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 –- In the days leading up to the NFL Draft, much of what prognosticators see playing out is a matter of educated guessing. But some names continue to emerge as players who could slide in the first round Thursday night — a topic that was discussed among NFL Network’s analysts during their Tuesday production meeting.

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’s Marshall Faulk doesn’t think Cowboys QB Tony Romo has earned the right to head into the 2011 season without facing a challenge from Jon Kitna for the starting job.

Right or wrong, it’s widely assumed Donovan McNabb’s future won’t be in Washington. So where will he land?

Might Alabama RB Mark Ingram be the next Emmitt Smith? Nobody is going that far right now, but NFL Network’s Marshall Faulk says that Ingram reminds him of Smith — and it goes far beyond wearing No. 22 and playing in the SEC.

Auburn QB Cam Newton‘s tractor-beam effect on media at the NFL Scouting Combine continued Sunday as he was the center of attention during on-field drills before appearing on “NFL Total Access” to discuss his performance.

NFL Network has exclusive coverage of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis starting on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 12:30 p.m.

It’s not a new trend, but a continuing one, that NFL teams are relying less on the concept of a featured running back, many opting for specialization and backfields-by-committee in today’s NFL. The trend is also showing up among Super Bowl winners.

Hey NFL fan! It’s Ralph Lanier Jr., your NFL Director of Fandemonium here to tell you all about my phenomenal experiences at the 2011 Pro Bowl and also Super Bowl XLV. It’s been a busy and exciting couple of weeks and sadly, these are my final two entries.

Selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is on Saturday, with Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders considered near-locks. The rest of the potential class is up for debate, but one name seems to be picking up considerable steam among the throng on radio row — tackle Willie Roaf.

NFL Network is live now at Media Day, with Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Rod Woodson and Deion Sanders.

Darrelle Revis told NFL Network the Jets came out flat in their loss to the Steelers because the team was relaxed and “didn’t really know what was at stake.”

Chris Johnson tells NFL Network’s Marshall Faulk the Titans had difficulty blocking out the distraction caused by the friction between Vince Young and Jeff Fisher last season.

Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs was moments from doing an interview with Marshall Faulk, and he was ready to show off his biceps.