Posted on Mon, Apr. 28, 2008

2008 NFL Draft | Notebook

Super Bowl champs in gambling mood

Ever wonder about the importance of the draft, in terms of a team reaching the Super Bowl? Consider this: Floyd Reese was a perfect 8-for-8 last year in his first draft as general manager of the New York Giants. Seven of the rookies were big contributors.This year, the Giants gambled on Michigan receiver Mario Manningham, loaded with talent -- and baggage.

He had predraft problems, "confessing" he fibbed during the scouting combine when he said he'd never smoked marijuana.

"I think the guy could have gone in the first (round)," said Reese, who compared Manningham to running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who played a key role in the Giants' Super Bowl run, after off-field problems relegated him to the 250th pick in last year's draft. -- Associated Press

The next Barry Sanders?

After threatening Barry Sanders' season rushing record in college, Kevin Smith now can concentrate on Sanders' marks with the Detroit Lions.

The Lions traded up two spots with Miami to nab the Central Florida star and nation's leading rusher in 2007 with the first pick of the third round. Last season, Smith rushed for 2,567 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. Sanders set the season record with 2,628 yards in 1988. -- AP

Finally a Cowboy

The NFL formally approved Tennessee's trade of suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones to Dallas.Jones must still be reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Arora declined to discuss the details of the contract Jones signed.

Dallas gave the Titans a fourth-round pick in this year's draft and a sixth-rounder next year for Jones. The Cowboys would get back a fourth-rounder in 2009 if Pacman isn't reinstated, or a fifth-rounder if he returns then gets punished again. -- AP

This year's Tom Brady?

When the Patriots spent a sixth-round draft pick on San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell, one pundit remarked: "Is this the end of the Tom Brady era?"

Uh, no.

But, maybe one of these quarterbacks will pan out: John David Booty was taken in the fifth round, by Minnesota after the Vikings made an in-division deal with Green Bay. The Packers already had their quarterback of the future: Brian Brohm, chosen in the second round Saturday. Tennessee passer Erik Ainge went to the Jets at No. 162 overall, six spots after Oregon's Dennis Dixon was taken by Pittsburgh. Hawaii's record-setting quarterback, Colt Brennan, was taken by the Redskins in the sixth round. -- AP