Gregg Rosenthal

So I’ve heard that 16 hours of watching men bring index cards to podiums isn’t for everyone.  I respectfully disagree. The NFL draft remains one of the must-watch events on the sports television calendar and any self-respecting football fan won’t miss it.  Here's why.  

1. The wisdom of the crowds
The best half-second of any draft is the moment after the Jets take their pick.  In that collective pause, the hearty souls of Jets Nation assimilates the pick and all of their draftnik information, and somehow comes to a consensus in the form of raucous approval or merciless boos.

It takes a special kind of sports fan to wait in line starting at midnight on the eve of an event, especially one that doesn’t include any actual, uh, sports (or alcohol sold, although plenty gets in).   The Jets, Raiders, Eagles, and Giants fans that get through the door are the hardest of diehards.

The amazing power of the Jets fan at the draft should not be discounted.  Look back at their reactions, including the infamous Kyle Brady over Warren Sapp pick, and you will often find they were usually right. 

2. Friction on the ESPN Set
A few years ago, I made an important decision that all football fans will face eventually.  I choose to watch NFL Network's draft coverage over ESPN.  It's the way to go if you want more information and less noise -- more cattle and less hat.   That doesn't mean ESPN can't provide high comedy during commercial breaks.

Watching Mel Kiper Jr. and insurgent Todd McShay battle over the last few months was like watching the icy transition from Joe Montana to Steve Young.  Usually when ESPN stages debates, all the yelling is contrived.  But these guys genuinely don’t like each other. After all, McShay is essentially usurping Kiper’s job and diminishing his face/hair time.  After Kiper’s last contract squabble with the Worldwide Leader, McShay’s star began to rise.  Now I get the sense that Kiper will snipe at McShay’s favorite players just to annoy him, and vice versa. 

And if Kiper and McShay aren’t battling, you can always watch the New York fans heckle Chris Berman. 

3. The Draft Day Fall
Three true aspects of the human condition:

• Most traffic slowdowns aren’t caused by accidents, but by drivers who slow down to rubberneck while driving past an accident.   
• Subway riders universally giggle if someone slips going up or down the stairs.  
• NFL Draft devotees enjoy the uncomfortable fall of a draft star.  

This reached its zenith with Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn’s fall in the last three years. This season, the NFL was wary of putting anyone through this, so they carefully selected only six players.  Of those invited to New York, Darren McFadden is my odds-on favorite to leave the Green Room last.

Special feature Uncomfortable NFL draft moments For some players, draft day isn't always a great day

Each draft day fall is unique, but they share common traits: The horrified look of the agent when his client is the last person in the green room; The uncomfortable Suzy Kolber interview; The caring girlfriend trying to hide her disappointment about a lowered signing bonus.

Finally, there is redemption in the form of a mesh hat and drunken New York applause.   You suffered for us, and we thank you.  Now hold a grudge the rest of your career.

4. The "Uh oh" interview
In all seriousness, some of the best moments of the draft are when a camera is on a player at home when he is selected.  It’s the end of a lifelong dream and often becomes an overwhelming celebration for his whole family.

Sometimes the moment isn’t so sweet.  When Pacman Jones was selected fifth overall by the Titans, he went bonkers in an interview with ESPN, not stopping to hold up his gigantic platinum Pacman necklace to the camera long enough to answer any questions.   I suspect Jeff Fisher was watching at home thinking, “What have I done?” 

5. Going to School
Like seeing a band when they are just starting out or discovering a fantasy football sleeper before anyone else, there is something special in being a fan from the very beginning.  Draft selection is a milestone in every player’s life, and in the life of NFL teams.  The 2008 Eagles are essentially born this weekend.

Special feature NFL Mock Draft: Blogger Edition NFL Bloggers from around the country decide who their teams should pick

This weekend isn’t only for draftniks.   It’s a great way for fans to get a football fix in the middle of the offseason, and learn about how teams are constructed. Everyone thinks they can be a GM, but this the chance to watch the real pros in action. 

It’s not just fans that are fascinated by the draft.  This is the biggest date on the calendar for everyone associated with the NFL. Everyone working in football is a draftnik, which is the best proof that it’s for the real fans. 

I never want to stop wanting to learn about how teams are built or the traits of incoming players.  If that day arrives, I will either think I already know everything or that I’ve stopped caring. Then I won’t be a fan.

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