Sept. 1, 2014
From Jeff Mcmanus
“I just wanted to add to your comment about the Redskins name change. First off I 100% agree with your comment about the ridiculous political correctness being way to out of control. Also I work quite closely with a lot of Native bands in Canada and the US and the one thing you will notice is that the two most popular hats on the reserves are the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Redskins. When speaking with the band members the only thing that upsets them about the Redskins is how bad the team is and that they overpay for free agents every year.”
Thanks for sharing, Jeff. Those are great points that you made. This is a ridiculous controversy, and hopefully, Dan Snyder never changes the name. It’s embarrassing for our country to have politicians discussing this rather than legitimate issues.
From Mike Palmer, San Antonio, Texas
“Charlie, love the site. Who are you post-season picks and Super Bowl Prediction?”
In the NFC, I see the playoff teams as the Seahawks, the Saints, the Packers, the Bears and the 49ers. The latter two as the wild cards. I think the NFL is basically designed for a team not to repeat, so I won’t pick the Seahawks. I’m having a hard time picking between the Packers or the 49ers, but I’ll go with Green Bay as the NFC champion.
In the AFC, I see the playoffs as the Patriots, the Broncos, the Colts, the Bengals, the Titans and the Steelers. I like the Colts to win the AFC and lose to the Packers in the Super Bowl.
From Dan Cochran, Tulsa, Arizona
“If the Cardinals had a better quarterback I think they could win the division or at least win a wild card. They’re too good to be picking high enough for Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota so my question is who they should target next year to be the franchise quarterback that can get them over the top.”
You’re right, Dan. Unless the Cardinals have a collapse, it looks very unlikely they’ll land in the top 10 to get one of those quarterbacks. I also agree that Carson Palmer has to be upgraded for Arizona to get over the hump. As it stands right now, I think Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion would be a good target for the Cardinals. He is a pocket passer with a strong arm and improving throwing skills. I know a lot of teams around the league like Mannion. He could make a lot of sense for Arizona’s first-rounder.
From Preston Grames
“Do you think it would be a good idea for the Lions to draft Kurtis Drummond and Trae Waynes next year? Do you think their experience/chemistry playing together would make the transition to the NFL easier?”
I think if they prove to be first- and second-rounders, that would be a nice haul for Detroit. I think their history will help them as rookies – mostly off the field. On the field, it would largely depend on the continuity between their college and pro defenses. I think Michigan State’s defense is more similar to Jim Schwartz’s rather than what it sounds like Austin will be running, but who knows until we see it. Maybe it’ll be different on the front end but very similar in the back. Either way, I agree with you that Drummond and Waynes could be upgrades for the Lions.
From Byran Davis, Denver, Colorado
“I don’t get why you don’t have the Broncos picking 31st or 32nd. I think the Broncos are unstoppable to the Super Bowl this season. The only question I have is they can get beat the NFC Champ.”
I know Denver is the popular pick for the AFC, but the last time a Super Bowl loser got back the next season was 20 years ago. I don’t like the Broncos’ chances of winning the Super Bowl. There have been only four quarterbacks who won the Super Bowl at 35 or older. I think Denver is going to get knocked off in January, just like two years ago.
From Thomas Hill, Portland, Oregon
“Why don’t more NFL teams run the up-tempo offense that is so difficult to defend?”
Great question Thomas. I think you’re going to see some teams start incorporating that system. The NFL is always slower to incorporate innovations in schemes, but running the up-tempo system gives the offense a serious advantage when the defense can’t substitute. NFL coaches love to rotate their defensive linemen, and they’re unable to do that in the up-tempo. Over time, I bet you’ll see more and more teams incorporating it into the NFL as young college coaches move into the NFL ranks.
From Tim Jamira, Columbus, Ohio
“I think the Browns can’t depend on Josh Gordon to be the No. 1 for Johnny Manziel. Who should they draft?”
They should have some good options available. I believe Alabama’s Amari Cooper could explode this season. I think some other good players to consider would be Stanford’s Ty Montgomery, Maryland’s Stefon Diggs, Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong and USC’s Nelson Agholar. Some of those players may prove to be second-day prospects, but I think it would make sense for the Browns to draft a receiver in the first round and another on Day 2. I think if Cleveland can land an elite running back prospect like Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon, that could be a huge addition in helping Manziel to pan out.
Once again send questions/comments via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
2015 NFL Draft Mailbag Archive:
2015 NFL Draft Mailbag - Feb. 19
2015 NFL Draft Mailbag - Feb. 13
2015 NFL Draft Mailbag - Sept. 1
2015 NFL Draft Mailbag - July 15
2015 NFL Draft Mailbag - July 9
2015 NFL Draft Mailbag - June 18
2015 NFL Draft Mailbag - June 11
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
