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KIRKLAND – It’s not that the intricate subtleties of blocking are not exciting or important, but when it already has been determined that the first pick of today’s NFL draft will be an offensive tackle there is not a lot of room for athletic flights of fancy.
Indeed, among today’s top 10 picks, seven are projected to be defensive players, with only Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden giving this draft a touch of flair.
Michigan tackle Jake Long already has negotiated a five-year, $57.75 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, leaving little drama for who will chosen with the first pick.
Thereafter, the majority of the picks will be a who’s who of defensive linemen.
“I think overall draft-wise maybe it is average,” Seahawks vice president of player personnel Ruston Webster said of this year’s talent. “I think there is pretty good depth at certain positions. Out of every draft there are always players that come out of the later rounds. But I would say overall it is an average draft.”
This is the first year the NFL is changing the draft’s format, going from three rounds the first day to just two, with the remaining five rounds on Sunday. Also, there will be only 10 minutes between picks in the first round instead of 15 minutes, decisions driven primarily by television ratings.
Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell said teams have had to adjust accordingly, holding discussions about potential trades beforehand to map out possibilities.
“We have gone 25 years the old way,” Ruskell said. “But there are times when it drags. That can be tough. It will be a different tempo. We have to get used to it. But I think it was a good change. I think it was necessary.”

thenewstribune.com

In 2008, the Philadelphia Eagles face perhaps their last chance to shoot for a Super Bowl in the Donovan McNabb era. Over the last few years, the Eagles schedule seems to suggest some easy wins in the first half of the season, and some very tough games in the second half. But slower starts and big finishes have been the Eagles traditional pattern. In the coming NFL season, the Eagles face a tough beginning and a tough end to their schedule.
On Opening Day, the Eagles open at home against the Rams, a team that the Eagles can easily beat. More difficult match ups in the coming weeks include a Monday Night game at Dallas in Week 2, a home game against the Steelers in Week 3, and a Sunday night game at Chicago in Week 4. Games on October 12′th at San Francisco and October 26′th vs Atlanta could provide a relief. The Eagles close out the first half of the schedule visiting the always tough Seattle Seahawks in Week 9.
In the second half of the schedule, the Eagles host the Super Bowl champion Giants on a Sunday night during Week 10, and visit them in Week 14. Weeks 11 and 12 have the Eagles facing AFC doormats Cincinnati and Baltimore, followed by a very rare Thanksgiving Day home game against Arizona. To end the season, the Eagles once again close out with games against NFC East foes, as they visit the Redskins on December 21’st and host Dallas on the final week.
The Eagles schedules features at least six to eight games they should be able to win against inferior competition. Their six games against NFC East rivals can go either way, as always. The Week 2 and 3 games against Dallas and Pittsburgh can establish the Eagles as a legitimate contender, or set the stage for another year where they struggle at .500. The Eagles have struggled to reach fast starts over the last few years, but with their window of opportunity almost slammed shut, starting off right will be very important. Still, other than the Steelers, no other AFC powerhouse team is in the Eagles schedule, and they are capable of beating any team in the NFC at any given time.

associatedcontent.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
INDIANAPOLIS — It was rough out on these mean streets of “Nap” town last night.
The NFL types hit the streets after a long day of watching prospects at the RCA Dome.
Oakland head coach Lane Kiffin was out and about. He was at Nicky Blaine’s, a popular cigar bar, with his father and Tampa Bay assistant Monte Kiffin. Lane Kiffin was later seen cutting the rug at Ike & Jonesys. Maybe we can look for him on “Dancing with the Stars” in the future.
Also spotted at Ike & Jonesys: New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese.
That’s where news got out that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is not only battling a paternity suit, but that he told a team during an interview Saturday night that he has two children on the way. In addition to meeting with the Falcons, he met with the Raiders, who pick fourth in the draft, and several other teams.
McFadden created a major buzz at the NFL scouting combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds on Sunday.
McFadden ran right after Georgia running back Kregg Lumpkin ran a 4.64. On McFadden’s second timed 40-yard run, he was clocked at 4.33 seconds.
Just getting ready for another day.
My colleague Steve Wyche is currently in the morning’s first quarterback and receiver session. He just sent me a text message about Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm. That’s big news if he’s throwing because he skipped the Senior Bowl. Steve will update on that later.
I’m going into the second session, courteous of an access deal brokered by Alex Marvez, president of the Pro Football Writer’s Association and will check out Matt Ryan if he takes part.

ajc.com