Draft Day 2004 Blog

It's Noon, it's Saturday, it's Draft Day 2004!

Joining me this afternoon are my couch, my laptop, some hot wings, potato skins, mozzarella sticks, onion straws, fried shrimp, and french fries thanks to my Damon's gift certificates from Christmas.

Much intrigue today at the top of the draft, and I'm excited to see how this plays out.

ESPN has liberal radio mouthpiece Chuck D performing on the intro, which reminds me. Chuck D is rapping over a track. He is not, as our lily white Midwestern daily newspaper here wrote this morning, “performing his own rap.” Man, I hate it when white people don't ask before writing about something they have no idea about.

Here's a question – why the beefcake locker room shots of the top picks in the intro? Not exactly appealing to your demo there boys. How's about strippers and porn stars delivering these guys their first Hummer, in the sport-utility vehicle sense of the word of course.

1209PM

It's being reported that the Chargers might still take Manning, wait on the Giants to take Rivers with the fourth pick, and then trade at that point.

I thought that the rookie salary pool slots the available cap money to each team based on where they make their picks. In other words, if the Chargers make the selection at #1, they have #1 money to sign a #4 player. No problem there. What about the other side? #4 money to sign the #1 guy? Isn't that going to be an issue?

The New York crowd is hating the Mannings. I can't say I blame them.

1216PM

Twelve minutes on the clock for San Diego, and Eli Manning's gambit is still looking like it might bite him in his ass. Were I Eli, I'd be chugging out of a bottle of Maalox right about now.

Interesting stat on the scroll: Arizona has drafted WR with their top pick four of the last five years. That's why I'm thinking the Larry Fitzgerald pick that seems like such a sure thing might just be a smokescreen for their true intentions, whatever those may be. Maybe they've fallen in love with Roethlisberger, and by not talking about him, they're duping other teams into not trying to trade up to #2 to take him.

I can't see Arizona turning their #1 from last year, Bryant Johnson, into the instant slot receiver by taking Fitzgerald. I'm sure the Cards will prove me wrong though.

Maybe they're infatuated with Rivers... That might possibly make sense.

1225PM

Tags approaches the podium with San Diego's pick. San Diego did it, they took Manning, and it's obviously not a look of relief on his face. The crowd is kicking his ass right now, and well they should. It was a petulant move on his part, and for daddy to get involved, well, we'll just see how this all plays out in training camp, should he ever sign a contract.

San Diego was really backed into this corner regarding Manning. They were expected to be forced to trade out, which absolutely drove the value of that pick down. Now that they actually have Manning's negotiating rights? Well, hopefully they can now see the value for the trade they deserve.

“Eli is the villain,” according to Chris Mortensen. Good point. What I think the media is focusing too hard on is the quality of the team in San Diego being the impetus for Manning's position. I would bet the shaky ownership has a lot more to do with this than anyone's talking about. This is a franchise that needs a new stadium, and is likely to dangle the prospect of moving to Los Angeles (into a stadium they'd have to probably retrofit to their purposes there too) over the heads of San Diego voters, holding the city hostage to get their stadium vote passed.

Would you want to be the figurehead for the next team in the league to pick up stakes and leave town?

1234PM

“Snap your fingers, turn on a light? That was my idea.”

I love that dude.

Good move bringing Corey Chavous back for the “Player's Council” this year. Chavous is opinionated and knows his stuff.

Oakland is ready... Trade? Nope, Robert Gallery. He's a happy, happy guy right now. I would be too in his spot. #2 overall is a nice chunk of cash, and compared to Arizona and San Diego, he'll be a hell of a lot closer to the playoffs.

Isn't it fun to imagine an OT lining up wearing one of those #1 jerseys they give them? Not exactly the lanky speedster split end type.

Great, smart pick by Oakland. WR wasn't as big an area of need as OL, and this was just a flat-out smart pick. “They're getting back to the basics,” says Michael Irvin. At least he's not dressed like Dr. Evil today.

Arizona's in a great spot right now. Find someone who loves Phillip Rivers, engineer a move down, and then make the Giants pony something up too. They could make a killing.

1246PM

Larry Fitzgerald goes to Arizona. Not a surprise, but I'm not happy with this pick. So many holes on this team, and another WR is your direction?

He's the guy here who is most likely to hit the Hall of Fame some day, but just doesn't come at a position of need for Arizona.

Plus, his presence devalues Anquan Boldin, who I have in my keeper league right now.

Great player, good value at #3, but I'm knocking them for this pick.

1250PM

Assuming that chick in the lime green top is Phillip Rivers' girlfriend, which do you think, once he signs that contract, he upgrades first? The girlfriend or the car?

Also, why is it that the NBA Draft green room guys dress like pimps, and the NFL guys dress like they're about to interview with Bank of America?

1259PM

Four minutes left for the Giants. The best case scenario for Detroit is for the Giants, either for themselves or in a trade, to pick a QB. That will slide two of the three players (Winslow, Taylor, Williams) the Lions could really use down to their slot. Not only that, but maybe possibly we could talk Cleveland into trading up to 6 (from 7) to take Taylor, leaving us Williams at 7 (assuming Winslow goes to Washington).

The Giants have picked. Phillip Rivers! Sweet. This has got to be a trade. I think the Giants would have went Roethlisberger if it was for them.

By the way, that chick in the lime green is Phillip's wife. If you've got the potential to be a top athlete, you just can't get married in college. There are all sorts of women out there who are going to want you for your money in the real world. Why lock yourself to one chick?

I know that it's live TV and all, but the production values here stink. Boomer has no idea where anyone is, the editing is clumsy and abrupt, and somehow they forgot to send Dallas ass-kissing “journalist” Ed Werder to the Cowboy's facility this year. Big mistake.

108PM

Joe Gibbs this, Joe Gibbs that. Make the fucking pick and let's get to the Lions.

Washington, surprisingly, take Sean Taylor!

Trade! San Diego and New York swap picks, and the Giants send their third round pick this year, and their first and fifth next year. THAT'S HUGE. Way better than the deals that were on the table (as far as the media knew) in the last few days.

Here's what I'm watching now. With this trade coming with the Lions on the clock, let's just see how much or how little they talk about the Lions.

Maybe the Giants won't be this bad next year, but they're in a tough division, their first round pick (Manning) won't be a contributor, and they will probably end up somewhere between 10-15. With San Diego almost guaranteed to be in the top six or seven (I'm being gracious), they'll have good ammo to get to #1 if there's someone worth taking there.

Detroit has been on the clock five minutes thirty seconds, and they finally mentioned them. That being said, it was in the context of mentioning Roethlisberger is on the phone and maybe that means someone is coming up to get him.

Who? Buffalo? Pittsburgh? I want the player, not the picks.

Nine minutes into the Lions' time, and still ESPN has only mentioned them once. They do this to us every year.

They're trading with Cleveland! Cleveland is coming up to get Winslow, and we'll get the third now we need to acquire Larry Allen. That's my guess at least. The Browns are on the clock with five minutes left.

Here we go. Cleveland does get Winslow, the Lions are on the clock, and we're not four minutes into their fifteen, and we have no idea what they got from Cleveland.

Oh yeah, and ESPN did mention they like Roy Williams here, but are still talking about anything but Detroit.

Great, now they'll just fucking throw to commercial. This is infuriating.

I just checked out another source, and it looks like the Lions got Cleveland's #37 overall pick to allow them to move up a spot. That's enormous. So much better than getting the third.

Lions are up! Roy Williams! Hell yeah! And Roy's looking smooth too. Dresses himself like Michael Irvin. We just got quite possibly the best receiver in the draft. He's real good, and our passing game just got real dangerous.

Alright, I'm a happy boy. Here's my hope at this point. We now have #37 and #36 in the second round. WR is taken care of. I want that S from Georgia, possibly one of the two TE prospects (Watson or Troupe), or hopefully Vernon Carey at G from Miami.

That was a huge trade for us. Great job Millen!

137PM

Unsurprisingly, DeAngelo Hall goes to Atlanta. Between DeAngelo Hall and Michael Vick, Atlanta now has two unbelievable athletes, one on each side of the ball. This kid is a playmaker. Great pick, exactly the right pick in exactly the right spot.

148PM

Major rumors (not announced on ESPN) that we took Roy Williams with the intention of trading to Jacksonville. Not likely, as Jacksonville just took Reggie Williams, another WR.

Good thing. I think that even if Jacksonville wanted to trade with Detroit, the Lions/Browns trade probably set the market at a minimum value of a #2 pick. That's a lot for just one slot, and were I Matt Millen, knowing I have my guy in Roy Williams, I'm demanding the #1 next year to trade Williams for Jacksonville's #9.

They didn't bite, and if you're reading this from the Reebok Thailand Sweatshops, you can start sewing those Roy Williams Lions jerseys right now.

Not a bad pick for Jacksonville. Reggie is a solid receiver, good size, great hands.

Houston grabbed Dunta Robinson, CB, South Carolina. Fills a huge need for them, and you can't argue that pick at all.

Pittsburgh now should take Roethlisberger, and with any luck they'll show Mean Gene in the stands celebrating the pick.

158PM

Nice touch for ESPN covering the phone call between Roethlisberger and Bill Cowher. Great moment.

Man, this draft is moving along!

Ben's the guy, he's the big tough kid who will give Pittsburgh fans a lot to cheer for for years to come. Nice pick.

210PM

The Jets used less than five minutes to get their pick in. They take Jonathan Vilma, LB from Miami. Kid is talented, and the Jets fans are pumped. He's a smart, heady, fast MLB prospect, who might play WILL LB in the pros.

Buffalo is on the clock, and they've got to be smarting after losing out on Rivers and Roethlisberger. Look for them to go WR.

213PM

Picks are just flying in! Buffalo doesn't disappoint me, and they take Lee Evans, WR from Wisconsin.

Nice pick. Kid is a burner, and will be a great deep threat next to Eric Moulds.

I read a highly suspect report stating that Detroit would trade with Tampa Bay, sending both #36 and #37 to get #15. Makes sense for Tampa, I'd think. We'll see in about thirty minutes.

228PM

Tommie Harris, the best D-Lineman in the draft, goes to Chicago at pick 14. Great, great pickup for them. Urlacher wasn't the same last year with his less-than-great DT combo in front of him, and with the addition of Harris, Urlacher should be freed up to be the difference maker he was in 2002.

235PM

Tampa Bay, with five minutes on the clock, is projected to be the destination for Stephen Jackson from Oregon State. Kid has great hands, and will be a good fit in a Jon Gruden offense.

Michael Clayton? He's smooth I guess, but wouldn't Stephen Jackson had been a better pick? I have a problem with this one, as they have two very similar receivers in Joe Jurevicius and Keenan McCardell, who are both big targets. Why a third guy with the same basic traits?

251PM

Eagles trade up to #16 to grab T Shawn Andrews!?! Man, I love draft day. Crazy move. He is the best remaining OL on the board, but that's a heckuva reach in my opinion. Andrews is a road paver, but weighs about as much as one. This could very well be a bad, bad bust for Andy Reid and his boys.

The Eagles traded #28 and #58 to get up to #16. I think that bodes well for the Lions to trade up if we want to.

As soon as I had typed “road paver,” Mel Kiper called him a “road grader.” Well, whatever. He's huge.

258PM

Denver on the clock, and here is probably where Stephen Jackson goes. The commish announces DJ Williams at OLB! The Saints, who are now on the clock, could be ripe for a trade for Jackson with the Lions. They can get a DB at #36, and we can get Jackson.

Williams is a nice pick for Denver. He's strong, he's fast, and he's good even though he's still learning the position. Lots of Hurricanes going today, that's for sure.

Why are Jackson and Kenechi Udeze still on the board? Maybe there's something to Udeze's supposed shoulder problems after all.

308PM

Will Smith to New Orleans? Not a need pick, but it's a strategy that more teams should use, the best available player pick. Between Smith and Charles Grant, and adding Johnathan Sullivan at DT, they could realistically have an amazing D-Line in a year or two. For need, they get a D, but for value, that's an A.

313PM

Miami, Minnesota, New England. All three of which could be trade partners for the Lions to trade up for Jackson. By the way, Miami just traded up one spot with Minnesota. Why? Miami might be grabbing a WR, and I don't think that's a likely thing for Minnesota. The only player this seems to make sense for is Karlos Dansby, but it's too early.

Miami takes Vernon Carey, the Guard from Miami. Good pick, this kid is talented. He's solid. Did Miami really think they needed to jump Minnesota to do this?

And Minnesota follows with Kenechi Udeze, who looks happy, but is seemingly dressed for his shift at the House of Flavors.

Good pick, good value here. He's an athletic kid, and has the potential to be a double-digit sack kind of guy. I didn't like Udeze at #9, but I like him here at #20.

Now c'mon New England! Let us trade with you to get Jackson!

328PM

Seven minutes left for New England at #21. Doesn't a trade with Detroit make a lot of sense here right now? I know Vince Wilfork is still on the board and all, but New England can get tremendous value right now for #21.

If it's not a trade, it'll be Wilfork or Chris Gamble.

The first team to wind the clock down does in fact take Vince Wilfork. Kid had to hate that he slipped, but to slip to the champs? Yeah, not bad.

344PM

Dallas, then Seattle, Cincy, Green Bay, St. Louis, Tennessee, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Carolina, New England, Arizona, NY Giants, and finally San Diego. Then Detroit. And Detroit again.

Assuming Dallas takes Jackson, only Cincy, Tennessee, St. Louis, and maybe San Diego would look at Kevin Jones. And of those teams, only St. Louis would be a likely destination.

Maybe Detroit is hoping he continues to slip?

349PM

Trade! Dallas sold it off! Buffalo? Buffalo?

I guess they're jumping Green Bay for JP Losman. Wow. That's ridiculous. Talk about reaching for a guy. JP Losman is the #22 pick in the draft?

Yeah, alright I guess.

Steven Jackson (it's Steven, not Stephen) is still on the board!

Dallas got #43, a fifth round, and a first rounder next year.

That's LUDICROUS. Buffalo just got robbed.

Beautiful for Detroit though, because there's little chance, barring another trade, that two RBs will be off the board before #36.

405PM

Not a surprise, Seattle gets a DT. Marcus Tubbs is a big fella, and is strong as hell. He's the right guy.

I'm probably dreaming here, but Steven Jackson and Ben Troupe at the top of round two.

Yeah, I'm definitely dreaming.

414PM

#24 Cincinnati on the clock. Could they use an RB? Probably. They do have some defensive holes, particularly in the secondary though.

I'm guessing Chris Gamble. Marvin Lewis is a defensive guy. He'll eschew offense with this pick.

I hope.

418PM

Cincy trades to St. Louis? No!

Yeah, it's Steven Jackson to St. Louis. Damn. That means that the Lions are now sweating out Kevin Jones.

How is Steven Jackson their type of back in St. Louis? Don't they need a quicker scatback type?

Fucking hell. Told you St. Louis would be a possibility.

428PM

Green Bay on the clock. Lots of rumors that this is the spot for Ben Troupe, the talented TE from Florida. I don't know about that. Chris Gamble has to go at some point, doesn't he? And Green Bay likely needs another DB.

As long as it's not Kevin Jones, I'll be OK.

Green Bay selects Ahmad Carroll, the DB from Arkansas. Right position, wrong player.

Cincy is back on the clock, and Chris Gamble is still there.

By the way, Cincy picked up a fourth rounder for dropping two slots. That's it.

439PM

Cincy picks Chris Perry! Kevin Jones on the board, and they pick Chris Perry! Unreal.

He's a warrior though. He'll bring a good attitude to the locker room, that's for sure. Way too high for him. They could have gotten him at #36, and picked up another 3 or 4 for that.

Tennessee is up. They have to go DL.

450PM

Trade! Houston is now sitting at #27. They definitely don't need an RB, so we're cool here I think. They're going after a DE I'd bet with this pick.

Houston takes DE Jason Babin with this pick, who was the highest remaining player left on Mel's board. Good pick. He's the dude that eats chicken bones (not chicken, chicken bones) before every game.

They're talking about him at OLB. He's a good pass rusher, and quick for a 260 lb white guy.

I think Tennessee is happy with any one of two or three DTs they could pick up in the second round, which is where I'm assuming we'll see this trade paying back to Tennessee.

Reportedly, Houston gave up a 2, 3, 4, and a 5 to get him. That seems like an awful lot for a late 20s pick.

503PM

Trade! San Francisco just traded away round 1, number 28 to Carolina, and now Carolina apparently has #28 and #31 in round 1. I'm guessing, as I have for almost every pick for the last two hours, that we're looking at Chris Gamble in this spot. Then, possibly Michael Jenkins or Rashaun Woods with the next pick.

ESPN is in the middle of a maddeningly long commercial break. Whew, there. Carolina does, in fact, take Chris Gamble. Now I finally look smart.

And San Francisco does get #31 (and a fourth rounder), so Carolina isn't going to continue to load up.

Indianapolis on the clock...

514PM

Trade! Atlanta is now on the clock at #29. Of course, with the ridiculous amount of commercial breaks ESPN is shoving down our throats right now, who could possibly tell what's going on? At least Atlanta, hopefully, doesn't need an RB. This sounds like a trade for Rashaun Woods or Michael Jenkins to me. Probably Woods.

Atlanta gave up the #38 pick, the one right after Detroit's two, and probably a fourth to move up.

Michael Jenkins. Not Woods. This will help Vick out a great deal. He's probably a Moulds-type guy, runs good routes, is a solid receiver who played in an unproductive offense. I think he'll be a great piece in that offense. He might be one of the most productive rookie receivers picked in round one this year.

And with all these trades, are the Lions asleep at the wheel, or just betting the slipping continues?

520PM

We did it! We traded up to #30, and I'm assuming it's to land either Troupe or Jones. It's got to be Kevin Jones, but since they're letting Merril Hoge talk about Mike Vick right now, and I'm sure will toss it to a commercial next, it'll be five minutes of pain before I know what's going on.

Yep, commercial. Fuck those guys. Really, fuck them up their stupid asses.

Here's my guess... We threw KC the lower of the two second rounders, and a fourth for this pick. Still lines us up for Troupe or Watson in the second. I can't imagine paying more than that for the move up five spots.

Oh, c'mon! Tell me about the trade! Quit talking draft history!

Here we go... It's Kevin Jones! Goddamn right! Perfect spot for him this late in the round, and we fucked Dallas out of a top three RB. Oh man, am I happy.

#36 and our fourth rounder, plus a fifth next year is all this took. I had originally heard that our first rounder next year was the price, and I was OK with that, but this is even better.

By the way, at #31, San Francisco got Rashaun Woods. I love this kid. Great pick. And they traded down twice to get him. He's the next Keenan McCardell. Amazing hands. They're probably still going to need a playmaker at WR

538PM

Ten trades in round one today. Amazing.

Ben Watson to New England closes out the round. That, of course, bodes well for Ben Troupe's availability to Detroit at #37. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens, but this has gone on long enough, and I'm done writing. I'll do grades this week.