Notes From the 2009 Draft - Day 2

  Posted 4/28 by Matt Waldman, Exclusive for Footballguys.com

Day 2

I can already say this is going to be my favorite day by far. Why? Well there's the obvious reasons like the fact I enjoy the picks that aren't headliners. Here are others:

• Much more laid back atmosphere. I cam sitting on the first floor just at the rail that separates the media guys from us average Joes
• Despite my disheveled appearance, I'm hoping to meet a few guys on the media floor and circulate some sample RSPs.

The only thing that will stink is I have to leave at 4:00 PM I had to park my car off 52nd and 5th avenue so I could make a quick getaway to Newark. When I parked there was a police funeral going down 5th avenue at 8:00 AM complete with bagpipes and the Irish flag, pretty cool although solemn.

I got my first look at Mel Kiper's publication today, it encourages me that his isn't that much more in production quality than mine. Todd McShay is about 15 yards in front of me at the kids table for ESPN, stage left. He's a guy I would like to speak with today, but I doubt that opportunity occurs with me leaving early.

The guys in line are much more relaxed and knowledgeable about the game today than the crowds who just want to be on camera and have a little party - nothing wrong with that, but this environment is what makes the draft worthwhile to me. The hoopla is over, the real work is about to begin.

Other thoughts

I have this huge urge to just run my mouth about the RSP at every turn, but know I have to restrain myself so I don't come across more foolish than I already am.

I have two ushers congregating ahead in front of me and I want to yell "down in front". The draft hasn't started yet, though. I'm debating with two Jax fans about Stafford, but they are in love with Moreno. These guys compared to the guy with the Garrard jersey last night actually love the Jags draft - good sign.

Shonn Greene to the Jets.

Very nice pick, which signals they can 1-2 with Washington for the long-term. He's going to help Sanchez set up the play action pass. Love this pick for NYJ. Fans were really happy here and its no wonder they gave up what they did for him.

I'll be on Blog Talk Radio with Greg Kellogg at Noon today and 10:00 PM tonight by the way. So if you want to listen...check out the BlogTalkRadioSite and look up Kellogg. Sorry no link.

Still looking for Bloom and Faletti, I beat them here but they of course could walk right in. I want to see if Bloom's in a suit again. Gregg Rosenthal of Rotoworld asked me to look him up.

Three very scantily clad cheerleaders just walked past me. The first thing that has smelled good in Radio City Music Hall all morning.

Just handed four copies of the RSP to Bloom to distribute. I almost got shut down by an usher before I could call Bloom over, but she recognized me from yesterday making small talk with her in the line and I think she went easy on me. He's passing out the copies to the Sporting News guys and some others.

They are doing trivia every so often and the guy with the winning text goes on stage to answer one more question for a prize. Day 1, no one got the answers right. Day 2, the first guy nails the question: In 2005, the Cowboys picked two players in round one at the same position. Which position was it? (DE). That's Day 2 knowledge for you.

Mike Johnson to the Bengals. King Rey and Johnson? Norris B better be happy right now. That's a wonderful pick at this point. He has first round talent, just had a bad year. As Bloom said, he's a good character kid.

Jarron Gilbert to the Bears - figures, they have a knack for landing that athletic stud at DE.

Internet connection way better today.

J-ville taking two lesser known guys at positions of need, interesting. Honestly don't know about either of them. Never saw Temple or William and Mary today.

Gruden may look like he belongs on a newscast, but he belongs on a sideline - regardless of the complaints about him in Tampa - I hope he finds a job. The NFL is more fun with him on the sideline. I predict he'll be in Seattle when Mora Jr. flames out. I just don't think Mora Jr. is a leader - he wasn't in Atlanta. He could learn his lessons from that tenure, but he'll need to prove it.

I didn't realize how close to the stage Charlie Casserly is...wow..kind of funny. It's like he got a special seat due to his years as a GM. He looks like he's actually sitting on the edge of the stage, although not the case.

Glenn Coffee to the Niners - IMO, bad pick. I think Coffee is very limited. He's narrow-hipped and benefited from a strong college line. He'll get you 3 yards on a play in the NFL that should get an RB five- to six-yards. Not very imaginative, either.

I'm back

Titans pick the best receiving TE in the draft in terms of athleticism - Jared Cook. LOVE IT.

Other picks - Derrick Williams with Lions, interesting but he's a raw receiver. I'm not sold on him. Same with Patrick Turner - not nearly as raw, but underwhelmed at USC. He could be a better pro because of his basic skill sets but to me it's a reach.

Brandon Tate to New England was a nice pick and a very very good place for him. I love his potential and if he can't make it in NE, he's toast.

Barden to the Giants is a swing for the fences too, but Tate is much better as a choice based solely on skill because he's far more versatile, runs better intermediate routes and better after the catch.

I'm sure we'll be doing some sort of wrap-up. I'll ask Bloom about the burger joint. It was at their hotel behind the lobby. Really odd juxtaposition because it was a hole in the wall dive and the hotel was a big pimpin' kind of place that Bloom got a sweet deal on. Each room at a lit sign with the room number illuminated in electric blue with a doorbell.

They put me in a boutique hotel in 55th street that was modern and pretty nice. A lot more than I expected.

Deon Butler to the Seahawks. That's a Deon Branch kind of guy who fits what they have been using (not as successfully as they would like) in recent years.

Not a lot of respect for McShay among the fans here. People jeering him about his purple tie. He also looks very serious when he's walking off his set to take breaks. Maybe he's not feeling well or he just isn't fan friendly. Hard to tell on first impression.

On my way to the restroom some Radio City employee asked how my team's draft was going and I said, not too good. (until Cook). He said "you got Britt!" and I said, "I'm not that high on him." He then tells me Britt is a friend of his family's - I swallowed a frog on that one as he was trying to educate me on what Britt will do. I agree it could happen, but not optimistic.

Ringer, Peerman, Jennings, Brown still sitting there on the board. Dillard and Thomas still there.

Although I'm not happy about Britt, Cook almost makes up for it because he'll be split out and should draw coverage away from Scaife. He can also run those flags and fades, drawing coverage away from Gage if he's successful. We'll see.

Upstairs, the fans are chanting "McShay sucks" and someone said "Thanks for letting me know Turner's a great cutter, McShay!" He's getting reamed down here. He's like that pretty boy no one likes because he's young and smart and looks like he has a silver spoon in his mouth. Somehow he hasn't endeared himself to the crowd.

When Gruden walks by people are chatting him up and he interacts with folks.

More Picks

Bengals pick Chase Coffman...Palmer finally, and I mean finally, gets a TE worth throwing to. The Bengals often look like they have great drafts, but it hasn't panned out for them in recent years when draftniks said they were turning it around.

Coffman, Coles, and Cinco might be pretty nice. Coffman should be the red zone threat they need to replace Housh. All their picks seem boom-bust: Johnson, Rey M (character, concerns as an every-down LB who freelances too much-I'm not worried), and Coffman.

Funny thing is all I see is the boom.

There's a dude behind me who I think I'd like to blindside in the lobby when he gets up and takes a break from yelling at everyone and everything he sees. I'll definitely follow Chris Spielman's technique for maximum effect.

Juaquin Iglesias to the Bears - more of the same with Booker, Bennett (Bennett is better), not excited about that pick. It seems to me that teams really do have blind spots at positions.

Bears and Titans, it seems to be WR. Packers-LB. Detroit-QB...whoops. Counting on that to change.

Beckum to Wisconsin is a perfect luxury pick with big-time upside. Giants have Ross who is OK for now, but you work him in eventually and he could be special.

McGee to Dallas - perfect sense. Another luxury pick with great upside to back up Romo, no pressure and then take over when needed. Bloom will love this pick.

Another fun story

I'm in line outside Radio City and talking with two Steelers fans who are 8-year vets on Day 2. They told me version 1.0 of the radio earpiece they handed out a few years ago to fans actually gave fans privy to mic'd conversations with ESPN analysts between segments.

According to them, Suzy Kolber was telling Denny Green about her evening the night before that involved body shots. The fans started changing body shots and she turns to Green and says "how do they know that?" The fans stand up and point to the earpiece, still chanting "Body Shot!" She buried her hands in her face.

Voojah Day

Just had a weird moment. I dreamed I was sitting in a theater with a laptop telling people about the draft and then seeing Jon Gruden saying to someone "This is Jon Gruden, I used to coach in the National Football League."

More Comments

Malcolm Jenkins getting interviewed on stage sporting a great pinstripe suit, pink shirt and tie, and a Saints hat. Can barely hear him because dude behind me is screaming "Brian Hoyer!!!!!"

Should I use the Butkus technique on this guy? or Pull a #### Night Train Lane: I'm thinking Ronnie Lott so I can hear him say "Todd McPHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" like I burst an air mattress.

Decided to move to stage right so I could stare at the back of Herm Edward's head to my left and the back of Bloom's head. Bloom just dropped by to tell me that he couldn't understand the fact that Casey, Peerman, Thomas, and Dillard are still on the board. But Thomas just went to J-ville (my second fave team). Very happy they got a versatile player there. Love J-ville's draft.

Thomas will surprise and he should eventually take over the slot.

I still don't get the Massaquoi pick by Cleveland. I'm probably a little too hard on him, but he never built on that freshman year where he looked like a future topnotch guy.

Brian Hartline just went off the board over a guy like Dillard - that's called big school syndrome and the Dolphins have a case of it right now. Big school syndrome is that CYA mentality by personnel staff for teams. I really don't get it.

A note about the difference between the press row and the cheap seats: There only separation is there's a phone and a desk that slants at an angle for laptop use. Lots of guys sending e-mails I wish I could see what sites they are accessing.

I'm at 38% battery power so I need to find an outlet to recharge. Hopefully I will. I'll look in a few minutes.

Bloom was kind enough to recharge my laptop so I'm back at it:

-Bloom and Nittanylion are to the left of John Clayton, who has a big desk all to himself. He just ordered Olive Garden...perks of paying your dues.

Some interesting picks here

Sidbury to Atlanta-they are just killing this draft! Sidbury has stud potential.

Buffalo grabbing Nelson is a beautiful pick, because of where they got him. He's more like Sharpe to me than Cook is, Bri. Nelson is a guy can make the big play, but also get off the line more effectively than Cook thus far. He's a bargain in round 4.

I heard Herm Edwards emphatically talk about Nate Davis as a guy getting overlooked. I couldn't agree more...he sounded a little like some guy I know very well who has been an Audible Draft Show participant for the past several weeks.

Hartline is a guy who could be a solid receiver, but lacks upside. I don't see Wayne Chrebet numbers. Now the Colts just STOLE Austin Collie out of BYU that's a pick the Dolphins should have targeted. This guy could have been their 70-catch guy in a few years, but now they have two guys who will be 20-40 catch guys for their career if lucky. Collie is the guy I prayed a team I like would get - I think he could challenge Gonzalez eventually with more upside.

Most upside? Donald Brown is nice - he's a great fit in Indy and will eventually challenge Addai and impact sooner than later if Addai's durability comes into play like we've seen thus far. All it takes is a nagging injury to steal a job. I'm a believer in Stafford. Hakeem Nicks in NYG is a very nice pick. This is a move the chains, take the hit, make the occasional deep play guy.

Anthony Hill to the Texans is one of those sneaky good picks. He won't beat out Daniels, but if Daniels leaves he could eventually step in. He makes a very good depth player. He's niftier off the line than you would think and he can adjust to the ball for a big guy. He was credited as the leader of that NC State turnaround by his locker room demeanor. I'd rather have Casey - we're puzzled why he's not getting picked, but I never worry about when they are picked if they're good. We've seen enough examples where we could yell "McFly!" at these teams for passing up some guys.

Andre Brown is now stuck behind the depth chart, although he'll get chances to be eased into things. Goodson stuck behind the Carolina duo - I see the some logic behind this one: he's either going to bust his behind and earn his carries behind two excellent backs or he's gone. He can't be a prima donna here.

Atlanta gets it folks

I'll explain a little more. Arthur Blank understands how to build a business. He evaluates the situation and figures out what adjustments need to be made. He got a guy like McKay to show him "how the NFL works." He was a good guide, but Blank was smart enough to go his own way and wasn't afraid to select a young, smart, unproven guy.

In two years they have a decent tackle, upper echelon QB, upper echelon RB, promising LB, and now for real, young DT and potential pass rushing stud in Sidbury. Then with Moore, they have that guy in the middle in the defensive backfield. You want a strong DT, MLB, S; on offense it's the triangle, but on defense it's the middle of the field and then build out. If they hit on these picks, which I believe they should with Jerry and pretty good chance with Moore, they are going to fix this defense fast.

They are still a year away from seriously contending, but I seriously admire this team's choice of players. When you watch a team pick players and it just seems like they are shopping without competing for them -making it look easy - you get the idea how good it's going.

Gartrell Johnson in SD. Michael Turner with less speed here, folks. Perfect fit. He's a hot dynasty pick right now, because of where he is. He won't be a high pick, but he'll at least be paired with Sproles as the 1- in the 1-2 punch. Love this pick.

For those of you wondering why Peerman isn't off the board and I'm so high on him. This stuff happens to me all the time. I routinely have at least 4-5 players much higher on my board than anyone else. It just makes him a bigger bargain in dynasty drafts that you be patient with.

We're watching two guys on the big screen who are doing a mock interview on an interactive exhibit in the lobby. They are dressed like revolutionary war soldiers (yep, Pats fans) but they look more like Russell Crowe Master and Commander imitators (one looks more like he's trying out for a Napoleon bio pic).

The fans are about to lose their minds watching this.

ESPN in my ear (and your TV's) talking potential for Vick trade later in draft. Speaking of ESPN - John Clayton carries himself like my editor. It's kind of eerie. I keep looking up and thinking I see my editor here. He worked across the street at SI for several years. When I see Clayton - a Hall of Fame football reporter - chatting with one of the reporters behind Sigmund, I think that guy's pretty lucky to be working with a guy of Clayton's caliber.

Speaking of Bloom, you guys really should appreciate the kind of work he does with knowing the draft machinations and that you get to see it here. I really believe if he sticks with it, we'll be seeing him find a strong niche on a big-time level. He is in another league than any of us on this site when it comes to understanding who is doing what. Not to diminish the value of other FBGs because I'm not trying to say Bloom knows all, but he works his tail off on getting all the information he can and distilling it for this period of time. His analysis about what could happen on Draft Day is very informative and entertaining. We may not always agree on the value of a player and his potential, but mad respect for the fact he studies the game. It's going to be fun watching more film of players in the future and potentially publishing where we converge and diverge in views.

Moreno was the gem that Denver likely stumbled into. At least two of the backs on Denver's depth chart will be gone when the summer is over. This wasn't a pick Denver should have made if they had their draft board in order, but it was a great choice anyhow. Wells may be in a better situation to start right away and he might even have a better rookie year. Long-term its Moreno. If you play fantasy football with a "right now" philosophy, Wells might have a little more upside immediately, but you better know when to move him. Give me Moreno and his versatility.

Let's talk Pat White for a minute...here's a player I really liked at QB and it was fun to hear Jaworski say he is a QB and throws the ball better-mechanically-than most of the prospects at the QB position this year. He may begin as this Wildcat signal caller, but I'm not as high on Henne as others are.

Chicago take Johnnie Knox and Bloom is happy. Go see him on DraftGuys TV fellas. This is a break from the typical Bear WR draft pick, which is refreshing.

McKinley is a nice pick. Kind of in the Royal mode, but not as explosive. He might have some opportunity with Marshall potentially missing time to begin the year. Not that he'll do a ton right away, but he's savvy enough to be a minor surprise right away.

Stephen McGee to Dallas earlier is a luxury pick and a guy who has the time to develop. Jaworski shares my take on Hoyer and he's talking about him now.

Give me Hoyer and Davis in a deep dynasty league and I'll be happy if they are there late.

If Green Bay takes Peerman I will rejoice. He could beat out Grant by year two.

Jax takes Dillard...great pick. Love J-ville's draft. Dillard, Thomas, Walker, and Holt is a young crew with potential to learn from a master.

Another interesting change of philosophy by J-ville: big lines, big QB, smaller WRs who can run routes rather than big guys who try to play basketball. Glad they adjusted finally. Big lesson learned, of course it's a new GM, isn't it? Change or die...change or die.

Davon Drew goes to Baltimore and he's a nice guy to groom to replace Heap, eventually. But over James Casey? Did Casey murder someone? Pull a Mark Chmura? Leave a present in a students' laundry basket? Surprising.

Love the Colts picks as a fantasy owner:

Brown is one of my favorite RBs in this draft and I think he eventually gets more carries than Addai. At the very least he pushes Addai for a year or two and then takes over. Great depth.

Collie has incredible hands and was one of the quickest receivers at the combine and it shows up on the field. He's a guy they could plug in and he'll develop.

Giants get Bomar. He's a guy that could help the Giants thrive if Manning gets hurt (once he develops). Still rather have Davis, but Bomar can be that guy who starts as a back up and eventually start.

Kiper agrees Davis over Bomar...

Casey to Houston...stuck behind Daniels for now, but let's see what happens here.

Ingram to Philly could be a great move if Ingram fulfills his potential and round five is where I thought he deserved to go although didn't expect him to drop. Philly's trying to fix their offense, which is nice.

Gotta love Josh Freeman saying he thought he was the best QB in this draft and has a chip on his shoulder. I like this because this QB is not a braggart. He's quiet and level headed. I don't agree with him on his self-assessment, but agree he could develop into the best of the class. I hope he works his butt off.

John Clayton seems very friendly with people, glad to see that. He's not going to chat all day, but he'll laugh with you a bit. Marshall Faulk wouldn't talk to anyone and seem to be a little surly and someone chided him for acting like he did as he walked by us. Great player - but he wasn't too open to interacting with anyone today.

I have about 45 minutes left before I leave. This has been a blast. I think my take stands on Day 2 is much more fun for Day 1, but understand I'm more introverted than extroverted, so smaller groups and a more laid back atmosphere appeal to me.

I hopefully will get a chance to do this again next year in some capacity.

One thought: imagine Owens at TE, Casey as an H Back with Slaton lined in front of him and Johnson on the outside. If Kubiak can figure out a way to get him on the field, and it could be a sweet situation. Remember Houston was what, the No. 3 offense last year? Pretty intriguing.

Rookie TE Rankings

Probably rank them: Cook/Nelson as a tie; Coffman; and Pettigrew with a "keep an eye" on Casey.

Nelson will get a shot to make an impact like Keller with maybe more upside because of T.O. and Evans. This really could scare the heck out of a secondary.

Cook in Tennessee is very nice. He should get time to be an option in the slot or even split wide.

Coffman in Cincy - the best combo of talent/QB to throw him the ball. I like this spot for him.

Pettigrew in Detroit-Gives the QB a red zone option and security blanket.

Boldin?

Jeff Fisher said they made offers and AZ didn't respond. I believe Fisher not the Cards on this one. If Boldin wound up in Tennessee I would have been sky high through the summer.

Finishing Up

Herman Johnson and LB D. Ellerbe will be nice late round picks here. Add those to the list of guys I'm interested in seeing go off the board.

Carolina takes Duke Robinson. Versatile guy.

Punters are going before Peerman. Please...why on earth would a team pick a punter when you can load up on other talent. I know it's not fantasy football, but this is the time when they should follow our lead on this strategy.

Johnson to Cardinals. He's a project, but might be fun to see if he develops.

Rashad Jennings still on the board...just realized...RBs are like NBA scoring guards. There are a ton of good ones. It just amazes me that the NFL teams don't always know which ones to pick.

FRANK THE TANK to Pittsburgh. Cecil and Bloom are loving it.

I'm not a Ringer fan so his drop isn't a surprise to me.

Nate Davis to San Francisco--great place. He actually has an open path to the job in a year or two and has good receivers. I like it. San Francisco just might have found a long term guy in round five! Really can't think of a better place for him to be in terms of opportunity to see time sooner than later.

Alright. This sounds like a good time to call it quits.

See you later...