INDIANAPOLIS -- A few leftovers from six days at the NFL combine:
1) Taking stock of the draft. From discussions with coaches, team officials and scouts, the general feeling is that this draft does not have star power but it is much deeper than 2007. That could make it difficult for teams with high picks in the first round to trade down, as the true value lies from the middle-to-end of the first round through the third round.
2) Moss generates buzz. The Patriots' decision to not place the franchise tag on receiver Randy Moss was the talk of the combine last Thursday. There seemed to be three lines of thinking regarding the decision: Some speculated that the parameters of a deal between Moss and the Patriots are already in place; others felt that the Patriots left themselves vulnerable by giving up leverage; while others believed it was a smart decision because Moss isn't the type of player who would take well to the tag, so there is some good faith involved in the approach.
3) Matt Ryan's decision. Boston College QB Matt Ryan's decision to run, but not throw, disappointed some quarterback-needy clubs. As we've seen in past years with Aaron Rodgers (Packers) and Brady Quinn (Browns), quarterbacks can slip down the board fast because there are only a handful of teams that would consider selecting that position in the first round. The Dolphins (1), Falcons (3), Ravens (8), Panthers (13), Bears (14) and Lions (15) project as possible suitors.
4) Bill Belichick sits this one out. Patriots coach Bill Belichick did not attend the combine this year. Belichick also didn't come in 2007. The decision adds some perspective to how Belichick entrusts vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli in the evaluation process.
