NFL draft expected to have quality depth, possible deals

The NFL draft hits prime time Thursday, moving into the premier television time slots reserved for network hits such as "Survivor, CSI, and "The Office. The selection show's weeknight premier even comes with a built-in cliff-hanger for Day Two.

That's because the new draft schedule includes a nearly full-day pause between the high-value first and second rounds Thursday and Friday. The roughly 19-hour break will give teams more time to let the dust settle on the first round, assess the talent still available, and plot trades before selections resume Friday night.

Teams that see highly rated prospects still on the board might crank up trade proposals to move up in the order and snag a star. Those, like the Eagles, that have high second-round picks could sit back and listen to offers roll in, possibly extracting established players or more picks from eager suitors. The Eagles' pick could also be a highly valued chit if the team wants to move up in the first round.

The Rams, who many predict will take Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the first overall selection, also have the top pick in the second round, and will have plenty of time to sleep on their options.

The Eagles are slated to pick four slots later on Friday, having obtained the 37th overall selection as their main prize in the Donovan McNabb trade. Said Gil Brandt, a former Cowboys executive who is now an analyst for NFL.com. "That's a made-in-heaven pick."

Especially if players with first-round ability slip to the second, said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.

"It's going to be really fun to have the fifth pick in the draft, for all intents and purposes, on Friday ... knowing that at worst you get the fifth player on your board, and you have a lot of other options in terms of trades and maneuvering," Roseman said.

Fans have to go back only to last year's draft to see the process in action. Running back Shonn Greene, whom the Jets had rated as a top-20 talent, was still available after the first day had ended and 64 picks had come and gone. With time to debate and decide that night and early the next morning, the Jets sent a package of picks to the Lions and grabbed the slot at the top of round three. The Lions got extra choices to help rebuild, and the Jets got a back who helped power a deep playoff run.

With two overnight breaks in place now, after the first round Thursday and the second and third rounds Friday, similar scenarios could be repeated this week — but only if the right players are available at the right positions.