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-I got a chance to talk with and listen to Kevin Mawae, Tony Richardson, Dustin Keller, George Atallah, and DeMaurice Smith. Saying their confident right now is an understatement. De Smith continuously echoed “Football’s Back”, and said that, as a fan “I just want football”. Said that it’s sad that the players are suing to play football, and the NFL is suing to prevent football. Can’t say I disagree. The NFLPA as a whole was in very high spirits, and I think they are thinking the NFL will collapse soon and have to give in.
-On a side note, Tony Richardson said that he is certainly planning on playing football next year. Also, Dustin Keller said that being on Hard Knocks was great, but to next year’s team: Be careful what you say, as by the 3rd or 4th day, you forget the cameras were there.
-Rodger Goodell had to wait a good two or three minutes when he first made an appearance at the podium 20 minutes before the draft started thanks to almost every fan in the building (and a few media members) chanting “We Want Football!” First time I’ve ever seen Goodell THAT flustered before.
-Lots of Boos for Cam Newton. After Goodell, he’s was the guy fans loved to hate. Newton looked agitated most of the time, worries me already about the spotlight.
-Aldon Smith had to be shocked that he didn’t end up in Houston. When I spoke with him, I knew a 3-4 team was going to take him, but he gave off the vibe that he knew Houston wanted him. Fills a dire need for the 49ers as a pass rusher, but a bit of a reach on my board.
-Jake Locker going #8 to Tennessee is a shocker to some, but they need a quarterback who can start early, and Locker was my most NFL ready quarterback. They showed a ton of interest in him at the Senior Bowl, though I thought they’d trade up for a quarterback later.
-Baltimore passed on a pick, lets the Chiefs jump them. Still get their man a pick later, not sure if it was because they wanted to pay less money or simply couldn’t decide. Still, ended up with
-Check out the article on why Jonathan Baldwin, who went #26 to the Chiefs, isn’t worth a Top 50 pick
-With Christian Ponder coming into Minnesota, Donovan McNabb might not be welcomed as much as originally thought. McNabb could look to Arizona, Oakland, Cincinnati now.
-James Carpenter pick was a surprise for the Seattle. They wanted to trade down badly, but no one bit on Andy Dalton or Colin Kaepernick, so they were forced to reach for the pick. He and Okung could be a good LT, RT combo for the future.
-My theory on trading future 1st round picks, like the Saints did to get Ingram: If a guy has a first round grade, he deserves a first round pick. It should only be used if you are primed to be a playoff team regardless. So I don’t mind the Saints move at all.
-Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick still on the board at #33? Could the Patriots REALLY get ANOTHER 2012 1st rounder? Wouldn’t be shocked.
-Poor Da’Quan Bowers. High character kid falls out the first round. Hope he’s able to prove the doubters wrong, really am.
-12 Defensive Linemen (including 3-4 outside linebackers), 6 Offensive Tackles, 4 Quarterbacks in the first round.
-Round One took 3 hours and 33 minutes.
Biggest Reach: Christian Ponder to the Vikings
My number 87th ranked prospect coming into the draft, I felt that Ponder just didn’t have the total package as a prospect to warrant a first or second round pick. Understood if a team reached on him in the 2nd because of need, but Top 15? Based on what I’ve seen, I think the Vikings could be taking a major risk investing in Ponder as their “franchise” guy.
Biggest Steal: Cameron Jordan, Mark Ingram to the Saints
Both Jordan and Ingram were picked 15+ selections lower than they were on my big board, and I could make an argument that both could end up as two of the top ten best players from the draft and the best at each of their positions. Two first round picks and a 2nd rounder for two Top 15 talents? Sounds good to me.
Another Steal: Derek Sherrod to Green Bay
Packers always take value, and Sherrod was 11th on my final big board, ranked the bets tackle. I had Bulaga as a top three tackle last year, so getting two elite tackle prospects allow the rich to get richer.
A Word To Describe Each Drafted Player In Attendance
Cam Newton-Anxious
Von Miller-Professional
Marcel Dareus-Humble, Honest
AJ Green-Reserved
Aldon Smith-Surprised
Tyron Smith-Confident
Blaine Gabbert-Relieved, Satisfied
Fairley-Engaging, Entertaining
Mike Pouncey-Genuine
Ryan Kerrigan-Relaxed
Corey Liuget-Content
Prince Amukamara-Starry-Eyed
Adrian Clayborn-Unsurprised
Danny Watkins-Overjoyed
Cameron Jordan-Chip On His Shoulder
Mark Ingram-Emotional
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