Chris Henry and Raider contemplations
National Football League
Draft King Mailbag
January 6, 2005
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com
Reader feedback is always welcomed here at DraftKing.com. Send your thoughts to me at LouPickney@gmail.com.
From: BlueDevilsCBWR@***.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 5, 2005 6:55 PM
To: Lou Pickney
Subject: (no subject)
I don't think the Patriots will Draft Chris Henry because of his character issues and Bill wouldn't touch that. What are your thoughts on Steve Savoy and Do you think he will come out this season?
Lou: I know that Chris Henry's character issues are a concern in some circles, but if anyone can help him on the discipline side, it'd be Bill Belichick. I could see New England potentially trading up to try to obtain Mark Clayton, but that team has many options.
As for Utah WR Steve Savoy, he would probably be a first day pick (Rounds 1-3) if he decides to come out. He finished his sophomore season this year, but he attended one year of prep school before beginning at Utah, so he's in the Larry Fitzgerald category as far as being draft eligible as a sophomore. With the departure of coach Urban Meyer for the University of Florida and the decision by QB Alex Smith to go pro, Savoy might be well-advised to give the NFL a shot now. Savoy said that if Smith went to the NFL, he'd consider following him. It'll be a tough start for new Utah coach Kyle Whittingham without Smith, but if Savoy is gone the chore of following up on the 2004 undefeated season will be that much more difficult.
From: Gary Graham
Sent: Thursday, January 6, 2005 1:22 PM
To: Lou Pickney
Subject: Draft King Question
I notice that you have the Raiders picking Aaron Rodgers with the #7 pick. I would have to disagree with you on that one. Like it or not, the Raiders are stuck with Kerry Collins for the next two or three seasons. Plus it now looks like the Raiders will not be resigning Charles Woodson and that thay may be trading Phillip Buchanon (what a big disappointment he turned into, remember how in 2002 I was excited about that pick??). If we lose both of our starting CB's I really, don't see the Raiders passing up on Antrell Rolle who you have being picked at #8. What do you think? Can the Raiders really afford to pass on Rolle?
Lou: Kerry Collins is 32, and there's no reason he can't be the starter for Oakland in 2005. But by the same token, if Rodgers is still on the board at #7, you'd have to think that Al Davis will keep him in the Bay Area. Let him learn for a year under Collins and then be ready to roll.
Antrel Rolle makes sense for Oakland, who in all likelihood will be parting ways with Charles Woodson this off-season. Trading Buchanon would be a bit surprising; perhaps Buchanon is just in the wrong situation in Oakland, and I know he's voiced his displeasure about things in public, but I think it would be a mistake to give up on him now. Buchanon is just 24 years old, and him paired with Antrel Rolle would make for a very interesting Miami Hurricane cornerback duo.
But with that said, if Rodgers is on the board, odds are more likely for Oakland trading down. If they don't want Rodgers, someone else will. But in reality I doubt that Rodgers will actually still be on the board at #7. In that case, Rolle seems like a no brainer (unless Mike Williams mysteriously drops to them).
