NFL College Entry Draft -- Official Thread

[John F]

Nothing like having a thread earmarked as OFFICIAL

Seriously though, this is the place for day-of-draft discussion (instead of opening 1500 unique threads on rumors and such).

Has the #1 pick been chosen yet by the press? Usually happens by now... And of course this shows how little attention I've been paying to things.

[John F]

So there's talk that Tampa is willing to trade up to make sure they grab Calvin Johnson... Which is a joke in itself with how many needs the Bucs have. That's not disrespecting Johnson, that's disrespecting Gruden and Allen for even throwing out the idea.

[DiamondDave]

Yeah... but Gruden no longer has a good amount of slack on his leash... he needs improvement immediately... excitement about the team.... if they stand pat, and ATL moves up to get Johnson, what does Tampa do at their spot??? Johnson is a damn good fit for TB... and I don't really see TB moving down in the draft to take multiple people... so if they remain where they are, or move up to 2, will only depend on whether they think that they can get Johnson at #4

[John F]

You just said Gruden lacks slack on his leash... That's part of the equation why he can't take a gamble to ensure getting Johsnon. There si too much Tampa Bay needs to be competitive. There's an article and graphic in the St. Pete Times today that talks about the aging defense and lack of focus on the D in the first round. YESTERDAY there was an article that pointed out how weak Gruden and Bruce Allen have been when it comes to day 2 of the draft.

So trade up for Johnson and the team does nothing to address their needs.

Worrying about Atlanta trading up for Johnson isn't what should be driving Tampa Bay. If Gruden hadn't been planning the team aroudn immediate contention and instead on longevity, they would be in a better position for taking Johnson as another weapon. As it stands, Gruden treats his "weapons" on offense as forgotten chess pieces. Michael Clayton? Carnell WIlliams? Joey Galloway? Gruden gets tunnell vision and focuses on just one of these players at a time and the other players disappear...

That's what Johnson can look forward to in the Tampa Bay offense. Being hyped to the moon now, but soon forgotten in Gruden's ADD system.

[DiamondDave]

Not saying I am agreeing with the thinking.... but when it comes down to impact at the top of the draft, top 5 in particular, there is presure to take the top talent... and I think few question Johnson's talent... 2 the big questions are:

Can TB address defensive needs in the later rounds effectively enough to make the defense a bit better if they move up to ensure getting Johnson at #2?

If TB does get Johnson at 4, and not 2, could they then trade him to fill other needs?

[BravesRule22]

You and I have gone back anf forth about CJ acouple of times Jon and while yes we have more pressing needs BUT I dont really see a player that is worth taking @ 2 or 4 that would fill our needs.

Now I know you will say Joe Thomas but I dont think that OL is a HUGE need that you take Joe over CJ.

CJ has graded out as the best prospect since ELWAY.....You team him up with Galloway, Clayton, Smith, Caddy and Garcia and im loving our O for next year.

We have 2 2 rounders that we can adress the Saftey and DL and possibly even take Kahli if he still there with our 1st 2nd.

I just dont think you pass on CJ if he is staring you in the face with the 4th pick. Any other year this kid is the lock # 1 pick.

With that said I wouldnt trade our 2nd and 3rd to move up 2 spots to take him. With the way things are looking he SHOULD be sitting there @ 4 for us assuming DET doesnt trade with the Falcons.

[all4phillysportsfan]

There will be a record number of trades tomorrow. I think you'll see alot of veterans moved as well.

[John F]

Twas the night before Draft day
And all thru the forum
Not a creature was stirrin'
But TITANFAN was snorin'

The draft boards were hung
In the War Rooms with tacks
With prayers that a savior
Would fall into teams laps

Does this make Berman or Mel Kipper Jr. Santy Clause?

[JoseA]

Let me say this, this is going to shape up to me one of the best drafts ever. There is so much hype around it and nobody really knows where anyone is exactly going!

You have to love the NFL draft!

[John F]

that or one of the weaker drafts, Jose. It just depends on how the talent pans out and we will not know for sure for years... Some people will jump out but others will flare out

[Hellwig]

A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that if receiver Calvin Johnson is on the board at No. 2, the Lions will take him. Period.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network initially reported on this plan earlier tonight. We're told that owner William Clay Ford, Sr. recently signed off on it.

We're also told that the Lions would trade the pick, or the player, to the Bucs in exchange for the No. 4 overall pick, both of Tampa Bay's second-round selections, and cornerback Brian Kelly. Under the trade chart, that would tip the deal decidedly in favor of the Lions.

A similar blockbuster would be required from another team to get the Lions not to take, and keep, Johnson.

Link

To me the Lions have to take him even though he is a WR. I know this will be their fourth WR in 5 years but as hard as it is to believe a WR is actually one of their needs. Millen is in a tough spot if Calvin does turn out to be a superstar and he passes on him he is screwed and if he takes another WR and he bombs he is screwed as well.

[TITANFAN]

Originally Posted by John F

Twas the night before Draft day
And all thru the forum
Not a creature was stirrin'
But TITANFAN was snorin'

The draft boards were hung
In the War Rooms with tacks
With prayers that a savior
Would fall into teams laps

Does this make Berman or Mel Kipper Jr. Santy Clause?

Good one John. Actually I was enjoying a night of Braves baseball, beer and brats. Hope everyone's night was as much fun as mine.

Well here we go again gang. Wonder who will turn out happy and who won't today. I can't figure out for the life of me who my Titans plan on getting. There's just soooo many needs. I can't remember a year with so many big holes. Listening to Coach Fisher on tv just a few minutes ago, it sounds like he's in for a long day. But that's why he gets the big money. I figure Jeff and our new GM Mike Reinfeldt will do the right thing when the times comes.

For anyone that wants to look in on the Titans draft here is a link for that.
Offical Site of the Tennessee Titans

Hope everyone has a great draft day. I'll be checking in and out during the day.

GO TITANS!!!!!!

[Blader]

NY Giants draft coverage has started from Radio City Music Hall...Giants draft #20.


First Tidbit of the day...when interviewed by WFAN live yesterday most found it interesting that QB J. Russell stated flatly that the Oakland Raiders had not contacted him at all before the draft.

[John F]

blader, that is interesting. I had been saying that I was surprised a sure #1 hadn't stepped out of the shadows by now -- anbd contract talks would have been part of it.

[aCutb]

JaMarcus Russell has been signed by the Oakland Raiders for the first pick of the draft. But will be a Raider at the end of the day, or be traded to the Browns for Brady Quinn? Here is a mock draft that I have done:

Trades:
Detroit sends 1st round to Tampa Bay for 1st round and both 2nd rounds
Houston sends 1st round to Denver for 1st round and 2nd round

1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers [from DET] - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
3. Cleveland Browns - Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame
4. Detroit Lions [from TB] - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington Redskins - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
7. Minnesota Vikings - LaRon Landry, S, LSU
8. Atlanta Falcons [from HOU] - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
9. Miami Dolphins - Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
10. Denver Broncos [from HOU via ATL] - Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
11. San Francisco 49ers - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
13. St. Louis Rams - Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
14. Carolina Panthers - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State
16.Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
18. Cincinatti Bengals - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pitt
19. Tennessee Titans - Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
20. New York Giants - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
21. Houston Texans [from DEN] - Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
22. Dallas Cowboys - Ted Ginn, WR Ohio State
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Brandon Merriweather, S Miami
24. New England Patriots [from SEA] - Michael Griffin, S, Texas
25. New York Jets - Anthony Spencer, LB, Purdue
26. Philadelphia Eagles - Greg Olsen, TE Miami
27. New Orleans Saints - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
28. New England Patriots - David Harris, LB, Michigan
29. Baltimore Ravens - Jon Beason, LB, Miami
30. San Diego Chargers - Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
31. Chicago Bears - Ben Grubbs, OG Auburn
32. Indianapolis Colts - Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee