So Much Action, So Little Time...

for blogging that is.

But I do want to discuss one thing, hit on by the Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette in this morning's paper - The Steelers traded up in the 4th round to get a punter but made no attempts to add depth at Running Back. Now, Ed's column seems to suggest this was a mistake, but as tough as it is for me to disagree with such a football savaant, I have to think that the Steelers know what they're doing.

In his column, Bouchette mentions that Head Coach Mike Tomlin said they "considered some backs in this draft but the value just was not there." Michael, I wholeheartedly agree. After you got through the top 3 or 4 backs, there really wasn't a super impressive lineup to choose from, especially bigger backs that would complement Fast Willie's finesse running style. The guys I thought would have made sense were Tony Hunt and Michael Bush, who went in the 3rd and 4th rounds respectively - positions we obviously weren't comfortable drafting a running back in vs. other positions which we needed more (Punter, ahem ahem).

The value of a good punter cannot be understated. Gardocki has been the best for a long time, but after 16 years in the league, his leg is bound to have lost some power. Sepulveda was the top guy in this draft at the position, a two-time Ray Guy award winner, and although one really can't tell how good a guy will be until he's put in the situation, I think he'll be a good fit.

Plus, Punter is definitely a more pressing need than tailback. We resigned Najeh, and his job really should be to complement Willie. That doesn't mean I wasn't underwhelmed by his play last year, because I was. It's just that Punter was a more immediate need for us - let's face it, Mike Barr ain't exactly Gardocki incarnate.

So I like it, I know it's a high spot to draft that position and we gave up a 6th round pick to get him, but as usual, I gotta think the Steelers know what they're doing.

PS - why do I get the feeling I'll be talking about the draft for at least the next week?

Closing The Books...aka 2007 NFL Draft Retrospective Part IX

At 5:30 on Sunday, April 29, that about wraps it up for the Steelers 2007 NFL draft.

After our 4th round pickups, we also acquired Cameron Stephenson, OG Rutgers; William Gay, CB Louisville; and Dallas Baker, WR Florida.

I'll admit, out of those three the only one I'm remotely familiar with is Dallas Baker, whom I think is a good receiver pick for us. I think the hope is that if he made the team, and could show us something over the next year, two years, we would groom him to be a backup to Hines Ward. He's not a super fast guy, more of a posession receiver. The only thing that worries me is that according to Scouts Inc, he doesn't like to work the middle and does not block well. So Hines Ward he surely is not. I think the first obstacle for Baker will be making the team, then we'll see where he goes from there.

Cameron Stephenson - After doing a little light reading on Stephenson, I understand he has both size and athletic ability, but is a little on the light side at 6'4 1/2" and 306 pounds. Plus, his technique is lacking and his durability is "questionable". So as many of our later round picks, Stephenson will be a wait and see how he does in camp type of guy. Sounds like he doesn't get much drive off of his initial step, so might not be a great run blocker, but again, we shall see.

William Gay - My initial reaction is that I like pretty much any pick out of Louisville who was coached by Bobby Petrino. Though I don't remember much about Gay, I did see a few Louisville games this year and as a defensive unit they seemed pretty good. So I would hope that Gay could be a viable backup to our decent corps of defensive backs. I couldn't find a whole lot of objective analysis on him, but he's a little short, at 5'10" (a problem I have with DeShea Townsend), and only weighs 187. For a guy that light, running a 4.56 40 isn't super impressive (especially as a DB), but like the other two, I can only speculate as to how successful he could be in the NFL.

So there you have it, the last of the Steelers 2007 NFL Draft crop. It's been a long two days, and frankly, I've seen about all I need to see of this business.

Look forward to comments...if you've got 'em, bring 'em on.

4th Round Paydirt?...aka 2007 NFL Draft Retrospective Part VIII

Steelers just selected Punter Daniel Sepulveda out of Baylor and Defensive Tackle Ryan McBean out of Oklahoma State as their two 4th round guys.

Love the Sepulveda pick. I joked with Domski yesterday about the Steelers taking Sepulveda with our first round pick (JOKED = operative word), but I'm glad to see we got what we needed. Always nice to get a guy who's 6'2 1/2", 228 at PUNTER! (He's a former High School Linebacker)

McBean? I guess this is because Tomlin wants to transition to a 4-3, but I can't say I'm completely psyched about this. McBean is a smaller DT, at just under 6'5" and only 277 pounds, which is part of the reason I think the Steelers are looking at him for the 4-3. Still, he's quick and with that 6'5" frame has the potential to get bigger and bulkier. Plus, I hear he hits hard and with a "mean streak", so I like that rabid attitude.

Overall, good picks, but I guess this means we're going to leave the RB position alone? No second backup for Willie?

"Fishing" For Success...aka 2007 NFL Draft Retrospective Part VI

Now I know I wasn't the only one to go, "WHAT???", when the Dolphins selected Ted Ginn Jr. with their overall #9 first round pick yesterday, but I'm looking at the overall crop for the Fish this year and frankly, I'm finding myself thinking the same thing again.

How you pass on QB Brady Quinn at 9 for Ted Ginn Jr. is beyond me. I heard Cam Cameron say "we drafted the Ginn family," talking about how good of a kid Ted is and how great Cameron thinks he will be, but for all that enthusiasm the fact of the matter is Ginn is undersized and probably a better kick returner (ala Willie Reid) than a receiver. You just can't waste the #9 pick on a guy like Ginn. If they wanted Ted Ginn, they should've traded down (WAY down). But of course, I am but one man and this is nothing more than my opinion.

So aside from Ginn, here's what Miami's picks have been:

Round 2 - John Beck, QB BYU: I agree with ESPN on this one, at 40 they should have gone with Drew Stanton. Again, opinion here, but Stanton is just a better overall QB. Just as further reinforcement, Beck was ranked 7 out of this years QB crop by Scouts Inc, not projected to go until the 5th round!!! They also at this spot had the option of drafting Trent Edwards - overall a better graded QB, not that "grades" matter much. Here's the thing - If Miami doesn't get Trent Green in this deal that seems like it's been in the works for like three weeks, they are forced to use either Daunte Culpepper, Cleo Lemon (?) or, now, Beck. Beck is 25, just under 6'2" and only 215 pounds. Plus, they say his deep ball isn't his best asset. So, the Dolphins really should have been thinking about who can be a starter for them in the next couple of years. Instead it seems like they drafted a backup.

Round 2 - Samson Satele, C Hawaii: Compared to Kevin Mawae, he was the best center prospect available and probably right behind Ryan Kalil on Miami's wish list (who was coincidentally picked by Carolina right before the Dolphins' selection). He's said to be a great pass protector, but as a run blocker needs some work. His Hawaii training ground was a pass first offensive scheme, so this may be a case of him just not having enough exposure to the run, and really I can't find too much wrong with this pick.

Round 3 - Lorenzo Booker, RB Florida State: Boy is he a little guy. Booker is 5'10", 188, but he does run a 4.4 40, so he's a good scat back to complement Ronnie Browns North-South running style. Still, I was waiting for them to address their WR vacancies, plus D-line and D-back needs (course D-line you can get in the later rounds).

Round 4 - Paul Soliai, DT Utah: A former OG at Utah, Soliai's biggest asset is his 319 pounds. He's also 6'3 1/2". So he's a good fit for the 3-4 Miami should be running this year (with Jason Taylor moving to OLB opposite Joey Porter) in that he can tie up guys on the line. But the concern with Soliai is his durability. It is said that he cannot be an every down tackle because of endurance and agility issues. Also, he was suspended from his team's bowl game due to a violation of team rules. Not much detail there, but character issues are always a red flag. Plus, frankly the Dolphins had a lot of choices here that were better than Soliai. But, I am not a scout, so I can't accurately say that I know he wasn't the best pick for them.

Well anyways, so Miami, here's my big question - Where was your head in round 1??? If I was a Phins fan, I could live with the latter four (not so much Beck but fine), but Ginn at 9? I still can't get over that...

Heir Apparent to Cowher?...aka 2007 NFL Draft Retrospective Part V

Holy Bill Cowher Batman! Ken Whisenhunt, newly minted Arizona Cardinals coach and former Steelers offensive guru, had himself quite a day yesterday and further, quite a draft thus far.

Let's review the picks:

Round 1 - Levi Brown, OT Penn State: Man, I'll be damned if I didn't wish Brown slipped down to 15. Talk about a guy who could replace Faneca (not that Faneca is gone yet or anything...maybe just in his mind). Think about this - Levi Brown throws defenders to the wayside like they were feather-light and Willie Parker breaks a 75-yard touchdown run...AGAIN. Ugh, but alas, I knew he wouldn't drop out of the top ten. When will we draft a Penn Stater???

Round 2 - Alan Branch, DT Michigan: This guy was 1st round talent for sure. Obviously Whis recognized that the Cardinals could have the best offense in the world but without a defensive upgrade, they were never going to scare anyone. That all could change with Branch and Arizona's other picks. While his work ethic has been questioned, have no doubt in your mind that if he shows any kind of lackadaisical attitude around Ken Whisenhunt, he will soon either be whipped into shape or be shipped off.

Round 3 - Buster Davis, LB Florida State: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, or so they say. Weird that the Steelers selected a FSU backer, then Arizona did two rounds later. Nonetheless, as far as ILB prospects go, this guy was ranked in the top 5, compared to London Fletcher. While he's a bit undersized, he plays with the fire of ten Ray Lewis's. Another great pick for the Cardinals D.

Ken Whisenhunt, this Bud's for you! We will see you on September 30...

Why The Browns Draft Success This Year Won't Really Matter...aka 2007 NFL Draft Retrospective Part IV

In short, it's Cleveland.

In all seriousness, and putting my obvious bias aside, Cleveland is like Arizona (though I have my reservations about continuing to doubt Arizona after Whis's draft crop...see above post). It's a black hole. They can draft all the top prospects they want, and they're still going to assume the basement position in the AFC North. I don't know what it is, call it the Paul Brown curse, but Cleveland has had chance after chance for top picks to come in and "save" the hapless franchise, and none have really panned out thus far.

Although, out of a journalistic responsibility to be moderately fair - Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow have actually produced some pretty good stats for the Browns the past couple years (when Winslow wasn't hurting himself riding his motorcycle...no comment for obvious reasons...).

Nothing like making the divisional rivalry interesting...and at least Quinn didn't end up in Baltimore! God, can you imagine the Ravens with Brady Quinn? I'd actually be somewhat scared.

So while I'm not that worried about the Browns good fortune - kudos to Phil Savage! You really nailed it by taking Joe Thomas first, then getting back in the mix just in time to get Quinn. I won't go into semantics, but this shows some draft smarts right here.

Oh, but if you guys think you're getting the Chin - forget it. If Cowher coaches in Cleveland, I'm gonna become a Patriots fan.

10 Reasons Why I Don't Want To Face The AFC East This Season...aka 2007 NFL Draft Retrospective Part III...

Wow, so did anyone else notice how well some(operative word) of the AFC East teams drafted? And by SOME, I mean the Pats and the Bills.

First things first, in case you hadn't heard yet, the Patriots showed their personnel expertise yet again today, making a deal (hasn't been finalized yet) to get Randy Moss from the Raiders!! Aside from Moss, not to mention their beautiful crop of free agency acquisitions, the Pats have also had a pretty good draft thus far - picking Brandon Merriweather, Safety from FSU, with the first of their 1st round picks, then trading the second of those picks to San Francisco for additional picks in the later rounds (adding to their 11 total picks!!). Looks like New England is well-poised to make another Super Bowl run...what a game it will be Sunday, December 9 in Foxboro.

Next, how about the Buffalo Bills? Maybe they didn't get Patrick Willis like they wanted (who didn't want Willis??), but Marshawn Lynch is actually probably just as good of a pick for them as Willis would have been (coincidentally he will be competing with the A-train to replace another Willis, that is MacGahee). Then, they got my boy Posluszny. I can't fault them for that one. But even better still, they get Trent Edwards, the QB out of Stanford! Edwards was ranked as being about the 6th best QB out of this year's crop, and has drawn some comparisons to Seattle's Matt Hasslebeck. Not too shabby for a 3rd round pick to come in and stand behind JP Losman (who I'm told the Bills absolutely love and think will really perform this year).

The Jets you ask? Well, after stealing our hearts by picking Darelle Revis, they went on to get David Harris, LB from Michigan -- a guy who was among the top ILB prospects.

Aside from Miami's perplexing selections (see post above), I think the AFC East made out the best this year...of course things are far from over with 4 rounds to go.

More to come later...

Don't Cry for Me Patrick Willis...aka 2007 NFL Draft Retrospective Part II

I guess that subject should probably read "Don't Cry Over The Steelers Not Getting Patrick Willis", but who's gonna split hairs?

For the sake of appropriateness, let's talk Steelers draft picks first. Going into the day, I was a little worried that we would draft a CB with our first pick (at #15), and further that we would be so microcosmically (probably just invented a word there) considering Pitt's Darelle Revis (nothing personal Darelle). So as things unfolded in the first round, and Patrick Willis/Adam Carriker came off the board just a few picks before 15, I was really worried Revis would fall right into our laps and we'd abandon what I thought was the best use of our Round 1 pick - Linebacker. As it were, the Jets traded up to get Revis right before we were on the clock, and I felt somewhat relieved.

Then we picked OLB Lawrence Timmons. Again, nothing personal to Timmons, but the more I thought about it, the more I wished we had taken Revis. Timmons is a great pickup, but Revis is a top prospect at CB and has great pro potential. So while I don't think we should have had to pick a CB (since Ike Taylor, DeShea Townsend and Bryant McFadden really are good enough in my opinion), when a guy like Revis is available to you (though he wasn't due to a daft Jets move), you kind of have to take him.

Oh well, what's done is done. Timmons, no doubt, will be a great OLB for us and hopefully will be a force on Special Teams until he's ready to step into a starting role.

But let's talk about the other Steelers picks - so far we've gotten LaMar Woodley, DE out of Michigan with the 2nd round pick and Matt Spaeth, TE out of Minnesota with the 3rd round pick. As far as Woodley goes, I think its a great pick up. We were looking to get an end this year, and I trust the Steelers draft prowess enough to know that Woodley must have been a great value in the 2nd round. Plus I'm sure Tomlin is happy because he got his "tweener" - a guy who can play DE or OLB (though after picking Timmons, I gotta think...what?) Here's what I don't quite get - why would we draft ANOTHER TE with the 3rd round pick? We've got Heath Miller, who obviously is among the leagues best TEs, and for blocking purposes (mostly), we've still got Jerame Tuman. So I'm not sure why we'd pass up drafting maybe a backup RB, or O-lineman for a third TE prospect???

I suppose I will have to put my faith in the Steelers on this one and trust that they know what they're doing (not exactly a proverbial "leap" of faith, so I am overall happy with our progress thus far).

On a seperate note - kudos to the Steelers for looking at the Big Ten big-time(pun intended) when analyzing talent...now if only we could've found a role for Paul Posluszny!

Hopefully more to come as the Steelers continue to select...

Ok Miami, We Need to Talk...aka 2007 NFL Draft Retrospective Part I

Well, you might have noticed I didn't get to post anything yesterday, the first day of the 2007 NFL Draft, despite the fact that I was in attendance. Apparently, blogging about the Steelers on BlogSpot doesn't exactly qualify one for press credentials...who knew?

Anyways, as I said, I was there for all the festivities, including the 3 hour wait from 5:20 (when I arrived with friends) to 8:20 (when we finally secured tickets - along the way almost getting into a fight with some disgruntled fellow linewaiters who accused us of cutting -- I promise we did not). Consequently, if you are ever considering going to a draft and are not doing so for any type of editorial purposes, don't. Overall it was an experience, but getting up at 3:30AM and not getting home until 7PM (left at pick 28 of the extremely long 1st round), wasn't exactly a party.

So with that, I bring you a few posts (forthcoming...see above)with my thoughts on this year's picks - the good, the bad, and the bizarre (see subject line).

Hope you enjoy.

Tell Me Something I Don't Know...

Just thought I'd share this exercise in stating the obvious with you:

Following link is a story from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review discussing how the Steelers have "ruled out drafting a quarterback or tight end"...read it

People Who Might Be Crazy, Part I...

I just want to point out that contrary to my personal belief (and probably a lot of other Steeler fans beliefs), "jcm412" on Steelers Live thinks that 2007-2008 SHOULD be a rebuilding year?!?! Puzzles the hell out of me (and I think Post-Gazette's Blog n' Gold might agree with me) how anyone can think we need a "rebuilding year." What, prey tell, would you have us rebuild? The only vulnerabilities the Steelers have now are LB, OL (technically only one side), and one could make a case for either Defensive Back and/or Running Back. But frankly, we're a pretty solid football team, which is more than I can say for a lot of the teams desperately snatching up sub-par or mediocre free agents this offseason. Who are we? The Browns? Nonetheless, "jcm412, you are entitled to your opinion, and despite the rebuilding part, the guy drops plenty of good knowledge. I especially like how he slips in a hope to see Tony Hunt and Paul Posluszny in Black and Gold (go State!).

Next, we've got "DR U Fantasy Football", who included WR among the Steelers draft needs this April. I mean I guess I understand the argument that Hines Ward is getting long in the tooth, but come on, he's not that old. We JUST drafted a first round WR last year, and with Cedric Wilson and Nate Washington I think we can stretch the field pretty well (or at least should be able to, in theory). But maybe he meant for the 4th or 5th round, in which case, eh, maybe I agree a little bit.

I just think it's a testament to my point Monday - draft speculation is really not even worth our effort because first and foremost, the Steelers have always had success in the draft, and have given us no reason to believe they wouldn't continue this tradition on April 28. Plus, I could throw out a million names, but it's all pretty cut and dry - we know what we need and we'll get it. No sense in spending hours writing about it.

Wow, that sounded kind of negative, huh? Weird, 'cause I'm in a really good mood. Oh well.

As Steeler Nation Turns...

By the looks of it, draft pundits have a new prediction for the Steelers first round selection - Patrick Willis, Inside Linebacker out of Ole' Miss.

There's been a lot of speculation around the Steelers draft needs, mainly focused on three areas - Offensive Line, Linebacker and Cornerback (although it's widely acknowledged that a third running back could also be a possibility), with Linebacker popping up most often. As I've mentioned before, we've heard a lot of Jarvis Moss, Lawrence Timmons, due to their versatility, but Willis (at least as far as I know) is a new name to pop up.

After looking over some of the information available about the 6'1", 242 pound LB coming off of a Butkus Award-winning Senior season, I think in terms of attitude/character he's a great fit. The only concern I have, also shared by other speculators, is his size. But frankly, I'm a big Paul Posluzsny fan, and he ain't any bigger. Plus, Willis has the best 40 time out of all top linebacker prospects, and is said by many a top LB available in next months draft.

But like I said above, here's what could speak volumes for the guy -

"Has overcome a lot in his life to get where he is...Is heavily involved in community service...Is a great person and player who will be an asset to a team both on and off the field...Is simply one of the best linebackers available this year."

If Willis is as responsible and mature as it sounds, he could be not only a great player, but could grow into a great leader, filling the void of charismatic defensive leader vacated when the Steelers unloaded Joey Porter on the Dolphins (call it whatever you want).

You know what though? I actually hate speculating on what the Steelers will do in the draft because honestly, I have plenty of faith in the organization. We have almost always made great drafting decisions and whoever we end up selecting I am sure will be an asset. Too bad that's the only thing there is to discuss right now, so I'll continue to do my best to speculate with a smile.

Read Patrick Willis Official Bio here

"Rebuilding Year"? Let That Term Be Stricken From All Dictionaries in Pittsburgh...

Perhaps you, as Steeler fans (or at least as I assume you are), had already been thinking this. But lest ye have any doubt that the media feels the same way, never you fear.

Today, ESPN.com and Scouts Inc. posted a feature of the Steelers as part of their individual team previews leading up to April 28's draft, the crux of which was that the Steelers have the talent to win NOW. Despite what some might say (but who listens to Browns, Bengals or Ravens fans anyway?), the losses we suffered in Cowher, Whisenhunt, Grimm, Porter, and Hartings were not catastrophic. In fact, the team that went 8-8 last year, theoretically should have been at least 10-6 and made the playoffs, if not registered an even better record and won the division. I'll try not to cry too much about it.

But I digress...As pointed out by ESPN.com, Big Ben is an outstanding starting QB with great instincts, and Tomlin is a charismatic, smart young coach to whom the players can relate and could enjoy instant success in Pittsburgh. After all, we're only one season removed from an historic Super Bowl run (you might remember we were a #6 seed and won every playoff game on the road to make it to the big one - perhaps we've heard the story too many times...).

As for their draft predictions - it was pretty much more of the same - Jarvis Moss or Lawrence Timmons (IE guys who are versatile enough to play in a 3-4 or a 4-3). Smart picks, but I'd like to see the Steelers seriously consider Levi Brown (who coincidentally visited with the team today...wink wink). If we could build up the left side of our line we could open up a whole world of offensive opportunities, and I for one am partial to guys out of Ol' Penn State (showing some personal bias here, but who cares, it's my blog, right?). Course, if we could get Joe Thomas...I might throw personal bias out the window. Frankly if either drops down to the number 15 spot I'd be pleasantly surprised...

Brown, Thomas, Moss...I'm happy with any of them.

Either way, don't you think Mike Tomlin bears a striking resemblance to the black doctor on Fox's show, "House"? Yeah, me too. I've been thinking that for a while...good thing I finally stumbled on the post from Deadspin.

DayDream Fodder for a Monday Morning...

So I logged into my gmail this morning and to my surprise (pleasantly) I noticed that a few bloggers out there are talking about a possible trade with Arizona that would send Max Starks back to Russ Grimm's open arms and the Steelers the Cardinals number 5 selection overall in the forthcoming draft. Kudos to to my handy google alerts (nudge nudge google...) for this one.

If this is true, it'd be the best news I've heard for the Steelers in a while. Look, Max Starks is not as bad as his play last year might suggest (well ok, I don't know that for sure but it's my hunch), but if the Steelers have a chance to move that far up in the draft, I say we should do it. This is why we build through the draft, stockpiling talent - depth at those positions opens up a world of opportunity for us.

So Kevin Colbert/Mike Tomlin, if you guys are reading this - do us all a favor, dump Starks on Whis and Grimm, give Willie Colon a chance and draft at the number 5 spot. You can't lose.

Here's what worries me though - why are people talking about getting pass rushing DEs Gaines Adams and Jarvis Moss? Alright, I know why. But seriously, the 4-3? Come on guys, 3-4 is Steeler football. If you're drafting at the 5 spot, don't mess with a good thing. We can get good DEs undrafted, let alone in the first round. Then again, I am but a humble fan. What do I know anyway?

Now back to smacking myself back to consciousness...give me two more cups of coffee and maybe I'll be ready to write another post...maybe, but don't count on it.

Speaking of Compensatory Draft Picks...and Stacking the Deck....

Does anyone realize how ridiculous New England should be (on paper) going into next season? Not only did they pretty much trump all in the offseason player moves department, securing Adalius Thomas, Donte Stallworth, Kelly Washington, Sammy Morris, and Wes Welker, but they are also the only team with TWO first round draft picks, and now they've been awarded FOUR more compensatory draft picks. FOUR. That's like 100 in dog years...er picks...you know what I mean.

This amounts to a hefty 12 total draft picks for the Pats on April 28, the most of any team. How much more do they need? I mean with all that talent they just brought in, coupled with the fact that they made it all the way to the AFC Championship game (which they almost won mind you) last season, the Patriots should be a lock for the Super Bowl next year...then again, just because somebody looks good on paper NOW, doesn't mean that things won't change in the 6 months or so between now and the season kickoff.

Oh yeah, and Baltimore got 4 compensatory picks too...good news for the Steelers...probably not. At least with our 2 compensatory picks we'll have 9 total picks...not too shabby.

Compensatory Draft Picks, Yea!!

Imagine Crank Yanker's Special Ed reading that subject and it's a whole lot more appropriate.

Anyways, today's big Steeler news is that the NFL awarded the team two additional compensatory draft picks in this year's April 28 draft. And yes, for those of you who doubt the relevancy of this news, it is big. Since the Steelers consistently rely on the draft to feed their ever-successful talent pool, getting an extra 4th and 5th round pick is huge.

So you know what? My earlier statement about wanting the Steelers to show more of an active role in free agency was probably a bit of an over reaction. I'm not rescinding that it's tough to sit by and watch the Browns/Ravens make moves as if they were trading cards (not people), but the Steelers don't like to throw money around like that, and this year was one characterized by tons of money(disgustingly). So, as the story goes, 1+1=2, and the Steelers were relatively non-existent in this year's free agency "arms race".

Who am I to mess with the Steeler way.

In Kevin Colbert we trust!

The Wonder Boy or The All American Boy?

Everyone's talking about who will go #1 in the draft, or more aptly, who will be the 1st QB taken - Jamarcus Russell or Brady Quinn?

So I'll throw in my two cents, for whatever it's worth to anyone who reads this...

I'll admit, I want to see Brady Quinn fail as much as the next guy. Mostly because of the hype and his success, but yet no success (drawing comparisons to Peyton Manning --and it doesn't help that I can't stand Peyton).

On the other hand, I am amazed by a guy who is 6'6", 260 pounds and can throw the football 80-85 yards with only moderate effort (Russell...for those of you who aren't following).

Still, I read an article in last weeks Sports Illustrated discussing the two and their comparative differences and it got me thinking - is Brady Quinn really as bad as I want him to be? Apparently, he was able to rep at the NFL combine recently. Which, for me, is really impressive considering he only weighs about 225! Plus I think the LB with the most reps only got 26 (I THINK?). Then there's the fact that he's had to answer questions non-stop from the media about his draft stock and viability as an NFL quarterback, which I think he's handled admirably (as pointed out by Browns GM Phil Savage..perhaps a hint as to his destination?).

However, bench pressing and likability do not an all-pro necessarily make. Quinn still has questions about making the tough throws, making the LONG throws and most importantly winning the big game (although if he goes to Cleveland, he'll have it made because they don't know what winning the big game is like either).

Conversely, Russell is (was) only a junior at LSU and took his team to a Sugar Bowl title over the elder and at-the-time more highly touted Quinn. As mentioned, his arm strength is good, and his pocket presence is second to none. He seems to have good accuracy, a good attitude (or so it seems - sidenote: Russell as a Sophomore in High School drove across the whole county just to be a water boy at the Elite 11 QB camp held during the summer in California), and enough athletic ability to be an NFL success.

But, let's not forget the other QB from that Manning draft back in 1998...who was it you ask? None other than Ryan Leaf! So only time will tell, but for now, I'm torn.

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