On his (I think) Sirius XM radio program, Madden went on one of his patented left-field rants…and kept bearing left waaaay into foul territory. And yes, I’m mixing metaphors with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

First of all, he called beating the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome a “near-impossible task.” The Saints went 13-3 last season and yes, they were 8-0 at home, 5-3 on the road. Last year. Before Bountygate hit. When they had Head Coach Sean Peyton. Before they forfeited their top draft picks.

Get the picture? These aren’t your 2011 New Orleans Saints, and their defense was bad LAST year.

But he wasn’t done. The rant continued.

“And at some point, I have to admit that I said this, it just came out, I said ‘RG3′s the best player in the NFL today.’”

Umm…at this point, his producer in the studio should have checked the lock on the liquor cabinet. A Hall of Fame coach espousing the virtues of a guy with a FULL NFL GAME, mind you, under his belt…as the best the NFL has to offer.

*channelling passed pitchman for Oxyclean Billy Mays* BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE!

Madden continued: “You know, the thing that he did that was so amazing was he reminded me — and I don’t mean to throw names around — but he reminded me of a Tim Tebow that can pass…You know, Tim Tebow, when he was playing for Denver last year, he would tend to freeze the defenses, because they weren’t sure if it was run or pass, if he was gonna hand off or run. I mean, he couldn’t pass like RGIII — [Griffin] can throw the ball — but he has a tendency to freeze the defense.”

To listen to the old man rant, you would think he’d never seen a QB with legs before. RG3 is the first QB that can pass AND run?!?

April 16, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide former quarterback and football legend Kenny Stabler (12) throws a pass to warm up for the Quarterback Challenge during halftime of the annual A-Day Alabama spring game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Crimson beat White 14-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-US PRESSWIRE

Okay, let’s see…no, there sure weren’t any of those back in Madden’s coaching heyday. No Kenny “The Snake” Stabler, whom Madden himself coached. No Fran Tarkenton. No Roger “the Dodger” Staubach. He went to the Naval Academy then was forced to play a 4-year stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, thus the nickname. I’m sure that’s how he got it, right? A bit later, I suppose Randall Cunningham was just a mass hallucination as well? John Elway, Joe Montana, and Steve Young were about as mobile as a fence post as well, correct? No wait…that one was Dan Marino. Marino DID make my grandmother look rather speedy, but she was only about 70 in Marino’s heyday.

And did we all suffer the SAME mass hallucination on Sunday? Namely, the one where RG3 runs up the middle or off tackle 30 times and plows into linebackers, knocking them down as he gains an extra few yards falling forward on being tackled? The Redskins are running a 21st-century-style wishbone offense a la the Denver Broncos of 2011?

AND HE CAN PASS BETTER THAN TIM TEBOW TOO?

Sept. 9, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Heck…Blaine Gabbert can do THAT…or Ronnie Brown, for that matter. Antwan Randle-El….and yes, my 90 year old grandmother lacks arm strength but she’s pretty accurate out to about 2 yards. Running? Eh, no…not so much, but the NFL is a young man’s game.

Robert Griffin III was named the offensive player of the week, yes. However, I don’t think he has the Rookie of the Year award socked away JUST yet…let alone NFL MVP. Griffin had a great first game, sure. He had 320 yards passing which is an amazing feat for a rookie.

I guess Madden missed Cam Newton’s first game last year. He had over 400 passing yards against the St. Louis Cardinals. I suppose Griffin can prove it next week against the Rams, who at least have better corners than the Saints. Then again, Cam holds the record for passing yardage by a rookie with 432, in his second game – against the Green Bay Packers. And ya know, I heard a rumor someplace that Newton can run, and he can throw the ball better than my 90 year-old grandmother Tim Tebow too.

Okay, has Madden lost his mind or has he now officially pulled a Chad Johnson/Chad Ochocinco move by dropping the last 3 letters of his last name?

He’s sure acting like it!

Just in case you want the full effect of the blithering, it’s here in the Washington Post.

Read at your own sanity’s peril.

Jan 2, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver (81) Justin Blackmon scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Stanford 41-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

In all actuality, this may be one of the most talented Drafts at the position when we look back ten years from now. A few players are coming out a little early adding to the depth, but overall we may see up to three taken in the first round and no less than 12 total should hear their names called sometime during the Draft.

Only a handful of Pro-Days remain for those looking to make a jump up big boards and if your name wasn’t Stephen Hill, you really didn’t standout at the NFL Combine.

Below is my Top 7 and a few “Sleeper Names You May Hear”.

1.) Justin Blackmon   6’1″   207 LBS   OKLAHOMA ST    4.46  40-YD DASH    35 INCH VERTICAL JUMP

Blackmon is very similar to former teammate and fellow Cowboy Dez Bryant in the comparison of production and down rite domination of College Football. After that, off the field and upstairs, Justin Blackmon has continued to separate himself from any comparisons between the two in either regard.

The Oklahoma native piled up 38 receiving touchdowns in two seasons, won two straight Biletnikoff Awards as the nations top receiver, and decided it was time to go pro after just his Junior season. Who can blame him? He is a natural receiver and has shown the ability to run routes like a pro already. His frame and run after catch makes him an all-around wide-out who should be a Bryant-Type, impact player and day one starter in the NFL.

A weakness some may point out is his average blocking.

2.) Michael Floyd   6’3″   22o LBS   NOTRE DAME    4.47 40-YD DASH    36.5 INCH VERTICAL JUMP 

Floyd is a freakish athlete who is in the same category as Blackmon when it comes to showing consistent production, despite defenses knowing and most likely game-planning to stop them. If you haven’t watched the clip of Floyd on ESPN’s Sports Science, check it out and it will make you a believer in his athletic ability. His running vertical (Floyd’s 41.5)  is higher than reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose‘s (40 in.).

With his size and frame, combined with the ability to block well and catch the ball over the middle, I see no reason why the 22 year old from St. Paul, MN won’t be the second receiver off the board come draft day.

3.) Alshon Jeffery  6’3″   213 LBS   SOUTH CAROLINA   4.47 40-YD DASH   36.5 INCH VERTICAL JUMP 

Jeffery has been one of several different players heading into the draft whose stock continues to fluctuate. His weight was down from 216 at his pro day (each of his numbers are from S.CAR pro day) and some speculated he ran his first clocked forty-yard dash at 4.38. This may all be true, well the weight is official at least, but can he keep this pace of hard work and determination heading into the league? Alshon’s size and high level of domination in the SEC without ever having a decent, full-time QB leads me to believe he can excel and be great with an NFL quarterback.

One interesting fact I learned heading into this 2012 Draft was both a positive and somewhat of a negative in the aspect of Steve Spurrier‘s track record with Wide Receivers. He has had 25 Drafted into the NFL, but only one has been a Pro Bowler (Sidney Rice).

4.) Kendall Wright  5’10″  196 LBS   BAYLOR   4.44 40-YD DASH (PRO DAY)  38.5 INCH VERTICAL JUMP

Kendall Wright was on the other end of 14 touchdowns thrown from Heisman Trophy winning teammate RG3 in the Baylor Bears magnificent 2011 football season. After a head-scratching 40 yard dash time at the combine (4.61), Wright headed into his pro day wanting to improve on that.

Though he is not the tallest guy on the field, his quickness and burst off the line make him a deep threat anytime he is on the field. Wright could become a player who is used in several different offensive packages and even on Special Teams just to get the ball in his hands.

5.) Stephen Hill  6’4″   215 LBS  GEORGIA TECH  4.36 40-YD DASH   133.0 INCH BROAD JUMP

Hill finds himself in a situation where he may be punished for the system in which he comes from. As a Yellow Jacket, playing in an option attack, opportunities for him to showcase his receiving skills were not abundant.

Yet, with that Speedy Gonzalez forty time at the combine and perhaps, the breakout success of Demaryius Thomas now outside of the exact same system shows it can be done. Combine Hill’s speed with his size and he will be a number one target in time.

6.) Nick Toon  6’2″   215 LBS   WISCONSIN   4.54 40-YD DASH   37.5 INCH VERTICAL JUMP

Here is another receiver who only found success after being blessed with an efficient quarterback. Toon was in an offense that epitomizes the ground and pound mentality. He runs strong routes and can contribute in the run game as a blocker and not become a liability. Being that he is the son of Wisconsin Hall of Famer and former New York Jet Pro Bowler Al Toon, I see him having the mind and ability to stick around for some time in the NFL.

7.) Rueben Randle  6’3″   210 LBS    LSU      4.55 40-YD DASH   31.0 INCH VERTICAL JUMP

Randle is yet another receiver coming out this year who just didn’t have enough opportunities throughout his collegiate career based on the offense in which his team ran.

Though Randle is not as polished as some of the others ranked above him at the position, his ability to catch the ball anywhere combined with his overall understanding of zones, coverages, and what it takes to win makes his value through the roof later in the draft.

SLEEPER NAMES WHO YOU MAY HEAR:

Joe Adams  5’11″   179 LBS   ARKANSAS 

Adams broke out his Senior season and proved to be a major contributor on a Top Ten offense and Team. He could find himself having success in a situation where he can play both Special Teams and in the slot because of his play-making ability, good hands, and overall speed.

Juron Criner  6’3″  224 LBS   ARIZONA

His career has been up and down but at times he has been as dominate as any receiver in college football. Criner’s great size and powerful athleticism will land him in the NFL, but, can his attitude and occasional disappearing act on the field be a thing of Juron’s past.

Dwight Jones  6’3″  230 LBS   UNC      &       Brian Quick   6’4″   220 LBS   APPALACHIAN STATE

Both of these receivers have the size that NFL teams are always looking for at the WR position.

Jones is very similar in college production and size to former UNC WR , standout Greg Little, who is now with the Cleveland Browns. Quick has all the potential in the world and will have to be in a perfect situation with a coach who knows how to develop young wide-outs. It wouldn’t hurt if they were teamed up with a Pro Bowl quarterback either, in fact they both could be productive as Rookies if in a scenario like that.

Nov 12, 2011; Manhattan, KS, USA; Texas A

Top players have always gone at the top of their respective drafts and that hasn’t changed with the new CBA and rookie wage scale. The rookie wage scale is overall a good thing for the league for a number of reasons.

The days of drawn-out contract talks are gone. You’re drafted at X, you make Y money. It’s that simple. What that means is the veterans who have EARNED respect and a roster spot through their play actually get paid fair value now instead of seeing some cocky rookie come into camp with $50 million in guaranteed money not having ever played a single down.

The Law of Unintended Consequences means that this “redistribution of income” gives teams a freer hand in the draft and the ability to slide up and down the board more as they see fit. There have been previous seasons where a team might really want the #2 or #3 pick for a particular player but didn’t make the move up because the cost was too high in both money and draft picks. Sure, you can still waste a draft pick on risk/reward guy but that hasn’t changed.

What has changed is the financial commitment to these guys – it’s been cut by more than half from 2 years ago.

The other more unintended result is that teams are more willing than ever to part with draft choices because the double-whammy of a bad decision is now gone.

The result is another good thing for both the league and the fans. If RG3 winds up an unlikely bust, Washington will still be out a number of first-round draft picks, but the financial hit won’t be nearly as smackdownish. RG3 should get a contract similar to Cam Newton’s last year, a 4-yr $22 million deal with a $14.5 million signing bonus.

As a second-derivative consequence, the skins will have a lot more cap room over the next 2-3 years BECAUSE of that lack of high picks. The result of THAT means they’ll be even more heavily involved in Free Agency, with the cash and cap room to actually do it, than most others will be. They won’t be servicing even the reduced salaries of highly-touted rookies.

Certainly not chump change, but these days if you want a $60+ million dollar guaranteed contract, you better be an established superstar (Mario Williams, Peyton Manning, Megatron) who is in his prime (or in Manning’s case, hopefully not far removed from it) with an incredible body of work behind you.

And that’s who SHOULD be making the big money.

We fans had known this for decades, and the NFL and NFLPA finally fixed it. You want a pick, money’s now not an issue. You go get him if you have the trade bait to deal, whether it’s draft picks, veteran players, or some combination of the two.

The other result is much more activity and uncertainty on draft day itself. We’ve had one completed draft with the second of the new era nearly upon us, and there have already been two blockbuster trades involving the first round. Last year, it was Atlanta trading up with Cleveland to get Julio Jones, a #2 WR to Roddy White that the Falcons thought would be the final piece that would allow them to overtake stubborn division rival New Orleans.

We all know about Washington’s trade. BTW off the subject a little here, but am I the only one who sees the total irony that it was Washington that completely overpaid to move up 4 spots? I guess art imitates life in this respect with the budget shenanigans the politicians in Washington have been up to for a long time. I just thought it was was funny that it HAD to be Washington that profusely overpaid!

Now that this trade has been done, it doesn’t mean the wheeling and dealing is over.

Ryan Tannehill is a second-round talent at best who could wind up going in the top 10 because of the premium on the QB position. The NFL has been headed for more of a 7-on-7 style passing league with the run as somewhat an afterthought these days and we see that in how teams draft.

RBs and MLBs slide down the board as opposed to previous years while QBs, pass rushers and CBs are moving upward. It wasn’t that long ago that Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson, and Cadillac Williams went 2-, 4-, and 5- in the draft. These days it’s rare for 3 RBs to go in ALL of round one and I don’t see 3 going in the top 5 again under current rules. Ever.

It’s the QBs that are now filling the void. Because the prices got cheaper in 2011 (for rookie arms), teams are much, much more willing to roll the dice, expose some future draft choices, and trade up to grab that player that they feel could put them into playoff contention. In a QB-driven league, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what position that usually is.

We will know how much and how desperate a certain team is depending on where Tannehill is drafted. My money is on either the Dolphins at 8, or the Browns at 7, using their pick from last year’s Atlanta/Jones deal to package with a 2nd rounder and possibly next year’s first to pry the 7th overall from Jacksonville, one of the NFL’s neediest teams.

In the past 10 days or so, the talk is now that a team will have to trade with the Vikings at #3 to be certain of getting Tannehill. If you look at RG3 and Andrew Luck vs. Ryan Tannehill, in NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM is Tannehill even close to the level of the likely top two young arms in the draft. He shouldn’t normally even go in the first round, but again, we saw Gabbert and Ponder go 10th and 12th last season and the pressure in Miami is very high and fans are really focusing their anger on owner Stephen Ross and GM Jeff Ireland. It’s now almost expected they’ll move up to #3 and nab Tannehill or risk being literally run out of town. Amazing that (Miami Marlin manager) Ozzie Guillen isn’t even the most hated sports figure in his own city!

Teams are still punished on the field for poor drafting; they just aren’t paying out the cash for poor play which emboldens them to take chances.

The point to all this is simply that, with the rookie wage scale and QBs being as sought after as ever, we have a recipe for a lot of unexpected movement up through draft day along with QBs being overdrafted by an entire round or more simply due to the combination of need and relatively cheap price (in dollars) they can be had for…and it also makes stockpiling of picks (you listening, New England?) even that much more of a smart thing to do.

This leads to another effect we’ve yet to witness. Teams like the Pats who love to stockpile picks now don’t have such a barrier to actually move UP and draft someone they like. The better teams generally have fewer weaknesses (thus the Atlanta/Jones deal last season) so if the Patriots see someone sitting at, say, 14 or 15 that they “gotta have,” they might be smart to spend those 2 first-rounders to jump up and grab a sliding Quentin Coples or a Fletcher Cox, or perhaps they stay put in hopes a Dontari Poe slides down to them. We’ll know by the end of the month!