Reuter article on FA effects on the draft

[Kettle]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d82798f46/article/how-early-freeagent-signings-impact-2012-nfl-draft?module=HP11_content_stream

Highlights

Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign CB Eric Wright

Many analysts thought Tampa Bay would snag cornerback Morris Claiborne with the fifth overall pick, but signing Wright alleviates the need at that position -- especially if 37-year-old Ronde Barber decides to return for 2012. The Bucs are in a great position to trade down from the fifth spot with a team looking to move ahead of St. Louis to select top receiver prospect Justin Blackmon. If they stay put, Claiborne is still a possibility, but running back Trent Richardson could be paired with LeGarrette Blount to make a strong one-two punch in the backfield.

Jacksonville Jaguars sign DE Jeremy Mincey

Mincey had more sacks in 2011 (eight) than he did in his first three seasons with the Jaguars combined (seven), so general manager Gene Smith decided to step up and pay his starting defensive end, despite bidding from the Bears and others. Teams can never have too many pass rushers, but signing Mincey may steer Smith away from using his seventh overall selection on a defensive end like Melvin Ingram. The Jags' deep need for a receiver to help out 2011 first-round quarterback Blaine Gabbert makes them a likely player in the trade market for top pass-catching prospect Justin Blackmon.

Carolina Panthers release OG Travelle Wharton

The team released Wharton, who was due a $5.7 million base salary in 2012, and re-signed right guard Geoff Hangartner Tuesday. It's possible the Panthers could fill Wharton's left guard spot with another veteran free agent like former Rams center Jason Brown, who could easily make the switch. If that doesn't happen, Carolina could be a landing spot for Stanford guard David DeCastro. That's right, an interior lineman could go as high as the ninth overall selection. He ranks in most team's top 10 overall players in this draft class because of his intelligence, toughness and mobility, so it wouldn't really be a reach

St. Louis Rams sign CB Cortland Finnegan

New Rams head coach Jeff Fisher will be reunited with Finnegan, who was a seventh-round pick of the Titans in 2006. Teams can never have too many cornerbacks, but this probably ends the Rams' interest in former LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne at the top of the draft. In fact, this deal could help push the Rams toward joining the Jaguars and Browns in the fight for Blackmon.

Cleveland Browns release OT Tony Pashos

Cleveland saved about $2 million by cutting their starting right tackle. Unless the Vikings unexpectedly decide to pass on top tackle prospect Matt Kalil at No. 3, look for the Browns to consider adding a tackle via their second first-round pick (No. 22) to bookend Pro Bowler Joe Thomas. They may be a suitor for suddenly available Eric Winston to fill that spot, but so that'd be a battle with several other teams.

I was in the crowd believing that Claiborne would never fall to us, but I'm starting to believe. Reluctantly.

[jarhead]

Good thought provoking article.I thnk it is entirely possible Claborne could drop for the the reasons stated.In addition you can argue that taking a cb in the draft is a develpmental position based on looking at what pp and prince accomplised last year.We certainly have the greatest need now and doubt we have the cap space to sign one.

[rayzor]

the talk about waharton's leaving makes it likely we could be signing decastro makes me uncomfortable a little. i really don't want us to go that route. maybe if the draft was void of talent beyond decastro at the OG position it would make more sense, but it's a really deep and talented class there. in fact if we picked up a 3rd i wouldn't be surprised to see it and either a 2nd or 4th used on OGs.

i do think that moves teams ahead of us have made are making it easier for us to get claiborne, though. i'd just be shocked to see him fall.

[scarface]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign CB Eric Wright

Many analysts thought Tampa Bay would snag cornerback Morris Claiborne with the fifth overall pick, but signing Wright alleviates the need at that position -- especially if 37-year-old Ronde Barber decides to return for 2012. The Bucs are in a great position to trade down from the fifth spot with a team looking to move ahead of St. Louis to select top receiver prospect Justin Blackmon. If they stay put, Claiborne is still a possibility, but running back Trent Richardson could be paired with LeGarrette Blount to make a strong one-two punch in the backfield.

If Talib goes to jail, they take Claiborne...if he doesnt, then it makes no sense to draft Claiborne.

1. Talib is the #1 CB...if he plays, that is.

2. You dont give nickel CB huge contracts (Eric Wright)...so he must be the #2 CB

3. You dont draft a nickel CB in the top 5. (Claiborne)

...oh, and they still have Ronde Barber.

[Floppin]

What makes you think that Claiborne is a "nickle CB"?

[pantherclaw]

Eric wright, and 37yr old barber makes the bucs not interested in clairbourn?

I know i wouldn't want a 37yr old starting CB.

[scarface]

Eric wright, and 37yr old barber makes the bucs not interested in clairbourn?

I know i wouldn't want a 37yr old starting CB.

What makes you think that Claiborne is a "nickle CB"?

I said Talib and Wright would be #1 and #2....therefore Claiborne would be #3/nickel....therefore Barber would be #4.

Why would they sign Wright to a huge deal just to draft Claiborne and put Wright or Claiborne at nickel?

It would be ridiculous to draft Claiborne now unless Talib goes to jail.

[Lout]

What makes you think that Claiborne is a "nickle CB"?

He doesn't think that. He was saying that he isn't a nickel corner, so the Bucs won't draft him at #5.

[Razeyfingers]

Eric wright, and 37yr old barber makes the bucs not interested in clairbourn?

I know i wouldn't want a 37yr old starting CB.

Darrell Green played until he was 42. Corner is a spot where age can float in the NFL. It depends on your body type and, well, luck from not taking a career ending shot on any vital part of your body that effects speed and strength.

[Floppin]

He doesn't think that. He was saying that he isn't a nickel corner, so the Bucs won't draft him at #5.

Yeah, I picked up on that. I'm a little slow this morning.

[Kettle]

mornings don't seem to be kind to you.

[Floppin]

The last couple have been particularly rough.

[CarolinaNCSU]

While I wouldn't initially be a fan of taking DeCastro, and it's unheard of to take a OG that high...I couldn't be mad at the pick. Kid sounds like a future Pro-Bowl player, and that's what using a Top 10 pick is all about IMO. If Claiborne is gone, would we rather risk #9 on a defensive player who could be more boom/bust or get a sure thing? Either way, we should be getting an impact guy at a position of need and that's all I care about.

[jarhead]

It appears we will get one of the top defensive players in the draft.I think Rivera wants a better pass rush.