With the NFL and the players' union getting chippy again as the latest CBA deadline nears, who knows what will happen as today turns to tomorrow. At least we still have next month's draft to take our minds off the $9 billion squabble.
UPDATE: The players union has announced its decision to decertify as a union, renouncing its status as the collective bargaining representative of the players. It faxed the papers to U.S. District Judge David S. Doty in Minneapolis. The union now operates as a trade association that supports the interests and rights of current and former players. The NFL can now lock the players out, if it chooses, when the current CBA expires at 11 p.m. today. In other words, the negotiating is over and the litigating, unfortunately, appears set to begin.
Oh Joy.
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. was asked on a conference call Thursday to tell us who the No. 1 overall pick will be. But even the man whose life is the NFL draft couldn't give us one name. That's how uncertain things are at the top of the draft.
"In terms of the guys that would be worthy of being No. 1, [Missouri QB] Blaine Gabbert certainly would," Kiper said. "[Auburn QB] Cam Newton, you can make an argument for – Gabbert because of his size, arm, quick release and mobility…Certainly Newton and what he did at Auburn…the intangibles have to be checked out.
"Nick Fairley is certainly worthy, but he's a one-year wonder … [Alabama DT] Marcell Dareus is certainly worthy and gives you great scheme versatility. I think you can make a case for [Texas A&M linebacker] Von Miller. The great leverage he has coming off that edge, the sack numbers.
"LSU cornerback] Patrick Peterson is my No. 1 player…but I have Peterson going No. 7 now to the 49ers. .. You have nine or eight guys that could go No. 1 overall."
From the Vikings' perspective, the only thing that seems to be getting clearer is they'll have to trade up if they want Gabbert. There's always the chance Newton will tumble, but it's unlikely that he'll tumble to No. 12 considering how many QB-starved teams are ahead of the Vikings.
