Ira Kauffman must have run into the Percocet-and-Heineken-infused Jon Gruden for this interview because he just absolutely loves everybody.

On Calvin Johnson:
"You have to be enamored with Calvin Johnson's workout."

Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas has told the NFL that he plans to go fishing with his father on Draft Day and won't be coming to the festivities in New York City. Thomas, a former tight end in high school, made himself into the draft's best left tackle.

Oakland coach Lane Kiffin said he tried to recruit Thomas to play at USC, but that Thomas was a country boy who liked to fish and wanted to stay home. When speaking with Thomas at the combine, Kiffin reminded him of his background.

We have bounced around a lot of scenarios for the Raiders, but what if Al Davis simply picks LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell and leaves Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson on the board for the Lions. Detroit really can't trade that pick with Cleveland, Tampa Bay or Arizona. None of those teams would be willing to give up anything extra for Johnson, knowing full well that Millen will never draft another receiver that high in the draft.

At Tuesday morning’s AFC coaches’ breakfast at the lush Arizona Biltmore, it was standing room only around 31-year-old Lane Kiffin’s table. The Raiders’ fifth different head coach since 2001 handled the nationwide reporters pretty well. He never got flustered, and even admitted that he snuck into the Raiders’ Alameda facility for his final interview with owner Al Davis “through a back door, so no one would see me. Kind of like the CIA.”

Takeo Spikes will be a tremendous addition to the Eagles’ defense.  He’s expected to return to form next season after a torn Achilles ruined his 2005 season and was slowed by a hamstring injury last season.  When the 2007 season starts, he’ll be nearly two years removed from his Achilles injury and finished last season on a strong note. 

Former 49ers’ defensive tackle Anthony Adams found the right fit by signing with the Bears.  Adams has been a misfit in Mike Nolan’s 3-4 system in San Francisco the past couple years. 

Adams has underrated strength and relies on good gap quickness to make some plays against the run.  Adams is also smart enough to read plays quickly and is active in pursuit within his range.  Since Adams has a small frame and lacks ideal top end quickness, he won’t contribute much as a pass rusher. 

Anytime you make a move for a potential starting quarterback with little or no NFL experience is a major gamble.  The Houston Texans certainly made that bold gamble when they traded draft picks to the Falcons for Matt Schaub.  

Schaub has all the attributes to become a solid fit in Gary Kubiak’s offense in Houston.  He can get outside the pocket and plays with a lot of poise.  He lacks a strong arm, but gets rid of the ball quickly and is generally accurate.  The only major question is Schaub’s ability to make good decisions with the ball.  He tends to force a lot of plays that aren’t there – which is typical of a backup trying to make things happen.  Kubiak doesn’t tolerate that from his quarterback and Schaub should settle down in that regard now that he’s a starter. 

This isn’t major headline news, but the Eagles made a solid move to bolster their depth along the defensive line with the addition of former Colt Monte Reagor. 

Reagor is coming off a season-ending head and facial injuries following a car accident last season, but the Eagles believe he’ll bounce back and strengthen the Eagles’ rotation inside at defensive tackle.  Reagor is small, but has deceptive strength and very good first step quickness.  He has a knack for shooting gaps very well against the run, but will take himself out of a lot of plays with his overaggressive play.  He won’t play much of a factor in the pass rush.  But Reagor is valued by the Eagles because he’s very smart on the field and works well with teammates on the field.  And he’s a great presence in the locker room.  This is a nice fit for the Eagles. 

There is no question right now that LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell and Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson figure to be the first players taken in next month's NFL draft.

Russell has shed at least 12 pounds from his NFL Combine weight of 265 pounds while Johnson has been the most physically impressive athlete both in Indianapolis and at his individual workout a week ago.

I read the Ira Kauffman blog entry about the possibility of the Bucs trading down in the draft, which includes the line, "If the Bucs intend to land Calvin Johnson, it's becoming more likely they may have to trade up to get the best talent in the draft." Umm...