• Sun. Nov 24th, 2024

Drafts sights and sounds

New York Jets fans ran amuck in Radio City Music Hall on April 25 at the NFL Draft.

When news broke of the Jets trading up to No. 5 to select Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez, fans ran up and down the aisles screaming like 12-year-old girls.

For all I knew, Zack Efron could have just walked in the building.

The buzz in the building peaked when Sanchez was grabbed and the vibe stayed level throughout the first two rounds.

Absolute shocker

When it comes to Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, expect the unexpected. That theory stood tall as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the Raiders selection.

With the No. 7 pick, the Raiders chose Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bay. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound speedster was clocked as the fastest player at the NFL Combine in February.

Davis’ love for speed is no secret. With higher-rated receivers like Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree and Missouri’s Jeremy Macklin available, Davis fumbled the ball in a large way.

Bengals leave winners

Another unexpected event occurred on day one: the Bengals made smart decisions.

With the sixth overall selection, Cincinnati chose Alabama tackle Andre Smith.

Three months ago, Smith was the No. 1 overall selection on some mock boards. But a few irresponsible choices later, Smith saw his stock fall.

The Bengals scooped up the best tackle in the draft and plucked a monster at linebacker in Rey Maualuga from USC.

Beanie falls to Cards

As a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, I was one happy boy when Chris “Beanie” Wells happened to be available at No. 19.

A lack of an inside running game meant for sure Philadelphia was going to take the bruising Buckeye back. But Goodell soured my evening by pronouncing “Jeremy Macklin, wide receiver, Missouri.”

It was an excellent pick by the Eagles, but my heart wanted Beanie.

Things I learned

  • Kansas City Chiefs fans really do exist
  • New York Jets fans are the same exact person
  • Detroit Lions fans are not ashamed to wear Detroit Lions apparel
  • Michael Crabtree is has personality problems
  • ESPN sportscaster Trey Wingo loves Diet Coke
  • Commissioner Goodell could play linebacker tomorrow for the Lions