QB dives
In the past four drafts, a highly regarded quarterback has dropped - shockingly in some cases - in the first round. Brady Quinn, projected to go seventh to Miami a year ago, plummeted to 22nd and Cleveland. In 2005, Aaron Rodgers was mentioned as the possible first pick in the draft but tumbled to 24 and Green Bay. In 2006, Matt Leinart was thought to be the best quarterback, only to fall to Arizona at 10. And in 2004, Ben Roethlisberger fell to Pittsburgh at 11. It could happen today with Matt Ryan, although probably not past the Ravens' pick at 8.
Late moves
In four of the past five drafts, a team traded a future pick or traded up from the second round to get a quarterback. That includes the Ravens in 2003, when they gave up a future No. 1 and more for Kyle Boller. A year later, the Bills traded up to get J.P. Losman at 22. In 2005, the Redskins traded into the first round for Jason Campbell. Last year, it was the Browns who jumped up to grab Quinn. That's all relevant given the presence of Chad Henne, Joe Flacco and Brian Brohm today.
Corner shot
It is an anomaly that three of the draft's top four cornerbacks come from mid-major programs. That might make some teams nervous. The top corner this year is Troy's Leodis McKelvin, who also is the draft's top returner. That should make him the first to go. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of Tennessee State and Mike Jenkins of South Florida also rank high. The top corner from a major program is Aqib Talib (Kansas), who failed a drug test.
Quick count
In an effort to remove some tedium from the first round, the NFL has shortened the time limit from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. While most teams don't see that as a problem, the Patriots' Bill Belichick believes it could hamper some of the trade negotiations. "There's a little more degree of difficulty in the small moving parts than what there is in some trades in the later rounds," he said. He expects most teams will have had to conduct more pre-draft negotiations than in the past to prepare for all eventualities.
Trading block
It won't be surprising if at least a couple of veterans get traded during today's proceedings. The Saints and Seahawks are reportedly trying to get Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Eagles are trying to unload cornerback Lito Sheppard. The Dolphins want to deal defensive end Jason Taylor, who doesn't fit in their 3-4 scheme. And then there are wide-outs Roy Williams (Detroit) and Chad Johnson (Cincinnati), who are being sought by NFC East teams.
