QB?

Ron Pollack: If the Broncos were to draft a QB, I would like it. That way the new kid can battle Brian Griese in a couple years after John Elway is gone and Bubby Brister is done. The loser gets traded to a team who pays the ranch to get a Mike Shanahan-trained QB. More likely, though, if the Broncos trade up in Round One, I think it will be to get a defensive impact player.

Jordan: Don't you think the Raiders need a solid RB?

Ron Pollack: I think the Raiders need a bigger back to complement Kauffman. Perhaps a player like Rob Konrad.

J.C.: It seems like the Rams got a bit of a steal by getting Faulk, so what's the new best strategy, go after either Bailey McAlister or Holt, or trade down, maybe with Arizona (who wants Holt) or New England (who would like James, assuming he gets there)

Ron Pollack: I'd take WR Torry Holt and keep building the offense.

Sac Rocha: Based on CB coverage skills alone, and the ability to shut down an opposing receiver...Who do you think is the better CB? Champ Bailey or Chris McCallister?

Ron Pollack: ET I like Bailey. I think Bailey is the best player in the draft. The only reason he won't go No 1. is that he plays the wrong position, which is amazing given how many positions he can fill.

Dan Jens: Will the Bears trade down and still get McNown?

Ron Pollack: That is a rumor floating around. It's a pretty risky way to go though. If they really like McNown, it would be a real roll of the dice to trade down and hope he's there given all the teams starving for quarterbacks this year.

Leonard: Do the Cowboys have a plan to replace Lett either in draft free agent or trade?

Ron Pollack: There's a rumor the Cowboys could trade up and take DL Anthony McFarland.

David: What do you think of the Vikings chances of getting McAllister in the 11th pick?

Ron Pollack: They'll have to trade up to do it. Definitely a possibility.

Tranman: Will Cecil Collins be a productive NFL back?

Ron Pollack: Flip a coin. If he can stay on the field, he will be awfully good. That's a big, make that BIG, IF based on past track record.

CommSNA: Do you think the Vikings will try to trade up to get Bailey or McCalister; or stand pat and hope McCalister makes it to them? Or, do you think they'll take a QB with the first pick?

Ron Pollack: I think the Vikings trading up to get Bailey would be a spectacular move. As I already said, I think Bailey is the best player in the draft. The Vikings need a cornerback. It's a match made in heaven. It would be an I-want-to-win kind of move.

Jonathan Veisor: What are your feelings of Andy Katzenmoyer? How have his workouts gone and who will take him.

Ron Pollack: Katzenmoyer scares me a little bit. If he goes too early in Round One he could be a big disappointment. His production has been way down the last couple of seasons. If he goes the second half of Round One he could live up to the hype. My call is for him to go to the Raiders at the No. 18 spot.

Dolfins: Where do you predict Cecil "the Diesel" Collins will end up?

Ron Pollack: In trouble.

Brian Faitel: How do you rate Bailey compared to Charles Woodson?

Ron Pollack: Very comparable. Both are big-time play makers.

John: Will Bill Walsh trade down and get more picks?

Ron Pollack: Given the fact that the 49ers are getting very old and had to do a lot of house cleaning to clean up their cap mess, I think trading down for more picks is exactly what they will do.

Dee: With all their losses, is Minnesota going to be as good as last year?

Ron: On the one hand I don't think they will be as good as last year because of those losses and the fact that I can't see Randall Cunningham having as monstrous a season as he did last year. On the other hand, no one else in the NFC looks particularly impressive to me. If I had to pick this second, the Vikings would be my NFC pick to go to the Super Bowl.

Mark: If David Boston is not available at 13, who do you suggest the Steelers draft instead?

Ron Pollack: If Holt and Boston are gone, then I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers go offensive line. Perhaps L.J. Shelton.

Doggit: Who do you think should be the first pick in the draft? I am a big Browns fan and I want them to take Williams but it looks like it won't happen. What do you think?

Ron Pollack: Do you want a shot at a franchise QB or a surer thing. If you want the surer thing, take Williams. Especially with the OL the Browns are building. If you want a franchise QB, and it seems like everyone in the NFL does, you take Couch or Smith. I'd probably go Couch, but it's a close call.

JP: Do you think the Vikings will take a QB with their second pick in the first round?

Ron Pollack: Actually, one rumor has the Vikings taking a quarterback with their first pick in the first round, IF they don't trade up. At the moment that would seem to mean Daunte Culpepper. I personally like the idea of them trading up and getting a player who can help with their Super Bowl run RIGHT NOW.

RayLewisRules: Why is Torry Holt considered a better prospect than Daivd Boston? Boston has plenty of size and speed.

Ron Pollack: Holt got it done more in college. Not that Boston wasn't productive. Holt was more productive, though, while Boston seems to get the edge in the size and workout numbers department. It comes down to what you put more stock into.

GoHorse: Can you justify the trade that the Colts made yesterday? Who will be there at the slot that they obtained from the Rams that could help right away?

Ron Pollack: Assuming Ricky Williams is there when they pick at No. 4, I love the decision. Peyton Manning, Ricky Williams and Marvin Harrison could be the Troy Aikman-Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin of the next decade.

Will Sayre: Now that Seattle has Dawkins, do you think they will still look for a receiver or would it make for sense to try to solidify the center position. What about a QB????

Ron Pollack: I would not be surprised if the Seahawks still take a wide receiver in the first round.

Skins Fan: Is as many mock drafts predict that Couch, McNabb, Smith and Williams will Be the first 4 selections, who do you think the Redskins will draft?

Ron Pollack: In that case they should take Champ Bailey and crack open the champagne.

Matty R: I've got to say I don't agree with the Colts move this week. Being an avid Colts fan, I think it was a mistake to trade away a perennial all-pro back to bring in an unproven rookie. Also, how do you see the Colt's defense looking this year. They've taken a few steps forward I believe.

Ron Pollack: As I said, if they can get Ricky Williams I love the move. Williams is the style of back you win championships with. I'm not so sure that is the case with Marshall Faulk, even though Faulk is a terrific player. Plus, and perhaps most importantly, the Colts were staring down the barrel of a major contract problem with Faulk in future negotiations down the road.

Roberto: What are the odds of Shaun King slipping into the 2nd round? I know Bill Walsh likes him a lot, and the 49ers need to think about their QB of the future. Will they use their first round pick on King and try to move into the 2nd to address other needs (OL, DL, secondary, etc.)?

Ron Pollack: I wouldn't be surprised if the 49ers traded down and took King early in Round Two.

Chris: What is the biggest weakness of Ricky Williams?

Ron Pollack: There are fumble concerns.

Chris: Who is the best tight end in this year's draft?

Ron Pollack: Jim Kleinsasser of North Dakota or Reginald Kelly of Mississippi State.

Mitch: Given the tragedy to Robert Edwards, this throws a monkey wrench into the Patriots' draft strategy. What route would you take if you were in their position?

Ron Pollack: You mean besides crying in my beer? Obviously they need a prime-time Running back, but I don't know that they can pull off the trade to get Ricky Williams or Edgerrin James. Assuming they can't do that, I guess they should just make the best of a bad situation and take a couple of offensive linemen in Round One before taking a running back in the second round.

PyroFLA: Where do you see these three players going: Culpepper, McNown, and A. Gibson? Any to Tampa Bay?

Ron Pollack: My best guesses: Culpepper could go to the Ravens or Vikings. McNown to the Bears or Bucs. Gibson to the Giants.

Pat X: Why does Chris in Michigan get two questions answered? Don't I whine loud enough about whether CLAIBORNE could fall to the LIONS? Any chance of that? PLEASE REPLY.

Ron Pollack: There's no crying in baseball, but I guess there is whining on the Internet so I'll answer your question. I don't think Claiborne will be there for the Lions, but it could be close. I think the more likely scenario is for them to get Jevon Kearse.

Pro: What do you think Buffalo will do with their first pick?

Ron Pollack: CB Antoine Winfield of Ohio State.

Jerrold: The Dolphins have a few positions to consider(RB,QB,S). What do you think? Is their biggest need and who will they draft?

Ron Pollack: Running back is their biggest need, but there isn't good value where they pick late in Round One at the position, which is why they may trade down. WR Peerless Price is a possibility. Miami needs a QB of the future, but JJ wants to win NOW, so I'd be surprised if he went QB in round one.

DL: With all of the attention on the big 3 QB's and 2 franchise running backs, how far could Champ Bailey fall?

Ron Pollack: If he lasts past the No. 5 spot I'll probably end up with a concussion from falling over in shock.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES: How about the EAGLES??? Will they stay at #2 or will they trade down and still get one of the 'Big 5' QBs?

Ron Pollack: Unless the fans storm the draft room, I think the Eagles will stay put and draft a quarterback.

Eaglesfan: Can Joe Germaine be successful in the NFL? What round do you think he might be drafted?

Ron Pollack: I see Germaine going in the second round. If he goes to a team with a quality QB guru, yes I think he can be a successful quarterback in the NFL.

Purple Pride: Who would you take Couch or Smith?

Ron Pollack: I'd take Couch, but it's a close call.

Ingold: What do you think about Troy Edwards? Is he too small?

Ron Pollack: As productive as Edwards has been in college, I'm not going to call him too small. Look, he just caught another pass against Nebraska. And if he goes to the Seahawks in Round One, a possibility, look out for what he can accomplish in Mike Holmgren's offense.

Robert Kraft: Who will the Patriots draft in the 7th round?

Ron Pollack: You've got way too much free time on your hands.

Skins Fan: What do you feel is the better philosophy; draft for need or draft based on best athlete available?

Ron Pollack: I go the best player route. You can never have too many good players on Your team, especially in an era when free-agency robs you of depth. If you strictly draft for need, you stretch on players and often end up taking disappointments.

Tech: What are the chances of a guy like Soloman Page going to the Lions in the second round, or is there some players there that you think could really help, assuming the Lions go defense in the first.

Ron Pollack: I don't think Page will be left when the Lions pick. I've heard anywhere from the 24th spot in Round One to the first pick in Round Two.

Ed: What do you see the Chiefs doing in Rounds 1 & 2? I wouldn't be surprised to see them move down in the first round to pick up some extra choices.

Ron Pollack: I see the Chiefs going offensive line in Round One. L.J. Shelton or John Tait. If they do that and Dave Szott returns to form from injury, the Chiefs could have the best offensive line in football.

Vikes: If Williams is gone, would the Colts consider drafting Claiborne, or do they have to draft Edgerrin James?

Ron Pollack: I haven't heard what they would do in that scenario, but I would think they'd have to take James. How could they trade Faulk and not come out of the draft without a prime-time RB?

Dan Jens: If the top 5 picks go as you expect: Couch, McNabb, Smith, Williams, and Bailey - What will the next five be?

Ron Pollack: Holt, James, Claiborne, Kearse, McAlister.

Jim: Do you think Michael Bishop can make it in the NFL?

Ron Pollack: If he wants to play quarterback in the NFL, I think his best bet would be to go to the CFL for awhile, have some Flutie-like success and then take his best shot at the NFL.

PollackPunk: What about Jevon Kearse? Is he another LT or another Mike Mammula?

Ron Pollack: There's no such thing as the next LT. Kearse can be very, very good if a team uses him right, but some teams are worried that he could be the next John Thierry.

Vikes: What do you think about the Seahawks getting David Boston?

Ron Pollack: If Boston is still available, I think the Seahawks would use up about two seconds of their allotted time before taking him. If Boston is gone, I think Seattle might take Troy Edwards.

Patsfan: How do you get a question answered on here? Where do you think Dry Bly will go? I thought he was one of the best corners while at UNC but he hasn't been getting the attention that Bailey and Claiborne get.

Ron Pollack: Sorry that I can't answer everyone's questions, but over a 1000 have been asked so far. As for this one, Patsfan, Bly had a very disappointing '98 season and fell on everyone's draft boards. Look for him to go fairly early in the second round.

Green and Gold: Will Green Bay move up in the draft? If not, what will be there at #25?

Ron Pollack: I had heard that Green Bay might try to move up to No. 16 to get DT Anthony McFarland. If they stay put, CB Fernando Bryant is a possibility.

Big Blue: I would love for Aaron Gibson to end up in New York. Is there any concern from scouts about his weight and keeping it down?

Ron Pollack: Then get ready to celebrate, because I think the Giants will get Gibson. Yes his weight is still a concern, but his upside is massive.

AZ: Do you think Holt will be available at #8?

Ron Pollack: No. I think the Rams will take him at No. 6.

Big Blue: Since when did the Rocket become $20 million-worthy?

Ron Pollack: About the same time the Cowboys finally figured out they desperately need a No. 2 receiver to take some of the burden off of Michael Irvin.

RamsFan: What do you think about Korby Jones? Will he be drafted? What position will he play?

Ron Pollack: Teams are looking at him at RB, QB and S. If he wants a real shot at QB, he'd be better of going to the CFL for a while.

Vikes: What do you think about the Vikes getting Champ Bailey?

Ron Pollack: If they get Champ Bailey they can start packing their bags for the Super Bowl right now.

Purple Pride: Where has Brock Huard gone? He will be a steal.

Ron Pollack: Huard had a disappointing '98 season. As a result he now looks like a third-round pick.

Big Jim: Do you think JJ will be able to make the trade up and get the RB he is looking for?

Ron Pollack? I think JJ is more likely to trade down and get the RB he will settle for. That said, the Dolphin OL is getting better and could make whoever their starting running back is look pretty good.

Tony: If the Ravens have the choice of either Culpepper or McAlister, which one do you think they would take?

Ron Pollack: I think they would take McAlister. One, I think McAlister is a better prospect. Two, McAlister will help them win now (and now is when they are geared up for).

Shua: How can the Eagles justify drafting any of the QBs when they know full well that all of their fans want Ricky Williams? Lots of empty seats will result if they continue their string of 1st round busts (Tra Thomas the exception).

Ron Pollack: While I would probably take Williams if I were drafting for the Eagles (sorry Eagle fans, but I don't make the call), a good personnel man can't worry what the fans want. He has to go with his own convictions. The new head coach, Reid, is a QB guru, so drafting a QB would play to his strengths.

Soldier of Sainthood: Which Rookie will make the biggest impact in fantasy football?

Ron Pollack: Ricky Williams. None of the quarterbacks this year. If the Saints trade up to get James, he could post big numbers behind that offensive line. I'd have to see who the WR's go to in order to comment on them.

Dan Jens: Where do you think John Tait will go?

Ron Pollack: Kansas City.

Purple Pride: Will Ricky Williams rush for twelve hundred yards with the Colts?

Ron Pollack: Yes. Ricky Williams will set the league on fire with the Colts.

Purple Pride: Do you know who Anthony McFarland is? Where will he be drafted?

Ron Pollack: The Cowboys might trade up to No. 16 to take McFarland to try to solve their new DL problems.

Reskins Fan: Who should the Reskins pick tomorrow? Should Reskins keep the pick or trade down to get more help at other positions?

Ron Pollack: Keep the pick, draft Bailey and pencil him in as the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Chris: Have you heard the rumor that the Colts might take James instead of Williams??? If true what do you think the Skins would do?

Ron Pollack: I'd be very surprised if they took James over Williams.

Saintsfan: What will the Saints do now that the Colts should get RW?

Ron Pollack: I think there's a chance they'll trade up to the Bears spot at No. 7 and take Edgerrin James.

Midwest Bombers: Would it make more sense for the Vikings to draft a defensive player like McFarland who can help them now or a QB that won't play for at least two years?

Ron Pollack: The window of opportunity to win a championship is very small in this era of free-agency. If I'm the Vikings I maneuver myself to a spot in the draft where there is good value for players who can help me win right now. I'd be less concerned about down the road if I were Minnesota. Just win, baby.

Chris Watson: C'mon Ron say Chris Watson CB Eastern Illinois.

Ron Pollack: This guy has been bombarding me with requests, so here goes. With the 141st entry in the chat session, Chris Watson, CB Eastern Illinois.

Brian Smith: Is Robert Brooks of the Packers done?

Ron Pollack: His future effectiveness seems to definitely be in question. Don't be surprised to see the Packers take a wide receiver with one of their earlier picks.

Chuck: Do you see the Lions taking McAlister?

Ron Pollack: The Lions have already used a lot of firepower on CB's in recent drafts. I see them taking Jevon Kearse.

Midwest Bombers: Do you think McNown will be better than King? I feel King is the better of the two he has a better arm and is more mobile.

Ron Pollack: I'm a big believer in McNown, so I'll pick him. A lot depends on what team/scheme/QB coach they go to, though.

Chuck: Do you see the Cardinals passing up on Claiborne?

Ron Pollack: I think Claiborne is their pick unless they know that they are going to get Jamir Miller's name on the dotted line.

Rick: Do the Colts make the playoffs this year with Ricky Williams?

Ron Pollack: If they take Williams I think they will be dramatically improved and will eventually be a playoff team for years and years to come. This year may be asking much though in a division that has a lot of other playoff caliber teams.

Marc: Please tell me if Claiborne will be available at the No. 9 spot for the Lions. After all, they need help on defense.

Ron Pollack: Right now it looks like Claiborne could go the pick before the Lions' turn.

Liederhaus: What's Bill Walsh got in store for the Draft? QB or trade down?

Ron Pollack: I think he'll trade down and then take a QB.

Midwest Bombers: What round will Martin Gramatica go in?

Ron Pollack: I personally would never take a kicker this high, but I have heard he might go in the third round.

DanTheMan: Who do you see in the Super Bowl next year?

Ron Pollack: Denver vs. Minnesota

Liederhaus: Third Best RB? Boston's maturity? Ultimate Sleeper? Most over-rated? Where is Grammatica going?

Ron Pollack: Third-best running back is Cecil Collins for the riverboat gamblers. For those who are afraid of Collins, I'd say Amos Zereous, Kevin Faulk, JJ Johnson. As for Boston, yes he is immature but he sure does have talent. Some scouts compare him to Carl Pickens coming out of college. I've seen Grammatica linked to Brown in Round Three.

Ron Pollack: All right everybody. My fingers are bleeding so I'm going to call it a day. Thanks for your interest. Enjoy the draft.