Childress Beats Belichick to Harvin

On Sunday, during the 12-hour Day-2 draft marathon, I mentioned that the Patriots, as has become customary during the Bill Belichick era, spent much of the weekend trading down the board, accumulating picks for future drafts, and when the opportunity presented itself, selecting players who fit their scheme.

The first time New England traded down came 22 picks into the proceedings, when they worked a deal with the Ravens, who promptly drafted offensive tackle Michael Oher. At the time, it was somewhat surprising that the Patriots didn't take Oher -- they had o-line issues last season -- but to hear Vikings head coach Brad Childress tell it, Belichick wanted to get his mitts on another player at No. 23.

"New England was right in there. They were right behind us [with the 23rd pick]," Childress said. "No, they didn't think we'd take him [because of off-the-field] issues. Remember, they have our receivers coach there now. So they thought they could hold ... and he'd come to them.

"They were down there working him out the day after I was there. And [Harvin] wasn't supposed to tell anybody, and I was trying to pull that out of him, who that was. So, it was a little cat-and-mouse game that occurred."

Yeah, so maybe Belichick isn't as smart as he thinks he is.*

Kidding aside, two things: first, Childress evens the score in the make-believe feud he has with Belichick. (Actually, he probably takes the lead; I'd say Percy Harvin is slightly more valuable Garrett MIlls.)

Second, what the hell kind of offense would the rest of the league be facing if the Pats trotted out a healthy Tom Brady and his cast of characters and Percy Harvin? Hanging 75 points on helpless defenses every week would certainly mitigate any concerns New England might have about their depleted and aging linebacker corps.

In light of Al and Alma's Wild Ride Gone Horribly Wrong, It's easy to point out that the Vikings took a huge risk by drafting Harvin. (In fact, I've done that.) But at the same time, if the Patriots had landed Harvin, we'd be praising the move as more proof that Belichick is an otherworldy evil genius. So congrats, Brad, you outsmarted Killface. This time.

via Shutdown Corner

* Joke. He's smarter. Obviously.