NFL Casting Couch

Two stories recently make me wonder, what exactly is going on during the interview process for NFL . One story deals with round one draft choice Dez Bryant. It came out that Dolphins GM had asked Bryant whether his mother had been a prostitute and also rumored, I believe, he asked if his dad had been a pimp. What kind of ridiculous series of questions is that? I can't imagine Bryant felt very comfortable after that and is probably happier he got chosen by the Cowboys in the Draft.

Outsports then reported a story, that another draftee was asked about his sexual orientation. Geno Atkins was asked by the Bengals, who did pick him up, whether he was gay or not. Atkins doesn't say how he answered but guess the answer didn't bother the Bengals, which could either mean there is more social understanding in the NFL than some people assume or he is straight, heh.

With all the power that goes to these players, especially first round picks, its not surprising that the questions veer into incredibly personal areas. I think, at least in the Dolphins case, they could have done a background check and have found out if that was true or not. Teams don't need revelations about their players, though it probably not affect their playing status, it would effect ticket sales or endorsement deals.

Now I am curious to know what is being asked by these GMs or organizations about their players. The picture of Tebow, besides being hot, was used to illustrate a point. The questions really make me think that these young players get stripped down ala Hollywood Casting Couch. I don't remember much being made out of the interviewing process in previous years and it might be something that isn't discussed. I would like to know more but its all very secretive is seems like, wonder why...

We have a Quarterback

So after teasing Browns Fans through several rounds of the draft, the team finally selected Colt McCoy with the 85th pick overall. I was beginning to lose hope they were going to draft him since Holmgren did make a statement earlier Friday about how they had other picks to make. Of course, football is a lot like politics...no one ever really means what they say. So with building suspense and then adding a flourish of drama with Mac Brown, Texas Coach, making the announcement; the Browns got their franchise quarterback.

I'm overall pretty happy with the Browns draft, it was definitely better than the ones they have had the past couple of years. I doubt there will be a play off run this year but maybe we can at least get to 500. An interesting note, Jordan Shipley was drafted by the Bengals; so now the fantastic Texas scoring duo are on rival teams. Well you know what they say....Ohio is made for Lovers.

Draft Day! Sequel

Some the first round is done and done, and the big news coming out is that Tim Tebow was taken by the Broncos. The Broncos traded back in the first round for a second time to pick up Tebow with the 25th pick overall. I am most surprised it was the Broncos that took him, considering they have both Orton and took Brady Quinn in an off season trade. Apparently McDaniels, Bronco's coach, had some very strong feelings for Tebow. I can relate to that, I also have strong feelings for Tebow. The Bills were going to make a play for him in the second round but looks like they were taken him for granted. I'm somewhat torn about this, I really wanted Quinn to become the starter for the Broncos but now...ah...damn it.

Other points of interests.

Big 12, especially Oklahoma, had the most round pics with the SEC following after that. It definitely gives you an idea of where the power or high end talent is going and coming from in the NCAA football.

Jimmy Clausen is still in the draft, even though he was rated to be a top 10 talent and thought to have been gone in the first ten picks. He should go in the second round, if not in the beginning of it unless McCoy is grabbed first. I feel bad for the guy, you get all that hype and then it comes crashing down.

Should be a lot of fun trade deals going on today, like to see how the Browns continue to rebuild their team.

Draft Day!

So between the dry spell of the Super Bowl and the Pre Season, football fans get a brief respite with Draft Day....or Weekend really. I know some people bitch about the length of the Draft, no over 3 days, but I'm happy about it. I have something to watch again, and its allows for endless amounts of pointless sports punditry.

Major Story lines

Well to me anyway, I wanted to break down some story lines I care about coming into this Draft selection.

Browns: Another rebuilding season for the Browns, or well maybe not as badly as before. Mangini is in his second year, and Holmgren isn't new to running a team but few think they are on the path to success. They've made some major changes to the QB position, and there is definite speculation will draft another QB to be their future. The rest of the team is definitely in need for upgrading and it will be interesting to see how Holmgren begins to put his fingerprint on the team's direction.

I know its presumptuous to think that the Browns will be a play off team this year but the AFC North is influx. Steelers are looking at climbing out of hole with Big Ben out for at least 4 games. The Ravens look like the team to beat coming in, I have real doubts the Bengals will be able to repeat their last season sweep of the division. The Browns are on a four game win streak, maybe it will continue on.

AFC EAST: The Patriots look like they are in serious trouble of repeating their champion run of that division. The Jets have continued to gain talent and develop even further, Miami has also been making steady improvements since their one win season. The Bills seem to be the only team thats worse off than they were last year, but the draft could change that. The Patriots haven't made a lot of off season moves so far so the draft will be telling.

The Patriots are a dynasty for a reason: staying power and consistently good performance. They still have Brady and Belichick, so I still believe in them. They will just have to perform better than they did last year, which seems like it will be a guarantee. Brady will be healthier and better synced since being off a year, just hope Rex gets back as quickly as possible.

Tim Tebow: Whether you like him or not, Tim Tebow is the talk of the draft for various reasons. Everyone wants to know when he will go and who he will be drafted by. Most people think he won't go till the 2nd or 3rd round, though one expert said there was an 80% change he would go in the first. I hope the Patriots pick him up, Belichick would do great things with him. Apparently Urban Meyer, Tebow's college coach, is friends and talks with Belichick...so it seems like a definite possibility. Tebow on the Pats, two good things going together...one can dream.