SB Nation - Eugene Monroe

Comparing the Online Recruiting Ranking Services

Buck Bravo — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:00:11 -0000

Rivals, Scout, and ESPN all provide ranking systems for recruits headed to Division 1 football programs. Often, ratings of individual players will vary greatly from one service to another. In an attempt to determine which service most accurately projects the future performance of players, let's take a look at the ratings that were given to the 2009 NFL first round draft picks back when they were being recruited for college football:

PICK

NAME

COLLEGE

TEAM

RIVALS

STARS

SCOUT

STARS

ESPN

RATING

Matthew Stafford

Georgia

Jason Smith

Baylor

Tyson Jackson

LSU

Aaron Curry

OLB

Wake Forest

Mark Sanchez

USC

Andre Smith

Alabama

Darrius Heyward-Bey

Maryland

Virginia

Boston College

Texas Tech

Penn State

Georgia

Texas

Ohio State

OLB

USC

Northern Illinois

Kansas State

Tennessee

Missouri

Oklahoma State

California

Florida

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Illinois

OLB

USC

Donald Brown

Connecticut

Louisville

North Carolina

Rutgers

Ohio State

Missouri

ESPN did not start ranking recruits until 2006, so players from before that time have no ranking. Despite this limitation, let's look at the trend lines for the different services:

While Scout may have had the most 5 star rankings for recruits who ultimately became first round NFL draft choices, Rivals had the best trendline for accurately ranking future NFL talent. A more comprehensive analysis looking at later rounds and previous years would best determine which service best analyzes talent. If I were retired or writing for TDG full time, I'd be eager to put such a report together for later this week. For now, the first round of the 2009 NFL draft will have to suffice.

Britton Signs Four Year Deal with Jaguars

Smooty — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:04:01 -0000

The Arizona Daily Star reports that former University of Arizona standout Eben Britton has signed a four year, $4.6 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Britton, the Jaguars second round selection, is guaranteed $2.8 million. Eugene Monroe, the Jaguars first round pick out of the University of Virginia and also an offensive tackle, remains unsigned.

Britton is expected to challenge for a starting position on the Jaguars offensive line this training camp.

How did the Arrowhead Pride Mock Draft Fare Against the Real Thing?

Chris Thorman — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:13 -0000

Team	Actual Selection	AP Selection	Reach
Detroit Lions - UCrawford	1 Matthew Stafford	LB Aaron Curry	-3
St. Louis Rams - Lanier63	2 Jason Smith	OT Jason Smith	0
Kansas City Chiefs - TonyG88	3 Tyson Jackson	OT Eugene Monroe	-5
Seattle Seahawks - mikvogel	4 Aaron Curry	DT B.J. Raji	-5
Cleveland Browns - HIV2Elway	5 Mark Sanchez	WR Michael Crabtree	-5
Cincinnati Bengals - mistamic	6 Andre Smith	OT Andre Smith	0
Oakland Raiders - mushin	7 Darrius Heyward-Bey	WR Jeremy Maclin	-12
Jacksonville Jaguars - DThomasReigns	8 Eugene Monroe	WR Percy Harvin	-14
Green Bay Packers - JasonM	9 B.J. Raji	DE/OLB Everette Brown	-34
San Francisco 49ers - Harry Feltersnatch	10 Michael Crabtree	QB Matt Stafford	+9
Buffalo Bills - ArrowDread	11 Aaron Maybin	LB Rey Maualuga	-27
Denver Broncos - Keyser Sose	12 Knowshon Moreno	DE Brian Orakpo	-1
Washington Redskins - Official Arrowhead Pride Parade	13 Brian Orakpo	T Michael Oher	-10
New Orleans Saints - cmpotter	14 Malcolm Jenkins	CB Vontae Davis	-11
Houston Texans - ChiefsDude	15 Brian Cushing	CB Malcolm Jenkins	+1
San Diego Chargers - Helmets	16 Larry English	DE Tyson Jackson	+13
New York Jets - NJChief	17 Josh Freeman	QB Mark Sanchez	+12
Chicago Bears - Holmeslice	18 Robert Ayers	QB Josh Freeman	+1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - madtheory	19 Jeremy Maclin	DT Peria Jerry	-4
Detroit Lions - UCrawford	20 Brandon Pettigrew	DE Aaron Maybin	+9
Philadelphia Eagles - Chiefsfan717	21 Alex Mack	TE Brandon Pettigrew	+1
Minnesota Vikings - kcsno56	22 Percy Harvin	WR Hakeem Nicks	-5
New England Patriots - connerman	23 Michael Oher	RB Chris Wells	-8
Atlanta Falcons - RedNose	24 Peria Jerry	LB Clay Matthews	-2
Miami Dolphins - shraggyj	25 Vontae Davis	LB Brian Cushing	+10
Baltimore Ravens - Ben S	26 Clay Matthews	CB Alphonso Smith	-11
Indianapolis Colts - craig in calgary	27 Donald Brown	LB James Laurinaitis	-8
Philadelphia Eagles - Chiefsfan717	28 Eric Wood	OT Eben Britton	-11
New York Giants - ChiefsFan90s	29 Hakeem Nicks	WR Darrius Heyward-Bay	+22
Tennessee Titans - Lvl.99	30 Kenny Britt	C Alex Mack	+9
Arizona Cardinals - THE_TRUTH	31 Chris Wells	RB Knowshon Moreno	+19
Pittsburgh Steelers - McWhirt33	32 Evander Hood	CB/S Sean Smith

As you can imagine, there weren't very many picks by the Arrowhead Pride faithful that were right on in this past weekend's NFL draft. Lots of inexplicable drops to the second round by first round prospects threw our whole mock draft out of whack.

Here is how to read the chart. Basically, the closer to zero the better, with a negative number meaning the AP mock drafter "reached" for that pick compared to where the player fell in the actual draft. A positive number means good value was had for that pick. I subtracted the real draft position from AP's draft position to get these numbers.

Basically, negative is bad and positive is good. The second round is after the jump.

Here are some stats on the AP Mock Draft v. the real thing:

Right on

Four people got their picks dead on - Lanier63 (#2 overall, OT Jason Smith to the Rams), mistamic (#6 overall, OT Andre Smith to the Bengals), ChiefsFan90s (#45 overall, LB Clint Sintim to the Giants) and ChiefsFan717 (#53 overall, RB LeSean McCoy to the Eagles). Not too shabby in this draft.

Biggest Reaches

Our main man THE_TRUTH was in a league of his own with this one. His selection of C A.Q. Shipley with the #63 pick in our mock ended up coming far too early. Shipley ended up going in the 7th round with the #236 pick. That comes to a reach factor of -173. We still love him though.

DThomasReigns was next up on the reach list. Oklahoma G Duke Robinson fell all the way to the 27th pick of the 5th rounder. The reach factor ended up being -124.

The next three big reaches before the numbers dropped off were ChiefsFan90s selecting OT Herman Johnson at #60 (reach of -107), RedNose selecting CB Victor Harris (reach of -102) and 808NanZ808 taking OL Fenuki Tupa at #59 (reach of -100).

Non-reaches

Not including those who nailed their picks, we only had seven commenters who did not end up reaching for their mock draft picks. They are Holmeslice (CB Malcolm Jenkins at #15), Chiefsfan717 (TE Branden Pettigrew at #21), JasonM (DT Ron Brace at #41), PSUkegreen (WR Mohammed Massaquoi at #52), Lanier63 (DT Evander Hood at #35) and finally saskwatch (DT Fili Moala at #61). Nice work fellas.

We'll do it again next year

Many thanks to everyone who participated this year. Every pick came in on time and the write ups were excellent. For those interested in last year's mock draft v. the real thing, stag was nice enough to do that post back in August.

Click over for the second round results and grade the draft in the poll below.

Pick	Team	Actual Selection	AP Selection	Reach
1(33)	Detroit Lions - UCrawford	33 Louis Delmas	CB Darius Butler	-8
2(34)	New England Patriots (From Kansas City) - connerman	34 Patrick Chung	DE Robert Ayers	+16
3(35)	St. Louis Rams - Lanier63	35 James Laurinaitis	DT Evander Hood	+3
4(36)	Cleveland Browns - HIV2Elway	36 Brian Robiskie	DE Connor Barwin	-10
5(37)	Seattle Seahawks - mikvogel	37 Alphonso Smith	OT William Beatty	-23
6(38)	Cincinnati Bengals - mistamic	38 Rey Maualuga	C Max Unger	-11
7(39)	Jacksonville Jaguars - DThomasReigns	39 Eben Britton	G Duke Robinson	-124
8(40)	Oakland Raiders - mushin	40 Ron Brace	T Phil Loadholt	-14
9(41)	Green Bay Packers - JasonM	41 Darius Butler	DT Ron Brace	+1
10(42)	Buffalo Bills - ArrowDread	42 Jairus Byrd	DE Michael Johnson	-28
11(43)	San Francisco 49ers - Harry Feltersnatch	43 Everette Brown	DE/LB Larry English	+27
12(44)	Miami Dolphins (From Washington) - shraggyj	44 Pat White	WR Kenny Britt	+14
13(45)	New York Giants (From New Orleans) - ChiefsFan90s	45 Clint Sintim	LB Clint Sintim	0
14(46)	Houston Texans - ChiefsDude	46 Connor Barwin	FS Louis Delmas	+13
15(47)	New England Patriots (From San Diego) - connerman	47 Michael Mitchell	DE/OLB Paul Kruger	-10
16(48)	Denver Broncos (From Texans) - Keyser Sose	48 Darcel McBath	RB Donald Brown	+21
17(49)	Chicago Bears - Holmeslice	49 Max Unger	C Jonathan Luigs	-57
18(50)	Cleveland Browns (From Tampa Bay) - HIV2Elway	50 Mohamed Massaquoi	RB Shonn Green	-15
19(51)	Dallas Cowboys - chiefsfan1384	51 Andy Levitre	SS William Moore	-4
20(52)	New York Jets - PSUkegreen	52 David Veikune	WR Mohamed Massaquoi	+2
21(53)	Philadelphia Eagles - Chiefsfan717	53 LeSean McCoy	RB LeSean McCoy	0
22(54)	Minnesota Vikings - kcsno56	54 Phil Loadholt	C Eric Wood	+26
23(55)	Atlanta Falcons - RedNose	55 William Moore	CB Victor Harris	-102
24(56)	Miami Dolphins - shraggyj	56 Fili Moala	CB Jarius Byrd	+14
25(57)	Baltimore Ravens - Ben S	57 Paul Kruger	WR Brian Robiskie	+21
26(58)	New England Patriots - connerman	58 Sebastian Vollmer	DL Jarron Gilbert	-10
27(59)	Carolina Panthers - 808NaNz808	59 Sherrod Martin	OL Fenuki Tupou	-100
28(60)	New York Giants - ChiefsFan90s	60 William Beatty	OT Herman Johnson	-107
29(61)	Indianapolis Colts - saskwatch	61 Sean Smith	DT Fili Moala	+5
30(62)	Tennessee Titans - Lvl.99	62 Sen'Derrick Marks	LB Cody Brown	-1
31(63)	Arizona Cardinals - THE_TRUTH	63 Cody Brown	C A.Q. Shipley	-173
32(64)	Pittsburgh Steelers - McWhirt33	64 Richard Quinn	OT T.J. Lang	-45

Poll

Grade the Arrowhead Pride Community Mock Draft.

A

12 votes

B

27 votes

C

45 votes

D

59 votes

F

66 votes

209 votes | Poll has closed

The Chiefs Selection of DE Tyson Jackson was the First of Many Day One Surprises

Chris Thorman — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:23:41 -0000

More photos » by Jason DeCrow - AP

Wake Forest's Aaron Curry, who was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks during the first round of the NFL Draft, holds up a jersey with NFL commissioner Roger Godell, at Radio City Music Hall, on Saturday, April 25, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Browse more photos »

So did this draft blow up mock drafts forever or what? People will be saying for a long time in the mock draft universe, "Remember 2009?"

While the first two picks of the draft went as expected, with Detroit taking QB Matthew Stafford and the Rams taking OT Jason Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs put the first of many spins on this draft when they selected LSU DE Tyson Jackson.

Rumors of the Chiefs' preference for Jackson had spiked late before the draft but I don't know how many peopel took them that seriously. I know I didn't. Jackson was a mid to late round prospect by most people's draft boards.

40% of you approved of the Chiefs' selection of Jackson. 36% didn't approve and 22% weren't sure. I suspect, judging from recent comments on here, that the approval rating would shoot up a bit if we re-cast those votes.

The selection of Jackson, while a "reach" by most accounts, had Scott Pioli written all over it. This draft is very weak on defensive ends and Jackson was Pioli's #1 guy, mock drafts and experts be damned.If we trust Pioli, or we at least want to to give him a chance, we need to see if Tyson Jackson develops into a special player.

As far as what we can expect from Jackson in Kansas City, Scott Pioli drew comparisons from another player, Cowboys' defensive tackle Russell Maryland. He was selected #1 overall by the Cowboys in a rare trade up from #4 in the 1991 NFL draft. Pioli had this to say today about Maryland and his defensive role:

I remember Coach Johnson a long time ago in conversations Bill and I had had with him and in separate conversations about Russell Maryland. That year they were due to pick the fourth spot overall and they traded up from four to one to get Russell Maryland, a player who played in the league for 10 years, had only 24 and a half sacks over the course of his career and only went to one Pro Bowl. But Coach Johnson talked about the importance of Russell Maryland – again, different positions – how he allowed him to play the defense they wanted to play and what an important component he was even though he didn’t rack up sacks or only went to one Pro Bowl. What he was as a player in a very key position allowed the defense to be what the defense was.

I think we'll have to be patient with Tyson Jackson and not expect a huge impact from him, at least initially. Remember Chiefs fans...The Right 53.

Here's what Mocking the Draft had to say about Jackson:

6’4, 295 pounds | Defensive end | Louisiana State

Strengths: Jackson is a big, powerful defensive end who specializes in stopping the run. Could easily play as a three-technique tackle in a 4-3 or a five-technique end in a 3-4. Has played both at LSU, so he has some versatility. Has the strength to shed blocks quickly and get into the backfield. Better as a pass rusher on the inside. Does a really nice job getting his hands up to bat down passes. Knows how to play off the cut block nicely.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t have great athleticism or speed. A little slow off the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t close very quickly. Needs to be coached up in his pass rush moves. Really only uses his strength to get to a quarterback. Comes out of his stance too high, which allows blockers to control his frame. Not asked to stunt a lot, which is puzzling.

Final word: A versatile player who could help a team looking for a run-stopping end, especially one that runs a 3-4 defense. Very similar to Chris Canty of the Cowboys. Jackson improved his play as a senior, improving across the board statistically. But that still leaves a disappointing junior season in question, particularly since he lined up next to Glen Dorsey. A second-team all-conference player as a senior.

We'll have more on Jackson tomorrow morning, after we ~~sober~~ rest up. The draft is just now ending at 9 PM, which means for those that starting boozing at pick #1, Al Davis is probably making sense to you by now.

Speaking of Al Davis, I just want to link to DJ's FanPost about the ridiculousness that is the Oakland Raider's franchise. This is honestly the first time I've felt bad for Raiders fans. I mean, I always felt bad for them in a rivalry sort of way but man, Darrius Heyward-Bey at #7 overall? How do you reconcile that with your fandom? Then picking a safety that ESPN doesn't even have film on? I know one thing. I don't feel depressed about Tyson Jackson. In fact, I'm quite excited.

Thoughts on a bizarro world first day of the 2009 NFL Draft? We'll be posting more tonight I'm sure and we'll be back early tomorrow morning with more draft coverage.

Remember, rounds 3-7 start tomorrow at 9 AM central time. The full results of the first two rounds are after the jump.

Round 1			Round 2
Player	Pos.	Team	Player	Pos.	Team
1 Matthew Stafford	QB	Lions	1 Louis Delmas	S	Lions
2 Jason Smith	OT	Rams	2 Patrick Chung	S	Patriots
3 Tyson Jackson	DE	Chiefs	3 James Laurinaitis	ILB	Rams
4 Aaron Curry	OLB	Seahawks	4 Brian Robiskie	WR	Browns
5 Mark Sanchez	QB	Jets	5 Alphonso Smith	DB	Broncos
6 Andre Smith	OT	Bengals	6 Rey Maualuga	ILB	Bengals
7 Darrius Heyward-Bey	WR	Raiders	7 Eben Britton	OT	Jaguars
8 Eugene Monroe	OT	Jaguars	8 Ron Brace	DT	Patriots
9 B.J. Raji	DT	Packers	9 Darius Butler	DB	Patriots
10 Michael Crabtree	WR	49ers	10 Jairus Byrd	DB	Bills
11 Aaron Maybin	DE	Bills	11 Everette Brown	DE	Panthers
12 Knowshon Moreno	RB	Broncos	12 Pat White	WR	Dolphins
13 Brian Orakpo	DE	Redskins	13 Clint Sintim	OLB	Giants
14 Malcolm Jenkins	DB	Saints	14 Connor Barwin	DE	Texans
15 Brian Cushing	OLB	Texans	15 Michael Mitchell	DB	Raiders
16 Larry English	DE	Chargers	16 Darcel McBath	S	Broncos
17 Josh Freeman	QB	Buccaneers	17 Max Unger	C	Seahawks
18 Robert Ayers	DE	Broncos	18 Mohamed Massaquoi	WR	Browns
19 Jeremy Maclin	WR	Eagles	19 Andrew Levitre	OG	Bills
20 Brandon Pettigrew	TE	Lions	20 David Veikune	DE	Browns
21 Alex Mack	C	Browns	21 LeSean McCoy	RB	Eagles
22 Percy Harvin	WR	Vikings	22 Phil Loadholt	OT	Vikings
23 Michael Oher	OT	Ravens	23 William Moore	S	Falcons
24 Peria Jerry	DT	Falcons	24 Fili Moala	DT	Colts
25 Vontae Davis	DB	Dolphins	25 Paul Kruger	OLB	Ravens
26 Clay Matthews	OLB	Packers	26 Sebastian Vollmer	OT	Patriots
27 Donald Brown	RB	Colts	27 Sherrod Martin	DB	Panthers
28 Eric Wood	C	Bills	28 William Beatty	OT	Giants
29 Hakeem Nicks	WR	Giants	29 Sean Smith	DB	Dolphins
30 Kenny Britt	WR	Titans	30 Sen'Derrick Marks	DT	Titans
31 Chris Wells	RB	Cardinals	31 Cody Brown	OLB	Cardinals
32 Evander Hood	DT	Steelers	32 Richard Quinn	TE	Broncos

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW: The 1st Round Live Blog (Tape Delayed)

Josh from Hollywood — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:15:01 -0000

More photos » by Jason DeCrow - AP

Browse more photos »

FOOCH'S NOTE: Josh put this together and offered it up and I thought we could hold off with more in-depth analysis until tomorrow. Let's end the night with a little levity.

For those who don't know (a.k.a. "n00bs"), I posted a columns a couple of times a week during last season (you can check those out here). Due to time constraints, I've gone postless since the Super Bowl, but I'm back with a vengeance for the greatest offseason event in sports -- Draft Day.

I’ve watched the NFL Draft for over 20 years now. And I’ve never experienced it in any other way than on ESPN. I can still vividly remember being super pissed when the Jets took Roger Vick, a RB out of Texas A&M, with the 21st pick in 1987, because Mel Kiper made it clear the Niners wanted to take him at #22. Boy, that really came back to bite the Niners, huh?

When the NFL Network began airing the draft, I always meant to give their coverage a try. But I’m a creature of habit, so I never managed more than a cursory click-over during a commercial or particularly annoying part of ESPN coverage. The coverage was decent enough, with Mooch, and Deion, and Marshall Faulk. It also had Rich Eisen leading the charge, a huge improvement over Berman. The Net’s version of Mel Kiper is Mike Mayock. He actually played in the NFL, so he’s got that going for him. And he’s every bit as abrasively East Coast as Mel -- his Phillyese is quite similar to Mel’s Baltimorese.

Because I’m so into my comfortable routines, I’ve never actually gave them a shot, going with them right from the get-go. But after 20+ years of Chris Berman’s bad jokes, Mel Kiper’s hair, and the ever expanding Scott Stuartization of their coverage, I’ve finally had enough. I need to go one year without it. So today’s the day -- except for that rare click-over during commercials, I plan to stay ESPN-free today. I'm flying with The NFL Network -- The Net, for short -- all day today. Won’t you join me on this journey of discovery?

8:59am -- I’m all ready for this draft. All settled in on the couch, got my notebook, food, drink, computer, TV’s on. I’M READY ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

9:01 -- Wait, the draft’s not on. Checking my programming guide, I see it doesn’t start until 1pm. Totally forgot about that. So I got up at 8:30am for no absolutely no reason. Oh well, more time to ~~download porn~~ do research.

11:47 -- After a long nap, I’m back and ready to roll again. Turn on the NFL network pre-~~game~~ draft just in time to see Rich Eisen toss it to Santa Clara, where Brian "Creepy Pinky" Baldinger is at Niner HQ. He breaks big news on the Niners plan of action for the draft: "That’s what this draft is all about -- improving the roster, improving their chances of winning next season." Mind blown. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.

11:49 -- After that truly enlightening report from Baldinger*, the feed switches back to the ballroom, where a camera mounted up high gazes down at reporter’s doing stories on the main floor. This shot includes a sweet look at Erin Andrew’s ass. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor again (this time for real). We’re going to see a lot of talent on display here today, but surely none will be as awe-inspiring as that. * No actual enlightening included

11:50 -- More shots from the ballroom floor, including one of Michael Crabtree. Rich Eisen and Marshall Faulk take this opportunity to praise him for his lavender shirt. There’s a joke in there somewhere, but I’m too lazy to look for it.

11:53 -- Back from commercial, we’re presented with a 3-man satellite desk where Brian Billick, Charles Davis, and Brian Billick discuss the Jets. Dukes’ microphone appears to be turned off -- nice work by the crew there, and I’m not being sarcastic.

11:57 -- Dukes’ mic is now working -- the Lord giveth, and He taketh away.

12:00pm -- High noon. Now I can start drinking alcohol without feeling guilty. Don’t get me wrong -- I’ve been drinking since dawn, it’s just that until now I’ve been feeling guilty about it.

12:01 -- Nice ponytail, Cushing. Now that was sarcasm.

12:01 -- Two good bits of info from the main desk: 1) Mike Mayock calls this the worst draft in recent memory. 2) Steve Mariucci has been nominated for an Emmy. I’m not sure which is more disappointing.

12:02 -- What the hell is that?! It looks like Bill Belichick, now there appears to be something on his face I’ve never seen there before. I know this sounds crazy, but it has all the earmarks of... a smile.

12:06 -- Belichick drops the nice guy act when Eisen asks about the Matt Cassel, giving a typically lifeless answer. This is a good thing, because Smiling Belichick was giving me cold chills down my spine.

12:25 -- The NFL network airs a retrospective on the QB class of 1983. They call Todd Blackledge "the biggest bust in Kansas City Chief history", then proceed to show him a) taking a shotgun snap to the face, and b) the worst mullet in NFL history. Somewhere, Blackledge sits in the dark listening to The Smith’s and cutting himself.

12:35 -- The Niners unveil their new jerseys. A nation says, "Meh". I like them, myself. Reminiscent of the 80’s version, which is all I ever wanted.

12:45 -- Deion introduces the top prospects in the draft. Jets fans boo him. Jets fans are in full-throat, as usual. This is really their day, more than any other. When I think "NFL Draft", I think "Jets fans booing".

12:46 -- Watching the top prospects all take the stage, I can’t help but wonder which of them will look back on this day as the highlight of not just their career, but their life. It sounds a little morbid when put like that, but it’s really morbid when you realize none of us will ever achieve such greatness. I’m making another drink.

12:59 -- John Gruden: "I’m fired up!" Gruden, fired up? I’m shocked, shocked.

1:01 -- The Net opens their coverage with a terrible, repetitive, annoying song. ESPN opens theirs with Chris Berman. This is like ‘Sophie’s Choice’, only in reverse.

1:03 -- The Commish steps to the podium to announce the first pick. I’m going on record to say I think it will be Matthew Stafford.

1:04 -- Oh my, I was right! Matthew Stafford is the #1 pick in the Draft, and the New York crowd shows it’s class by booing him and then chanting "Overrated".

1:10 -- The lambs are on the clock. Mayock says Spanolouloloulououo wants to improve the ground game, as shown by his off-season moves -- including personal favorite Mike Karney.

1:12 -- Copious shots of Mark Sanchez on his cell at his home in Orange County before the Rams pick at #2. Sanchez is doing the right thing -- chill at home, and celebrate with your friends and family instead of doing it before hundreds of strangers in person and the prying eye of the national TV camera.

1:14 -- As their time expires, the Lambs pick is in. Mayock says a team might purposely pass up their pick, insinuating the Rams might do it. Eisen corrects him that there is a pick -- Jason Smith.

1:19 -- ESPN comes back from commercial for 8 seconds before Berman says anything. I turn back to The Net.

1:22 -- The Chiefs are on the clock, and Gruden says they will go offense here, as Haley wants to give Cassel another weapon. Crabtree? Really? The Chiefs had a terrible pass rush last year and also got pushed around. And they already have Bowe.

1:23 -- The Chiefs pick is in. Eisen explains that the pick was be checked for spelling and pronunciation before it is "processed" and handed to the Commish. It’s Tyson Jackson. Note to self: Don’t listen to Jon Gruden.

1:32 -- The hosts talk about the widespread rumor that Seattle is picking Mark Sanchez, but the Seahawks select Aaron Curry. And this is why you watch from home like Sanchez is doing. If he was at Radio City, the cameras would be so far up in his grill we’d know if he trimmed his nose hairs recently or not.

1:36 -- Rich Eisen sees people on the phone and starts a rumor there might be a trade. Mayock says it could be someone moving up to snag Sanchez, or it could involve Braylon Edwards to the Eagles (but wouldn’t that involve the Browns getting another pick, not losing this one?).

1:38 -- Eisen was right -- there is a trade, and it’s the Jets! Jets fans are beside themselves, and I am too. Everybody said they liked Freeman, but could this be for Sanchez?

1:39 -- It is! It’s Mark Sanchez! The Net has him on TV at his home putting on a Jets cap before he’s even picked. Maybe he should’ve come to New York after all.

1:41 -- Most Jets fans are thrilled and cheering, but the camera is staying trained on two guys who hate the move. They’re scowling, and one clearly says, "This horrible! I’m so pissed!" I love Jets fans.

1:50 -- The Bengals take Andre Smith, and his ample breasts.

1:54 -- The Raiders are on the clock and everybody is thinking a speedy WR. Why? Because they are the Raiders. Is it Crabtree?

1:56 -- Oakland does pick a WR, but not the ones most people were talking about -- Darrius Hayward-Bey. Mayock: "A classic Al Davis pick". Meanwhile, Crabtree's still on the board. I wonder if he wishes he was watching at home.

1:59 -- The Jags are on the clock. Gruden is saying it might be Crabtree.

2:05 -- It’s Eugene Monroe. Second reminder to self: don't listen to Gruden. That makes 3 OT’s in the first 8 picks. Mayock: "He can bend!" Okaaaay.

2:06 -- Crabtree continues to slip. If he slips past Green Bay (which he should -- no way they need another WR), he'll be there for the Niners. That both excites and terrifies me. He could be a poor man’s Jerry Rice, or he could be a rich man’s Rashaun Woods.

2:08 -- And there’s Raji on the phone -- the telltale sign of an upcoming pick (or a Drew Rosenhaus production). This is happening, it’s really happening.

2:10 -- I feel like Jessie in that very special ‘Saved By the Bell’: I’m so excited... I’m so scared! I don’t know whether to root for Crabtree, or against him.

2:13 -- The Pack takes BJ Raji, and the Niners are on the clock. What will they do? I hope they don’t screw this up. They really have no choice but to take Crabtree. You just don’t see talents like that slip to you that often. They have to do it, or potentially watch while he blows up elsewhere.

2:18 -- Crabtree on the phone! And grinning! This is good. Being on the phone is always a good sign you’re about to get picked, but the fact his expression went from "My dog just got run over" to "I’m the next Jerry Rice" in two minutes means he’s about to be a Niner.

2:21 -- It’s official -- Michael Crabtree is a Niner, and I’m thrilled. It took me like 10 seconds to go from "Should we?" To "What the [SITE DECORUM] are you talking about?! Of course, we should!". In fact, I don’t know that I’ve been this excited about a pick in a long time. I knew Patrick Willis would be great, and I hoped Alex Smith and Vernon Davis would be. I honestly don’t know what Crabtree will be, but I’m damn excited to find out.

2:23 -- I click over to ESPN on the other tuner, and rewind to watch their coverage of the pick. It’s quickly followed by a interview between Crabtree and Erin Andrews -- this works on so many levels of entertainment. Great TV.

2:25 -- So Crabtree is headed to San Francisco -- at least there he won’t be the only man in a lavender shirt. See, I told you there was a joke in there somewhere.

2:26 -- The Bills select Aaron Maybin at #11, but I’m still too busy thinking about Crabtree to comment.

/goes back to picturing Crabtree beating Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for a long TD on Monday Night Football, and Ron Jaworski getting so excited while talking about his talent, he has an orgasm on national TV.

2:31 -- The Broncos take Knowshon Moreno. They could use the help at RB, but what about that porous defense?

2:33 -- The picks are coming fast and furious now as the Skins take Brian Orakpo. I like how much quicker the Draft moves now -- I used to get so bored between picks, but now the pace is much more crisp and efficient.

2:40 -- The saints pick is in, and Jamie Dukes says what many others have -- they’ll take Beanie Wells. But it’s Wells’ teammate, Malcolm Jenkins.

2:43 -- The camera catches Brian Cushing putting his hand in his nose, then his mouth. Seconds later, his gets a call clearly telling him he’s about to be picked. Apparently, the Texans just can’t resist I guy with a ponytail who eats his boogers on national TV. Who can blame them?

2:45 -- It’s official -- the Texans take Brian Cushing. One more douchebag in Texas.

2:51 -- The Chargers take Larry English at #16. I’d like to give you some informed analysis on this pick, but to be perfectly honest, I’ve never heard of Larry English.

3:01 -- Cleveland trades down again -- sending the #17 pick they got from the Jets to Tampa, who picks Josh Freeman. Cleveland must be picking up quite a few picks today. If they end up trading Braylon Edwards for picks today, they could end up setting some kind of record.

3:02 -- The guys at the mian table are all giving Gruden crap about Tampa finally drafting a big-time QB now that he’s gone. Gruden is smiling, but he clearly wants to kill them all.

3:06 -- The Broncos use their second pick in the last half-hour to select Robert Ayers, finally adding some help to their D. The Net shows video of him absolutely owning Michael Oher in a Senior Bowl practice. Mayock: "He might be a big reason Oher hasn’t been drafted yet."

3:11 -- Eisen announces that the Browns have traded down yet again. They’ve dealt the #19 pick they got from Tampa to Philly, moving down to the Eagles’ spot at #21. The Eisen: "They’re stockpiling late-round picks, and also have three 2nd’s from their trade with the Jets."

3:13 -- Who did the Eagles trade up 2 spots to nab? Jeremy Maclin. between him and DeSean Jackson, the Eagles can't say they don’t have speed at WR.

3:19 -- Detroit uses their second pick to take Brandon Pettigrew. I’m surprised -- with all the problems they have, I’d think there would be a better use of their resources than that.

3:21 -- The Browns are on the clock. Again. They can’t possibly make another trade, can they?

3:24 -- Nope, no trade -- the Browns have made a pick: Alex Mack.

3:26 -- The Vikes are on the clock, and Mayock is pushing Percy Harvin as a way to help them stretch the field. Gruden concurs.

3:28 -- The Vikes do take Percy Harvin. Remember, the last time they took a WR who tested positive for pot in college it was Randy Moss. Dope-smoking WR’s FTW!

3:30 -- As the guys from The Net all celebrate the Harvin pick, Mayock gets off the line of the day: "We’re all patting ourselves on the back here, but if ends up on the Love Boat smoking a bone, we’ve all got a problem." I think I like this guy. No way Kiper comes up with a line like that.

3:36 -- The Pats trade down, sending the #23 pick to Baltimore, who takes Michael Oher. He may have slipped further than many people thought, but this has still got to be a great day for Oher -- his journey has now officially taken him from the outhouse to the penthouse. If you haven’t already read about his story in The Blind Side, I don’t know what you’re waiting for.

3:42 -- The Falcons take Peria Jerry. Or is it Jerry Peria?

3:45 -- The Dolphins are on the clock, and the guys on The Net are making the point that Parcells likes bloodlines -- both Brian Robiskie (son of Terry) and Clay Matthews (son of Clay) are available. The Phins make their pick -- Vontae Davis, VD’s brother. I don’t think those were the type of bloodlines they were talking about.

3:50 -- Fatigue is starting to become a factor. I’m not used to working this hard on a weekend. All this drinking and eating and watching and typing has me feeling more dead than that guy Donte Stallworth ran over. Too soon?

3:52 -- Bill Belicheck is making a run at the Browns -- the pats have traded down for the second time today, and trail Cleveland by only one trade-town. The Pats entered with 11 picks in the draft, and 6 in the top 100 -- more than anybody else. They now have 13 picks overall, and 8 in the top 100.

3:53 -- The Packers get the Pats pick, trading up from #26 to take Clay Matthews.

4:00 -- The Colts select Donald Brown. That’s all i have to say about that.

4:04 -- The Bills select Eric Wood. Mayock informs us that he is "not sexy". Seeing as he is an offensive lineman, I don’t find that especially surprising.

4:09 -- The Giants (and their loud mouth fans) take Hakeem Nicks to fill their void at WR, though I still wouldn’t be surprised if they trade for a big name WR between now and training camp.

4:18 -- With the #30 pick, the Titans choose Kenny Britt to fill the gaping hole left by Brandon Jones. Gaping, I tell you. Gaping.

4:20 -- Know what time it is? Time for Percy Harvin to get high. That’s what time it is.

4:22 -- The Cards are on the clock. Eisen suggests they might take Beanie Wells, but Mayock says he’s too similar to Tim Hightower, and Faulk agrees. Seriously? I think Wells in a whole other class than Hightower.

4:28 -- Yup, the Cards take Beanie Wells. And Mayock does a quick flip-flop, saying Wells is an "upgrade". He does question his ability to stay healthy. Faulk sticks to his "same as Hightower" argument

4:30 -- The world champion Steelers cap off the 1st round by drafting Evander "Ziggy" Hood. I’m not watching ESPN, but I’d be willing to bet $1,000 Chris Berman just made a "Ziggy Stardust" reference.

4:32 -- Alright, that’s it for me. I’m TiVoing the rest of this, while I go see if my wife is still speaking to me.

The Jaguars select Eugene Monroe, Left Tackle, Virginia

Jonathan Loesche — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:33:41 -0000

More photos » by Jason DeCrow - AP

7 months ago: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, left, poses for photographs with Eugene Monroe, a tackle from Virginia, after he is selected as the No. 8 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, in the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall Saturday, April 25, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Browse more photos »

Need met value. That is all that needs to be said. Even after the Jets made a backhanded deal to get Sanchez, it didn't matter. Eugene Monroe fills a major need for the Jaguars and is a player worthy of the #8 pick.

If someone had told me a week ago Eugene Monroe would have fallen to the Jaguars, I would have thanked them for providing me with a good laugh. Now, he is the first tackle the Jaguars have selected in the first round since Tony Boselli.

Although Michael Crabtree was available, I believe Gene made the smart move in picking Monroe. Monroe has the potential to start at left tackle day one for the Jaguars and not leave until the 2020 Draft. If there was one player throughout the process I would have been ok with at #8, it was Monroe. I believe he is the best overall tackle in the draft and he doesn't come with the character concerns of Andre Smith. I had hopped on the Andre Smith bandwagon because I was convinced Monroe would not be available.

Monroe does have concerns with his knees that sent him down the draft board. However, I trust that Gene Smith has looked into that and cleared him.

Video Killed the Scouting Report

Eugene Monroe: By the Numbers

At A Glance

Position 1: Left Tackle
Height: 6'5

Position 2: Right Tackle
Weight: 309

Class: Senior Age: 22

Projected Round: 1

40time: 5.21

Monroe is a mountain of a human being. If his knees hold up, he is a rare player who can move as fluid as he does, as big as he is.

According to the Experts

Positives

Athletic, pass-protecting left tackle with a large degree of upside. Blocks with a wide base, good knee bend, and keeps his feet moving. Effectively fights with his hands, stays square and quick in his all-around game. Displays outstanding lateral blocking range, and easily slides out to protect the edge. Fluid moving on his feet, and shows skill blocking in motion. Stays square, keeps the defender in front of him, and shows the ability to handle quick, athletic defenders. Works well with teammates.

Negatives

Not a dominant drive blocker who gets a lot of movement on running downs. Tries to outguess defenders and lets opponents slip past him on occasion. Susceptible to inside moves by defenders. Not considered a very aggressive or tough lineman.

Why is he a Jacksonville Jaguar

Monroe embodies everything Gene Smith has been saying he wants players to be. He isn't a player who is going to end up on Sportscenter for being involved in a night club shooting. He is a player who should end up making several trips to Hawaii because David Garrard will be the best kept QB in the NFL.

Where does this leave the Jaguars in the 2nd round? I still say if Max Unger or Alex Mack is available in the 2nd round, that will be the pick.

Per JasonB of Bleeding Green Nation who is covering the draft for SBN

I just got back from the Eugene Monroe press conference and he was asked if he was surprised that Jacksonville took him.

He said, "Yeah, the last time I talked the Jaguars was pro day. I had no idea they wanted me."

-John

Arrowhead Pride Day One NFL Draft Open Thread #3

Chris Thorman — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:13:46 -0000

More photos » by Richard Drew - AP

Michael Crabtree...falling star.... (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

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Great draft so far...so much fun....

You can watch the NFL Draft online at NFL.com.

(3:04PM) Detroit Lions #1 - QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia

(3:14PM) St. Louis Rams #2 - LT, Jason Smith, Baylor

(3:24PM) Kansas City Chiefs #3 - DE Tyson Jackson, LSU

(3:32PM) Seattle Seahawks #4 - LB, Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

(3:41PM)* New York Jets #5 QB, Mark Sanchez, USC

(3:50PM) Cincinnati Bengals #6 LT, Andre Smith, Alabama

(3:56PM) Oakland Raiders #7 WR, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland

(4:05PM) Jacksonville Jaguars #8 LT, Eugene Monroe, Virginia

(4:14 PM) Green Bay Packers #9 NT, B.J. Raji, Boston College

(4:18PM) San Francisco 49ers #10 WR, Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

(4:26PM) Buffalo Bills #11 DE, Aaron Maybin, Penn State

(4:32PM) Denver Broncos #12 RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

(4:33PM) Washington Redskins #13 LB, Brian Orakpo, Texas

(4:40PM) New Orleans Saints #14 CB, Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State

(4:46PM) Houston Texans #15 LB, Brian Cushing, USC

(4:51PM) San Diego Chargers #16 LB, Larry English, Northern Illinois

*Trade Browns get: DE Kenyon Coleman, QB Brett Ratliff, DB Abram Elam and Jets' 2009 1st and 2nd round pick. Jets get #5 pick.

2009 DN NFL Draft Live (Sort Of) Blog

ericj69 — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:54:59 -0000

Welcome ladies and gentlemen! Eric here, live from my buddy's palacial Fargo apartment. Although the flood scare has come and gone, he lives close enough to the river where it's still only about 50 yards from his place. Pretty surreal. I'm sitting here with my group of friends eagerly awaiting the draft. (Note: One of them is a Packers fan, so I'll only call him an "acquaintance".) I'll be here throughout the first round posting my thoughts and observations about everything I see in the next few hours. Be sure to check back and refresh this post every 15-30 minutes to keep up with my latest ramblings.

2:48: We're almost ready to rock! Of course the #1 pick is already decided thanks to the Detroit Lions grossly overpaying Matt Stafford last night. Over forty-one million dollars guaranteed for someone who's never played a down...only in the NFL. If this isn't a case for an NBA-style rookie salary cap, I don't know what is.

Great end-of-game here between Denver and New Orleans as a preview on ESPN...I'm still amazed that NBA coaches get paid so much to draw up plays that are only slightly more organized than 3rd grade gym class. Carmelo's desperate heave of a shot probably wasn't what George Karl drew up.

2:52: Wow that half-court shot was close! New Orleans is still alive. Now bring on what we came here for! Time for upsides, overhypes, Berman, Kiper, McShay, and of course, boos from Jets fans!

2:55: Wow, great start by ESPN--bringing out Erin Andrews and Rachel Nichols in the first 2 minutes! And Jim Schwartz, can you be any creepier in that interview? He looks ridiculously nervous...I guess I would be too if I just gave someone $41.7 million.

Side note: We stopped at the liquor store before the game, and let's just say we aren't going to run out any time soon. An excellent grab-bag of Mojo Risin', Rush River Bubblejack, Bell's Two Hearted Ale, Michelob Golden Light, Coors Light, AC&ME IPA beer, Jagermeister, and some mint-chocolate liquor we had last time we were in Fargo. Good times. The first drinking game rule: take a drink every time you hear "upside". So if I can't spell by 4:00, you know what happened.

2:59: Berman said it best--ARE YOU READY FOR SOME NFL DRAFT?!?!

3:03: Our first Roger "I AM THE LAW!" Goodell sighting. After an awkward attempt at hyping up the crowd, he announces the inevitable Matt Stafford pick. Of course, the Jets fans greet him with boos. Great start. We just decided to add "arm strength" as one of our drinking phrases.

3:07: One of my buddies' neighbors just stopped over. He's a Bucs fan that went to the University of Florida, and he claims Erin Andrews is even hotter in person. He is my new hero.

3:10: Debated drinking every time we hear "Mark Sanchez", but we all decided against the inevitable alcohol poisoning.

3:15: The Rams go with Jason Smith--smart, predictable pick there in my opinion. Bulger still has something left if he can stay upright for more than a second or two.

3:17: Our first Coors Light coach commercial of the day...I think we're going to get beaten over the head with those today.

3:20: I remember how much I used to love Berman when I was about 13...and I think that's why most sophisticated football fans don't like him.

Herm Edwards is here! "Hey coach, how would you destroy your old team with the #3 pick?" Herm Edwards was a piss-poor coach, but I think he'll actually be a pretty decent analyst. WE CAN BUILD ON THIS!

3:24: Done with beer #1...so does that mean I'll have 16 beers down by the end of the first round? Meanwhile, the Chiefs just selected Tyson Jackson. It's a stretch to pick him that high, but he's a good fit for the 3-4 scheme in KC.

3:30: That ESPN touch screen thing has to be one of the dumbest wastes of money in the history of broadcasting. Just because you have the technology doesn't mean you have to use it.

This Seattle pick is going to change how the rest of the first round goes. And they pick...Aaron Curry! I really like that pick for them, especially over Sanchez or Crabtree. Plus, Curry gave us our first crier of the draft! Congrats, you big, rich sissy. On the plus side, the big momma's boy got to talk to Erin Andrews. Awww.

Note: That Seahawks neon green is easily the worst color on any uniform in major sports. Yeesh.

3:39: Ooooh, a trade!! The Jets just traded up from 17 to 5, obvoiusly setting them up to pick Mark Sanchez. If you can make the (most of the) Jets fans at the draft cheer, you obviously made a pretty bold move. I'm not completely sold on Sanchez. He walks the NFL franchise QB walk, but it remains to be seen whether he'll back it up on the field. One solid college year doesn't make you a stud.

I love ESPN's shots of the two pouting Jet fans. It just goes to show you can't please everyone. By the way, did ESPN give out a mandate NOT to say "upside"? I don't think I've heard it once! Maybe it's only a 2nd-round word.

3:46: Not a bad haul for the Browns in return. They still get the 17th pick, which will cost about $10 million less than Sanchez, a 2nd-rounder later today, and a few bodies. If Curry was still there at #5 the Browns probably take him, but I have no problem with that move if I'm a Cleveland fan.

3:51: The Bengals pick Andre Smith instead of Eugene Monroe at tackle...this makes total sense for all the wrong reasons. A big talent with work ethic and attitude problems? Welcome to Cincinnati!

3:58: Another perfectly bad fit at #7...Darrius Heyward-Bey, aka "The Next Troy Williamson". He's perfect for the vertical passing game Al Davis has been in love with since 1979; I'm sure he'll enjoy watching passes from Russell sail over his head next year. I just bet a shot against my buddy that the Jags are going with Crabtree at 8. He took "the field". Please, Jack Del Rio, I do NOT want Jag this early in the day!

4:05: Shit. Eugene Monroe to the Jags. Kids, don't drink and blog.

4:10: Hey ESPN, quit giving the pick away before it actually happens! Obviously, the Packers take B.J. Raji at 9. My Packers buddy approves, and I must say I do too. Solid pick for that weak D in Wisconsin.

4:13: And your 2009 Brady Quinn Award for the saddest face at the NFL Draft goes to...Michael Crabtree! Can the Vikes trade up for him?? Hmm...

4:17: I thought McShay would be more heavily involved with the ESPN broadcast. I had a theory that Mel Kiper was the Paula Abdul of ESPN's draft coverage, and he was slowly getting phased out by the newer, younger, flashier replacement. But it appears that Mel still rules the roost.

4:21: And Crabtree can put on that happy face! Great pickup for the Niners. He'll have fun watching Shaun Hill's passes land at his feet next year.

4:25: Forgot to mention that we're now drinking every time Erin Andrews is on camera. Double the fun!

4:27: Aaron Maybin to the Bills. He'll have fun answering questions about T.O. next year.

4:31: The Broncos pick Knowshon Moreno. The lady from his family in the pink shirt just accidentally showed her butt crack. Whoops. I'd usually make the "and he just gained 1,000 yards" joke, but Mike "unhealthy tan" Shanahan is no longer there.

And wow, the Redskins go super-quick with Orakpo! Another good pick. Saints on the clock--they have to go defense, right?

4:36: Hey Donald Brown! Entourages...you're doing it wrong.

4:43: And the Saints do go with defense, Malcolm Jenkins. Bold prediction: the Saints secondary won't suck as bad next year.

4:45: Brian Cushing to the Texans. And if that brunette is his girlfriend, he hit the jackpot well before Houston picked him.

4:52: The Chargers go with Larry English. Believe it or not, I didn't catch too many Northern Illinois games this year so I won't pretend to know if this was a good pick or not. Meanwhile, I just bet my Packer buddy a shot that the Browns are going defense. This is the best draft ever, and the Vikes haven't even picked yet!

4:57: The Bucs strangely moved up a whopping two spots to 17...Josh Freeman here? They gave up a 6th rounder to do it; pretty bizarre.

5:01: Yep, they went with Freeman, aka "The Next Tarvaris Jackson". I thought QB-happy Jon Gruden got fired? The Bucs fan here isn't exactly thrilled with this pick, and I can see why.

5:06: The Broncos go defense with Robert Ayers. It's now a certainty that Harvin will be available at 22, but I really think Philly will go with Maclin.

Meanwhile, GREAT SportsCenter commercial with Drew Rosenhaus and Scott Van Pelt. Rosenhaus represents all that's wrong with the NFL these days, but he can poke fun at himself pretty well.

And Cleveland trades down YET AGAIN! Looks like Philly will take Maclin two picks earlier. I really like what the Browns are doing today. They have to be threatening to pick the guy that the other team wants...brilliant strategy.

5:13: Yep, Maclin to the Eagles. Let the great Harvin debate begin again...

5:15: If you haven't done the Streak for the Cash on ESPN yet, you need to start doing it. We've all been doing it here throughout the draft, and it's the most addicting game I've ever played.

5:21: The Lions continue to amaze me, going offense with Pettigrew. I guess they have another pick at 33, but they really need help on D...

5:27: Alex Mack to the Browns, who finally picked. VIKES ARE ON THE CLOCK!

THE PICK IS IN!

MICHAEL OHER LOOKS PISSED!

....

PERCY HARVIN!!!!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, YOUR NEWEST MINNESOTA VIKING, PERCY HARVIN!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, START YOUR BONG JOKES!!!

As I've said here many times before, I'd rather have Hakeem Nicks here. But I can't complain with the Harvin pick. He makes our offense potentially a lot more interesting...now only if Brad Childress can utilize him like he should.

I hope our site doesn't crash.

5:35: After taking a quick peek through the comments, it appears that your attitude is cautious optimism for the most part. I completely agree with you there. Meanwhile, the Pats traded their pick to the Ravens, a curious choice since they already have 11 picks stockpiled for this draft. And the Ravens pick Oher...a pick I would have also been happy with. He's a great story.

5:41: The Falcons go with Peria Jerry. I'm happy only because I had "defense" on my ESPN Streak for the Cash with that pick. Seriously guys, this game is like free sports betting crack. Go sign up now.

5:46: The Dolphins go with Vontae Davis, who was originally Gonzo's selection for the Vikings at 22. He's a stud, and a great addition to Miami. Meanwhile, I'm 4 beers and 4 Jag shots deep...now THAT'S multitasking kids! Thank goodness I decided to only blog during the first round, because typing is becoming more and more meticulous by the minute. Dude, I just used the word "meticulous". Hehe.

5:53: The Patriots are obviously copying the Browns' blueprint for success, trading their pick for the second time today to the Packers. My ~~d-bag friend~~ Packers fan buddy applauded the Clay Matthews pick by exclaiming "YES!! ANOTHER WHITE LINEBACKER!" Meanwhile, Rey Maualuga eagerly awaits his chance to hump Erin Andrews again.

6:03: The Colts go with Donald Brown...I really liked watching him in college. It gives them depth at RB with the oft-injured Addai, but I think they could have addressed a more pressing need there.

6:05: Eric Wood to the Bills. Three or four more solid OL guys and the Bills will have a good offensive line next year.

And my personal best 7-win streak on Streak for the Cash came to a crashing halt thanks to that pick. I will now bathe in hydrochloric acid.

6:09: The GEEEEEEEEE-MEN select my man-crush, Hakeem Nicks. Now I have to cheer against him Week 17...and I'll be OK with that eventually. My buddies are getting pretty drunk, especially the lightweight Packers fan here; thank goodness I'm "taking it easy" and blogging. Fargo bartenders, I apologize in advance for tonight.

6:18: The Titans go with Kenny Britt, a great "need" pick for them. Oh crap, I've been watching the draft too long; I'm talking like Mel Kiper!

6:31: The Cardinals went with Beanie Wells, and to finish off the first round, the champs went with Ziggy Hood. Wow, I'm really approving of most of these first round moves. Maybe I'm just being nice because the beer is kicking in?

Well, that concludes my live blogging for the day. Three and a half hours of fun. Check out Gonzo's second round thread for more. Enjoy the rest of the draft, and make sure to stay tuned to see what the Vikings do with their pick. I'm going to have a couple more beers (who am I kidding, way more than that) and enjoy the Fargo night life. Cheers, and don't get dunked on by Patrick Chewing!

Report: Lions Reject Chiefs' Trade Offer

Chris Thorman — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:16:48 -0000

More photos » by Frank Franklin II - AP

8 months ago: NFL Draft prospects, from left, Virginia's Eugene Monroe, Baylor's Jason Smith, and Mississippi's Michael Oher wave from atop the marquee at Radio City Music Hall Friday, April 24, 2009, in New York. The NFL Draft is Saturday in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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The Kansas City Chiefs are indeed trying hard to get rid of their #3 overall pick. From Adam Teicher at The Red Zone:

The Chiefs are apparently trying hard to move down from the number three spot. I'm hearing they offered the Lions that pick plus a fourth-round choice in return for Detroit's other first-rounder (#20) and Detroit's second-rounder (#33).

The Lions rejected the offer. Too bad for the Chiefs. Since they don't have a second-round pick, this stands a chance of being a one-player draft for the Chiefs. And they need more than one player from this draft.

So the Chiefs are willing to give up their first round pick, plus their fourth round choice to snag basically two first rounders. I'm not surprised the Lions rejected the offer. If you already had one albatross pick at #1, why put another one around your neck?

This is showing just how much the Chiefs want out of the third overall pick. Look how this breaks down in the draft trade chart (as old as it may be):

Chiefs - #3 (2,200 points) + #98 (108 points) = 2,308 points
Lions - #20 (850) + #33 (580 points) = 1,430 points

The draft is heating up...can you feel it?

Poll

Good trade attempt by the Chiefs?

Yes

318 votes

No

136 votes

454 votes | Poll has closed

One Final Time: Examining the Kansas City Chiefs' Draft Interests

Chris Thorman — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:38:36 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

8 months ago: FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2009 file photo, Virginia offensive lineman Eugene Monroe runs a drill at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Monroe is a top prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

Browse more photos »

For you newcomers to the site today, we've been tracking the Kansas City Chiefs' draft interests for some time now, logging all of the private workouts, rumored interests and Pro Days that we can. We've culled Chiefs-related information on about 60 players and I fully expect the Chiefs' draft picks, for the most part, to be on this list when the Chiefs announce their picks.

To get you caught up, here are the recent posts we've done on who the Kansas City Chiefs are interested in drafting:

After the jump, acquaint yourself one last time with the Chiefs' draft interests.

Use this as the open draft day thread until we get closer to 3 PM.

*Updated April 22, 2009

Private Workout/Visit	Spoke with at Senior Bowl/Combine	Attended Pro Day	Rumored interest	Scouted in person during 2008 season	Local Pro Day Attendees
G Roger Allen (Mo. Western, Rd. 7)	QB Nathan Brown (Central Arkansas, Rd. 6)	OLB Jason Williams (Western Illinois, Rd. 3-4)	OG Marlon Davis (Alabama, Rd. 7)	T Michael Oher (Ole Miss, Rd. 1)	QB Josh Freeman (K-State, Rd. 1-2)
DE Connor Barwin (Cinncinati, Rd. 1-2)	LB Rey Maualuga (USC, Rd. 1)	University of Georgia	LB Jasper Brinkely (S. Carolina, Rd. 4-5)	CB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio St. Rd. 1)	LB Mike Rivera (KU, Rd. 7)
WR Taurus Johnson (S. Florida, Rd. 7)	WR Mike Wallace (Ole Miss, Rd. 5)	Georgia Tech University (Likely)	FB Jerome Johnson (Nevada-Reno, Rd. 7)	LB Rey Maualuga (USC, Rd. 1)	WR Tommy Saunders (MU, Rd. 7)
DE Everette Brown (FSU, Rd. 1)	QB Pat White (WVU, Rd. 2-3)	LSU (Likely)	OG/C Lawrence Lovell (Stony Brook)	LB Brian Cushing (USC, Rd. 1)	LB Brock Christopher (MU, Rd. 7)
DT Ricky Jean-Francois (LSU, Rd. 4)	OLB Brian Cushing (USC, Rd. 1)	University of Tennessee	LB Derek Nicholson (FSU)	CB Mike Mickens (Cincinnati, Rd. 2-3)	K Jeff Wolfert (MU, Rd. 7)
OT Jason Smith (Baylor, Rd. 1)	CB Keenan Lewis (Oregon St.), Rd. 3	PK Ryan Succop (Univ. South Carolina, Rd. 7)	SS Bret Lockett (UCLA, Rd. 7)	LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest, Top 5)	G Roger Allen (Missouri Western, Rd. 7)
LB Mike Rivera (KU, Rd. 7)	DT Fili Moala (USC, Rd. 2-3)	TE Rob Myers (Utah State, Rd. 7)	CB Vince Anderson (Webber International University)	T Eugene Monroe (Virginia, Rd. 1)	TE Darius Hill (Ball St. Rd. 7)
TE Anthony Hill (NC State, Rd. 5-6)	OT Alex Boone (Ohio State Rd. 5-6)	Ole Miss (Ole Miss) Rd. 1	DE Tyson Jackson (LSU, Rd. 1)	DT B.J. Raji (Boston College, Rd. 1)	TE Chase Coffman (MU, Rd. 2-3)
LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest, Top 5)	OT Andrew Gardner (Georgia Tech, Rd. 5-6)	University of Iowa (Likely)	WR Quinten Lawrence (McNeese St., Rd. 7)	TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma St., Rd. 1)
DL Sammie Lee Hill (Stillman College, Rd. 5-6)	OT/G Cornelius Lewis (Tennessee State, Rd. 6)	USC	Chase Patton (MU, Rd.7)
OT Eben Britton (Arizona, Rd. 1-2)	OT Michael Oher (Ole Miss, Rd. 1)	Stephen F. Austin	WR Austin Collie (BYU, Rd. 4)
DE Jarron Gilbert (San Jose St., Rd. 2-3)	OLB DeAndre Levy (Wisconsin, Rd. 6-7)	University of Alabama	LB Mike Maresh (NDSU)
NT Sen'Derrick Marks (Auburn, Rd. 2-3)
OT Gerald Cadorgon (Penn. State, Rd. 3)
OT Cornelius Lewis (Tenn. St., Rd. 6)
OT Lawrence Lovell (Stony Brook U., Rd. ???)
LB Clint Sintim (Virginia, Rd. 2)
DE Paul Kruger (Utah, Rd. 3)
WR Mike Thomas (Arizona, Rd. 2-3)
TE Richard Quinn (North Carolina, Rd. 5)
DE Brian Orakpo (Texas, Rd. 1)
LB James Laurinaitis (Ohio St., Rd. 1-2)
K Robbie Dehaze (NAU, Rd. 7)
RB Javarris Williams (Tenn. St., Rd. 5-6)
LB Rey Maualuga (USC, Rd. 1)
LB Larry English (Northern Illinois, Rd. 1-2)
DB Vince Anderson (Webber International University, Rd. 7)
RB Andre Brown (NC State, Rd. 2-3)
CB Darius Butler (UConn, Rd. 1-2)

At A Glance
Position 1: Left Tackle	Height: 6'5
Position 2: Right Tackle	Weight: 309
Class: Senior	Age: 22
Projected Round: 1	40time: 5.21

SB Nation - Eugene Monroe

Comparing the Online Recruiting Ranking Services

Britton Signs Four Year Deal with Jaguars

How did the Arrowhead Pride Mock Draft Fare Against the Real Thing?

Grade the Arrowhead Pride Community Mock Draft.

A

B

C

D

F

The Chiefs Selection of DE Tyson Jackson was the First of Many Day One Surprises

Round 1

Round 2

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW: The 1st Round Live Blog (Tape Delayed)

The Jaguars select Eugene Monroe, Left Tackle, Virginia

Video Killed the Scouting Report

Eugene Monroe: By the Numbers

At A Glance Position 1: Left Tackle Height: 6'5 Position 2: Right Tackle Weight: 309 Class: Senior Age: 22 Projected Round: 1 40time: 5.21

According to the Experts

Why is he a Jacksonville Jaguar

Arrowhead Pride Day One NFL Draft Open Thread #3

2009 DN NFL Draft Live (Sort Of) Blog

Report: Lions Reject Chiefs' Trade Offer

Good trade attempt by the Chiefs?

Yes

No

One Final Time: Examining the Kansas City Chiefs' Draft Interests

At A Glance

Position 1: Left Tackle
Height: 6'5

Position 2: Right Tackle
Weight: 309

Class: Senior Age: 22

Projected Round: 1

40time: 5.21