NFL DRAFT: THE LIVE BLOG

Join the dorks who love to waste one weekend a year on the most manufactured sporting event ever. Wheee!

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10:21 — The FB NFL Headquarters is ready to go. We’re switching back and forth between NFL Network (preferred) and ESPN (annoying). We’ve got Firefox set up with tabs to Peter King at SI.com, Rick Gosselin at the DMN (no ital in the live blog…no time, baby, we’re on the clock!), the ESPN.com team (Michael Smith, Todd McShay, John Clayton, etc.), Mike Florio and his band of insiders at profootballtalk.com, and the snarks at Deadspin.com. Two words: Giddy and up.

10: 25 — First thing I notice, per ususal, are the ties. Can’t look at that many men in suits (media, players, etc.) without evaluating their haberdasher. Mel Kiper, I must admit, has a nearly perfect tie working: a medium-sized half-windsor knot, perfect dimple, with classy, glossy, yet understated gold-and-baby-blue stripes. It’s a wonderful contrast to the horrific purple-and-red thing hanging from Chris Berman’s neck. Worse, he’s got a tiny knot tied in the dated four-in-hand style. He looks like a law firm intern, circa 1989.

10: 35 — Most shocking insight so far: Former Cowboys receiver Keyshawn Johnson, part of the ESPN crew, is really good. Composed, opinionated. He has a future behind the camera. On the flip side, Deion Sanders cannot be more annoying.

10:37 — Need to note that I planned on having reports live from the draft in New York. The friend who said he was going though spent most of the night sending me texts like “SoCo and lime [shots], baby!” At 2:45 a.m. EST, I received his last text: “Kelly Clarkson is a good! I don’t care what [people] say!” I don’t think he’s going to make it.

10:40 — Goose Gosselin at the DMN says the Cowboys will take UT cornerback Aaron Ross. I’m really hoping for Ben Grubbs from Auburn or some other offensive lineman. I believe you can get by with average talent in some of the skill positions if you’re dominant on the offensive and defensive lines. Right now the Cowboy are very average along both. I would spend three of my top four picks there. That’s the way I roll.

10:47 — Hungry. Back soon.

10:52 — Too early to eat leftover fettucini carbonara? Discuss.

10:53 — Just got text from Chinese correspondent. He says “I predict major trade at No. 1.” He could, though, be talking about some free-trade pact. Investigating.

10:56 — NY correspondent, Zach, says he indeed did not make it but he at least lives in a real city. Fair enough. He also asks, “Did Steve Young really think it was a good idea to go with the Forrest Gump hairdo?” Also very fair point.

10:58 — Chinese correspondent, Albert (true), says the Raiders will trade down one spot, get a veteran QB, and take Calvin Johnson No. 1. No one else at any site or TV station suggests this. I’m going with Albert.

11:06 — Lots of people suggesting Adrian Peterson from my beloved Sooners could drop into the teens. Folks. Don’t be idiots. Every team without a superstar running back who passes on Peterson will regret it. He will be a superstar. BTW: Zach, look for Jets to trade up into top 15. That’s what I say. Because Adam Schefter at NFL Network says it. (Shefter is great, btw, and he’s been saying since Wednesday the Raiders will take JaMarcus Russell, no question.)

11:11 — This Will Ferrell bit ran on the NFL Network. Two words: Gene and yus.

11:12 — Zach in NY asks, “What would you put the percentage at that I get drafted sometime in the next 7 rounds?” That depends: Is Gil Brandt still evaluating talent for teams? Then I put it at 72 percent.

11:17 — Our Frisco/Plano/Sherman correspondent, Matt, asks, “Is there any chance the Raiders don’t take [Daniel] Sepulveda here?” Football fans, Baylor grads, and his Dallas-area high school buddies are giggling. I mean, he won the Ray Guy award! The ball! His groin! It works on so many levels!

11:22 — JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 pick, is a stud. Zach in NY’s analysis: “First suprise of the draft: the Raiders didn’t [mess] the pick up.”

11:25 — I can no longer take Chris Berman. Going with NFL Network exclusively.

11:28 — Giving love to the boys at Deadspin, who always crack me up:

Russell will never be a target for the league’s discipline policy unless Commissioner Clampdown adds ranch dressing to the list of controlled substances. Look, I’m not saying the kid’s fat, but at LSU Pro Day, receiver Dwayne Bowe (a walking Greek status) worked out shirtless, while Russell wore a big gray kimono from the Marlon Brando consignment gallery.

11:29 — Calvin Johnson is working his BlackBerry. Brickbreaker, baby! Holla!

11:30 — Zach in NY says he thinks that Vince Young, in the Madden ‘08 commercial, is wearing a grill. Looking for confirmation.

11:35 — Let’s be sure to point out that Calvin Johnson is considered one of the greatest receivers ever to come out of college. The only thing that held him back at Georgia Tech? CHAN GAILEY! How can you have the No. 2 player in the land and be as horrible a college team as Georgia Tech was? Wait! Same answer: CHAN GAILEY! Getting angry about Gailey era all over again. Is it too early for scotch?

11:43 — Great rumor wrap-ups and funny reader comments at profootballtalk.com’s live blog. My favorite rumor: the Titans will trade for Mike Williams. My favorite reader joke: Charley Casserly has Mario Williams at No. 1 in his 2007 mock draft.

11:44 — So far, Goose is right on his first three picks. No surprise with Joe Thomas at No. 3, even though ESPN just called it a “curveball.” Good grief. Of course, we all know how good Gosselin is, right?

11:49 — Zach in NY says he agrees with my philosophy of taking nothing but linemen. He writes:

on NCAA Football 2007, all i ever did was recruit O and D lineman and all i did was take my Ags to the title, and had two 2000 yard rushers if it works on XBOX, it has to work in real life

11:50 — Tim MacMahon over at the DMN blog, I just noticed, makes some of the same points I have today. I’m not stealing from you, Tim. You’re clearly a genius, though. Also, if you have something interesting that’s too hot for family viewing, send it my way.

11:54 — Matt Up North may be experiencing some self-loathing. He says, “Tampa Bay needs to add depth at spleen.” With 4th pick, Gaines Adams is a stud. Reminds me of me.

12:00 — Zach disagrees: “name one great player to ever come out of Clemson? where the [hoot] is Clemson anyways?”

12:01 — STILL HUNGRY!

12:02 — Oops. Goose is wrong if Adam Shefter is right. Shef says Levi Brown, not Adrian Peterson. AP and Brady Quinn just grabbed each other as they’re free-falling through the draftmosphere.

12:04 — I’m not saying the Cardinals are irrelevant, but is Neil Lomax still the team’s QB?

12:07 — Rich Eisen says Adrian Peterson is “just chilling.” His agent isn’t, I’m sure.

12:08 — This is why the NFL Network is better. They just showed tape from the Senior Bowl that showed how poor Levi Brown’s technique is. Which is why you shouldn’t be surprised if, like all things that go to the Cardinals, he disappears.

12:09 — Zach asks, “Any chance Washington drafts a GM?”

12:10 — So glad that Joe Theismann isn’t a part of the ESPN telecast. A lot of folks don’t like Sean Salisbury from ESPN, but Zach says he ran into him during a pub crawl a few years and reports he is “VERY cool.” In case you wondered.

12:11 — Matt suggests that Brady “may fall to Los Angeles.” Meanwhile, our LA correspondent, Gonz, texts that the city doesn’t seem to miss football. “But Kid Rock is staying in my hotel. I’ll try to track him down and ask him if he agrees.” Also ask him how he likes his Lions taking ANOTHER receiver. Better hurry. He may have already jumped.

12:19 — I HATE CHRIS BERMAN. Skins take LaRon Landry. He is such a stud. Great pick. Is Daniel Snyder asleep? Who took over and made a good pick? BTW: Goose is back on track.

12:23 — Skins fan Matt loves the pick, but is scared the secondary for Washington will have to make every tackle. Meanwhile, I AM HUNGRY.

12:29 — Shef says Vikes will take APeterson. BOOMER SOONER!

12:35 — You must click on this link! UPDATE: Some say link doesn’t work, although it does on my Mac. If it doesn’t, just go here and enjoy the photoshop work.
12:36 — Brady Quinn is falling right into the Dolphins hands. Rejoice, Dolphin fans. You’ll have the reincarnation of David Woodley.

12:46 — People, please quit sending me jokes about Brady Quinn’s girlfriend. This is a family blog. (Kidding. Please keep sending.)

12:53 — WOW! Gotta say, profootballtalk.com kinda had this. Have the rumor that Trent Green is on his way to Miami. Did Quinn’s girlfriend just walk out? Chris Mortenson just suggested Quinn could fall all the way to the Cowboys. I think I just threw up in my mouth, a little.

12:56 — We’ve been making the Brady Quinn/girlfriend/draft joke all morning about how “he’s got to get younger at the position.” But now, do you think SHE’S thinking that? Discuss.

12:58 — Matt, the admitted Redskins fan, says the Cowboys should do what they can to get Quinn and then “trade Romo to the Desperadoes for a tee.” GIGGLE!

1:05 — Still haven’t eaten. Or brushed my teeth. Must. Get. Off. Couch.

1:10 — Everyone had Derrelle Revis, the CB from Pitt, going to the Texans. No way that stud slides to the Cowboys, right? Impossible. (Hoping I reverse jinx it.)

1:17 — Roger Goddell, the Commish, has just taken Brady Quinn into his private suite to get him away from the cameras. Because the slide is expected to continue. Tim, how proud of you of Notre Dame RIGHT NOW?!

1:19 — Keyshawn just gave a very smart reason why Quinn could go to Carolina. He’s a good. Just like Kelly Clarkson.

1:24 — Wick e-mails in: “I’m listening to the Metropolitan Opera live on WRR and reading your NFL blog. High and low culture.” Weird. I don’t consider opera “low” culture. Oh. Wait.

1:25 — Zach explains the Kelly Clarkson props (not that he needs to; she’s great … I’m serious): “that text came after killing my 8th guiness and singing “since you been gone” at my little bar at 3 am” … Fair enough.

1:29 — Great pick by Buffalo. Goose says Marshawn Lynch is an absolute stud, and I agree. Brave of me, I know, agreeing with the premier draft analyst in the country. But it’s the way I roll.

1:35 — What do you think Jerry Jones is offering to move up for Quinn? Tim MacMahon at the DMN blog says they could do it with a first-rounder this year and next might do it. I think they could offer this year’s first, next year’s 3rd, and Wade Phillips. (RIMSHOT!)

1:37 — Tired of cleaning up Zach’s texts. But here’s what Zach thinks the Cowboys will do:

if im dallas, i pray that quinn falls them. if so, they get on the phone and trade down with cle for thier 2nd and 4th then they get mariwether and meachem GERAT draft if that happens yep, thats whats going to happen heard it here first, at 2:34 [EST]

1:39 — Looking over Zach’s suggestion, I must agree: that would be a gerat draft.

1:46 — JETS!

1:47 — Shef says the Jets might take the corner I was hoping would fall to Dallas. They won’t take Quinn. Is that my stomach growling or Brady Quinn’s girlfriend crying? Hard to tell.

1:51 — Hey, the Jets don’t need Quinn to play QB. They’ve got Marques Tuiasosopo!

1:53 — Shef says there will now be a run on cornerbacks. The Cowboys want one, BUT I have to say I’m not on board with that. I want offensive guard, defensive guard, defensive end. I think you can get through the year with Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn and Terence Newman.

1:56 — Derrelle Revis gone. So sad. You know why I liked him? He ran a 6.56 in the 3-cone drill at the scouting combine. Think about THAT while you listen to “Puccini: Il Trittico,” Wick.

2:04 — Shef reports that Brady Quinn has lost $20 million today because of his free-fall. Hang on, my cell is blowing up. Who is “B-Quinn’s G-friend?” Hello? Why, yes, I DO own two homes.

2:15 — Wick says: “Actually it’s “Suor Angelica” by Puccini — don’t know why the Met switched, but they are doing four operas today, so there’s some confusion in NYC.”

2:16 — Zach says: “Best thing about NYC? You can get a cheesesteak, fries, and a Dr Pepper delivered to your door.” I must eat something.

2:21 — A couple of folks e-mailed about The Ticket’s draft coverage. I’m not dissing them. I love Norm on draft day. I just can’t get the station downstairs in my house. Drives me nuts. Feel free to e-mail anything Goose says live on the air, or any thoughts Norm has, and I’ll give props.

2:30 — Tim just called. “How’s the draft? I’m at a chess tournament for my son. Been here since 9. He’s got one more game. Oh, then there’s the award ceremony.” He sounds beaten. Also, he’s distracting me. He says if there was a connection, he’d live blog the chess tourney.

2:33 — Tim says he’s heartbroken about Quinn. Wonders aloud if Hexter chess team could draft him.

2:38 — From Zach:

2:43 — Zach has just jinxed the Cowboys draft:

i really think this is setting up nicely for dallas. they are going to be in a great position to do almost anything they want. there is going to be a ton of DBs there, every WR not names Ginn, draft quinn, trade down and pick up picks. anything. there is no way we [mess] this up

2:45 — Three more picks, then the ‘Boys are on the clock.

2:51 — Wow. UT safety Michael Griffin goes ahead of Reggie Nelson from Florida and Meriweather from Miami. Mike Mayock from NFL Network is showing video of Griffin blowing tackles, giving up on plays, and getting burned. Awesome. So glad he’s not there for the Cowboys to make a mistake on.

2:54 — Zach says the fact that Reggie Nelson is still going to be there when the Cowboys pick is “proof that Jerry has re-upped his deal with Satan.”

3:00 — The Giants take Aaron Ross, from UT. Again, thank goodness. Zach asks, “Name the last UT player not named Vince who was a great pro.” I said, Earl Campbell? Of course, he’s an Aggie. UPDATE: Quick Google search says only Nathan Vasher and Roy Williams (not counting Vince) can’t be considered busts when taken in first round. And some fans would debate Williams.

3:03 — Cleveland trying to trade up for Quinn, Schefter says. Jerry, get on the phone! Make it happen!

3:07 — AAAGH! Jacksonville took Reggie Nelson. Trade down Jerry! MacMahon and I implore you!

3:09 — Adam Schefter says wide receiver for Cowboys. Jarrett or Dwayne Bowe. I like Bowe. Great blocker, big and tough. Jarrett I’m worried is a system guy.

3:11 — Cleveland is trying to trade its 3rd round pick and next year’s 1st! Do it! Do it! Do it!

3:13 — JERRY! CAN YOU HEAR ME? MAKE! THE! TRADE!

3:14 — Zach in NY wants me to point out that Meachem is also a consideration. I do like him, even though he’s even a Vol.

3:17 — BTW, I still love Ben Grubbs, the guard from Auburn.

3:18 — TRADE! With Cle! Jerry listened to me! I’m responsible! Go Cowboys!

3:19 — Mark Mayock is already saying the Cowboys fleeced the Browns. Lovin’ it. Nancy, how can you not love this?

3:21 — Folks, need I remind you what your FB correspondent in NY said: “if im dallas, i pray that quinn falls them. if so, they get on the phone and trade down with cle for thier 2nd and 4th then they get mariwether and meachem GERAT draft if that happens yep, thats whats going to happen heard it here first, at 2:34 [EST]” … Okay, he was wrong because get even better. NEXT YEAR’S No. 1 and this year’s No. 3! BTW: NFL Network is destroying ESPN on reporting this stuff. UPDATE! It’s next year’s No. 1 and this year’s NUMBER TWO! Jerry’s face just broke from grinning. I want to kiss him. Weirdly, I’m no longer hungry, though.

3:25 — Schefter (how many ways have I spelled his name) says Quinn is $25 million poorer because of his drop from No. 3 (where Cleveland picked Joe Thomas) to No. 22 (where Cleveland traded to pick him). In related news, Quinn’s girlfriend has asked to be released from her contract so she can become a free-agent girlfriend for other first-round picks. Sources say she thinks Thomas “is much cuter than when I first met him.”

3:30 — Ron Jaworski on ESPN just broke down some game tape on Quinn, and he showed why he’s a great value at 22. He thinks he will be a very good quarterback. Jaws is usually right about QBs. Can’t wait to hear Bob and Dan on Monday discuss Browns mania.

3:38 — “With the third pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys select… Darren McFadden, RB/WR/QB, Arkansas.” I just got chills. Watch this video. Getcha some.

3:45 — Could the Cowboys get Alan Branch, the huge Michigan defensive tackle, who is sliding? That would be wonderful, too. Shoot, they might get him and Grubbs. I would do a happy dance.

3:47 — A UT ex who just got off the golf course says, “You might remind Zach that Rickie Williams and priest Holmes both won multiple rushing titles.”

3:38 — Oooh. Zach’s guy is off the board. Brandon Meriweather is gone. New England snaps him up.

3:55 — Still haven’t eaten.

3:57 — Zach says he want the Cowboys to draft Walter Thomas (in the 4th or 5th round) instead of Alan Branch. Read the NYT story to figure out why that would be awesome/frightening.

3:58 — Zach responds to the UT ex:

remind [name redacted] that ricky wlliams has only averaged 4.0 yrds / carry, only rushed for 7000 yards in 6 seasons and last year was in Canada. all of that = BUST. I’ll give you the priest holmes thing, but to me that speaks more about the coaching at Texas than anything. get off the bench

4:01 — Matt is back. He likes the Meriweather pick, despite what people say about his character. (Meriweather was in and out of trouble, and got in trouble because in one brawl he stomped and kicked an already injured player.) Why? Because, as Matt says, “Because he can clearly also play kicker.” HI-yo!

4:01 — COWBOYS TRADE BACK UP!

4:02 — Zach says they will/should/must take Robert Meachem, the WR from Tennessee. I like that pick. Still want Grubbs. I’m boring.

4:03 — Spencer, maybe?

4:05 — If they go CB, everyone says Chris Houston.

4:06 — I dig Branch, too. Just reminding.

4:07 — Oh, no! Tim MacMahon is on the road, in his hoopty! He’s missing the drama on the Cowboys live blog on the DMN site! Hurry, Tim! DRIVE!

4:08 — Dallas gives up a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th to Philly. Oooh. That’s a lot.

4:09 — Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue.

4:11 — Video on Spencer. He’ll play opposite DeMarcus Ware. He had 15 tackles against Notre Dame, btw. Must give props to Chris Mortensen. He called this pick, and pointed out that Wade Phillips loves to bring multiple people off the edge to pressure the QB. That would be nice to see here, for a change.

4:16 — Here’s the reaction from Gary Horton from Scouts Inc.:

GARY HORTON: This is a very astute pick by the Cowboys. Spencer is the last guy for awhile with this type of value. He is the perefect OLB in a 3-4 defense. He is a tweener guy that can rush the QB. Wade Phillips wants more attacking and more pressure out of his front 7 than the old Cowboys did. In Spencer, they get a perfect fit. He really came on as a senior and his stock has been rising. This was a case where Dallas looked at what was left and knew if they didn’t make a move, they wouldn’t get anyone of his caliber. Smart pick. He’ll line up opposite DeMarcus Ware. That’s not too shabby.

4:17 — Wife and daughter home. Blogging will slow down considerable, given the looks on their faces. I think they can’t believe I’m sitting in the same spot where I was when they left at 9:30 a.m.

4:18 — They brought food! God bless women! Celeste out for today. Thanks to all that hung around. I will be posting some notes only on the Cowboys’ picks throughout the weekend. Go Cowboys.

4:41 — I lied. I mean, what ELSE am I going to do? Although I’m full now, which is nice. Barbecue = yum.

5:11 — Lotta good info here on Spencer.

5:41 — More good Spencer info. Hard not to like the pick so far, although Goose had him more of a guy you take in the early second rather the late first.

6:40 — Omigosh. Look at Cleveland’s schedule. They’re guaranteed 4-12, at best. Can you say, top-three pick?

6:46 — Random NFL observation: new Pitt coach Mike Tomlin is superfly. He’s so good looking and schmoove, I think ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols just asked for his cell phone number.

6:50 — Almost time for Cowboys pick. I like Steve Smith, the WR from USC, or Marcus McCauley, the CB out of Fresno State. Maybe Eric Wright, the CB out of UNLV? I also like Ryan Harris, the OT out of Notre Dame, but again, I’m boring and like lineman.

7:00 — My wife just looked at me and said, “Seriously.” I think she means I’m not taking the draft seriously enough. I’ll work harder tomorrow, I promise.

7:06 — Three more picks, then the Cowboys are on the clock.

7:17 — Giants take Smith. Hate the Giants.

7:26 — Traded the pick.

7:30 — To Cleveland, who took Eric Wright, the cornerback I wanted. Wife really angry at the Cowboys right now.

7:32 — Cowboys get a 3rd, 4th, and trade 6th-round picks. I like that. No one I loved here at WR or CB. I do love the center from USC, but they weren’t going to take him. I woulda. Mark it down.

7:37 — Here’s why I like that trade. The Cowboys get the fourth pick in the third round, which will come up soon. Then, they’ll go home, restack their board, and have a clear-eyed look at who they want to go get. Now, with the fourth pick of the day tomorrow, as well as their own pick at 23 tomorrow, they have a chance to get two guys who will contribute next year. You have to do that in the fourth round. Fifth, sixth, and seventh round, you take projects and guys who are bigger question marks, but fourth round, those guys can play. New England ALWAYS finds guys in the fourth round who help them. It’s a good move.

8:12 — I am flat-out loving the Carolina draft. An inside linebacker in Beason, a wide receiver who can learn under Keyshawn in Jarrett, and the best interior lineman in the draft, the center-guard from USC with the name that sounds like he’s from Krypton, Ryan Kalil. On the flip side, HATE Miami’s draft and Philly’s draft so far. Interesting to see what Goose says Monday.

8:16 — Five more picks till the Cowboys are on the clock. They trade down again, my wife is going to punch me in my bald head.

8:24 — I know we supposedly have our QB in Romo, but, my goodness, Trent Edwards, the QB from Stanford, is still on the board! Goose has him as the 37th-best player in the entire draft, and the third-best QB. The Cowboys will soon pick in the 67th spot in the draft. Don’t you have to take him if he’s still there? Jaworski just went through some game film of the guy, and I’m ready to anoint him a future stud right now.

8:38 — Cowboys on the clock. Edwards is there. So is the CB from Fresno St, and I think Ryan Harris from Notre Dame is still there.

8:43 — Cowboys take James Marten from Boston College. Huge guy. 6-7 1/2. Described as tenacious, intelligent, strong, but not a natural athlete. Right tackle. Marc Columbo type. Love it. Love the linemen. Giddyup.

8:47 — Actually, he needs to work on his strength. He may start at guard, and he could then move to right tackle eventually. Goose had him at No. 85 on his board. Again, I like the pick. But, man, someone is going to get a good player in Trent Edwards for cheap.

8:51 — After 10.5 hours, Celeste out.