I’ve never been a big critic of Baltimore’s most notorious sports contrarian, but Preston contradicts himself with his NFL Draft #HotTakes this year.
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I enjoy controversial opinions. Sports talk wouldn’t be too much fun without them. That’s probably why I’ve always liked Mike Preston’s work. Over the years, he’s developed a reputation for stirring the pot, even before the term “hot take” became a part of our vernacular.
After the draft, “Presto” was at it again.
“The Ravens can’t be cautious,” wrote Preston.
“The Ravens backed away from Mississippi offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil shortly before the draft began Thursday because of his off-the-field troubles. That was understandable, though I still would have chosen Tunsil, once presumed to be the top overall pick.
“The trend continued throughout the weekend. When it came to taking the best player available they chose quantity over quality.
“Newsome lost his nerve.”
That would be a fine take, normally. In part, I even agree with it. But it completely contradicts what Preston wrote just eight days earlier.
In an article titled, “Ravens need to make this draft count by picking a ‘clean’ player,” Preston wrote:
“The No. 1 priority is finding a ‘clean’ player who doesn’t have any issues on or off the field…
“There is little room for doubt when drafting in the top 10. During the Ravens’ first three seasons in Baltimore, general manager Ozzie Newsome made good, but clean choices within the top 10. In 1996, he selected left offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden with the No. 4 pick out of UCLA over troubled Nebraska running back Lawrence Phillips, who had more baggage than most airports.
“With the Ravens missing the playoffs two of the last three years and going 5-11 last season, they can’t afford to take risks with the No. 6 position.
“The Ravens are going to get a great player, but it should be one with almost no risk involved. The cleaner, the better.”
My question for you, Mike: Did you rediscover your nerve shortly after the draft was over? Or can your opinion change that drastically in just over a week’s time?
I'm usually a Preston apologist, but I can't make sense of these 2 takes coming from the same person 1 week apart. pic.twitter.com/TvZllzXBsk
— Tyler Lombardi (@Lombarghini) May 2, 2016
