Falcoholic Draft Countdown: Minnesota Vikings,
#17

1. Chris Long, DE, Miami Dolphins
2. Jake Long, OT, St. Louis Rams
3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, Atlanta Falcons
4. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
5. Ryan Clady, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
6. Vernon Gholston, LB/DE, New York Jets
7. Leodis McKelvin, CB, New England Patriots
8. Matt Ryan, QB, Baltimore Ravens
9. Sedrick Ellis, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
10. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, New Orleans Saints
11. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Buffalo Bills
12. Chris Williams, OT, Denver Broncos
13. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Carolina Panthers
14. Jeff Otah, OT, Chicago Bears
15. Derrick Harvey, DE, Detroit Lions
16. Mike Jenkins, CB, Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals fill a typically glaring need at cornerback with the Jenkins pick and get a guy who has the exact same name as our very own wide receiver. Maybe they'd like to trade him for Boldin so they can unite?

Next up are the Vikings, represented by resident SBN funnyman Gonzo of Daily Norseman. The Vikings could use help at wide receiver, defensive end and quarterback, though it wouldn't hurt to add a capable linebacker or corner. With that in mind, go to town.

Click on entry link below to access the poll and comments.

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http://www.thefalcoholic.com/story/2008/4/7/12190/03195

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Oil Slick and Marvin were certainly talking about
the success of the Reds

Peter King had this take/observation regarding a "meeting" between Oil Slick and Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis:

2. I think this is the scene at the NFL meetings that few who saw it will soon forget. Agent Drew Rosenhaus, who is trying to engineer a hostile takeover of Chad Johnson's status with the Cincinnati Bengals and force a trade, was in close conversation with Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis. Rosenhaus was gesturing and speaking quickly while Lewis stood straight up, arms folded across his chest, looking stern and mostly saying nothing. It went on for a few minutes, and Lewis kept his arms folded with a stone face.

It's obvious that Rosenhaus was saying something to the effect of, Marvin, come on. You know the guy's not coming back, and you know you can wangle a low first-round pick for Chad from someone like Dallas. And you know Lewis' body language was saying, Forget you, Drew. Chad's not going anywhere.

Lewis is on the record regarding Chad: "It's unfortunate that he's put himself in this situation," the coach said, "because a lot of people who really had affection for him now see him in a different light.''

I still say Johnson's gone, but not until late in the preseason, when the Bengals will tire of the headache and dump him to the highest bidder.

Ironically, while Peter King gives the Bengals constant condemnation regarding their behavior -- mostly DUIs -- he turns a blind eye to quarterback-turned-awful Matt Leinart, questioning the age of girls drinking at the same party while condemning gossip style websites. That, my friend, is the very meaning of double standard. Actually, I think we saw a triple standard. Only a King can make a triple standard exist.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.cincyjungle.com/story/2008/4/7/92510/24901

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(4/7) OU Spring Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Limited editions posters available: Sooner fans attending the 2008 Red/White Game on Saturday have an opportunity to pick up a limited edition poster celebrating Oklahoma's championship run in the 2000s. Rings and trophies accompany six team photos on the poster honoring Oklahoma's five Big 12 Conference titles and the 2000 National Championship. On Saturday, kiosks located inside the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium lower concourse will provide a limited number of the free posters in addition to 2008 OU football schedule magnets. Kickoff for the Red/White Game is set for 1 p.m., and the contest will not be televised or webcast. The only place to see the game will be from a seat at the stadium. This is the last week to purchase half-price tickets. Through Friday, tickets are $5 each. On game day, that price doubles to $10. (SoonerSports PR)

Lofton spends time at The Children's Center: Former OU linebacker Curtis Lofton hasn't been spending all his time preparing for the NFL since declaring for the draft back in January. Last week, Lofton visited The Children's Center in Bethany and met with several of the kids staying there. "This was really emotional, seeing all these little kids and how they are going through so many things,? Lofton said. "I'll complain about being tired or about my back hurting, but this puts it all into perspective.? (The Oklahoman)

Solid spring means Halzle should be Sooners' No. 2 quarterback: The Oklahoman

Read The Full Article:
http://www.gnextinc.com/ousoonersblog/2008/04/47-ou-spring-football-articles-and.
html

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Bears' top offseason priority is Harris

The Bears will build toward the 2008 season today with the beginning of the offseason conditioning program and will work toward securing a cornerstone of the defense well into the future Tuesday as agent Drew Rosenhaus will visit Halas Hall to work on a contract for tackle Tommie Harris.

While there have been notable absences from voluntary workouts the last two springs, no healthy players are expected to be routinely missing, although middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is seeking a new deal.Harris, who will receive the Ed Block Courage award Tuesday at Maryville Academy, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Bears opened dialogue with Rosenhaus in February when they discussed deals for fellow clients Lance Briggs, Bernard Berrian and Brendon Ayanbadejo. Continue

Read The Full Article:
http://www.bearsfootballblog.com/2008/04/bears-top-offse.html

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Groves, Steelers strike chord

Auburn defensive end/outside linebacker Quentin Groves sacks quarterbacks, which is why the Steelers attended his Pro Day last month and arranged for his official interview today at the team's South Side facility. As much as the Steelers seem to like...

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http://www.steelersfootballblog.com/2008/04/groves-steelers.html

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49ers Mock Drafts and Surprises

After much delay I've begun the process of updating our Mock Draft Database.  The first page of 47 mocks is updated with the other pages to be updated a little later on Monday.  However, while updating the mocks I started thinking about the wild array of options out there.

There are probably thousands of NFL mock drafts floating around the Internet.  I've got 47 on that first page of the database, and just that shows the craziness of it all.  While there are definitely patterns developing, the spread of players the 49ers could draft is insane.  Some of the mocks out there are clearly off their rocker and probably make their pick just so they can say they called it on the off chance it happens.  A perfect example of this is Jared Donnelly from the FootballExpert.com network.  He projected the 49ers to take Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart with their first round pick.  Donnelly gave his reasons and claimed this was a value pick for the 49ers.  Unfortunately, I really don't see how the 49ers can afford a value pick at this stage of the rebuilding process.  Considering the needs on the offensive line and defensive line, does anybody really expect the 49ers to take Stewart?  It's not a knock on Stewart but rather the reality of the situation.  That projection is up there with the site that projected us to take Arkansas RB Felix Jones.  It makes even less sense when you factor in the DeShaun Foster signing.

Anyways, just looking at some of these mocks, a range of players is listed, with none being listed more than 9 times and quite a few listed once.  47 mocks is certainly not the be-all, end-all of statistical samples but it's still interesting.  Due to the size constraints of the special pages, I could only fit in 2 players (Hardy and Cherilus).  Who else has been projected?  Well they include (with number of times next to them):

James Hardy 9, Gosder Cherilus 7, Quentin Groves 6, Early Doucet 4, Brandon Albert 2, Limas Sweed 2, Kenny Phillips 2, Chris Williams 2, Kentwan Balmer 2, Mario Manningham 2, Dan Connor 1, Mario Urrutia 1, Cliff Avril 1, Devin Thomas 1, Calais Campbell 1, Lawrence Jackson 1, Jonathan Stewart 1, DaJuan Morgan 1, Reggie Smith 1.

Some of the mocks haven't been updated for a while so that also affects the numbers.  Nonetheless, that is quite the array of players.  Does anybody else think we go defensive back at this point or do Tarell Brown and Shawntae Spencer get the crack at replacing Walt Harris down the line?  I've heard people discussing defensive back in the first round, but I just don't see it.  A good pass rusher or offensive tackle would seem to be a very likely option at this point.  However, as always, what do I really know in the end right?  My own predictions carry as much weight as all of these mock drafts (ok maybe more weight than some).  After the draft I definitely plan on looking back and seeing how these mocks pan out.  Obviously some teams in front of the 49ers will make crazy picks that leave people scratching their heads (as could the 49ers).  But, we'll see how it all plays out in a few weeks.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.ninersnation.com/story/2008/4/7/1433/86687

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