Franchised Players

So lost somewhere amongst all of the combine coverage, last Thursday 25th Feb was the deadline for teams to apply the franchise tag.  Only 6 teams decided to use this option, and here is the complete list.

Aubrayo Franklin   DT   49'ers
Olindo Mare          K     Seahawks
Ryan Pickett          DT   Packers
Jeff Read               K     Steelers
Richard Seymour   DE   Raiders
Vince Wilfork        DT   Patriots

As you can see from this list, defensive tackle is now being seen as a very important position.  All Franklin, Pickett and Wilfork play as the nose tackle, in a 3 - 4 defense.  The league has seen a number of teams change over to the 3 - 4 over the past few years.  The nose tackle is a very important position in the 3 - 4.  Without the nose tackle taking up blockers and space, the linebackers are unable to come through and make plays.  There are very few true nose tackles in the NFL, and this is why these teams are making sure they keep hold of them.  I just wonder how these choices may effect the true nose tackles that are coming into th NFL via the draft this year (i.e Terrence Cody - Alabama etc.)  Surely the draft stock of Cody and company must be rising.

Richard Seymour had a good season in Oakland last year, starting all 16 games, and having 47 tackles an 4 sacks.  The Raiders traded alot to bring Seymour in from the Pats last year, and don't want to lose him so soon.  The decisions I don't really understand is the franchised kickers??  Reed and Mare are undoubtedly 2 of the best kickers in the league.  Reed last year made 27 of 31, and Mare made 24 of 26.  But can you really justify paying these players $2.8 million??

So with franchise tags been handed out, the combine taking place, and free agency on the horizon, the NFL is very busy at the moment.  Come back tomorrow to take a look at a combine wrap-up.  I will take a look at players that I have mentioned before, wether they under or over performed and see if any players have now introduced theirselves at the combine.  If you want to get in touch email -nflgbview@googlemail.com, twitter - www.twitter.com/nflgbview, or search nflgbview on http://www.facebook.com/.