2011 NFL Draft: Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb and Others that Impact the NFL Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft will be different than any other draft in recent history due to the labor dispute and possibility of an ongoing lockout.
Until the situation is settled, trades or free agency will not play a role in the 2011 NFL Draft, which will change the way coaches and general mangers approach it.
The Approach
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With 450 free agents waiting to test the open waters of the NFL free-agent market, teams will have an unfamiliar approach to the NFL Draft.
"It'll be quite different," Shanahan said. "You may have some holes on your football team, and you try to fill those voids with free agency and then the draft. You may look at a particular position more so than what's going to happen today. I think most people will do that. Since they can't fill any voids, they'll take the best player available."
Although teams will not admit it, there are currently a handful of players that will affect the way their teams draft. Here is a look at a few of those players who will impact this year’s draft.
Larry Fitzgerald
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Larry Fitzgerald is one of the most talented players in the game. He is a threat on the field, a leader in the clubhouse and the Arizona Cardinals could be in danger of losing him.
Fitzgerald recently gathered teammates and friends for a voluntary workout to keep in shape during the labor dispute. This is just one example of what a great leader Fitzgerald is.
With an expiring contract after the 2011 season, the Cardinals will do whatever it takes to keep him in the fold, and this includes the draft. Fitzgerald has subtly made it known that he wants to win now, and the Cardinals have included him on some important future decisions.
Recently, Fitzgerald discussed who the Cardinals may lean toward in the draft with their first pick.
"I would doubt that we would draft a quarterback that high. I would doubt it," the Pro Bowl wide receiver told Foxsportsarizona on Tuesday. "But, who am I? I'm just a player. Management hasn't told me if they are going to go in any direction."
This will change how the Cardinals draft and could possibly put them in the market for a veteran free-agent quarterback.
Kevin Kolb
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With the season Michael Vick just had, Kevin Kolb has become expendable in Philadelphia, and plenty of teams would like to acquire him.
This allows the Philadelphia Eagles to possibly alter their draft strategy. The list of teams that would be interested in Kolb is a long one: The Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals top the list, but that is just the beginning.
If the Eagles believe they could get a quality player to fill a need in a trade for Kolb, that could easily change their approach to the draft.
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Donovan McNabb
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Donovan McNabb is done with the Redskins. It is yet to be seen whether he will be released or traded, but the Redskins will have that in the back of their mind when they draft this year.
Washington now has a quarterback targeted in the second round, and although that may have been their strategy before the McNabb blowout, it most certainly is now.
One of the hottest rumors has the Redskins shipping McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings. While interesting on paper and a decent fit for a team that needs a quarterback, the Vikings may want to go the other way.
McNabb fired 15 interceptions last year and was accused of not knowing the two-minute drill. While he may be a victim of the system or the coaching staff, trading for McNabb could be dangerous.
Other teams reportedly showing interest include the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.
Nnamdi Asomugha
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The free-agent cornerback could arguably be one of the best free agents on the market. He will undoubtedly leave the Raiders and get a big payday all at the same time.
One of the teams that is keeping a close eye on the All-Pro corner is the New York Jets. If the Jets believe they will be able to obtain the shut-down corner, it would alter their approach to the draft.
They will not be alone though, as plenty of teams will take a shot at signing Asomugha. Since they will have plenty of competition, the Jets may want to play it safe until he is in a New York uniform.
Tom Brady
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Tom Brady is the best player on the Patriots, and he is not getting any younger. This could drastically change the way New England approaches the draft this year.
While the Patriots are looking for defense in most mock drafts, don’t be surprised if they make a move to acquire a top-notch offensive lineman to protect Brady. Logan Mankins has been a problem for the Patriots, and drafting Anthony Castonzo out of Boston College could make sense for New England.
It could also change the Patriots' draft strategy. Instead of trading for future draft picks, it is conceivable that the Pats will draft up for an offensive weapon such as Julio Jones out of Alabama to give Brady a weapon that can stretch the field.
It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but Brady will obviously alter the Patriots' draft approach.
Carson Palmer
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When Carson Palmer announced he would rather retire than go back to the Bengals, it automatically switched the draft strategy for Cincinnati.
The Bengals have announced they have no intentions of trading Palmer and instead will stand fast, but his threat to retire is real, and the Bengals could target a quarterback with their first-round pick.
If Blaine Gabbert gets by Buffalo, the Bengals would likely take a chance at him and ship off Palmer. The rumors have already started with Seattle and Miami as possible destinations for Palmer.
Regardless of where he ends up, Palmer has changed the draft strategy for this team.
Vince Young
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Remember this guy? Vince Young is a quarterback who at one time was the future of the Tennessee Titans, and now he is an enigma.
His future is uncertain with the team, and there is also a chance he could be traded. Titans owner Bud Adams is a Young supporter, but he has publicly announced the team will trade or release him.
With the abundance of quarterbacks in this draft, the Titans will most likely snag one, and have been linked to Ryan Mallett and Christian Ponder, among others.
Draft Strategy
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Until the lockout is lifted, free agents will have to wait to collect on a big payday. However, the draft will still take place, and ownership has to be ready to draft without knowledge of how their teams may change in the upcoming months.
That will add an interesting twist to this draft, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.
Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at mregaw@gmail.com.
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Vince Young, Donovan McNabb and other players that will impact the draft
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