So apparently 1/3 of the first round prospects in this year's draft class have been red flagged for noted marijuana use in college--which I'm assuming means either they tested positive at some point in college or just admitted it during the interview process. NFL folks are freaking out a little bit over the 'epidemic' of pot use by college players, and rightfully so: I think we can all agree that pot causes basically no social ills and is a counter-productive addition to the 'war on drugs', but it's definately illegal and these guys are about to get a ton of money invested in them. Still, the question is, who wants to pass on the next Percy Harvin or DeSean Jackson? Both guys were flagged for pot during the draft process, but have stayed suspension free in the NFL while making an immediate impact.
The NFL league meetings continue to produce rule changes and additions. The latest rules have to do with protecting players who are deemed 'defenseless' and 'too soft to win when it counts' (also known in many circles as 'Colts'). I will say that I agree with the rules that says if a ball carrier's helmet comes off the play is blown dead at the spot where he lost his helmet. Otherwise you're just asking for something bad to happen.
Did Pete Prisco just now realize that our defense was a dumpster fire last year? At least he acknowledges that Will Witherspoon is still a down grade over the Keith Bulluck we know and love.
Follow us through the jump for more linky goodness of a scategorical nature...
Some Chicago Bears blog (written by apparently new Nashvillian Matt Phillip) has a hilarious rotating feature called 'Schadenfreude' which 'is a bi-weekly (hopefully) posting about the unfortunate moments and embarrassments of all NFL teams NOT named the Chicago Bears.' This week they cover Bud's Double Barrel awesomeness along with some more tragic moments in Titans/Oilers history.
Jay Graves over at Titans Sized continues his look at our WRs, and what reasonable/hopeful expectations should be for them in 2010.
For those of you with an ESPN Insider subscription, Mel Kiper has his new top 5 returning players to the college ranks at each position. Washington QB Jake Locker leads the glamour position rankings.
Terry McCormick reports that the Lions' interest in Pac goes back to the combine. That tidbit passes for new at this point in the off-season.
Do people in Florida just not give a damn about sports? Between the Marlins, Rays, Jags and Bucs they just can't get a decent level of attendance anywhere outside of Miami, the Orlando Magic and the college circuit.
Sounds to me like Andy Reid is ready to trade Donovan McNabb to the Rams, despite what both GMs are saying. I defy anyone to name a high-level player who's been shafted harder in their accomplished career than McNabb. I've never seen a fanbase or a front office be so unsupportive of a QB who has done so much for a franchise. It's almost dumbfounding.
(By popular demand of the silent majority, the links will be back to five days a week from here on out!)