about falling for the Mike Mamula types but there still are quite a few out there that draft more on physical skills than actual talent. The idea being the pro game is so much faster and stronger all around compared to college footbal that if a player isn’t a superlative athlete, he probably won’t make for a good or successful football player. That leads to players like Alualu - lesser athletes but smarter football players - being incredibly underrated. Scouts see a player like him and question whether he’ll have the requisite physical ability to make it at the next level.

Unlike baseball, where you need an underlying skill set to succeed even if you are a remarkable athlete, there are teams (e.g. Oakland) that still believe you can turn an athlete into a quality football player with little instruction. I don’t necessarily buy that.

I don’t really know why I started doing it, but I’ve grown to look forward to watching all the rounds, all the picks, knowing some names in the later rounds.

I just hope the extra time is used to spread the love around - instead of just focusing on a couple of teams and players each night (which is what ESPN usually does in its coverage).

If only because it gave me an excuse to barbecue and get drunk on a wonderful Saturday afternoon in April.

Not that I really need an excuse.

They’re sticking it in prime time because they think it’ll draw big ratings . . .but I don’t think they realize that TV coverage on a Saturday afternoon (where there is nothing else to watch) and TV coverage in prime time on a weekday night (where there is lots to watch) are two totally different things. They better have some compelling coverage and interesting stories (and lots of them, because people aren’t going to sit around to listen to 25 minutes of Tim Tebow coverage, even if he goes tonight), or people are just going to change the channel.

The even weirder thing is that it’s just put greater emphasis on the fact that teams increasingly see early first round picks (you know, the ones that the fans are most excited about) as excessively risky investments). Almost all of the teams would rather be picking back in the 20s, and EVERYBODY wants those first 10-15 picks of the second round. With an extra day to go back to the tape and re-evaluate guys that you didn’t think you’d have a shot at, or to concentrate on that pool of players that you were considering for the second round . . .well, that’s just the cherry on the second round sundae.

He passed my Eye test. If Chris Johnson can be an all-pro, so can best

Agreed on Mays (he’s going to be a starter for you somewhere, and does have a ton of upside), disagree on Pierre-Paul (no way he makes a team look good).

Bryant? Gotta disagree again. He’s really talented, although the Crabtree talk is silly . . .Crabtree might be a prima donna, but he brings it. Dude was a QB in high school, redshirted first year of college, transformed into a dominant receiver. His work ethic and commitment to becoming generally awesome is phenomenal. Bryant is a flake.

For some weird reason, though, I can’t shake the feeling that if the Raiders do indeed pick at #8, then they’re taking Bryant. I know on the surface it doesn’t make sense . . .but if they’re going to draft a dude with great measurables and a high risk factor, and they’re sitting there watching the tape, which of these guys looks better: Bryant, Pierre-Paul, or Bruce Campbell? This is a total Raiders pick.

He is an otherworldly athlete . . .I just don’t think he’s that polished. While he did play with a lot of very talented other defensive players, I’m not sure I saw one game out of him where I said, “that guy is definitely the best player on our defense tonight”. Maybe that doesn’t matter, but if you’re spending a first round pick on a guy then I want to be able to watch game tape of the guy where he clearly stands out for his skills. Kindle just overwhelmed dudes with his athleticism.

I think Kindle might be getting something of a pass because Brian Orakpo had a terrific rookie year. Great upside, just riskier than you might expect.

High first round picks are all about making sure that you don’t make the wrong choice rather than making the right choice. And Berry sure as hell isn’t going to be the wrong one, no matter where he goes.

Having watched Colt McCoy all year long, I’ll definitely agree that he’s got no business going in round 2. Great makeup, just a great kid, great teammate. He doesn’t have the arm that you’d want, but that’s not why he shouldn’t go in round 2. The real reason is: this guy just makes too many mistakes. I know that might sound silly just from looking at the numbers, but this guy made at least one “he really doesn’t want to win the Heisman, does he?” boner every half. Would love him as a backup, would love to see him succeed as more than that, just don’t think it’ll happen.