Diner Morning News: Trade Bait

FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

14 MAY 2009

QUOTE:  “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

We are three weeks removed from the draft, and all teams have had some form of mini-camp – either with just rookies or with the entire team. All teams are now involved in their OTAs, and we are starting to learn from local beat writers which players are looking good in practices. So this is the perfect time to pick up the phone again and make a few calls, thinking that some teams might need to make a few moves. 

If I were any team in need of a part left tackle, part tight end (i.e., a blocking tight end), I would call the Denver Broncos.

On Thursday, I wrote about the Buffalo Bills, explaining how they have a huge void at blocking tight end and suggesting they call the Broncos to explore the possibility of trading for Daniel Graham. Well, the Bills are not the only team that could benefit from adding this kind of player to their roster. The Eagles, for example, would really make an impact if they had Graham. He would allow Brent Celek to be the tight end to make plays in the passing game and would also give them a strong side run game. 

Graham, not Tony Scheffler, would make a huge difference for the Eagles. Scheffler is similar to the other tight ends currently on the Eagles’ roster. Denver drafted Richard Quinn, whose forte is blocking, at the bottom of the second round. Because he’s a second rounder, Quinn is certain to make the team, so trading Graham is plausible for the Broncos. 

There are more teams in need of a blocker than just the Bills and Eagles. The Jets and Bengals also need to improve in this area if they expect their receiving tight ends to be factors in the offense. Adding Graham to the Jets would boost Dustin Keller, just as adding him to the Bengals would be an upgrade over Reggie Kelly and allow Chase Coffman to be a factor right away in the passing game. 

If I were working for the ‘Skins, I would call Jacksonville about the availability of right offensive tackle Tony Pashos. 

The Redskins’ offensive line is a mess. It’s old and injury prone, making the prospect of a successful 2009 season seem unlikely. Worse, there are no signs of finding reinforcements during the preseason. Jacksonville signed former Eagle Tra Thomas this offseason to be the starter at left tackle, then drafted two more tackles in the first two rounds -- Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton. They now have three tackles besides Pashos who are locks to make the team. 

Even though Pashos has been a starter, he does have limitations in his athletic ability and the type of protection schemes the offense must run. Had this been the ‘Skins’ offense of old (Joe Gibbs’ offense) featuring mostly slide protection, Pashos would fit perfectly. Pashos is the kind of player that ‘Skins offensive line guru Joe Bugel would love -- tough, gritty, hard working and willing to do whatever he needs to be successful. The ‘Skins can’t feel that current right tackle Jon Jansen can perform in all 16 games from an injury and performance standpoint. They must find an alternative, and I doubt it will be former Buffalo Bills first rounder Mike Williams of Texas. 

If I were working for the Seahawks, I would call the Jets about the availability of running back Thomas Jones.

I know, I know, the Seahawks have the other Jones, Julius, currently handling the running back chores. But when does having Julius Jones on a roster mean you’ll get a consistent and reliable runner? Besides his durability issues, when does he give you a sense of comfort and confidence that he can play the whole season and be productive? Last year, sharing time with Maurice Morris, Jones had almost 700 yards rushing and played in 15 games. It’s clear he needs someone to help him handle the reps and not place the full burden squarely on his shoulders. That other back is not T.J. Duckett. Duckett is a short-yardage runner but lacks quickness to make plays in the middle of the field. He did help the Seahawks convert third and one at an 85-percent rate, finishing third in the NFL. But he’s not the kind of player to supplement Julius. 

Trading for Thomas Jones would give the Seahawks another runner to share time with his brother and beef up the running game. The current Jets roster desperately needs a wide receiver to replace the departed Laveranues Coles. The Seahawks -- depending on the health of some players and the talent level of the younger wideouts, notably third-round pick Deon Butler -- may have an extra wideout. For example, Deion Branch might be expendable after Seattle’s receivers last year failed to make plays, partly because of health and partly because they finished 30th in the NFL in dropped passes. If healthy, Branch would give the Jets a veteran receiver capable of helping a rookie quarterback.  Both teams might benefit from this trade. 

Have a wonderful weekend. Be sure to check back Sunday for another edition of Sunday at the Post. 

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