"We selected Eli and we were prepared to deal with that," San Diego general manager A.J. Smith said, bringing up the comparison to John Elway, who in 1983 forced a trade to Denver after being chosen by Baltimore with the first pick. "When the New York Giants selected Philip Rivers, some dialogue took place. Let's just leave it at that. Obviously we know how it materialized."
Buffalo in a hurry
One startling deal was Buffalo acquiring Dallas' first-round pick, 22nd overall, to take the fourth quarterback of the round, J.P. Losman of Tulane. In return, the Bills surrendered their first-round pick next year and a second- and fifth-rounder this year.
Like the Giants and Browns in their deals, the Bills gave up more than the going rate hoping for a player who will have a huge impact.
Philadelphia moved up 12 spots to 16 to take offensive tackle Shawn Andrews of Arkansas, who is even bigger than coach Andy Reid. Andrews has weighed as much as 180kg and is now listed at 165kg.
Before the start of the draft, Tagliabue paid tribute to Pat Tillman, the former Arizona Cardinals safety who gave up his NFL career to serve as an Army Ranger and was killed this week in Afghanistan.
"Pat Tillman personified the best values of America and of the National Football League," Tagliabue said, flanked by five Marines. "Like other men and women protecting our freedom around the globe, he made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for his country."
A moment of silence then was held in Tillman's honor, after which the crowd at Madison Square Garden chanted "U-S-A, U-S-A."
RSS