Vendor Russ Adams on the 2020 NFL Draft

Patrick: Russ, when did you begin at StreetWise?

Russ: 2004.

Patrick: When did you become SportsWise?

Russ: About six years ago, say, 2014, the idea was sprung to get a sports department; because I talked, walked, and dressed the part, I was asked to join. As it currently stands, I’m the last remaining original member from the team of Vince Collaso, Bill Coats, Craig Barrow, and me.

Patrick: Wow...

Russ: I know, right?

Patrick: Why do you stay with StreetWise? Russ: This is my job. When we’re off of lockdown with coronavirus, I’ll return to selling the magazine and working at the office because everything about StreetWise is fun. I love it.

Patrick: Thank you, Russ. Now, let's get on with it. 2020 NFL Draft.

Russ: The draft was awesome. With the lack of live TV sports, the need to watch something became overwhelming. I was able to view the owners, coaches, and the players all at the same time on split screen. The first four picks were no surprise: taken first by Cincinnati was Joe Burrow, second pick by Washington was quarterback Chase Daniels, followed by Detroit's pick of defensive end Jeff Okudah, with the Giants selecting offensive lineman Andrew Thomas. After these first four, it got unpredictable: I thought Miami would take Justin Herbert, but they took quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and I'm still not sure why. Herbert went number six to San Diego.

Patrick: Takes just one move to twist everything up, don't it?

Russ: It does...and it did. That’s why I'm leaping to the 19th selection, the Raiders' pick from the deal with our Chicago Bears. The Raiders selected cornerback Damon Arnette out of Ohio State- -a good pick--but I believe we got the better of that deal with the pickup of Khalil Mack a couple of years ago.

Patrick: Agreed. Definitely The Man.

Russ: Another good thing about watching it was that we, the fans, got to see the selectors in their true nature. Dallas's owner, Jerry Jones, chose from his yacht for the number 17 pick: wide receiver Ceedee Lamb--a solid selection.

Patrick: With a name like "Ceedee," gotta imagine he's built for success. Russ: Plus, even though Dallas doesn't win the big one as they're built to do, Jerry Jones is good at finding the treasures. Another team that drafts well is New England, Tom Brady's now-former team. I figured they’d select a quarterback to replace Brady, but they traded the pick away. So, the quarterback-to-pick on the board at that time, Jordan Love, was selected by Green Bay--didn't see that coming.

Patrick: So, what and how did the Bears do?

Russ: The Bears selected Notre Dame's tight end Cole Kmet. We have tight ends, but they're not good enough for what we expect in Chicago. Cole is young and could be the refresh we need.

Patrick: Overall, which teams won?

Russ: Baltimore tops my list. Drafted a ton of defense, which is their thing. Dallas ranks second, with Minnesota, Arizona, and Cincinnati rounding out the list.

Patrick: Thanks, Russ, for that detailed breakdown; I know way more then I knew before. So, anything else you'd like to add?

Russ: Yeah. I miss sitting in the SportsWise room with John and Don, but we--you included--will be back in action soon and better than ever. And, fans and supporters, "Thank you" for staying in the game with us.