Things I Think I Think
1 I think I can't believe the sentiment for Alex Smith to win the 49ers' quarterback job. How can anyone who watched Smith in '07 (he was on IR last year) and Shaun Hill last season think Smith (below) is the better player? I'm not saying he can't win the job, but the feeling in the Bay Area is strong that Smith has the edge. I say, Not based on what has happened on the field.
2 I think one of the reasons the NFL is moving the draft to Thursday, Friday and Saturday is to get it into prime time. Understandable. But will some of the draft buzz be neutered by moving it from a time when the only competition is baseball to a time when the competition is CSI, The Office and other prime-time giants?
3 I think I truly dislike training camps at teams' home facilities. Most teams can hibernate at home and cut off interaction between fans and players. This is the one time when fans can get close to the teams and get a taste of what practice is like. Players should be available to fans more, not less.
Check it all out at SI.com/bonus
PHOTO
GREG TROTT/GETTY IMAGES (SMITH)