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 It’s Oscar Sunday, so why am I watching the NFL Combine? Shouldn’t I be hypnotized by the repetitive red carpet inquries of ‘Who are you wearing?’ Shouldn’t I be counting down to the awkward Jon Stewart joke that inspires faint giggles among the way too sober Hollywood A-listers? The real question is, why should I waste a good 3+ hours of my life soaking in something I can find out about on the internet in a matter of 5 minutes. After all, there’s schweaty young mens running around on the NFL network,   although sadly, none are shirtless.  (Stupid NFL and its new rules.)

Since I do “loves” my award shows, I can’t resist flipping back and forth. (I’m having my Oscar and scouting it too.) And as it turns out, some of this year’s top movies have a lot more in common with this year’s draft class than you might think.

Gone Baby Gone-Did you happen to catch Chris Johnson of East Carolina running a 4.24 in the 40 yard dash? Yeah, that was probably around the time you blinked. Johnson of East Carolina not only caught our eye because of his phenomenal speed but because of his decision to wear package-hugging biker shorts. (Is that an Oscar statue in your shorts or are you just happy to see me?)

No Country For Old Men- Jerry Jones took time out of his busy schedule of ruling the world to check out the fresh meat in Indy. Jones is said to be negotiating the #1 draft pick from the Dolphins to get Arkansas RB Darren McFadden in exchange for Marion Barber, a few draft picks, and a tear-stained T.O. Jersey. Jones denies the rumor of trading up in the draft, but we did spy him in the stands looking smug as ever. Since the Boys scooped up Zach Thomas earlier this week, it’s no wonder J.J. is feeling particularly ‘Dyno-mite!”

Juno- (Said with a Rosie Perez accent) “Did ‘juno’ that Jason Rivers of Hawaii was such a cutie? Aloha papi!” -OR- “Did ‘juno’ who San Diego QB Josh Johnson was before he ran 4.4 at the combine?” (I could keep going with this, but I’ll spare you.)

American Gangster/Atonement- So we’ve all heard about Arkansas RB Darren McFadden’s off the field skirmishes. Two bar fights in a year and a half’s time a Wheaties cover boy does not make. But McFadden always seems to make up for his off the field troubles by being a monster on the field. The combine was no exception. McFadden’s impressive 4.33 40 yard dash keeps him at top of mind as a possible first overall pick. McFadden himself says he’s ready to prove he won’t be fighting to take the “Talented Screw-up Award” away from Pacman Jones when he enters the league.

There Will Be Blood- Speaking of top draft picks, the contest for 1st overall is looking hotter than ever. QB Matt Ryan of Boston College appears to be holding his own at the combine. As we mentioned, McFadden’s got the goods to be the Mc-Man-en. And don’t forget the defensive contenders. LSU’s Glenn Dorsey, Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston and Virginia’s Chris Long are all getting buzz as possible shoe-ins to plug Miami’s Defensive holes. With competition this fierce, you’d better believe blood, sweat, and tears will pave the way to Draft Day ‘08.

The Savages-On Monday, the defensive beasts will get their chance in the spotlight. Keep an eye out for the likes of Vandy’s Jonathon Goff, Iowa State’s Ahtyba Rubin, and the aforementioned Vernon Gholston. They were among the top performers in the defensive players’ bench pressing drills. 

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