Here are a few players/storylines that might be of interest as Berman and his knights of the sports table congregate for the annual ritual known as the NFL Draft.
This week's event:
The 2009 NFL Draft
Rounds 1-2, Sat. 4/25 at 4:00 PM ET on ESPN
Rounds 3-7, Sun. 4/26 at 10:00 AM ET on ESPN
Forget Matthew Stafford. Mark Sanchez is the most interesting quarterback in the first round. Multiple teams, including the Jets, Broncos, Jaguars, Redskins, Seahawks, and Browns, have all been mentioned has having interest in the former USC Trojan. Of course, "interest" could mean a lot of different things, ranging from "we're going to move up to make sure we get him" to "we're just trying to make other teams think we'll take him, so they'll trade with us". Either way, Sanchez might be the domino that sets a lot of other things in motion from the get go. I would say this angle will be what we hear the most about up until Sanchez's name is called by Roger Goodell.
Sanchez won't be waiting in the Green Room in NYC however - He has elected to not make the trip. There will be nine other players though, three more than the usual six college standouts, waiting to have their NFL fate determined. Having the extra players on site definitely increases the chances of a Brady Quinn-esque drama unfolding, especially with a guy like Josh Freeman there. The Kansas State quarterback has been projected to be selected in the middle of the first round, but depending on how things fall, could slip into second round territory. And if that happens, the cameras will be there to drink it all in.
Percy Harvin should receive special attention once his name is taken off the draft board. The former wideout from Florida has received more attention for his off field issues recently, with reports coming out saying he tested positive for marijuana at the combine. When he's picked, you'll definitely hear about how the team is "taking a risk" on a guy with potential character issues but the "talent was too much to pass up." The Minnesota Vikings, according to reports, seem to have a more than passing interest in the receiver. The last time the Vikings "took a chance" on a receiver with a checkered past, it was Randy Moss. That seemed to work out. You know, until he squirted officials, took plays off and ran into traffic control officers.
One of the storylines that should keep popping up throughout the first round will be speculation surrounding a number of "big name" receivers. Anquan Boldin, Braylon Edwards and Chad Ochocinco have all been mentioned as potential members of draft day deals. If any of these players get moved, especially if they are shipped to contenders, the pundits will surely open up the discussion on the impact the player(s) will have on next year's divisional landscape.
Oh, and Monday Night Football will be mentioned a lot.
FACEBOOK EXCLUSIVE: Join us for live discussion of the 2009 NFL Draft coverage.