Everyone makes mistakes. But when those mistakes are magnified by intense scrutiny of the NFL draft, well, they become much more embarrassing than, say, my typical Friday morning, mustard-stain-on-khakis incident.
Which is why the NFL FanHouse braintrust got together to determine who is the biggest bust for each NFL team. They're not listed in terms of stupidity -- they're all stupid relative to a team's total draft performance. Meaning, of course, some teams "bust" is much different than another organization's; we did it this way to avoid just linking you to DetroitLions.com.
Instead, we're putting it in current draft order, sans trades, and allowing this list to serve as a reminder of each's team's ability to properly execute a fail. The "bust factor" was based primarily on three things: statistical production (or lack thereof), position in the draft and other available options during that year's draft.
If his career with the Denver Broncos had gone a little differently, linebacker Al Wilson could have been one of those smart, tough, hard-working players who becomes a beloved part of the franchise for years after he's retired.
But it didn't work out that way, and Wilson and the Broncos are now in a dispute over whether the team owes him his 2007 salary. Wilson thinks the team did not give him proper treatment after he suffered a neck injury in 2006, and he's filed a grievance related to Article XLIV of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (which you can read online), which says teams are required to inform players in writing if they have a condition that "could be significantly aggravated" by continuing to play.
Wilson says the Broncos didn't tell him in writing that he had a herniated disk in his neck and that he first learned of it in the spring of 2007 when he failed a physical with the Giants. After failing that physical, he missed the entire 2007 season.
Wilson now says he's healthy enough to play, and the Lions have shown some interest in signing him. But whether he makes a living playing football in 2008 or not, he didn't in 2007, and he thinks that's the Broncos' fault. This grievance hearing will determine who's right. If Wilson wins, the Broncos will owe him the salary he was originally scheduled to make in 2007, and that salary will count against the Broncos' 2008 salary cap.
There was a time when Al Wilson was one of the best linebackers in football, a tough, smart, athletic player who became a fan favorite with the Denver Broncos.
But Wilson suffered a serious neck injury late in the 2006 season, an injury that the Broncos thought would end his career. The Giants were interested in him prior to the 2007 season, but he couldn't pass their physical, and he ended up sitting out the whole year. That doesn't mean Wilson's career is over, though.
On the surface, Wilson seems like exactly the kind of linebacker who would be a perfect fit in Lions head coach Rod Marinelli's defense. Or at least, he would if this were 2005. But it's 2008, and Wilson is going to turn 31 in June, and he hasn't played football in more than a year, and a neck injury is nothing to mess around with. I'll be surprised if we see Wilson on a football field again. But I always enjoyed seeing Wilson play, and I hope I'm wrong.
The Denver Broncos defense took a step backward this season because of instability along the defensive line, an ill-fitting scheme applied by now-departed defensive coordinator Jim Bates and poor tackling all over the field. The latter problem wasn't one person's fault but it wasn't helped by the loss of longtime middle linebacker Al Wilson to a neck injury.
When it became clear that Wilson wasn't going to be able to play this season, the Broncos released him. D.J. Williams took his place in the middle of the Bronco defense and, although he tallied 141 tackles, never erased the idea that he was a better fit as an outside backer. That imperfect fit could be rectified now that Wilson's gotten medical clearance to resume his NFL career.
He's a free agent and able to sign with any team but it would behoove the Broncos to see if he can still do the job. Wilson will be 31 when next season starts, not too old but eight seasons of NFL wars and the neck injury are obvious red flags for any team to consider. Still, he was a five-time Pro Bowler and the Broncos could use a return from the player that Wilson was in the past. He's worth a look and, if he can still go, he'd make Denver a better defense come the fall.
This is a slightly modified segment of one that was run on NFL FanHouse last year, in which a specific team blogger scours the internet and interviews a blogger of the opposing team.
I began this season by interviewing TheSportsGuru of Mile High Report, a Sports Blog Nation column that covers the Denver Broncos.
Dan Benton: "Due to injuries, the Broncos have lost three extremely important players. How will Denver move forward without Al Wilson, Rod Smith and Ebenezer Ekuban? Just how significant are those loses?"
TheSportsGuru: "All three are tough, but for different reasons. The toughest of the 3 is certainly Al Wilson who meant so much to the team, both on and off the field. Wilson was the emotional leader and glue that kept the defense together. While there is no doubting his importance in the locker room, Wilson's play had deteriorated as injuries to his neck, back and hands began to take their toll. It is a testament to Wilson and the reputation he had garnered around the League that he made the Pro Bowl last season. The Broncos have found it harder to replace what he meant on the field than the production they from him on it. D.J. Williams will get the first chance to replace Wilson in the middle and will grow into the role nicely over time. As for Wilson's leadership, look for John Lynch, Champ Bailey and Ian Gold to be counted on for an increased voice in the locker room."
Here is an odd one for you. According to Pro Football Talk, there is a possibility that Jerry Reese and the New York Giants intentionally failed Al Wilson (physical) in order to sign him later without giving up any players or picks.
I, personally, find that hard to believe because the Giants did continue talks with the Denver Broncos following that failed physical. In fact, there were rumors that they actually made a second trade offer to the Broncos that was turned down. However, it does raise some suspicion because after that that supposed second offer, Jerry Reese flat out said "there is no more interest in Wilson."
Whatever the case, the Giants suddenly find themselves in the midst of a few shady dealings. Yesterday it was all about the Houston Texans and the matched offer sheet of Vonta Leach and today it's all about Al Wilson. I can only wonder what tomorrow will bring.
It's never over until it's over. That saying speaks volumes when it comes to the New York Giants and their interest in now free agent linebacker Al Wilson.
Back in late March, the Giants and Broncos had agreed to a trade that would have sent the former Pro Bowl linebacker to New York. Sadly, a failed physical hindered the deal and the Giants immediately pulled out. At the time it seemed like all hope of obtaining him was gone, but yesterday during Jerry Reese's press conference it came across like the door was still open.
Question: Is your interest in Al Wilson over?
Jerry Reese: "Nothing's over at this point. We'll see what happens with him in the future."
Does that mean the Giants will sign him? Absolutely not. But what it does mean is that they still have him in their peripheral vision. Given his failed physical and recent release, his value is at an all-time low. If the Giants can grab him for a low price and give him a contract similar to Lavar Arrington's, it'd be a great move and very low risk.
With Al Wilson out in Denver, the job turns to finding his replacement. Wilson was unusually popular, so much so that owner Pat Bowlen, on a personal level, was sad to see him go:
"I was pretty close to Al, personally ... I don't really get that close to a lot of players but I had a good relationship with Al... I don't think there was any option for us, or maybe Al, until he gets his neck straightened out. I don't know if wants to play this year. Maybe next year. But he was a very important part of our team for eight years. You don't get a better leader than Al."
But as we're constantly reminded, the NFL is a business, and the Broncos must get down to the business of finding Wilson's replacement. The Denver Post's Mike Klis says the team has three options: (1) Draft Michigan MLB David Harris, (2) Move D.J. Williams from outside to inside linebacker, (3) Sign a free agent like former Falcons Ed Hartwell.
Each of these options comes with risks -- Harris would be a rookie trying to adjust to the NFL on the fly; Williams has never played MLB; Hartwell, though 28, has an injury history -- and none are as appealing as keeping a healthy Al Wilson.
Apparently the Giants are not done talking with the Broncos about Al Wilson or the Bears about Lance Briggs. According to USA Today's "Inside Slant," the Giants remain in contact with both teams regarding their respective Pro Bowl linebackers.
The Giants are still dabbling with Al Wilson of Denver, who was almost a Giant until he failed his physical and negated a trade, and they have thoughts of convincing the Bears to part with franchise player Lance Briggs. Neither possibility will, in all likelihood, bear fruit.
As the report mentions, it's unlikely that the Giants will be able to pry either away from their teams. Wilson was as close to being a Giant as you could possibly be before his failed physical. The Broncos had agreed to trade Wilson in exchange for a second day draft pick until the deal was subsequently ruined by injury concerns. In order for this trade to "rekindle," the Broncos would have to be willing to accept a 6th or 7th round draft pick -- something I think would only be a fantasy.
In terms of Lance Briggs, it's already been made very clear that the Bears want at least two first day draft picks. With the Giants picking later than most teams in each round, it would probably cost them a bit more than others. To start, it would cost them at least their first and third round selections and an additional second day pick.
Last week there were rumors the Denver Broncos might be in the Zach Thomas business, especially since the team was trying to move linebacker Al Wilson. Wilson could still be traded -- particularly if he's not willing to restructure his contract (read: take a pay cut) -- but Thomas-to-the-Broncos probably isn't going to happen. According to the Denver Post's Bill Williamson, a more likely replacement for Wilson could be linebacker Ed Hartwell.
Last month, after Atlanta released him, Hartwell met with the Patriots. New England seemed like a good fit because Hartwell, a former Ray Lewis protege in Baltimore, is only 28 and could provide depth to an aging Patriots unit. To date, Hartwell is still looking for work, and just like New England, he could a viable option in Denver.
Obviously, Hartwell isn't as good as Wilson, but he could be an adequate replacement, at least in the short term. I say in the short term because Hartwell, despite his age, is a risk because he ruptured his Achilles tendon five games into the 2005 season. And then had two arthroscopic surgeries on his right knee ... and another on his left knee the following off-season. Now you know why Atlanta let him go ... and why he's currently unemployed.
But -- and there's always a "but" -- when healthy, Hartwell's a reliable player who excels against the run. And even if Denver gets him for a season or two, it will be at a reduced rate, and the team could draft a linebacker during the first day of this month's draft. Whatever happens, it looks like Thomas playing for the Broncos in '07 is the least likely alternative.
If his career with the Denver Broncos had gone a little differently, linebacker 
There was a time when 
The Denver Broncos defense took a step backward this season because of instability along the defensive line, an ill-fitting scheme applied by now-departed defensive coordinator 
This is a slightly modified segment of one that was run on NFL FanHouse last year, in which a specific team blogger scours the internet and interviews a blogger of the opposing team.
Here is an odd one for you. According to Pro Football Talk, there is a possibility that Jerry Reese and the New York 
It's never over until it's over. That saying speaks volumes when it comes to the New York Giants and their interest in 
With Al Wilson 
Apparently the Giants are not done talking with the Broncos about Al Wilson or the Bears about Lance Briggs. According to USA Today's "Inside Slant," the Giants 
Last week there were rumors the Denver Broncos might be in the Zach Thomas business, especially since the team 
