Browns Blog

It's crazy

I knew once again that I was at the NFL combine, which began Thursday and will run through Sunday. Actually, the combine won't officially end until Tuesday, but the nuts and bolts of it for the college prospects will end Sunday.

The number of media representatives appears larger than the 400-plus that were here last year. Several reporters had to find working areas in a large overflow room.

The difference between this year and last year is that the pool of athletes isn't as impressive this year. Last year the NFL brought out Joe Thomas, Jamarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson, among of few of the best prospects.

This year's crop isn't as eye-popping. LSU dfensive lineman Glenn Dorsey will be a highlight. Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is another prospect the media is anxious to interview.

Friday is a big day for receivers in the media room. I'm waiting for Warren G. Harding and Michigan standout Mario Manningham to arrive. Manningham has been projected as a late first-round pick.

The media interviews aren't the favorite part of the experience for players like Manningham, who don't like to talk to the media. In fact, the entire combine experience is something most athletes say was generally a waste of time later in their careers.

Still, it's a necessary evil in the draft process. When a player is invited, he better take advantage of the opportunity. If he doesn't show up, it won't send a positive message to the 32 teams.