Lions to Make Stafford No. 1 Draft Pick

(NEWSER) - As far as usefulness and entertainment value, Michael Rosenberg writes for Fox Sports, the NFL draft, which begins Saturday “is dead.” Inflated rookie contracts mean the worst teams have the privilege of paying exorbitant fees for unproven players. Take the Lions, 0-16 last season. Their “reward for being so historically, preposterously awful?” Rosenberg asks. “They get something that nobody else wants!” More»

West Point star can't report to Detroit training camp

(NEWSER) - West Point graduate Caleb Campbell—drafted in April by the Detroit Lions—has been ordered to put his pro football career on hold and report for military duty, the Detroit News reports. The Army abruptly changed its policy and told Campbell—a day before he was to report to training camp—that he must complete two years of active duty before playing ball. More»

Army grad, drafted by Detroit, skips active duty if he makes team

(NEWSER) - If linebacker Caleb Campbell hadn't been picked up by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the NFL draft Sunday, he'd be suiting up for the battlefield, not the gridiron. Assuming he makes the team, Campbell, who graduates from the U.S. Military Academy May 31, will be allowed to replace five years' service by working as a recruiter and a reserve while playing, the Detroit Free Press reports. More»

Stanford quarterback will head to Peyton Manning's old team

(NEWSER) - The Indianapolis Colts stuck to the plan tonight in the NFL draft and made Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck this year's No. 1 pick, reports the Indianapolis Star . ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that he will get a four-year deal for $22 million. That's relatively modest by NFL standards, but Bleacher Report says it's part of a trend in which "rookies are no longer getting huge contracts." More»

Stanford quarterback will replace Manning: Indianapolis Star, ESPN

(NEWSER) - Drinking game for next week's NFL draft: Tip one every time the phrase "big shoes to fill" is used in reference to the No. 1 pick: The Indianapolis Colts have decided to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, report ESPN and the Indianapolis Star . Luck, of course, will replace Peyton Manning, now with the Broncos . No pressure or anything. More»