Thursday, April 22, 2010

Draft Over/Under

It's become fairly common for people to mock the mock drafts and other prediction based analysis of the NFL Draft by stating (correctly, for the most part) that very few, if any, people have watched enough of each individual draft prospect to have an accurate feel for what kind of player someone will be in the NFL. And you know what? I totally agree. If the NBA Draft is an inexact science, the NFL Draft is drunken horseshoes. Sure, some people are more skilled than others but nobody's got a perfect record and everybody has some embarrassing gaffes we can all point to at some point in their careers. With that said, I fucking love both the NFL and NBA Drafts and I love blathering on with my opinions on the players in these drafts even more. The ability to spew my opinion across a platform that reaches tens of people is why I signed a contract with G:TB (that and a free bottle of Jameson.../shakes fist at Rob) in the first place, so I'm certainly not going to miss out on a chance to do such on one of the biggest days on the sports dork calendar. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, here's my top 5 most overrated/underrated NFL Draft prospects: First Round Edition.

Overrated:

CJ Spiller: I love CJ Spiller. He's versatile, electric in the open field and as a good a receiver out of the backfield as you're going to find coming out of college. This is more a matter of where he'll be drafted than my evaluation of his abilities. He's going to end up going in the top 10-12 picks. You could make the case that that's too high for any running back. Much less one who isn't an every down back, hasn't shown a proclivity for picking up tough, inside yardage and isn't all that big or physical. I have no problem with Spiller going in the 20s but there's no way I think he's worth a top 10 pick.

Anthony Davis: I know little of Davis other than the bits and pieces of Rutgers games I watched over the past two years. However, I keep hearing the same things about him. Maturity issues. Weight issues. Lack of work ethic. Yeah, I'll pass on a highly talented yet unmotivated tackle if I'm drafting in the first round. If you remember Winston Justice, you might want to do the same, NFL GM.

Jason Pierre-Paul: Another physical freak. This one isn't supposed to be a head case though. He is, however, extremely raw, as he played just one season of major college football. On top of that, he wasn't all that productive. Just 6.5 sacks while playing in the Big East and on the opposite side of All-American George Selvie? Hmmmmmm. I'd be concerned about spending a 1st round pick on a pass rusher with those types of red flags. But, just in case that wasn't enough there's this: The last DE to play JUCO Football and then find success in the NFL was Leonard Little. So, if you draft Jason Pierre-Paul you're either drafting a bust who'll be out of the league in 3-4 years or a guy who's going to rack up DUIs and possibly kill someone.

Taylor Mays: This may be a stretch as it now seems as though Mays could possibly fall out of the first round, but I've driving the anti-Taylor Mays bandwagon for a couple of years now so I see no reason to hand over the reins on draft night. Mays has everything you could ever want in a safety...except for instincts and anticipation. Which, if all things are fairly equal, are the most important aspects of safety play. Here's what I want to know about my safeties: Can you anticipate what's coming and react quickly enough to stop it or minimize the damage? Nothing I've ever seen from Mays says he can do that consistently. Which might be why he left USC with only 2 career interceptions.

DeMaryius Thomas: A big, physical but extremely raw WR who played in a triple option scheme in college and (I'm guessing) didn't run the full menu of routes he'll be expected to in the NFL. I'm generally down on big WRS who excel due to their physical gifts in college and I never expect them to have much impact early in their careers (see: Kelly, Malcom or Thomas, Devin). The fact that Thomas played in a Georgia Tech offense that basically asked him to run go routes half the time makes me even more skeptical of the impact potential of him.

Underrated:

Eric Berry: I know, how can a consensus top 5-10 pick be underrated? Here's how: When teams that could use a safety aren't drafting him. Not because of a lack of need but because of an antiquated model that says you don't draft a safety high in the 1st round due to a lack of value at that spot. I understand the logic behind this, I just happen to disagree with it. Most experts will tell you that the NFL is now a passing league or "QB driven" and few, if any, will disagree with this notion. Doesn't that mean that the relative value of a game changing free safety has been enhanced by the overall direction of the league? I would certainly think so. Defenses, nay top defenses have been built around the talents of safeties like Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu in the modern NFL. If you can get a player like Berry (who many project as an Ed Reed level impact safety) to man your back line for the next 10 years without overlooking another, more glaring need, why wouldn't you?

Kyle Wilson: A big, physical corner who's been a starter at a quality program for 3-4 years and who brings you an added dimension as a return man. In my opinion, Wilson is the second best corner in the draft behind Joe Haden. Some may point to the lower level of competition that Wilson faced in the WAC, but any fears about his ability to handle a higher level of athlete should've been put to rest by his stellar performance during the week of the Senior Bowl.

Maurkice Pouncey: Arguably the most versatile O-Lineman in this year's draft (It's either he or Trent Williams). A starter since day one of his freshman year at Florida. Team leader, great character and plays with a nasty streak. He was never a secret to me, even going back to high school (he and his twin brother were arguably the biggest impact recruits in the state of Florida as seniors in high school) but I remember when I first knew he'd be a 1st rounder. His freshman year, he played LSU All-American (and eventual top 5 pick) Glenn Dorsey in Baton Rouge all night long with only occasional help, and he fought him to a stalemate. Think about how impressive that is for a true freshman guard (He played both center and guard at UF). Pouncey will play 10-12 years and make at least 6 Pro Bowls. Mark it down.

Brandon Graham: Call him the anti-Vernon Gholston. His measurables don't wow anyone but he was always around the ball in college and led the nation in TFL last year. The he went out and destroyed everybody he went up against at the Senior Bowl. Maybe not a high impact DE/LB but one who will give you 100% on every play, will maintain responsibilities in the run and pass game while still managing to rack up 9-12 sacks a year.


Jerry Hughes: Another guy who won't blow you away with his size/speed ratio but also another guy who was extremely productive in college (led nation in sacks). Hughes plays well in space, so he projects well as a 3-4 LB. While I'm no D-Line expert, I believe that sack production (much like rebounding in basketball) is one thing that almost always transfers from college to the pros. If Hughes is available in the late 1st round, you grab him. His name doesn't hurt either.

Now, since I'm the resident expert on all things University of Florida here at G:TB, I figured I'd include my brief thoughts on the (many) Gators who figured to be drafted over the next 3 days.

Tim Tebow:
Look at Jerry's analysis here. I concur with nearly all of it.

Joe Haden: Best corner in the draft. Physical, fast, great character and work ethic and still fairly new to the position, so there's still a lot of upside here.

Carlos Dunlap: When was the last time a player dropped from a sure fire top 10 pick in December to a fringe second rounder by draft time? I can't recall a drop like this in all my years of draft watching. Dunlap had effort issues at times at Florida and (in the interviews I've seen) doesn't come off as a "high motor" kind of guy but dude's a freak of the highest order and was pretty damn productive at Florida over the last two seasons. His DUI during the week of the SEC Championship game certainly has a lot to do with his precipitous drop but this seems extreme considering that was his first ever transgression that we know of. If he's properly motivated by this, somebody's getting a steal and if I needed a pass rusher late in round 1, I'd look long and hard at Dunlap.

Aaron Hernandez: Another guy who was going to be a first round pick in December who's slipped into Round 2. However, this has less do to with the player than the overall depth of this draft. Hernandez is a player who will be a huge asset in the passing game (both as a TE and an H-Back) provided that he's drafted by a team that will be creative with him. Ultimately, as a fan, I'd like to see a team like Philadelphia, Tennessee, Green Bay, or even Arizona get him.

Jermaine Cunningham: A bit of an unsung hero for Florida over the past few years due to a combination of his quiet consistency and lack of explosive plays. He rarely overwhelmed you but he was always creating pressure and involved. I think he can play in space a bit and could be valuable for a 3-4 team. However, I'd like to see him go to a team that values speed on defense like Indy or New Orleans.

Brandon Spikes: It's no secret, I love Brandon Spikes. He was a warrior at Florida while being a versatile and impactful defender. However, he's timed out as much slower than most had expected. The stopwatch says that Spikes isn't a MLB which, not surprisingly, has caused his stock to plummet. Here's my take: Spikes was most effective at Florida in the 'Joker' package where he played as a standup DE and either rushed or dropped into coverage (where he's better than he gets credit for). Spikes' future is as a LB in a 3-4 system. If he's drafted by a 3-4 team he'll not only make a roster but eventually become a starter.

Major Wright: Big hitter, questionable (imo) instincts in the passing game. He timed out much, much faster than most Florida observers imagined he would and, consequently, is sitting higher on draft boards (2nd/3rd round) than most originally thought. I like Major Wright and will never, ever forget this hit but I'm not sold on him as an NFL Safety.

Riley Cooper: Big, fast, physical...and that's just with the ladies. Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week. Seriously though, the guy's been through half the co-eds in Gainesville. He's a big WR with good hands and lots of toughness. He's still pretty raw but he's got the type of upside you want if you're taking a WR in rounds 3-5.

One last thing: My super sleeper is Linval Joseph. He's a massive DT from East Carolina and a Gainesville native. He nearly went to Florida but had his offer rescinded at the last minute. In high school he was just a big, fat kid with tons of athleticism. In fact, Florida wasn't sure if they wanted him as an OL or DL. Eventually, he ended up at ECU and changed his body while increasing his athleticism. He could project for either a 3-4 or a 4-3 and he's not going to last thru round 2. Place your bets accordingly.

184 comments:

d-train said...

Zexy Professional here. I look forward to draft banter shortly.

d-train said...

and in the meantime, am watching cubs/marlins '03 nlcs game on espn classic - game 6, 8th inning...3-0 marlins. i wonder how this ends up

Geoff said...

The Pirates lost 20-0 today?

Jerry said...

Yes, a real sports post.

Interesting you mention Dunlap's drop because I was intending to write the same thing about Spikes. For 4 years people were talking about what an impact defender he was and he was almost penciled in as a 1st round pick from the minute he stepped on the field. Then he runs a bad (really bad) time and now he could go anywhere. I'm not even saying that it's wrong -- it's just a really abrupt change.

d-train said...

cubs i mean. 3-0 cubs. pretty wild watching this now. i give it three pairs of headphones out of four.

T.J. said...

I saw that Pirates score on the board and just assumed the boobs running the Nattys scoreboard made a mistake.

Mark said...

I agree Jerry. It's been a pretty shocking drop for Spikes from where he started. His struggles with injuries this year haven't helped him at all either. I never thought he had world class speed for a MLB but I didn't think he'd run like a 40 like a DL either.

Bob Davie was actually the first person who said he thought Spikes projected best as a 3-4 OLB (this was 3 years ago) and I initially scoffed at the thought (partially because Bob Davie said it, I think) but the more I watched of Spikes, the more I had the same thought. He excels in downhill situations (as opposed to sideline to sideline) and has proven himself to be a adept edge rusher (think back to how he torched Andre Smith off the edge during the 4th quarter of the 2008 SEC Championship game) as well as much better in coverage and reading a QBs eyes than one would imagine.

So as surprised as I am to see him drop so far, I still think whoever gets him is getting a player who can make an impact. Still a pretty tough break for a guy who came back to school for all the right reasons and stayed out of trouble to lose the amount of money it seems he's lost between last year and now.

Mark said...

Joe Haden and his enormous ears in the house, ya'll.

Mark said...

Jared Odrick is at the Draft? This is going to end badly.

T.J. said...

Please let the scuttlebutt be true that Josh McDaniels loves Tebow and is gonna take him 15...

T.J. said...

Hey Dan, how'd that game turn out?

d-train said...

will someone buy berman a new tie please?

d-train said...

cubs lost this one too.
90 sec til draft start. omgoodness

T.J. said...

Better keep that kid out of the Riverboat casinos.

Jerry said...

Why is Sam Bradford dressed for the NHL entry draft?

Jerry said...

Here's hoping Suh falls to 15.

zman said...

Let's find a QB who hasn't played in a year because of two shoulder surgeries and give him a 5 year $50MM contract!

T.J. said...

I hear/see Mel, but where's ChickenHawk McShay?

T.J. said...

Suh's your mama.

T.J. said...

Uh oh, Tommy has no chance to ever pronounce Suh's name correctly.

Mark said...

As a Bucs fan, I really hope McCoy is great. However, I'm not totally sold on him. Not getting Suh or Berry (who I had said were one of the 2 guys I wanted since it became apparent the Bucs were going to suck terribly. You need to watch Sabby Piscatelli play safety to understand the need for a quality FS in Tampa) really bums me out. But again, I really hope I'm wrong.

Jerry said...

Vinny Del Negro just had a really embarrassing "holy crap I just got a laugh out of my best player" expression. It looked like he felt it was the high point of his career.

Jerry said...

Suh has one of the longer highlight reels from a DT that we'll ever see.

T.J. said...

I've got the Sports Junkies radio coverage on with ESPN muted. After after years of the Junkies played out schtick, their broadcast is 1,000,000 times better.

d-train said...

i wonder if suh realizes yet that he has to go out and buy a ford.

T.J. said...

What's with the lesbian doing the voiceover?

Mark said...

I find it insulting that Michael Clayton is one of two players listed under "Notable Receivers" for Tampa Bay.

T.J. said...

I found it awesome your punter was one of two notable losses. So I guess they kepy all the really good guys?

Mark said...

I'll say this for the primetime NFL Draft. It feels like even more of an event.

Mark said...

No. The Bucs are just fucking terrible. Very little that of what they lost was worth a shit.

T.J. said...

Added bonus - the Junkies appear to be boozing, and it's still early. Drunk live radio in about an hour and a half should be dicey.

T.J. said...

Come on Shanny take Clausen...

mayhugh said...

I like the guy picking up this phone right now.

Mark said...

Unlike his sexuality, I have absolutely no handle on Clausen's pro prospects. I think his arm is a little weak but I also think he's impossibly accurate. I think he's self entitled douche but I also think he's great in the clutch and has a bit of an "it" factor.

I still hate him though.

Mark said...

We're doing nicknames now?

T.J. said...

Goodell's doing nicknames now?

Jerry said...

I haven't been watching on the main TV that much -- are they showing the guy on the phone 2 minutes before every pick? Seems like that ruins the suspense a little bit.

zman said...

Trent Williams has large jewelry.

mayhugh said...

Doesn't Okung get "King"?

d-train said...

clausen is still trying to live down his poor decision making fresh & soph yrs...he was a douche. i disliked him very much. i don't anymore - he's all growed up in every way.

zman said...

Like Double-Down Trent would say.

d-train said...

i think berry is going to kc....just a hunch

Mark said...

Dan you'll have to forgive me if I take your opinion with a grain of salt. You're in the tank for Clausen like I am for Noah, Harvin, etc.

And Jerry's right, the phone shots are killing things.

T.J. said...

Um, did the Commish call the Skins new tackle a pretty ridiculous nickname, or is the google machine lying to me? Someone needs to explain that one and quick.

d-train said...

yes - admittedly biased no doubt. for what it's worth, 1 year ago i thought his chances were slim and wasn't a fan - 2 yrs ago i "knew" he didn't have a chance and frankly couldn't have cared if he got one or not - i did not root for him. and you're in the tank for those guys b/c they're very good, as is clausen.

d-train said...

yes he did teej...didn't howard cosell get fired for similar offense?

zman said...

Tebow won't anyone put it in the tank, he's saving himself for marriage.

Mark said...

Riley Cooper will. And he lived with Tebow. So smart...so devious.

Mark said...

Fair enough, Dan. TJ...you commented like you heard the nickname and then cam back 5 minutes later and commented again. You okay over there bud?

Greg said...

All Big 12 so far

Greg said...

Except for Berry

d-train said...

you ask for chickenhawk - you receive

T.J. said...

I thought "that can't mean what I think it means"...then googled it...then thought "oh my".

T.J. said...

Todd's not allowed out of the studio. How cute.

T.J. said...

Cleveland will fuck this up.

Mark said...

Joe Haden. Love that guy.

d-train said...

wow, kiper's smart...prediction haden he cries while talking on the phone...
haden must have a wedding to go to after this.

Jerry said...

Clausen was really good this year. I don't know if that makes him a good NFL QB, but he's certainly a reasonable 1st round pick.

d-train said...

who was the dude w/the white shades?

zman said...

Joe Haden's entourage wins for best hair.

zman said...

That was Lil Wayne. Did the commish use a slur and I missed it?

T.J. said...

Jimmy Clausen is better right now than any QB on the Bills roster.

zman said...

But they need one of everything.

Greg said...

Oakland could be picking Dez Bryant.

T.J. said...

With the 8th pick, the Oakland Raiders select...

Admiral Akbar.

zman said...

Gailey apparently coached Derrick Morgan at Georgia Tech. I wouldn't be surprised if they took him then prayed for a QB at 41.

mayhugh said...

I'm liking the pace here.

zman said...

So Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson will be traded?

Mark said...

That's a whole lot of tailbacks in Buffalo.

mayhugh said...

"This guy moves the scoreboard". Mooch might be talking about Greg.

T.J. said...

Looks like Morty Seinfeld Nix fell asleep at the late staff meeting as predicted...

d-train said...

gruden is hoping to give spiller oral later on tonight

zman said...

Clemson isn't known for churning out great RBs is it? Terry Allen and ... anyone else?

T.J. said...

I eagerly await the first pick tonight that elicits a "Eat a bag of dicks" response from an entire fanbase. Come on Josh McDaniels, I'm counting on you.

Mark said...

Ummmmmmm...Dan. How you liking that?

Greg said...

Tyson Alualu? Now?

d-train said...

well that's disappointing

Mark said...

And I think you got your wish Teej.

d-train said...

who the hell knows though...

T.J. said...

Dan, you can pick up your bag of dicks at Will Call.

Mark said...

Denver just traded their pick to the 49ers. The circus has begun, it seems.

Mark said...

Clausen's a 9er, right?

zman said...

No, fish don't need a qb.

T.J. said...

Down goes Clausen...

Mark said...

You traded up for Anthony Davis?

zman said...

If the Niners wanted Claussen they wouldn't have had to trade ahead of Miami.

Mark said...

Zman...9er. As in 49er. Not sure why you thought I was talking about the Dolphins. I hate the fucking Dolphins.

zman said...

Did the Bills really draft a RB?

Mark said...

Gotcha.

T.J. said...

Do you know the dolphin? Does he call you at home??

Do you have a dorsal fin?!

Mark said...

He's versatile. You can play him in the wildcat.

zman said...

Right. Niners moved up 2 spots because they were worried Miami would take their guy. Miami doesn't need a QB so Claussen would've been there at 13. No need to trade up if you want Claussen.

zman said...

I've heard great things about Spiller but the Bills have so many more needs, like OL help. Desperately need OL help. If they go QB at 41 he'll be sacked like Carr in Houston. I am despondent.

zman said...

I like how Gruden and Young are flipping through magazines and crossing names off like they're at a fantasy draft.

T.J. said...

What happened to this draft? This is fantastic.

T.J. said...

Off. The. Rails.

Jerry said...

Eagles suck!

zman said...

I'm really excited for the Project Runway finale tonight.

Jerry said...

I don't think the Deion/Bulaga pilot is getting picked up anytime soon.

Jerry said...

GIANTS!!!!!!!!! He said GIANTS!!!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!!! MUSTACHES!!!!!

Geoff said...

The Giants have never really filled the void created when Jim Finn left. Tebow?

Jerry said...

The Giants love athletic DEs with ridiculous names...

d-train said...

steve young doesn't really bring much to this party.

zman said...

Why don't any of the Giants fans at the draft have a neck? Their heads are perched directly atop their shoulders. All of them. Weird.

Geoff said...

If you are watching the NFL network, the PierrePaul backflip clip was insane.

Jerry said...

Yes, that was definitely insane. And there's no excuse for not watching NFL Network.

Geoff said...

So...Berman threw in the towel on the nurtisystem...right?

Geoff said...

The guy sitting in the first row right in front of Mayock just drowned. Paramedics have been called.

TR said...

Madison Hedgecok resents Geoff's Jim Finn comment.

TR said...

And I am crossing my fingers Dunlap is available for the Jets at 29. They need another drunk-driving, weed-smoking DE to pair with Ellis. You can never have enough substance abusers in your defense. At least Calvin Pace thinks so.

d-train said...

watching from a hotel w/no nfl network is a decent excuse.
good news on the jags pick...it's not that big of a loss b/c in the second round, they get....guess how many picks...take a guess...go ahead....no, not two - that would be awesome. one? no, not one either, that would be pretty cool. ZERO!

zman said...

Mike Iaupolo likes to do the cabbage patch.

TR said...

Late to the party here, but I want in on the Brandon Spikes debate. If the guy never looked slow playing against SEC offenses, how much should it matter that he didn't run the 40 as well as expected?

TR said...

I still find it amazing that Maurkice went pro, but Mike stayed. And I'm pretty sure they just mouth-kissed on TV while wearing matching outfits. Way gay.

zman said...

The "no means no" chant brings me back the Lakers/Celtics game I went to in 2007. Classy.

d-train said...

pouncey runs with a motley crew....whoa.

Mark said...

Pouncey to the Steelers. Love it.

zman said...

Incestually gay. What's up with Maurkice's medallion. And his not-real name?

TR said...

I am terrified the Pats will take Dez B at 22.

zman said...

Where did that white baby come from?

Mark said...

The Pounceys are from Lakeland, Dan. Polk County represent!

No, seriously. That place is a shit hole.

T.J. said...

The Texans need to team Dez with Andre Johnson.

T.J. said...

So far Dan's had the worst draft of anyone...by far. Jags Pride...smell it.

d-train said...

yes teej - have been trying to digest this for some time now. on espn's page, there's one team that has been given below a B with their pick - the Jags have been awarded an F! yippee. but like i said, they have NO picks in the 2nd round so it's all good.

d-train said...

erin andrews on espn...hangin w/the clausen family between tango reps

zman said...

Claussen could fall to the Vikings.

T.J. said...

Bulls really struggling to close this game out.

d-train said...

how 'bout miami & clausen?

Mark said...

Chad Henne wouldn't appreciate that much. So, Demaryius Thomas goes before Dez Bryant. Shades of Dyson over Moss, perhaps?

Mark said...

Sorry 'bout that. Should've been two different paragraphs.

T.J. said...

You think McShay is throwing a few back, laughing at Mel's boy Clausen drop?

T.J. said...

But don't get me wrong, I realize McShay would be pounding wine coolers.

zman said...

Claussen to the Cardinals, maybe, but they need defensive help.

zman said...

Bulaga wins for worst attempt at tying a necktie.

Mark said...

Dez Braynt has issues. Well, keeping him close to home sounds like a good idea.

Mark said...

The NFC East is like the top of the SEC, a fucking arms race.

Mark said...

Has Roy Williams been cut yet?

T.J. said...

Josh McDaniels, I love you man...

Mark said...

Hahahahaha. Sadly, TJ was the first guy I thought of.

Geoff said...

Someone hide Clausen's belt and shoelaces.

Mark said...

And this draft, more specifically this first round, will determine the career of Josh McDaniels.

T.J. said...

I can't believe he really did it...hahahahahahaha...

Mark said...

Nobody likes Jimmy. He's a prick.

Mark said...

Jon Gruden's getting worked up. This is fun.

T.J. said...

Jimmy ends up next Aaron Rodgers? Perhaps.

Michael Irvin, shut the fuck up.

Mark said...

I don't get the NFL channel. What did Irvin have to say?

zman said...

Orton, Quinn, and Tebow?

T.J. said...

Jeremy Schapp is at Tebow's house?

Somewhere Bobby Fischer weeps.

Mark said...

If I was in college I would love the new NFL Draft. Drink and watch draft until 11ish, then go out. Nice.

T.J. said...

Mark, it was nothing in particular, it's just a nonstop stream of nothingness that irrirates me to no end. I'm back on ESPN.

zman said...

I'm not surprised Tebow went in the first but I thought Belichick would be the one to do it.

T.J. said...

The #1 thing Tim Tebow is bringing the Broncos?

His heart. He said it 20 times in that interview.

zman said...

Meanwhile, Emilio and Mila are missing models.

Mark said...

I thought Belichick might do it too. He and Urban on buddies. He definitely would've grabbed in the 2nd with one of their 4.

Mark said...

Tebow's fun to make fun of. Believe me, I know. He's borderline gay in interviews.

Dude is a maniac though. I know some people who know people and that kid was respected at Florida as much as he was feared. Tebow smash.

Mark said...

Is anyone left in the Green room?

T.J. said...

Jets should trade down if at all possible right now.

zman said...

Yeah, anyone in need of a QB should be calling Tanenbaum right now.

zman said...

Or Belichick. Nix went to bed an hour ago so the Bills aren't moving up.

T.J. said...

Two Rutgers guys in Round 1? Wow.

Mark said...

Why does everyone hate Sergio Kindle? He'd be a nice piece in the Jets' 3-4.

Mark said...

This is a weird draft.

T.J. said...

Jared says hello Mark.

Mark said...

Vitas (a huge Dolphins fan) sent me this text immediately after the pick:

Gay.

T.J. said...

Best secondary in the league.

Mark said...

Good return insurance if Leon doesn't come all the way back too.

zman said...

Lions moved up?

Mark said...

Berman is such a fucking douche.

T.J. said...

I caught that too.

zman said...

They cut back to ESPN early and Gruden laughed to Kiper that he was tweeting "this is a dumb ass league." I don't think he knew he was on camera.

Mark said...

Hughes seems like a perfect fit for the Colts' style of defense.

Mark said...

Saw that too, Z. Young leaned over as they were coming back and it looked like he was trying to tell Gruden they were on.

d-train said...

young was probably scolding gruden for using inappropriate language.

i think everyone at that table also think berman's a douche.

zman said...

Berman put his hand out to talk over Young at one point and the only way he could have been more of a dick about it would be to say "pause." His expression was exceedingly disdainful. Like the Z-woman's as I flip to the draft during Project Runway.

zman said...

And it looks like the Vikings will get Claussen after all. Amazing. Did he fail a drug test or something?

d-train said...

the jags will sell out at least one game next year - game 1 vs denver
someone just said that weis could be urging chiefs to trade up w/minn to get clausen...weis & clausen back together again for more mediocrity

zman said...

I guarantee the Bills miss on McCoy by 1 or 2 picks and they won't trade up to make it happen. My despondency will deepen.

T.J. said...

We need more draft...now...

Jerry said...

My sources tell me that TJ is trying to trade up for "big breakfast", a meal that he rated #4 overall on his board. He's offering a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are of little use to the system his coaches currently have in place.

Mark said...

Those fruits are valuable pieces Jerry. TJ's scouts just feel they can find more fruit of close to the same value for later in the day. Fruits are role players designed for spot duty in TJ's system. The vegetables are left over from the last regime and will either be traded or cut.

T.J. said...

I like this bit...

Mark said...

This just in:

TJ has traded up for Cheese Danish, a player who most had going late in the morning, at best. Once again, TJ disregards his organization's draft board and recklessly drafts on instinct.

T.J. said...

Ooooh, huge mistake in the booth. TJ hates the Cheese Danish the way the 2010 draft hates Jimmy Clausen. I have however sent Coach Ditka a dozen french bread sticks, two sausage biscuits and a large coffee for a Cinnabon who just blew me away at the cafeteria line. His measurables were off the charts.

zman said...

Geoff will happily take unwanted fruits. He's a real fruit himself, quite fruity that Geoff.