NFL Draft updates
6:10 AMThe draft got moved to the second TV to watch the Piston's game. Still, here are some comments:
- The draft moves slow. This was the second slowest first round in draft history. And it was slow.
- The Colts didn't contribute to that slowness at all, jumping on Marlin Jackson (CB, S - Michigan). Tony Dungy said that Marlin was a player that going into the draft they were hoping would still be available at their pick. When he was, they grabbed him in no time.
- David Baas (OL - Michigan) was the first pick of the second round, going to the 49ers, as the niners show they are going to try to protect Alex Smith. I love seeing all these Michigan boys going so high.
- Still waiting on our first UNC prospect to be drafted...
2:20 PM
The Detroit Lions just made the first super surprising pick of the draft. When the Lions went on the board, Jeff and I were discussing how amazed we were that Mike Williams (WR - USC) was still available. He was ranked as the best prospect in the draft by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper. He sat out last year, after being told that he could enter the draft after his sof, signing an agent, and then being told that he could not enter the draft, and since he had an agent, could not go back to school.
Jeff and I were also joking about how funny it would be if the Lions picked Williams, as they had used their first pick in each of the last two drafts to take WRs (Charles Rogers and Roy Williams), and (seeing how the Lions aren't that good elsewhere) everyone was expecting the Lions to go defense or offensive line.
This is a very interesting pick. If these three WRs are ever on the field at the same time, the Lions could rival the Colts for the best passing attack in the NFL. Williams is a steal at the 10th pick.
12:55 PM
I come now to you live from 103A Caldwell St, where I am watching the NFL draft.
As our draft coverage finishes its first hour, we have had three selections. First the 49ers took Alex Smith. I hadn't seen too much of him, but he did tear us (UNC) apart this season. I have been really impressed watching him. He graduated from Utah in 2.5 years. And he is really well spoken.
I'm excited to see Braylon Edwards (WR - Michigan) picked as the first WR in the draft. I am not a huge fan of the Browns (who selected Braylon 3rd), but at least he's not following Anthony Thomas and David Terrell to the Bears. Hopefully Braylon will go in and make an impact.On a more personal note, this is a great day to have the draft. I have a lot of work to get done, and there is no better "sporting event" to watch while working (now of course, I am obviously not working right this second, but neither is Jeff, as he sits next to me blogging as well). I'll keep tossing up posts with whatever I find interesting over the course of the day.