22
Apr
| NFL Draft Weekend: Crawford v. Ebling |
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| Written by Tom Crawford and Jack Ebling | |
| Tuesday, 22 April 2008 | |
 NFL Draft Weekend: An American Institution
By Tom Crawford The anticipation continues to build at a fever pitch. Yes, NFL Draft Day is coming up this weekend. Now, is there any sport in this country that comes as close to the universal popularity as the NFL? Much as I would love to say College Football (by far, my greatest passion), it just doesn’t come close in terms of across-the-board universal popularity. The fact that daily coverage on ESPN of the NFL pre draft coverage –led by one-trick pony Mel Kiper -- has been taking center stage since conclusion of the Super Bowl, it just goes to show you how much interest lies in Draft Day. For me, it’s an “average man’s” interest, with Yours Truly primarily focusing on what Michigan Wolverines are going where (i.e. predicted first pick Jake Long, along with fellow cohorts Chad Henne and Mario Manningham). I would be more interested in Detroit Lion selections as well, but with annual screw up selections from the infamous Lynn Boden first-round pick in 1975 to the all time debacle pick, Sparty BUST Charles Rogers, why should I even care. But I will watch this weekend -- just like every one else – as it will be the electronic backdrop in the house on Saturday and Sunday – especially with me checking to see if a former winged helmet warrior is moving on to “the next level.” And one other point I would like to make this fine April Spring Day the Sparty baseball team getting kick around like a ragged doll four times this past weekend was just toooooooooooo funny. The latter punch in the face to the tune of 27-6 – brought a smile to my face. It wouldn'’t matter what the sport is. Sparties getting hammered by the Wolverines makes for a wonderful world as far as I am concerned. 
NFL Daft Day - Any day with Crawford
By Jack Ebling OK, I usually don’t mind what my Saturday partner says. I don’t mind because I usually don’t listen. But Tom Crawford’s latest post reflects the depth of Paris Hilton or a bone-dry creek bed, assuming there’s a difference. If Mel Kiper Jr. is a one-trick pony, Crawford is a carousel at a cheap carnival. Does the guy think of anything but Michigan sports? Is it true he just took out a second mortgage to pay Rich Rodriguez’s buyout? His latest blah, er, blog says his primary interest in the NFL Draft is to see where Jake Long, Chad Henne and Mario Manningham land. For Manningham’s sake, I hope it’s somewhere random drug testing has been banned. Yes, the Detroit Lie-downs have had a long series of Draft Day blunders. But some of those picks signed for less than they could’ve gotten from Ed Martin if they’d been Wolverine basketball players. And just what’s so glamorous about “winged-helmet warriors,” players who turn pacifist each year before the Ohio State game? Oh, I’m sorry. They were all “injured.” No one said Charles Rogers was a great pro - or even a good one. But I have to wonder how he’d have done if he hadn’t broken his collarbone twice. He might be a solid player today - or at least a mediocre one (see: Backus, Jeff). As a parting shot we get a predictable joke about the MSU baseball team. Toooooooooooo funny. For some reason Crawford wasn’t laughing as loud when his favorite group of NCAA Tournament spectators fell 114-63 in Breslin Center in 2000. Though they lost to a terrific U-M team, David Grewe’s overmatched players never gave up, scoring three runs in the top on the ninth to cut the deficit to three touchdowns. The Wolverines basketball team I mentioned quit shortly after halftime. They thought Invisible Fence had been installed where they’d have to play defense. Speaking of “getting hammered,” not the worst idea if I have to read more of his blogs, “Rod’s Gods” shouldn’t worry about that. Crawford predicted they’d win 10 games this football season. And I thought he said he was skipping the “Hash Bash” in 2008? Want to join the banter? Register for free on our MESSAGE BOARD. Then type away about sports, politics, entertainment, anything your personal soapbox desires.
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