Brett Favre / Photo: Newscom

I am beginning to find the whole media frenzy surrounding Brett’s return to the game amusing. And kind of irritating. One day you hear one story, the next day you hear a completely different story. And every media outlet has a “source.” Who’s to say the Yahoo! Sports “source” referred to in this post has any clue what he/she is talking about? I mean, yesterday we heard that coach Childress was on his way to Brett’s home to talk about his supposed return to the game. Some reports already had him in Mississippi. NFL Network had reporters at the Hattiesburg airport and in Brett’s front yard for God’s sake. Today we have a completely different story. Tomorrow the situation could take an entirely different turn. From an entirely different “source” no less.

I enjoy being part of the hype surrounding information that is actually true. But when you have one conflicting report after another to try to follow, it gets very exasperating. So, at this time, Brett is supposedly happy being retired and doesn’t plan to join the Vikings. Whatever. If that’s the truth, do I expect Brett to change his mind? Of course. I don’t think this is the last we’ve heard of Brett Favre’s “unretirement.”

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Brett Favre Plans to Stay Retired?

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions / Photo: Newscom

Matthew seemed to embrace the pressure that comes with that kind of investment:

“I was extremely surprised, you know, I didn’t know any of the numbers going in. I didn’t know what he (agent Tom Condon) was negotiating off of or anything. I just thank the Ford family for trusting me that much and putting their name out on the line for me because, you know, that’s a lot of positive pressure for me. I like that. It’s something I have to live up to and I have to prove that I’m worth, and that’s exciting for me ….. I think I’m prepared, I’ve been through a lot in my football career. Obviously in college you win more football games than you do in the NFL and you don’t lose as many. Every guy has to adjust to that coming from college to the pros, but I feel like I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve played in a lot of football games and I know what it takes to win. I’m anxious to learn what it takes to win at the NFL level. It’s going to be a learning process but something that I’m really excited about.”

I’m not saying Matthew won’t be a great quarterback for the Lions. I’m not saying he won’t be the first Lions QB since 1971 to make a Pro Bowl. And I’m not saying he won’t be able to take a winless Detroit team to the playoffs next season. What I am saying is this: all he has to do is win one game to move this team in the right direction. Those would be pretty low expectations, of course. But if Matthew can get the Lions to the playoffs, he’ll be doing what no quarterback has done for the team since 1999. Still, I’m wondering when he’ll get his chance. Returning starting QB Daunte Culpepper reported to minicamp in the best shape of his career and appears fully ready to assume the starting role. It will be a tough call, though, because the Lions have — you know — 41.7 million reasons to start Matthew immediately.

Source: NFL Media

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Matthew Stafford: ‘I Think I’m Prepared’

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

K’Naan NFL Draft Commercial

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

You know the caps the rookie players put on when they are selected in the NFL Draft? You can have that very same cap. The official 2009 NFL Draft caps are now available to order at NFLShop.com. Of course, if you place your order today, you won’t get your cap for seven or eight weeks. But at least you know what they look like now. Oh, the Detroit Lions are on the clock.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

2009 NFL Draft Caps Available

The National Football League announced today the names of 46 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25-26. Each of the 46 players has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and each has submitted a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility. The deadline for receiving applications was January 15. In alphabetical order, those players are:

Asher Allen DB Georgia Kenny; Britt WR Rutgers; Eben Britton OT Arizona; Donald Brown RB Connecticut; Everette Brown DE Florida St.; Carson Butler TE Michigan; Jairus Byrd DB Oregon; James Casey TE Rice; Jeremy Childs WR Boise State; Glen Coffee RB Alabama; Emanuel Cook DB South Carolina; Jared Cook TE South Carolina; Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech; Andrew Davie TE Arkansas; Nate Davis QB Ball State; Vontae Davis DB Illinois; Maurice Evans DE Penn State; Josh Freeman QB Kansas St.; Mike Goodson RB Texas A&M; Shonn Greene RB Iowa; Brian Hartline WR Ohio State; Percy Harvin WR Florida; Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland; P.J. Hill RB Wisconsin; Greg Isdaner G West Virginia; Ricky Jean-Francois DT LSU; Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri; Sen’Derrick Marks DT Auburn; Aaron Maybin DE Penn State; LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh; Andrew Means WR Indiana; D.J. Moore DB Vanderbilt; Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia; Cameron Morrah TE California; Captain Munnerlyn DB South Carolina; Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina; Kevin Ogletree WR Virginia; Jerraud Powers DB Auburn; Richard Quinn TE North Carolina; Mark Sanchez QB Southern California; Andre Smith OT Alabama; Sean Smith DB Utah; Matt Stafford QB Georgia; Donald Washington DB Ohio State; Chris Wells RB Ohio State; Brandon Williams DE Texas Tech.

Source: NFL Media

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

NFL Grants Special Eligibility to 46 Underclassmen for 2009 NFL Draft

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

When Army safety Caleb Campbell was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 218th pick in the seventh-round of the 2008 NFL Draft, he had played his way out of deployment to Kuwait or Iraq and into the National Football League. If he makes the team, that is.

“If football wasn’t going to happen, I branched as an air defense artilleryman, and that’s what I would go into as an officer. I would be a platoon leader in charge of about 32 soldiers. A lot of ADA guys right now are getting deployed, so it would depend on the unit I was stationed with as to where I’d go.”

Because of a new rule (it’s actually about three years old), Army allows its high-profile graduates to go directly to the NFL and, if they can make the team, to fulfill their obligation via recruiting duty and service in the Army Reserve. Since its inception, this is the first time it’s been invoked. Like it or not, the policy makes recruiting athletes at Army easier. Head football coach Bobby Ross can walk into a recruit’s home and tell him he has a better shot at playing in the NFL.

“I initially came to the Academy knowing that I wanted to be an officer in the United States Army. That’s why I came to the Academy, and playing Division I football was just extra. Coach Ross told me my sophomore year that if I continued to play like I was playing, I would have an opportunity to make it to the NFL. That’s when I sat down and had a talk with myself. I decided that if football and the opportunity to play in the National Football League presented itself, I was going to take it. Talking with a lot of officers here at the Academy and my coaches, being a football player in the National Football League and representing the United States Army would be very beneficial, so I decided to go that route.”

I participated in a national conference call with Caleb from West Point today.

DAVID: When did you find out that the Lions were going to take you?

CALEB: I didn’t know until a couple of minutes before they actually took me. Mr. Millen called me around 2:30 that afternoon and told me, ‘Caleb, I can’t promise you anything, but if you’re still around late, I’m probably going to take you.’ I didn’t get my hopes up because I know the Draft is so subjective and things change as the Draft goes on. He called me right before the Packers made their pick and asked me if I would like to be a Lion. I told him I’d love to be a Lion, and he said, ‘Alright, watch your name come up on the screen after the Packers make their pick.’

DAVID: Well, you’re going to be thrown right into it. Rookie camp starts this week. What are your expectations?

CALEB: From what I hear, it’s going to be a lot of work. We’re going to get shuffled around a lot — do this, do that, go get this signed, physicals — and also playing some ball. It’s going to be really competitive. It’s a business that you have to bring the attitude that you’re ready to compete. It’s going to be exciting, but I’ll also be a little bit nervous. It’s going to be a good time.

DAVID: You played safety at West Point, but there are rumors of moving you to sam linebacker. How do you feel about that?

CALEB: It hasn’t been set yet, but initially when I go into camp they’re going to try me out as a sam linebacker. If they see it’s not working out, they’ll move me back to safety.

If you watched the 2008 NFL Draft until the bitter end, you would’ve seen Caleb interviewed on both ESPN’s and NFL Network’s programming. He’s also been featured in Sports Illustrated and on ESPN’s E:60.

“I guess I’m a little surprised. When I did that Sports Illustrated article, the guy who wrote it got a lot of feedback after it was published. He told me that if I got drafted, that I might get a lot of attention, and the attention might not be focused on me, but rather the policy itself. I’m surprised it’s gone to the level that it has, but I’m not really focused on that. I’m focused on making the team.”

DAVID: How do you feel about the potential historic impact of your situation? Since the rule was put into effect, you’re the first one to carry it this far.

CALEB: I just hope I pave the way for future athletes at the Academy if they decide to pursue this career. It’s been kind of a bumpy ride just because it’s a fluid policy and a step-by-step situation. I hope it paves the way for others who can pursue this opportunity if they want to pursue it.

DAVID: How do you feel your time at West Point has prepared you for life in the NFL?

CALEB: Time management, focus and determination. I think one thing people neglect to realize is that 90 percent of our time has been dedicated to being a cadet and a solider, and only 5 to 10 percent of that time has been dedicated to being a football player. We have huge upswings. When we’re able to focus on professional football as a career, our potential will go through the roof and we’ll be able to show what type of football players we can be.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

EMQB Interview: Caleb Campbell

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Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

After all the scouting, measuring, interviewing and analyzing of player prospects over the past few months, the 2008 NFL Draft in the books. And while it’s impossible to currently say which teams had success and which teams did not (that could take several years), here are my winners and losers based on decision-making and potential.

WINNERS

1.) Kansas City Chiefs – With 13 picks, the Chiefs had no choice but to succeed in this Draft and they did just that. Glenn Dorsey (LSU) was arguably the best DT in this Draft. Branden Albert (Virginia) was possibly the best interior O-lineman in this Draft. Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech) is a top-notch, physical, shutdown corner who would’ve been rated even higher if he had run a faster 40-time. Jamal Charles (Texas) has that breakaway speed at RB. And WR Kevin Robinson was the best return man in the country last year with Utah State. Those were just some of the highlights.

2.) Dallas Cowboys – After the Cowboys started their Draft day with two first-rounders (Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins) I turned to fellow Draft blogger Lloyd Vance and said, “The Cowboys are loaded.” He nodded his approval. Dallas would later add TE Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M) and RB Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech). And remember, they officially signed Pacman Jones the day before the Draft. As far as I’m concerned, that counts, too.

3.) Pittsburgh Steelers – Like the Cowboys, the Steelers made some real noise with their first two picks — RB Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois) and WR Limas Sweed (Texas). Rashard couldn’t be a better fit. He runs in the Steeler style (tough, physical, between-the-tackles) and will complement speedster Willie Parker nicely. Limas will take Steeler fans back to the days of Plaxico Burress. Like Plax, Limas is a big target (6′4″ 212) with long arms and will round out a talented receiving corps that includes Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. I also really like DE Bruce Davis (UCLA) and QB Dennis Dixon (Oregon). What will the Steelers do with D2? The possibilities are endless but this could turn out to be another Steeler throwback situation. Remember Kordell Stewart as “Slash?”

4.) Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens wanted QB Matt Ryan, but when they couldn’t swing a deal there, they went to their second option — Joe Flacco (Delaware). Joe will be the quarterback of their future unless Troy Smith has something to say about it. RB Ray Rice (Rutgers) will be an excellent complement to Willis McGahee. LB Tavares Gooden (Miami) could play-out to be a real steal deal in the third-round. And S Tom Zbikowski (Notre Dame) is a hard-nosed player who will contribute immediately on special teams.

5.) Carolina Panthers – I think it was a stretch to take RB Jonathan Stewart (Oregon) when both Felix Jones and Rashard Mendenhall were still available, but he was widely considered one of the top running backs in this class. Jonathan is a big back with good speed and should team with DeAngelo Williams for an effective one-two punch. Then, look at their next four quality picks: OT Jeff Otah (Pitt), CB Charles Godfrey (Iowa), LB Dan Conner (Penn State) and TE Gary Barnidge (Louisville). An excellent Draft for the Panthers.

LOSERS

1.) Cleveland Browns – Maybe it’s not fair to beat up on a team who didn’t have any day one picks and who only had five selections overall (beginning in the fourth-round), but the Browns didn’t do anything with those five picks as far as I’m concerned. As good as last year’s Draft was for Cleveland, this one was just as poor. TE Martin Rucker (Missouri) might be their only saving grace.

2.) Jacksonville Jaguars – It all starts with the first pick for me. The Jags gave up three choices to Baltimore for the right to take DE Derrick Harvey (Florida) — swapping first-round picks and sending the Ravens two third-rounders and a fourth-rounder. That’s insane. Jax only ended up with five picks. They’ve got some developmental possibilities (who doesn’t?) and another DE Quentin Groves (Auburn) is ok, but …

3.) New England Patriots – It’s really hard to argue with their track record, but I didn’t really like what the Patriots did. Trading out of the number seven spot, they reached for Jerod Mayo with the 10th overall. I would’ve said, “Hold the Mayo!” that early. To their credit, CB Terrence Wheatley (Colorado) is small but could be a good find in the second round.

4.) Cincinnati Bengals – It doesn’t surprise me that the Bengals are on this list. Sometimes I really wonder what this team is thinking. They should’ve traded disgruntled WR Chad Johnson for an obscene number of Draft picks and cleaned up like the Chiefs did. At any rate, I like LB Keith Rivers (USC) but they didn’t get the DT they needed and selecting WR Jerome Simpson (Coastal Carolina) ahead of DeSean Jackson really had me baffled.

5.) Green Bay Packers – I don’t understand why the Packers spent two Draft picks on quarterbacks — Brian Brohm (Louisville) and Matt Flynn (LSU). I can see taking a QB to provide some competition for the starting spot left vacant by Brett Favre and/or as a viable backup to Aaron Rodgers, but drafting a second QB seemed like a complete waste to me. Also, wide receiver wasn’t a need and the Pack took WR Jordy Nelson (Kansas State) with their first overall pick. Interesting.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

NFL Draft 2008: Winners and Losers

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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’

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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

Image details: Players Pose On Radio City Music Hall Marquee served by picapp.com

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