April 30: Final Day of NFL Draft; a little recap on Iowa sports

The NFL Draft closes out rounds 4-7 on Saturday April 30Th, as Iowa football players look to be drafted. Unlike other years, the NFL lock-out will close the door on those players not drafted.

The University of Iowa has seen undrafted free agents sign right after previous drafts and gone on to be successful in camp, making an NFL roster on opening day. The Class of 2011 will not have the same opportunity, unless they are drafted. Undrafted prospects will have to wait and see.

On Day 1 - Tampa Bay drafted Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn - #20 - in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft!

On Day 3 - Minnesota drafted Iowa DL Christian Ballard in Round 4 and recap of Iowa players in the Class of 2011.

On Tuesday, April 26 - The Iowa Basketball program signed another player for the Class of 2011 - fourth player for the Class of 2011 - 6-10 center Gabe Olaseni, a native of London, England.

On April 22Nd - The University of Iowa is announced Leadership Group Named For 2011 - 14 players selected to group.

Iowa Football and Iowa Basketball both appear on a good track heading into the 2011-12 season. For Iowa football, they will welcome a new series with new Big Ten opponent Nebraska. While the Iowa basketball program will look to get back to postseason for the first time, after five seasons not being involved in post-season play.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go, Part 2?

Back in March, two events occurred regarding Brett Favre's relationship with the Green Bay Packers NFL franchise. At the time, the franchise was working towards the 2008 NFL Draft and it's future without Brett Favre at QB.

We know now, in March, Brett Favre indicated that he wanted to retract his retirement with the Green Bay Packers and come back and wear the Green and Gold for 2008. But, Favre changed his mind again.

So, the Green Bay Packers did the honorable thing and floated an agreement with Brett Favre. "I know (Packers president and CEO) Mark Murphy talked to me about it in the past, how important it was for Brett to continue to be a part of the organization after he was done playing," Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said after practice Friday morning. "And frankly, it's good for Brett. Brett needs to stay a part of football. Obviously, he's a part of the Green Bay Packers."

After the March discussion with Brett Favre, where Favre told the Packers he wanted to stay retired, the Packers franchise moved on. The 2008 team is Aaron Rodgers at QB. The Packers drafted two QBs in the 2008 NFL Draft and began the post-Favre era in Green Bay.

As former Pittsburgh QB Terry Bradshaw pointed out in Canton recently, he feels for the franchise and it's fans. Brett Favre will have to determine if he wants to not retire and become the next Johnny Unitas or Joe Montana... ask the Packers to trade him, so he can continue to play the game?

With the potential agreement out there, worth a reported a reported $20 million over 10 years, Favre really has to ask himself: "should I stay or should I go?"

Some in the media disagreed with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's involvement in the Green Bay-Favre negotiations, but to his credit, he is giving both sides more time to resolve the situation. It is good to see Goodell involved.

The Hall of Fame will induct six men as the 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame class today, including former Iowa Hawkeye Andre Tippett. Aug. 2nd is the official beginning of Football season in America. The NFL preseason is beginning and college football players are beginning to report for physicals and the start of official camp for the 2008 football season. The University of Iowa's football Media Day will be Monday in Iowa City.

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The 2008 Draft is certainly not about Headliners, but solid depth...

Where's the Headliners?

Nothing against Michigan's Jake Long, but the 3rd offensive tackle taken #1 in NFL Draft history isn't what headlines are supposed to be about. Solid pickup for the Miami Dolphins, especially when we begin to talk about Miami's additional picks, especially Long's teammate QB Chad Henne, taken in the 2nd round.

The NFL Draft in 2008 is about the business. It's not headliners, but a Draft that appears to filled with depth and opportunities for a variety of teams and players.

First, the NFL did everyone a favor by cutting down the amount of time and rounds for Day 1. Further, Day 2 starting with the 3rd Round will provide better format. Six hours for Day 1 is enough. Glad to see shorter time between picks in Round 1. Glad to see Green Bay trade down and gain another pick in the 2nd round.

Jake Long should be a good offensive tackle for Miami. If his career falls somewhere between Ron Yary and Orlando Pace, the Dolphins should be happy and Long should have a very solid NFL career. Yary in 1967 out of USC and Pace in 1997 out of rival Ohio State, were the two previous offensive tackles taken with the first pick of the draft.

Iowa's CB Charles Godfrey was selected by Carolina in the 3rd Round. A good example of depth of the 2008 Draft. Godfrey played both cornerback and safety while at Iowa.

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