It's a draft, not a marathon

The professional sports leagues are criticized for not being fan-friendly, which, in a lot of cases they are not. Witness the world champion Red Sox opening their season in Japan and not Boston.

Money speaks louder than us.

But the NFL cut us all some slack by shaving time off this weekend’s draft, and for that I say, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

Giving 15 minutes for each selection, last year’s first round went a record 6 hours, 8 minutes.

Now, for the hardcore, mock-draft-publishing fan, that’s probably three hours too short. But for the rest of us, those who have a life, that’s way too long.

Come on, 6 hours and 8 minutes of Chris Berman? What did we do wrong?

Apparently that was way too long for the NFL execs, too, because they shortened the first round to 10 minutes per pick and cut the second round from 10 minutes to 7. The final five rounds will be 5 minutes per pick.

Of course, they pushed the start back to 3 p.m., which means the draft will run well into the evening, which still stinks if your job is to cover it, but hey, we’ll take the shorter rounds and be thankful for that small gift from the NFL gods.

Now, what can they do about Mel Kiper’s hair?

Kiper: Bradenton represents in first round of draft

Mel Kiper, Jr., speaks, so let us listen.

ESPN’s draft guru reveled his mock draft Monday and it looks pretty good for a pair of Bradenton cornerbacks.

Kiper has Lakewood Ranch High product Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie going 10th overall to the New Orleans Saints and former Southeast High standout Mike Jenkins going 20th to the Bucs.

It will be interesting if that holds true.

Players from Manatee County have been drafted before, even as high as the first round. Peter Warrick of Southeast was the fourth overall pick in 2000, going to Cincinnati.

But we’ve never had two go in the first round, and Kiper said two weeks ago on a conference call that both are certain first rounders.

The Bucs could use a cornerback, so it would be great if they took Jenkins or Cromartie.

The draft is April 26 and 27.

Stay tuned.

Tiki and Ronde to speak at USF

If you like your football players thoughtful, insightful and witty than you may want to make that drive up Interstate 75 to the University of South Florida on April 10 to hear what Ronde and Tiki Barber have to say.

The two all-pro twins will speak at the USF Sun Dome at 7 p.m. as part of the University Lecture Series.

Student tickets are free with a valid USF ID and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Faculty, staff and alumni can purchase tickets for $3. Admission for the eneral public is $8.

Tiki and Ronde have volunteered their time on a number of issues, including literacy. They have served as national co-captains of the National Education Associations "Read Across America" literacy celebration and they have written three successful children's books: By My Brothers' Side, Teammates and Game Day.

Those interested can view more information at http://uls.usf.edu or call (813) 974-6107.