Draft Thoughts

NEL Network live coverage has started and it's already getting really interesting.

-Mike Mayock has mentioned a key theme, which is quarterbacks. Sam Bradford is expected to go first to St. Louis. After that, Jimmy Clausen, Colt McCoy and almost certainly Tim Tebow will factor prominently in the story of the draft. Seattle (6 and 14) and San Francisco (13 and 17) both have two picks in the top half of the first round and both have "needs" at quarterback. If Clausen slips past 17 -- past teams like Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland, Buffalo -- there are a ton of trade possibilities that will come into play.

-Corey Chavous also makes a great point about Offensive Tackles emerging, again, as a potential theme, especially in the first round. Russell Okung and Trent Williams are being talked about as early as the second pick with Detroit, and although they will likely be available for the Redskins at number four, they appear to be top options at a premium position. Brian Bulaga and Anthony Davis, among others, will garner attention from the Chiefs' pick at five on, so that begs the question of which players will move up after those guys are off the board. It's such an important position for teams, and the record has shown a high success rate for tackles taken at the top of the draft compared to those taken later.

Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant Watch will be on in full force tonight. If he is as good as they say he is, it has to be worth watching where he goes. To most he's a top talent at least in the same category as Michael Crabtree last year. Crabtree was considered to be among the top few in terms of ability, but he fell to the Niners at 10. Bryant has been talked about for most teams in the first round, so I'm really interested to see what happens. A team that considers him a superstar WR could surprise and take him early, or he could be available when the Steelers pick at 18.

Craig's Thoughts

-Would hate if the Giants take Jason Pierre-Paul at 15. In his words:

"i will be furious if we take Pierre. please god no. i have no interest in drafting an end that high who doesnt' play both ways. i just pray the dolphins take him. cause if he is there, i think they may pull the trigger. i know but i think they like him just under spiller and mcclain. i would rather take iatupi, move up, or bck. back."

-"what if San Fran takes dez? i would love it." I would love it too. Again, if he is as good as they say he is, he cold be a huge pick for almost any team.

More to come I'm sure from Craig Peter King Mel Kiper Todd McShay Kubie...

Steelers Thoughts

Ed Bouchette likes Maurkice Pouncey, C/G from Florida, for the Steelers at 18. I am inclined to hope that doesn't happen because I think that there should be better values at that point in the first round. I have developed a serious passion for the top corners in the draft (Joe Haden, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty and Kareem Jackson), and would love to see the Steelers take one of them.

Trading back and taking him would suit me, as would, of course, trading Ben Roethlisberger and getting more top picks in this wonderfully fruitful draft.