The birds are flying free once again. Snow is giving way (sorry, Minnesota, you'll get your meltdown soon) to spring breezes en route to summer's steam. And Radio City Music Hall is making like a Burpee convention this weekend with all of the promise of bountiful fall harvests.
Yeah, you got me -- it's the NFL Draft.
The dreamer's weekend. When fans and fiends alike wonder what will grow from the April decisions of any team's intentions; those they love and those they hate.
Now like any good harvest, you better know what kind of compost (Atlanta) you're planting seeds in. They'll need just the right sun. Just the right caring to end up in full bloom. And every farmer has their seeds of choice from the brutishly optimistic (Big Tuna in Fishland) to the foggy, desperation selections (the Emerald City's Wizard Mike Holmgren) reaching for an LS in the sixth round.
Inevitably, some will sprout with a flourish that was unforeseen (Tony Romo). Others with great promise will wither (Todd Marinovich). While some that have shown dynamic blooms will take seed and be overcome by errant weeds (Pacman Jones). And a few will blossom but bend and break in the autumn's tempest (David Pollack).
It's anyone's guess and a glance through previous almanacs shows starry-eyed choices that never took root. Still, each team takes an assessment of their current garden. What once glorious treasures have gone limp (Shaun Alexander)? What buds ready to burst a gardener keeps fostering year after year hoping that this season will be the golden moment (Rex Grossman)?
Everything seems possible today.
Jake Long will serve more pancakes than your local IHOP. Chris Long will get a matching gold jacket from his dad's favorite Canton clothier. Matt Ryan will help Atlanta rebuild after its burnt to the ground yet again. All hope is eternal.
The question is who has the Miracle-Gro that will create the most fruitful outcome?
Sometimes, you believe in the magic beans. Plant them and pray.
Sometimes, you hope the vine you thought had shown its last bloom, finds a way to blossom again.
After seeing one of the best ever (Brett Favre) evasively answer questions of retirement or returning on late night Thursday, I'm hoping for another season, although I'm betting it will be in warmer climes.
Let's see what summer brings now that the planting has begun.
