Andy Barch Post-Draft Interview

Zach: OK. You were dead set against the Browns drafting Brady Quinn. Did the way they got him change your mind at all?

Andy: Very little. I guess that kind of player is a good value in the middle of the first round, but here is my question. Everyone says he grades as a solid, but not spectacular player, do you trade your second round pick and next year's first for a solid player? Especially when you have as many holes as the Browns do?? They could have gotten someone like Stanton, Edwards or Beck in the second round. Also, picking Joe Thomas was great, but let's not forget, the jury is still out on Quinn until he proves he can win big games, improve his pocket presence, and will not buckle under pressure. That includes pressure in big games, and pressure from ends and linebackers.

Zach: So you like the Thomas selection?

Andy: Absolutely friggin love it. The Browns have continued to ignore that position for years now; its about time they address it. With Thomas you have a solid top five tackle for the next 10 years. He'll protect the blindside, he'll create some holes, and he's a sure thing at that spot. Thomas, McKinney, Steinbach, Bentley, then you have either Schaeffer or Tucker at the right tackle, thats not a bad starting five. When you win the war in the trenches, you have a MUCH better chance at winning games. By drafting Thomas, they at least have a chance at winning the war in the trenches on offense. Last year, they had no shot, thats why they drafted third.

Zach: OK. Biggest surprise of the first round?

Andy: Ted Ginn going to the Dolphins; what the hell were they thinking? They didnt have to go Quinn, but they could have gone 25 other directions, why Ginn? They have long rangy, possession receivers and a speed guy in Chris Chambers, did they draft him just to return kicks? You can get a speed guy to return kicks later in the draft. The Dolphins could have gone a number of other directions. There were plenty of good defensive players available at that spot, and they also could have gone tight end to snag Olsen. Yes it may have been too soon, but it was also too soon to grab Ted Ginn.

Zach: It didn't appear to be a popular choice.

Andy: Well, no, because they didn't need a receiver. I understand that they havent returned a punt for a touchdown in nearly seven years but still ... you can get guys like that later in the draft. I've said this before: I think Ginn is OK, he's not great though. The guy will be a Az Zahir Hakim-type player, would you take that kind of player in the top 10?

Zach: No, but then I probably would have drafted Akili Smith all those years ago.

Andy: Point well taken on Smith.

Zach: Anyway, the Lions draft a receiver again. Is this different than before?

Andy: Well, who knows. I heard this earlier in the week they were facing a PR nightmare, if they take him its 'WHAT? ANOTHER RECEIVER?' If they pass on him its 'HOW CAN YOU PASS ON THIS GUY?' Everything we've heard about Calvin Johnson has been GREAT, apparently, he's as can't miss as they get at this position. My question is, how in the world can you satisfy both him and Roy Williams? Thats going to be an interesting tandem. I absolutely love their second pick in Drew Stanton; I think he's gonna be a stud, of course I'm a little biased, but still, I think he'll be great.

Zach: Could it have been worse for JaMarcus Russell?

Andy: What do you mean could it have been worse?

Zach: Well, Oakland kind of resembles a scrap yard right now. Is there any way he develops there?

Andy: OK, I see what you are saying. Yes, with a new coach, there is new excitement, the team is a trainwreck, but a young coach brings energy, he's able to relate to a lot of these guys because he's on their level, and they are all growing together. That defense wasnt awful last year, but that offense obviously left a lot to be desired. I think a guy like Jerry Porter and a guy like Ron Curry can both get excited about a guy who can throw the ball as far as Russell can. The question is, can they keep him upright long enough to allow him to throw that ball 80 yards? One other surprise from the first round if I may?

Zach: Sure.

Andy: Adrian Peterson to the Vikings. I know he's a great player, and I know he was the best back in the draft, but why in the hell would you draft a running back when YOUR MAIN MAN RAN FOR 1,200 YARDS LAST SEASON? Chester Taylor had a very nice year there, and this is his reward? Great job, 1,200 yards, thanks for coming, but this new kid gets the nod. I didnt understand that pick at all. They have some holes on defense that they should have addressed.

Zach: I was actually surprised they passed on Quinn. Did you like what the Cardinals did?

Andy: Yes, absolutely loved it. They drafted a tackle, which they desperately needed. Jones was their guy, and they went for him. Tackle wasn't a very deep position in this draft, and they got the second best one. Salisbury mentioned this: They are OUTSTANDING on the perimeter, but they need to start winning the war in the trenches. They've lost those battles over the last few years, and both Grimm and Whisenhunt know that the only way they're going to win is if they win the wars in the trenches. Picking Brown may not have been popular, but there is an old saying: What is popular isnt always right, and what is right isn't always popular. The hell with popularity; that means nothing. These guys arent there to win a popularity contest, they are there to win games.

Zach: Are you surprised how far Randy Moss has fallen? A fourth round pick for him seems pretty amazing considering what Oakland gave up not too long ago.

Andy: Well, he is 30 years old, and he hasn't been the same player the last two years. To be honest, I'm heartbroken that he won't be wearing a Packers' uniform. I thought he'd be a Packer for sure. He would have been outstanding in the Green and Gold, but apparently Ted Thompson didnt want to give up a precious fourth round pick. Moss' godfather is one of my producers, and he mentioned that Moss would have taken a paycut to play for the Pack; it sounds like he's doing the same for the Patriots. I hate the fact that he's going to the Pats; it gives them a nice core of receivers. Again, he is 30, he may have some mileage left, but he's not the same guy he was in Minnesota. When you don't produce for two years, your price comes way down.

Zach: Sure. Where does Trent Green go now?

Andy: Good question, he probably just gets cut, and then signs with either Miami at a discounted rate. That's a good question though, because he cant be happy backing up in KC, and I dont think they want to give him that bonus.

Zach: Troy Smith. Is he helped or hurt by going to the Ravens?

Andy: Helped. McNair won't play forever; Boller isnt the answer, and Troy Smith can learn a lot from McNair. They are kind of in the same mold, but McNair is a little bigger. I think he'll get a chance to start when McNair is done. Its a good fit for Troy Smith; the fact that he fell that far should give him enough motivation.