The NFL is looking to cash in on some primetime ad revenue by changing the televised format of the NFL Draft:

Commissioner Roger Goodell notified teams Thursday that the draft will be spread over three days in 2010, running April 22-24.

...

ESPN and the NFL Network will televise the entire show.

The first round will take place on Thursday, April 22, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The second and third rounds will start at 6:30 p.m. ET on April 23.

Rounds 4 through 7 will be on April 24, starting at 1 p.m. ET.

Basically, if your team doesn't have a first round pick, you can spend the first day of the draft watching Jets fans boo their team.

I apologize for taking so long to get the results up for the Draft contest, as a combination of work and life got in the way last week (I didn't think a 2 hour time change could have that much effect on you).  But alas I'm here with the results.

First I'll start with the NFL.com First Round contest.  Some people didn't use their SBNation name, so I'm not exactly sure who to congratulate, but Manning's Entry, whoever you are, was the winner with 1560 points, good for 174th overall.  Here's the top 5, and you can find the rest on the league page on NFL.com:

The other contest we ran was to predict every pick the Colts had in the draft.  With a couple trades happening, it made it a little out of whack, but we still had a clear winner, hahasound.  He/She had 23 points, winning by 5, thanks to correctly predicting Curtis Painter in the 6th round, and predicting Terrance Taylor would be drafted by the Colts, although in another round.  Also getting picks exactly correct were:

• bamock - Fili Moala
• monstersbox - Austin Collie
• Bullard47 - Terrance Taylor

Here are the full results, so you can laugh at how bad I did, and see who picked who where.  Thanks to everyone for participating!

I do this because I absolutely LOVE it when people insult me and call me a douche for the work I do. That said, I'd like to know what you, our loyal readers of Stampede Blue, thought of our 2009 NFL Draft coverage. This will be broken up into three parts with polls for pre-draft, draft day coverage, and post-draft coverage.

For the Pre-Draft, I'm including our work on the Who The Hell Will They Draft series, our 2009 Community Mock Draft, and the Road to the Draft series Colts Homer worked on.

Please select options on the poll and post your comments in the comments area.

The draft grades come to a close as we evaluate the worth of Purdue QB Curtis Painter and Maryland OG Jaimie Thomas. Both players were late round picks, and both offer depth at positions many feel there was already enough depth to begin with. So, the question hovers, Why draft them?

Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
Round 6, Pick #201



Jaimie Thomas, OG, Maryland
Round 7, Pick #236

Let's just get this out in the open right now: Curtis Painter was indeed brought in to compete with Jim Sorgi as the back-up QB to Peyton Manning. He was also brought in to, maybe eventually, replace Peyton Manning. If he wasn't, then this was a total waste of a draft pick, and Bill Polian should have his head examined. I know what Bill said about this issue. I think he is either delusional or, more likely, full of sh*t:

Polian said the selection of Painter is not a reflection on Jim Sorgi. "This is nothing that has to do with Jim Sorgi," Polian said. "We talked about committing to carrying the third quarterback. We've not done that in the past. That's been a practice squad spot. That's not ideal."

Yes, it does have something to do with Sorgi, Bill. If the Colts just wanted a third QB, there are plenty of guys they could pluck off the street to carry a clipboard and fetch Peyton Manning his Gatorade. Some of these guys (lke Josh Betts or Quinn Gray) are veterans who Indy can sign for next to nothing and have a pretty solid understanding of the Colts offense. So, don't feed me the "This is nothing that has to do with Jim Sorgi" line. It insults my intelligence. We all know Jim Sorgi is a VERY limited QB. He showed that in pre-season last year. His arm strength is crap and he cannot get the ball in the endzone inside the 20s.

Curtis Painter can get the football down the field, unlike Jim Sorgi

Photo: www.blackshoediaries.com

Painter was drafted to replace Sorgi, and eventually replace Manning (maybe). If he wasn't, then this was a wasted pick, and better players who could fill bigger needs should have been taken.

So, we will just assume that Polian's statement regarding Sorgi is the BS we all know it to be (again, I love ya, Bill; but I know a steaming pile of BS when I see one). Who is Curtis Painter? Is he another Jim Sorgi, or, unlike Sorgi, can this guy actually throw the ball down the friggin' field?

Unlike MasterRWayne, I have no bias against Purdue players. Purdue's football program is a helluva lot better than Indiana U.'s, and produced better overall players. Sorry IU faithful, but that's just the facts. When IU produces a Drew Brees, then you can talk trash. Like Brees and Kyle Orton, Painter is trying to follow the tradition of Purdue producing solid NFL starting QBs. From Hammer and Rails, SB Nation's Purdue blog:

Painter could easily have a career much like Kyle Orton in that it takes him a few years to develop.

If you read Painter's scouting report, he offers more talent (it seems) than both Brees and Orton:

Strengths:
Terrific height and bulk...Arm strength is more than adequate...Solid mechanics...Quick delivery...Good anticipation and timing...Has a lot of big-time experience...Very productive...Decent program pedigree.

Painter is roughly 6'3, and he can really fling the ball down the field. Unlike Josh Freeman, he has good QB mechanics, knowing how to release the ball so his spirlas remain tight, allowing the ball to can maximum velocity. And unlike many other college QBs, he is capable of putting the ball where receivers are going, not where they are. In college, QBs throw to were receivers are. If you do that in the NFL, that a pick 6 the other way. In the Man's League, the throws must go to where the receiver is supposed to be, especially in this offense. Painter also sells the play-action fake very well, another big plus in Tom Moore's scheme.

So, lots of positives, right? Why was he drafted so late?

Weaknesses:
Not a great athlete...Can be wildly inconsistent...Lacks great accuracy and touch...Makes too many bad decisions...Tends to stare down his targets...Isn't very mobile...Footwork will have to be tweaked...Did not play in a pro style offense..Leadership ability has been questioned.

A big issue with Painter is his footwork, which needs a lot of work. Feet placement and leg drive are everything for NFL QBs. Feet must get set, shoulders square to the target, and legs ready before the ball can get thrown. Painter really struggles with this, and it often leads to "poor decisions" (a phrase roughly translated into "interceptions").

But, under new QB Coach Frank Reich, Head Coach Jim Caldwell (a QB guru in his own right), Tom Moore, and Peyton Manning, this kid Painter could develop into a pretty good player. He has the arm strength and the size to develop, and being an Indiana boy, he knows first hand just how awesome the Colts organization is and how they develop their players internally.

Hammer and Rails, one more time:

Curtis went 201^st overall to the Colts. It is safe to say he isn't exactly going to challenge for the starting job. It's a high-risk, high reward opportunity for Curtis. If he can make the roster (and beat out long-time backup Jim Sorgi) there are few better quarterbacks in the league to learn from. Unfortunately, the odds are against him even making the regular roster. Sorgi is fairly entrenched as Manning's caddy, and the Colts rarely have three quarterbacks on the active roster because Manning is so durable. Painter may find himself on the practice squad for a year or two, which is still a very good place to learn from Manning. I would honestly be shocked if he played a down in the NFL this regular season.

Make no mistake, this kid wasn't just drafted for gits and shiggles. He was drafted to push Jim Sorgi out the door. Sorgi is certainly not "entrenched" as Manning's "caddy." That honor belongs to Anthony Gonzalez, also sometimes referred to a "Daddy Peyt's Golf Bitch."

If Sorgi were entrenched as the primary back-up QB, then the two veteran QBs Indy signed in Training Camp last year wouldn't have been brought in. And if carrying three QBs is an option Polian and the Colts are seriously considering, they need a reality check. A third QB is a wasted roster space. With the injuries we've typically had and the amount of defensive and special teams rotations we use in games, we need as many warm bodies as we can get. So, unless Polian expects Painter to play on special teams as a gunner, its a waste to have him active on gamedays as a third QB.

The final pick we will "grade" is Maryland OG Jaimie Thomas. For the second year in a row, the Colts end the draft picking an offensive lineman with the first name pronounced "Jay-me." Last year it was Jamey Richard, who played a ton in 2008 as a center and guard. This year, it's Jaimie Thomas, a 6'4, 322 pound monster from Maryland.

Jaimie Thomas must feast on his daily diet of two DBs per

day in order to remain satisfied.

Photo: media.collegepublisher.com

Right now, Thomas is the biggest guy on the team. To give you some perspective, he is an inch taller than last year's top draft pick (OG Mike Pollack), and outweighs Pollack by nearly 25 pounds!

Strengths:
Excellent height and bulk with long arms...Physical and aggressive...Is stout at the point...Gets a good push in the run game...Decent lateral agility...Strong hands...Great awareness...Good motor...Experienced.

Weaknesses:
Average athleticism and quickness...Is not real strong...Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Limited range...Struggles in space...Can improve his hand use...Conditioning issues...May lack a killer instinct.

Thomas is yet another Bill Polian late round player that he will hand off to offensive line coach Howard Mudd to mold into yet another draft gem. With Ryan Lilja's career totally up in the air because of his lingering injuries, drafting Thomas (and signing Kyle DeVan and Brandon Jones) seems to suggest the Colts do not have a lot of faith in Lilja's health. The simple reasoning is if Lilja is healthy and ready to go, the Colts then have waaaaaaay too many players at the OG positions.

So, assuming Lilja is not healthy, this was a strong pick to close out the draft.

DRAFT GRADE: Solid Marks

More photos » by Matt York - AP

6 months ago: FILE - In this July 27, 2008 file photo, Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James arrives for practice during the team's football training camp Sunday, July 27, 2008 in Flagstaff, Ariz. The Cardinals released James on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, with one year remaining on his contract, a development expected since late in the season. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

Browse more photos »

Less than two weeks after the mother of his children died of leukemia, the Arizona Cardinals finally granted Edgerrin James his wish and cut him. Of course, they did this after the 2009 NFL Draft, which saw them grab Beanie Wells in the first round. Why these spineless turds in 'Zona didn't grant Edge his wish while his longtime girlfriend was dying in a hospital bed, I don't know.

Yes, football is a business, but there was no business reason to keep Edge on the roster. They clearly didn't want him. Edge knew it, and wanted out. Why Arizona didn't want him, I don't know. Their offense was crap after they benched him in favor of rejects like JJ Arrington and Tim Hightower. When they re-inserted Edge into the starting lineup, they ran the table through the playoffs and played Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl. Indeed, during the first half of the Super Bowl, Edge was the only Cardinal offensive player worth a damn.

But whatever. It's the Cardinals. They want to cut their best running back? Fine. They also parted with the defensive end they signed last year: Travis LaBoy. Last year the Cards signed LaBoy to a 5 year, $22 million dollar contract last year with $7.5 million guaranteed. LaBoy started 13 games in 2008, battling injuries all throughout the season. He had 31 tackles and 4 sacks in 2008, but apparently "did nothing" last year according to Cardinals fans.

You may recall that Indianapolis had a strong interest in LaBoy last year prior to him signing with Arizona. If he is healthy, the Colts might try and offer him something.

As far as Edge is concerned, he'll likely find a new team soon. I'm hopeful he lands in a place like New Orleans. He would provide what Reggie Bush doesn't: Toughness and intelligence.

Regardless of where Edge, LaBoy, and Rod Hood (also cut by the Cardinals) land, they should consider themselves fortunate. Arizona's success last year was a fluke. Cards fans might not like hearing that, but that is how things look. Their QB is old as dirt and throws stupid INTs during crucial plays. The fact that Kurt Warner and his fat ass were even considered for MVP was an insult to the collective intelligence of fans. Ken Whisenhunt is a spineless jerk, and their owner is still a cheap bastard. Just ask Anquan Boldin.

You'll have to excuse my venom towards the Cardinals. Edgerrin James is one of the best people this league has ever known, and to treat him like that (string him along) was classless on the part of the Cardinals. Yes, I know this is a business, but the Colts also work in this same business, and I've never seen them do this kind of crap to their players. And, unlike the Cardinals, the Colts have had a helluva lot more success. So yes, it's business, but that doesn't give Arizona a free pass to act like douchbags.

Folks, it looks like we are going to yet another loug-mouthed, frosty-haired kicker from West Virginia working on our special teams.

Here's what the first one looked like:

Photo: ms2.naplesnews.com

And here's the one Indianapolis just drafted a few days ago:

Photo: www.wvmetronews.com

Both guys are loud. Both are boisterous. Both like to draw attention to themselves. But, if you listen to new Colts 6th round selection Pat McAfee, he very much wants you to know that he is not an "idiot" like Mike Vanderjagt:

Ah, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this. Mike Vanderjagt. What you need to know is he is not a good representation of kickers from West Virginia. I need you to understand that. I need you to understand that. Please.

Folks, all you have to do is listen to Pat McAfee talk for 5 minutes, and instantly you are going to like him. Pat McAfee is colorful, affable, funny, and very much aware of what he is all about.

The Colts and Bill Polian have made it clear: Pat McAfee is the new punter for the Indianapolis Colts. Though he kicked FGs, handled kickoffs, and punted at West Virginia, the Colts drafted McAfee to succeed Hunter Smith, who departed via free agency and signed with the Washington Redskins.

Most of McAfee's scouting reports focus more on his FG kicking than his punting. In college, they use a little bit different style of punting formation, more akin to rugby. So, it isn't really all that clear how well McAfee will punt in the pros. What we do know is the Colts traded a 2010 6th round pick to move up in the sixth round and get McAfee. So, if Bill Polian did that, the Colts must feel as though this kid can get the job done.

Aside from punting and kicking, the other thing McAfee can do is run and tackle. Yes, that's right. At 5'11, 228 pounds, McAfee isn't some skinny bitch out there whiffing on tackles if a returner gets past the first line of defense. McAfee is the kind of punter that will chase the returner down, wrap him up, and bury him into the turf.

Don't believe me? Watch this:

That is our new punter, boys and girls.

Another interesting factoid about McAfee that seems to distinguish him from his predecessor is while Hunter Smith had a Christian rock band on the side, McAfee has dabbled in professional wrestling on the side. Hunter Smith's band name was Connersvine. Pat McAfee's wrestling opponent was named War Pig!

Again, he has been with the team all of three days, and already I REALLY like Pat McAfee. You'll like him as well when you listen to him on 1070 the Fan call Mike Vanderjagt an "idiot" and say that he is very excited to play with his personal hero, Adam Vinatieri.

So, while we can't say for sure just what kind of punter McAfee will be, what we do know is he will certainly be a colorful character. And while he may say or do some silly things, this kid seems very much aware of the wonderful opportunity he is stepping into. He is working with his idol (Vinatieri) and has a good coach in Ray Rychleski (who comes from the college ranks) to teach him how to punt in the pros.

McAfee is no stranger to kicking and punting in pressure situations. Football is life at West Virginia, and when McAfee would miss FGs, he would get death threats. No kidding. So, this kid knows how to deal with pressure, and he knows how to work hard. He's going to fit in well here.

DRAFT GRADE: Solid marks

If there was a consensus head-scratcher pick among Colts fans on the second day, likely that pick was Auburn CB Jerraud Powers. Powers was taken in the third round, and if you know the history of Colts drafts during the 11 year tenure of Bill Polian, you know that the third round has been a horror show.

Jerraud Powers, CB, Auburn
Round 3, Pick #92

Jerraud Powers (right) helps the Florida punter try on a new shoe

after blocking his punt

Photo: graphics8.nytimes.com

The third round has not been kind to Bill Polian of late. Third round picks Quinn Pitcock (2007) and Vincent Burns (2005) are completely out of football. Gilbert Gardner (2004), quite possibly the most useless linebacker on the planet, was another third rounder. The another third rounder was Freddie Keiaho (2006), and while he played decently with the Colts for two years, he has yet to re-sign with them, or any other NFL team this off-season. And with such a thin draft at linebacker, the fact that Keiaho hasn't signed with anyone tells you something.

Now, Jerraud Powers is the latest Polian third rounder. Can he buck the trend?

Well, the interesting thing about Powers is he certainly bucks the trend when it comes to DBs the Colts normally draft. In his press conference on the second day, Polian stated that it was only the defensive tackle spot where the Colts deviated from their normal pattern of drafting. However, Powers seems to indicate another shift, this time when it comes to drafting "Cover-2-style" corners.

Here's a scouting report on Powers:

Strengths:
Above average athleticism...Okay speed...Quick with a burst...Smooth with fluid hips...Great hands and ball skills...Decent leaping ability...Is technically sound...Good footwork and uses his hands well...Physical and aggressive...Sufficient instincts and awareness...Solid production.

Weaknesses:
Does not have the ideal height or bulk that you look for...Isn't very strong...Not a great tackler...Struggles to get off blocks...Won't offer much in run support...Takes too many chances...Durability concerns.

It's the weaknesses that caught my eye. If I had to look at this guy pre-draft and evaluate whether or not he was a candidate for the Colts to draft, I'd say no. Indy typically does not draft corners who can't tackle. In a Tampa-2, the corners have to tackle just as sharply as the linebackers and safeties.

Powers seems to have very strong coverage skills with some speed added for good measure. He's tough and seems to have a strong work ethic, but when I see coverage guys who can't tackle, I do not think  "Cover-2 corner."

But maybe this small shift was made in response to the trned Polian is seeing with this team. Guys like Jennings, Coe, and Hughes are all solid tacklers. They are effective ball hawks and they can play tough by laying big hits. What they lack a little bit is coverage ability. The loss of Keiwan Ratliff is off set somewhat by drafting Powers, but it is a bit unclear where Powers could play.

Is he Marlin Jackson's replacement after 2010 (it's unlikely Indy will re-sign him, for cap reasons)?

Is he the new nickel corner, replacing fan whipping boy Tim Jennings?

Was he just drafted for special teams? The pick above seems to suggest yes. But really, who knows?

What we do know is a third rounder was invested in him. So, any talk of this guy sitting on the sidelines is rubbish. Powers will play next year, or this was yet another wasted third round pick. What this pick also seems to signify is a lack of faith in Michael Coe and Dante Hughes, two corners drafted in 2007; Hughes especially. Hughes was a third round pick in 2007, and he seemed to find his way into the doghouse last year after a solid rookie year in 2007.

It will be interesting to see if Powers manages to wiggle his way into the nickelback spot. If he doesn't, then this was yet another third rounder wasted. In my not-so-humble opinion, third rounders need to play NOW, not in a year or two. We can have project players in rounds 5-7. Guys in round three are needed right now, and currently we have two corners (Powers and Hughes) who are third rounders that need to produce right away. The problem with this is the defensive backfield in Indy is very crowded. Tim Jennings (second rounder in 2006) is cemented in as the nickelback. So, unless Jennings loses his job (which would make him a bust of a second round pick), we likely won't see Powers or Hughes play much unless there's an injury.

In general, I don't like this pick. I can understand added some players for the future, but Indy has plenty of DBs. So, unless those DBs were wasted picks, this pick was not necessary.

DRAFT GRADE: Low Marks

Myself, shake n bake, and King Richard got together and chatted it up about the 2009 NFL Draft. The podcast is bit over an hour, but if you like listening to three schmucks yacking about the draft, this podcast is for you.

Thanks to shake n bake and King Richard for listening to me ramble.

Podcast: Part One

Podcast: Part Two