Showing posts with label 2007 NFL DRAFT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2007 NFL DRAFT. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2007
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Thursday, May 24, 2007
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Guest Posting By Famed Author Wil Mara
The 2007 NFL Draft: A Year of “Second-Class” Value
by Wil Mara
What struck me as the most interesting aspect of the ’07 NFL Draft, particularly in comparison to the ’06 Draft, was the quality of talent that went in the second round. This is not to say the first-rounders weren’t worthy of their lofty placement, but the sheer volume of second-round acquisitions who are likely to make impact, both immediate and longterm, was staggering.
Look at Carolina’s new receiver, Dwayne Jarrett. At USC, he was a two-time All-American with a school-record 216 receptions and 41 touchdowns in just three seasons, but his draft stock fell when he failed to blow everyone away at the combines (his 40 time was particularly lukewarm). Still, he was a first-round-quality player, and it’s ridiculous that he was allowed to fall to 45th overall. Then Carolina got lucky again with another USC’r—Ryan Kalil. He was certainly the best center in the pool. Sure, centers generally don’t go in the first round, but still—this guy can be a difference-maker. A good center is worth his weight in platinum.
The Colts wanted a quality OT, and, in the second round, they got one. Arkansas’s Tony Ugoh is a masterful drive blocker who can be relied upon to cover the crucial left side. His long arms and legs give him an edge when exploding off the line, and he has tremendous balance and upper-body strength. It is to his credit that the Colts will soon be trusting him to keep the Great Peyton off the ground.
And then there’s Justin Blalock. Did Atlanta really get him 39th overall? And then, two picks later, did they also land Chris Houston? Good God—somebody call the cops, because there’s some thievery going on here. How did these two—who, in my view, can both be starters—go unnoticed, unappreciated, and unpicked by so many other teams? Blalock is another monster drive blocker who has proven his worth in multiple line positions. He’s also durable and consistent, breaking a school record for consecutive starts (in the injury-prone NFL, that matters). And Houston is another wonder—a graceful, fluid corner with otherwordly speed. He made his mark at Arkansas in only three seasons, so he’s got plenty of gas left in the tank.
There were others, too—check them out and see for yourself. Russell, Adams, Quinn, Johnson, and Peterson were the guys who got all the hype, and they’re certainly deserving of it. But as time passes, the ’07 draft may become known as ‘The Year of the Second Rounders.’
by Wil Mara
What struck me as the most interesting aspect of the ’07 NFL Draft, particularly in comparison to the ’06 Draft, was the quality of talent that went in the second round. This is not to say the first-rounders weren’t worthy of their lofty placement, but the sheer volume of second-round acquisitions who are likely to make impact, both immediate and longterm, was staggering.
Look at Carolina’s new receiver, Dwayne Jarrett. At USC, he was a two-time All-American with a school-record 216 receptions and 41 touchdowns in just three seasons, but his draft stock fell when he failed to blow everyone away at the combines (his 40 time was particularly lukewarm). Still, he was a first-round-quality player, and it’s ridiculous that he was allowed to fall to 45th overall. Then Carolina got lucky again with another USC’r—Ryan Kalil. He was certainly the best center in the pool. Sure, centers generally don’t go in the first round, but still—this guy can be a difference-maker. A good center is worth his weight in platinum.
The Colts wanted a quality OT, and, in the second round, they got one. Arkansas’s Tony Ugoh is a masterful drive blocker who can be relied upon to cover the crucial left side. His long arms and legs give him an edge when exploding off the line, and he has tremendous balance and upper-body strength. It is to his credit that the Colts will soon be trusting him to keep the Great Peyton off the ground.
And then there’s Justin Blalock. Did Atlanta really get him 39th overall? And then, two picks later, did they also land Chris Houston? Good God—somebody call the cops, because there’s some thievery going on here. How did these two—who, in my view, can both be starters—go unnoticed, unappreciated, and unpicked by so many other teams? Blalock is another monster drive blocker who has proven his worth in multiple line positions. He’s also durable and consistent, breaking a school record for consecutive starts (in the injury-prone NFL, that matters). And Houston is another wonder—a graceful, fluid corner with otherwordly speed. He made his mark at Arkansas in only three seasons, so he’s got plenty of gas left in the tank.
There were others, too—check them out and see for yourself. Russell, Adams, Quinn, Johnson, and Peterson were the guys who got all the hype, and they’re certainly deserving of it. But as time passes, the ’07 draft may become known as ‘The Year of the Second Rounders.’
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
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NFL May Alter Draft Timeframe - !5 Min "On The Clock" Too Long
One issue at the 2007 NFL Spring Owners meeting -- a one-day affair held in Nashville -- is the length of the NFL Draft. This year's event at Radio City Music Hall featured the longest First Round in NFL History - over six hours. That development prompted the part of the agenda that concerns the draft. Here's the AP's report as placed on NFL.com:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 21, 2007) -- If Titans coach Jeff Fisher had a vote, he'd favor trimming some time off the draft.
Fisher, co-chair of the NFL's rules committee, won't be part of the NFL owners' talks with Commissioner Roger Goodell about shortening selection times in the first and second rounds of the league's draft. But he has been part of discussions with Goodell about picking up the pace on draft day.
"I think we could arrive at a good number of minutes whether it be 10 for the first round or seven for the second. I think it would work. I would be willing to give it a shot," Fisher said Monday.
The topic of trimming the current 15 minutes for a first-round selection and 10 during the second came up only days after the NFL endured its longest first round ever last month -- 6 hours, 8 minutes.
Goodell called members of the competition committee, and the committee has had a few conference calls on the subject. The commissioner will discuss the topic with NFL owners at their spring meeting in Nashville, a few miles from the Titans' headquarters.
"Teams just typically use all their time, and I don't think it would affect your ability to execute trades, not only picks, but also players," Fisher said. "That's the thing that's being examined right now. "
This one-day meeting is for owners only. A final decision on trimming the draft isn't expected.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
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Breaking down the draft Pt3-rounds 2 and 3-By Bill Chachkes
Breaking down the draft Pt3-rounds 2 and 3
So who were those players taken late on Saturday during this past draft? Why will most of them stick around longer in the NFL then a few of the first rounders?
Everyone is still talking about Kevin Kolb’s selection at #36 to the Eagles, but what was more noticeable to me was that 2 more QB’s came right off the board over the next 7 picks (John Beck of BYU at #40 to Miami and Michigan State’s Drew Stanton at #43 to Detroit). I was surprised that ten QB’s were chosen over the two days when this was considered a weak draft for the position. Weaker still was the class of Running Backs, yet 23 were chosen over the entire 2 days of the draft. 23! I feel that all five of the round 2 and 3 selections at RB will contribute to their teams. Brian Leonard (Rutgers-#52 to the Rams) will have an impact as a change up guy for Steven Jackson. You can expect Kenny Irons and Chris Henry selected back to back by the Bengals and Titans, to also be early contributors. I was shocked to see Tony Hunt last as long as he did into the third round.
The most selected draft choice this year was DB, where exactly 50 were chosen. That could mean 2 things. Either every NFL team needed Defensive backfield help or the Positions were deep with talent. Round three saw the biggest run of one position, receiver, in any recent draft I could remember. At one point 7 of 8 picks in a row were Wide Outs, with the 8th being a Tight End. Four OL’s who slipped down into round two were Arron Sears, the Tenneesse OG who fell to Tampa, OG Justin Blalock of Texas who went to the Falcons, and Tony Ugoh , the Arkansas OT who went to the Colts, as well as USC OC Ryan Kalil , who went to Carolina at #59. Ugoh was the most interesting of these three, as he had been rated a mid-to-low first rounder at one point.
He had slipped due to a poor pro day workout and a lack of work ethic. By the same token on the other side of the pit, Alan Branch had the same issues, and he only slipped to the first pick of the second round. I even commended The Cardinals early on day two for grabbing two pit studs (Levi Brown at #5 and Branch at 33, even though I feel Brown still went a bit higher then he should have).
Out of 1500+ Draft eligible players, maybe 1/3rd of those are capable of playing at the next level in some way, shape or form (NFL, CFL, AFL AFL2, or NFL Europa). Of those 500, 255 were drafted, so what about the others? They are UDFA's (undrafted free agents) and over 200 of them have already been signed to teams, including 13 with the NY Giants. In our final installment of Breaking down the draft we will examine these UDFA's, and wrap-up our Coverage with some info on day two players. We will then begin to prepare for the 2008 Draft, while shifting our focus to the 2007 College and Pro seasons, and of course, Fantasy Football and it's relationship to all of this. Again please, anyone with a comment or Question, I can be reached at: bill@fieldposition.com
So who were those players taken late on Saturday during this past draft? Why will most of them stick around longer in the NFL then a few of the first rounders?
Everyone is still talking about Kevin Kolb’s selection at #36 to the Eagles, but what was more noticeable to me was that 2 more QB’s came right off the board over the next 7 picks (John Beck of BYU at #40 to Miami and Michigan State’s Drew Stanton at #43 to Detroit). I was surprised that ten QB’s were chosen over the two days when this was considered a weak draft for the position. Weaker still was the class of Running Backs, yet 23 were chosen over the entire 2 days of the draft. 23! I feel that all five of the round 2 and 3 selections at RB will contribute to their teams. Brian Leonard (Rutgers-#52 to the Rams) will have an impact as a change up guy for Steven Jackson. You can expect Kenny Irons and Chris Henry selected back to back by the Bengals and Titans, to also be early contributors. I was shocked to see Tony Hunt last as long as he did into the third round.
The most selected draft choice this year was DB, where exactly 50 were chosen. That could mean 2 things. Either every NFL team needed Defensive backfield help or the Positions were deep with talent. Round three saw the biggest run of one position, receiver, in any recent draft I could remember. At one point 7 of 8 picks in a row were Wide Outs, with the 8th being a Tight End. Four OL’s who slipped down into round two were Arron Sears, the Tenneesse OG who fell to Tampa, OG Justin Blalock of Texas who went to the Falcons, and Tony Ugoh , the Arkansas OT who went to the Colts, as well as USC OC Ryan Kalil , who went to Carolina at #59. Ugoh was the most interesting of these three, as he had been rated a mid-to-low first rounder at one point.
He had slipped due to a poor pro day workout and a lack of work ethic. By the same token on the other side of the pit, Alan Branch had the same issues, and he only slipped to the first pick of the second round. I even commended The Cardinals early on day two for grabbing two pit studs (Levi Brown at #5 and Branch at 33, even though I feel Brown still went a bit higher then he should have).
Out of 1500+ Draft eligible players, maybe 1/3rd of those are capable of playing at the next level in some way, shape or form (NFL, CFL, AFL AFL2, or NFL Europa). Of those 500, 255 were drafted, so what about the others? They are UDFA's (undrafted free agents) and over 200 of them have already been signed to teams, including 13 with the NY Giants. In our final installment of Breaking down the draft we will examine these UDFA's, and wrap-up our Coverage with some info on day two players. We will then begin to prepare for the 2008 Draft, while shifting our focus to the 2007 College and Pro seasons, and of course, Fantasy Football and it's relationship to all of this. Again please, anyone with a comment or Question, I can be reached at: bill@fieldposition.com
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
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NFL Football Talk - Jerry Jones / Dallas Cowboys
On Thursday, April 26th, Wil Mara, Bill Chachkes, and I headed over to an establishment called "Merchants NY" after the NFL Media Lunch at Chelsea Piers. There, in the cigar bar, we met Wade Burch, the executive chef at Merchants and a man with an interesting background. He severed as chef for EDS Founder and CEO Ross Perot, Tom Landry, the first Head Coach of The Dallas Cowboys, and Jerry Jones, the current owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Over cigars, Wade told us exactly what he thought of all three men, based on his personal contact with them in his role as chef.
It was eye-opening, and provides a view to why former Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells may have left the Dallas Cowboys.
In the video, Wade starts by explaining that he wasn't very happy with "The Tuna" as Parcells is referred to, in response to Wil Mara's question. "I think he gave up too soon, but I think there were some mitigating circumstances we don't know about. I can only know from having cooked for Mr. Jones 25-odd times and the way he treated me (and I was born in Arkansas) he treated me like shit. He tried to treat me like one of his employees and I wasn't;. He's not the sweetest guy."
By contrast, Burch expresses complete admiration for Perot and Landry, two legendary figures in Texas pop-culture.
Burch's rant about Jones gives a unique view into the inner workings of the Cowboys organization and essentially points the finger at the football organization's head man -- and not Terrell Owens -- as the reason for the departure of Parcells. This window may also explain why Jones has gone through so many coaches during his tenture as Cowboys' owner. By stark contrast, Clint Murchison, the founder of the Cowboys had one coach -- Landry -- from 1960 to 1985, when he sold the team to a group led by H.R. "Bum" Bright.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
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Breaking Down the 2007 NFL draft Pt2
As my Great Uncle Louie would say if he were still with us, “New?”, which is a Yiddish slang greeting for What’s new. If he were around today and he asked me that I’d tell him how I lost my voice Working at the Draft. Being an Eagles fan with South Jersey roots, Uncle Lou might have said “So vat about this Kolb? He’s so good that he’s a 36th pick?” So my question to our readers and listeners: Is Kevin Kolb really worth the 36th pick? Is Ted Ginn the 9th Pick? Is Anthony Spencer the 26th Pick?
I can’t really argue much with Picks 1-8. The level of talent is in line with those choices. The same can be said for most of the rest of the first round, with the exception of the Packers Pick of Justin Harrell, who was a low 1st to high 2nd rounder. In breaking down the 1st round I don’t see any other outrageous selections. I do see teams that went safe, for the sake of being safe. Get It? Again, as we like to say, any grade you give a teams' Draft class right now is just too premature. Skill Players take 2 to 4 years to develop, and “Pit” players 3-5 years. So giving a draft grade now on a player who has yet to show his full potential is just wasting time. You CAN grade a team’s draft now as far as value in relation to the slot of that pick.
Some other observations: I thought the Saints gettting Meachem at #27 was a steal, and the Jets pulling the deal on Revis took guts, as well as jumping ahead of the Steelers to get their home town college star. Not that the Steelers made out so bad either. Smart teams will always have a plan B (and C and D and E) regarding when a player they zeroed in on gets drafted in front of them. Timmons was plan “B”. Some teams didn’t bother with “lets see who the next best player is at that position” but rather, “the Next best player available”.
While the trend is leaning towards more and more draft day or just pre or post draft dealings, are these trades really worth making? Who makes them? When Oakland got a 4th for Randy Moss on Sunday, did they settle for less? Or did they know that the market for talented but head cased wide outs was a 4th round pick? One NY based but nationally known scribe trumpeted Monday “lets just give the Pats the title now” Why? Playing the games means that little? One thing that struck me as funny this past weekend was that teams began “reaching” for “project” type players much sooner then in years past.
Next post: breaking down the second and third rounds…..
I can’t really argue much with Picks 1-8. The level of talent is in line with those choices. The same can be said for most of the rest of the first round, with the exception of the Packers Pick of Justin Harrell, who was a low 1st to high 2nd rounder. In breaking down the 1st round I don’t see any other outrageous selections. I do see teams that went safe, for the sake of being safe. Get It? Again, as we like to say, any grade you give a teams' Draft class right now is just too premature. Skill Players take 2 to 4 years to develop, and “Pit” players 3-5 years. So giving a draft grade now on a player who has yet to show his full potential is just wasting time. You CAN grade a team’s draft now as far as value in relation to the slot of that pick.
Some other observations: I thought the Saints gettting Meachem at #27 was a steal, and the Jets pulling the deal on Revis took guts, as well as jumping ahead of the Steelers to get their home town college star. Not that the Steelers made out so bad either. Smart teams will always have a plan B (and C and D and E) regarding when a player they zeroed in on gets drafted in front of them. Timmons was plan “B”. Some teams didn’t bother with “lets see who the next best player is at that position” but rather, “the Next best player available”.
While the trend is leaning towards more and more draft day or just pre or post draft dealings, are these trades really worth making? Who makes them? When Oakland got a 4th for Randy Moss on Sunday, did they settle for less? Or did they know that the market for talented but head cased wide outs was a 4th round pick? One NY based but nationally known scribe trumpeted Monday “lets just give the Pats the title now” Why? Playing the games means that little? One thing that struck me as funny this past weekend was that teams began “reaching” for “project” type players much sooner then in years past.
Next post: breaking down the second and third rounds…..
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
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Darius Walker and Father Angry That He Was Not Drafted
According to the blog "LoserWithSocks" , Notre Dame running back Darius Walker, who was picked up as a free agent by the Chicago Bears, is angry that he wasn't drafted.
“Shocked, shocked,” he said Tuesday, when asked to describe his general reaction. “It’s kind of hard to believe, to be honest with you. How does a guy that’s fourth on the all-time rushing list for Notre Dame not get drafted?”
And it’s good to see that Walkers father has stayed rational about the situation.
“Even if he ran a 4.7, he should have been drafted,” he said. “To me, as a father, he deserved to be drafted very highly. I’m not even talking about the second day. I was disappointed he didn’t go the first day. He deserved to be on the first day."
It's true that Walker was lost amoung the 7 Notre Dame players that were selected in what Irish fans are calling their best NFL Draft in decades. I might remind everyone that all of the player selected were recruited by Tyrone Willingham and not Charlie Weis.
“Shocked, shocked,” he said Tuesday, when asked to describe his general reaction. “It’s kind of hard to believe, to be honest with you. How does a guy that’s fourth on the all-time rushing list for Notre Dame not get drafted?”
And it’s good to see that Walkers father has stayed rational about the situation.
“Even if he ran a 4.7, he should have been drafted,” he said. “To me, as a father, he deserved to be drafted very highly. I’m not even talking about the second day. I was disappointed he didn’t go the first day. He deserved to be on the first day."
It's true that Walker was lost amoung the 7 Notre Dame players that were selected in what Irish fans are calling their best NFL Draft in decades. I might remind everyone that all of the player selected were recruited by Tyrone Willingham and not Charlie Weis.
Darius Walker and Father Angry That He Was Not Drafted
According to the blog "LoserWithSocks" , Notre Dame running back Darius Walker, who was picked up as a free agent by the Chicago Bears, is angry that he wasn't drafted.
“Shocked, shocked,” he said Tuesday, when asked to describe his general reaction. “It’s kind of hard to believe, to be honest with you. How does a guy that’s fourth on the all-time rushing list for Notre Dame not get drafted?”
And it’s good to see that Walkers father has stayed rational about the situation.
“Even if he ran a 4.7, he should have been drafted,” he said. “To me, as a father, he deserved to be drafted very highly. I’m not even talking about the second day. I was disappointed he didn’t go the first day. He deserved to be on the first day."
It's true that Walker was lost amoung the 7 Notre Dame players that were selected in what Irish fans are calling their best NFL Draft in decades. I might remind everyone that all of the player selected were recruited by Tyrone Willingham and not Charlie Weis.
“Shocked, shocked,” he said Tuesday, when asked to describe his general reaction. “It’s kind of hard to believe, to be honest with you. How does a guy that’s fourth on the all-time rushing list for Notre Dame not get drafted?”
And it’s good to see that Walkers father has stayed rational about the situation.
“Even if he ran a 4.7, he should have been drafted,” he said. “To me, as a father, he deserved to be drafted very highly. I’m not even talking about the second day. I was disappointed he didn’t go the first day. He deserved to be on the first day."
It's true that Walker was lost amoung the 7 Notre Dame players that were selected in what Irish fans are calling their best NFL Draft in decades. I might remind everyone that all of the player selected were recruited by Tyrone Willingham and not Charlie Weis.
Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn Arrives At Cleveland Brows Headquaters - AP
Browns welcome Brady Quinn home
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
AP PHOTO/TONY DEJAK
Cleveland Browns' Brady Quinn , right, arrives along with his girlfriend, Lindy Slinger, at the Cleveland Browns facility, Sunday, April 29, 2007, in Berea, Ohio.
BEREA, Ohio — Brady Quinn stepped out from behind the black limousine's tinted windows into brilliant Sunday sunshine. He wore blue jeans, a zippered windbreaker and a Browns baseball cap. He was dressed casually, if not for the occasion.
"I think he was just worn out from wearing that suit all day yesterday," said tackle Joe Thomas, Quinn's new teammate.
One day after his stunning slide in the first round became the biggest story of the NFL draft, Quinn began a new chapter in his storied football career.
Passed over by 20 other teams, Quinn was introduced at a news conference by the Browns, the team he dreamed of playing for as a kid and the one who passed over him to take Thomas at No. 3 before trading up to select Notre Dame's golden-armed quarterback.
Quinn spent four agonizing hours Saturday waiting in the wings at Radio City Music Hall for his name to be called. With national TV cameras trained on him sitting backstage, he smiled and tried to make the best of an awkward situation as team after team chose other players.
Booed at first, the draftniks on hand in New York began to sympathize with Quinn as the clock painfully ticked on.
"It's the Notre Dame quarterback thing, love 'em or hate 'em," Quinn said.
The biggest day of his life quickly became a nightmare for the 22-year-old, who ran around his backyard as a boy pretending he was Browns iconic QB Bernie Kosar slinging touchdown passes in front of an imaginary Dawg Pound.
But just when it couldn't get bleaker, the Browns saved Quinn. They gave Dallas a second-round pick this year and first-round pick in 2008 to move up and take Quinn with the 22nd pick.
Now, it's Quinn's turn to save the Browns, who have been mostly luckless losers in the eight years since their expansion return.
He's ready for the challenge.
"I'm accustomed to coming into a new situation and changing the attitudes and the way people think," he said. "I want to change the way people feel in the fourth quarter when there are two minutes left and we have the ball at the 20. I think it's a big thing that people don't understand.
"You have to keep believing. It's never OK to lose."
Quinn's free fall through the first round may have damaged more than his reputation. It likely cost him more than $25 million in guaranteed money, a fact he dismissed as easily as sidestepping a blitzing linebacker.
"If you are successful in the NFL, you're going to make money," he said. "It's not a big deal. I'm not a guy who comes from a lot of money. I'm a blue-collar, hardworking kid and for me it's a dream to be drafted in the first round."
Quinn came to Sunday's affair not thinking he needed to dress up. But when he saw Thomas, who skipped a draft-day trip to New York to go fishing, in a pinstriped suit, Quinn broke out a sport coat, slacks and tie.
His decision to change delayed the news conference.
"We thought it would be his girlfriend getting ready," joked general manager Phil Savage. "We made you wait yesterday, and you made us wait today."
Quinn will be looked upon as a savior in Cleveland, expected to carry the Browns back to greatness.
He's used to the heavy lifting. As Notre Dame's starting QB for four years, every move he made was scrutinized by the school's worldwide fan base. There may be no tougher job in college football - other than coaching the Fighting Irish - than quarterbacking them.
Quinn feels his pressure-packed collegiate career will serve him well.
"Notre Dame prepared me as best as it could have," he said. "When you look at the aspects of playing nationally televised games and the competition week in and week out. I was dealing with the media from Day 1. Obviously, there were times in my career where we started losing and that's when you feel the heat.
"I've been through the fire and adversity, and that's a positive for me."
Another plus was playing under coach Charlie Weis, who before going to Notre Dame helped develop Tom Brady into a Pro Bowl quarterback and Super Bowl champion as New England's offensive coordinator.
Although the Browns are months away from possibly naming Quinn their starter, Weis believes it's a foregone conclusion.
"I don't think this guy has to go to a program and be groomed for a year," Weis said. "If there was ever a quarterback who was ready to go for the last two years, it's him. He's got hammered in the last two years by me so he can take it by anybody."
Not long after being picked by the Browns, Quinn was whisked to Cleveland in one of owner Randy Lerner's private jets. He arrived at the team's headquarters late Saturday night, weary from a long, emotional day.
But when he walked through the front doors for the first time as a Brown, all the anxiety and embarrassment he may have felt in New York were replaced by a soothing calm. Quinn knew he was home.
"It felt amazing," he said. "In the draft, after I got passed by the Browns, I didn't think they were going to come back and get me.
"Once I got here, it felt real."
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
AP PHOTO/TONY DEJAK
Cleveland Browns' Brady Quinn , right, arrives along with his girlfriend, Lindy Slinger, at the Cleveland Browns facility, Sunday, April 29, 2007, in Berea, Ohio.
BEREA, Ohio — Brady Quinn stepped out from behind the black limousine's tinted windows into brilliant Sunday sunshine. He wore blue jeans, a zippered windbreaker and a Browns baseball cap. He was dressed casually, if not for the occasion.
"I think he was just worn out from wearing that suit all day yesterday," said tackle Joe Thomas, Quinn's new teammate.
One day after his stunning slide in the first round became the biggest story of the NFL draft, Quinn began a new chapter in his storied football career.
Passed over by 20 other teams, Quinn was introduced at a news conference by the Browns, the team he dreamed of playing for as a kid and the one who passed over him to take Thomas at No. 3 before trading up to select Notre Dame's golden-armed quarterback.
Quinn spent four agonizing hours Saturday waiting in the wings at Radio City Music Hall for his name to be called. With national TV cameras trained on him sitting backstage, he smiled and tried to make the best of an awkward situation as team after team chose other players.
Booed at first, the draftniks on hand in New York began to sympathize with Quinn as the clock painfully ticked on.
"It's the Notre Dame quarterback thing, love 'em or hate 'em," Quinn said.
The biggest day of his life quickly became a nightmare for the 22-year-old, who ran around his backyard as a boy pretending he was Browns iconic QB Bernie Kosar slinging touchdown passes in front of an imaginary Dawg Pound.
But just when it couldn't get bleaker, the Browns saved Quinn. They gave Dallas a second-round pick this year and first-round pick in 2008 to move up and take Quinn with the 22nd pick.
Now, it's Quinn's turn to save the Browns, who have been mostly luckless losers in the eight years since their expansion return.
He's ready for the challenge.
"I'm accustomed to coming into a new situation and changing the attitudes and the way people think," he said. "I want to change the way people feel in the fourth quarter when there are two minutes left and we have the ball at the 20. I think it's a big thing that people don't understand.
"You have to keep believing. It's never OK to lose."
Quinn's free fall through the first round may have damaged more than his reputation. It likely cost him more than $25 million in guaranteed money, a fact he dismissed as easily as sidestepping a blitzing linebacker.
"If you are successful in the NFL, you're going to make money," he said. "It's not a big deal. I'm not a guy who comes from a lot of money. I'm a blue-collar, hardworking kid and for me it's a dream to be drafted in the first round."
Quinn came to Sunday's affair not thinking he needed to dress up. But when he saw Thomas, who skipped a draft-day trip to New York to go fishing, in a pinstriped suit, Quinn broke out a sport coat, slacks and tie.
His decision to change delayed the news conference.
"We thought it would be his girlfriend getting ready," joked general manager Phil Savage. "We made you wait yesterday, and you made us wait today."
Quinn will be looked upon as a savior in Cleveland, expected to carry the Browns back to greatness.
He's used to the heavy lifting. As Notre Dame's starting QB for four years, every move he made was scrutinized by the school's worldwide fan base. There may be no tougher job in college football - other than coaching the Fighting Irish - than quarterbacking them.
Quinn feels his pressure-packed collegiate career will serve him well.
"Notre Dame prepared me as best as it could have," he said. "When you look at the aspects of playing nationally televised games and the competition week in and week out. I was dealing with the media from Day 1. Obviously, there were times in my career where we started losing and that's when you feel the heat.
"I've been through the fire and adversity, and that's a positive for me."
Another plus was playing under coach Charlie Weis, who before going to Notre Dame helped develop Tom Brady into a Pro Bowl quarterback and Super Bowl champion as New England's offensive coordinator.
Although the Browns are months away from possibly naming Quinn their starter, Weis believes it's a foregone conclusion.
"I don't think this guy has to go to a program and be groomed for a year," Weis said. "If there was ever a quarterback who was ready to go for the last two years, it's him. He's got hammered in the last two years by me so he can take it by anybody."
Not long after being picked by the Browns, Quinn was whisked to Cleveland in one of owner Randy Lerner's private jets. He arrived at the team's headquarters late Saturday night, weary from a long, emotional day.
But when he walked through the front doors for the first time as a Brown, all the anxiety and embarrassment he may have felt in New York were replaced by a soothing calm. Quinn knew he was home.
"It felt amazing," he said. "In the draft, after I got passed by the Browns, I didn't think they were going to come back and get me.
"Once I got here, it felt real."
COMMISSIONER GOODELL INTERVIEW WITH RICH EISEN and NFL NETWORK - NFL DRAFT – New York – April 28, 2007 - NFLMedia.com
From NFLMedia.com
COMMISSIONER GOODELL INTERVIEW
WITH RICH EISEN and NFL NETWORK CREW
NFL DRAFT – New York – April 28, 2007
NFLN: Commissioner Roger Goodell, thanks for joining this program.
Roger Goodell: I am glad to be here.
NFLN: The last voice, not Paul Tagliabue’s, to be heard in a first round in the NFL
Draft is Pete Rozelle. Now you carry on this mantle. What are your thoughts as you
get set to conduct your first draft as a commissioner?
RG: It is an exciting day for everybody in the NFL to see these young kids now getting a
chance to make their NFL dreams come true. You can’t beat it. It’s an exciting day for all
of us.
NFLN: You’ve got your throat and voice ready?
RG: I’ve been practicing. I’ve been doing my best Rich Eisen.
NFLN: Okay. I will take that, Commissioner. Let’s talk about this draft in terms of
the topic du jour: player conduct. A lot of people believe that based on your year-
long suspension of Adam Jones and half-season suspension of Chris Henry that
teams will be drafting differently this year. Do you believe that is the case?
RG: Every club is going to have their own strategy in how they are going to approach the
draft. Character has always been an issue for teams when they look at players, talent is
obviously critically important, and how the player fits into their organization. But I do
think that clubs are more sensitive to the character issue and what they need to do to get
players that are going to fit into their team structure.
NFLN: The thing I hear around the league is that the most significant piece of this is
that you are effectively taking autonomy away from the individual clubs in certain
instances. And the clubs who have a history of great character applaud that because
if you take a good player out of somebody else’s lineup, competitively it helps them.
Do you see that happening a lot?
RG: I do. We have a lot of great players who have great character in this league. We have
very few players that don’t have great character. Our teams understand that. Our teams
have great people. I am very proud of our players in the NFL.
NFLN: Roger, you were nice enough to meet with us when we came to your office
the other day and you mentioned that it will change, yes, because you came down
and put a suspension on some players. But the teams will still police themselves and
have the ability to make decisions to suspend or fine players. And really only the
league will come into it with repeat offenders or possibly real flagrant conduct
2
misactions. How will you do that with the teams? Will you allow the teams first to
make decisions and then see if you like them or will you step in immediately?
RG: It’s complex. There is no simple answer to that question. We would love to have the
clubs take responsibility for their players and discipline their players. They would love to
do that. The Players Association, also, on the other side wants to balance that by making
sure that it is done consistently and fairly among all 32 clubs and within each team. So
we’re going to look at it to try to do it in a way that is fair to the players. But one thing
should be clear here: we are not doing this to end careers. We are doing this to save
careers. We are trying to get our players back on the field doing what they do best. That
is playing football.
NFLN: Commissioner, speaking of saving careers, what are you implementing to
the teams that they do now to help some of these players to find out about their
character? When they come in, we don’t know about their character. When they get
their money, then we get to see what the real guy is like. What does the club have to
do? And if they don’t do those things, what kind of actions are you going to take
against them?
RG: We developed a lot of programs for our players over the last several years that are
designed to give resources to those players to help them deal with issues that they might
have off the field. We want to use those resources, build those resources up and make
sure that all 32 clubs are doing that intensively with their players. If they don’t, that will
be taken into consideration when I look at discipline for a club. I believe all our clubs are
going to aggressively be pursuing best practices in this area.
NFLN: How about the team that drafts a player with character issues? Do you
address that team differently? If that guy gets in trouble and they haven’t provided
the things for him, do you attack the team now? Do you take something away from
them? Do you fine them?
RG: One thing you know I don’t do is select players. I can’t control it nor do I want to
control that. I think clubs are going to be a little more sensitive to the kind of players that
they can bring into their organization and that they can mold into the kind of team that
they want. If they don’t make it for any reason and they have provided the resources,
clearly that will be taken into account. If they have not provided those resources, that will
be disappointing to me and that will be taken into account.
NFLN: What is the future of the draft? What is the possibility of playing the Super
Bowl overseas?
RG: This draft has become an incredible event for us not just today and tomorrow but
also over the last several months. The focus on the incoming class of players is just
extraordinary for us. We think that it’s great. We are looking at ways in which we can
build that. There are talks about moving it around the country. There are talks of moving
it into prime time. We have been talking about how we can bring more football to more
3
fans. As far as the international piece, we do believe that our game has a great deal of
appeal internationally. We’re playing our first regular-season game as part of a series
over in London this year and we’re going to do more of that. We’re looking at how we
can get more football to more fans globally.
RE: Since you said you were doing your best Rich Eisen impersonation, can I do my
best commissioner impersonation and demand to get the helmet phones back here?
What happened to the helmet phones?
RG: Rich, that’s a good question and I’m going to follow up on that immediately.
RE: Please do. I appreciate the follow-up on that. Commissioner, thank you for
joining us.
RG: Thanks guys. Good luck guys.
###
Giants Draft DeOssie and other day two picks
Giants draft Steve DeOssie's son
Father of fourth-round pick won Super Bowl XXV ring with Giants
BY ARTHUR STAPLE
arthur.staple@newsday.com
Steve DeOssie was one of the more colorful Giants in recent team history. Now his son will get a chance to carry on the tradition of a guy they used to call "Beach Ball."
The Giants selected Zak DeOssie in the fourth round, the first of five picks yesterday to round out their 2007 draft. The younger DeOssie, a linebacker from Brown, comes from an unlikely school to produce an NFL player, but not when you consider his bloodline.
"Go figure, right?" Steve DeOssie said yesterday. "I really felt the kid was going to get a job somewhere. It just turned out to be one of the best places possible."
Steve DeOssie was the long-snapper and a linebacker on the Giants' Super Bowl XXV championship team and spent 12 seasons with the Cowboys, Giants, Jets and Patriots. He was one of Bill Parcells' favorites - the nickname came from the many shades of red his face turned after a workout - and his son, a 6-4½, 250-pound athlete, has the desire and drive of his father.
"I broke down when [my name was called]. My old man was right next to me," said Zak, who was a ball boy for the Patriots when his father played for them. "I know the Ivy League stereotype is there - non-scholarship, small school. But you have to ignore it."
The Giants see DeOssie as a strong-side linebacker and, more importantly, as an immediate contributor on special teams. Perhaps he'll even be a long-snapper, something he took up his senior year at Brown without any prodding from his father.
"I told him when he wants to get good at it, just let me know and I'll teach him how to really do it," Steve said. "We never emphasized getting to the NFL. We emphasized real life. Him taking up long-snapping was just another indication of him trying to help a team win."
General manager Jerry Reese called his first draft as the top man "solid." The Giants were one of the few teams that didn't make a trade during draft weekend and went for areas of need, selecting four offensive and four defensive players. The only question mark as far as character goes is their last pick, seventh-rounder Ahmad Bradshaw, a running back from Marshall who has been arrested twice.
"He's got some warts," Reese said, "but he'll be on a short leash."
Giants second-day picks
Zak DeOssie, LB - Brown, 6-4½, 250
Son of Steve DeOssie, a linebacker and special-teamer on the Giants' Super Bowl XXV team ... Should compete immediately with Ryan Kuehl for the long-snapper job, which DeOssie's father held ... One of the biggest LBs available in the draft, projects to the strong side ... Surprising speed (4.58 in the 40-yard dash) for his size should add to his value on special teams ... Has the smarts but his football instincts are an issue ... So is his level of competition, coming from the Ivy League.
Kevin Boss, TE - Western Oregon, 6-6½, 252
Considered an excellent pass-catcher but below-average blocker ... Level of competition is obviously an issue, playing in Division II, but "he dominated," according to GM Jerry Reese ... Giants see him as a third TE, behind Jeremy Shockey and Darcy Johnson; could easily become the No. 2 TE with better blocking skills ... Was the center on his school's basketball team as a sophomore and junior.
Adam Koets, T - Oregon State, 6-5, 298
Made 37 consecutive starts at left tackle ... Good skills and smarts, but some scouts question his mental toughness ... Allowed only four sacks in the last two seasons ... Needs work on his run-blocking skills ... Tom Coughlin on whether Koets would move from left tackle: "Right now, that's the position we want him at."
Michael Johnson, S - Arizona, 6-3, 211
Played at a high level and has the size to play either safety; was a strong safety his two seasons at Arizona ... Missed time with a hamstring injury his senior season.
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB - Marshall, 5-9, 198
Good numbers (1,523 rushing yards, 19 TDs last season) but two arrests, one before last season for burglary and for underage alcohol possession in high school. Signed with Virginia but was released after his first arrest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I Guess Jerry Reese read my 'Ivy League report" article of 3-30??? ok maybe not,..but he must have seen him play like i did. The Kid is tremendous. everybit the player his dad was and maybe better someday.... I know some people gave the Giants draft a b- or even a c,..but for a 4th rounder this pick is a solid B+. DeOssie is closer to stepping in then anyone realizes. He DOMINATED the Ivy on Defense.....He almost beat Columbia single handed.
As for the other picks, Boss, Koets, and Johnson will have a chance to make the roster as the Giants try to get a bit younger in the depth department. Bradshaw will require watching, but could fill a "Tiki" like role someday
Bill(Draftnik)
Father of fourth-round pick won Super Bowl XXV ring with Giants
BY ARTHUR STAPLE
arthur.staple@newsday.com
Steve DeOssie was one of the more colorful Giants in recent team history. Now his son will get a chance to carry on the tradition of a guy they used to call "Beach Ball."
The Giants selected Zak DeOssie in the fourth round, the first of five picks yesterday to round out their 2007 draft. The younger DeOssie, a linebacker from Brown, comes from an unlikely school to produce an NFL player, but not when you consider his bloodline.
"Go figure, right?" Steve DeOssie said yesterday. "I really felt the kid was going to get a job somewhere. It just turned out to be one of the best places possible."
Steve DeOssie was the long-snapper and a linebacker on the Giants' Super Bowl XXV championship team and spent 12 seasons with the Cowboys, Giants, Jets and Patriots. He was one of Bill Parcells' favorites - the nickname came from the many shades of red his face turned after a workout - and his son, a 6-4½, 250-pound athlete, has the desire and drive of his father.
"I broke down when [my name was called]. My old man was right next to me," said Zak, who was a ball boy for the Patriots when his father played for them. "I know the Ivy League stereotype is there - non-scholarship, small school. But you have to ignore it."
The Giants see DeOssie as a strong-side linebacker and, more importantly, as an immediate contributor on special teams. Perhaps he'll even be a long-snapper, something he took up his senior year at Brown without any prodding from his father.
"I told him when he wants to get good at it, just let me know and I'll teach him how to really do it," Steve said. "We never emphasized getting to the NFL. We emphasized real life. Him taking up long-snapping was just another indication of him trying to help a team win."
General manager Jerry Reese called his first draft as the top man "solid." The Giants were one of the few teams that didn't make a trade during draft weekend and went for areas of need, selecting four offensive and four defensive players. The only question mark as far as character goes is their last pick, seventh-rounder Ahmad Bradshaw, a running back from Marshall who has been arrested twice.
"He's got some warts," Reese said, "but he'll be on a short leash."
Giants second-day picks
Zak DeOssie, LB - Brown, 6-4½, 250
Son of Steve DeOssie, a linebacker and special-teamer on the Giants' Super Bowl XXV team ... Should compete immediately with Ryan Kuehl for the long-snapper job, which DeOssie's father held ... One of the biggest LBs available in the draft, projects to the strong side ... Surprising speed (4.58 in the 40-yard dash) for his size should add to his value on special teams ... Has the smarts but his football instincts are an issue ... So is his level of competition, coming from the Ivy League.
Kevin Boss, TE - Western Oregon, 6-6½, 252
Considered an excellent pass-catcher but below-average blocker ... Level of competition is obviously an issue, playing in Division II, but "he dominated," according to GM Jerry Reese ... Giants see him as a third TE, behind Jeremy Shockey and Darcy Johnson; could easily become the No. 2 TE with better blocking skills ... Was the center on his school's basketball team as a sophomore and junior.
Adam Koets, T - Oregon State, 6-5, 298
Made 37 consecutive starts at left tackle ... Good skills and smarts, but some scouts question his mental toughness ... Allowed only four sacks in the last two seasons ... Needs work on his run-blocking skills ... Tom Coughlin on whether Koets would move from left tackle: "Right now, that's the position we want him at."
Michael Johnson, S - Arizona, 6-3, 211
Played at a high level and has the size to play either safety; was a strong safety his two seasons at Arizona ... Missed time with a hamstring injury his senior season.
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB - Marshall, 5-9, 198
Good numbers (1,523 rushing yards, 19 TDs last season) but two arrests, one before last season for burglary and for underage alcohol possession in high school. Signed with Virginia but was released after his first arrest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I Guess Jerry Reese read my 'Ivy League report" article of 3-30??? ok maybe not,..but he must have seen him play like i did. The Kid is tremendous. everybit the player his dad was and maybe better someday.... I know some people gave the Giants draft a b- or even a c,..but for a 4th rounder this pick is a solid B+. DeOssie is closer to stepping in then anyone realizes. He DOMINATED the Ivy on Defense.....He almost beat Columbia single handed.
As for the other picks, Boss, Koets, and Johnson will have a chance to make the roster as the Giants try to get a bit younger in the depth department. Bradshaw will require watching, but could fill a "Tiki" like role someday
Bill(Draftnik)
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
0
Breaking Down the 2007 NFL draft Pt 1
So where do we begin? How do we break down the Marathon that is the 2007 NFL Draft.
Zennie likes to sing my praises, and I apologize for correcting him here, but he was off by one year. This was my 33rd Draft, and my 21st with a press credential working for various organizations. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t tell you all how much I enjoyed this Draft from a working standpoint, even though I was miserable from a health standpoint with a sore throat. Working with both Zennie at SBS and Walter at Fieldposition over the last year has been a great experience, and it should continue for a long time to come. It’s also great to work with great guys like Author Wil Mara, who thinks I’m some sort of second coming of Rich Little!
All that out of the way, lets get down to the meat of the draft. I was wrong, I admit it. I promised I would, so here I am. The Raiders suckered me in, As Walter would say “I’ve been Smoke screened, big time. I really believed that once they selected Quinn, they would trade Randy Moss, and the offensive conversion would be complete. I got it half right at least. Moss is a Patriot now, and JaMarcus Russell will have to develop a relationship with Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry. Clearly the better drafting team in the Bay area is the 49ers, getting both LB Patrick Willis and OT Joe Staley. Seems like what the Raiders are doing defies logic, much like Dallas trading out of the round altogether.
Speaking of the Big “D”, who’s driving the horse cart there? Ok so they had plenty of picks to trade around, But Doug Free? James Marten? This is the future of your Offensive line. Yes Jerry, lets get some value here, we don’t need anyone in the first round…Oh wait, this Spencer kid from Perdue, he’s worth a reach isn’t he. Seems like only the Eagles had a worse draft in the NFC East (Kevin Kolb? at 36??) I’m sure Donovan McNabb is sleeping well this week.
Surely The Cleveland Browns had the best draft in Ohio in years. Good thing too, because it probably saved Crennell and Savage's Jobs for the next two or three years,.....Unless Bill Cowher decides to un-retire. If they had tried to do it the other way around, Joe Thomas would not have been there past the 7th Pick, no matter where the fishing boad was that he was with Daddy On.
Over the next few posts we will break down the best and the worst of the weekend that was at NYC Radio City Music Hall.
Bill(Draftnik)
Zennie likes to sing my praises, and I apologize for correcting him here, but he was off by one year. This was my 33rd Draft, and my 21st with a press credential working for various organizations. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t tell you all how much I enjoyed this Draft from a working standpoint, even though I was miserable from a health standpoint with a sore throat. Working with both Zennie at SBS and Walter at Fieldposition over the last year has been a great experience, and it should continue for a long time to come. It’s also great to work with great guys like Author Wil Mara, who thinks I’m some sort of second coming of Rich Little!
All that out of the way, lets get down to the meat of the draft. I was wrong, I admit it. I promised I would, so here I am. The Raiders suckered me in, As Walter would say “I’ve been Smoke screened, big time. I really believed that once they selected Quinn, they would trade Randy Moss, and the offensive conversion would be complete. I got it half right at least. Moss is a Patriot now, and JaMarcus Russell will have to develop a relationship with Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry. Clearly the better drafting team in the Bay area is the 49ers, getting both LB Patrick Willis and OT Joe Staley. Seems like what the Raiders are doing defies logic, much like Dallas trading out of the round altogether.
Speaking of the Big “D”, who’s driving the horse cart there? Ok so they had plenty of picks to trade around, But Doug Free? James Marten? This is the future of your Offensive line. Yes Jerry, lets get some value here, we don’t need anyone in the first round…Oh wait, this Spencer kid from Perdue, he’s worth a reach isn’t he. Seems like only the Eagles had a worse draft in the NFC East (Kevin Kolb? at 36??) I’m sure Donovan McNabb is sleeping well this week.
Surely The Cleveland Browns had the best draft in Ohio in years. Good thing too, because it probably saved Crennell and Savage's Jobs for the next two or three years,.....Unless Bill Cowher decides to un-retire. If they had tried to do it the other way around, Joe Thomas would not have been there past the 7th Pick, no matter where the fishing boad was that he was with Daddy On.
Over the next few posts we will break down the best and the worst of the weekend that was at NYC Radio City Music Hall.
Bill(Draftnik)
Free Agents Chris Leak and Darrius Walker Picked Up By Chicago Bears - Suntimes.com
I can't believe Darrius Walker was passed by, but he was. That's a major error for a running back so productive for the Irish.
BEARS DRAFT DAY 2 | Angelo gets what he's looking for to fill class in later rounds; undrafted Florida QB Leak coming to camp
April 30, 2007
BY BRAD BIGGS bbiggs@suntimes.com
In the days leading up to the draft, general manager Jerry Angelo said the Bears were going to need a little luck for things to work out to their satisfaction.
During the discussion, a ladybug wandered across the table, and it was pointed out that could only be a sign of good fortune to come.
Don't worry, he didn't devour the spotted little creature, but the final four rounds of the draft fell just about how Angelo was hoping Sunday. The Bears added a developmental guard in Josh Beekman, who they didn't figure would be around at the end of the fourth round, as well as some candidates for Dave Toub's special-teams unit.
''We like our class a lot,'' coach Lovie Smith said. ''As far as how much the players will contribute, I'll just say we have a track record for playing young players. We are excited about some of these players being able to contribute soon.''
The tone was set for a strong draft Saturday when the Bears took Miami tight end Greg Olsen with the 31st pick in the first round, which Angelo said three teams called trying to get. Normally, he would deal down in that position, but the Bears felt so strongly about the 6-6 Olsen -- who runs a 4.51-second 40-yard dash -- that they stayed put to make the selection.
Then the Bears passed on taking a wide receiver at No. 37 -- they would have chosen from among USC's Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith and South Carolina's Sidney Rice -- and traded the pick to the San Diego Chargers to create more depth, which became Northern Illinois running back Garrett Wolfe in the third round and Louisiana-Monroe safety Keith Payne in the fifth, plus a third-rounder from the Chargers in hand for next season. The Bears are expected to monitor wide receivers in free agency as post-draft cuts are made.
Completing the day Sunday were New Hampshire cornerback Cory Graham in the fifth round and Mississippi cornerback Trumaine McBride and Iowa State offensive tackle Aaron Brant in the seventh.
''If we were right, we're really going to like this class,'' Angelo said. ''We feel very strongly we know each of these players inside-out. I'm not saying we don't have concerns -- there are things they need to get better with -- but they all have strong traits.''
Payne started his college career as a running back before switching to defense to replace Chris Harris when he left Louisiana-Monroe for the Bears two years ago. Payne is 6 feet, 220 pounds, and Angelo said the coaching staff wanted to get a bigger safety.
Graham also has good size at 6 feet, 192 pounds and is a solid match for the cover-2 scheme with experience in zone coverage. McBride faced top competition in the Southeastern Conference, and Brant projects as a size prospect at 6-7, 320.
It usually takes a couple of years to evaluate a draft, but the Bears' rookie class a year ago was a hit from the start, with Devin Hester setting return records and Mark Anderson and Danieal Manning developing into front-line talent. Olsen will get an opportunity quickly, and second-round pick Dan Bazuin will have a chance early at defensive end.
Michael Okwo, a third-round pick from Stanford, was one of the top linebackers on the Bears' board. Angelo said he saw a lot of similar traits in Okwo as he did in Lance Briggs, whom he plucked out of Arizona in the third round in 2003. Between Okwo and Jamar Williams, another Pac-10 pick who came on board in the fourth round last year from Arizona State, there figures to be a replacement in place.
''We have a good player in Jamar Williams, and I am really interested to see how he progresses,'' Angelo said. ''This Okwo is a very good player, highly productive. This guy makes all the plays like Lance did.
''Usually on that first day, you are picking a player a half a round higher than where they might go and in some cases a round higher, and that is irrelevant as long as you believe in that player.''
The newcomers will get their first exposure when they arrive for orientation Thursday and take the field Friday for a three-day rookie minicamp. Three of the bigger names to go undrafted also will attend as the Bears reached free-agent agreements with Florida quarterback Chris Leak, Notre Dame running back Darius Walker and record-setting New Hampshire wide receiver David Ball.
Leak followed Rex Grossman to Florida and is from the same area of North Carolina as quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton.
''We thought this would be a good fit for Chris to come in and learn behind Rex and Brian Griese and get his feet wet,'' said Fletcher Smith, Leak's agent.
''As far as being able to learn under a veteran quarterback and getting into a great system, you kind of think things happen for a reason,'' Leak told the Gainesville Sun. ''I really believe that.''
BEARS DRAFT DAY 2 | Angelo gets what he's looking for to fill class in later rounds; undrafted Florida QB Leak coming to camp
April 30, 2007
BY BRAD BIGGS bbiggs@suntimes.com
In the days leading up to the draft, general manager Jerry Angelo said the Bears were going to need a little luck for things to work out to their satisfaction.
During the discussion, a ladybug wandered across the table, and it was pointed out that could only be a sign of good fortune to come.
Don't worry, he didn't devour the spotted little creature, but the final four rounds of the draft fell just about how Angelo was hoping Sunday. The Bears added a developmental guard in Josh Beekman, who they didn't figure would be around at the end of the fourth round, as well as some candidates for Dave Toub's special-teams unit.
''We like our class a lot,'' coach Lovie Smith said. ''As far as how much the players will contribute, I'll just say we have a track record for playing young players. We are excited about some of these players being able to contribute soon.''
The tone was set for a strong draft Saturday when the Bears took Miami tight end Greg Olsen with the 31st pick in the first round, which Angelo said three teams called trying to get. Normally, he would deal down in that position, but the Bears felt so strongly about the 6-6 Olsen -- who runs a 4.51-second 40-yard dash -- that they stayed put to make the selection.
Then the Bears passed on taking a wide receiver at No. 37 -- they would have chosen from among USC's Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith and South Carolina's Sidney Rice -- and traded the pick to the San Diego Chargers to create more depth, which became Northern Illinois running back Garrett Wolfe in the third round and Louisiana-Monroe safety Keith Payne in the fifth, plus a third-rounder from the Chargers in hand for next season. The Bears are expected to monitor wide receivers in free agency as post-draft cuts are made.
Completing the day Sunday were New Hampshire cornerback Cory Graham in the fifth round and Mississippi cornerback Trumaine McBride and Iowa State offensive tackle Aaron Brant in the seventh.
''If we were right, we're really going to like this class,'' Angelo said. ''We feel very strongly we know each of these players inside-out. I'm not saying we don't have concerns -- there are things they need to get better with -- but they all have strong traits.''
Payne started his college career as a running back before switching to defense to replace Chris Harris when he left Louisiana-Monroe for the Bears two years ago. Payne is 6 feet, 220 pounds, and Angelo said the coaching staff wanted to get a bigger safety.
Graham also has good size at 6 feet, 192 pounds and is a solid match for the cover-2 scheme with experience in zone coverage. McBride faced top competition in the Southeastern Conference, and Brant projects as a size prospect at 6-7, 320.
It usually takes a couple of years to evaluate a draft, but the Bears' rookie class a year ago was a hit from the start, with Devin Hester setting return records and Mark Anderson and Danieal Manning developing into front-line talent. Olsen will get an opportunity quickly, and second-round pick Dan Bazuin will have a chance early at defensive end.
Michael Okwo, a third-round pick from Stanford, was one of the top linebackers on the Bears' board. Angelo said he saw a lot of similar traits in Okwo as he did in Lance Briggs, whom he plucked out of Arizona in the third round in 2003. Between Okwo and Jamar Williams, another Pac-10 pick who came on board in the fourth round last year from Arizona State, there figures to be a replacement in place.
''We have a good player in Jamar Williams, and I am really interested to see how he progresses,'' Angelo said. ''This Okwo is a very good player, highly productive. This guy makes all the plays like Lance did.
''Usually on that first day, you are picking a player a half a round higher than where they might go and in some cases a round higher, and that is irrelevant as long as you believe in that player.''
The newcomers will get their first exposure when they arrive for orientation Thursday and take the field Friday for a three-day rookie minicamp. Three of the bigger names to go undrafted also will attend as the Bears reached free-agent agreements with Florida quarterback Chris Leak, Notre Dame running back Darius Walker and record-setting New Hampshire wide receiver David Ball.
Leak followed Rex Grossman to Florida and is from the same area of North Carolina as quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton.
''We thought this would be a good fit for Chris to come in and learn behind Rex and Brian Griese and get his feet wet,'' said Fletcher Smith, Leak's agent.
''As far as being able to learn under a veteran quarterback and getting into a great system, you kind of think things happen for a reason,'' Leak told the Gainesville Sun. ''I really believe that.''
A Talk With Wil Mara Author Of "The Draft" at The NFL Draft
Bill Chackhes and I sat down to talk with Wil Mara, the author of the book "The Draft" at the 2007 NFL Draft.
Wil Mara has been writing and publishing books since 1988. He began with a manuscript about herpetology, a childhood hobby, and sold it to TFH Publications, who at the time was the world's largest publisher of animal books. Several months later he gave them a second one, at which time he was offered a position on their editorial staff. He would go on to write a total of 18 titles during his tenure.
Wil turned to writing fulltime and secured a deal with NYC publisher St. Martin's Press for a string of mainstream titles—his "NFL novels." Mixing real-world factuality and behind-the-scenes detail with imaginative storytelling, these books are expected to garner a loyal following of football fans worldwide. The first in the group, The Draft, was released at the end of October 2006, with a second book due to arrive about a year later.
His website is wilmara.com
As you watch this video, look at who passes in the background.
Wil Mara has been writing and publishing books since 1988. He began with a manuscript about herpetology, a childhood hobby, and sold it to TFH Publications, who at the time was the world's largest publisher of animal books. Several months later he gave them a second one, at which time he was offered a position on their editorial staff. He would go on to write a total of 18 titles during his tenure.
Wil turned to writing fulltime and secured a deal with NYC publisher St. Martin's Press for a string of mainstream titles—his "NFL novels." Mixing real-world factuality and behind-the-scenes detail with imaginative storytelling, these books are expected to garner a loyal following of football fans worldwide. The first in the group, The Draft, was released at the end of October 2006, with a second book due to arrive about a year later.
His website is wilmara.com
As you watch this video, look at who passes in the background.
Monday, April 30, 2007
0
Oakland Raiders Spy - NFL Draft Photo Shoot At Chelsea Piers
http://nfldraftmag.blogspot.com - The NFL held its annual NFL Draft Media Luncheon at Chelsea Piers on Thursday, April 26th.
As part of the process of interviews and photo-ops, the players -- JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, and Gaines Adams went outside -- well, except Peterson, who stayed in doors for some reason.
While this is supposed to be a function where the media can point their cameras at these future stars, one person who I know but will not name with the Oakland Raiders felt it necessary to point his Leica video-camera at me.
Twice.
The first time he did it was at the Russell interview. All of the cameras are pointed at JaMarcus, except his. I happen to have a good feel for this, so I spotted him and was on alert.
I was determined to catch him.
The second time he did it was outside and I used my camcorder to bait him and catch him red-handed (or should I say "Silver-and-Black" handed?) filming me instead of the players!!
It's in the video. Look for yourself!!
Once the Raiders guy sees me point back at him, he walks off like a scared rabbit. It was one of the craziest events I've ever seen in my life. Why me?
This places me in a category that's rare -- people spied on by the Oakland Raiders. It reminds me of those stories of the late New York Jets Coach Weeb Eubank who was once rumored to have screamed at a light bulb "Al Davis, I know you're up there!"
It caused me to recall when my friend Sports Illustrated writer Michael Silver was banned from Oakland training camp for writing critical articles about the organization.
For what reason, I don't know. It could be linked to my open criticism of their habit of running to court to sue either the NFL or Oakland as a way of raising revenue.
But they're a big firm and such opinions are mine to have, regardless of whether the Raiders like them or not.
The Raiders don't understand that it's impossible to control a message in today's society -- let the lesson begin.
They don't know what the alternative course of actions are. I do.
But I'm pretty tired of this and other actions by the organization with respect to me to this date.
As far as I'm concerned the organization should have given me a medal for almost bringing the 2005 Super Bowl to Oakland , in the face of their lawsuits against both the City of Oakland and the NFL. Moreover, the 2005 Super Bowl would have made the Raiders the host team, and the controller of 10,000 tickets with a street value of around $3 million.
I put Oakland on the map as a possible Super Bowl host city, nearly give the organization a handsome reward in the process, and this is the thanks I get?
Geez!
As part of the process of interviews and photo-ops, the players -- JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, and Gaines Adams went outside -- well, except Peterson, who stayed in doors for some reason.
While this is supposed to be a function where the media can point their cameras at these future stars, one person who I know but will not name with the Oakland Raiders felt it necessary to point his Leica video-camera at me.
Twice.
The first time he did it was at the Russell interview. All of the cameras are pointed at JaMarcus, except his. I happen to have a good feel for this, so I spotted him and was on alert.
I was determined to catch him.
The second time he did it was outside and I used my camcorder to bait him and catch him red-handed (or should I say "Silver-and-Black" handed?) filming me instead of the players!!
It's in the video. Look for yourself!!
Once the Raiders guy sees me point back at him, he walks off like a scared rabbit. It was one of the craziest events I've ever seen in my life. Why me?
This places me in a category that's rare -- people spied on by the Oakland Raiders. It reminds me of those stories of the late New York Jets Coach Weeb Eubank who was once rumored to have screamed at a light bulb "Al Davis, I know you're up there!"
It caused me to recall when my friend Sports Illustrated writer Michael Silver was banned from Oakland training camp for writing critical articles about the organization.
For what reason, I don't know. It could be linked to my open criticism of their habit of running to court to sue either the NFL or Oakland as a way of raising revenue.
But they're a big firm and such opinions are mine to have, regardless of whether the Raiders like them or not.
The Raiders don't understand that it's impossible to control a message in today's society -- let the lesson begin.
They don't know what the alternative course of actions are. I do.
But I'm pretty tired of this and other actions by the organization with respect to me to this date.
As far as I'm concerned the organization should have given me a medal for almost bringing the 2005 Super Bowl to Oakland , in the face of their lawsuits against both the City of Oakland and the NFL. Moreover, the 2005 Super Bowl would have made the Raiders the host team, and the controller of 10,000 tickets with a street value of around $3 million.
I put Oakland on the map as a possible Super Bowl host city, nearly give the organization a handsome reward in the process, and this is the thanks I get?
Geez!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
0
JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Calvin Johnson | NFL Draft Photo Shoot At Radio City Music Hall
As part of it's large set of NFL Draft-related events, the League held a photo shoot at Radio City Music Hall for the five players invited to attend the 2007 NFL Draft: JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Calvin Johnson, Gaines Adams, and Adrian Peterson.
This video's a great window into the personalities of the players, and also cheer spectacle that is NFL Draft week, and how even "seen-it-all" New Yorkers can get a little charged up about the event.
As you watch this video, note the mood of LSU and now Oakland Raiders Quaterback JaMarcus Russell -- he seems really pissed about something.
This video's a great window into the personalities of the players, and also cheer spectacle that is NFL Draft week, and how even "seen-it-all" New Yorkers can get a little charged up about the event.
As you watch this video, note the mood of LSU and now Oakland Raiders Quaterback JaMarcus Russell -- he seems really pissed about something.
NFL Draft - Interview With Paul Salata - "Mr. Irrevelant"
http://nfldraftmag.blogspot.com - Paul Salata, the founder and host of "Mr. Irrelevant Week" stopped by to talk with Bill Chackhes and myself about his NFL-supported event that celebrates the last pick in the last round of the NFL Draft.
An Interview With JaMARCUS RUSSELL - Oakland Raiders
An Interview With:
JaMARCUS RUSSELL
Oakland Raiders
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: First, I just want to thank God for this opportunity and the chance he gave me when I needed it the most, just coming through with this.
Thank my family for being here at this time. I'm going to be ready to go out there and go to work.
Q. You were recruited by Nick Saban at LSU; is that correct?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Yes, sir.
Q. Have you talked to him at all about what you can expect?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I talked to Coach a few days ago just talking about how proud he was. He was very happy for me, with all of the guys back at LSU.
Q. How much do you expect to contribute as a rookie the first year?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: The best way I can, helping the guys out in practice, helping him do his job and helping me out in any way possible going in and making plays.
Q. Is it what you expected, they had been talking about you as the No. 1 pick?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I kind of had faith, everybody had been talking about it for a while. This is a dream come true.
Growing up as a kid, you know, playing every sport in life, always see the guys on the professional level and here I am today.
Q. When did Oakland contact you?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Just a few minutes before they went up to the podium I got a call and a text message just letting me know how happy they were
and very excited about the situation and can't wait until I get in.
Q. Nothing yesterday?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: No.
Q. Did you talk to Al Davis?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Not yet.
Q. Are you hoping to get a chance to play with Randy Moss this season?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: It's going to be terrific, watching him as a kid, the things he did, he's still Randy Moss. and it's going to be exciting to get on the side
of him and work one‑on‑one with each other. I just can't wait to get in and have the opportunity to do that.
Q. Do you consider yourself a franchise quarterback?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Right now, you know, besides all of the franchise and everything else, I'm just very excited. When things happen,
they happen for a reason, and who knows what tomorrow may bring.
Q. What's going to be your biggest challenge as you look at it going to the Raiders and the NFL?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Just starting all over again. Have to prove yourself once and for all. Just letting the guys know that you come there to
work, you do anything and everything is possible and try to help them out and just put them in a position to make plays as a quarterback.
Q. Do you expect to start?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I'm expected to do whatever is necessary for the team.
Q. Think back to the pro style offense you played at LSU; how much has that contributed to where you are today and made you more ready?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A lot. Most people don't know how much our offense brings to the table as far as checking out the line and switching plays
from side to side or from running the pass, pass to run. Coach Fisher did a wonderful job and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity and really
just thank Coach Saban and the rest of the coaches there.
Q. A lot of teams, there's been a lot of emphasis on the conduct policy; how much do people talk to you about that?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A lot. The guy that I am and the mom that I have, that won't be a problem. I was raised better than that and I know right from wrong.
I don't think it will be a problem.
Q. How many people are going to join you out in California?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A good friend of mine, I just can't wait to get out there.
Q. Did you dress in black on purpose?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I kind of, you know, wanted to dress all‑black beforehand. It's just a coincidence.
Q. Of all of the criticisms of your ability, what's one thing that maybe has rubbed you wrong the most?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: When people tell you what you can't do. They are not inside your body and most of the guys have not played football during their life.
For me, most things don't really get to me. I kind of let it roll off my back and just keep going.
Q. What part of your game do you need to work on?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Everything. As a quarterback you can't forget something, because you might work on something too hard and lack in others, so everything is important.
Q. How do you feel about the expectations that are going to be placed on you? The Raiders have struggled; a lot of people are going to be looking
at you as the savior of the franchise; how do you feel you'll put up with that kind of pressure?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Whether it's other people or myself, I set my standards very high and for the expectations that everybody has. But you know, you can
only do what God has set for you to do. I'll be very pleased to go out there and work as hard as I can to make everything possible for the Raiders.
Q. On Media Day you said the Raiders did not contact you yet; did anything happen between Thursday afternoon and today?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Sat down with the coach and basically told him what he expects if things work out like they did today and how do I feel about it
and just making sure my head was on my shoulders and that I was not going to get caught up in the hype and everything.
Q. Are you able to enjoy yourself this week? Did you feel you had to be No. 1?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Not exactly. I'm just very fortunate to be in the position that I am. Everybody don't get a chance or an opportunity
to make it to the NFL, and just very fortunate to be here. I would go anywhere in the world and play ball and I'm just happy that I'm at the Oakland Raiders today.
Q. When do you look for a convertible for your grandmother?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: That's a secret. She's back there; I can't say yet. (Laughter).
Q. You go from one minute being a college player to the next minute, millionaire, big contract. What's that transition like at 22 years old?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I ain't got that yet ‑‑ I plan on doing good things and just be happy that I'm in that situation. Right now I'm so excited, man.
Like the whole week has been fun but this morning it started hitting me that I was going in the NFL Draft. I've seen it on TV for quite some time
and just to be standing up there with the commissioner and all of the fans in the stands, I'm very excited. That's when it really hit me he.
Q. This could be a big day for LSU, three players that may go in the first round; how much are you going to stay in contact with them today?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Those guys, we're brothers. Me and Dwayne stayed together for a while and we have a great relationship, I think the other
guys will do a wonderful job wherever they get drafted to. Good luck and best wishes to those guys.
Q. Were you able to sleep tonight or were you too nervous about this whole thing?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: To be honest, man, I was knocked out. Like I say, it really didn't hit me last night. Just thought the faster
go to sleep, the quicker the day will come; so I had to get to sleep.
Q. How do you feel about going to Oakland and playing in front of those fans?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: We had great fans at LSU and I heard those fans are a little bit better somewhat right up above that,
so I just can't wait to go out and play in front of those guys and hear those guys go crazy.
Q. Do you have the strongest arm in the league?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Oh, man, I've got to get there first. I've got to get in and get a chance to make things happen and we'll see from there.
Q. Are you familiar with those Raider fans? Some of them look scary.
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: They are behind me 100%, so they have got my back.
Q. How would you describe yourself as a leader?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Myself, you know, I'm the type of guy that will lead by example. I try to do my best each and every day every week so it rubs off on
my guys and make sure they play up to par and make sure they play at my level every time they go out.
Q. When did you think you could play at this game level?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: When I was a kid I was always a little bit above the rest of the kids. My mom, believe it or not, I was so tall, she
had to carry my birth certificate around to different parks to prove to people that I wasn't too old.
Q. A lot of the stuff people said before the draft was that Brady Quinn is more polished and more prepared to play, but that
you have the better arm and you're a better athlete; is that insulting at all?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: People have their opinion. I wish the best for Brady and I think he'll be really good at what he does.
Like I say, people don't know what goes on behind those closed doors, the things that go on on your offense. They just look for what they see on TV.
But what people are saying, I try not to get too caught up in it and go about my business and just try to do my best out there.
Q. Between accuracy and beating defenses, what is one thing that you improved on that made you realize you're ready for right now?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: From my first year up until now?
Q. Yes.
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: You get a feeling for the defenses coming out of high school but it takes your coach to sit down and
go over that with you and the more experience you get, the better off you'll be at that. I think I do a great job at both.
Q. What do you expect from Al Davis from your dealings with him and what do you know about him?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Great things. Sitting down and talking to him really got a chance to hear a lot of things from him. He told me that
he likes touchdowns. I told him I did, too, so we're going to try to make some things happen.
JaMARCUS RUSSELL
Oakland Raiders
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: First, I just want to thank God for this opportunity and the chance he gave me when I needed it the most, just coming through with this.
Thank my family for being here at this time. I'm going to be ready to go out there and go to work.
Q. You were recruited by Nick Saban at LSU; is that correct?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Yes, sir.
Q. Have you talked to him at all about what you can expect?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I talked to Coach a few days ago just talking about how proud he was. He was very happy for me, with all of the guys back at LSU.
Q. How much do you expect to contribute as a rookie the first year?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: The best way I can, helping the guys out in practice, helping him do his job and helping me out in any way possible going in and making plays.
Q. Is it what you expected, they had been talking about you as the No. 1 pick?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I kind of had faith, everybody had been talking about it for a while. This is a dream come true.
Growing up as a kid, you know, playing every sport in life, always see the guys on the professional level and here I am today.
Q. When did Oakland contact you?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Just a few minutes before they went up to the podium I got a call and a text message just letting me know how happy they were
and very excited about the situation and can't wait until I get in.
Q. Nothing yesterday?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: No.
Q. Did you talk to Al Davis?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Not yet.
Q. Are you hoping to get a chance to play with Randy Moss this season?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: It's going to be terrific, watching him as a kid, the things he did, he's still Randy Moss. and it's going to be exciting to get on the side
of him and work one‑on‑one with each other. I just can't wait to get in and have the opportunity to do that.
Q. Do you consider yourself a franchise quarterback?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Right now, you know, besides all of the franchise and everything else, I'm just very excited. When things happen,
they happen for a reason, and who knows what tomorrow may bring.
Q. What's going to be your biggest challenge as you look at it going to the Raiders and the NFL?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Just starting all over again. Have to prove yourself once and for all. Just letting the guys know that you come there to
work, you do anything and everything is possible and try to help them out and just put them in a position to make plays as a quarterback.
Q. Do you expect to start?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I'm expected to do whatever is necessary for the team.
Q. Think back to the pro style offense you played at LSU; how much has that contributed to where you are today and made you more ready?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A lot. Most people don't know how much our offense brings to the table as far as checking out the line and switching plays
from side to side or from running the pass, pass to run. Coach Fisher did a wonderful job and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity and really
just thank Coach Saban and the rest of the coaches there.
Q. A lot of teams, there's been a lot of emphasis on the conduct policy; how much do people talk to you about that?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A lot. The guy that I am and the mom that I have, that won't be a problem. I was raised better than that and I know right from wrong.
I don't think it will be a problem.
Q. How many people are going to join you out in California?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A good friend of mine, I just can't wait to get out there.
Q. Did you dress in black on purpose?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I kind of, you know, wanted to dress all‑black beforehand. It's just a coincidence.
Q. Of all of the criticisms of your ability, what's one thing that maybe has rubbed you wrong the most?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: When people tell you what you can't do. They are not inside your body and most of the guys have not played football during their life.
For me, most things don't really get to me. I kind of let it roll off my back and just keep going.
Q. What part of your game do you need to work on?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Everything. As a quarterback you can't forget something, because you might work on something too hard and lack in others, so everything is important.
Q. How do you feel about the expectations that are going to be placed on you? The Raiders have struggled; a lot of people are going to be looking
at you as the savior of the franchise; how do you feel you'll put up with that kind of pressure?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Whether it's other people or myself, I set my standards very high and for the expectations that everybody has. But you know, you can
only do what God has set for you to do. I'll be very pleased to go out there and work as hard as I can to make everything possible for the Raiders.
Q. On Media Day you said the Raiders did not contact you yet; did anything happen between Thursday afternoon and today?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Sat down with the coach and basically told him what he expects if things work out like they did today and how do I feel about it
and just making sure my head was on my shoulders and that I was not going to get caught up in the hype and everything.
Q. Are you able to enjoy yourself this week? Did you feel you had to be No. 1?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Not exactly. I'm just very fortunate to be in the position that I am. Everybody don't get a chance or an opportunity
to make it to the NFL, and just very fortunate to be here. I would go anywhere in the world and play ball and I'm just happy that I'm at the Oakland Raiders today.
Q. When do you look for a convertible for your grandmother?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: That's a secret. She's back there; I can't say yet. (Laughter).
Q. You go from one minute being a college player to the next minute, millionaire, big contract. What's that transition like at 22 years old?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I ain't got that yet ‑‑ I plan on doing good things and just be happy that I'm in that situation. Right now I'm so excited, man.
Like the whole week has been fun but this morning it started hitting me that I was going in the NFL Draft. I've seen it on TV for quite some time
and just to be standing up there with the commissioner and all of the fans in the stands, I'm very excited. That's when it really hit me he.
Q. This could be a big day for LSU, three players that may go in the first round; how much are you going to stay in contact with them today?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Those guys, we're brothers. Me and Dwayne stayed together for a while and we have a great relationship, I think the other
guys will do a wonderful job wherever they get drafted to. Good luck and best wishes to those guys.
Q. Were you able to sleep tonight or were you too nervous about this whole thing?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: To be honest, man, I was knocked out. Like I say, it really didn't hit me last night. Just thought the faster
go to sleep, the quicker the day will come; so I had to get to sleep.
Q. How do you feel about going to Oakland and playing in front of those fans?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: We had great fans at LSU and I heard those fans are a little bit better somewhat right up above that,
so I just can't wait to go out and play in front of those guys and hear those guys go crazy.
Q. Do you have the strongest arm in the league?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Oh, man, I've got to get there first. I've got to get in and get a chance to make things happen and we'll see from there.
Q. Are you familiar with those Raider fans? Some of them look scary.
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: They are behind me 100%, so they have got my back.
Q. How would you describe yourself as a leader?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Myself, you know, I'm the type of guy that will lead by example. I try to do my best each and every day every week so it rubs off on
my guys and make sure they play up to par and make sure they play at my level every time they go out.
Q. When did you think you could play at this game level?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: When I was a kid I was always a little bit above the rest of the kids. My mom, believe it or not, I was so tall, she
had to carry my birth certificate around to different parks to prove to people that I wasn't too old.
Q. A lot of the stuff people said before the draft was that Brady Quinn is more polished and more prepared to play, but that
you have the better arm and you're a better athlete; is that insulting at all?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: People have their opinion. I wish the best for Brady and I think he'll be really good at what he does.
Like I say, people don't know what goes on behind those closed doors, the things that go on on your offense. They just look for what they see on TV.
But what people are saying, I try not to get too caught up in it and go about my business and just try to do my best out there.
Q. Between accuracy and beating defenses, what is one thing that you improved on that made you realize you're ready for right now?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: From my first year up until now?
Q. Yes.
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: You get a feeling for the defenses coming out of high school but it takes your coach to sit down and
go over that with you and the more experience you get, the better off you'll be at that. I think I do a great job at both.
Q. What do you expect from Al Davis from your dealings with him and what do you know about him?
JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Great things. Sitting down and talking to him really got a chance to hear a lot of things from him. He told me that
he likes touchdowns. I told him I did, too, so we're going to try to make some things happen.
Brady Quinn and The Onion Article - 2007 NFL Draft
Brady Quinn, the new quarterback of the Cleveland Browns and formerly of Notre Dame, was the focus of a recent article in the humor newspaper "The Onion."
This is the text:
DUBLIN, OH—Top draft prospect Brady Quinn, a strong-armed quarterback out of Notre Dame who is expected to be taken with one of the first five picks in the draft, told scouts interviewing him at his family home Monday that he would in all likelihood be a huge NFL bust. "While it's true I have impressive arm strength, and that I'm willing to stand up in the pocket against the rush, the fact remains that my lack of downfield accuracy gets me in trouble on the deep throws and my field vision is suspect," Quinn told draft evaluators from the Raiders, Browns, and Cardinals."Combine that with the enormous starting bonus I'll receive and the tendency for teams to try and develop quarterbacks long after they should give up, and I really just have 'bust' written all over me." While Quinn recommended teams look to solid prospects such as quarterback Jamarcus Russell, tackle Joe Thomas, and running back Adrian Peterson, Raiders owner Al Davis is reportedly more interested than ever in signing Quinn."
So, I decided to ask Quinn what he thought of the Onion in this video.
This is the text:
DUBLIN, OH—Top draft prospect Brady Quinn, a strong-armed quarterback out of Notre Dame who is expected to be taken with one of the first five picks in the draft, told scouts interviewing him at his family home Monday that he would in all likelihood be a huge NFL bust. "While it's true I have impressive arm strength, and that I'm willing to stand up in the pocket against the rush, the fact remains that my lack of downfield accuracy gets me in trouble on the deep throws and my field vision is suspect," Quinn told draft evaluators from the Raiders, Browns, and Cardinals."Combine that with the enormous starting bonus I'll receive and the tendency for teams to try and develop quarterbacks long after they should give up, and I really just have 'bust' written all over me." While Quinn recommended teams look to solid prospects such as quarterback Jamarcus Russell, tackle Joe Thomas, and running back Adrian Peterson, Raiders owner Al Davis is reportedly more interested than ever in signing Quinn."
So, I decided to ask Quinn what he thought of the Onion in this video.
NFL Draft - The Impact Of The Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Oakland Raiders took Jamarcus Russell as the first pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. But I contend that were it not for the new collective bargaining agreement established last year, the Raiders may have been compelled to trade out of that position in the first round, and get a less expensive player.
The new CBA contributed as much as $10 million to the salary cap of each NFL team. That's extra money that gives more "wiggle room" for the Raiders, an organization ranked 30 out of the 32 NFL organizations in terms of franchise value.
Last year, "signability" -- the ability to assemble a reasonable contract payment for an NFL rookie -- was a major consideration on the part of Bob McNair, the owner of the Houston Texans. Was this a function of the then-less-expensive CBA? You bet it was. I'll bet the Texans would have taken Reggie Bush with an extra $10 million to spend.
Or, maybe not.
The new CBA contributed as much as $10 million to the salary cap of each NFL team. That's extra money that gives more "wiggle room" for the Raiders, an organization ranked 30 out of the 32 NFL organizations in terms of franchise value.
Last year, "signability" -- the ability to assemble a reasonable contract payment for an NFL rookie -- was a major consideration on the part of Bob McNair, the owner of the Houston Texans. Was this a function of the then-less-expensive CBA? You bet it was. I'll bet the Texans would have taken Reggie Bush with an extra $10 million to spend.
Or, maybe not.
