I like Carson Palmer. This was one of the first years I can remember that the Heisman Trophy was awarded to the player I would've picked for the Heisman if I had a vote. He's a stud and he's got that QB look about him.

All signs point to him having a disastrous pro career.

Why? Because it looks like a done-deal that he's going to be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the first pick in the NFL draft. He's going to be the new Akili Smith -- a great (and uncharacteristic) senior year leading to a skyrocketing of his draft value.

What if anything can be done to make Palmer a second round pick from some 7-9 team, which would allow him the chance at a decent NFL career? I mean, what are the odds of being a QB drafted in the first round by the Bengals and having a viable pro career? Higher or lower than the odds that Bengals and the Reds would lead their respective leagues in payroll?

It's interesting to see what he thinks in his USC bio under the sections "personal" and "Carson Plamer On".

He obviously feels he has other options in life. always a good thing for an athlete because their careers are so vulnerable to injury, either chronic or acute. Somehow I don't think he'll disappear no matter where he plays.

I think choosing Palmer is a mistake both for the QB and the Bengals. It is extremely rare for a QB to be an impact player in his first year--even on a good team & Cincinnati doesn't qualify as a good team. I think the Bengals would have been smart to trade their first-round pick to try to get three/four seasoned position players. Even if they had to forgo Palmer, there would still be some good QBs available when the Bengals second-round pick comes along. Additionally, it will cost the Bengals approximately $50 million to sign Palmer and, if I am a fan, I wouldn't want to hear that we STILL wouldn't be a top tier team without other solid position players or that Palmer will be starting only four or five games as he's still learning the system.

~Adam

I agree the Bengals drafting Palmer probably would not be a good idea. They have many other holes to fill. It would be better for him to go to a better team than waste away with a bad team. Plus even if he is drafted by the Bengals there is no guarantee they could sign him. I would try to trade him for a couple of quality picks further down in the draft.

It's mind-boggling that none of these teams that need a quarterback have contacted the Eagles regarding A.J. Feeley. Are they stupid? Weren't they watching last year?

The article I read in today's paper said barring a last-minute offer out of nowhere before the draft, he'll be back with the Eagles for one more year. After that he's a restricted free agent and likely will look to sign elsewhere where he'll get a chance to play.