Another NFL Draft is in the books, and we enter another nine-month period without Mel Kiper Jr. I’m not a big draft enthusiast and didn’t follow it much beyond the first round, but here are some of my initial thoughts following a weekend filled with new NFL rookies:

– The Lions got their quarterback in Matthew Stafford, then picked up perhaps the best tight end in the draft in Brandon Pettigrew. Where Stafford may haven an advantage over other No. 1 QB busts (Tim Couch, David Carr, Alex Smith …) is that he’ll have some decent players surrounding him on offense, notably WR Calvin Johnson. Granted, I don’t think the Lions will finish better than 4-12 this season, but the team’s low expectations might help Stafford — there will be less pressure on him to win right away. He’s not going to have a Joe Flacco/Matt Ryan type of playoff rookie season, but he’s not going to be the scapegoat if the Lions only win a few games (which of course, will be an improvement upon last year).

– The Jets got their quarterback, too, by trading up to No. 5 for Matt Sanchez. I was a little surprised the Seahawks didn’t take Sanchez, but that’s the Jets’ gain, who now have their quarterback of the future. Here’s the conundrum, however: Do you let him start right away and hope he has the Flacco/Ryan success (after all, the Jets aren’t that bad a team), or do you give him a year to learn behind Kellen Clemens and risk Clemens turns in a career season (a la Drew Brees and Derek Anderson)? There will be more pressure on Sanchez than on Stafford in Detroit; I’d say let him wait a year to start.

– The Raiders stayed true to their perplexing form by taking receiver Darrius Heyward-Bay about 20 picks too soon. They don’t really have a quarterback to get the ball to him, and there were better WRs on the board, but why should that matter to the Raiders and their history of dumb moves? One draft pundit said maybe Oakland was enamored with his speed; perhaps the team was hoping for a Chris Johnson-type steal. But at least Johnson went to a decent Titans team and shared time with a complementary running back; Heyward-Bay is going to a bad team with bad receivers. If they wanted him so bad, couldn’t the Raiders have figured out a way to trade down to still draft Heyward-Bay and get their money’s worth?

– Six receivers were taken in the first round — double the amount of running backs. The 49ers felt like they must have hit the jackpot when Michael Crabtree fell to them, and Jeremy Maclin gives Donovan McNabb another young target in Philadelphia.

– Why did the Bucs draft Josh Freeman — in fact, they traded up for him — when they already had four quarterbacks on their roster? Here’s a prediction: Tampa Bay will finish last in the NFC South after none of the five pan out.

– Finally, the Chiefs took a cue from fantasy football by taking a kicker (Ryan Succop) with the last pick of the draft. I’m not sure why the team didn’t draft a bigger need and just sought out through free agency and extra kicker, but at any rate, Mr. Irrelevant is ironically at a position many football purists wish was … irrelevant.

The Atlanta Falcons made a bold move Thursday, acquiring 10-time Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Chiefs for a 2010 second-round draft pick.

Gonzalez had wanted a trade, and this had to be everything he had hoped for — he’s headed for a playoff contender with a strong offense. The Falcons must now be considered as a serious threat in the NFC, maybe even to win the NFC, with the addition of best tight end in NFL history. Gonzalez joins an offense led by a young, talented quarterback in Matt Ryan and anchored by running back Michael Turner. With receivers Roddy White and Michel Jenkins, Ryan will have plenty of targets when the Falcons aren’t running the ball. Add Atlanta’s decent defense, and the Falcons become the favorite in the NFC South.

Gonzalez must now be considered the No. 2 tight end in fantasy terms — he might have been in Kansas City, but this trade cements that standing. Over in Kansas City, Matt Cassel’s value drops a little — he suddenly lost his most reliable option. The Chiefs almost had to trade Gonzalez, but you would think they could have gotten more than a second-round pick. Nevertheless, it was a trade for the future, which for Kansas City wasn’t 2009.

These rankings may change radically in the coming months, depending on who drafts Michael Crabtree; what trades (Anquan Boldin, Braylon Edwards) might be made; what quarterbacks some teams (Lions, Bucs) acquire; where some key free agents (Marvin Harrison, Plaxico Burress) end up; and how the headcases (Chad Johnson, no, I’m still not calling him Ocho Cinco) act. Nevertheless, it seems like a deep list to about the early 40s.

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Andre Johnson, Texans
2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
3. Calvin Johnson, Lions
4. Brandon Marshall, Broncos
5. Terrell Owens, Bills
6. Randy Moss, Patriots
7. Greg Jennings, Packers
8. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals
9. Reggie Wayne, Colts
10. Steve Smith, Panthers
11. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks
12. Wes Welker, Patriots
13. Roddy White, Falcons
14. Braylon Edwards, Browns
15. Chad Johnson, Bengals
16. Roy Williams, Cowboys
17. Hines Ward, Steelers
18. Santana Moss, Redskins
19. Donald Driver, Packers
20. Marques Colston, Saints
21. Steve Breaston, Cardinals
22. Vincent Jackson, Chargers
23. Lance Moore, Saints
24. Kevin Walter, Texans
25. Kevin Curtis, Eagles
26. Steve Smith, Giants
27. Bernard Berrian, Vikings
28. Torry Holt, Jaguars
29. Donnie Avery, Rams
30. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts
31. Derrick Mason, Ravens
32. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets
33. Michael Crabtree, rookie
34. DeSean Jackson, Eagles
35. Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers
36. Lee Evans, Bills
37. Isaac Bruce, 49ers
38. Santonio Holmes, Steelers
39. Michael Jenkins, Falcons
40. Lavernues Coles, Bengals
41. Justin Gage, Titans
42. Devin Hester, Bears
43. Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins
44. Javon Walker, Raiders
45. Plaxico Burress, free agent
46. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys
47. Marvin Harrison, free agent
48. James Jones, Packers
49. Domenik Hixon, Giants
50. Bobby Engram, Chiefs
51. Chris Chambers, Chargers
52. Jeremy Maclin, rookie
53. Nate Washington, Titans
54. Reggie Brown, Eagles
55. Nate Burleson, Seahawks
56. David Patten, Browns
57. Percy Harvin, rookie
58. Bryant Johnson, Lions
59. Donte Stallworth, Browns
60. Dennis Northcutt, Browns
61. Devery Henderson, Saints
62. Matt Jones, free agent
63. Antwaan Randle El, Redskins
64. Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
65. Mark Clayton, Ravens
66. Brandon Jones, 49ers,
67. Joey Galloway, Patriots
68. Michael Clayton, Buccaneers
69. Deion Branch, Seahawks
70. Greg Camarillo, Dolphins
71. Chansi Stuckey, Jets
72. Bobby Wade, Vikings

The Detroit Lions have changed their logo, making their lion look more fierce and their team name less historical. I wouldn’t go so far to say it’s an improvement — you really have to look hard to see the difference in the lion (which now has teeth and a more defined black outline). But seriously, why would the Lions do this now?

They are coming off an 0-16 season — do they think this will spur interest in the team? Again, the logo isn’t that much different that there will suddenly be a run on Lions memorabilia (and with the economy so rough in Michigan, I doubt there will be much discretionary spending on a team as bad as the Lions).

Teams that change their look usually do it after a successful season to capitalize on the renewed vigor from their fans. The Lions should have waited until they improved to 4-12.

The Philadelphia Eagles made a bold move Friday to bolster their offense, trading draft picks to Buffalo for tackle Jason Peterrs, then giving him a contract extension.

A friend who is an Eagles fan was happy about the trade but dismayed that it means his team probably won’t go after Anquan Boldin. Still, it’s a good move for a Philly team that struggled in short-yardage situations last season. Also, it shows that the Eagles are serious about becoming more consistent on offense (staying healthy will help, too). And you can’t be inconsistent in the NFC East — just ask the Cowboys.

In the same week NFL Films voice Harry Kalas died, John Madden announced he was retiring after three decades in the broadcast booth.

Madden retires as perhaps the greatest NFL booth personality of all-time. There have been plenty of great broadcasters over the years, but none brought the expertise, the charisma, and the heart Madden did. And with apologies to Howard Cosell, Madden seemed to be universally loved. His skills never diminished after three decades and four networks, and his pairing with Pat Summerall might be remembered as the greatest broadcast team of all-time — in any sport.

Moreover, Madden helped revolutionize the football medium. Besides defining what a color commentator should do, he was astute enough to attach his name to the popular Madden NFL video game franchise. Did he know it would become the phenomenon it is today, that the only pro-licensed NFL game today bears his name, that it has invaded the pop and NFL cultures so much that there is even a “Madden curse” for players who appear on the game’s cover? Maybe, maybe not, but his legacy will live on year after year thanks to EA Sports.

I wonder how many younger NFL fans even realize Madden won a Super Bowl with the Raiders. That’s simply just another measure of his success.

As I was writing this post, I glanced over to the old Super Nintendo setup near my computer. On top of a stack of video game books and instruction manuals is a guide to “Madden NFL ‘94.” Fifteen years later, even after retirement, the legend lives on.

After last year’s breakout season for many running backs, this year might be the deepest group I’ve ever seen. What’s impressive is once you get past No. 15, how many good options are available for your RB2, including players who have fallen but still have the ability to have a top-10 season. The depth does drop somewhat in the 30s, and there aren’t as many rookies who will make an impact as in past years (mostly because there aren’t many NFL teams seriously desperate at RB). But come late summer, you are going to have to really try not to have two decent running backs on your roster.

Some other notes:

– I just couldn’t rank DeAngelo Williams higher than fourth. He turned in a great season in 2008, but I think he played a little out of his head. And though he’s part of a flourishing running back by committee, it’s still an RBBC.

– Ronnie Brown might be ranked higher than some others, but when he’s healthy, he puts up great numbers. Worth the risk.

– Reggie Bush presented a quandary — he was on track to be a top-five RB before getting injured last season. He might be a sleeper down here, but is too risky to take higher.

– Finally, RBBCs are spreading. Even if they are successful for teams doesn’t mean they will help your fantasy team (Carolina and Tennessee notwithstanding). That said, be wary of New England’s backfield (though Fred Taylor might be a deep sleeper with a new team and less of a workload) as well as Denver’s, Oakland’s and Baltimore’s).

RUNNING BACKS
1. Michael Turner, Falcons
2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
3. Brian Westbrook, Eagles
4. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
5. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
6. Brandon Jacobs, Giants
7. Clinton Portis, Redskins
8. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
9. Chris Johnson, Titans
10. Steve Slaton, Texans
11. Thomas Jones, Jets
12. Matt Forte, Bears
13. Frank Gore, 49ers
14. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
15. LenDale White, Titans
16. Steven Jackson, Rams
17. Marion Barber III, Cowboys
18. Joseph Addai, Colts
19. Marshawn Lynch, Bills
20. Ryan Grant, Packers
21. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
22. Reggie Bush, Saints
23. Kevin Smith, Lions
24. Derrick Ward, Buccaneers
25. Jamal Lewis, Browns
26. Willie Parker, Steelers
27. Willis McGahee, Ravens
28. Julius Jones, Seahawks
29. Larry Johnson, Chiefs
30. Darren McFadden, Raiders
31. Tim Hightower, Cardinals
32. Cedric Benson, Bengals
33. Le’Ron McClain, Ravens
34. Justin Fargas, Raiders
35. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos
36. Laurence Maroney, Patriots
37. Ricky Williams, Dolphins
38. Fred Taylor, Patriots
39. Dominic Rhodes, Bills
40. Justin Fargas, Raiders
41. Knowshon Moreno, rookie
42. Fred Jackson, Bills
43. Julius Norwood, Falcons
44. Edgerrin James, Cardinals
45. Pierre Thomas, Saints
46. Felix Jones, Cowboys
47. Earnest Graham, Buccaneers
48. Darren Sproles, Chargers
49. Mewelde Moore, Steelers
50. LaMont Jordan, Broncos
51. Chris Wells, rookie
52. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
53. Tashard Choice, Cowboys
54. Chester Taylor, Vikings
55. Michael Bush, Raiders
56. Ladell Betts, Redskins
57. Maurice Morris, Lions
58. T.J. Duckett, Seahawks
59. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers
60. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
61. Selvyn Young, Broncos
62. Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers
63. Donald Brown, rookie
64. Deuce McAllister, free agent
65. Ray Rice, Ravens
66. Leon Washington, Jets
67. LeSean McCoy, rookie
68. Brandon Jackson, Packers
69. Chris Perry, Bengals
70. Andre Brown, rookie

Harry Kalas, the Philadelphia Phillies’ broadcaster and the longtime familiar voice of NFL Films and “Inside the NFL,” died Monday at the age of 73.

Though his loss will most hurt Philly, he’ll be missed among NFL fans as well. Kalas did some national NFL radio broadcasts and was instantly recognizable. And when you think of NFL Films, you think the narration of Kalas and John Facenda — and that’s it. He’ll be difficult to replace; hopefully Steve Sabol will choose someone with as distinct a baritone who can become as iconic as Kalas and Facenda were.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a step toward solidifying their quarterback quandary Monday, signing free agent Byron Leftwich to a two-year deal.

Whether Leftwich becomes the starter remains to be seen. The Bucs have been steering Luke McCown toward that role, and they still have 2008 draft pick Josh Johnson on board. The odd man out might be Brian Griese, and there is still an off chance the team drafts a QB later this month. But that seems a very off chance — Leftwich was brought on board to be a veteran presence;I doubt the team would bring in another rookie. The Bucs don’t need an All-Pro, but rather someone who won’t lose games for them. Leftwich might not be that player, but this was a step in the right direction, especially considering that he was the best free-agent QB out there.

Here is the first installment of my fantasy football rankings for the spring. These are entirely on my own; I’ve consulted no other sources to help compile these rankings (unlike my summer rankings in which take into account the average of several sources, including my own lists).

Starting with the quarterbacks, my biggest struggle was ranking the middle tier of QBs. It looks as if there will be plenty of decent choices for your backup/bye week quarterback. I almost ranked Tom Brady third instead of fourth; I think he will bounce back in 2009. I’m optimistic Jay Cutler will do well despite Chicago’s lack of decent receivers, Kyle Orton will succeed in Denver, and Matthew Stafford will be starting for whatever team drafts him.

QUARTERBACKS
1. Drew Brees, Saints
2. Peyton Manning, Colts
3. Tony Romo, Cowboys
4. Tom Brady, Patriots
5. Kurt Warner, Cardinals
6. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
7. Philip Rivers, Chargers
8. Eli Manning, Giants
9. Matt Schaub, Texans
10. Carson Palmer, Bengals
11. Donovan McNabb, Eagles
12. Jay Cutler, Bears
13. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
14. Matt Ryan, Falcons
15. Jake Delhomme, Panthers
16. Kyle Orton, Broncos
17. Marc Bulger, Rams
18. Trent Edwards, Bills
19. Derek Anderson, Browns
20. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
21. Matt Cassel, Chiefs
22. Jason Campbell, Redskins
23. David Garrard, Jaguars
24. Sage Rosenfels, Vikings
25. Joe Flacco, Ravens
26. Kerry Collins, Titans
27. Matthew Stafford, rookie
28. JaMarcus Russell, Raiders
29. Chad Pennington, Dolphins
30. Kellen Clemens, Jets
31. Shaun Hill, 49ers
32. Luke McCown, Buccaneers
33. Daunte Culpepper, Lions
34. Brady Quinn, Browns
35. Marc Sanchez, rookie
36. Vince Young, Titans
37. Alex Smith, 49ers
38. Brian Griese, Buccaneers
39. Chris Simms, Broncos
40. Josh Freeman, rookie
41. Byron Leftwich, free agent
42. Jeff Garcia, Chiefs
43. Matt Leinart, Cardinals