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Chiefs' Pioli dipping a little too much into his Patriots past NFL

The Chiefs hope to boost their pass rush with Mike Vrabel, and must think Matt Cassel is a franchise quarterback. But Pete Prisco says new GM Scott Pioli has already gone back to the well too often by landing these two ex-Patriots.

Rex in effect: Ryan is remaking Jets with Ravens in mind NFL

He has his father's confidence. But Rex Ryan is no Buddy. He's bringing his in-your-face style that ruled in Baltimore and is building the Jets in his own image. Count on seeing a tougher team in New York, Pete Prisco says.

Move to Patriots may be Taylor's path to Hall NFL

Fred Taylor is a special player who never got the attention he deserves. Now, the running back -- who sits at No. 11 on the all-time rushing list -- moves to New England. This move will benefit everyone involved and might help Taylor solidify his Hall of Fame status, Pete Prisco says.

Buyer beware: Proceed with caution on these free agents NFL

Fans demand name new talent so some teams make impulse buys. As free agency opens, Pete Prisco issues warnings about five high-risk free agents.

Top 50 free agents: Think young, start with Albert NFL

Most players are free agents for a reason, one reason Pete Prisco says buyer beware remains the FA mantra. Ray Lewis? Kurt Warner? Too old for the top of a list built on upside and value.

Bucs all-time great Brooks helped revolutionize the game NFL

Derrick Brooks, one of five players told Wednesday he was being let go by the Buccaneers, can do so knowing that in his 13 years in Tampa he redefined the way a position was played.

Smith's big combine task: Prove he has NFL cover speed NFL

Isn't bigger supposed to be better? Not if you're an NFL cornerback, but Sean Smith wants to change that. If Smith performs to his potential, his talent will be impossible to ignore, Pete Prisco says.

Cushing forced to defend himself against 'roid rumors NFL

There is nothing approaching proof, only innuendo, but top linebacker prospect Brian Cushing is dealing with responding to steroid rumors at the combine. Pete Prisco says that's just wrong.

Injury news shouldn't lower Crabtree's draft stock NFL

Friday, the greatest. Saturday, Michael Crabtree is a risk after news comes out about a stress fracture in his foot. But don't let the injury -- or his lack of pre-draft workouts -- scare you, Pete Prisco says.

Lions have no choice but to choose Stafford No. 1 NFL

Franchise quarterbacks solve problems. No team has more problems than the Lions, winless in '08. How to fix that? Take Matthew Stafford and watch as his rocket arm drags Detroit out of the abyss, Pete Prisco says.

Cal's Mack could change center's lack of first-round love NFL

Centers are the quarterbacks of the offensive line. But if the position is so important, why have only seven centers been taken in the first round in the last 20 drafts combined? A fella named Alex Mack might change that, Pete Prisco says.

Cal's Mack could change center's lack of first-round love NFL

Centers are the quarterbacks of the offensive line. But if the position is so important, why have only seven centers been taken in the first round in the last 20 drafts combined? A fella named Alex Mack might change that, Pete Prisco says.

Top 32: Big-armed Stafford tops best 2009 prospects NFL

Matt Stafford's thunderbolt arm has made him a prime prospect since his high school days. Pete Prisco rates the Georgia quarterback No. 1 on his annual list of top 32 prospects.

Jaguars' mistake could be big break for classy Taylor NFL

The Jaguars are making a mistake by releasing franchise face Fred Taylor, Pete Prisco says, but now at least he might wind up in a place where he's given the recognition and appreciation he deserves.

Leftwich regroups as Steeler backup, in demand again NFL

Shocked after being cut in Jacksonville, humbled Byron Leftwich had to rebuild his rep and confidence. One super season as a backup QB later, mission accomplished, Pete Prisco says.

Mock draft: It's mock draft time NFL

Matt Stafford can do for the Lions what Matt Ryan did for the Atlanta Falcons.

Sit out instead of play for Arizona? Not in the Cards, Anquan NFL

Pete Prisco counts 'em down: One, if you call T.O. a diva, say the same of Anquan Boldin. Two, if Boldin thinks he's as good as Larry Fitzgerald, he's wrong. Three, if you think Boldin will sit instead of play, you're wrong.

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Power Rankings: Steelers ... I was way off! NFL

Pete Prisco is feeling a little lower after reviewing his preseason Power Rankings. Pittsburgh No. 8? Arizona No. 15? The final edition is a good time for a compare and contrast -- and some mocking.

Chiefs just got a whole lot more fun to follow NFL

Players say he's feisty. He loves to compete. And Todd Haley is a good hire for the Chiefs. The team will be more fun to watch, the offense will be exciting and winning shouldn't be far behind, Pete Prisco says.

Offseason storylines: Here come Vick, Brady, L.T. ... NFL

Super Bowl highlights still looping in his head, Pete Prisco enters withdrawal season already thinking about what's ahead the next six months, starting with sprung Mike Vick.

Old Cards ancient history: Franchise has turned page NFL

Hear anybody mocking the Cardinals now? Those days are over, and Pete Prisco says this franchise has the cap room and talent in place to contend long term.

Steelers No. 1 in this era, but Packers still all-time best NFL

If you're talking the greatest NFL franchise since Super Bowls have been played, Pete Prisco says you're talking the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the league is older than that, and he says the all-time No. 1 is still the Packers.

Quiet Fitzgerald makes loud statement in fourth quarter NFL

For a WR as hyped as Larry Fitzgerald, he was anonymous with just one catch in the first half of Super Bowl XLIII. However, the start of the fourth quarter brings out Fitzgerald's brilliance and in a losing effort, he puts on a performance that caps an incredible postseason, Pete Prisco says.

'Zona fails to go with its strength in first half of Super Bowl defeat NFL

What was Arizona thinking in the first half of the Super Bowl? The Cards abandoned their bread and butter -- the spread, no-huddle offense -- and it costs them in their 27-23 loss to the Steelers, Pete Prisco says.

Prediction: Cardinals 30, Steelers 27 NFL

It will be mighty cold Monday south of the border, and we're not talking about Mexico. Pete Prisco claims the Arizona Cardinals are going to attack the Steelers and take home the Super Bowl XLIII title.