Today is an exciting day for NFL fans as the 2022 Draft is being held the next three days in of all places Las Vegas, NV. I say of all places because you can’t get away from the shadow of the gambling business and the relationship it has with the NFL. We knew it was coming when the league okayed the move of the LA Raiders to Las Vegas. And as a matter of fact you can actually place bet on who will be drafted and by which team! All from the comfort of your home with your phone. I still have a problem with this concept, but the league is all in so what does my opinion matter anyway. If they want to partner with sports books and possibly threaten the integrity of the game, then so be it. I’m just concerned about the overall appearance of sports and legalized gambling having such a close relationship. The ease of placing a bet and the temptation of the participants to possibly “drop a pass” to win a bet is always in the back of my mind. I hope it never happens, but one can not dismiss the possibility. Just saying.

But as for the draft itself, it is always an opportunity to see who ends up where and what impact that particular player will (or will not!) have on that team for years to come. The one thing for sure we can expect is the unexpected. Teams making trades to move up in the draft order to get the guy they believe will be an “impact” player. And that has a domino effect as coveted players for one team won’t be available and that will cause the per-draft wish list to be altered for all teams. It is all part of why the draft itself is exciting for fans and sportstalk guys like Mono and Mono! You can do all the homework you want to and end up looking like you did no homework at all! That is what makes it fun as we watch the superstars of tomorrow join the ranks of professional football! This column is NOT sponsored by Draft Kings or FanDuel, but rather by Sports with Mono and Mono! Enjoy the show.