Good Morning, Broncos fans! I'm going to keep today's Lard relatively brief, as I've instead spent much of the morning updating my story on the selection of Montee Ball.
After further research and thought, I've come to realize that many prolific college backs have gone on to have long, great NFL careers, so while the heavy use of Montee up in Madison should be kept in mind, it's not necessarily a major concern.
As for Kayvon Webster, I'll also soon add any links specifically about him to my story on his selection, what with the draft resuming shortly.
With that, let's get to the news.
Broncos
Here's video of John Elway and John Fox discussing Friday's picks with the press.
According to the DP guys, A&M DE Damontre Moore was a consideration at #58, while Ben Garland's position shift will be to guard.
During his introductory presser (video), Sly Williams said that being selected by Denver was such an emotional moment that he wasn't able to speak through the tears. Weighing 370 lbs. at the time, it apparently took some convincing on Sly's part to receive a chance at making the football team at Coffeyville Community College.
LOLJets
While it was incredibly painful having both NFLN and ESPN devote so much time to discussing the LOLJets, the reality is they do have a lot going on over in Jersey. Following the selection of Geno Smith, there's even talk that the team will consider cutting Buttfumble and his guaranteed $8.25M salary.
According to ESPN, David Garrard figures to stick, while the Ultimate Teammate™ has apparently stopped flipping tires and pulling trucks, instead dropping 15 pounds and endearing himself to some in the organization.
So the team's QB depth chart could end up being Smith/Garrard/Tebow, with Sanchez elsewhere. Anyone who saw that coming gets an entire package of gold stars.
Mike Garafolo thinks the wise move would be to cut both Sanchez and Tebow, so that GM John Idzik can put the laughable Tannenbaum era behind him.
Meanwhile, the LOLJets also acquired RB Chris Ivory from New Orleans in return for a fourth-round pick, and they have since given him a new three-year contract.
News
Cleveland acquired WR Davone Bess from Miami in a swap of draft choices, and is expected to sign him to an extension.
Cincinnati decisively won its staring contest with tackle Andre Smith, who agreed to a three-year deal for just $18M, with $8M of that due in 2013.
Trade talks between Kansas City and Miami regarding tackle Branden Albert are all but dead at this point.
Analysis
Mike Tanier, Don Banks, and Clark Judge share thoughts on Friday's action; John Clayton and Will Brinson (hates the Ball pick) list their winners and losers from Friday; Chase Stuart evaluates Friday's trades.
Pat Kirwan likes what the Lions, Vikings, Saints, Steelers, and LOLJets have done to this point.
Doug Farrar, Bucky Brooks, Russ Lande, Dane Brugler, Mel Kiper (Insider), and Nate Davis list the best prospects remaining on the board.