Every pundant with a computer, google, and watched the NFL draft has given their grades to NFL teams for last weekends drafts. We all know you can't judge a book by it's cover, it is the same with the draft. It is comical to me to see that many in the Detroit Media and many fans give the Detroit Lions and Matt Millen a C+ and even as high as a B+ for their draft.
Some of the comments I have read are that the Lions seem to have filled so many holes in their roster. Another is that the Lions finally drafted players that want to play football. If that has been the problem than why did it take eight years to figure out? I think anyone learns on the job faster than that. I think I could learn knee surgery faster than Millen learned how to draft and he hasn't really even done that yet either. The thing is, THEY WOULDN'T HAVE SO MANY HOLES IN THE ROSTER IF MATT MILLEN WOULDN'T HAVE CREATED SO MANY HOLES IN THE LIONS ROSTER IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Another thing I found ironic was that Matt Millen, the guy who had to get rid of as many of Bobby Ross' players when he came in, drafted one. Bobby Ross was the coach that first brought S Caleb Campbell into Army football. Now there is actually people critical of Campbell's patriotism for heading to the NFL instead of Iraq? Are you kidding me? This is a great PR move for the Army and a great recruiting tool.
I wonder just how many of these people have ever served our country themselves? Funny how I have only heard 100% support for Campbell from other military brats. It is like people who rip on the President of the United States but don't even vote.
I have served my country and my thoughts are mixed on Campbell. While I am glad that he may not have to serve in Iraq (he hasnt applied to be exempted), I am upset that the Army would create this loophole. I am informed enough to know the loophole does not pertain strictly to athletes (academics can apply as well) there are hundreds of thousands of troops (not to mention 4000 who shall not return) who will not get that option. One of which was my nephew who has safely returned. I dont think football should be a way out of serving in country. Creating a cure for cancer, sure. Working on an economic turn around for the country, absolutely. Have a brand new renewable resource of energy bottled in your head waiting to get out, great bring it on. Football, no, sorry.
It will become apparent during the season, but I think the Lions got a potentially very good sleeper in the draft, Kevin Smith out of Central Florida. If this third round pick is a productive rookie, it will raise the overall grade of the Lions' draft.
I think the Lions are s l o w l y.... on the rise!
yes, football is serving sorry dnash. We have all sorts of military personnel that never serve overseas like recruiters , drill sargeants, army band, army athletes etc.. Although there are some that serve overseas and come back to do these great jobs, it is a job nonetheless. You obviousily never seen a service academy if you think any cadet is using an institution like that as a "way out" to serve. This is not the first time a service academy athlete has been permitted to play a professional sport and it won't be the last. In the grand scheme of things especially for this new age in war fighting , this policy is perfectly acceptable. However you might need some rank on your collar to understand higher level concepts such as this. (most real Army people think this is great by the way, you must not be from a real army town. :) ) Go talk to the U.S. Army Forces Commander and see if he says this guy is looking for a way out by playing football. Even if he were to go to war right away like most of you idiots think he has lot more training to do than just graduating from school. However I'll leave your emotional banter and liberal thoughts that are void of logical reasoning alone. Don't want your brain to explode from thinking logically once in awhile. :)
I predict that Grossman will be a pleasant surprise this year. He will play more consistently and with renewed confidence. Bears will make the playoffs if Benson and Grossman produce.Seems there is a similar topic on '++RichMatchMaking.com++ It is a FREE and HOT celebrity dating site who is open to all quality singles. I have seen several athletes dating there. Celeb Charlie Sheen found his love last May. It was reported by MSN.
I would have to agree with you one Campbell. The academy is still a college and every athlete from the AF, Naval, and Army academies get the opportunity to be a pro athlete. It is considered a conflict of intersest to try and keep someone in the service who could be making millions in the NFL. It is a great PR tool in recruiting as well. I don't see it as getting out of service of his country. I am a military member and have know problem with Campbells choice!
dnash1 Whilst I sympathize with what you're saying. I'd hasten to add that when you've got the likes of a VP obfuscating his responsibilities in serving his country by obtaining deferments repeatedly. It begs the question where's the real issue here ?
It's not only the Army's policy but that of the Defense Dept as well. They see it as supposedly a great recruiting tool.
.................
bob'
I for one don't put much in store as to what the likes of Kiper and others have to say about the draft and the picks. I leave it for the GM's and their coaching staff to prudently go about meeting their team's needs. We can no doubt remember the arguments that were taking place was to who'd make the better quarterback in the league when both Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf came out some years back. I guess now that question has been answered once and for all ?
Let these guys play for two or three years and then we'll obviously see whether or not they'll really pan out.
jnava121: Could you possibly be more of a condescending, arrogant gasbag? "However you might need some rank on your collar to understand higher level concepts such as this."
Logical reasoning? Exactly what part of your post had anything to do with logic? dnash1 is expressing an opinion, for which he has every right. You have expressed your opinion-touting it as logic. You might want to check again on your 'facts'. Being a recruiter, drill sergeant or member of an army band does not exempt you from being deployed. Not too sure what this amorphous group you refer to as army athletes is, if they are exempt. Soldiers serving as members of Army teams get deployed as well. Many Soldiers have had their current assignments cut short and have been sent at the need of the army.
If this young man can be similarly recalled from the NFL and put on a plane at a moments notice or if he will reimburse the DOD for his time at the academy, (Even a back-up in the NFL will make much more than a 2nd Lieutenant, so he could afford it.), fine. In any case, what if he does NOT make the team?
Your logic seems uncertain but you do use plenty of what we in the military call bull**** or what marketing types call glittering generalities: "...In the grand scheme of things...", "...this new age in warfighting..." Bravo. Have you spent a LOT of time in academia?
Last edited by drzhivago on April 30th at 12:10 PM.
"Go talk to the U.S. Army Forces commander..." Who? Do you mean the Commander in Chief, the president? The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? The Chief of Staff of the Army? The CENTCOM Commander? Yes, this young man would have much more training to undergo before he would make a decent officer and platoon leader. But why don't you regale us with your knowledge of this in the same ineffable manner you have broken down the chain of command?
If anyone is an ####, it would appear to be you. There is nothing I detest more than a self-important phony such as yourself who attacks fellow americans for exercising their freedoms which I have fought for, and have served with my comrades as guarantors of my country, to insure that all Americans would enjoy liberty and freedom not just the people I like and agree with.
By the way, I see very little 'liberal' about the aforementioned post. Do you see enemies everywhere? You may be ill. You should seek help.
I'm not trying to rip on caleb campbell, nor do i deny his patriotism, but come on, you join the army acadamy to be in the army. if he wanted to play football, he should have gone to a regular college. its not fair to the others just because he is good at sports for him to leave and not have to serve.
I thought this was about football. What I find Ironic is most of the men and women in the battlefield that are on the front lines and giving their lives for their country are from poor communities and high crime areas. And the freedom they are fighting for is for the rich kids who won't even go to war but are the first to say we need to fight for our freedom.
CrZyBoy823
Apr 30, 2008
1:10 PM I'm not trying to rip on caleb campbell, nor do i deny his patriotism, but come on, you join the army acadamy to be in the army. if he wanted to play football, he should have gone to a regular college. its not fair to the others just because he is good at sports for him to leave and not have to serve.
********
As has been said many times over " The world is not fair" The fact is, is this man went to West Point with the intention to join the Army and be an officer, which he has done. It is not his fault that he excelled in a sport and is given an opprtunity that not all receive. You cant blame him for wanting to take advantage of it.
*******
nparadise29
Apr 30, 2008
1:11 PM I thought this was about football. What I find Ironic is most of the men and women in the battlefield that are on the front lines and giving their lives for their country are from poor communities and high crime areas. And the freedom they are fighting for is for the rich kids who won't even go to war but are the first to say we need to fight for our freedom.
******
And which survey is that from??? Though that tends to be a popular belief. After my personal experience the vast majority comes from "middle class blue collar" types that didnt have it extremely rough nor were extremely wealthy.
Why should this young man "with talent" have to serve in a war when he obviously has another career waiting for him.
He can make millions now and avoid death by gunfire.
While I respect the armed forces and our military, if i asked half of you guys if you wanted to be there you would say NO and we shouldnt be there anyway.
Bush should be hung and tortured just like our troops have been.
what is being overlooked is that he was after all drafted by the Lions. They have wasted more picks and finished more careers than any other team I know!
I give you an A+ just for mentioning how everybody has to hand out draft grades that are VERY premature.
Not in the military but have had close family members in that community. I think it is a good thing, especially at this time, to reflect positively on any and all that have chosen to serve. If this can further their cause, I am 100% behind the motives.
Flint Michigan -
Ask me a question about your team by email- bob260505@yah oo.com
Three time defending (division 2) four square champion
1993 United States Hacky-Sack Champion (runner up in 92 and 94) - finishing move "the Stall"
MVP of 1986 Whiffleball World Series - WWS was played in the side yard and had longer home runs.
2006 1st place league Champion fantasy baseball, 2003 and 2004 second place in fantasy football, 2003 second place in fantasy baseball and hockey, The last person out in Dodgeball in a record 17 of 22 games played in 1992 and led the gym class with over 175 kills in 92 - 93 (averaged 8.18 kills per game)
bob260505@yah oo.com
web counter
MATT MILLEN WOULDN'T HAVE CREATED SO MANY HOLES IN THE LIONS ROSTER IN THE FIRST PLACE!
