NFL talk and a rant on 'Paks'

[rant]
I’ve recently made the transition from gum to those Listerine Pocket Packs. I know they spell them ‘Paks’ but I’m an editor by trade so I’m not into kool spelling. I’m happy with the product in general, but what’s up with the packaging? It’s like those long cardboard CD cases in the 80s. I suppose the marketers were afraid that the tiny package would disappear, so they constructed this paper monstrosity for increased visibility. On the back of the package are instructions for getting the packs out of the foil wrapping. Gum’s way more user-friendly. It’s just bad for my dental work, and about as good for the environment as nuclear waste.
[/rant]


Fun with NFL rumors and thoughts

Yesterday a blistering hot rumor made its way through the Internet like wildfire. The Chargers were talking about trading Phillip Rivers, their so-called quarterback of the future, for the 49ers number one overall draft pick. I thought it was a bit crazy since the Chargers just gave Rivers a $6.5 million bonus and surely the 49ers would want more than last year’s number five overall pick for the top choice in this year’s draft. I don’t think that the 49ers are sold on Aaron Rodgers or Alex Smith as the number one overall pick, and quarterback is their top need. The rumor has since been debunked. I just don’t see anyone trading up into the top five picks. Sure, the Chargers are desperate for a top wide receiver and have two first-round picks, but would anyone bite? Maybe my Titans at number six.

Rueben Droughns, who had a breakout 2004 season, is likely going to the Browns. The Broncos are willing to take mediocre DE Ebenezer Ekuban in a swap. Looks like Lee Suggs is in trouble. William Green will be elsewhere this fall. Does Shanahan draft another running back now that Quentin Griffin and Mike Anderson, both recovering from torn ACLs are the backups? The Broncos really like Ryan Moats of Louisiana Tech. Ever since the Clinton Portis trade the Broncos’ running back situation has been nothing but a big headache for fantasy footballers.

Most intriguing name in the draft: Matt Jones. A couple months ago Matt Jones was just another good college QB who was going to try his hand at another position. After running a 4.38 40 (that’s good, by the way), he’s looking like a second-round pick, even though his NFL position hasn’t been determined yet. Wide receiver is most likely, but his size (6’6) makes him an interesting tight-end prospect.

Adrian McPherson had his ‘pro day’ yesterday. He’s another intriguing prospect. Two years ago he was the QB of the future for Florida State. He was kicked off the team because of alleged gambling problems and passing a forged check. The following year he played for the Indiana Firebirds of the Arena League and had 80 touchdowns (61 passing) with 5 picks. Note that such gaudy statistics are fairly typical for that league. He ran a 4.5 40 yesterday, threw the ball well (including a 72-yard flat-foot toss), and was flat-out impressive. No other QB in the draft has as much ‘upside’. Would the Titans gamble on him with pick number 38, knowing that McNair has maybe two more years and that Volek would disintegrate if he had to start 16 games in a row? If they’re thinking long-term they might.