KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- The NFL's inaugural Pro Bowl Draft added intrigue, smack talk and entertainment to the roster selection process on Wednesday in Hawaii.
The day started with Andrew Luck being selected No. 1 overall by Team Sanders. (All Luck does is get picked first overall -- it's probably in his life contract.) Luck joins Chuck Pagano and his Indianapolis Colts coaching staff.
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"I think it's going to be easier to deal with Chuck and coach Pep (Hamilton) and the familiarity with those guys," Luck said. "I'm excited to play."
The complete results of Wednesday's draft can be seen right here. Here are a few observations:
1) Team Rice, which had Drew Brees as a captain, continued to stockpileSaints players, adding Jimmy Graham with its first selection and then defensive end Cameron Jordan in Round 9.
"I'm sure for (Brees) he was just getting his weapons ready," Graham said of all the Saints being on the same team.
2) Alex Smith, the former No. 1 overall pick in 2005, was picked last. It was probably a first for Mr. Smith. Welcome to our world, sir.
3) Watching NFL players mill around for three hours is educational. It's evident that most of these guys enjoy each other, regardless of team. It was also good that there were -- as my father would say -- 'barley pops' to keep most of the men from meandering back to the hotel.
4) Dez Bryant loves pictures, Twitter and, of course, Twitter-pics.
5) Considering the Pro Bowl is known for providing little in terms of defense, it was surprising to see the run on cornerbacks happen early. Patrick Peterson and Joe Haden were picked in the third round (four rounds before Darrelle Revis). Antonio Cromartie was drafted in Round 11 for cripes sake!
6) Brandon Marshall keeps praising the skills of Alshon Jeffery. Apparently, the men picking teams heard him. Jeffery was picked 10 rounds ahead of Marshall -- the latter being taken in Round 16.
7) The day ended with a trade that sent Robert Mathis from Team Sanders to Team Rice in exchange for Brian Orakpo (and hopefully future considerations). The trade means we could see Mathis get the opportunity to wallop his teammate and franchise quarterback. But would he?
8) Drew Brees and Philip Rivers are on the same team again. Bolo ties for everyone!
9) To say Hawaii relaxes NFL players is an understatement. I didn't see one player deny an interview during the entire three hours and most were happy to talk about any topic. Refreshing.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" looked at weaknesses for the two Super Bowl teams.
