Minus a press pass, the collared shirt/khaki pants combo I last wore at a wedding in 2010 didn't need to be ironed after all, and plans for a Yelp review of the media refreshment spread were tabled as well.
Still, it's pretty cool that the NFL Draft has opened its doors wide open to the public in Chicago the past two years, thus affording me the opportunity to enjoy the festivities of a pro sport draft for the first time since attending the 1982 NHL Draft at the Montreal Forum.
Alas, my most recent appearance in a big league press box or credentialed media setting remains a one-day stint at a Montreal Expos game at Olympic Stadium back in 1987. Though I don't recall the final probing question I asked on that particular day, it was probably something along the lines of "so those hot dogs are really free?"
Cut to 2016 and there's no free hot dogs to be had, but "Draft Town Tailgate" did offer a pretty solid lineup featuring the offerings of a number of local Chicago dining institutions. Enjoying Pho from Tank Noodle at the event gets a big thumbs up from a person like me whose dream job outside of sports would be pinch-hitting for Anthony Bourdain.
And
Minus a press pass, the collared shirt/khaki pants combo I last wore at a wedding in 2010 didn't need to be ironed after all, and plans for a Yelp review of the media refreshment spread were tabled as well.
Still, it's pretty cool that the NFL Draft has opened its doors wide open to the public in Chicago the past two years, thus affording me the opportunity to enjoy the festivities of a pro sport draft for the first time since attending the 1982 NHL Draft at the Montreal Forum.
Alas, my most recent appearance in a big league press box or credentialed media setting remains a one-day stint at a Montreal Expos game at Olympic Stadium back in 1987. Though I don't recall the final probing question I asked on that particular day, it was probably something along the lines of "so those hot dogs are really free?"
Cut to 2016 and there's no free hot dogs to be had, but "Draft Town Tailgate" did offer a pretty solid lineup featuring the offerings of a number of local Chicago dining institutions. Enjoying Pho from Tank Noodle at the event gets a big thumbs up from a person like me whose dream job outside of sports would be pinch-hitting for Anthony Bourdain.
And for fans of all ages, there were extensive activities and attractions offered throughout the event. One of the more intriguing options was the opportunity to test one's ability to kick a field goal through NFL uprights. Even when the weather was at its worst Saturday, there was still a steady line to do so.
Before we move on to some impressions of the event, please note that for lanyard-worthy player-by-player looks at the draft, head over to our NFL news section to peruse updates penned by RotoWire draft/college football expert Mario Puig on Days 1 and 2, and by a combination of Mario and RotoWire college football analyst John McKechnie on Day 3.
Also, check out Jerry Donabedian's take on the first-round skill picks, and John's Day 2 and Day 3 recaps on that front.
DAY 1
It's cloudy and cool in Chicago, but that doesn't deter thousands upon thousands of NFL fans from heading over to sprawling Grant Park to check out Draft Town, with a good portion of the attendees sporting jerseys and other assorted gear representing their favorite teams.
The NFL Draft's lengthy run (1965-2014) in New York ended in advance of the 2015 edition, but hats off to the league for mixing things up in the best possible way and creating an outdoor fan-friendly event here in Chicago over the last two years. There's talk now that the event will probably be held elsewhere in 2017, with Philadelphia being mentioned as one of the top contenders to serve as the host.
In any case, Draft Town is nothing short of Disneyland for NFL fans, where among other things you can get your photo taken holding your team's jersey at the podium, or with the Lombardi Trophy. You can be timed in the 40-yard dash or have your vertical jump measured. There's an NFL Museum featuring a collection of memorabilia. Plus, there was a chance to obtain autographs from the likes of Fred Taylor, Daunte Culpepper, Antonio Freeman, Shaun Alexander, Ahman Green, and Terrell Davis, among others.
Meanwhile, a slew of sponsors are on hand, handing out samples of their products, as well as several chances to walk away with a souvenir tote bag.
So let's kick this thing off:
Pick of the Day: Obviously, it's Ezekiel Elliott to the Cowboys at No. 4. The Ohio State product is a rare running back worthy of a high draft pick and one who is ready to step in right away to be a key contributor on a Dallas squad that's still all-in on QB Tony Romo and talented wideout Dez Bryant.
Highlight of the Day: It's not what you might expect. At least from this perspective. Anyway, with some energetic music in the background, a group of high school football players from Hammond, Indiana are having an impromptu practice (and I use the term practice loosely) out on the concrete, in the shadow of Selection Square. They are sporting Bishop Hall Warriors jerseys and having a blast out there under the watchful eyes of some of their coaches and parents. It's a game after all, and these young athletes serve as a refreshing reminder of that.
Head Scratcher Du Jour: Not much of a debate here. The tumble of OT Laremy Tunsil, once viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in the draft, courtesy of the appearance of a less-than flattering video of him that popped up on social media shortly before Round 1. Second place goes to Myles Jack going undrafted Thursday. If the linebacker's knee can remain sound, someone is getting a huge Day 2 steal.
Overheard at Draft Town: This comes from a guy in a Browns jersey after the team trades down (again) from the No. 8 pick for the No. 15 selection, along with a third-rounder and a second-rounder next year: "Wow. I can't believe THE BROWNS are making good decisions. As long as they never draft in the No. 22 slot again, they might be okay."
RGIII is still the team's QB, but you have to like how they loaded up on extra picks via trade, while still ending up with their choice of wideouts (a position of massive need) in the Class of 2016. Corey Coleman could be the real deal. Nice work, Cleveland.
Random Observation: People love to boo NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. And not just Patriots fans.
DAY 2
Pick of the Day: Myles Jack to Jacksonville at No. 36 gets the nod here. After snagging a difference-maker at cornerback (Jalen Ramsey) in the first round, the team swings for the fences in Round 2 and gets a gifted player, who only fell due to a degree of concern regarding the health of his knee. The Jaguars' rebuild is rolling in the express lane.
Highlight of the Day: While walking back to Selection Square, I almost make contact with a golf cart that is neither speeding, nor going two miles an hour. I look up, and in the back seat is none other than Mike Ditka. Shortly thereafter, "Da Coach" is his usual entertaining self at a Q and A that he has down at the Tostito's Cantina along with Jesse Palmer. Ditka talks about hearing that he was taken fifth overall in the 1961 draft over the phone, and simply being instructed to get to Chicago as soon as possible to sign his contract. While Ditka acknowledges that QB Jim McMahon – who helmed the team's Super Bowl XX win – may have chewed tobacco and drank beer in the clubhouse at times, but he was "just what we needed." And back in the day, coach tells us that a slew of Chicago athletes from all the major sports teams, as well as out-of-town opponents, used to frequent a place called The Cottage. "Great food." And whether he brought it himself, or got it from a fan, Ditka, who is now sporting a beard, lights up a stogie. He owns this town.
Head Scratcher Du Jour: I won't say Jaylon Smith to Dallas at No. 34. The pick is a huge risk, but if the linebacker overcomes his knee woes, this move is going to look great. But how about the Bucs trading two picks to the Chiefs (No. 74 and 106) in order to draft a kicker at No. 59 overall? Wow. They obviously love Roberto Aguayo, but it's hard to believe they needed to be so aggressive to secure him.
Overheard at Draft Town: Over at the Courtyard by Marriott booth, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter fields questions from fans for about an hour. He knows his stuff and not surprisingly his trusty cell phone never leaves his hand. Toward the end of the session, a text he receives evokes an "ooh" reaction. Schefter's not giving us the scoop, but with Round 2 quickly approaching, he notes, "it's going to be an interesting day."
Hot topics include his take on the Bears' top pick Leonard Floyd (he likes the choice) and the potential landing spot of first-round faller Myles Jack (he mentions several, including Jacksonville).
While almost all the questions are focused on the draft, a couple arrive from the fantasy angle. For those wondering where Schefter thinks Ezekiel Elliot might go in ESPN's War Room League, he suggests that the running back could be a first-rounder, noting that he'd be down with picking the rookie at the turnaround and then landing a top wideout like A.J. Green with his next pick.
As for his top two picks overall, at least in PPR, Schefter rates Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. at the top of his board.
Plus, Schefter relays that his colleague Chris Mortensen – who he's been texting throughout the draft – is in good spirits and doing as well as possible in his fight with cancer. Schefter suggests that he's expecting Mort back behind the ESPN microphone this season. Mort, we all look forward to your return, sir.
Random Observation: Not that the Chicago skyline needs any help in terms of awesomeness, but skyscraper windows lit up with slogans like "Da Draft" and "Draft Town," for example, are sights to behold.
DAY 3
It's crummy and damp outside, a downer since the event would have been packed on a weekend day if the weather had cooperated in the least bit. Rounds 4-7 in the rain, with a high of 48 degrees expected, is for serious draft fans only.
Pick of the Day: Devontae Booker goes to the Broncos in the fourth round, 136th overall. As long as his knee holds up going forward, this is a real nice value for Denver, with future fantasy ramifications. In the short-term, though, he's blocked by C.J. Anderson.
Highlight of the Day: Seeing a member of the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns of the German Football League drafted is a nice story, and it will thus be fun to chart the career path of Moritz Boehringer, a 6-foot-4, 227-pound wideout, who only started playing football in 2013. He's raw, but an impressive showing at Florida Atlantic's pro day was enough for the Vikings to roll the dice on Boehringer with the 180th pick overall.
Head Scratcher Du Jour: Connor Cook falling to Day 3 surprised many, and seeing Oakland trade up to select him with the second pick in the fourth round was also unexpected. With a secure starter (Derek Carr) in place, Mario Puig suggests that Cook "is clearly just a backup prospect for the Raiders, though one who could theoretically turn into useful trade capital down the line."
Overheard in Draft Town: With things winding down Saturday, a gentleman in teal shouted "the Jaguars just won the Super Bowl of the draft!"
Random observation: Nasty weather couldn't deter diehards from attending the event, but for those who didn't dress warm enough or bring an umbrella to the festivities Saturday, the fantastic Art Institute of Chicago – a Jay Cutler throw away from Draft Town – offered folks a viable Plan B, with a special Vincent Van Gogh exhibit in town.
