odds and ends from the NFL Draft first round

Carolina took Cam Newton with the #1 pick int the NFL Draft. They needed a quarterback, but then they need alot. It will be interesting to see how he pans out. He's big and physical, and really run, and has a strong arm.

On the other hand, despite the fact that he won the Heisman and QBed the National Champion Auburn Tigers he played only one season of big time football. He did play junior college so he has some seasoning. It seems like he'll be starting early for Carolina. Can he he drop back and throw it well enough? Can he make effective running decisions in the NFL? Linebacker size or not, QB's just can't take regular hits from guys the size and speed of NFL linebackers and safeties. He better learn to slide.

The Lions, with the 13th overall pick, took another Auburn Tiger, DE Nick Fairley. At times Fairley looked like the best defensive player in college football, and a sure #1 pick. But he also had a tendency to take plays off. He also developed a reputation, fair or not, of being a dirty player. It could be a great pick for the Lions if it pans out. They've put together an excellent stable of pass rushers and a solid down four on defense the last couple drafts. I think they still need to work on the secondary, but #13 was too low to get the elite safety/corners.

On a non-football note, 1 Auburn and 2 Alabama players were taken in the first 6 picks, and 6 of the first 7 were SEC players.

I hope these new multi-millionaires contribute some money, especially the guys from the state of- and University of- Alabama, to relief in Tuscaloosa and Alabama, and the neighboring states that got hammered in that severe weather outbreak.

I'm not one to say that rich folks are obligated to make charitable donations. It's nice, but it's their money. But I'd hope, given the tremendous need of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama,and Tuscaloosa, after yesterday's massive tornado outbreak, that some of those kids step forward.

Alabama is known for having incredibly passionate and loyal football fans. I hope those Alabama guys share in that community spirit and give back in a time of dire need close to their roots.