I'm really happy that someone from Elon got picked. That basically legitamizes where I'm going to school.
253 is Cincinnati's pick: Chinedum Ndukwe, S from Notre Dame. Can't believe two guys were taken from that atrocious Fightin' Irish secondary.
254 is Oakland with the second to last pick in the draft: Johnathan Holland, WR Louisiana Tech. Never heard of him.
And here is Mr. Irrelevant! They just showed all the parties for Mr. Irrelevant. I'm excited. I hope it's Noland Burchette.
And Detroit takes as Mr. Irrelevant...Ramzee Robinson, CB from Alabama. Mel thinks he'll make the team.
And that's a wrap! Thanks for tuning in. We had a lot of fun! We saw some smart teams, some dumb ones, guys falling, guys rising, surprises, exciting moments, and college stars giving the fans of their new NFL teams hope. I spent 18 hours working on this, and it has been well worth it. See you next year.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
5:45
Tampa @ 246: Kenneth Darby, RB from Alabama. I spent Darby's whole career with the Tide wondering when he would turn from a solid, 4 ypc guy to a standout player. It never really happened. This will add depth, and in that sense, it is a good pick. He can come in and be reliable.
New England has 247: Mike Elgin, the C from Iowa. Hadn't heard of him. That was only the seventh pure center taken so far.
The Rams select Keith Jackson, Arkansas' DT at 248. Very good pick. Jackson was productive in college and has some talent. He also has a great name.
249 is also owned by the Rams, and they pick Derek Stanley, WR from Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The Giants have 250: Ahmad Bradshaw, RB from Marshall. They add more backfield depth. Bradshaw is a bit of a calculated risk. He started his career at UVA but had some character problems. He is a talent, though.
Jacksonville @ 251: Chad Nkang, LB from Elon!!! Alright! That's my future school! Terrific!
McKnight, Walker, Matt Moore still out there. And Chris Leak.
Andrew Carnahan T from Arizona State is 252 for the Jags.
New England has 247: Mike Elgin, the C from Iowa. Hadn't heard of him. That was only the seventh pure center taken so far.
The Rams select Keith Jackson, Arkansas' DT at 248. Very good pick. Jackson was productive in college and has some talent. He also has a great name.
249 is also owned by the Rams, and they pick Derek Stanley, WR from Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The Giants have 250: Ahmad Bradshaw, RB from Marshall. They add more backfield depth. Bradshaw is a bit of a calculated risk. He started his career at UVA but had some character problems. He is a talent, though.
Jacksonville @ 251: Chad Nkang, LB from Elon!!! Alright! That's my future school! Terrific!
McKnight, Walker, Matt Moore still out there. And Chris Leak.
Andrew Carnahan T from Arizona State is 252 for the Jags.
5:30
San Diego on the clock for 240: Brandon Siler, LB from Florida. Good pick at this stage; he was a key cog in Florida's championship defense last year.
241 is Chicago's: Aaron Brant, the OT from Iowa State.
242 for Indy: Keyunta Dawson, a LB from Texas Tech. A few no-namers these last picks here.
243 for the Pack: Clark Harris, TE from Rutgers. He's pretty good, productive. Not a flashy selection.
244 is my Falcons: Jason Snelling, FB from Virginia.
245 is Tampa's: Marcus Hamilton, CB from UVA. Two Cavs in a row. I really don't think Hamilton is worthy of this pick. He gets destroyed by everyone.
Tennessee is Mel's worst team.
241 is Chicago's: Aaron Brant, the OT from Iowa State.
242 for Indy: Keyunta Dawson, a LB from Texas Tech. A few no-namers these last picks here.
243 for the Pack: Clark Harris, TE from Rutgers. He's pretty good, productive. Not a flashy selection.
244 is my Falcons: Jason Snelling, FB from Virginia.
245 is Tampa's: Marcus Hamilton, CB from UVA. Two Cavs in a row. I really don't think Hamilton is worthy of this pick. He gets destroyed by everyone.
Tennessee is Mel's worst team.
5:15
Cleveland @ 234: Syndric Steptoe, WR Arizona. Great name! Great player? Probably not.
235 for the Jets: Chansi Stuckey, WR from Clemson. He was a good #1 in college. He could make this team. He reminds me of Jerricho Cotchery, the kid from N.C. State that the Jets have.
236 is Philly's: Nate Ilaoa, RB Hawai'i. I really think that there are better backs out there.
Cowboys take Alan Ball, CB Illinois with No. 237
Miami with 238: Abraham Wright, DE Colorado. Don't know him.
Buffalo has 239: C.J. Ah You, DE Oklahoma. Good bit of talent on this kid, but he never quite put it together. Another quality selection from the Bills. They might have impressed me more than any other team these past two days.
235 for the Jets: Chansi Stuckey, WR from Clemson. He was a good #1 in college. He could make this team. He reminds me of Jerricho Cotchery, the kid from N.C. State that the Jets have.
236 is Philly's: Nate Ilaoa, RB Hawai'i. I really think that there are better backs out there.
Cowboys take Alan Ball, CB Illinois with No. 237
Miami with 238: Abraham Wright, DE Colorado. Don't know him.
Buffalo has 239: C.J. Ah You, DE Oklahoma. Good bit of talent on this kid, but he never quite put it together. Another quality selection from the Bills. They might have impressed me more than any other team these past two days.
5:00
Green Bay @ 228: DeShawn Wynn, RB from Florida. He's not that great, and Urban Meyer didn't really trust him until late in the season. Backup QB Tim Tebow was perhaps the most reliable runner there last year, but not a bad value. Is he better than Darius Walker? He's certainly bigger.
Jacksonville's 229: John Broussard, WR from San Jose State.
230 for Cincinnati: Dan Santucci, G for Notre Dame. Sounds like a good Italian Catholic.
231 is Kansas City's: Michael Allan, TE from Whitworth. Sounds like a company.
Seattle's 232: Steve Vallos, G from Wake Forest. He's been good battling in the ACC trenches for his whole career.
233 for Minny: Chandler Williams, WR from Florida International
Jacksonville's 229: John Broussard, WR from San Jose State.
230 for Cincinnati: Dan Santucci, G for Notre Dame. Sounds like a good Italian Catholic.
231 is Kansas City's: Michael Allan, TE from Whitworth. Sounds like a company.
Seattle's 232: Steve Vallos, G from Wake Forest. He's been good battling in the ACC trenches for his whole career.
233 for Minny: Chandler Williams, WR from Florida International
4:45
The kid Hairston could get some playing time in New England because the running back corps is a little thin after Maroney. We have seen the Patriots play without a good RB before and they could do it again.
Bills @ 222: Derek Schouman, the TE from Boise State. This guy showed how good he really was in that Fiesta Bowl. Good draft for the Bills:
Marshawn Lynch
Paul Posluszny
Trent Edwards
Dwayne Wright
John Wendling
Derek Schouman
You have to have a good draft in a division with the Jets and the Patriots.
223 for the Titans is Mike Otto, OT from Purdue.
224 for the Giants: Michael Johnson, S from Arizona.
225 for Miami is Miami's 9th pick, and they are scheduled for one more. This is: Brandon Fields, P from Michigan State. He stinks at pooch punting.
226 is Carolina's: C.J. Wilson, CB from Baylor. DKH.
227 for my Steelers, who are having an underwhelming draft: Dallas Baker! Alright! Terrific pick! I thought we needed some WR help, and we got a very good one at a terrific value. I think he can be a very good #3 receiver, a redzone type guy. Sensational. This really upgrades this draft.
Bills @ 222: Derek Schouman, the TE from Boise State. This guy showed how good he really was in that Fiesta Bowl. Good draft for the Bills:
Marshawn Lynch
Paul Posluszny
Trent Edwards
Dwayne Wright
John Wendling
Derek Schouman
You have to have a good draft in a division with the Jets and the Patriots.
223 for the Titans is Mike Otto, OT from Purdue.
224 for the Giants: Michael Johnson, S from Arizona.
225 for Miami is Miami's 9th pick, and they are scheduled for one more. This is: Brandon Fields, P from Michigan State. He stinks at pooch punting.
226 is Carolina's: C.J. Wilson, CB from Baylor. DKH.
227 for my Steelers, who are having an underwhelming draft: Dallas Baker! Alright! Terrific pick! I thought we needed some WR help, and we got a very good one at a terrific value. I think he can be a very good #3 receiver, a redzone type guy. Sensational. This really upgrades this draft.
4:45
The kid Hairston could get some playing time in New England because the running back corps is a little thin after Maroney. We have seen the Patriots play without a good RB before and they could do it again.
Bills @ 222: Derek Schouman, the TE from Boise State. This guy showed how good he really was in that Fiesta Bowl. Good draft for the Bills:
Marshawn Lynch
Paul Posluszny
Trent Edwards
Dwayne Wright
John Wendling
Derek Schouman
You have to have a good draft in a division with the Jets and the Patriots.
223 for the Titans is Mike Otto, OT from Purdue.
224 for the Giants: Michael Johnson, S from Arizona.
225 for Miami is Miami's 9th pick, and they are scheduled for one more. This is: Brandon Fields, P from Michigan State. He stinks at pooch punting.
226 is Carolina's: C.J. Wilson, CB from Baylor. DKH.
227 for my Steelers, who are having an underwhelming draft: Dallas Baker! Alright! Terrific pick! I thought we needed some WR help, and we got a very good one at a terrific value. I think he can be a very good #3 receiver, a redzone type guy. Sensational. This really upgrades this draft.
Bills @ 222: Derek Schouman, the TE from Boise State. This guy showed how good he really was in that Fiesta Bowl. Good draft for the Bills:
Marshawn Lynch
Paul Posluszny
Trent Edwards
Dwayne Wright
John Wendling
Derek Schouman
You have to have a good draft in a division with the Jets and the Patriots.
223 for the Titans is Mike Otto, OT from Purdue.
224 for the Giants: Michael Johnson, S from Arizona.
225 for Miami is Miami's 9th pick, and they are scheduled for one more. This is: Brandon Fields, P from Michigan State. He stinks at pooch punting.
226 is Carolina's: C.J. Wilson, CB from Baylor. DKH.
227 for my Steelers, who are having an underwhelming draft: Dallas Baker! Alright! Terrific pick! I thought we needed some WR help, and we got a very good one at a terrific value. I think he can be a very good #3 receiver, a redzone type guy. Sensational. This really upgrades this draft.
4:30
Washington at 216. Good draft for them in terms of value, but they needed help on the D-Line and didn't get it.
They pick: Tyler Ecker, TE from Michigan. I saw this kid play a good bit, and he's a pretty good player. He will help them out, provide depth. But they need D-Line help!
Minny @ 217: Tyler Thigpen, QB from Coastal Carolina. I would have taken Chris Leak or Matt Moore or Tyler Palko.
218 for Houston: Zach Diles, LB Kansas State.
I am really hoping for Darius Walker and Noland Burchette to get drafted. I'm not really holding out any hope for Nick Leeson.
Dolphins select Kelvin Smith, a LB from Syracuse with the 219th pick.
Saints at 220: Marvin Mitchell, a LB from Tennessee. DKH.
Defending NFC champs @ 221: Trumaine McBride, CB from Mississippi.
It's funny because I'm pretty sure that the Patriots would not have traded for Moss had they not given up a 21-3 lead against the Colts in the AFC championship game last season.
They pick: Tyler Ecker, TE from Michigan. I saw this kid play a good bit, and he's a pretty good player. He will help them out, provide depth. But they need D-Line help!
Minny @ 217: Tyler Thigpen, QB from Coastal Carolina. I would have taken Chris Leak or Matt Moore or Tyler Palko.
218 for Houston: Zach Diles, LB Kansas State.
I am really hoping for Darius Walker and Noland Burchette to get drafted. I'm not really holding out any hope for Nick Leeson.
Dolphins select Kelvin Smith, a LB from Syracuse with the 219th pick.
Saints at 220: Marvin Mitchell, a LB from Tennessee. DKH.
Defending NFC champs @ 221: Trumaine McBride, CB from Mississippi.
It's funny because I'm pretty sure that the Patriots would not have traded for Moss had they not given up a 21-3 lead against the Colts in the AFC championship game last season.
4:15
211 is the Patriots: Oscar Lua, LB USC. These USC 'backers are talented.
212 for the 'Boys: Courtney Brown, CB Cal-Poly
213 is Cleveland's: Chase Pittman, DE LSU. That sure was a talented defensive line for the Bayou Bengals last year.
214 belongs to Tampa Bay: Chris Denman, OT Fresno State
I'm really hoping Burchette goes somewhere, but I honestly am not that enamored with him.
Cardinals' 215: Ben Patrick, the TE from Delaware. Nice. Now they have two very talented, big, young tight ends in Patrick and Leonard Pope. That will be an offense to watch if their line holds up.
212 for the 'Boys: Courtney Brown, CB Cal-Poly
213 is Cleveland's: Chase Pittman, DE LSU. That sure was a talented defensive line for the Bayou Bengals last year.
214 belongs to Tampa Bay: Chris Denman, OT Fresno State
I'm really hoping Burchette goes somewhere, but I honestly am not that enamored with him.
Cardinals' 215: Ben Patrick, the TE from Delaware. Nice. Now they have two very talented, big, young tight ends in Patrick and Leonard Pope. That will be an offense to watch if their line holds up.
4:00
206 for Tennessee: Ryan Smith, corner from Florida. Super-productive but small.
Why have the Falcons still not picked up a Tackle? Why?
Little late for Atlanta to pick up a productive safety at 203.
Atlanta has already made 10 selections and is scheduled to make one more.
Ravens @ 207: Prescott Burgess, Linebacker from Michigan. Another good player who probably just doesn't project real well to the pro level.
208 for New England: Justise Hairstong, RB Central Connecticut State
209 for the Patriots again: Corey Hilliard, G Oklahoma State
Stone can jump over a car! These late round safeties are athletes!
Seattle has the last pick in this round: Jordan Kent, WR from Oregon
I guess NFL teams have decided that Rhema McKnight can really not catch the ball
When will Darius Walker go?
Why have the Falcons still not picked up a Tackle? Why?
Little late for Atlanta to pick up a productive safety at 203.
Atlanta has already made 10 selections and is scheduled to make one more.
Ravens @ 207: Prescott Burgess, Linebacker from Michigan. Another good player who probably just doesn't project real well to the pro level.
208 for New England: Justise Hairstong, RB Central Connecticut State
209 for the Patriots again: Corey Hilliard, G Oklahoma State
Stone can jump over a car! These late round safeties are athletes!
Seattle has the last pick in this round: Jordan Kent, WR from Oregon
I guess NFL teams have decided that Rhema McKnight can really not catch the ball
When will Darius Walker go?
3:45
3:49
I love this piece. I really don't like Shelley Smith, but this is really good.
Eagles @ 201: Rashad Barksdale, S from Albany.
New England picks Mike Richardson, CB from Notre Dame @ 202.
Atlanta has 203: Daren Stone, S fom Maine.
Miscue on Jaws' package on Russell.
Titans @ 204: Jacob Ford, DE from Central Arkansas.
205 is another Redskin pick: Jordan Palmer, the QB from UTEP. Good future backup. Possibly starter if he starts imitating his brother.
I love this piece. I really don't like Shelley Smith, but this is really good.
Eagles @ 201: Rashad Barksdale, S from Albany.
New England picks Mike Richardson, CB from Notre Dame @ 202.
Atlanta has 203: Daren Stone, S fom Maine.
Miscue on Jaws' package on Russell.
Titans @ 204: Jacob Ford, DE from Central Arkansas.
205 is another Redskin pick: Jordan Palmer, the QB from UTEP. Good future backup. Possibly starter if he starts imitating his brother.
3:30
Dallas trades back in with Cleveland to get the 195 spot, and they take Deon Anderson, the FB from Connecticut.
196 for Kansas City is Herb Taylor, an OT from TCU.
Mel just said "David Clowney will make [Green Bay's] football team. He'll be a 3rd, 4th, or 5th receiver because of his speed". Excellent.
197 for Seattle is WR Courtney Taylor from Auburn. Good pick of a decent player.
Look at the Cardinals! This draft:
Levi Brown
Alan Branch
Buster Davis
Steve Breaston
You add those guys to Matt Leinart, Edgerrin James, and Anquan Boldin&Larry Fitzgerald, and that's quite an offense. The defense is improving as well. I know we say this every year, but that is a quality team.
Mark May is ripping Washington's inability to get any help for their defensive line.
Atlanta @ 198: Doug Datish, OL Ohio State. OK. He's one of those solid, no-nonsense college players. Will he be athletic enough at the pro level? Let's hope so.
Three receivers taken so far for the Titans. Think they don't know what they need?
Miami has 199: Drew Mormino, C Central Michigan.
Cleveland @ 200 selects Melila Purcell, DE Hawai'i.
Great piece about JaMarcus Russell. Hilarious. I love this stuff.
196 for Kansas City is Herb Taylor, an OT from TCU.
Mel just said "David Clowney will make [Green Bay's] football team. He'll be a 3rd, 4th, or 5th receiver because of his speed". Excellent.
197 for Seattle is WR Courtney Taylor from Auburn. Good pick of a decent player.
Look at the Cardinals! This draft:
Levi Brown
Alan Branch
Buster Davis
Steve Breaston
You add those guys to Matt Leinart, Edgerrin James, and Anquan Boldin&Larry Fitzgerald, and that's quite an offense. The defense is improving as well. I know we say this every year, but that is a quality team.
Mark May is ripping Washington's inability to get any help for their defensive line.
Atlanta @ 198: Doug Datish, OL Ohio State. OK. He's one of those solid, no-nonsense college players. Will he be athletic enough at the pro level? Let's hope so.
Three receivers taken so far for the Titans. Think they don't know what they need?
Miami has 199: Drew Mormino, C Central Michigan.
Cleveland @ 200 selects Melila Purcell, DE Hawai'i.
Great piece about JaMarcus Russell. Hilarious. I love this stuff.
3:15
Dungy interview. He really is the epitome of class.
191 for Green Bay: Korey Hall, LB from Boise State. I wonder if he would have been picked had Boise State not won that crazy Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma?
Tomlin interview. He really is impressive in interviews.
Desmond Bishop, the LB from California is the 192nd pick for Green Bay.
193 is also Green Bay's. Do they go LB again? No. It's Mason Crosby. Super selection. Amazing value.
194 is for the Falcons. I would have suggested Ben Patrick if we hadn't gotten Martrez Milner earlier. The selection is David Irons, CB from Auburn. Nice pick! Ton of talent, but he had a subpar season last year. Very good. Perhaps the best value selection of the draft for the Falcons.
Very awkward miscue with a Rachel Nichols videoconference. That's bound to happen in the draft, though. 18 hours of coverage and very little of it can be prepared.
191 for Green Bay: Korey Hall, LB from Boise State. I wonder if he would have been picked had Boise State not won that crazy Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma?
Tomlin interview. He really is impressive in interviews.
Desmond Bishop, the LB from California is the 192nd pick for Green Bay.
193 is also Green Bay's. Do they go LB again? No. It's Mason Crosby. Super selection. Amazing value.
194 is for the Falcons. I would have suggested Ben Patrick if we hadn't gotten Martrez Milner earlier. The selection is David Irons, CB from Auburn. Nice pick! Ton of talent, but he had a subpar season last year. Very good. Perhaps the best value selection of the draft for the Falcons.
Very awkward miscue with a Rachel Nichols videoconference. That's bound to happen in the draft, though. 18 hours of coverage and very little of it can be prepared.
3:00
Buffalo has 184: John Wendling, S from Wyoming.
Patrick and Crosby really stick out to me.
Atlanta has their first pick of the 6th round at 185: Trey Lewis, DT from Washburn.
Craziest clip of the draft! Wendling jumping over a 5'6" bar after just one mini-hop. Not over the side, just face-jumping right over it. Unreal. Crazy clip.
186 is San Fran's: Thomas Clayton, RB Kansas State.
Boy, did Darius Walker make a dumb decision leaving school early. I feel really bad for him. He was probably hoping for the second round. Guys I've never heard of him are going over him that play his position. Sad.
Cincy @ 187: Matt Toeaina, DE Oregon
188 for Tennessee: Joel Filani, WR Texas Tech. Very good in college, he dropped because of that gunslinglin' system he was in, where I could catch 50 balls.
Braylon Edwards is here, and boy did he dress up for the occasion. Nice T-shirt. He's excited about playing with Quinn. Happy about Quinn "infiltrating the system". Bright future. "This is going to be my year". He's talented.
New York Giants: Adam Koets, OT Oregon State @ 189.
St. Louis @ 190: Ken Shackleford, OT Georgia.
Patrick and Crosby really stick out to me.
Atlanta has their first pick of the 6th round at 185: Trey Lewis, DT from Washburn.
Craziest clip of the draft! Wendling jumping over a 5'6" bar after just one mini-hop. Not over the side, just face-jumping right over it. Unreal. Crazy clip.
186 is San Fran's: Thomas Clayton, RB Kansas State.
Boy, did Darius Walker make a dumb decision leaving school early. I feel really bad for him. He was probably hoping for the second round. Guys I've never heard of him are going over him that play his position. Sad.
Cincy @ 187: Matt Toeaina, DE Oregon
188 for Tennessee: Joel Filani, WR Texas Tech. Very good in college, he dropped because of that gunslinglin' system he was in, where I could catch 50 balls.
Braylon Edwards is here, and boy did he dress up for the occasion. Nice T-shirt. He's excited about playing with Quinn. Happy about Quinn "infiltrating the system". Bright future. "This is going to be my year". He's talented.
New York Giants: Adam Koets, OT Oregon State @ 189.
St. Louis @ 190: Ken Shackleford, OT Georgia.
2:45
179 is Washington's third pick: H.B. Blades. Terrific selection. They get him and Dallas Sartz at a value pick.
180 is Justin Rogers, DE from SMU for the Patriots.
181 is Miami's pick, and they'll select: Reagan Mauia, the humongous RB from Hawai'i. They wanted a big back.
Falcons have four picks in this round.
Tampa's got 182: Adam Hayward, LB from Portland State.
183 is Houston's: Kasey Studdard, G from Texas. Big guy, really good college player. He should have gone higher. Houston is having a quietly impressive draft. Maybe they just couldn't take the pressure of having the first pick.
180 is Justin Rogers, DE from SMU for the Patriots.
181 is Miami's pick, and they'll select: Reagan Mauia, the humongous RB from Hawai'i. They wanted a big back.
Falcons have four picks in this round.
Tampa's got 182: Adam Hayward, LB from Portland State.
183 is Houston's: Kasey Studdard, G from Texas. Big guy, really good college player. He should have gone higher. Houston is having a quietly impressive draft. Maybe they just couldn't take the pressure of having the first pick.
2:30
New England @ 171: Clint Oldenburg, OT from Colorado State.
San Diego up for 172: Legedu Naanee, WR Boise State.
The only other Hokies who have a decent chance of getting drafted are DE Noland Burchette and Long Snapper Nick Leeson. Scouts Inc. says Burchette should go in the 4th-5th round (so hopefully he'll go fairly soon), and Leeson will go in the 6th-7th if at all.
Colts again @ 173: Michael Coe, CB Alabama State. Over 20 corners taken so far.
Troy Smith! At 174 for the Ravens! Wow! Okay! Terrific pick.
Round Six begins with Oakland @ 175: Oren O'Neal, FB from Arkansas State.
The Ravens were looking at grabbing Brady Quinn, so they are looking QB a bit. McNair can tutor Smith, who I think is better than Kyle Boller by a lot. They say Smith will be a career backup, but I think he can be a Jon Kitna-type in terms of how you view him on the depth chart as a 1 or 2.
Vikings select Rufus Alexander, the Oklahoma LB at 176. This guy is outstanding. He is constantly making plays. He reminds me a lot of Demeco Ryans, the former Alabama LB who had a great rookie year last season for Houston. Alexander could be that type of guy. He's a steal.
Tremendous draft for the Vikings:
Adrian Peterson
Sidney Rice
Marcus McCauley
Brian Robison
Rufus Alexander
Jets select Jacob Bender, OT from Nicholls State with 177.
178 is Dallas' pick. They go with Nick Folk, K from Arizona. Never heard of him. So why did they grab him? Mason Crosby is still out there.
Darius Walker, Crosby, and Ben Patrick still around.
San Diego up for 172: Legedu Naanee, WR Boise State.
The only other Hokies who have a decent chance of getting drafted are DE Noland Burchette and Long Snapper Nick Leeson. Scouts Inc. says Burchette should go in the 4th-5th round (so hopefully he'll go fairly soon), and Leeson will go in the 6th-7th if at all.
Colts again @ 173: Michael Coe, CB Alabama State. Over 20 corners taken so far.
Troy Smith! At 174 for the Ravens! Wow! Okay! Terrific pick.
Round Six begins with Oakland @ 175: Oren O'Neal, FB from Arkansas State.
The Ravens were looking at grabbing Brady Quinn, so they are looking QB a bit. McNair can tutor Smith, who I think is better than Kyle Boller by a lot. They say Smith will be a career backup, but I think he can be a Jon Kitna-type in terms of how you view him on the depth chart as a 1 or 2.
Vikings select Rufus Alexander, the Oklahoma LB at 176. This guy is outstanding. He is constantly making plays. He reminds me a lot of Demeco Ryans, the former Alabama LB who had a great rookie year last season for Houston. Alexander could be that type of guy. He's a steal.
Tremendous draft for the Vikings:
Adrian Peterson
Sidney Rice
Marcus McCauley
Brian Robison
Rufus Alexander
Jets select Jacob Bender, OT from Nicholls State with 177.
178 is Dallas' pick. They go with Nick Folk, K from Arizona. Never heard of him. So why did they grab him? Mason Crosby is still out there.
Darius Walker, Crosby, and Ben Patrick still around.
2:15
164: Carolina: Tim Shaw, LB Penn State
165: Oakland: Eric Frampton, S Washington State
166: Jacksonville: Derek Landri, DT Notre Dame
167: Chicago: Kevin Payne, DB Louisiana Monroe
Chicago up again @ 168: Corey Graham, CB New Hampshire
According to Scouts Inc. OT was the 7th biggest need for the Texans, and Frye is the only one they took. Great! He may get some PT.
Roy Hall, the third WR from Ohio State is 168 to the Colts. He'll go with Gonzalez. Hall must have run a fast forty, because he never seemed special.
Steelers on the clock @ 170: William Gay, CB from Louisville. DKH. Hope he's good. We need another corner.
165: Oakland: Eric Frampton, S Washington State
166: Jacksonville: Derek Landri, DT Notre Dame
167: Chicago: Kevin Payne, DB Louisiana Monroe
Chicago up again @ 168: Corey Graham, CB New Hampshire
According to Scouts Inc. OT was the 7th biggest need for the Texans, and Frye is the only one they took. Great! He may get some PT.
Roy Hall, the third WR from Ohio State is 168 to the Colts. He'll go with Gonzalez. Hall must have run a fast forty, because he never seemed special.
Steelers on the clock @ 170: William Gay, CB from Louisville. DKH. Hope he's good. We need another corner.
2:00
Kansas City at 160 grabs Justin Medlock, the K from UCLA. Not the leg of Mason Crosby, but perhaps more reliable. Don't they have a kicker? Lawrence Tynes?
Jaws really doesn't like Michael Vick.
Seattle @ 160: Will Herring, the LB from Auburn. He played some safety in college, so he's versatile.
Brent Celek, the TE from Cincinnati is picked @ 162 by Philly.
163, Houston: Brandon Frye! Alright! OK! Super! Those are my three guys! Well, Houston needs some help there. I'll look at it more in a minute.
Jaws really doesn't like Michael Vick.
Seattle @ 160: Will Herring, the LB from Auburn. He played some safety in college, so he's versatile.
Brent Celek, the TE from Cincinnati is picked @ 162 by Philly.
163, Houston: Brandon Frye! Alright! OK! Super! Those are my three guys! Well, Houston needs some help there. I'll look at it more in a minute.
1:45
Clifton Ryan, DE from Michigan State is the pick at 154 for St. Louis.
Mark May makes a point I agree with: Michael Bush may be the steal of the draft. The Raiders are moving up!
155 is owned by Carolina, and they'll take: Dante Rosario, the FB from Oregon. DKH.
My Steelers @ 156. C'mon, Clowney! Cameron Stephenson, OG from Rutgers.
157 for Green Bay: David Clowney, Virginia Tech!!! Green Bay loves my Hokies! The Packers needed receivers and they also picked up James Jones, but I like Clowney there.
158 is Johnny Baldwin, the LB from Alabama A&M goes to the Lions.
C.J. Gaddis, the CB from Clemson goes to Philly @ 159
Mark May makes a point I agree with: Michael Bush may be the steal of the draft. The Raiders are moving up!
155 is owned by Carolina, and they'll take: Dante Rosario, the FB from Oregon. DKH.
My Steelers @ 156. C'mon, Clowney! Cameron Stephenson, OG from Rutgers.
157 for Green Bay: David Clowney, Virginia Tech!!! Green Bay loves my Hokies! The Packers needed receivers and they also picked up James Jones, but I like Clowney there.
158 is Johnny Baldwin, the LB from Alabama A&M goes to the Lions.
C.J. Gaddis, the CB from Clemson goes to Philly @ 159
1:30
The Jaguars have back-to-back picks. 149: Uche Nwaneri, G from Purdue. DKH.
150: Josh Gattis, S from Wake Forest. He's a good one. Not a great one, but a good one.
Cincinnati has 151: Jeff Rowe, QB from Nevada. Good thrower. But come on! Not Troy Smith? Silly!
The Titans own 152: Antonio Johnson, DL from Mississippi State.
Dallas Baker, "The Touchdown Maker" is another wide receiver I like that is hanging around.
153 is the Giants' pick: Kevin Boss, TE Western Oregon.
150: Josh Gattis, S from Wake Forest. He's a good one. Not a great one, but a good one.
Cincinnati has 151: Jeff Rowe, QB from Nevada. Good thrower. But come on! Not Troy Smith? Silly!
The Titans own 152: Antonio Johnson, DL from Mississippi State.
Dallas Baker, "The Touchdown Maker" is another wide receiver I like that is hanging around.
153 is the Giants' pick: Kevin Boss, TE Western Oregon.
1:15
N'Orleans for 145: David Jones, CB from Wingate. Where?
Minny @ 146: Aundrae Allison, the WR from ECU.
Niners select Tarell Brown the second cornerback from Texas. The Griffin twin could make it all four members of the Longhorn secondary selected.
148 is owned by the Chiefs: Kolby Smith, the RB from Louisville. He was the replacement for Bush and showed some good game speed.
Minny @ 146: Aundrae Allison, the WR from ECU.
Niners select Tarell Brown the second cornerback from Texas. The Griffin twin could make it all four members of the Longhorn secondary selected.
148 is owned by the Chiefs: Kolby Smith, the RB from Louisville. He was the replacement for Bush and showed some good game speed.
1:00
Rams have 139: Dustin Fry, C from Clemson.
Cleveland at 140. They're more exciting these last 25 hours than they were all of last season.
Their pick: Brandon McDonald, CB from Memphis.
Bit of a run on CBs.
Scouts Inc. says David would be a steal late in Day One! I agree. He had so much competition at that spot. He could be a good #3 wide receiver. If any receiver not named Aundrae Allison goes before him, I would be disappointed.
Smith still on the board.
Tampa at 141: Greg Peterson, DE from North Carolina Central.
Arizona has 142: Steve Breaston, WR from Michigan. This guy is a story. Big time player freshman year, but leveled off due to injuries and other things. He's a great returner, but doesn't have good hands and was never even one of the top 2 receivers during any point of his career at Big Blue.
Washington with their second pick of the draft: Dallas Sartz, LB USC. He's talented. Plays fast.
Houston @ 144: Brandon Harrison, S from Stanford.
Cleveland at 140. They're more exciting these last 25 hours than they were all of last season.
Their pick: Brandon McDonald, CB from Memphis.
Bit of a run on CBs.
Scouts Inc. says David would be a steal late in Day One! I agree. He had so much competition at that spot. He could be a good #3 wide receiver. If any receiver not named Aundrae Allison goes before him, I would be disappointed.
Smith still on the board.
Tampa at 141: Greg Peterson, DE from North Carolina Central.
Arizona has 142: Steve Breaston, WR from Michigan. This guy is a story. Big time player freshman year, but leveled off due to injuries and other things. He's a great returner, but doesn't have good hands and was never even one of the top 2 receivers during any point of his career at Big Blue.
Washington with their second pick of the draft: Dallas Sartz, LB USC. He's talented. Plays fast.
Houston @ 144: Brandon Harrison, S from Stanford.
12:45
My Steelers have 132: Ryan McBean, the DT from Oklahoma State. DKH.
My Falcons have 133, and they take Martrez Milner, the TE from Georgia who killed Tech in the bowl game. You know who he reminds me of? Jerramy Stevens, and that's not a great thing. But in the later stages of Round 4, it's a good pick. We don't need him to be the #1 tight end.
Baltimore @134: Antwan Barnes, LB from Florida International.
San Fran @ 135. They have a lot of picks today. They'll pick Joe Cohen, the DT from Florida. That UF D-Line was pretty good, wasn't it?
Indy at No. 136 selects Clint Session, LB from Pittsburgh. If you're going to take a LB from Pittsburgh, take H.B. Blades! Sensational college productivity!
Ravens take Le'Ron McLain, FB from Alabama @ 137. Very good FB.
The Raiders have the 1st pick in the fifth round, #138: Jay Richardson, DE from Ohio State. Good, but not outstanding collegiate player.
My Falcons have 133, and they take Martrez Milner, the TE from Georgia who killed Tech in the bowl game. You know who he reminds me of? Jerramy Stevens, and that's not a great thing. But in the later stages of Round 4, it's a good pick. We don't need him to be the #1 tight end.
Baltimore @134: Antwan Barnes, LB from Florida International.
San Fran @ 135. They have a lot of picks today. They'll pick Joe Cohen, the DT from Florida. That UF D-Line was pretty good, wasn't it?
Indy at No. 136 selects Clint Session, LB from Pittsburgh. If you're going to take a LB from Pittsburgh, take H.B. Blades! Sensational college productivity!
Ravens take Le'Ron McLain, FB from Alabama @ 137. Very good FB.
The Raiders have the 1st pick in the fifth round, #138: Jay Richardson, DE from Ohio State. Good, but not outstanding collegiate player.
12:30
N'Orleans at 125: Jermon Bushrod, the OT from Towson. I'm disappointed that Frye didn't go, but I knew Bushrod was ranked above him, so I'm not too bummed.
San Fran, who may be THE poster child for a team on the rise, has 126. Alex Smith, Frank Gore, Jason Hill, Joe Staley, Antonio Bryant, and Vernon Davis on the offense. And then you add Nate Clements to the Mike Nolan-led defense.
They draft Dashon Goldson, CB from Washington. DKH.
Chiefs GM noncommital on Trent Green. Says he'd be the starter if the season started tomorrow. I just realized the reason these GM types are so noncommital and devoted to these players that they are trying to deal is because if they SAY they want to deal them, then you lose some leverage when you are trying to trade.
Kareem Brown, DL from the U is the 127th pick to New England.
Titans @ 128 take Chris Davis, the WR from Florida State.
San Diego takes Scott Chandler, the big tight end from Iowa @ 129. This guy can be a good, 2nd tight end. Good blocker.
Chicago on the board at 130: They're having an unassuming draft thus far. It's tough when you're at the back of the rounds and don't deal. They did get lucky with Olsen.
They take Josh Beekman, the G from Boston College. He fell A LOT.
Michael Smith guarantees Trent Green will be in Miami next year. It makes sense for Kansas City, but not so much for Miami. They really don't need many more quarterbacks.
Brannon Condren, the S from Troy is the pick for the Colts at 131.
San Fran, who may be THE poster child for a team on the rise, has 126. Alex Smith, Frank Gore, Jason Hill, Joe Staley, Antonio Bryant, and Vernon Davis on the offense. And then you add Nate Clements to the Mike Nolan-led defense.
They draft Dashon Goldson, CB from Washington. DKH.
Chiefs GM noncommital on Trent Green. Says he'd be the starter if the season started tomorrow. I just realized the reason these GM types are so noncommital and devoted to these players that they are trying to deal is because if they SAY they want to deal them, then you lose some leverage when you are trying to trade.
Kareem Brown, DL from the U is the 127th pick to New England.
Titans @ 128 take Chris Davis, the WR from Florida State.
San Diego takes Scott Chandler, the big tight end from Iowa @ 129. This guy can be a good, 2nd tight end. Good blocker.
Chicago on the board at 130: They're having an unassuming draft thus far. It's tough when you're at the back of the rounds and don't deal. They did get lucky with Olsen.
They take Josh Beekman, the G from Boston College. He fell A LOT.
Michael Smith guarantees Trent Green will be in Miami next year. It makes sense for Kansas City, but not so much for Miami. They really don't need many more quarterbacks.
Brannon Condren, the S from Troy is the pick for the Colts at 131.
12:15
Seattle @ 120: Baraka Atkins, DE Miami, Fl. Like a lot of UM guys he has a world of talent but doesn't always apply it. A good risk at 120.
Fred Bennett is still on the board, the corner from South Carolina. He can really ball. He's undersized, but he presses well and would be a very good third corner.
Minny has 121, but they trade with Denver: Marcus Thomas, DT Florida. DKH.
Dallas @ 122: Doug Free, OT Northern Illinois. Yet another OT not named Brandon Frye. And Jermon Bushrod is still on the board.
Houston has 123. Their draft is unremarkable thus far: Bennett. Excellent selection.
Lane Kiffin on trading Randy Moss: best scenario for both parties. Plan on McCown/Russell/Walter: they'll compete. Gained respect from starting from scratch. Bush was an obvious pick.
124 is owned by Seattle, who really hasn't done a lot the past 24 hours: Mansfield Wrotto, OL from Georgia Tech. Cool name. I recall him from his days on Tech, he's decent.
Fred Bennett is still on the board, the corner from South Carolina. He can really ball. He's undersized, but he presses well and would be a very good third corner.
Minny has 121, but they trade with Denver: Marcus Thomas, DT Florida. DKH.
Dallas @ 122: Doug Free, OT Northern Illinois. Yet another OT not named Brandon Frye. And Jermon Bushrod is still on the board.
Houston has 123. Their draft is unremarkable thus far: Bennett. Excellent selection.
Lane Kiffin on trading Randy Moss: best scenario for both parties. Plan on McCown/Russell/Walter: they'll compete. Gained respect from starting from scratch. Bush was an obvious pick.
124 is owned by Seattle, who really hasn't done a lot the past 24 hours: Mansfield Wrotto, OL from Georgia Tech. Cool name. I recall him from his days on Tech, he's decent.
12:00
Titans at 115: Leroy Harris, OL from N.C. State.
I am also hoping that Brandon Frye, the T from Tech, goes fairly soon. I'm pretty sure he'll be drafted; he's pretty good.
Giants pick Zak DeOssie, LB from Brown at 116.
St. Louis at 117: Manuel Ramirez, OL from Texas Tech.
This is bad: a run on OL that doesn't include Frye.
Carolina, which in my opinion is having a great draft, has 118: Ryne Robinson, WR from Miami, Ohio.
I would have liked them to take Clowney, but I think Robinson is better. Now, Steve Smith won't have to return punts. Robinson is a great returner, and that's where I think he'll play for the Panthers, because at the WR position, Carolina already has:
Steve Smith
Keyshawn Johnson
Dwayne Jarrett
Keary Colbert
Drew Williams (or something like that)
That's enough WR's, I think.
Green Bay back on the board with 119: Allen Barbre, OT Missourit Southern St.
Another Tackle! Dangit!
I am also hoping that Brandon Frye, the T from Tech, goes fairly soon. I'm pretty sure he'll be drafted; he's pretty good.
Giants pick Zak DeOssie, LB from Brown at 116.
St. Louis at 117: Manuel Ramirez, OL from Texas Tech.
This is bad: a run on OL that doesn't include Frye.
Carolina, which in my opinion is having a great draft, has 118: Ryne Robinson, WR from Miami, Ohio.
I would have liked them to take Clowney, but I think Robinson is better. Now, Steve Smith won't have to return punts. Robinson is a great returner, and that's where I think he'll play for the Panthers, because at the WR position, Carolina already has:
Steve Smith
Keyshawn Johnson
Dwayne Jarrett
Keary Colbert
Drew Williams (or something like that)
That's enough WR's, I think.
Green Bay back on the board with 119: Allen Barbre, OT Missourit Southern St.
Another Tackle! Dangit!
11:45
Oakland back on the clock at 110: John Bowie, CB from Cincinnati. DKH.
Buffalo has 111: Dwayne Right, RB Fresno State. Nice grab; another addition to that backfield along with Marshawn Lynch.
Mel on Antonio Pittman: fits in, not dazzling. Good speed, complimentary.
I like Ron Jaworski. He is always happy and energetic. He says Sean Payton "likes his toys", and that is why they picked up Meachem. The Saints needed a CB and didn't get one until the third round, but I still like the Meachem pick.
Packers at 112 trade with my Steelers! Cool: Daniel Sepulveda, the P from Baylor. He won the Ray Guy award a couple of years ago. He's built like a LB, and that's actually where he wanted to play at Baylor. I like him more than Adam Podlesh. I guess our punter is getting kind of old, Chris Gardocki.
Mel's best available: Mason Crosby, Josh Beekman, Ben Patrick, Jermon Bushrod, Zak DeOssie.
Jaguars pick Brian Smith, LB Missouri with the 113th selection.
Bengals have 114: Marvin White, S from TCU.
Buffalo has 111: Dwayne Right, RB Fresno State. Nice grab; another addition to that backfield along with Marshawn Lynch.
Mel on Antonio Pittman: fits in, not dazzling. Good speed, complimentary.
I like Ron Jaworski. He is always happy and energetic. He says Sean Payton "likes his toys", and that is why they picked up Meachem. The Saints needed a CB and didn't get one until the third round, but I still like the Meachem pick.
Packers at 112 trade with my Steelers! Cool: Daniel Sepulveda, the P from Baylor. He won the Ray Guy award a couple of years ago. He's built like a LB, and that's actually where he wanted to play at Baylor. I like him more than Adam Podlesh. I guess our punter is getting kind of old, Chris Gardocki.
Mel's best available: Mason Crosby, Josh Beekman, Ben Patrick, Jermon Bushrod, Zak DeOssie.
Jaguars pick Brian Smith, LB Missouri with the 113th selection.
Bengals have 114: Marvin White, S from TCU.
11:30
Tampa has 106: Tanard Jackson, Safety from Syracuse.
Mel says Stanback will play at WR for Dallas.
Houston at 107 trades with New Orleans: Antonio Pittman, the RB from Ohio State. Good value here, but they really didn't need another back.
Miami @ 108: Paul Soliai, DT Utah. Don't know him.
My Falcons have 109: Stephen Nicholas, LB from USF. DKH. Good pick? No idea.
Peter Gammons interview about the death of Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock. Absolutely no emotion, it's like he could care less.
Mel says Stanback will play at WR for Dallas.
Houston at 107 trades with New Orleans: Antonio Pittman, the RB from Ohio State. Good value here, but they really didn't need another back.
Miami @ 108: Paul Soliai, DT Utah. Don't know him.
My Falcons have 109: Stephen Nicholas, LB from USF. DKH. Good pick? No idea.
Peter Gammons interview about the death of Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock. Absolutely no emotion, it's like he could care less.
11:15
The Vikings pick Brian Robison, the DE from Texas.
I would say the Moss trade is now behind Quinn falling/Ginn @ 9 and the Lions taking Johnson as the top story in the draft. And for just a fourth rounder! Good risk.
Cowboys at 103: Isaiah Stanback, the athletic but mercurial QB from Washington. Bad pick, should have gone Troy Smith.
The Patriots look SCARY next year. They should be the favorites this year over the Colts. There is no doubt in my mind.
Ninersa at 104, Jay Moore DE Nebraska.
Detroit up at 105. I am glad Bush is gone, because that's where the Lions might have gone, and that would have taken carries away from my boy Kevin Jones.
They take A.J. Davis, CB N.C. State. Haven't heard of him.
Mel is still talking about how much he hated that Dolphins pick.
I would say the Moss trade is now behind Quinn falling/Ginn @ 9 and the Lions taking Johnson as the top story in the draft. And for just a fourth rounder! Good risk.
Cowboys at 103: Isaiah Stanback, the athletic but mercurial QB from Washington. Bad pick, should have gone Troy Smith.
The Patriots look SCARY next year. They should be the favorites this year over the Colts. There is no doubt in my mind.
Ninersa at 104, Jay Moore DE Nebraska.
Detroit up at 105. I am glad Bush is gone, because that's where the Lions might have gone, and that would have taken carries away from my boy Kevin Jones.
They take A.J. Davis, CB N.C. State. Haven't heard of him.
Mel is still talking about how much he hated that Dolphins pick.
11:00
Back for the second day!
Just heard that Randy Moss is being traded to the Patriots! Wow! What a crazy offseason they're having. For a fourth rounder? Maybe.
According to Scouts, Inc. the Steelers' 6th most important need is WR. Could we see Clowney going there? It may not be great for Clowney if that happens: the last two Tech guys the Steelers have taken (Nathaniel Adibi, Cedric Humes) have been cut.
So all the Patriots gave up was a fourth rounder for Moss.
Darrell Jackson goes to the Niners from the Seahawks for a fourth round pick.
And the Raiders are on the clock!
Steelers have six picks today.
And Gene Washington just called the Raiders the "Los Angeles Raiders". What a huge mistake.
Browns, Raiders, and Lions had the best first day according to the fan poll.
With Pick 100, Oakland takes Michael Bush. Excellent pick. I bet the Raiders were itching to take him all night.
Jacksonville on the clock. They got their receiver, so they won't take Clowney.
They'll take Adam Podlesh, the punter from Maryland. Hmm. At this point in the draft? I guess so.
Tampa is up. If Quinn hadn't dropped, I think their inability to get Calvin Johnson would be the top story in this draft.
Trade! Minnesota is in.
Just heard that Randy Moss is being traded to the Patriots! Wow! What a crazy offseason they're having. For a fourth rounder? Maybe.
According to Scouts, Inc. the Steelers' 6th most important need is WR. Could we see Clowney going there? It may not be great for Clowney if that happens: the last two Tech guys the Steelers have taken (Nathaniel Adibi, Cedric Humes) have been cut.
So all the Patriots gave up was a fourth rounder for Moss.
Darrell Jackson goes to the Niners from the Seahawks for a fourth round pick.
And the Raiders are on the clock!
Steelers have six picks today.
And Gene Washington just called the Raiders the "Los Angeles Raiders". What a huge mistake.
Browns, Raiders, and Lions had the best first day according to the fan poll.
With Pick 100, Oakland takes Michael Bush. Excellent pick. I bet the Raiders were itching to take him all night.
Jacksonville on the clock. They got their receiver, so they won't take Clowney.
They'll take Adam Podlesh, the punter from Maryland. Hmm. At this point in the draft? I guess so.
Tampa is up. If Quinn hadn't dropped, I think their inability to get Calvin Johnson would be the top story in this draft.
Trade! Minnesota is in.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
11:00
11:07:
San Diego takes Anthony Waters, the LB from Clemson with 96. Decent third round pick.
97: Niners get Ray McDonald, the DE from Florida.
Indianapolis has 98: Quinn Pitcock, the big DT from Ohio State. Extraordinarily productive in college. Not very athletic, though.
99 for Oakland: Johnnie Lee Higgins, the WR from UTEP. Man! I wish it had been David. That would have been great. He probably doesn't deserve it, though.
Great day. A very long day, but a great day. We had big stars, big surprises, and tons of trades. See you tomorrow.
San Diego takes Anthony Waters, the LB from Clemson with 96. Decent third round pick.
97: Niners get Ray McDonald, the DE from Florida.
Indianapolis has 98: Quinn Pitcock, the big DT from Ohio State. Extraordinarily productive in college. Not very athletic, though.
99 for Oakland: Johnnie Lee Higgins, the WR from UTEP. Man! I wish it had been David. That would have been great. He probably doesn't deserve it, though.
Great day. A very long day, but a great day. We had big stars, big surprises, and tons of trades. See you tomorrow.
10:45
Edwards and Bush are still here.
Green Bay's 89: Aaron Rouse, S Virginia Tech!!!!!!!!! Alright! Cola Wamsley will love this pick, I'm sure. I am pumped.
Philly's 90: Tony Hunt, the Running Back from Penn State. I had forgotten about him. Nice value.
91 for the Pats: Trade! Oakland moves in: Mario Henderson, the OT from Florida State.
I just saw that Safety was the #2 position of need for the Packers, and Rouse is the first one they have taken. Terrific.
Buffalo has 92, but Edwards is on the phone. And they take him! Why? They have J.P. Losman! That's a bad team for him to go to. It's worse for him than it is for the Bills. He may be stuck behind J.P. for awhile.
I'm still hoping that Clowney will go today, but I doubt it.
Michael Bush would have been top-15 if he hadn't been injured, and now he may not be first day. Poor guy.
Chicago has 93: Garrett Wolfe, the diminutive RB from Northern Illinois. I'm glad somebody took a chance on him.
94: Michael Okwo, the LB from Stanford. This is another Bears pick.
95 is the colts: Daymeion Hughes, the playmakin' CB from California. I think the Colts waited a bit too long to address their CB need.
Green Bay's 89: Aaron Rouse, S Virginia Tech!!!!!!!!! Alright! Cola Wamsley will love this pick, I'm sure. I am pumped.
Philly's 90: Tony Hunt, the Running Back from Penn State. I had forgotten about him. Nice value.
91 for the Pats: Trade! Oakland moves in: Mario Henderson, the OT from Florida State.
I just saw that Safety was the #2 position of need for the Packers, and Rouse is the first one they have taken. Terrific.
Buffalo has 92, but Edwards is on the phone. And they take him! Why? They have J.P. Losman! That's a bad team for him to go to. It's worse for him than it is for the Bills. He may be stuck behind J.P. for awhile.
I'm still hoping that Clowney will go today, but I doubt it.
Michael Bush would have been top-15 if he hadn't been injured, and now he may not be first day. Poor guy.
Chicago has 93: Garrett Wolfe, the diminutive RB from Northern Illinois. I'm glad somebody took a chance on him.
94: Michael Okwo, the LB from Stanford. This is another Bears pick.
95 is the colts: Daymeion Hughes, the playmakin' CB from California. I think the Colts waited a bit too long to address their CB need.
10:15
Jason Hill, Patrick Willis, Joe Staley. Very nice draft for San Fran.
The Titans have 80: Paul Williams, WR Fresno State.
We're going to start an Aaron Rouse/David Clowney watch at Let's Talk Sports.
Giants at 81: Jay Alford, DT Penn State. This guy really produced in college. Could be a starter in the league.
Kansas City at 82: DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler, the DT from NC State. Good player during his career for the Wolfpack.
Carolina has 83: Charles Johnson, DE Georgia. Tremendous draft for the Panthers.
84, St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Wade, CB Tennessee. Some guys off the UT defense.
85 is owned by the Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Mebane, DL California. Potential.
This is like a USC lovefest tonight with Keyshawn Johnson, Sean Salisbury, and Lane Kiffin. Gross.
Jacksonville at 86: I wouldn't mind if they grabbed Clowney. If they want a WR, I want him to be it.
The Titans have 80: Paul Williams, WR Fresno State.
We're going to start an Aaron Rouse/David Clowney watch at Let's Talk Sports.
Giants at 81: Jay Alford, DT Penn State. This guy really produced in college. Could be a starter in the league.
Kansas City at 82: DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler, the DT from NC State. Good player during his career for the Wolfpack.
Carolina has 83: Charles Johnson, DE Georgia. Tremendous draft for the Panthers.
84, St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Wade, CB Tennessee. Some guys off the UT defense.
85 is owned by the Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Mebane, DL California. Potential.
This is like a USC lovefest tonight with Keyshawn Johnson, Sean Salisbury, and Lane Kiffin. Gross.
Jacksonville at 86: I wouldn't mind if they grabbed Clowney. If they want a WR, I want him to be it.
10:00
Yamon Figurs, the speedy WR from Kansas St. is Baltimore's pick.
My Falcons are up at No. 75. Could it be Edwards, to back up Vick? I hope not. They should draft Aaron Rouse! That would be awesome. They have a lot of Tech guys already, and they need a safety.
It is...Laurent Robinson, the WR from Illinois State. He sure as hell better help Vick out. That's five receivers. We have enough.
San Fran at 76: Jason Hill, the WR from Washington State. Hill could wind up being a very good player. He was a star in college. San Fran is a team on the rise.
Pittsburgh at 77! Not sure what we'll do. I think Michael Bush would actually be a pretty darn good pick here. We need a second/big back.
The pick is...Matt Spaeth, TE Minnesota. Do we really need to get a #2 tight end as early as the third round? I mean, he's the third best TE in this draft, but that's not saying a whole lot.
Michael Smith likes the direction that every franchise is going in, apparently.
Green Bay at 78: James Jones, WR San Jose State.
This is bad. A run on receivers that doesn't include David Clowney.
Jacksonville at 79: Mike Walker, WR Central Florida.
Really bad.
My Falcons are up at No. 75. Could it be Edwards, to back up Vick? I hope not. They should draft Aaron Rouse! That would be awesome. They have a lot of Tech guys already, and they need a safety.
It is...Laurent Robinson, the WR from Illinois State. He sure as hell better help Vick out. That's five receivers. We have enough.
San Fran at 76: Jason Hill, the WR from Washington State. Hill could wind up being a very good player. He was a star in college. San Fran is a team on the rise.
Pittsburgh at 77! Not sure what we'll do. I think Michael Bush would actually be a pretty darn good pick here. We need a second/big back.
The pick is...Matt Spaeth, TE Minnesota. Do we really need to get a #2 tight end as early as the third round? I mean, he's the third best TE in this draft, but that's not saying a whole lot.
Michael Smith likes the direction that every franchise is going in, apparently.
Green Bay at 78: James Jones, WR San Jose State.
This is bad. A run on receivers that doesn't include David Clowney.
Jacksonville at 79: Mike Walker, WR Central Florida.
Really bad.
9:45
Buster Davis to Arizona. Sweet pick. Davis, early on, was being mentioned as a late first rounder. I don't care what his forty time was, he plays very fast. And mean. And smart. Best pick of the last dozen or so.
The Broncos take the OT Ryan Harris from Notre Dame at 70.
Miami has 71, and it's Lorenzo Booker, the RB from FSU. He could have gone higher. He is very fast, very small, and cuts too much. He'll be a good complement to Ronnie Brown. He was the #1 player in the country coming out of high school, but really didn't live up his promise. A good pick at 71.
Edwards and Bush still around.
Minny @ 72: Marcus McCauley, the CB from Fresno State. He dropped a bit too. Solid pick.
Houston has the 73rd pick. Jacoby Jones, WR from Lane, wherever the hell that is. That's the first receiver picked after the "Big Nine".
Baltimore is up.
The Broncos take the OT Ryan Harris from Notre Dame at 70.
Miami has 71, and it's Lorenzo Booker, the RB from FSU. He could have gone higher. He is very fast, very small, and cuts too much. He'll be a good complement to Ronnie Brown. He was the #1 player in the country coming out of high school, but really didn't live up his promise. A good pick at 71.
Edwards and Bush still around.
Minny @ 72: Marcus McCauley, the CB from Fresno State. He dropped a bit too. Solid pick.
Houston has the 73rd pick. Jacoby Jones, WR from Lane, wherever the hell that is. That's the first receiver picked after the "Big Nine".
Baltimore is up.
9:30
The Raiders pick Quentin Moses, the DE from Georgia with the 1st pick in the 3rd round. If he had left early, he would have been a first rounder. But his stock dropped badly this past year. A good risk for Oakland in the third round.
Saints at 66: Usama Young, a CB from Kent State.
Dallas is on the clock. And they take: James Marten, OT Boston College.
Spirited discussion about Ted Ginn Jr. I don't think #9 was a bad spot for him, I just disagree with it because they could have had Quinn.
Tampa Bay at 68: Quincy Black, LB New Mexico. No idea.
My brother mentions Michael Bush at 69 to Arizona. He's a genius.
Saints at 66: Usama Young, a CB from Kent State.
Dallas is on the clock. And they take: James Marten, OT Boston College.
Spirited discussion about Ted Ginn Jr. I don't think #9 was a bad spot for him, I just disagree with it because they could have had Quinn.
Tampa Bay at 68: Quincy Black, LB New Mexico. No idea.
My brother mentions Michael Bush at 69 to Arizona. He's a genius.
9:15
My blog today is over 5 pages long.
Chicago just made their pick at No. 62: Dan Bazuin, DE Central Michigan.
Trent Edwards interview: as classy as Quinn was earlier today. My feeling is that Edwards will end up being closer to Quinn than to Beck/Stanton/Kolb. Seriously. He was just stuck with a crappy team.
Green Bay with 7 minutes left.
Green Bay should pick Michael Bush. Absolutely. The actual pick is Brandon Jackson, the RB from Nebraska. I guess the Pack isn't sold on Bush's health or his speed. Jackson doesn't have a lot of wear.
Mort. just told an interesting story about how two of Trent Edwards' linemen got into a fistfight with each other after blown assignments DURING THE PLAY! Crazy.
Tampa Bay at 64. The last pick in the second round is Sabby Piscitelli, S from Oregon St. This is troubling. There has been a run on safeties and my Va. Tech boy Aaron Rouse has not been one of them. 7 safeties. At one point, Rouse was being mentioned as possibly the 3rd best safety in the draft. Oh well.
Chicago just made their pick at No. 62: Dan Bazuin, DE Central Michigan.
Trent Edwards interview: as classy as Quinn was earlier today. My feeling is that Edwards will end up being closer to Quinn than to Beck/Stanton/Kolb. Seriously. He was just stuck with a crappy team.
Green Bay with 7 minutes left.
Green Bay should pick Michael Bush. Absolutely. The actual pick is Brandon Jackson, the RB from Nebraska. I guess the Pack isn't sold on Bush's health or his speed. Jackson doesn't have a lot of wear.
Mort. just told an interesting story about how two of Trent Edwards' linemen got into a fistfight with each other after blown assignments DURING THE PLAY! Crazy.
Tampa Bay at 64. The last pick in the second round is Sabby Piscitelli, S from Oregon St. This is troubling. There has been a run on safeties and my Va. Tech boy Aaron Rouse has not been one of them. 7 safeties. At one point, Rouse was being mentioned as possibly the 3rd best safety in the draft. Oh well.
9:00
Carolina's pick is Ryan Kalil. Finally. Carolina is putting together a good draft, unfortunately:
Jon Beason
Dwayne Jarrett
Ryan Kalil
The infamous Miami Dolphins on the clock with 7 remaining.
Trent Edwards and Michael Bush are the best players still on the board, in my opinion.
We are at pick 60.
3.5
The pick is...Samson Satele, the C from Hawai'i that Mel really likes. I had not heard of him coming in to today.
Trade! Detroit moves into Baltimore's slot at the 61st and the fourth to last pick of the second round.
The Lions know who they want and they take Gerald Alexander, the S from Boise State. No idea who this kid is.
Detroit is really active today, and that's without making a deal for Johnson. This second round is so busy that the guys haven't had time to talk about the first round. I keep thinking about the fact that the Lions have Johnson. What a player he is.
Jon Beason
Dwayne Jarrett
Ryan Kalil
The infamous Miami Dolphins on the clock with 7 remaining.
Trent Edwards and Michael Bush are the best players still on the board, in my opinion.
We are at pick 60.
3.5
The pick is...Samson Satele, the C from Hawai'i that Mel really likes. I had not heard of him coming in to today.
Trade! Detroit moves into Baltimore's slot at the 61st and the fourth to last pick of the second round.
The Lions know who they want and they take Gerald Alexander, the S from Boise State. No idea who this kid is.
Detroit is really active today, and that's without making a deal for Johnson. This second round is so busy that the guys haven't had time to talk about the first round. I keep thinking about the fact that the Lions have Johnson. What a player he is.
8:45
Denver at 56. Here's the pick: Tim Crowder. That's their second DE today. Still a good pick.
Philly at 57. Perhaps a chance to redeem themselves for the awful Kolb pick with a good selection here. 8 minutes.
Victor Abiamiri is the pick, the D End from Notre Dame. A decent pick, but I think it's a bit of a reach. Let's not forget that this is the second round. This is the round for guys who slipped or were overlooked in the first, not guys who should be in the 3rd or even 4th rounds like the two the Eagles picked.
New Orleans on the pick with 6.5 left.
My brother thinks the Chargers have had the worst draft, and as badly as the Eagles have done, I have to agree. Four picks for Eric Weddle and picking Craig Davis in the first round? Stupid on both accounts.
5 minutes for "everybody's second favorite team".
Trade! Detroit moves in to the Saints' spot with 2.5 left. Here's the pick: Ikaika Alama-Francis, the DE from Hawai'i, who has 10 career sacks.
They traded up for this guy? What? That's another head-scratcher.
Carolina on the clock with 7.5 minutes remaining.
Philly at 57. Perhaps a chance to redeem themselves for the awful Kolb pick with a good selection here. 8 minutes.
Victor Abiamiri is the pick, the D End from Notre Dame. A decent pick, but I think it's a bit of a reach. Let's not forget that this is the second round. This is the round for guys who slipped or were overlooked in the first, not guys who should be in the 3rd or even 4th rounds like the two the Eagles picked.
New Orleans on the pick with 6.5 left.
My brother thinks the Chargers have had the worst draft, and as badly as the Eagles have done, I have to agree. Four picks for Eric Weddle and picking Craig Davis in the first round? Stupid on both accounts.
5 minutes for "everybody's second favorite team".
Trade! Detroit moves in to the Saints' spot with 2.5 left. Here's the pick: Ikaika Alama-Francis, the DE from Hawai'i, who has 10 career sacks.
They traded up for this guy? What? That's another head-scratcher.
Carolina on the clock with 7.5 minutes remaining.
8:30
Kansas City at 54. 5 minutes.
Here's the pick. Turk McBride, DE Tennessee. Never heard of him. Are there any better DE's around? Probably.
Seattle with their first pick of the day @ 55, 7.5 minutes.
And...they go with Josh Wilson, CB from Maryland.
Tim Crowder, Ryan Kalil, and Trent Edwards still around.
K. Johnson has used the word segue four times today, and he has used it incorrectly each time. He thinks it means "retire".
Here's the pick. Turk McBride, DE Tennessee. Never heard of him. Are there any better DE's around? Probably.
Seattle with their first pick of the day @ 55, 7.5 minutes.
And...they go with Josh Wilson, CB from Maryland.
Tim Crowder, Ryan Kalil, and Trent Edwards still around.
K. Johnson has used the word segue four times today, and he has used it incorrectly each time. He thinks it means "retire".
8:15
St. Louis up @ 52.
The Raiders just traded for Mike Williams and Josh McCown, for a mere fourth rounder, it appears.
St. Louis grabs Brian Leonard, the H-back of H-backs.
Dallas up @ 53 with 7 minutes left.
Trade! Cleveland moves in. They MUST go defense here.
3 minutes remain.
Clock stopped. The Browns pick Eric Wright, the CB out of UNLV. Bit of a question mark because of the lack of games played at UNLV, and the character problems, but he's a value @ 53. Excellent draft for Cleveland thus far.
The Raiders just traded for Mike Williams and Josh McCown, for a mere fourth rounder, it appears.
St. Louis grabs Brian Leonard, the H-back of H-backs.
Dallas up @ 53 with 7 minutes left.
Trade! Cleveland moves in. They MUST go defense here.
3 minutes remain.
Clock stopped. The Browns pick Eric Wright, the CB out of UNLV. Bit of a question mark because of the lack of games played at UNLV, and the character problems, but he's a value @ 53. Excellent draft for Cleveland thus far.
8:00
And we are switching to ESPN2.
The 49th pick will be Kenny Irons. I like Irons, he's a good back. But is that really what Cincinnati needs? They have two good backs, and their defense is porous.
I have the same problem with the Ginn pick that I had with the Mario Williams pick last year. Both teams could've gotten their guys AND traded down to get something additional.
Tennessee, with the 50th pick, selects Chris Henry, RB Arizona. HE was on nobody's radar before he showed at the combine that he was a physical freak. 230 pounds, 4.4 forty.
The Giants up at 51.
Ryan Kalil, Eric Wright, Brian Leonard, and Steve Smith are the guys left that stick out to me.
3.5 minutes for the G-Men. They take Steve Smith. Good value.
The 49th pick will be Kenny Irons. I like Irons, he's a good back. But is that really what Cincinnati needs? They have two good backs, and their defense is porous.
I have the same problem with the Ginn pick that I had with the Mario Williams pick last year. Both teams could've gotten their guys AND traded down to get something additional.
Tennessee, with the 50th pick, selects Chris Henry, RB Arizona. HE was on nobody's radar before he showed at the combine that he was a physical freak. 230 pounds, 4.4 forty.
The Giants up at 51.
Ryan Kalil, Eric Wright, Brian Leonard, and Steve Smith are the guys left that stick out to me.
3.5 minutes for the G-Men. They take Steve Smith. Good value.
7:45
5 for the Jags.
3.
The Jags are the rare team that isn't trading or picking quickly this round.
I'm going to stop covering the trade details, because they aren't giving them all.
The Jaguars select...Justin Durant, the LB from Hampton! Cool! Hampton! Well, mark it down. A player from Hampton goes before any player from Va. Tech or UVA.
The Bengals are up @ 49.
Trent Edwards still waiting. He could go to No. 52 for St. Louis. I think he's pretty good.
3.
The Jags are the rare team that isn't trading or picking quickly this round.
I'm going to stop covering the trade details, because they aren't giving them all.
The Jaguars select...Justin Durant, the LB from Hampton! Cool! Hampton! Well, mark it down. A player from Hampton goes before any player from Va. Tech or UVA.
The Bengals are up @ 49.
Trent Edwards still waiting. He could go to No. 52 for St. Louis. I think he's pretty good.
7:30
Bill Simmons is nothing!
And Minny selects Sidney Rice! Terrific pick. Just like two years ago when Minny picked a speedy third year sophomore from South Carolina in Troy Williamson. I think this will work out better. Rice was more productive in college.
And Carolina selects...Dwayne Jarrett! I hate Carolina, but that is an excellent selection. Talk about three terrific receivers. I wonder if there will be any friction between K. Johnson and Jarrett because of Johnson's comments these last few months.
Two very intriguing picks.
Pittsburgh up @ 46.
K. Johnson says he will mentor Jarrett. That's a scary thought. That gives Carolina three receivers from USC. Tremendous pick!
Awkward conversation between Jarrett and Johnson.
Pittsburgh selects LaMarr Woodley, DE from Michigan.
The analysts just made that same Williamson-Rice comparison. I'm a freak.
I like the Woodley pick. Solid. That's a word I've used a lot today. He's no standout, but we need a bit of defensive help. They might have been looking at Rice or Jarrett.
Green Bay with 5.5 left @ #47.
David Harris still around. Could Brian Leonard, the H-Back supreme, be the pick here? They need a running back.
Trade! Jets are up.
The Steelers are looking at putting Woodley at OLB.
Do the Jets pick up David Harris, who could have gone 20 picks earlier?
Pick is in...Harris.
Mike Tomlin's hairstyle is impeccable. It looks like you could peel it off. He is very impressive in interviews.
Jacksonville is up with 8 minutes remaining @ pick 48.
And Minny selects Sidney Rice! Terrific pick. Just like two years ago when Minny picked a speedy third year sophomore from South Carolina in Troy Williamson. I think this will work out better. Rice was more productive in college.
And Carolina selects...Dwayne Jarrett! I hate Carolina, but that is an excellent selection. Talk about three terrific receivers. I wonder if there will be any friction between K. Johnson and Jarrett because of Johnson's comments these last few months.
Two very intriguing picks.
Pittsburgh up @ 46.
K. Johnson says he will mentor Jarrett. That's a scary thought. That gives Carolina three receivers from USC. Tremendous pick!
Awkward conversation between Jarrett and Johnson.
Pittsburgh selects LaMarr Woodley, DE from Michigan.
The analysts just made that same Williamson-Rice comparison. I'm a freak.
I like the Woodley pick. Solid. That's a word I've used a lot today. He's no standout, but we need a bit of defensive help. They might have been looking at Rice or Jarrett.
Green Bay with 5.5 left @ #47.
David Harris still around. Could Brian Leonard, the H-Back supreme, be the pick here? They need a running back.
Trade! Jets are up.
The Steelers are looking at putting Woodley at OLB.
Do the Jets pick up David Harris, who could have gone 20 picks earlier?
Pick is in...Harris.
Mike Tomlin's hairstyle is impeccable. It looks like you could peel it off. He is very impressive in interviews.
Jacksonville is up with 8 minutes remaining @ pick 48.
7:15
The pick: Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas.
This is doubly bad. First, I don't think it's their most critical position. Second, it means they aren't sold on my bold Jimmy Williams.
San Fran with 6.5 on the clock for #42.
Trade! Indy moves up.
Pick is in for the Colts: Tony Ugoh is the pick. Good value.
Detroit on the clock with 7.5 minutes left.
And Drew Stanton is on the phone! He is the pick! Great pick! This guy is a leader, he perseveres, and he is an excellent scrambler/athlete. Very good pick @ #43.
Minny @ #44.
Ten trades so far.
Clock stops.
This is doubly bad. First, I don't think it's their most critical position. Second, it means they aren't sold on my bold Jimmy Williams.
San Fran with 6.5 on the clock for #42.
Trade! Indy moves up.
Pick is in for the Colts: Tony Ugoh is the pick. Good value.
Detroit on the clock with 7.5 minutes left.
And Drew Stanton is on the phone! He is the pick! Great pick! This guy is a leader, he perseveres, and he is an excellent scrambler/athlete. Very good pick @ #43.
Minny @ #44.
Ten trades so far.
Clock stops.
7:00
Atlanta on the clock with 7 minutes remaining.
They have needs at S and T, but I think they should get Dwayne Jarrett, just from a value perspective.
The pick is in...Justin Blalock, G out of Texas. I'm a bit disappointed. He is a very good guard, and had a terrific junior season, but I was hoping that they would go with Tony Ugoh, the Tackle from Arkansas, or Jarrett. At least this will help my boy Michael Vick.
And the Dolphins grab John Beck. Maybe they had him above Brady Quinn all along.
Minnesota up for 41.
We had a Quinn watch for a while today on this blog, and this has officially become the Jarrett watch.
Trade! Atlanta back in! I hope they didn't give up too much to get into this spot. No. 41.
4 minutes. Tony Ugoh here? Jarrett?
They have needs at S and T, but I think they should get Dwayne Jarrett, just from a value perspective.
The pick is in...Justin Blalock, G out of Texas. I'm a bit disappointed. He is a very good guard, and had a terrific junior season, but I was hoping that they would go with Tony Ugoh, the Tackle from Arkansas, or Jarrett. At least this will help my boy Michael Vick.
And the Dolphins grab John Beck. Maybe they had him above Brady Quinn all along.
Minnesota up for 41.
We had a Quinn watch for a while today on this blog, and this has officially become the Jarrett watch.
Trade! Atlanta back in! I hope they didn't give up too much to get into this spot. No. 41.
4 minutes. Tony Ugoh here? Jarrett?
6:45
I am really enamored with the wideouts in this year's draft. I think this should be the year that teams grab one even if they aren't absolute necessities.
The Eagles don't have a TRUE position of need, so I think they should grab a wideout, perhaps.
Salisbury is talking about the Eagles possibly rushing McNabb back. Do they need a QB? Michael Smith smartly says no. A QB here is supposed to start fairly soon, and that won't happen in Philly.
The clock has stopped. Who's the pick? Kevin Kolb, QB out of Houston! That's the third atrocious pick of the day. Mark it down.
Ted Ginn Jr.--10 picks too early
Craig Davis--1.5 rounds too early
Kevin Kolb--1 round too early
Inexcusable.
Chicago on the clock with 7 minutes.
What a weird pick that was. And they don't need a QB. So stupid.
Trade! San Diego moves into Chicago's spot.
3.5 minutes.
What will they go for? The clock has stopped. The pick is...Eric Weddle, safety outta Utah.
Pretty good pick. He's a good player, very fast.
Trade details for San Diego/Chicago:
Bears get: 2, 3, 5, and a 3rd in '08 for giving San Diego their second.
Raiders select Zach Miller, TE Arizona.
The Eagles don't have a TRUE position of need, so I think they should grab a wideout, perhaps.
Salisbury is talking about the Eagles possibly rushing McNabb back. Do they need a QB? Michael Smith smartly says no. A QB here is supposed to start fairly soon, and that won't happen in Philly.
The clock has stopped. Who's the pick? Kevin Kolb, QB out of Houston! That's the third atrocious pick of the day. Mark it down.
Ted Ginn Jr.--10 picks too early
Craig Davis--1.5 rounds too early
Kevin Kolb--1 round too early
Inexcusable.
Chicago on the clock with 7 minutes.
What a weird pick that was. And they don't need a QB. So stupid.
Trade! San Diego moves into Chicago's spot.
3.5 minutes.
What will they go for? The clock has stopped. The pick is...Eric Weddle, safety outta Utah.
Pretty good pick. He's a good player, very fast.
Trade details for San Diego/Chicago:
Bears get: 2, 3, 5, and a 3rd in '08 for giving San Diego their second.
Raiders select Zach Miller, TE Arizona.
6:30
Cards/Raiders details:
flip round two picks and Oakland gets Arizona's four.
Bills select: Paul Posluszny. Similar situation to Branch's, Buffalo realized that their guy was dropping and they moved up to grab him.
Tampa on the clock with 7.5 left. 35th pick.
David Harris still out there. As is Jarrett! That's where they NEED TO GO! Jarrett is Calvin Johnson Lite. If they care about winning, which they probably do, they need to go with Dwayne.
Bills/Lions:
Lions get Bills' 3rd round in addition to flipping with Bills' second round pick. So the Lions get a better deal than Oakland did. Interesting.
Tampa with 3 minutes to go.
Go receiver! 1.5.
The analysts are discussing the troika of Drew Stanton, Trent Edwards, and John Beck as the 3rd QB off the board.
The pick is in. And it is...Aaron Sears, OG, Tennessee. Good, solid pick. Guys out of the SEC are just better players; they've gone up against great competition for their collegiate careers and are battle tested.
Philly with the 36th pick with 8 minutes to go.
5.5
flip round two picks and Oakland gets Arizona's four.
Bills select: Paul Posluszny. Similar situation to Branch's, Buffalo realized that their guy was dropping and they moved up to grab him.
Tampa on the clock with 7.5 left. 35th pick.
David Harris still out there. As is Jarrett! That's where they NEED TO GO! Jarrett is Calvin Johnson Lite. If they care about winning, which they probably do, they need to go with Dwayne.
Bills/Lions:
Lions get Bills' 3rd round in addition to flipping with Bills' second round pick. So the Lions get a better deal than Oakland did. Interesting.
Tampa with 3 minutes to go.
Go receiver! 1.5.
The analysts are discussing the troika of Drew Stanton, Trent Edwards, and John Beck as the 3rd QB off the board.
The pick is in. And it is...Aaron Sears, OG, Tennessee. Good, solid pick. Guys out of the SEC are just better players; they've gone up against great competition for their collegiate careers and are battle tested.
Philly with the 36th pick with 8 minutes to go.
5.5
6:15
6 minutes left for the defending champion Colts.
Branch is the perfect pick here. He's a bit of a risk, but it's one they can afford because they are such a good team. They could also go CB here, maybe with Chris Houston.
Berman suggests a slot receiver. Mel responds with Steve Smith or Anthony Gonzalez.
But you need defensive help here; the pick should be Branch or Houston.
The clock has stopped. The pick is...Anthony Gonzalez.
I disagree, but he is certainly in the Colts mold. They just replaced Brandon Stokley with somebody who is like Stokley on steroids.
It's just been announced that this is the longest first round in the history of the NFL Draft. Yeah. Over six hours.
SECOND ROUND
The Colts have never been big on defense.
Branch has really slid. His name was being bantered around as a top-10 pick early on because of his massive potential, but he's a second-rounder now. Posluszny and David Harris are a couple of other guys I thought would be first rounders.
Here are the final picks of the first round:
21. Jaguars, Nelson.
22. Browns, Quinn.
23. Chiefs, Bowe.
24. Patriots, Meriweather.
25. Panthers, Beason.
26. Cowboys, Spencer.
27. Saints, Meachem.
28. Niners, Staley.
29. Ravens, Grubbs.
30. Chargers, Davis.
31. Bears, Olsen.
32. Colts, Gonzalez.
Arizona has traded with Oakland to move into the first pick of the second round.
The clock has stopped for them but the pick has not yet been announced.
Here it is: Alan Branch. The Cardinals obviously realized that Branch was slipping and they wanted to grab him before anybody else did.
Trade! Buffalo moves into Detroit's spot.
6 minutes for the Bills.
Branch is the perfect pick here. He's a bit of a risk, but it's one they can afford because they are such a good team. They could also go CB here, maybe with Chris Houston.
Berman suggests a slot receiver. Mel responds with Steve Smith or Anthony Gonzalez.
But you need defensive help here; the pick should be Branch or Houston.
The clock has stopped. The pick is...Anthony Gonzalez.
I disagree, but he is certainly in the Colts mold. They just replaced Brandon Stokley with somebody who is like Stokley on steroids.
It's just been announced that this is the longest first round in the history of the NFL Draft. Yeah. Over six hours.
SECOND ROUND
The Colts have never been big on defense.
Branch has really slid. His name was being bantered around as a top-10 pick early on because of his massive potential, but he's a second-rounder now. Posluszny and David Harris are a couple of other guys I thought would be first rounders.
Here are the final picks of the first round:
21. Jaguars, Nelson.
22. Browns, Quinn.
23. Chiefs, Bowe.
24. Patriots, Meriweather.
25. Panthers, Beason.
26. Cowboys, Spencer.
27. Saints, Meachem.
28. Niners, Staley.
29. Ravens, Grubbs.
30. Chargers, Davis.
31. Bears, Olsen.
32. Colts, Gonzalez.
Arizona has traded with Oakland to move into the first pick of the second round.
The clock has stopped for them but the pick has not yet been announced.
Here it is: Alan Branch. The Cardinals obviously realized that Branch was slipping and they wanted to grab him before anybody else did.
Trade! Buffalo moves into Detroit's spot.
6 minutes for the Bills.
6:00
Seems like Chicago is going with Olsen. It would then make sense for Indianapolis to pick Alan Branch. Branch is a bit of an underachiever, but would be a value pick at 32.
Jarrett really dropped. You might've had him at the middle of the first round when he came out, and some mock drafts early on had the first receivers going like this:
4. Bucs-Johnson
7. Vikings-Ginn
10 Falcons-Jarrett
And he's now a second rounder.
Great pick for da Bears at No. 31. Playmaker.
The three guys that stick out to me as languishing at this point are Paul Posluszny, David Harris, and Alan Branch. I think Branch is the only one who will go in this round.
And Jarrett, of course.
Time is up for the Bears. They will/have pick(ed) Olsen.
Colts with 10 minutes left for the 32nd pick.
Jarrett really dropped. You might've had him at the middle of the first round when he came out, and some mock drafts early on had the first receivers going like this:
4. Bucs-Johnson
7. Vikings-Ginn
10 Falcons-Jarrett
And he's now a second rounder.
Great pick for da Bears at No. 31. Playmaker.
The three guys that stick out to me as languishing at this point are Paul Posluszny, David Harris, and Alan Branch. I think Branch is the only one who will go in this round.
And Jarrett, of course.
Time is up for the Bears. They will/have pick(ed) Olsen.
Colts with 10 minutes left for the 32nd pick.
5:45
San Diego on the clock with 10.5 minutes. Wide receiver! Jarrett, in my opinion, would be a great pick here.
Keyshawn talking very intelligently about Dwayne Jarrett.
5.5 minutes.
Dwayne Jarrett is a star. They should take him.
3.5 minutes for the 30th pick.
They just flashed to a very happy Greg Olsen. I don't think San Diego will take him. Maybe it will be Chicago. That would be a good pick.
Clock has stopped. Here's the pick. Craig Davis. This is a travesty. An absolute travesty. Unbelievable. You take a #2 receiver on his college team over Dwayne Jarrett, a man among boys? What an awful pick. You have a bevy of very good receivers remaining....and you take Craig Davis? That's a joke.
Chicago on the clock with 11 minutes.
Keyshawn said that Jarrett shouldn't have come out, and is a bit angry with Mel, mostly because of their argument about the importance of speed.
Keyshawn talking very intelligently about Dwayne Jarrett.
5.5 minutes.
Dwayne Jarrett is a star. They should take him.
3.5 minutes for the 30th pick.
They just flashed to a very happy Greg Olsen. I don't think San Diego will take him. Maybe it will be Chicago. That would be a good pick.
Clock has stopped. Here's the pick. Craig Davis. This is a travesty. An absolute travesty. Unbelievable. You take a #2 receiver on his college team over Dwayne Jarrett, a man among boys? What an awful pick. You have a bevy of very good receivers remaining....and you take Craig Davis? That's a joke.
Chicago on the clock with 11 minutes.
Keyshawn said that Jarrett shouldn't have come out, and is a bit angry with Mel, mostly because of their argument about the importance of speed.
5:30
Trade! New England trades with San Fransisco.
San Fran really looks like a franchise on the rise. You know this won't be WR. Will it be Joe Staley? Steve Young thinks so.
The 49ers' time is basically up, so we should be getting their piok and the details of the trade soon.
The 49ers select: Joe Staley, Central Michigan.
G
You know what I thought would be a topic that isn't? The Bucs trading for Calvin Johnson. It hasn't happened. I guess the Lions really want him. So the Niners got Staley and Willis. Good job.
Baltimore with five minutes left.
Trade details:
The Niners gave up their first round pick next year and their 4th round pick this year.
Sounds like too much from the Niners. Definitely.
Clock has stopped on Baltimore.
Are they picking? Mel thinks they'll pick Ben Grubbs for sure. It is...Grubbs, Guard, Auburn.
San Fran really looks like a franchise on the rise. You know this won't be WR. Will it be Joe Staley? Steve Young thinks so.
The 49ers' time is basically up, so we should be getting their piok and the details of the trade soon.
The 49ers select: Joe Staley, Central Michigan.
G
You know what I thought would be a topic that isn't? The Bucs trading for Calvin Johnson. It hasn't happened. I guess the Lions really want him. So the Niners got Staley and Willis. Good job.
Baltimore with five minutes left.
Trade details:
The Niners gave up their first round pick next year and their 4th round pick this year.
Sounds like too much from the Niners. Definitely.
Clock has stopped on Baltimore.
Are they picking? Mel thinks they'll pick Ben Grubbs for sure. It is...Grubbs, Guard, Auburn.
5:15
Mel just brought up the LB position and Greg Olsen. I still think it will be Houston.
4 minutes.
The clock has stopped. Here's the commissioner with the pick: Robert Meachem. Nice. Forgot about their thin receiving corps. New Orleans played with some mediocre receivers in big roles this past year, and now they have a great, young 1-2 punch with Meachem and 7th round wonder Marques Colston.
Meachem is also a better value than Houston would be right here.
New England is up. They could have been looking at Meachem. The value drops with a Sidney Rice @ 28.
7.5 minutes for the Patriots.
5 minutes.
Do they go with David Harris? Jarrett?
4 minutes.
The clock has stopped. Here's the commissioner with the pick: Robert Meachem. Nice. Forgot about their thin receiving corps. New Orleans played with some mediocre receivers in big roles this past year, and now they have a great, young 1-2 punch with Meachem and 7th round wonder Marques Colston.
Meachem is also a better value than Houston would be right here.
New England is up. They could have been looking at Meachem. The value drops with a Sidney Rice @ 28.
7.5 minutes for the Patriots.
5 minutes.
Do they go with David Harris? Jarrett?
5:00
The details of this trade:
Come on...
Eagles get a 2nd, 3rd, and a 5th for giving their 1st to the Boys. No clear winner there.
What are the Cowboys going for? A tackle? A linebacker? The "Big 5": Olsen, Harris, Spencer, Grubbs, and Staley are all still there. I think it should be one of those 5.
Actually, my brother just reminded me that Robert Meachem is still on the board.
The clock is stopped. Here's the pick: Anthony Spencer. I know Mel really like him, because he's versatile. Not very tall. Will likely play the OLB spot in Big D's 3-4 scheme.
New Orleans is up @ #27 with 11.5 minutes left. They HAVE to get a CB. I know there aren't any good values, but they need to grab one, maybe a Chris Houston.
8.5 minutes
Teams are really taking a long time in the first round. It's been about a 5-hour first round. But you know what, I would take my time too. You have to consider everything. There is no incentive to making your pick quickly.
Come on...
Eagles get a 2nd, 3rd, and a 5th for giving their 1st to the Boys. No clear winner there.
What are the Cowboys going for? A tackle? A linebacker? The "Big 5": Olsen, Harris, Spencer, Grubbs, and Staley are all still there. I think it should be one of those 5.
Actually, my brother just reminded me that Robert Meachem is still on the board.
The clock is stopped. Here's the pick: Anthony Spencer. I know Mel really like him, because he's versatile. Not very tall. Will likely play the OLB spot in Big D's 3-4 scheme.
New Orleans is up @ #27 with 11.5 minutes left. They HAVE to get a CB. I know there aren't any good values, but they need to grab one, maybe a Chris Houston.
8.5 minutes
Teams are really taking a long time in the first round. It's been about a 5-hour first round. But you know what, I would take my time too. You have to consider everything. There is no incentive to making your pick quickly.
4:45
2 minutes.
Some very quality players left: Greg Olsen, Ben Grubbs, Joe Staley, David Harris, Anthony Harris.
Doesn't look like there will be a trade.
No time left. Here's the pick: Brandon Meriweather, safety, Miami.
He is a good safety, but that doesn't seem like a typical, solid Patriots pick. They must see something in him.
I think they need a receiver with their pick a few picks later.
Carolina is on the clock for their first selection today after trading with the Jets. 12 minutes.
The NFL Live crew is talking about Meriweather's character issues. I really hate this stuff.
Nice job trading for Carolina too. They move back and still get their guy, Greg Olsen. At least that's who I think they'll go with. He would have been a bit of a reach at 14, but at 25, he's a value.
The clock has already stopped. It has to be Olsen. He's not the best blocker and not very fast, but he's a great receiver and extraordinarily fast. He always scared the daylights out of me when he was at "The U".
Here's the pick: Jon Beason! Linebacker, Miami. Hmm. He was supposed to go around this spot, but I thought Olsen was the better pick here.
Philly is up, with 10 minutes left. They were probably hoping for Nelson or another top safety, but they won't get a good value for that position here.
8 minutes. Trade! Dallas trades with Philly!
Who are the Cowboys going for?
Some very quality players left: Greg Olsen, Ben Grubbs, Joe Staley, David Harris, Anthony Harris.
Doesn't look like there will be a trade.
No time left. Here's the pick: Brandon Meriweather, safety, Miami.
He is a good safety, but that doesn't seem like a typical, solid Patriots pick. They must see something in him.
I think they need a receiver with their pick a few picks later.
Carolina is on the clock for their first selection today after trading with the Jets. 12 minutes.
The NFL Live crew is talking about Meriweather's character issues. I really hate this stuff.
Nice job trading for Carolina too. They move back and still get their guy, Greg Olsen. At least that's who I think they'll go with. He would have been a bit of a reach at 14, but at 25, he's a value.
The clock has already stopped. It has to be Olsen. He's not the best blocker and not very fast, but he's a great receiver and extraordinarily fast. He always scared the daylights out of me when he was at "The U".
Here's the pick: Jon Beason! Linebacker, Miami. Hmm. He was supposed to go around this spot, but I thought Olsen was the better pick here.
Philly is up, with 10 minutes left. They were probably hoping for Nelson or another top safety, but they won't get a good value for that position here.
8 minutes. Trade! Dallas trades with Philly!
Who are the Cowboys going for?
4:30
Time is up. Mel mentions Joe Staley, the LT from Western Michigan. The Chiefs need help in a lot of places.
The pick is...Dwayne Bowe. Got it!
The New England Patriots have 11 minutes left. Linebacker? I wonder what Mel has to say on the topic. As Berman reminds us, this is the pick they got from sending Deion Branch to the Seahawks.
Browns GM Phil Savage interview: He feels good, obviously. No real interesting info from him. He knows it was a stiff price to pay for Quinn, but is very confident that it was the right decision to make.
4 minutes for the Pats.
The pick is...Dwayne Bowe. Got it!
The New England Patriots have 11 minutes left. Linebacker? I wonder what Mel has to say on the topic. As Berman reminds us, this is the pick they got from sending Deion Branch to the Seahawks.
Browns GM Phil Savage interview: He feels good, obviously. No real interesting info from him. He knows it was a stiff price to pay for Quinn, but is very confident that it was the right decision to make.
4 minutes for the Pats.
4:15
The Cowboys are still America's team, if there is such a thing. there is just more excitement surrounding that franchise.
1.5 minutes remain for Dallas.
TRADE! This HAS to be for Quinn.
It's the Browns! Depending on what they gave up, that's great Draft Day strategy for the Browns.
The pick is........Brady! Too bad I hate the Browns. The Browns now have Joe Thomas, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Jr. and Brady Quinn. Jeez. What a great move! The Browns could have picked Quinn at 3, and they get him at 22!
You always look at what teams did the best at the end of the draft, and now the Browns are the favorites to be the team that looks the best at the end of the day.
Browns give up this year's 2nd round and next year's 1st round for that pick. That is a lot, but I think he's worth it.
Kansas City on the clock. 5.5 minutes. I think they'll go WR, Dwayne Bowe specifically.
3 minutes. What's the holdup? This pick is a no-brainer.
1.5 minutes remain for Dallas.
TRADE! This HAS to be for Quinn.
It's the Browns! Depending on what they gave up, that's great Draft Day strategy for the Browns.
The pick is........Brady! Too bad I hate the Browns. The Browns now have Joe Thomas, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Jr. and Brady Quinn. Jeez. What a great move! The Browns could have picked Quinn at 3, and they get him at 22!
You always look at what teams did the best at the end of the draft, and now the Browns are the favorites to be the team that looks the best at the end of the day.
Browns give up this year's 2nd round and next year's 1st round for that pick. That is a lot, but I think he's worth it.
Kansas City on the clock. 5.5 minutes. I think they'll go WR, Dwayne Bowe specifically.
3 minutes. What's the holdup? This pick is a no-brainer.
4:00
Jacksonville back on the clock. Great trade for them from a WR standpoint. All of the receivers that were there at their earlier pick are still there. This will probably end up being the best trade of the day.
Their pick is in...and it's Reggie Nelson, the safety from Florida. Still a great trade. Mel agrees.
11 on the clock for the Cowboys at 22.
Talk about Dallas going after Quinn, even though they have Tony Romo. That would be stupid. I see Robert Meachem going to the 'Boys. However, I think they will take their time on the clock to field trade calls from teams wanting to trade up to draft Quinn.
8 minutes.
5.5.
I wonder what the odds are of there being a trade made now.
4 minutes.
Their pick is in...and it's Reggie Nelson, the safety from Florida. Still a great trade. Mel agrees.
11 on the clock for the Cowboys at 22.
Talk about Dallas going after Quinn, even though they have Tony Romo. That would be stupid. I see Robert Meachem going to the 'Boys. However, I think they will take their time on the clock to field trade calls from teams wanting to trade up to draft Quinn.
8 minutes.
5.5.
I wonder what the odds are of there being a trade made now.
4 minutes.
3:45
3 minutes remain for the Titans. If they go wide receiver, here are my guys, in order:
1. Robert Meachem
1a. Dwayne Jarrett
2. Sidney Rice
2a. Dwayne Bowe.
Those are all good picks, but (as I've said a lot today), I would try to trade back. Those guys are all around the same skill level, and you could get the 4th a lot later.
The clock has stopped, the pick is in. It is...Michael Griffin, safety from Texas.
That is a big reach. Come on. Certainly a good player, but a good value at 19? Maybe they couldn't trade down and decided to wait on a receiver.
The Giants have the 20th pick. Is it linebacker, with Posluszny?
If the Giants pass on Quinn, which they will, and Eli Manning continues to have a subpar career and Quinn turns into the next Joe Montana......jeez.
7 minutes left for the G-men.
Suzy Kolber just reported that three teams are looking to move ahead of Kansas City @ 23.
The pick is in: Aaron Ross, CB from Texas. So two members of the Longhorn secondary picked back to back. This is a really good player. I actually like his total body of work more than Revis and Hall.
To recap:
1. Raiders, Russell.
2. Lions, Johnson.
3. Browns, Thomas.
4. Bucs, Adams.
5. Cardinals, Brown.
6. Skins, Landry.
7. Vikings, Peterson.
8. Falcons, Anderson.
9. Dolphins, Ginn.
10. Texans, Okoye.
11. Niners, Willis.
12. Bills, Lynch.
13. Rams, Carriker
14. Jets, Revis.
15. Steelers, Timmons.
16. Packers, Harrell.
17. Broncos, Moss.
18. Bengals, Hall.
19. Titans, Griffin.
20. Giants, Ross.
1. Robert Meachem
1a. Dwayne Jarrett
2. Sidney Rice
2a. Dwayne Bowe.
Those are all good picks, but (as I've said a lot today), I would try to trade back. Those guys are all around the same skill level, and you could get the 4th a lot later.
The clock has stopped, the pick is in. It is...Michael Griffin, safety from Texas.
That is a big reach. Come on. Certainly a good player, but a good value at 19? Maybe they couldn't trade down and decided to wait on a receiver.
The Giants have the 20th pick. Is it linebacker, with Posluszny?
If the Giants pass on Quinn, which they will, and Eli Manning continues to have a subpar career and Quinn turns into the next Joe Montana......jeez.
7 minutes left for the G-men.
Suzy Kolber just reported that three teams are looking to move ahead of Kansas City @ 23.
The pick is in: Aaron Ross, CB from Texas. So two members of the Longhorn secondary picked back to back. This is a really good player. I actually like his total body of work more than Revis and Hall.
To recap:
1. Raiders, Russell.
2. Lions, Johnson.
3. Browns, Thomas.
4. Bucs, Adams.
5. Cardinals, Brown.
6. Skins, Landry.
7. Vikings, Peterson.
8. Falcons, Anderson.
9. Dolphins, Ginn.
10. Texans, Okoye.
11. Niners, Willis.
12. Bills, Lynch.
13. Rams, Carriker
14. Jets, Revis.
15. Steelers, Timmons.
16. Packers, Harrell.
17. Broncos, Moss.
18. Bengals, Hall.
19. Titans, Griffin.
20. Giants, Ross.
3:30
Bengals on the clock. Dangit! I obviously root against the Bengals because of the fact that they are in the same division as the Steelers. Well, the Bengals would really like a CB, and arguably the best one, Leon Hall, is falling right to them.
8 minutes left for 'em.
NFL Live crew again, and they're going to discuss character issues for Jarvis Moss. No big deal.
The clock has stopped. Leon Hall seems like a character guy, and Lord knows the Bengals need more of those guys.
Here's the pick. Hall. Great value. Great. Cincinnati must be giddy over the fact that Hall fell.
Tennessee on the clock. 11 minutes left for the 19th pick.
6.5 minutes. Where do they go? Do you give Vince weapons at the WR position? This is interesting. I'm unsure of what they do. Pacman Jones is suspended for the year, but there aren't any cornerbacks that would be a value at No. 19.
Safety? Ross, from Texas? I think it will be wideout.
8 minutes left for 'em.
NFL Live crew again, and they're going to discuss character issues for Jarvis Moss. No big deal.
The clock has stopped. Leon Hall seems like a character guy, and Lord knows the Bengals need more of those guys.
Here's the pick. Hall. Great value. Great. Cincinnati must be giddy over the fact that Hall fell.
Tennessee on the clock. 11 minutes left for the 19th pick.
6.5 minutes. Where do they go? Do you give Vince weapons at the WR position? This is interesting. I'm unsure of what they do. Pacman Jones is suspended for the year, but there aren't any cornerbacks that would be a value at No. 19.
Safety? Ross, from Texas? I think it will be wideout.
3:15
The Jags might have gone Harrell if he was still there.
Well, Brady Quinn has a falling friend in Leon Hall.
Quinn had better hope that Jacksonville picks him, because if they don't, and there are no trades, he could fall to No. 23 for Kansas City.
Mel likes the superathletic safety Reggie Nelson at 17, which could be a bit high for him. But it may be what they need.
4 minutes remaining for Jacksonville.
Trade! Denver steps in! They're not here for Quinn. The only other guy that is falling is Leon Hall. Mel says they're looking LB, maybe David Harris from Michigan.
2 minutes for Denver. Berman mentions wide receiver.
Boos from the crowd for some reason.
This pick is the first one where there are like a dozen players that could be picked.
Details of the trade:
Jacksonville gives: 1st round
Denver: 1st, 3rd, 6th.
Clock stopped. Who could it be? Jarvis Moss. Speedy pick. His stock just exploded in that national championship game. A little bit small. But the Broncos have never been known for game-changing DE's, and he could be one.
Cincinnati up.
That trade tells me that Jacksonville is not too interested in Brady Quinn. They don't seem to be worried about a Cleveland or somebody trading up and grabbing him. This tells me that they want a wide receiver, and they don't have a whole lot of preference between Meachem, Jarrett, or Dwayne Bowe, and are happy with whomever falls to them.
Well, Brady Quinn has a falling friend in Leon Hall.
Quinn had better hope that Jacksonville picks him, because if they don't, and there are no trades, he could fall to No. 23 for Kansas City.
Mel likes the superathletic safety Reggie Nelson at 17, which could be a bit high for him. But it may be what they need.
4 minutes remaining for Jacksonville.
Trade! Denver steps in! They're not here for Quinn. The only other guy that is falling is Leon Hall. Mel says they're looking LB, maybe David Harris from Michigan.
2 minutes for Denver. Berman mentions wide receiver.
Boos from the crowd for some reason.
This pick is the first one where there are like a dozen players that could be picked.
Details of the trade:
Jacksonville gives: 1st round
Denver: 1st, 3rd, 6th.
Clock stopped. Who could it be? Jarvis Moss. Speedy pick. His stock just exploded in that national championship game. A little bit small. But the Broncos have never been known for game-changing DE's, and he could be one.
Cincinnati up.
That trade tells me that Jacksonville is not too interested in Brady Quinn. They don't seem to be worried about a Cleveland or somebody trading up and grabbing him. This tells me that they want a wide receiver, and they don't have a whole lot of preference between Meachem, Jarrett, or Dwayne Bowe, and are happy with whomever falls to them.
3:00
The Steelers have their pick in! This is exciting!
Lawrence Timmons is the pick. Drew Rosenhaus is his agent. Uh oh.
Ideal for the 3-4, Mel says. He can really rush the passer.
Green Bay on the clock. 10.5 minutes.
And.........Brady Quinn's name comes up again. They have to answer the same question Minnesota did: Are we sold on our young QB? In Green Bay's case, it's Aaron Rodgers, another guy who, after losing out on the No. 1 spot, fell dramatically.
They were probably hoping for Lynch here, or possibly Ginn, but those guys are gone. There are other good WR's.
Quinn interview. Solid kid. He's dealing with this very well. He has no inkling whatsoever of what is going to happen to him.
4 minutes.
I like Robert Meachem and Dwayne Jarrett a good deal more than the other WR's in this draft. That's where I think you have to go here if you're Green Bay.
2 minutes.
The guys are kind of devaluing the draft by talking about how it's OK for Quinn that he's slipping.
Clock is stopped. Meachem or Bowe?
The pick is...Justin Harrell! Another upset!
I like this pick. He's good. They probably should have gone WR, though. Maybe they figured they could pick up a Steve Smith/Anthony Gonzalez type guy in the second round.
Jacksonville is on the clock. I'm hoping they go Brady Quinn, for two reasons:
1. They should. He's the best player here.
2. If they go WR, which they might, that would mean less playing time for my boy Ernest Wilford.
Lawrence Timmons is the pick. Drew Rosenhaus is his agent. Uh oh.
Ideal for the 3-4, Mel says. He can really rush the passer.
Green Bay on the clock. 10.5 minutes.
And.........Brady Quinn's name comes up again. They have to answer the same question Minnesota did: Are we sold on our young QB? In Green Bay's case, it's Aaron Rodgers, another guy who, after losing out on the No. 1 spot, fell dramatically.
They were probably hoping for Lynch here, or possibly Ginn, but those guys are gone. There are other good WR's.
Quinn interview. Solid kid. He's dealing with this very well. He has no inkling whatsoever of what is going to happen to him.
4 minutes.
I like Robert Meachem and Dwayne Jarrett a good deal more than the other WR's in this draft. That's where I think you have to go here if you're Green Bay.
2 minutes.
The guys are kind of devaluing the draft by talking about how it's OK for Quinn that he's slipping.
Clock is stopped. Meachem or Bowe?
The pick is...Justin Harrell! Another upset!
I like this pick. He's good. They probably should have gone WR, though. Maybe they figured they could pick up a Steve Smith/Anthony Gonzalez type guy in the second round.
Jacksonville is on the clock. I'm hoping they go Brady Quinn, for two reasons:
1. They should. He's the best player here.
2. If they go WR, which they might, that would mean less playing time for my boy Ernest Wilford.
2:45
The Panthers and the N.Y. Jets have swapped picks. The Jets are probably going for Leon Hall or Darrelle Revis. This hurts my AFC team, Pittsburgh, who could be looking corner.
7 minutes.
Details:
Carolina gives up: 1st and 6th round pick
Jets give up: 1st, 2nd, and 5th pick
It WILL be Revis or Hall. But which one? I like Hall. He's been tested against better receivers.
I'm getting anxious, and so is the crowd. About a minute to go for the pick.
Clock is stopped. Which guy? Revis.
Pittsburgh is on the clock. They'll be looking CB or LB. I'm guessing Lawrence Timmons or Leon Hall. I'd really like Hall. He'd be a great #2 CB, because he doesn't have to go up against the other team's top guy. I also really hadn't heard anything about Lawrence Timmons until after the season.
Mortensen said that Cleveland is looking to trade up. Nice. Tremendous move.
7 minutes.
Details:
Carolina gives up: 1st and 6th round pick
Jets give up: 1st, 2nd, and 5th pick
It WILL be Revis or Hall. But which one? I like Hall. He's been tested against better receivers.
I'm getting anxious, and so is the crowd. About a minute to go for the pick.
Clock is stopped. Which guy? Revis.
Pittsburgh is on the clock. They'll be looking CB or LB. I'm guessing Lawrence Timmons or Leon Hall. I'd really like Hall. He'd be a great #2 CB, because he doesn't have to go up against the other team's top guy. I also really hadn't heard anything about Lawrence Timmons until after the season.
Mortensen said that Cleveland is looking to trade up. Nice. Tremendous move.
2:30
Chris Mortensen brings up the inevitable character question about Lynch. I don't see Lynch being a star. I would have taken Leon Hall, but I still don't think it's a bad pick. I would have taken an RB in the 2nd or 3rd round, but hey, I'm not a GM.
Rams are up. I'd take Quinn. 4.5 minutes.
I'm kind of unsure of what they need. A DE? A CB? I think it will be one of those two positions.
I think the two STARS left here are Leon Hall and Brady Quinn.
Clock has stopped, but we are on the ad break.
The pick is in...Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska. Boy is he ugly.
That was the feeling all along. Not a flashy pick, but unaissalable.
Carolina up. Trade!
Rams are up. I'd take Quinn. 4.5 minutes.
I'm kind of unsure of what they need. A DE? A CB? I think it will be one of those two positions.
I think the two STARS left here are Leon Hall and Brady Quinn.
Clock has stopped, but we are on the ad break.
The pick is in...Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska. Boy is he ugly.
That was the feeling all along. Not a flashy pick, but unaissalable.
Carolina up. Trade!
2:15
4.5 minutes for the Niners, who also have several more picks in the second and third rounds.
Goodell just invited Quinn to My lsaa "private suite" so we don't have to see him cry. Classy move by Goodell, who knows that (without trades) the earliest Quinn will go is No. 13.
Keyshawn says he would like Carolina to pick up Quinn if he fell to 14.
1.5 minutes.
Quinn falling is obviously the story of the draft thus far. This dwarfs everything. You have a guy who was the assumed No. 1 for the entire college football regular season, and who knows where he goes now?
Clock is stopped. Indications are that the Niners will go with Patrick Willis. And they do.
My lasting memory of Patrick is him playing with a cast for several games. He's really tough. I don't see him ever being a superstar, Ray Lewis/Brian Urlacher type, but he'll be really good for a while. Solid.
Buffalo has roughly 11 minutes left. They need a RB, but Marshawn Lynch would be a bit of a reach here. I think they go defense.
Man, I really wish Atlanta had gotten Levi Brown. They really needed a DE, though.
9 minutes. The pick, in my opinion, should be Leon Hall. He's a pretty good value at No. 12, and the Bills need a corner after losing Nate Clements to free agency.
Clock stopped. Bruce Smith will announce it, and they'll take Marshawn Lynch. Not bad.
Goodell just invited Quinn to My lsaa "private suite" so we don't have to see him cry. Classy move by Goodell, who knows that (without trades) the earliest Quinn will go is No. 13.
Keyshawn says he would like Carolina to pick up Quinn if he fell to 14.
1.5 minutes.
Quinn falling is obviously the story of the draft thus far. This dwarfs everything. You have a guy who was the assumed No. 1 for the entire college football regular season, and who knows where he goes now?
Clock is stopped. Indications are that the Niners will go with Patrick Willis. And they do.
My lasting memory of Patrick is him playing with a cast for several games. He's really tough. I don't see him ever being a superstar, Ray Lewis/Brian Urlacher type, but he'll be really good for a while. Solid.
Buffalo has roughly 11 minutes left. They need a RB, but Marshawn Lynch would be a bit of a reach here. I think they go defense.
Man, I really wish Atlanta had gotten Levi Brown. They really needed a DE, though.
9 minutes. The pick, in my opinion, should be Leon Hall. He's a pretty good value at No. 12, and the Bills need a corner after losing Nate Clements to free agency.
Clock stopped. Bruce Smith will announce it, and they'll take Marshawn Lynch. Not bad.
2:00
Quinn dropping is a classic case of teams overthinking the draft. There is just too much money, time, and people involved for teams to make obvious decisions.
I bet Houston wouldn't have traded for Schaub if they knew Quinn was going to be there.
Pick should be D-Line.
It's Okoye @ No. 10.
I'm glad he didnt' go higher. I think people make too big a deal about his age. I'm only 17...does that mean I should be top 5? Maybe number 1 overall? It's ridiculous. Pick the best player. I like Justin Harrell, the DT from Tennessee, almost as much as Okoye. You have to check out college production.
Niners are on the clock with about 8 minutes.
If I'm Detroit I give up my soul to trade up from the early second round and grab Quinn.
This will be defense.
To recap:
1. Raiders--Russell
2. Lions--Johnson
3. Browns--Thomas
4. Bucs--Adams
5. Cardinals--Brown
6. Skins--Landry
7. Vikings--Peterson
8. Dolphins--Ginn, Jr.
10. Texans--Okoye
Mark May doesn't like Okoye a whole lot either. That's my man! He's too small for an NFL DT.
I bet Houston wouldn't have traded for Schaub if they knew Quinn was going to be there.
Pick should be D-Line.
It's Okoye @ No. 10.
I'm glad he didnt' go higher. I think people make too big a deal about his age. I'm only 17...does that mean I should be top 5? Maybe number 1 overall? It's ridiculous. Pick the best player. I like Justin Harrell, the DT from Tennessee, almost as much as Okoye. You have to check out college production.
Niners are on the clock with about 8 minutes.
If I'm Detroit I give up my soul to trade up from the early second round and grab Quinn.
This will be defense.
To recap:
1. Raiders--Russell
2. Lions--Johnson
3. Browns--Thomas
4. Bucs--Adams
5. Cardinals--Brown
6. Skins--Landry
7. Vikings--Peterson
8. Dolphins--Ginn, Jr.
10. Texans--Okoye
Mark May doesn't like Okoye a whole lot either. That's my man! He's too small for an NFL DT.
1:45
STILL talking about Quinn. I'm sick of him. They're interviewing him at 3.5 minutes. That could be bad news for him. No phone call.
They need a corner, don't they? Could it be Leon Hall?
The clock has stopped. It'll probably be Quinn.
The pick is in...Ted Ginn Jr.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Surprise, surprise! Unreal!
My first reaction is that they should have picked Quinn.
My second reaction is that I thought Teddy Ginn was going to be the most undervalued player in this draft. I think he is absolutely tremendous, and will be great, great, great. Hall of Fame possibility.
But this was stupid, let's be real. Mel is incensed, and he should be. I think Quinn is a great QB.
Now, Quinn could FALL in Aaron Rodgers proportions. Quinn is so much better than Rodgers. Did Quinn need more motivation? He's getting it.
Will someone trade up now? If nobody does, I think the next team that could take him is the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 17. Crazy.
What an exciting draft so far.
They need a corner, don't they? Could it be Leon Hall?
The clock has stopped. It'll probably be Quinn.
The pick is in...Ted Ginn Jr.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Surprise, surprise! Unreal!
My first reaction is that they should have picked Quinn.
My second reaction is that I thought Teddy Ginn was going to be the most undervalued player in this draft. I think he is absolutely tremendous, and will be great, great, great. Hall of Fame possibility.
But this was stupid, let's be real. Mel is incensed, and he should be. I think Quinn is a great QB.
Now, Quinn could FALL in Aaron Rodgers proportions. Quinn is so much better than Rodgers. Did Quinn need more motivation? He's getting it.
Will someone trade up now? If nobody does, I think the next team that could take him is the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 17. Crazy.
What an exciting draft so far.
1:30
I just realized the Falcons are screwed. Here were their top 4 guys going in:
1. Johnson
2. Landry
3. Brown
4. Peterson
And they're all gone! The Falcons are my NFC team! Who?
Smith says they should trade down, obviously. They HAVE to. They're stuck with Jamaal Anderson or Amobi Okoye if they don't move down.
8 minutes.
6.
What you must do well as an NFL GM is understand the ramifications of the picks above you. For instance, when Cleveland took Joe Thomas, Atlanta had to predict that the final corollary is that Landry, Brown, and Peterson were not there at No. 8. They should have been working on a trade.
The clock has stopped. PLEASE tell me that they have a trade!
No. They take Jamaal Anderson. Geez. As closely as I follow college football, and I hadn't heard of him until the season was over. And he's the Falcons' first pick?
Atlanta was the first team to get screwed in terms of having every single guy they really liked not be there when they picked.
I think a deal didn't get done because other teams knew that the Falcons had nothing at No. 8 and subsuquently didn't offer them enough in return.
Miami has about 11 minutes on the clock. This could be the fastest pick yet.
Nope. 7 minutes.
1. Johnson
2. Landry
3. Brown
4. Peterson
And they're all gone! The Falcons are my NFC team! Who?
Smith says they should trade down, obviously. They HAVE to. They're stuck with Jamaal Anderson or Amobi Okoye if they don't move down.
8 minutes.
6.
What you must do well as an NFL GM is understand the ramifications of the picks above you. For instance, when Cleveland took Joe Thomas, Atlanta had to predict that the final corollary is that Landry, Brown, and Peterson were not there at No. 8. They should have been working on a trade.
The clock has stopped. PLEASE tell me that they have a trade!
No. They take Jamaal Anderson. Geez. As closely as I follow college football, and I hadn't heard of him until the season was over. And he's the Falcons' first pick?
Atlanta was the first team to get screwed in terms of having every single guy they really liked not be there when they picked.
I think a deal didn't get done because other teams knew that the Falcons had nothing at No. 8 and subsuquently didn't offer them enough in return.
Miami has about 11 minutes on the clock. This could be the fastest pick yet.
Nope. 7 minutes.
1:15
They flashed to Landry picking up the phone and doing a tough looking celebration.
Nice pick.
Sports Illustrated said in an article earlier this year that Johnson, Quinn, and Peterson would be the top three picks. Then again, they also said that Troy Smith would be the No. 2 overall pick, so they aren't exactly experts with the draft.
Minnesota on the clock, with about 12 minutes left.
Peterson is probably the odds on favorite here, even though Minnesota has Chester Taylor.
Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, and Cedric Benson all went in the top 5 a couple of years ago, and I would take Peterson over all of them. He is absolutely stupendous.
It's going to be either Quinn or Peterson. It comes down to whether or not Minny is sold with Tavaris Jackson as their QB of the future. I really don't know a whole lot about the kid. I would be overjoyed if Peterson fell to Atlanta, even though that's not their biggest position of need.
My gut feeling is that Minnesota will go with Peterson though, and Quinn will go to Miami at No. 9.
The clock has stopped. The pick must be in. Peterson is fielding a call, he must be the man.
Here it is: Peterson. Dynamite selection. The Vikings fans are overjoyed.
Atlanta is on the clock.
Nice pick.
Sports Illustrated said in an article earlier this year that Johnson, Quinn, and Peterson would be the top three picks. Then again, they also said that Troy Smith would be the No. 2 overall pick, so they aren't exactly experts with the draft.
Minnesota on the clock, with about 12 minutes left.
Peterson is probably the odds on favorite here, even though Minnesota has Chester Taylor.
Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, and Cedric Benson all went in the top 5 a couple of years ago, and I would take Peterson over all of them. He is absolutely stupendous.
It's going to be either Quinn or Peterson. It comes down to whether or not Minny is sold with Tavaris Jackson as their QB of the future. I really don't know a whole lot about the kid. I would be overjoyed if Peterson fell to Atlanta, even though that's not their biggest position of need.
My gut feeling is that Minnesota will go with Peterson though, and Quinn will go to Miami at No. 9.
The clock has stopped. The pick must be in. Peterson is fielding a call, he must be the man.
Here it is: Peterson. Dynamite selection. The Vikings fans are overjoyed.
Atlanta is on the clock.
1:00
(@1:04)
The analysts are analyzing Brown. I just don't know a lot about Brown, and that's not good news for him.
The only guy drafted so far that I'm sure is not going to be a bust is Calvin Johnson. Seriously. I really think those other guys could flame out.
Washington is on the clock.
D-Line should be the pick. Are they as enamored with Amobi Okoye as the rest of the country?
Rachel Nichols reports Miami and Washington could swap.
Man, Tony Kornheiser is off today. I love Mike Tirico, but I'm not sure he can save Monday Night Football next year.
8.5 minutes.
I promised my brother a trade in the top 10, but now I'm not sure it's going to happen. I'm guessing the Skins will stand pat and grab Okoye, Peterson will go to Minnesota, and Miami, after Atlanta takes Landry, will take Quinn.
Kind of seems like Quinn is this year's Leinart. White boy idol falls far in the draft.
Just saw the Spurrier ad again. Classic.
5.5 minutes.
Could the Skins draft Landry? They need another good safety, but if there's a knock there, it's that Landry and Sean Taylor are pretty similar.
4 minutes.
It looks like Landry is the pick!
The analysts are analyzing Brown. I just don't know a lot about Brown, and that's not good news for him.
The only guy drafted so far that I'm sure is not going to be a bust is Calvin Johnson. Seriously. I really think those other guys could flame out.
Washington is on the clock.
D-Line should be the pick. Are they as enamored with Amobi Okoye as the rest of the country?
Rachel Nichols reports Miami and Washington could swap.
Man, Tony Kornheiser is off today. I love Mike Tirico, but I'm not sure he can save Monday Night Football next year.
8.5 minutes.
I promised my brother a trade in the top 10, but now I'm not sure it's going to happen. I'm guessing the Skins will stand pat and grab Okoye, Peterson will go to Minnesota, and Miami, after Atlanta takes Landry, will take Quinn.
Kind of seems like Quinn is this year's Leinart. White boy idol falls far in the draft.
Just saw the Spurrier ad again. Classic.
5.5 minutes.
Could the Skins draft Landry? They need another good safety, but if there's a knock there, it's that Landry and Sean Taylor are pretty similar.
4 minutes.
It looks like Landry is the pick!
12:45
Sal just called Chris Simms Phil Simms. Oh well. He says that Tampa is interested in Quinn and Peterson. Talk about not drafting a position of need. If you don't like Gaines Adams at 4, then trade down! I guarantee there are teams that would trade up to get Quinn or Peterson.
The analysts are dissecting what Quinn looks like with his shirt off. Are we getting punchy already?
Less than 6 minutes for Tampa.
What a great draft so far. All the picks have had a little bit of intrigue, including this one. Is Jon Gruden crazy enough, or does he have enough say (on the hot seat) to draft Quinn?
4 minutes.
Gaines could be the pick here. He's pretty versatile. The analysts aren't talking about him much. This could be the first pick in this draft that is a reach.
They just flashed to Gaines on the phone. 2.5 minutes.
First Mario Williams-Gaines Adams comparison. Mel got it perfectly: Adams isn't the superfreak athlete that Williams is, but he was more productive in college.
Here's the pick.
The Bucccaneers select....Gaines Adams!
I just have this bust feeling about Adams. No. 4? This scares me if I'm a Bucs fan.
This does leave the door open for a Detroit-Tampa trade, but I'm not getting the indication that the trade will happen.
The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock with less than 12 minutes.
I don't really know where they should go here. O-line or defense should be the pick, but I would try extremely hard to trade down a few slots to get in position to take Levi Brown. As I said, I think there has to be some interest for Quinn or Peterson from some teams farther down.
First NFL Live crew sighting. Mark May, Sean Salisbury, and Michael Smith.
Arizona has always liked Levi Brown more than Thomas, as Smith just said, because he's tougher, and that's Russ Grimm's type of guy.
Would Atlanta take Brown or LaRon Landry at No. 8? That's what Arizona needs to determine, because if Atlanta would take Landry, maybe Arizona could trade down, but if the Falcons would take Brown, then the Cardinals should stay.
Here's the pick: Levi Brown!
The analysts are dissecting what Quinn looks like with his shirt off. Are we getting punchy already?
Less than 6 minutes for Tampa.
What a great draft so far. All the picks have had a little bit of intrigue, including this one. Is Jon Gruden crazy enough, or does he have enough say (on the hot seat) to draft Quinn?
4 minutes.
Gaines could be the pick here. He's pretty versatile. The analysts aren't talking about him much. This could be the first pick in this draft that is a reach.
They just flashed to Gaines on the phone. 2.5 minutes.
First Mario Williams-Gaines Adams comparison. Mel got it perfectly: Adams isn't the superfreak athlete that Williams is, but he was more productive in college.
Here's the pick.
The Bucccaneers select....Gaines Adams!
I just have this bust feeling about Adams. No. 4? This scares me if I'm a Bucs fan.
This does leave the door open for a Detroit-Tampa trade, but I'm not getting the indication that the trade will happen.
The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock with less than 12 minutes.
I don't really know where they should go here. O-line or defense should be the pick, but I would try extremely hard to trade down a few slots to get in position to take Levi Brown. As I said, I think there has to be some interest for Quinn or Peterson from some teams farther down.
First NFL Live crew sighting. Mark May, Sean Salisbury, and Michael Smith.
Arizona has always liked Levi Brown more than Thomas, as Smith just said, because he's tougher, and that's Russ Grimm's type of guy.
Would Atlanta take Brown or LaRon Landry at No. 8? That's what Arizona needs to determine, because if Atlanta would take Landry, maybe Arizona could trade down, but if the Falcons would take Brown, then the Cardinals should stay.
Here's the pick: Levi Brown!
12:30
Sal Paolontonio just said that the Lions are asking for both of Tampa's second round picks, and that's too high for the Bucs. Seems like a HUGE game of chicken. Somebody's going to make a huge mistake.
Here's the pick.
And the Lions take Johnson! OK. If the Lions keep Johnson, that could become the best 1-2 WR combo in the NFL with Roy Williams. They can grab Trent Edwards in the second round and I would be OK with that as a Lions fan.
Cleveland is on the clock. I say take Quinn. I think they will pick Quinn, Joe Thomas, or Adrian Peterson.
Greatest ad of all time! Steve Spurrier answers the phone and says:
Yeah, this the head ball coach.
He ran a what? I told you he could really run.
Yeah, click-clack.
What??? I love those ads. And he was completely serious, and it sounded so comical in his THICK Southern accent. Must be seen.
5 minutes left for Cleveland.
The time has stopped. Do they have their pick? Yes.
And the pick is Joe Thomas!
This means that Quinn and Peterson, unless there are trades made could fall to No. 7 at Minnesota. Peterson could go to Arizona, but Quinn will definitely go no higher than 7.
This kills Arizona fans, who thought Thomas might fall into their laps.
Does this mean Cleveland is OK with Frye or Derek Anderson?
Here's the pick.
And the Lions take Johnson! OK. If the Lions keep Johnson, that could become the best 1-2 WR combo in the NFL with Roy Williams. They can grab Trent Edwards in the second round and I would be OK with that as a Lions fan.
Cleveland is on the clock. I say take Quinn. I think they will pick Quinn, Joe Thomas, or Adrian Peterson.
Greatest ad of all time! Steve Spurrier answers the phone and says:
Yeah, this the head ball coach.
He ran a what? I told you he could really run.
Yeah, click-clack.
What??? I love those ads. And he was completely serious, and it sounded so comical in his THICK Southern accent. Must be seen.
5 minutes left for Cleveland.
The time has stopped. Do they have their pick? Yes.
And the pick is Joe Thomas!
This means that Quinn and Peterson, unless there are trades made could fall to No. 7 at Minnesota. Peterson could go to Arizona, but Quinn will definitely go no higher than 7.
This kills Arizona fans, who thought Thomas might fall into their laps.
Does this mean Cleveland is OK with Frye or Derek Anderson?
12:15
The Raiders are on the clock with the first pick. Here's my thinking about the first pick. It looks like they will pick Russell. If the Raiders want to win NEXT YEAR, they should draft Brady Quinn. Russell is just not ready for an NFL-type system, and there's no way Andrew Walter or Josh Booty will start the season. So they obviously are not going to win next year. That's why would draft Calvin Johnson, tank next season, and pick up a good quarterback next year.
But Roger Goodell has just announced the first pick, and it's Russell! It will be interesting how long it takes him to mature.
They showed a clip of Russell throwing it 60 yards from a knee. You know who else wowed scouts with that same trick? Kyle Boller. Right.
Russell is in all black. Think he knew what was coming today? The fans seem receptive, and I think they will like him in Oakland.
The Lions are on the clock.
What they should do: trade down, way down if possible. There's a good crop of first-round DE's, and that's what they need.
What they will do: switch picks with the Bucs, and pick up Gaines Adams at No. 4. But I think that is a reach for Gaines.
But they just flashed back to the green room, and Calvin Johnson is hysterical! Did the Lions pick Johnson? That's not smart. There are a lot of good young receivers in the first two rounds, and WR is not their biggest position of need. Keyshawn Johnson (an analyst today) said that Detroit could pick up Johnson, Tampa could pick up Adams, and they would swap.
Keyshawn, by the way, is doing a great job as an analyst.
But Roger Goodell has just announced the first pick, and it's Russell! It will be interesting how long it takes him to mature.
They showed a clip of Russell throwing it 60 yards from a knee. You know who else wowed scouts with that same trick? Kyle Boller. Right.
Russell is in all black. Think he knew what was coming today? The fans seem receptive, and I think they will like him in Oakland.
The Lions are on the clock.
What they should do: trade down, way down if possible. There's a good crop of first-round DE's, and that's what they need.
What they will do: switch picks with the Bucs, and pick up Gaines Adams at No. 4. But I think that is a reach for Gaines.
But they just flashed back to the green room, and Calvin Johnson is hysterical! Did the Lions pick Johnson? That's not smart. There are a lot of good young receivers in the first two rounds, and WR is not their biggest position of need. Keyshawn Johnson (an analyst today) said that Detroit could pick up Johnson, Tampa could pick up Adams, and they would swap.
Keyshawn, by the way, is doing a great job as an analyst.
Friday, April 27, 2007
NFL Draft Value Chart
There is something called a Value Chart for the NFL Draft. It is a grid that assigns a specific number value to a certain pick in the draft. For instance, the No. 1 overall pick is worth 3,000 points, and the No. 256 overall pick is worth .4 points. General managers live and die by this grid, determining how to trade within the draft with this as a guide. I think it's a good idea, and if I was a GM, I would employ the same method, and also assign a point value to each player in the draft.
But this chart has some interesting results. For instance, the second day of the draft (rounds 4-7) are worth less than picks No. 1 and No. 20 combined. That's insane! Pick No. 1 by itself is worth more than picks 119-256. Wow.
The upshot is that players who looked much less valuable (points-wise) than others on Draft Day look a lot better now. Let's analyze the wide receiver crop from last year, using the value chart as a guide:
Santonio Holmes, pick No. 25=720 points. First year stats: 49 receptions, 824 yards, 2 TD's.
Chad Jackson, pick No. 36=540 points. First year stats: 13 receptions, 152 yards, 3 TD's.
Sinorice Moss, pick No. 44=460 points. First year stats: 5 receptions, 25 yards, 0 TD's.
Marques Colston, pick No. 252=0.6 points. First year stats: 70 receptions, 1,038 yards, 8 TD's.
Going by the value chart, the top 3 WR's taken in last year's draft should have been 2,867 times more valuable than Marques Colston. But here are the numbers:
Top 3 receivers combined: 67 receptions, 1,001 yards, 5 TD's.
Colstons's numbers...........: 70 receptions, 1,038 yards, 8 TD's.
The value chart is better than nothing, though.
But this chart has some interesting results. For instance, the second day of the draft (rounds 4-7) are worth less than picks No. 1 and No. 20 combined. That's insane! Pick No. 1 by itself is worth more than picks 119-256. Wow.
The upshot is that players who looked much less valuable (points-wise) than others on Draft Day look a lot better now. Let's analyze the wide receiver crop from last year, using the value chart as a guide:
Santonio Holmes, pick No. 25=720 points. First year stats: 49 receptions, 824 yards, 2 TD's.
Chad Jackson, pick No. 36=540 points. First year stats: 13 receptions, 152 yards, 3 TD's.
Sinorice Moss, pick No. 44=460 points. First year stats: 5 receptions, 25 yards, 0 TD's.
Marques Colston, pick No. 252=0.6 points. First year stats: 70 receptions, 1,038 yards, 8 TD's.
Going by the value chart, the top 3 WR's taken in last year's draft should have been 2,867 times more valuable than Marques Colston. But here are the numbers:
Top 3 receivers combined: 67 receptions, 1,001 yards, 5 TD's.
Colstons's numbers...........: 70 receptions, 1,038 yards, 8 TD's.
The value chart is better than nothing, though.
NFL Draft Running Diary Format
I have decided to attempt a running diary of the 2007 NFL Draft. I will begin my coverage Saturday at noon, and I'll wrap up around 8:30. On Sunday, I will blog from 11-6 or so, and there will be an emphasis on where the Va. Tech players will go.
There will be a new post every fifteen minutes or so, so my titles will be times, in increments of a quarter hour. What is published in the body of the blog entry is what transpired in that fifteen minutes.
I actually like the NFL Draft more than the Super Bowl, so these next two days should be a lot of fun.
There will be a new post every fifteen minutes or so, so my titles will be times, in increments of a quarter hour. What is published in the body of the blog entry is what transpired in that fifteen minutes.
I actually like the NFL Draft more than the Super Bowl, so these next two days should be a lot of fun.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
NFL Draft Thoughts
Some quick thoughts on the NFL Draft. Doesn't look like I'll have time for a full-fledged preview, thanks to being scheduled to work almost every day this week.
Todd McShay brought up a great point, and that is, if Detroit doesn't get a good enough offer to trade out of the 2 slot, why not stay there and pick up Calvin Johnson? My personal opinion is that they should stay right there and draft Brady Quinn. Detroit sticking with Jon Kitna is a lot like Oakland staying with Aaron Brooks and passing on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler, and we have seen how that has worked out.
But if they don't feel as if they need a QB, Johnson is the best player on the board, so why not get him? As McShay said, they shouldn't let their past blunders dictate what they are doing this year. Gaines Adams is a big reach at No. 2, and Joe Thomas isn't a necessity. It seems likely, however, that Tampa and Detroit will swap picks.
My sources tell me that Atlanta is considering trading up to get Calvin Johnson, but that seems foolish. They have three young receivers, who while they aren't great, are now getting the chance to be tutored by the great Joe Horn. I say give them some time. Atlanta has much bigger needs at safety (they'll probably draft LaRon Landry) and at tackle (picking up Staley in the second round would be an absolute steal).
If I'm picking, and keeping in mind what the teams' preferences are, here is what my top 10 would look like:
1. Oakland--JaMarcus Russell
2. Tampa (from Detroit)--Calvin Johnson
3. Cleveland--Brady Quinn
4. Detroit (from Tampa)--Gaines Adams
5. Arizona--Joe Thomas
6. Washington--Amobi Okoye
7. Minnesota--Adrian Peterson
8. Atlanta--LaRon Landry
9. Miami--Levi Brown
10. Houston--Leon Hall
A couple final notes: 2-3 years down the road I think people will be wondering why Adrian Peterson and Ted Ginn Jr. didn't go higher, Ginn especially. I think these two are absolute superstars, should be top-5 picks, but have dropped because of recent injuriese. That is a mistake.
Here is how I would rank the tremendous wide receiver crop, with grades out of 10
1. Calvin Johnson--9.7
2. Ted Ginn Jr.--9.0
3. Robert Meachem--8.5
4. Dwayne Jarrett--8.4
5. Sidney Rice--8.1
6. Dwayne Bowe--7.8
7. Steve Smith--7.3
8. Anthony Gonzalez--7.0
I think I may attempt a running diary for the NFL Draft. That would be fun!
Todd McShay brought up a great point, and that is, if Detroit doesn't get a good enough offer to trade out of the 2 slot, why not stay there and pick up Calvin Johnson? My personal opinion is that they should stay right there and draft Brady Quinn. Detroit sticking with Jon Kitna is a lot like Oakland staying with Aaron Brooks and passing on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler, and we have seen how that has worked out.
But if they don't feel as if they need a QB, Johnson is the best player on the board, so why not get him? As McShay said, they shouldn't let their past blunders dictate what they are doing this year. Gaines Adams is a big reach at No. 2, and Joe Thomas isn't a necessity. It seems likely, however, that Tampa and Detroit will swap picks.
My sources tell me that Atlanta is considering trading up to get Calvin Johnson, but that seems foolish. They have three young receivers, who while they aren't great, are now getting the chance to be tutored by the great Joe Horn. I say give them some time. Atlanta has much bigger needs at safety (they'll probably draft LaRon Landry) and at tackle (picking up Staley in the second round would be an absolute steal).
If I'm picking, and keeping in mind what the teams' preferences are, here is what my top 10 would look like:
1. Oakland--JaMarcus Russell
2. Tampa (from Detroit)--Calvin Johnson
3. Cleveland--Brady Quinn
4. Detroit (from Tampa)--Gaines Adams
5. Arizona--Joe Thomas
6. Washington--Amobi Okoye
7. Minnesota--Adrian Peterson
8. Atlanta--LaRon Landry
9. Miami--Levi Brown
10. Houston--Leon Hall
A couple final notes: 2-3 years down the road I think people will be wondering why Adrian Peterson and Ted Ginn Jr. didn't go higher, Ginn especially. I think these two are absolute superstars, should be top-5 picks, but have dropped because of recent injuriese. That is a mistake.
Here is how I would rank the tremendous wide receiver crop, with grades out of 10
1. Calvin Johnson--9.7
2. Ted Ginn Jr.--9.0
3. Robert Meachem--8.5
4. Dwayne Jarrett--8.4
5. Sidney Rice--8.1
6. Dwayne Bowe--7.8
7. Steve Smith--7.3
8. Anthony Gonzalez--7.0
I think I may attempt a running diary for the NFL Draft. That would be fun!
Wright decision
Brandan Wright declared for the draft a couple of days ago, but has not yet hired an agent. However, he will likely stay in, and here's why: When a player declares for the draft, they do so (in most cases) to see where they will fall; will they be a lottery pick, a first rounder, or will they go undrafted? If the prognosis is good, the player stays in.
Because Wright could go as high as #3, chances are that he will stay in the draft. My sources tell me that he could slip to as low as #9, behind Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Julian Wright, Yi Jianlian, Mike Conley Jr., Corey Brewer, and a Spencer Hawes or Jeff Green. That is unlikely, though.
Brandan is as good as gone.
Because Wright could go as high as #3, chances are that he will stay in the draft. My sources tell me that he could slip to as low as #9, behind Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Julian Wright, Yi Jianlian, Mike Conley Jr., Corey Brewer, and a Spencer Hawes or Jeff Green. That is unlikely, though.
Brandan is as good as gone.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
UNC Recruiting, Future, and the Brandan Wright decision
As you may know, North Carolina did not recruit anybody for the Class of 2007. However, they are actively recruiting some of the best prospects in the Class of 2008. Today the North Carolina community suffered a great loss when Delvon Roe decided to stay close to home and play his college ball at Michigan State (which lost to Carolina less than a month ago, and in my opinion, is not as good a fit for his game).
A good example of how volatile and unpredictable recruiting can be, see
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=650696
It's obvious that recruiting is a risky proposition. After all, you are dealing with teens who have been told that they are a god for a good part of their lives, field dozens of phone calls and text messages a day from recruiters, and are being pulled in numerous different directions from friends and family, to put it simply.
The corollary is that Carolina has now offered scholarships to comparatively talented forwards Al-Farouq Aminu and Richmond's own Ed Davis. Other targets include
Tyreke Evans
Jrue Holiday
Samardo Samuels
Larry Drew
Let's look at the class lineup for Carolina for next year:
Senior: Quentin Thomas, PG
Juniors: Tyler Hansbrough, PF
Marcus Ginyard, G/F
Danny Green, SF
Bobby Frasor, G
Mike Copeland, F
Sophomores: Tywon Lawson, PG
Brandan Wright, PF (I'll get to him in a minute)
Wayne Ellington, SG
Deon Thompson, PF
Alex Stepheson, PF (Not StepheNson, just Stepheson)
Freshman: William Graves, G/F (redshirted)
As aforementioned, UNC has a large number of prospects for '08. But a college team is only allowed to have 13 scholarship players, so if there are no early entries after this year or the next(unlikely, but possible), Carolina would only be able to bring in two of those vaunted freshmen. Food for thought.
I just displayed the lineup for next year, and I'll toss out an idea for how to use all those guys this coming season. Not including Mike Copeland, who never plays, Carolina has 11 guys. The position breakdown is:
3 Point Guards
1 (pure) Shooting Guard
3 Wing players
4 Big Men
I think the best way to get all these guys on the floor is to move Bobby Frasor to Shooting Guard. He definitely deserves more playing time, and he won't get it behind Tywon Lawson. Quentin Thomas, as a senior, could be a guy that could give Lawson 8-10 minutes of rest per game. If that happens, each position would be 2 deep (depending on how much run Graves gets behind Ginyard and Green).
Obviously, this is a long ways away, but here is how I would divvy up the minutes next year:
(Out of 200 total)
Tywon Lawson, PG--30 minutes
Quentin Thomas, PG--8 minutes
Wayne Ellington, SG--24 minutes
Bobby Frasor, SG--17 minutes
Marcus Ginyard, SF--23 minutes
Danny Green, SF--18 minutes
Tyler Hansbrough, F--30 minutes
Brandan Wright, F--28 minutes
Deon Thompson, F--15 minutes
Alex Stepheson, F--7 minutes
Of course, this all changes if Brandan leaves. The minutes for the big guys should end up looking like this as a result of that move:
Tyler Hansbrough--33 minutes
Deon Thompson--25 minutes
Alex Stepheson--17 minutes
Mike Copeland--5 minutes
Here's my opinion on the Brandan Wright decision:
There are three components that (should) make up the decision for whether to stay or go:
1. How much do you like college? Do you really want to get a championship? Etc., Etc.
2. Do you have (a lot) of room for improvement? Can your game get better?
3. Is now the best time for you to go? That is, you may have room for improvement and your stock could be higher, but you are guaranteed a high spot.
Components 1 and 2 favor Wright returning to school, but Component 3 has him leaving for sure. There is a lot for Brandan to improve in his game:
1. He has the tendency to fade. See: Michigan State.
2. Very weak for a 4. Needs to add some muscle, especially in the upper body.
3. Awful free throw shooting.
4. Seems to lack a hunger for the game and the passion to win. It may just seem that way because his big man compatriot is "Psycho T", or because he has a naturally shy demeanor, but that is the perception.
However, Wright is still one of the top prospects in the draft. He has a 7'2" wingspan, is very athletic, is a good shot blocker, runs the floor well, and has virtually unstoppable little flick shot (with either hand) within about 10 feet. My sources tell me that he could go anywhere from 3 to 5, and once NBA scouts get to witness his wingspan in person, they will be won over.
We will know by April 29th.
A good example of how volatile and unpredictable recruiting can be, see
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=650696
It's obvious that recruiting is a risky proposition. After all, you are dealing with teens who have been told that they are a god for a good part of their lives, field dozens of phone calls and text messages a day from recruiters, and are being pulled in numerous different directions from friends and family, to put it simply.
The corollary is that Carolina has now offered scholarships to comparatively talented forwards Al-Farouq Aminu and Richmond's own Ed Davis. Other targets include
Tyreke Evans
Jrue Holiday
Samardo Samuels
Larry Drew
Let's look at the class lineup for Carolina for next year:
Senior: Quentin Thomas, PG
Juniors: Tyler Hansbrough, PF
Marcus Ginyard, G/F
Danny Green, SF
Bobby Frasor, G
Mike Copeland, F
Sophomores: Tywon Lawson, PG
Brandan Wright, PF (I'll get to him in a minute)
Wayne Ellington, SG
Deon Thompson, PF
Alex Stepheson, PF (Not StepheNson, just Stepheson)
Freshman: William Graves, G/F (redshirted)
As aforementioned, UNC has a large number of prospects for '08. But a college team is only allowed to have 13 scholarship players, so if there are no early entries after this year or the next(unlikely, but possible), Carolina would only be able to bring in two of those vaunted freshmen. Food for thought.
I just displayed the lineup for next year, and I'll toss out an idea for how to use all those guys this coming season. Not including Mike Copeland, who never plays, Carolina has 11 guys. The position breakdown is:
3 Point Guards
1 (pure) Shooting Guard
3 Wing players
4 Big Men
I think the best way to get all these guys on the floor is to move Bobby Frasor to Shooting Guard. He definitely deserves more playing time, and he won't get it behind Tywon Lawson. Quentin Thomas, as a senior, could be a guy that could give Lawson 8-10 minutes of rest per game. If that happens, each position would be 2 deep (depending on how much run Graves gets behind Ginyard and Green).
Obviously, this is a long ways away, but here is how I would divvy up the minutes next year:
(Out of 200 total)
Tywon Lawson, PG--30 minutes
Quentin Thomas, PG--8 minutes
Wayne Ellington, SG--24 minutes
Bobby Frasor, SG--17 minutes
Marcus Ginyard, SF--23 minutes
Danny Green, SF--18 minutes
Tyler Hansbrough, F--30 minutes
Brandan Wright, F--28 minutes
Deon Thompson, F--15 minutes
Alex Stepheson, F--7 minutes
Of course, this all changes if Brandan leaves. The minutes for the big guys should end up looking like this as a result of that move:
Tyler Hansbrough--33 minutes
Deon Thompson--25 minutes
Alex Stepheson--17 minutes
Mike Copeland--5 minutes
Here's my opinion on the Brandan Wright decision:
There are three components that (should) make up the decision for whether to stay or go:
1. How much do you like college? Do you really want to get a championship? Etc., Etc.
2. Do you have (a lot) of room for improvement? Can your game get better?
3. Is now the best time for you to go? That is, you may have room for improvement and your stock could be higher, but you are guaranteed a high spot.
Components 1 and 2 favor Wright returning to school, but Component 3 has him leaving for sure. There is a lot for Brandan to improve in his game:
1. He has the tendency to fade. See: Michigan State.
2. Very weak for a 4. Needs to add some muscle, especially in the upper body.
3. Awful free throw shooting.
4. Seems to lack a hunger for the game and the passion to win. It may just seem that way because his big man compatriot is "Psycho T", or because he has a naturally shy demeanor, but that is the perception.
However, Wright is still one of the top prospects in the draft. He has a 7'2" wingspan, is very athletic, is a good shot blocker, runs the floor well, and has virtually unstoppable little flick shot (with either hand) within about 10 feet. My sources tell me that he could go anywhere from 3 to 5, and once NBA scouts get to witness his wingspan in person, they will be won over.
We will know by April 29th.
Outline
Welcome to the Let's Talk Sports blog! The main topics I will cover here are:
1. Football, including
--The NFL Draft
--College football previews
--College football
--Recruiting
--Virginia Tech
1a. Basketball, including
--The NBA Draft
--College basketball previews
--College basketball
--Recruiting
--North Carolina
With a lesser emphasis on, in order
Sports analysts
Baseball
Hockey
Soccer
1. Football, including
--The NFL Draft
--College football previews
--College football
--Recruiting
--Virginia Tech
1a. Basketball, including
--The NBA Draft
--College basketball previews
--College basketball
--Recruiting
--North Carolina
With a lesser emphasis on, in order
Sports analysts
Baseball
Hockey
Soccer
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