Category: NFL Draft (Page 85 of 102)

ESPN The Magazine recently handed the keys over to a number of different athletes and Matt Leinart took the opportunity (as a reporter) to investigate why he slipped to the Cardinals at #10 in last year’s draft.

One of the guys he cornered was Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher (who really seems like a standup guy, by the way). After some prodding, Fisher told Leinart why the Titans took Vince Young instead.

Matt Leinart: Coach, seriously. Can you tell me what happened? Please.

Jeff Fisher: Matt, do you mind if I go back?

ML: Go back?

JF: Yeah.

ML: Okay.

JF: You see, I had a grandfather who passed away 15 years ago. He lived to be about 90. And right before he died, he gave away a bunch of rare coins. I got a $20 gold piece that I use every year for the draft. It’s brought us a lot of luck over the past few years. Well, last year, we couldn’t make a decision. So I threw this coin in the air. You were heads, Vince was tails — and it came down tails.

ML: So my career was decided on a coin toss?

JF: Matt, I don’t know what else to say.

ML: There’s nothing left to say, Coach.

If true (and I think it is), that’s a pretty amazing story.

While most NFL Draftniks say it takes at least three years to rate a team’s draft, I’m not waiting. I’ve got 10 draft day moves — five good and five not so good — that could affect the 2007 season in my latest column for Bullz-Eye.com. Where did Cleveland’s selection of Brady Quinn and New England’s trade for Randy Moss rank? Click here to find out.

Got a move you really liked or disagreed with? Post it right here on the Scores Report and share your opinion.

Here’s a snap shot the NFL Draft’s round seven:

Best Value:
Brandon Siler, LB, Chargers (No. 240) – Siler was once regarded as the second best middle linebacker prospect in the draft and a potential second or third round pick. The reason he slipped was because of his lack of experience and could have probably used another year at Florida. However, he’s a true playmaker, should benefit from playing with a top San Diego defense and was a great find in the seventh round. Other values: Deshawn Wynn, RB, Packers; Dallas Baker, WR, Steelers; Chase Pittman, DE, Browns.

Potential Sleeper:
Ben Patrick, TE, Cardinals (No. 215) – Shocking that Patrick dropped into the second round because his stock was on the rise after the NFL Combine. He’s got a ton of talent, but didn’t play at a Division I program, so therefore he dropped. It’s interesting to see how he’ll fit into that offense though, especially since Arizona took Leonard Pope in last year’s draft. Other sleepers: Clark Harris, TE, Packers.