2010 Senior Bowl Blog: Day Three

By Matt McGuire
Jan. 28, 2010
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I had the most interesting day at the Senior Bowl today. I found out some very "insider" stuff about the NFL and had the best crab cakes of my life.

Sorry that I've had a love affair with the weather this week - maybe the Draft gods hate me now for some reason. I didn't bring sunscreen down to Mobile this year (honestly - late January?), and the bright sun toasted my face. One of my "advisors" told me to report this in my blog in case I miss on a few prospects this week - it's the Tim Tebow way of doing things.

Anyway, I had a conversation today with a source close to the league whom I trust. I've read on a couple blogs about a potential lockout in the future in regards to revenue sharing, but I never thought much of it because there is so much money being circulated in the NFL with the television deals.

My source told me there is a war between the large-market and small-market owners over what I had previously thought, but it sounds more serious than I was making it out to be. After the current CBA ends there could be a lockout in 2011 if stances in the league amongst its owners and players union don't change.

If this happens, then there might be a draft date accelerated to as early as February because there would be no free agency in a lockout. I'm not sure how this affects how much the rookies would get paid or how the draft order would be determined, but I can't imagine they would be getting the top-10 salaries currently in place in a lockout season, but you never know.

I've been told that while Daniel Snyder and Jerry Jones will always be filthy rich, a lot of owners in the league are losing money on their teams and this isn't being reported by the media due to faith that the economy and the league turns around.

I'm not going to completely believe the lockout is locked in, but I'm also not dismissing the report based on the health of the economy and other articles I've read online.

At the same time, I asked another friend close to the league about a potential lockout and he said they'd find a way to settle on middle ground. Considering the league is basically printing money I'd tend to agree somewhat, so I'm on the fence regarding this issue.

Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin talked quite a bit on the sidelines today during practice. Their bond is well noted as they coached together in Tampa on the Bucs Super Bowl team (e-mail me if I am wrong, Buc fans), and you just have to wonder what two guys like that talk about. I'm all for privacy amongst coaches and players because they don't get enough, and as fans we want to know every single thing that goes on, but we also must respect others - but I would pay $100 to hear that entire conversation.

I went to lunch at a very nice seafood restaurant across Mobile Bay. It had a beautiful view of the gulf and was a very classy place. I had an amazing oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes, and dipping sauce. If you are ever in Mobile, spend a little cash and go to Felix's. It's incredible. I live in Bowling Green, Ky., which is basically the city in the United States with the least amount of culture. Everything is chained food, and I'm Ramen-crazy, so when I eat at a nice place outside my town this stuff must be reported - can't keep it to myself!

After lunch, I heard Paul Guillemette (of PigskinPaul.com - check it out, great site!), an old school draftnik friend of mine, somehow weaseled his way into the XOS Technologies room and watched tape of Senior Bowl practice.

Lucky for me, I went with a friend and got to watch some coaches tape. Once I walked into the room I heard the NFL Draft angels singing, "Halllllllllelujah! Hallelujuh! Hallelujuh!"

Tim Tebow walked past me liked he heard something and looked around the room then shook his head and said, "Nahhhh. No way."

The XOS tape was pretty awesome. They break everything down by drill and play. I've seen XOS tape for college games where you can isolate any down and distance, or input the formation and narrow it down to that too. It's pretty crazy. I'd give a kidney to have access to it for a year - no question about it.

Tomorrow is likely my last day of practice then I'll head back home. I will say this - if you are a true die-hard draftnik, then you have to come down to Mobile and watch the practices one year. Being around the coaches and scouts, and seeing the players up close is really fascinating, though this year I am not star-struck - it just isn't the same after your rookie year at the Senior Bowl.

Mobile, Alabama should be a pilgrimage for draftniks. You don't have to come down every year - just do it once in your life and you won't regret it. We only live once - don't die without a trip to the mecca of football for one week.





2011 Senior Bowl Stock: Senior Bowl Game
2011 Senior Bowl Stock: Day 4 Practice
2011 Senior Bowl Stock: Day 3 Practice
2011 Senior Bowl Stock: Day 2 Practice
2011 Senior Bowl Stock: Day 1 Practice
2011 Senior Bowl Stock: Weigh-In
2011 Senior Bowl Weigh-In: Quarterbacks
2011 Senior Bowl Weigh-In: Running Backs
2011 Senior Bowl Weigh-In: Wide Receivers
2011 Senior Bowl Weigh-In: Tight Ends
2011 Senior Bowl Weigh-In: Offensive Linemen
2011 Senior Bowl Weigh-In: Defensive Linemen
2011 Senior Bowl Weigh-In: Linebackers
2011 Senior Bowl Weigh-In: Defensive Backs






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