Image details: 2008 NFL Draft served by picapp.com

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

This was my fifth straight year covering the NFL Draft on-location in New York City. It never gets old for me. With each passing season, the Draft brings with it a new hope for all 32 teams. And it’s always exciting to be a part of that. I travel to the Super Bowl, to the Scouting Combine, to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement weekend, and to select preseason and regular season games. Each is special in its own right and I enjoy them all, but none quite compares to my love for the NFL Draft.

Photos by David Kindervater

This year, I was among nearly 450 media covering the Draft (not including ESPN and NFL Network who send huge teams). That includes 13 of the top 20 newspapers; media from 12 states plus the District of Columbia; television outlets such as ABC News, CBS News and CNN; international media from England and Japan; and non-sports media such as Forbes, the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal.

The 2008 NFL Draft featured a new “streamlined” format — a later (3 p.m. EST) starting time and shorter time frame for teams to make their selections (10 minutes in today’s first- and second-rounds). It worked. The faster pace kept things exciting and interesting. The first-round concluded in just three hours and 30 minutes, the fastest time since 1990. Check out my 2008 NFL Draft first-round analysis with NFL Draft guru Lloyd Vance.

Photos by David Kindervater

After I got settled into my spot in the press box at Radio City Music Hall, I ventured across the street to check out NFL Draft Fan Central. Like last year, fans had the opportunity to participate in several interactive football activities typically offered during NFL Experience events in the Super Bowl host cities. Among the activities offered at NFL Draft Fan Central were “Quarterback Challenge,” “Goal to Go,” “Stadium Bounce” and “Red Zone.” Fans could also visit the Autograph Stage to meet players from the Giants and Jets and had a chance to win Draft tickets. Those who weren’t lucky enough to get inside could watch live coverage of the Draft on the NFL Network big screen. NFL partners like Hummer, Sprint, Sirius NFL Radio, EA Sports and others had product displays with additional interactive elements. It’s a fun “carnival of football” and takes up a whole block of Manhattan real estate — 51st Street between 6th and 7th avenues.

Once back in the press box, I “enjoyed the show” and offered my thoughts on each of the 31 first-round Draft picks. I also traveled back and forth between the interview room downstairs where the six players (Glenn Dorsey, Vernon Gholston, Chris Long, Jake Long, Darren McFadden and Matt Ryan) who were invited to the Draft were conducting pressers with their families also in attendance. Naturally, Chris Long’s Hall of Fame dad Howie got the most attention. The NFL and Radio City also provided meals for the media across from the Interview Room.

From start to finish, it was a 22-hour day for me (a new record which beat my 21-hour Super Bowl XLII Media Day in Arizona this past January). It was an exhausting day. And of course, it was all worth it.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

NFL Draft 2008: Time to ‘Believe in Now’

Image details: 2008 NFL Draft served by picapp.com

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

NFL Draft guru Lloyd Vance (Taking it to the House) and I got together in the press box at Radio City Music Hall to compare notes on the entire first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Here’s a recap of our thoughts.

1. MIAMI DOLPHINS – Jake Long, OT, Michigan

Lloyd: This is the safest pick in the Draft. Jake is signed, sealed and delivered. What you get with Jake Long is an NFL-ready player. He should be able to contribute right away and fill a hole that’s been vacant since Richmond Webb left. The best part — it only took Commissioner Goodell five seconds to announce it.

David: Jake is going to be a great offensive lineman in the NFL, I agree. I still would’ve thought about trading this for more Draft choices, but who knows if there would’ve been any takers? He’ll be the cornerstone of a solid O-line.

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS – Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Lloyd: One word sums up this pick. Pedigree. By drafting Chris Long, you’re bringing in the high-character son of a Hall-of-Famer. Besides his great leadership potential, Chris has a non-stop motor and should team well with Leonard Little for lots of sacks in ‘08.

David: This is THE can’t miss pick of the 2008 NFL Draft. Chris eats, sleeps and breathes football. Obviously he grew up around it and adopted the same passion his dad had for the game. Future Hall-of-Famer himself? Hey, you never know.

3. ATLANTA FALCONS – Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

Lloyd: The Falcons begin a new era by bringing in a leadership quarterback that will be their franchise centerpiece for years to come. If Matt cuts down on his interceptions, maybe he can make owner Arthur Blank forget the whole Michael Vick fiasco.

David: Arthur Blank hopes so. He’s still having MV nightmares. No worries with Matt, though. Not only is he a superior talent and competitor, he’ll be just as solid off-the-field and in the community.

4. OAKLAND RAIDERS – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Lloyd: In a surprise to some (but not those who know maverick owner Al Davis) the Raiders select a “homerun threat.” All the character issues that people were trying to pin on Darren never could outweigh his enormous talent. The SEC’s leading rushing and two-time Heisman runner-up will provide a thunder and lightning combo with Justin Fargas.

David: Al Davis couldn’t resist. He’s obsessed with speed and Darren has plenty of it with lots of big-play potential. This impresses Al Davis. It impresses me, too. But you know who’s happier than AD? Try JaMarcus Russell.

5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Lloyd: The player picked to go number one in the Draft at one point had to wait a while in the “Green Room.” But in the end, Herman Edwards could not resist the penetrating, cat-quick defensive tackle. Glenn will team with Tank Tyler to establish a rock solid middle of the Chiefs’ D-line.

David: KC is lucky to get Glenn five deep in this Draft. He is a disruptive force. The Chiefs were in the bottom five in run defense last season. Not only is this the best player available, it also fills a dire need.

6. NEW YORK JETS – Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

Lloyd: With J-E-T-S fans screaming any of a number of things, the last player in the “Green Room” went to them. Vernon was the Big Ten Defensive Player-of-the-Year and he should contribute right away along with free agent pickup Calvin Pace.

David: The NFL couldn’t have scripted this any better. The six players they invite to the Draft are taken 1-6. Vernon is your prototypical pass rusher and somewhat of a physical “freak” (455 pound bench) with incredible speed (4.56-40).

7. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

Lloyd: Rumors were circulating that the Saints tried in vain to trade up for Glenn Dorsey. Look for the former USC player to help a defensive line that needs more big plays. The penetrating DT can learn from veteran Hollis Thomas.

David: I think the Saints got the next best thing. In fact, some “experts” had Sedrick ahead of Glenn Dorsey.

8. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida

Lloyd: The Jags must have really wanted Derrick as they traded a ton to get him. Look for DH to team with John Henderson in Jack Del Rio’s attacking system.

David: I was a bit confused by this pick. It’s not Derrick that I’m concerned about, it’s what the Jags gave up to get him. They swapped first-round picks with the Ravens (fine) but also gave up three additional players. That’s too much. Like Vernon Gholston, Derrick is another prototype edge rusher. And the Jags need help with Marcus Stroud, Grady Jackson and Bobby McCray gone. Plus, there’s no guarantee Reggie Hayward will be back at full-strength.

9. CINCINNATI BENGALS – Keith Rivers, LB, USC

Lloyd: Even though the Bengals have Odell Thurman back from suspension, Keith is a playmaker that should help a depleted linebacking crew. The “Shark” (as he is known by his teammates) will help a defense that had trouble creating turnovers.

David: Keith is probably the best LB in the Draft. And he comes from a long line of standout Southern Cal linebackers — tough, physical with excellent play reading ability and the range to make plays in pursuit.

10. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee

Lloyd: Another player that has made a meteoric rise up Draft boards, Jerod is a fast, playmaking outside linebacker who will be a welcome addition to an aging Patriots linebacking crew.

David: You’re not kidding the Pats need youth at linebacker. Which equals speed. Chris Berman (ESPN) will have fun with his name. Jerod had a whopping 140 tackles last season at Tennessee. And he’s a student of the game. Bill Belichick likes that.

11. BUFFALO BILLS – Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State

Lloyd: This is the player I picked for the Bills at this spot. Leodis is a great cover corner who excels at man-to-man coverage. Plus he has excellent return skills.

David: The Bills passed on their need for a wide receiver and took perhaps the best cornerback in this Draft class. This was certainly a need met for the Bills, but I thought they would go with a receiver. No wideout really looked like a high first-round pick, so it’s not as though I’m surprised with this selection.

12. DENVER BRONCOS – Ryan Clady, T, Boise State

Lloyd: With offensive tackle Matt Lepsis retiring, Ryan fills a huge need for the run-happy Broncos. The big, physical, mauling tackle will need to adjust to the Broncos zone-blocking scheme, but should be a good fit.

David: This guy really came out of nowhere. Boise State was the only major college that even recruited Ryan. And I don’t know what anyone’s expectations were, but they couldn’t have imagined this. Check it out. Ryan finished last season with 122 knockdowns and led the nation’s blockers with 21 touchdown-resulting blocks.

13. CAROLINA PANTHERS – Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

In a surprise, Jonathan, who is still recovering from a turf-toe injury, went before Rashard Mendenhall and Felix Jones. Look for him to fill the “slasher” role left vacant by DeShaun Foster. Jonathan has good hands and is a capable inside/outside runner.

David: This surprised me, too. There is no way I’d have taken him before Rashard or Felix. There are a ton of good RBs in this class, but obviously Jonathan showed the Panthers what they wanted to see. He has the size of a fullback, the strength of an offensive lineman and the quickness of a sprinter. It’s not a bad mix.

14. CHICAGO BEARS – Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt

Lloyd: This is a “need” pick where the Bears had to get younger on the O-line. But, Chris is an athletic player who needs to be more physical. Look for Lovie Smith to insert him into the starting lineup in training camp.

David: I agree. This was definitely a “need” pick. But, ask Vandy insiders and they consider him the best tackle in school history. He only allowed two quarterback sacks over the course of his last 1,558 snaps.

15. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – Branden Albert, G, Virginia

Lloyd: It’s unbelievable that the Chiefs could wait until the 15th spot to grab possibly the second best O-lineman in the draft. The three-time All-ACC pick is an athletic player who will definitely help the Chiefs fix their depleted O-line. Look for Branden to start from Day 1.

David: This is a great selection by the Chiefs, trading up to get a player I’m not sure a lot of people know about. With 13 picks, they can afford to do some wheeling and dealing and getting Branden Albert will offer much help to this O-line. He’s a late-bloomer like Ryan Clady, but he became one of the elite guards in the country. I’m surprised he didn’t go earlier.

16. ARIZONA CARDINALS – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State

Lloyd: The breakout player from the HBCU (Historically Black College) ranks that made a meteoric rise after a great Senior Bowl. DRC is the cousin of Chargers Pro Bowl corner Antonio Cromartie. He has return skills and he’s a big-play guy once he gets his hands on the ball.

David: He has the longest name in this Draft. Maybe in any Draft, ever. I like this pick for the Cards. DRC is a true shutdown corner. And like you said, Lloyd, he can return kicks.

17. DETROIT LIONS – Gosder Chelios, OT, Boston College

Lloyd: The big offensive tackle, who was Matt Ryan’s bodyguard, is a physical player that should help in the Lions new ground attack. Look for the young tackle to fill the void left by former Pro Bowler Damien Woody leaving for the Jets.

David: I didn’t even realize who this guy was until I remembered Matt Ryan. But he only played left tackle one season. Apparently, that’s not a concern to the Lions unless they have other O-line plans for Gosder.

18. Baltimore Ravens – Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware

Lloyd: In looking for their future quarterback, the Ravens made the trade up to take the big, strong-armed, small school All-American. Look for Joe to challenge Kyle Boller for reps by the midway point of the season.

David: I think this is a wide-open, three-man race for the starting QB spot in Baltimore from the get-go. Kyle Boller isn’t the answer. Troy Smith might be. And now Joe Flacco will have his say. I really like Joe among all the quarterbacks in this class. He transferred from my alma mater (Pitt) and excelled at Delaware (the Fightin’ Blue Hens fell just one game short of capturing the NCAA Championship Subdivision title in a tough loss to Appalachian State).

19. Carolina Panthers – Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

Lloyd: The Panthers filled a huge hole on the offensive line by signing this big road grader. Look for Jeff to lead the way for DeAngelo Williams and (now) Jonathan Stewart.

David: Speaking of my alma mater, here comes another Panther — to the Panthers, no less. Only he didn’t transfer out. He transferred in from a juco. Jimbo Covert, Mark May, Bill Fralic, Ruben Brown — Jeff Otah? Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt called him the best blocker he had ever seen.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

Lloyd: The big corner from Kansas is a physical player who should succeed in the Bucs cover-2 defense. Look for him to play in the slot alongside Pro Bowl player Ronde Barber. Jon Gruden will need to make sure he investigates Aqib’s past off-the-field issues.

David: Aqib made plays at Kansas. In fact, he’s second in school history with 13 picks. I like what he brings to the Tampa table. At the Combine, he did admit to testing positive for marijuana three times while at the University of Kansas. It scared some teams off. Obviously, the Bucs are prepped to deal with it because that kind of habit won’t work in the NFL.

21. Atlanta Falcons — Sam Baker, OT, USC

Lloyd: With quarterback Matt Ryan already in the fold, the Falcons made a move to shore-up their leaky offensive line. I had Sam as a second-round pick, but he is a versatile player that should be able to fit in at any of the positions on the O-line.

David: Sam was USC’s anchor at left tackle. He battled injuries the past two seasons, but simply dominated the action in the trenches while playing through pain. Are we counting how many USC players taken so far?

22. Dallas Cowboys – Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

The Cowboys have a new home run threat with Felix Jones. Despite only starting three games in 2007, he ranked fifth in the SEC in rushing. Look for the Cowboys’ version of Reggie Bush to help in the slot and as a kick returner.

David: Along with Darren McFadden, they remind me of Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams (Auburn) from a few years ago. They dubbed themselves “Cat and Dog,” with Felix’s blazing acceleration and first name aptly being called “Felix the Cat.” Dallas had to be ecstatic that he was still available. Jerry Jones had no problem picking a player from his college who shares his last name. This Jones replaces Julius Jones who left for Seattle.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

Lloyd: The Steelers mined this year’s talented crop of running backs in selecting Rashard. Look for Pittsburgh to have a solid one-two punch in the backfield with Willie Parker and the All-Big Ten running back.

David: Since Jerome Bettis retired, the Steelers have been lacking a one-two punch at RB. Willie Parker can’t handle the load on his own and Najeh Davenport isn’t the answer. This is an excellent addition for Pittsburgh. Rashard is a physical, between-the-tackles, north and south runner who can move a pile. A perfect fit for the Steelers’ physical style. Perfect.

24. Tennessee Titans – Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina

Lloyd: The fast running back should provide the lightning to Lendell White’s thunder. Chris was the fastest runner at this year’s Scouting Combine, running a 4.29-40 and he proved be an instant threat on kick returns and third downs.

David: This is the third straight running back taken. Chris is a perfect example of the Combine helping a player’s Draft status. His blazing workout at Indy got him into the first round. That being said, he did have an impressive NCAA-leading average of 227.69 all-purpose yards per game. Ok, it was Conference USA, but still.

25. Dallas Cowboys – Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida

Lloyd: Sure the ‘Boys landed Pacman Jones, but Mike Jenkins can definitely help the secondary immediately. Mike’s a cover corner that will help the Cowboys safeties in deep coverage.

David: Dallas is loaded in ‘08. I like Mike’s game a lot. He’s a classic shutdown corner with great speed and kick return ability. I’m shocked he fell all the way to the 25th pick.

26. Houston Texans – Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech

Lloyd: The Texans continued to rebuild their offensive line by bringing in one of the most athletic O-linemen in this Draft. The long-armed Duane Brown will be able to protect free agent quarterback Matt Schaub and lead the way for Ahman Green.

David: He was regarded as the best athlete on the Hokies’ roster. That’s really saying something, especially for an offensive lineman. Duane is a former tight end who has played tackle on both sides of the O-line. The Texans had a lot of holes to fill. Focusing on the offensive line was the smartest of them.

27. San Diego Chargers – Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona

Lloyd: With Antonio Cromartie already in the fold, the Chargers needed a tag-team partner for him. Antoine is not a burner (he runs in the 4.5-40 range), but he is a smart, tough corner.

David: Antoine’s a shutdown cornerback in the mold of former Arizona standout Chris McAlister (Ravens). And he returns punts. He’s the first Arizona player to earn All-Pac 10 Conference defensive and special teams honors in the same season.

28. Seattle Seahawks – Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC

Lloyd: When the pick was made I said, “Who?” LJ was rated as a second- or third-round pick on my board. Expect him to learn from Pro Bowler Patrick Kearney as a two-way end.

David: Oh, another USC player. This might have been a stretch for the Seahawks, but he did impress in college. LJ had 30.5 sacks with 52 tackles behind the line of scrimmage during his time at Southern Cal.

29. S.F. 49ers – Kentawn Balmer, DE, North Carolina

Lloyd: Kentwan is a Richard Seymour clone that will help 2007 first-rounder Manny Lawson get some heat on opposing QBs. He’s a stay-at-home player, who should excel in Mike Nolan’s attacking system.

David: I agree with you about looking like Richard Seymour. He’s not the biggest DT, but if he produces anything like Richard has, I think the Niners will be pleased. They’ve had a solid off-season and it just continues with this selection.

30. New York Jets – Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue

Lloyd: Dustin is an explosive, undersized tight end who will be a favorite target of Kellen Clemens or Chad Pennington. With the former Purdue player in the lineup, look for more openings on the outside for the wideouts.

David: Jets fans had a (loud) mixed reaction to hearing Dustin’s name. This guy was a 185-pound wide receiver before he discovered Purdue’s weight room and cafeteria and grew out of the position (he’s now 248 pounds). So, he can catch the ball but can he block?

31. New York Giants – Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami (Fla)

Lloyd: The selection of safety Kenny Phillips makes the 14th year in a row a player from the “U” was picked in the first round. Kenny will fill a strong need for a younger safety in the Giants’ backfield.

David: Giants fans inside Radio City erupted when they heard this pick. Kenny continues Miami’s tradition of producing elite defensive backs for the National Football League.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

NFL Draft 2008: First Round Recap

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Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Being invited to the NFL Draft is an honor, for sure, but it also means you have to do more than show up on Saturday and put on the cap of your new team. NFL Draft prospects Glenn Dorsey, Vernon Gholston, Chris Long, Jake Long, Darren McFadden and Matt Ryan had a full slate of activities today, including this photo session on top of the marquee at Radio City Music Hall. The players also appeared on NBC’s Today Show, participated in the NFL PLAY 60 Youth Football Festival presented by Nike’s Let Me Play, and met the media at the annual NFL Draft Luncheon at Chelsea Piers, an event I’ve attended in the past. The 2008 NFL Draft is now just a couple days away. I’ll be blogging on-location from Radio City Music Hall Saturday.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Top NFL Prospects Begin Draft Journey