5 Questions

Mike Odom answers Mike Whitney

1. What do we expect from Sidney Rice after Brett Favre retires?
Big things. While there is no question Rice has greatly benefited from Favre's arrival, he is clearly not just a byproduct of it. He was a second round pick, but not because of lack of talent. Having played only two seasons of college ball, Rice was very raw and unrefined. But he had size, speed, hands, and leaping ability. People forget this would have been his rookie season had he exhausted his full eligibility at South Carolina. The light has officially gone on for Rice, and that bulb won't burn out anytime soon.

2. What do you see from Glenn Dorsey in the next 2 years?
This all depends on if he stays in Kansas City or not. If he continues to be stuck in the 3-4 in KC, he will likely squander away his ability and end up a huge bust. A trade to a 4-3 would not only suit Dorsey better, it would relight the fire under him. Playing in a Cover 2 scheme, such as Tampa Bay or Indy might allow him to play to his strengths. My ceiling for Dorsey if all goes well is an 8 sack season by 2011.


3. Who are the Raiders taking with their first round pick?
Despite looking like one of the worst teams in the league often, Oakland is headed towards a pick in the 7th to 10th overall range currently. There is a catch to this question. Oakland does not have a 1st round pick in 2011. So the player selected here will be a huge building block in the teams long term plans. Herein lies the dilemma. JaMarcus Russell is likely done as the Raiders quarterback. But taking another QB round 1 will signal the end for sure. Some QBs are being mentioned as potential first round picks, but they all have big question marks. Al Davis made a sensable pick in 2004 when he took left tackle Robert Gallery. I think Oakland will take Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung, and perhaps take a quarterback in round 2.

4. Will Matt Forte bounce back next season?
Yes and no. I don't think Forte will ever be a premiere running back like everyone predicted after 2008. He should be a quality starter though, unlike this years performance. Chicago's offense is clearly in a state of flux, and many talented players are struggling. Forte may be one of the types of running backs that needs a good amount of touches to get in stride. The team should be straightened out by 2010, and Forte will be back to about 1,500 total yards.

5. If Jacksonville makes the playoffs, do they still draft Tim Tebow?
Yes, but in the second round. I think Tebow will slide out of the first 32 picks, especially after extreme dissection from scouts. Jacksonville will likely be in the market for some type of quarterback project regardless of David Garrard's performance. Tebow could allow the Jags to create a unique running game with him and Maurice Jones-Drew, but more importantly he will draw fans to the game.