Sanity Finally Prevails

Now, if the NFL could just make sure more of the insane fans from New York area teams are under less control at the event.

(Dammit, we need more streakers at the NFL Draft!)

But this is a good start.

When the first round of the NFL Draft ended last April, Commissioner Roger Goodell ruefully announced that it had been the longest in league history. At 6 hours, 8 minutes, Goodell called the record undesirable.

On the first day of NFL owners meetings at a local hotel, the league announced that that shouldn't be a problem next year.

The NFL announced that it is shortening the first round, decreasing the amount of time allowed for selections from 15 minutes to 10 minutes per team. The time allotment for second-round choices also is being reduced, from 10 minutes to seven per team.

The starting time of the first day of the draft is being moved back as well; it will start three hours later, at 3 p.m. Saturday. The third round will move to Sunday, with that days starting time moving up one hour, to 10 a.m.

"We believe these changes will make for a more streamlined and efficient draft," Goodell said in a written statement released by the league. Next year's draft is scheduled for April 26-27.

Shortening the first round is viewed as a possible precursor to moving it to prime time Friday night one day.

I'm not gonna missed those fourth location shots from the set of "ESPN's First Take" or "Cold Pizza" at all.