NFL Draft

[primetime]

i just wanted to hear a few opinions of the NFL draft from our TMF members. first of all, i am so DAMN Happy that Maurice Clarett wasnt allowed in the draft. he is the epitome of a spoiled athlete. he cant accept responsibility for his actions, so what does he do? he tries to sue his way into the NFL because he knows the NCAA wont allow him to play at Ohio State. i hope Clarett ends up playing nowhere. he is one guy the NFL doesnt need.

i do feel bad for USC's Mike Williams who decided to enter the draft because of the Clarett ruling. i think the NCAA would let him back in though...

Eli Manning.....talk about arrogant. now, i know the Chargers arent the greatest team, but c'mon that was disrespectful for him behaving the way he did. the Chargers were smart and traded him, but if i was a Charger defender, i couldnt wait to face the Giants to destroy him. do the Chargers and Giants play?

any other thoughts?

 

[Dave2112]

Couldn't agree with you more about Clarrett. This is what's wrong with basketball right now. It's turning into more of a "bling-bling" source for spoiled high school kids than a real sport. Think of all the scholarship money that's wasted on high school basketball players who squeak through one year of school, then abandon it for the NBA. Say what you will about "dumb jocks" in the NFL, but there are twenty times more NFL players with degrees than in the NBA. Clarrett burned his bridges with Ohio State long before the ruling anyway. I've read that USC will do what it can to allow Williams back due to the nature of his declaration. He really did nothing wrong other than follow what the court said at the time he made his decision.

You simply need more development to play in the NFL. As someone said "You can talk all you want about 18-year-olds running software companies and playing on MTV...but they're not getting hit by Ray Lewis."

Concerning the draft - I don't think history will be too unkind to Eli Manning. remember that John Elway did the same thing when drafted by the then-Baltimore Colts. He got his trade to Denver and the rest is history. I don't consider this to be a big issue on Manning's part, as the initial discussion with his father was supposed to be private and was never intended to go public and make a scene. Yes, kids should just be happy that they get drafted, but he does have a right to not want to play for a certain team. I just can't believe what the Giants gave up for him. If they don't do well this year, that first-rounder next year is going to really sting.

 

[BigBrownEyes]

I thought Eli Manning acted like a jackass. The man was blessed with enough athletic ability to be the number one pick of the draft, and all he does is cry.

Everyone else who got drafted were just very happy about it, and some even prayed with their families. That could've been one of the best moments of his life, but he chose to piss on it.

The man has not played a single down in the NFL. There's even a chance he might suck. He acted like a spoiled little kid. Maybe they should just give him Tom Brady's job as the QB of the World Champ Pats, since it's predetermined that he's an elite NFL QB.

Since when did the Mannings become royalty? The last time I checked, Archie Manning never won anything, and so far, neither has Peyton. I won't be rooting for the Giants as long as Eli is their QB.

Sorry, I can't be more positive 😀

 

[natural tickler]

I thought what Eli Manning did was classless. He should be thanking his lucky stars to be drafted at all. Do you know how many people would love to be in his shoes? And then to cry and whine about not wanting to play for the Chargers and then his father whining about how he doesn't want his son to be hit like he did was disturbing. You're gonna get hit and sacked in the NFL. That's a given. I hope San Diego does play the Giants, so they can kick the shit out of him, then go in the stands and hit his daddy too while they're at it

 

[primetime]

Eli will probably do okay, it was his attitude that sucked. granted, i wouldnt be too thrilled getting picked by the Chargers but then again, if you're the best player out there, the worst team is going to pick you. that's how the draft works......

as for Clarett.....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! hey Maurice, dont forget to say "Wants fries with that?" when you're flipping burgers somewhere.... he better play in Canada or something, because 2 years out of competitive football will not improve his status for the 2005 draft. spoiled punk.....

 

[tommytikl]

Archie Manning never won anything, and so far, neither has Peyton.

Well as far as Archie goes, that is WHY he didn't want his son at San Diego...Archie was on an awful Saints team, he was the only bright spot.

Now was the move without class...yep, sure was, but hey San Diego will again have the first pick in the draft next year and the Giants will well we'll see what the Giants do...

 

[terorizer]

I thought most teams did pretty well with their draft picks this year. Kinda interesting that it was a reciever rich and defensive secondary strong draft. I can't believe how well New England did!! Are other teams paying attention? I mean at some point, you'd think that would draft people just so New England couldn't! The old Al Davis "I'm drafting Bo Jackson because I don't want to play against him!" theory.

I think a lot of "me first" stuff we are seeing is just the natural progression of sports. In the past generation or so, we've seen atheletes become far more enterprising, and take more of a stake in their future. Call it arrogance, call it spoiled, call it whatever, but the bottom line is as long as owners and GM's keep rewarding it with big fat contracts, it's not going anywhere. I don't see 18 and 19 year olds entering the draft as a problem... at 18 and 19, you don't know what you know even at 25... let alone 45 or 55, the age of the people falling over themselves to sign these kids!!

I just don't understand how the Mannings could be so dead set against San Diego!! A proven coach, one of the top running backs in the game and far less pressure than New York. That I don't get. And Clarett.. well, he just has to deal with another year of getting wooed by agents before he's officially in the NFL, which he'll definitely be, because when he has his work out with the NFL teams, his 40 time and 225lb bench press and vertical leap is going to fit the exact prototype of about a dozen GM's looking for a breakaway back. The name Lawrence Philips ring a bell?

 

[BigBrownEyes]

Well as far as Archie goes, that is WHY he didn't want his son at San Diego...Archie was on an awful Saints team, he was the only bright spot.


That what's you call having your cake, and eating it too. Eli already thinks he's a great NFL QB and was worthy of being the first pick of the draft. But, barring a bonanza trade, only the shitty teams get to draft high. Since he insisted he didn't want to play for a lousy SD team, they should've made him sit until the end of the first round and let the Panthers or the Pats have a crack at him. He would get a lot lees money, but he'd get to play for a good team. That's what he wanted, wasn't it? The only really good thing about NFL free agency is that a player isn't stuck on a lousy team his whole career. Imagine the money that OJ would've been worth if free agency had been in existence in his day.

The Steelers had one of the worst O-lines in the league last year. But right before Big Ben got drafted, Bill Cowher called him and asked him if he'd like to play for the Steelers. Do you know what he said? He said "absolutely."

Piss on Eli. I'm glad Big Ben is coming to the Steel City!

 

[giantfan121262]

I thought what Eli Manning did was classless. He should be thanking his lucky stars to be drafted at all. Do you know how many people would love to be in his shoes? And then to cry and whine about not wanting to play for the Chargers and then his father whining about how he doesn't want his son to be hit like he did was disturbing. You're gonna get hit and sacked in the NFL. That's a given. I hope San Diego does play the Giants, so they can kick the shit out of him, then go in the stands and hit his daddy too while they're at it

If the Giants don't get their OL in tact, Manning will get the shit kicked out of him long before the Giants play the Chargers. Not to hijack this thread, but what astounded me more was when Terrell Owens nixed the trade to Baltimore. Since when does a player, get to choose what team he is traded to?

 

[primetime]

i'm a 49er fan and i couldnt agree more. Terrell Owens was WRONG in demanded he be traded to a team of his choice. what sense does that make and the 49ers could trade him to any team they wanted to. after all, it was Owens fault that he wasnt a free agent (or better yet, his agent was at fault). ridiculous......

if i was drafted into the NFL as a #1 pick i would be happy as can be. i am about to play a sport for a job and make oodles of cash for it. if Manning was all that, he could turn around the Charger franchise. so the question is, is Manning really that good? we will find out soon....

 

[tommytikl]

I'm glad Big Ben is coming to the Steel City!

Now I think the Steelers have had a pretty interesting offseason!!!
They could be surprisingly good...you Steelers fans will fall in love with Duce Staley!!!
And Yeah, Big Ben could be just what Cower needs to keep his job!!!
Great pick by the Steelers and they didn't give away anything to get him...


Also one other thing BigBrown... you are right that Eli(and his father) shouldn't have opened their mouths but I can see his motivation..not that I agreed with it, but I can understand it.

 

[lt21]

I am obviously a chargers fan.....lt21....ladanian tomlinson #21.....and i am elated that we did what we did....i was upset until we traded him though....i would have rather had us draft okefor the basketball player than manning, but it worked out becuz neither of us are goin to be good next year so we have what will amount to two top ten picks in the draft next year.....if we can grab mike williams we might be goin places.....we also need to get rid of schottenheimer, but hes on his last year

 

[Neutron]

As A Veteran..

TO was totally within his rights AND his contract in nixing a trade once another trade has been agreed upon. The NFL knew that, as did the Ravens.

Also, whoever said Archie Manning wasn't worth it doesn't know football. Archie was a stud and couldn't help it he got beat almost to death playing for a crappy team.

Tron

 

[meangry]

I just don't understand how the Mannings could be so dead set against San Diego!! A proven coach, one of the top running backs in the game and far less pressure than New York. That I don't get.

It's fairly simple to understand why no one would want to go to San Diego. They have no offensive weapons outside of Tomlinson, a very suspect line, and the defense released arguably their best player because he didn't fit in with the 3-4 system they will be running next season, a scheme that needs speed and good corners to work. San Diego has none of those things.

The Chargers are the worst team in the NFL top to bottom. Who is right behind them? The New York Giants. No offensive line, two wideouts who are barely talented enough to be slot receivers, and the grossly overrated Tiki Barber are not going to give Eli anything. And on top of that, Manning is not talented enough to win even with the best chips. He has no moxie, and is a spoiled brat living off of Peyton's success.

His name is Eli Johnson, he's a second day pick, it's that simple.

 

[Neutron]

Actually Toomer..

Is one of the best receivers in the NFL. There's not a whole lot more ofensive talen in NY though.

San Diego is pathetic. Their talents don't coincide with Mannings, and their coach isn't exactly enamoured with the Manning type QB. He's not the type to make something out of nothing, and doesn't have as quick a release as Rivers. Rivers is a better pro prospect. He won't do bad in San Diego and reminds me a LOT of another QB who played for Marty. That being Bernie Kosar. San Diego came out ahead on that deal.

The Giants ruptured their future. Manning will do ok, but he's not set up as well as Peyton was, nor is he as talented.

Tron

 

[Neutron]

Clarrett By The Way..

Isn't all that fast, nor is he as strong as he looks. He's gotten fat, and he doesn't have a good work ethic. His best bet is to try Canada because he's a tad bit too slow, and is not a breakaway back, and has been out of the game for almost two years now. Off the top of my head I'd say each NFL Team has maybe 10 to 15 guys on their defense who could run him down from behind. He barely made it through a season of college ball and was so banged up at the end he took weeks to recover. He'd never make it through the banging an NFL season can give one. To compare him to LT is as ludicrous a comparison as I've ever seen.

Tron

 

[giantfan121262]

Clarett reminds me of...

Ryan Leaf. Remember him. Same type of work ethic...not. I remember the year he was drafted, Leaf reported at the combines weighing 270. That's 25 pounds above his playing weight, which tells you one thing- the guy does NOT take care of himself. clarett has an arrogant attitude, just like Leaf. Leafs publicity was legendary. We all know very well that Leaf is probably living off the interest of his fat signing bonus and flipping burgers at some McDonalds in Montana.

Different position I know, but same mentality. The point I'm trying to make is that if Clarett comes into the NFL with that approach, he is setting himself up for disaster.

As far as my boys, well, Toomer is an underrated WR aho can be your primary go to guy. Shockey has to shut up and concentrate on his game which afforded him the success he had his rookie season. If the Giants have a TE threat they can open it up for the receivers. Barber needs to put glue on his hands so he can hold onto the ball. Their D is what needs the most attention. All around.

 

[Dave2112]

I have to agree with Neutron about Archie Manning. Because of the records of the Saints teams he played for, people forget what a competitor he was. Probably better in perspective than his sons, because Archie also had physical skills the boys don't. Archie Manning was the only player to ever win the MVP award from a losing team...not Marino or Elway or Aikman or Bradshaw.

 

[Neutron]

Archie Manning..

Was probably the best pure passer to ever play in the NFL. He took a ferocious pounding which seriously shortened his career.

The only reason Shockey has a reputation is because he plays in NY. Put him anywhere else and he's about average.

Clarrett would be an average player even if in shape.

Tron

 

[terorizer]

It's fairly simple to understand why no one would want to go to San Diego. They have no offensive weapons outside of Tomlinson, a very suspect line, and the defense released arguably their best player because he didn't fit in with the 3-4 system they will be running next season, a scheme that needs speed and good corners to work. San Diego has none of those things.

Oh by no means was I implying the Chargers would be an ideal fit. But you've got to know, as a quarterback coming out in the draft, if you're the top pick you're probably not going to a team that's very good to begin with. I'm thinking you do a lot worse than coming into a situation where you get to hand off to a Tomlinson.

 

[Neutron]

terorizer How True..

And so long as Tomlinson stays relatively healthy it saves a beating for the quarterback. During that time they can pick up some talent. Overall it works better for the Chargers. I think they ended up getting a better QB. (Gut feeling). He also came from a pro style offense. The Chargers will end up paying a bit less for him, or should, that saves them cap room, plus with the extra picks they'll have guys to build with, if they draft wisely.

Tron

 

[10 armed tkler]

first clarret...


How can he not take a pounding? He was there primary weapon, so you would expect him to be beat up. Well doesn't matter for him now, its to late. he is wasted and his talent is gone. There is no reason to sneer at him now, that is just plain mean and wrong. Why do ya make such negative comments about him? he is already down and done so there is no reason to kick him. Ya just need to back off of him because he is already through.

Eli manning....

The guy is both stupid and right to do what he did. Stupid because LT would have tooken preasure off of him, since he is the teams main offensive weapon. It would have oppened up passing for the chargers like never before. The chargers o-line is not that bad to me if you can get LT good yards. there not the best but they shall do right? He was smart though because lets face it...the chargers do suck. They were smart thought otrade him for the next best(if not better QB) in Philip Rivers and got some draft picks. So after next year chargers will be alot better.

The bad thing for Eli on going to the chargers is going with the giants. He might make them better, not no championship team, but about 6-8 wins i bet. But Tiki won't take heat off of him like LT would have though. he is not that good any more. Tummer will be better, maybe. I could add alot more but this shall do for now.

last some of these negative comments i hear about athletes...

Flipping burgers...isn't that a little classes? So since they won't be playing there sport...they will be flipping burgers. They are just to dumb to do anything else? Some of ya just sound like stereo types. And i feal insulted myself since i play football. So ya are saying that if i don't get drafted after Im through with college i will be flipping burgers, hhhmmm? Those comments really discussed me and lowered my good opinion of some of ya. Im dissapointed..

 

[Neutron]

Simple..

He wasn't their only weapon. Note the Buckeys had TWO receivers taken in the first round. Also, he couldn't take 12 games of pounding in College. Last I checked a Pro SEason was in excess of 16. He was over rated, And was NOT a breakaway back. At his best he was a decent college back.

I'm ex NFL so I reserve the rght to discuss any NFL Athlete,. Fact is anyone who opens himself up to it is open for discussion. Clarrett dug his own grave, now he deserves to lie in it.

Tron

 

[primetime]

Eli Manning will do okay. i still think Peyton is the best QB between the brothers, but time will tell. the Giants have an "okay" team, but like others have mentioned, the Giants do not have a good run game like the Chargers. plus Eli will be under heavy media scrutiny because he is in New York. let's wait and see. i still think that was cold blooded on how he reacted to the Chargers though. it would be hilarious if the Chargers go to the playoffs this year and the Giants end up with the #1 pick in next year's draft....

as for Clarett, Tickler DAE, in no way am i saying a college football player that doesnt make it to the NFL is going to end up flipping burgers. that comment was directed to towards Clarett as an individual. i cant feel sorry for the guy. he is a prime example of of what a moron athlete is. he still isnt taking responsibilty for his actions. there is a reason why he isnt at Ohio State anymore. so what does he do? challenges the NFL in court. he deserves what he got. he wasnt really that good. he blew off the scouting combine even though he missed an entire year of football, and his freshman year he was banged up. blow off the scouting combine? the man is a joke. he deserves his fate, which is flipping burgers somewhere. college football didnt want him, so he tries to sue his way into thew NFL? this guy is delusional. again, i do not feel forry for him. i do feel sorry for Mike Williams though. he was only following the ruling, but now he has to pay the consequences. the NCAA might let him back in though.

again, the "flipping burgers" isnt directed towards college football players, it is directed towards Clarett. some of my friends who did not get drafted are doing quite well for themselves. they actually studied in college......😀

 

[Neutron]

Good Post primetime..

Well said

Tron