1454 replies to this topic

[kanga12]

I figure we might as well get an actual Draft Game Thread started with the draft starting tomorrow -- a place to comment on the actual picks as the draft progresses.

Some format changes for this year's draft (because of last year's mind-numbing first day marathon where just the 1st round lasted 6 hours and 8 minutes):

1. Time limit changes (per pick):

• 1st Round - 10 minutes (previously 15 minutes)
• 2nd Round - 7 minutes (previously 10 minutes)
• 3rd-7th Round - Remains at 5 minutes

2. Only Rounds 1 and 2 will take place on Saturday (previously Rounds 1-3). Rounds 3-7 will occur on Sunday.

3. Saturday's draft starts 3 hours later at 3 pm (EST) and Sunday's starts 1 hour earlier at 10 am.

******

With the 1st pick of the 2008 Draft, the Miami Dolphins select -- I mean, with the 2nd pick of the 2008 Draft, the St. Louis Rams select...

[CaptainLaddie]

I do love that they are shortening the round times for 1 & 2.

Here's a fun over/under for you all (I just made it up, no legitimacy to it):
O/U it takes for the Dolphins to announce their first-round pick: 6.5 minutes

Edited by CaptainLaddie, 25 April 2008 - 11:28 AM.

[WoburnDiaspora]

I do love that they are shortening the round times for 1 & 2.

Here's a fun over/under for you all (I just made it up, no legitimacy to it):
O/U it takes for the Dolphins to announce their first-round pick: 6.5 minutes

I'm going to take the Over. It would a very Parcells thing to do to wait almost the entire 10 minutes before announcing the pick

[QUNate]

When the #1 overall pick has already signed, why do they even need to put them on the clock? Is it so they can have more ad time? Is it so the #2 and #3 teams have more time to figure out what they want to do?

[j44thor]

I do love that they are shortening the round times for 1 & 2.

Here's a fun over/under for you all (I just made it up, no legitimacy to it):
O/U it takes for the Dolphins to announce their first-round pick: 6.5 minutes

I'll take the under by 6min...

[Ferm Sheller]

ESPN will probably want the announcement of the first pick delayed so that they can maximize time spent analyzing it. ESPN calls the shots on draft day. I say it gets announced with <1 min left to go.

Also, this would maximize viewership for ESPN (it would "lengthen" round one, which is more watchable for many than are the later rounds).

Edited by Ferm Sheller, 25 April 2008 - 12:19 PM.

[TonyJalaPena]

ESPN will probably want the announcement of the first pick delayed so that they can maximize time spent analyzing it. ESPN calls the shots on draft day. I say it gets announced with <1 min left to go.

Also, this would maximize viewership for ESPN (it would "lengthen" round one, which is more watchable for many than are the later rounds).

ESPN has a 4 hour lead-in show so I don't see them getting any benefit at all.

[loshjott]

What would happen if the Fins pulled a Vikings and failed to get up in time and announce the pick? Would the NFL void the contract? I highly doubt it but it would be funny if something like that happened.

[NortheasternPJ]

ESPN calls the shots on draft day.

How so? Both the ESPN and NFL Network cover the draft now. Even when it was just ESPN picks were often announced during interviews, highlight reels and commercial breaks. I don't think any NFL team is delaying their pick or timing it for ESPN's ratings.

[Ferm Sheller]

ESPN has a 4 hour lead-in show so I don't see them getting any benefit at all.

But viewership peaks once the draft actually begins. They will want to maximize that time by lengthening the first round.

[Ferm Sheller]

How so? Both the ESPN and NFL Network cover the draft now. Even when it was just ESPN picks were often announced during interviews, highlight reels and commercial breaks. I don't think any NFL team is delaying their pick or timing it for ESPN's ratings.

I think that's true of the later rounds. I don't think ESPN misses first round picks while away at commercial. (They used to years ago, IIRC.)

EDIT:
Apparently, Troy Vincent (1992) is the only 1st round pick that was not shown on live tv since ESPN started covering the draft...

http://en.wikipedia....ki/Troy_Vincent "Since ESPN began televised coverage of the NFL draft, Vincent is the only first round pick that was missed on live television. After returning from a commercial break, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue was informed that the network was still at break, returned to the podium and repeated the selection of Vincent to Miami."

ESPN must have some sort of control over the announcement of the picks.

Edited by Ferm Sheller, 25 April 2008 - 01:04 PM.

[BigSoxFan]

Any idea why the first day only covers the first two rounds this year, especially since the time between picks has been reduced?

[jsinger121]

Any idea why the first day only covers the first two rounds this year, especially since the time between picks has been reduced?

Draft starts 3 hours later than last year as well.

[PC Drunken Friar]

anyone here the rumor pats dropping to the 10th pick (trade with Saints) to get Mayo, LB from Tenn?

[Bosoxen]

anyone here the rumor pats dropping to the 10th pick (trade with Saints) to get Mayo, LB from Tenn?

Why would the Saints do that the day before the draft? How could they possibly know who they would be targeting without the first 3 or 4 players being taken off the board? Sounds like a load of horse manure to me.

Now, if it were this time on Saturday, then I'd led some credence to that rumor.

[SoxScout]

I'd rather trade down three times then pick him than take him outright at 10. That would suck, but unless we take Ryan there is no possible way I am going to be surprised with what the Pats do.

[bosox0192]

anyone here the rumor pats dropping to the 10th pick (trade with Saints) to get Mayo, LB from Tenn?

from SI's Don Banks

http://sportsillustr...ex.html?eref=T1

[DJnVa]

Why would the Saints do that the day before the draft? How could they possibly know who they would be targeting without the first 3 or 4 players being taken off the board? Sounds like a load of horse manure to me.

Now, if it were this time on Saturday, then I'd led some credence to that rumor.

I would assume they mean that if the player they want is available that the deal would go through---it makes sense to have some parameters worked out prior to the 10 minute window the Pats are in the clock. That link isn't opening at work, if it says something different, I'll be quiet.

[Bosoxen]

I would assume they mean that if the player they want is available that the deal would go through---it makes sense to have some parameters worked out prior to the 10 minute window the Pats are in the clock. That link isn't opening at work, if it says something different, I'll be quiet.

It's a projected trade in a mock draft. That's a completely different animal than a "rumor". Nothing to see here.

[DJnVa]

Gotcha.

I hope someone slides and Pats can drop back though.

Edited by DJnVa, 25 April 2008 - 02:51 PM.

[PC Drunken Friar]

ah, ok.

guys on the radio said something about it. thats probably where they saw it.

[Nator]

What's the over/under on the number of times "Click Clack" will be broadcast?

[SoxScout]

Michael Smith says a Rams official says "we are more unsure now than were were earlier in the week." Coaches want Dorsey and that is probably who they will take.

ATL wants Dorsey, but now is looks like he wont be there and they are fielding trade offers. Baltimore "may not have enough juice" to trade up since their 3rd can't be moved.

Cowboys are going to go RB or CB with one pick, and try to trade the other for a veteran like Boldin.

[bakahump]

Not for nothing but accorfing to the updated Draft Comp chartHere

Pats #7=1570

Saints #10= 1375

Diffrence of 195

Saints own Pick #78=200



Interesting....

[Bosoxen]

Cowboys are going to go RB or CB with one pick, and try to trade the other for a veteran like Boldin.

Sold!

Roy Williams is the other name that I've heard that could potentially be shopped. As long as it's one of Boldin or Williams, and not Chad Johnson, I'd be all for that. I wouldn't be surprised to see them try to do this before they pick at 22. That would enable them to trade down and try to obtain another 2nd rounder and maybe a 3rd or 4th rounder to address the RB and CB positions.

[Jeff Van GULLY]

Here's a quote from the comments on that new draft chart. I don't think it should be used as a guide for how NFL teams may be evaluating draft picks.

I hope that this is some internet mistake that is being touted as NFL worthy. I would certainly hope that NFL teams would employ people intelligent enough to keep the costs between picks even or on a downward trend as you move through the round. The difference between selection 6 and 7 is only 40 points while the difference between 7 and 8 is 65. So, a team can move from 7 to 6 for a 5th rounder but the cost to move from 8 to 7 would be a mid-4th. Only an idiot would propose that chart.

[redinchicago]

I like Jerod Mayo, but not that high. #10? If they're looking for an inside LB, I'd go with Dan Connor before him. Mayo, some seem to think, is better is better as an OLB in a 4-3. But who knows.

[Bosoxen]

Here's a quote from the comments on that new draft chart. I don't think it should be used as a guide for how NFL teams may be evaluating draft picks.

Indeed. I'm pretty damn sure it would take more than a 3rd round pick to jump from the 10th spot to the 7th.

[templeUsox]

I'm hoping the Eagles are planning to package some of their picks to move up. Logic would dictate that with everyone trying to move down, moving up should be cheaper. Hopefully these teams don't cling to these moronic draft value charts like they are the holy grail.

We should take an OL with our first pick.

Edit: I'd also love to get Mario Manningham somewhere in this draft. He might be an idiot and a pothead, but he can play.

Edited by templeUsox, 25 April 2008 - 03:49 PM.

[templeUsox]

Is there a more worthless media personality than Rich Eisen? Can someone kill this guy already.

[ragnarok725]

Is there a more worthless media personality than Rich Eisen? Can someone kill this guy already.

Really? I like him. I think he facilitates the conversation pretty well - better than Berman for sure. He's not the sort of overbearing personality that needs to put his stamp on the proceedings of the show, and that's refreshing for me.

[templeUsox]

Really? I like him. I think he facilitates the conversation pretty well - better than Berman for sure. He's not the sort of overbearing personality that needs to put his stamp on the proceedings of the show, and that's refreshing for me.

Actually, yes, the answer to my question could easily be Chris Berman. But I still can't stand Eisen.

[DannyHeep]

Everyone expects the Pats to move down, I'll bet we'll go with the surprise move and actually draft where we are slotted.

[SoxScout]

http://nflblogs.prof...l_might_be.html

Shockey traded? A deal might be in place with Saints

PFW believes that Giants TE Jeremy Shockey has been traded to the Saints for multiple draft picks, including the team's second-rounder (No. 40). We'll try to confirm this as soon as we can.

[shawnrbu]

That would suck, but unless we take Ryan there is no possible way I am going to be surprised with what the Pats do.

Come on. How much fun would it be to watch Matty Ice throwing pissrods to Chad Jackson this Summer at the Razor?

[SoxScout]

Happy draft weekend folks. One of the best annual holidays on the sports calender.

Thank you San Fran.

Fuck you Goodell.

And screw whoever made day one two rounds and starting at 3pm.

[redinchicago]

The Dolphins got a great deal for Akin Ayodele and Anthony Fasano. 4th round draft pick for 2 starters?

[DJnVa]

Dallas need a fourth rounder to move up if a certain Razorbacks RB slides a bit? I keep hearing Jones has a hard-on for McFadden, and Mortenson said yesterday that if McFadden gets by the Jets the Cowboys will be on the phone in a heartbeat to New England.

[burstnbloom]

Yesterday there was a lot of chatter on WFAN about the Saints looking to move up to 6 for Ellis by trading their OT Jamaal Brown and the number 10 pick. I don't know if that is valid or its just NYC centric bluster but if the Jets were to pass and I were Pioli and Belichick, I would be on the phone with NO so fast its not even funny.

[Shelterdog]

Indeed. I'm pretty damn sure it would take more than a 3rd round pick to jump from the 10th spot to the 7th.

I wouldn't be surprised if it takes less. We'll see.

[templeUsox]

It's time to bring Aqib Talib home.

Edited by templeUsox, 26 April 2008 - 08:53 AM.

[mascho]

For the first time since a certain date in early February, I'm finally ready to discuss pro football again.

I'm almost like that new commercial, where the Dolphins fan simply goes to bed after their last regular season game, and comes out on draft day with a huge beard. Except he's waking up to see his team take an OT with the first pick.

Bring on 13,503 airings of the new "Click Clack." Bring on Mel Kiper ripping some organization a new one. Bring on awkward shots of the falling prospect in the green room (Matt Ryan?). Bring on Jets fans booing their picks.

Ah...draft day.

Edited by mascho, 26 April 2008 - 09:20 AM.

[Jack Sox]

Question: Could Chris Long play ILB in the NFL?

[Trotsky]

My friend (Colts fan) writes for the Austin Chronicle:

9) Evil (aka New England Patriots, via a predicated trade with Cincinnati): It’s important to remember this franchise is evil, not stupid. You know, like Richardo Montalban in that Start Trek movie when Spock dies. The Pats are old, and retained almost no prospects from 2007, and they know the league will be gunning for them this fall with the allegations of cheating, and being rather filthy people altogether. Evil knows one solid thing about this draft: it’s shallow at the offensive guard, safety, and tight end positions. Guard Branden Albert of Virginia is a nice fit here. He’s smart and known for his versatility. When I write the league will be gunning for them, I mean the Giants provided a blueprint on how to smoke these dudes last February when they blitzed up the middle to get to Tom Brady. Evil can take a linebacker or corner in rounds two and three, but this is the best place to grab some protection for last year's MVP. * Note: I’m currently writing a play in which an airplane loaded with Patriots “19-0” T-shirts is destroyed over the Pacific Ocean and crashes on a weird island with a smoke monster and a bunch of out-of-work character actors. I’m calling the play Justice.

The rest of his draft: http://www.austinchr.....id=oid:616644

[CaptainLaddie]

Your friend is a dick.

[John Dopson]

Question: Could Chris Long play ILB in the NFL?

I'd say no, and you don't want to take a guy at 7 overall who would have to change positions. I think a Gholston would be a better choice even though he would still technically be changing positions because of what I've read from scouts etc. saying he's a natural fit at OLB even though he was a DE in college. But a 4-3 end to ILB is a big switch. I think the same holds true for Albert. Why are you going to take a guy to play T who has only played G in college?

Also, the Colts guy is a dick and doesn't seem to know much about football.

[templeUsox]

Thankfully, NLFN will be streaming their draft coverage online here.

NFLN Groupthink > ESPN Groupthink

[Sille Skrub]

Michael Smith of ESPN reports that the Rams will take Chris Long at #2.

[Cornboy14]

Your friend stole the idea of 19-0 t-shirts crashing on the LOST island.

[templeUsox]

Hopefully both Long picks take less than a few minutes to make so that we can expedite this process along to the interesting parts of the draft.