Let's talk about Brady Quinn for a while.
I know this is a New York Giants blog, and I know Quinn won't be a Giant, but I have to say I can't figure out what is going on with the Notre Dame quarterback's draft stock.
Quinn is taking the Matt Leinart plunge it seems, dropping farther and farther down the boards every time you look at the latest projections.
I don't get it. Before LSU's JaMarcus Russell declared for the draft, Quinn was headed to Oakland as the consensus No. 1 pick. Now, he might fall as low as No. 9 to the Dolphins. Over at Phinsider I know they are rooting for that scenario to play out.
The Detroit Lions have the second pick in the draft. Over at Pride of Detroit you will find a glowing review of the performance at the NFL Combine by offensive tackle Joe Thomas, whom the Lions are apparently targeting with the No. 2 pick.
Say what? Since when is Jon Kitna a franchise quarterback, a guy who can lead your team to something better than 4-12 for the next 10 years? Somebody please explain the logic to me of the Lions passing on Quinn because I certainly don't get it.
Go back through your draft history. Yes, Joe Montana was a third-round pick and Tom Brady a sixth-rounder. You won't find too many other examples of franchise quarterbacks being selected that low, however.
On the other hand, you can always uncover solid offensive linemen in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
It also seems to me that the 'can't miss' label for an offensive tackle can be a curse (see Tony Mandarich and Robert Gallery).
Moving on down the first round, Cleveland has the third pick and in my eyes could use Quinn but would likely pass. Tampa Bay could select Quinn if they don't see Chris Simms as their future, but most experts think they will also pass.
Quinn would be a logical choice in Minnesota at No. 7, and I would be absolutely stunned if the Texans passed on him at No. 8.
Quinn might not be the next Montana, but I still just don't get how the guy can slide all the way to the 8th or 9th pick.
If anybody can explain it to me, please, please, go right ahead.