Predators on the Prowl
 

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Late Monday evening a stunned silence fell over the Frenzy… the Predators snuck up on the league with a fierce aggressive strike that will definitely change the landscape of the league, much like their history making 5 team 18 player /pick trade back in 2002 did (LINK).

GM Mike SantaLucia shrewdly proved the Predators were back on the prowl, showing no mercy as they prepare for their quest of a record setting 4^th straight Frenzy Bowl appearance and God willing a 2^nd Frenzy championship.

Monday evening 25% of the Predators roster changed. 2004’s 2nd best player (Peyton Manning) joined the Predators. So did the 1^st overall selection in the upcoming rookie draft. Also joining the Preds as 1 year mercenaries are highly regarded TE Alge Crumpler and WR Johnnie Morton. Less than 12 hours later, WR TJ Houshmandzadeh (snagged off the RFA market from the Squirrels) also joined the club and will battle for the WR2 position with the Preds sole active roster WR incumbent from 2004 - Jerry Porter. In addition to the 1.01 pick, the Predators have also gained compensatory picks in rounds 1 and 3 (currently 1.13 and 3.14). This means the Preds will be picking 3 players in the first 13 picks of the 2005 draft.

But it all came at a cost. Gone is the last remaining original Predator – Hines Ward is moving on to the 2004 Frenzy Bowl champs (via RFA), and leaving his career leading WR numbers as a Predator as a benchmark that won’t soon be reached. Gone is emerging stud WR Andre Johnson and developing TE Dallas Clark. Gone is erratic but highly talented RB Kevan Barlow (who, like Ward was also sent packing as a RFA). Gone is the 1st pick in the 2^nd round of the upcoming draft.

Word has it that come September, a former Tiger will be wearing Predators Black and Gold splitting duties with Tatum Bell behind Tomlinson. Peyton will be throwing the rock to another 1^st year Predator, but a familiar face in WR Marvin Harrison. Younger brother Eli will learn from the best on what it takes to be the consummate pro. Marvin won’t be their only target, however, Jerry Porter will be asked to step up and battle newcomer TJ Houshmandzadeh as the teams WR2/3. Johnie Morton will figure in the mix as well. Houshmandzadeh comes to the Preds as a player highly regarded by GM Mike SantaLucia, one whom he aggressively pursued.

Aside from Tomlinson and the Ravens D returning in their key roles, the 2005 Predators will look little like the team that was blown out in the Bowl by the underdog Mutts last year. The Preds look to feature the leagues top QB, top RB, top Defense, and top 5 players at WR and TE. The gaps will be filled with youth (<st1:city w:st="on"><st1 ="">Bell</st1></st1:city>, the 1.1, Porter, and possibly the 1.11 and 1.13 picks) as well as spot mercenaries.

One thing is certain, the Predators WILL be competitive and tough to beat for another season. GM Mike SantaLucia has shown complacency will not be acceptable. Monday night proved that.

Beware Frenzy, these cats look thirsty for blood in 2005.

-Rhett Zoan

Re: Predators on the Prowl
 

I still don't know what I was thinking in that first trade. A first and second round pick, Marty Booker, and Muhsin Muhammad (who I remember were RFA's I did not intend to match, but still) for Dominic Rhodes and a 2nd rounder? WTF was I thinking?

Re: Predators on the Prowl
 

Wasnt that when rookie picks were using the old salary scale and the picks were devalued?

Re: Predators on the Prowl
 

Very much so.

Re: Predators on the Prowl
 

Ignore the traded picks then, since I gave up more there than I received anyway. I traded Marty Booker and Muhsin Muhammad for Dominic Rhodes.

Re: Predators on the Prowl
 

WTF were you thinking?!?!?!


:angel