clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Is the NFL Draft your Super Bowl?

The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and many fans will be glued to their seats this Thursday evening to find out who their favorite team will select in the first round. Some fans enjoy the Draft more than the Super Bowl. Are you one of those fans?

Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

A few years ago, I was listening to sports talk radio, and on this particular show, the hosts were discussing the upcoming NFL Draft (still months away). The younger of the two hosts was talking about how much he loved the draft and how he looked forward to it more than the Super Bowl.

For some reason, that revelation has stayed with me, but at the same time, it wasn't much of a surprise when I heard it. There are people who cover NFL prospects for a living--Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, etc.--so I'm guessing they probably enjoy the draft more than the Super Bowl. But with the popularity of Mock Drafts (the Jets took me with the 13th pick in the latest Mock Draft ), I have no doubt a ton of fans feel the same way.

Speaking of the Jets, that 13th pick is the second of two first round selections New York will have in this Thursday's NFL Draft--in addition to the ninth selection the Jets earned for their rather sub-par 2012 campaign, they also received Tampa Bay's first round selection thanks to the contract-inspired trade of cornerback Darrelle Revis.

I'm guessing right about now, most New York fans are feeling pretty crappy about this trade, while most Buccaneers fans are parading in the streets and saving money for tickets to Super Bowl XLVIII, which will be played in MetLife Stadium, ironically enough.

But knowing fans like I know fans, for every handful of Gang Green faithful who are saddened by the Revis trade, there are probably almost as many who are openly ecstatic about New York having two of the first 13 selections.

"I wonder who they'll get? I can't wait!"

Gee, I don't know. You think they'll get a player who will make multiple Pro Bowls and have his own island?

I'd say the chances are pretty slim.

Conversely, I know for every handful of Bucs fans who are on Stubhub right now looking for Super Bowl tickets even though they're not on sale yet, there are probably one or two who are angry they won't be able to enjoy the endorphin high of anticipating who their favorite team will pick with that very promising 13th selection.

You're kidding me, right? You just landed on Revis Island! Getting a 27 year old all-world cornerback (albeit, one who is coming off an ACL injury) in exchange for a first round selection (and then signing him for no guaranteed money) is like seeing your date in her bra and panties BEFORE you buy her dinner.

When a team drafts a player, isn't it with the hopes that he will turn into a Pro Bowler? If you can find a way to get your hands on a proven commodity who still has some prime years left, I'd say go for it.

I was discussing the Revis trade with my brother on Sunday, and he said, "Man, the Jets are lucky. If the Steelers had two first round picks, that would be awesome!" And my retort was, "Yeah, Joe. I remember 1989, when Pittsburgh had two first round selections and picked Tim Worley and Tom Ricketts. Yes, sir. Both players went on to have storied careers and will forever be a part of Steelers lore..........."

It was a smart-ass answer, but it proved my point.

So, what say you, Steeler Nation?

Were you one of those people who was salivating over the prospects of landing a top 10 selection in-exchange for a 28 year old two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback three seasons ago, when Ben Roethlisberger was in very hot water?

Do you dream about acquiring multiple first round selections like some fans dream about scoring the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl?

What do you anticipate more: Super Bowl Sunday or NFL Draft Thursday?

I'm highly anticipating your selection.