Draft Dealing

I waited by the phone all weekend, but no call from Paul Tagliabue. I guess it's back to the regular job Monday.

A few quick (serious) thoughts on the NFL draft, as it relates to Tennessee.

I'm not surprised the Titans went with Vince Young, although I thought their Southern Cal connections (Jeff Fisher, a former player & Norm Chow, a former offensive coordinator)-- made Leinart the likely choice.

There's no doubt about it, Young will be exciting to watch and will spark media interest in a team that's been off the radar screen nationally.

I'm somewhat surprised former Vols Gerald Riggs and Albert Toeina weren't drafted.

Riggs had issues during his UT career, and couldn't quite keep the momentum going after a decent junior season. It just shows that name-alone (his dad was a very productive NFL running back) doesn't get you much, and mid-talent running backs are a relatively easy find for NFL teams-- in the end, Riggs didn't stand out enough to risk a pick.

On size alone, Toenia should have gotten some interest.

Look for both players to get free agent deals-- but man, making a long career out of that isn't easy. There aren't many Bill Bates out there.