The third annual NFL.com mock draft, like its predecessors, was an interesting endeavor in looking at how the first round could ultimately play out, with NFL Network and NFL.com analysts playing the roles of general managers.

NEW YORK – It’s not the most formal of mock drafts, but the NFL Network’s third annual roundtable mock draft is one of our last looks at how the analysts see the first round of the NFL Draft unfolding.

NFL Network analyst Brian Billick opened his running back chat on NFL.com on Tuesday by saying that the value of today’s running back as been diminished, not because of skill, but because team are not putting a high value on the position. That shouldn’t matter to Mark Ingram.

In separate news conferences Saturday, two high-profile quarterback prospects — Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett — fielded questions from the media that had nothing to do with their ability to run an offense. The inquiries stem from both combine participants’ off-the-field problems and legal issues.

As we wrap up Day 1 of the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, we’ll leave you with a few thoughts (some random), observations and highlights from what we’ve heard.

Former Ravens coach Brian Billick has coached some strong personalities during his NFL career, from Cris Carter to Ray Lewis. But that doesn’t mean that the recent comments from Cam Newton did not raise a red flag.

There were a few heads scratched last year when the Pro Bowl was moved to the week before the Super Bowl instead following it per the norm.

It’s prediction time again for “Playbook” analysts Brian Baldinger, Joe Theismann and Brian Billick.

The Jets are doing a lot of talking, but Playbook analysts Brian Baldinger, Joe Theismann and Brian Billick aren’t buying the hype. All three like the Patriots.

Brian Billick doesn’t believe the Seattle Seahawks will be much of a match for the defending Super Bowl champions.

When the decision to kickoff or receive to start the overtime arises, I would think very seriously about giving the other team the ball first if defense was my strength and we were facing an offense I felt like we could control.

All good things must come to an end … or so they say. Well, one of our “Playbook” analysts sees the Saints’ one-year reign over the NFC South coming to an end on Monday night.

After 19 seasons, 186 wins, 505 touchdowns, 71,413 yards and 297 consecutive starts, have ween seen the last of Brett Favre on the field?

It’s an annual rite of passage for the NFL’s prognosticators. A surprise team exceeds expectations and forces the experts to rethink their original forecasts.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo joined Brian Billick and Jim Mora to discuss the Rams’ improved defense, QB Sam Bradford and leading the NFC West.