While the fall of such players like Da’Quan Bowers and the rise of quarterbacks early on will certainly grab draft headlines, the true moment of the 2011 NFL Draft came deep in the 1st round.

You’d expect a Heisman winner to be the story anytime he’s drafted, but Alabama’s Mark Ingram stole the show for a much different reason. Sure, he was the first running back selected in the draft that saw zeros back selected in the top 24 for the first time since 1963, but again, it wasn’t his selection alone that opened eyes.

When Ingram was finally selected by the Saints, who traded back in to round one to select the running back in the 28th slot, he was dealt much more than a hat to wear. Mark’s father, Mark Ingram Sr., was also selected 28th overall as a wide receiver in the 1987 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Although this alone wasn’t something that would load up newspaper headlines and Twitter feeds, what happened directly after certainly did.

After winning a Super Bowl in 1991 with the Giants, Mark’s father was later arrested and put in jail for bank fraud and laundering charges where he remains. Upon being drafted, however, Mark was greeted by ESPN’s Suzy Kolber who read an email she had gotten from his father before Mark was drafted.

The result? No words needed.

We love the NFL Draft, but the fact of the matter is that the night is long and there is plenty of down time. In an effort to keep things moving, we plan on sending off our favorite college football players by getting weekday drunk in their honor.

While drinking casually is a fine idea, it’s not your only option. Play along with us and we’d be happy to include any suggestion you might have. Cheers, y’all.

Drink…

-When the NFL lockout is mentioned in any capacity. To prepare for this, be sure to cover your room in styrofoam padding because you will be hammered and pinballin’ from wall to wall before we get past pick 3.

-For every team passes on Patrick Peterson. They’re obviously intoxicated, so you should follow their lead.

-He probably won’t get taken tonight but when Ryan Mallett’s name gets called, you should obviously pick up the drinking a substantial amount.

-Every time a player’s hips are referenced to being “good” or “smooth” or when a pick is described as being a “reach.” In fact throw every possible draft cliché and just drink if you think you hear one. This includes things like “raw,” “intangibles,”  “physical” and “upside.”

-If the New York fans boo, which is like betting on whether or not the sun will come up.

-When Mel Kiper’s hair moves. TRICK DRINKING GAME PROP: It never moves. Ever.

-For all trades. It’s an event and something different is actually happening. Act accordingly.

-When the phrase “This Guy” is uttered by Jon Gruden. (See: styrofoam tips from above)

-If a player is shown sitting awkwardly in the green room, waiting to be drafted. Double it if it’s a quarterback.

-When a player gives Roger Goodell a massive bro hug. (And Drink extra HARD)

-If someone references that Mel Kiper, aka resident draft super computer, doesn’t have any notes in front of him.

-For every spot Jake Locker is taken above pick 33, aka round 2. For those of you that failed the Wonderlic, here’s what that means. (Taken 10^th: 33-10= 23… and a fridge run)

-If Chris Berman gets overly excited over something. #holydrunj

-When the Raiders pick someone fast as hell that they shouldn’t.

-When draft guru Trent Dilfer lectures us on the quarterbacks. The finest prime time comedy.

-Bad beer commercials. Sure, have a drink. After all, we need something to do between picks.

-If your team of choice has a player drafted. Show them the respect they deserve by getting on one knee in your living room and finishing the remaining drink in hand in front of your wife, girlfriend, mother or dog.

RESPECT.

The year is 2011, and the NFL lockout has consumed human existence.

In an effort to end the lockout, the owners and Roger Goodell inexplicably agree to fire all current NFL coaches and host a draft to replace them with college football’s finest. And while Goodell is fired within hours of round one’s completion, here is our best guess of how this historical round one would shake out.

1. Carolina Panthers – Nick Saban (Alabama)

The best in the business, no doubt about it and an easy choice for the top spot. The question, however, is will Alabama allow him to step right back in once he’s ready to leave after a season and a half.

2. Denver Broncos – Bob Stoops (Oklahoma)

Tons of offense, thin air, and defense is optional. There’s no doubt Stoops is a top three pick, and can’t you just see him dropping a meaningful December game against the Raiders? /nods head

3. Buffalo Bills – Urban Meyer (Florida, ESPN)

We don’t care if he’s retired but not really retired. He’s included in the festivities and teams would kill to have him. Plus, Ryan Fitzpatrick would look SO GOOD under the center running the Urb Spread.

4. Cincinnati Bengals – Jim Tressel (Ohio State)

This is a perfect fit. Jim Tressel can stay in state and help turn around a team that needs a new leader. Just think what The Vest could do when the next Bengal player gets a DUI on his speedboat. You’ll never know about it, but he’ll know.

5. Arizona Cardinals – Mack Brown (Texas)

He’s coming off a down year after a pretty fantastic impressive run. Sound familiar? The Cardinals take the coach who could certainly take advantage of having a weapon like Larry Fitzgerald. And if the NFL ever requires coaches to recruit in Texas…watch out.

6. Cleveland Browns – Chip Kelly (Oregon)

Not the pick McShay has pegged in his mock, but a solid selection for Cleveland. The ground and pound has gone stale (not really), but it’s the Browns and they’re changing it anyways. DISCLAIMER: Willie Lyles not included.

7. San Francisco – Jim Harbaugh (Stanford, wait, what?)

This is clearly the most unlikely occurrence in round one, but we threw it in here anyway. There’s no way Harbaugh would leave for the NFL, and if he did it certainly would be to the 49ers. Just another “dream scenario” in a dream draft.

8. Tennessee Titans – Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech)

From the team that brought you the “Music City Miracle” comes the special teams guru. And while his style is similar to Beamer’s former QB Tyrod Taylor, I’m sorry, Vince Young  you’re still fired.

9. Dallas Cowboys – Lane Kiffin (USC)

Jerry Jones is shocked to see Kiffin is still not taken so he drafts who he believes is the best “player” available. FUN FACT: This move actually happens in 2013 after Kiffin wins 7 games and Jason Garrett is fired after only securing a wildcard spot.

10. Washington Redskins - Les Miles (LSU)

The steal thus far through round one and Washington is thrilled to get the Mad Hatter. Dan Snyder immediately spends 50 million dollars on flavored grassy turf and has erased his entire Big Board for next year except for the name “Jordan Jefferson.”

11. Houston Texans – Gary Patterson (TCU)

They tried to trade up for Mack Brown but they settle for a damn good option. On a related note, Patterson has already planned to petition/protest the NFL’s harsh concussion stance on draft day.

12. Minnesota Vikings – Steve Spurrier (South Carolina)

This move makes sense on a variety of levels although Adrian Peterson is unsure how he feels about carrying the ball 700 times in one season. In terms of personnel, Brett Favre is expected to ink a 4-year contract to stay in Minny only minutes after Spurrier is taken.

13. Detroit Lions – Chris Petersen (Boise State)

The Motor City was hoping for Lloyd Carr, so you can expect some boos with this pick. Still, fans are thrilled to hear that Petersen is bringing his Boise attitude with him and Detroit paints their entire field light blue. (We know there’s a rule against this but they do it anyway)

14. St. Louis Rams – Jimbo Fisher (Florida State)

Another 1st round steal and the Florida State hate mail is FLYING in because he fell so far. Jimbo gets his young QB and immediately begins recruiting heavily in the Midwest. When told he doesn’t need to do so, he goes to a local Missouri HS to watch a 4-star running back.

15. Miami Dolphins – Kirk Ferentz (Iowa)

Miami has had issues closing out games because of “tired legs” so they spend their pick focusing on quad/hamstring improvement. As he’s leaving the podium, Ferentz phones up Jake Long wondering why he isn’t squatting at that EXACT moment.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars – Joe Paterno (Penn State)

They need a splash to secure that the team isn’t moved to L.A. in a year or two so they get the most exciting talent available on the board. Upon hearing he’s been drafted by the Jaguars, Joe Pa. says he’s thrilled to be coaching the Seminoles after all these years.

17. New England – Brian Kelly (Notre Dame)

How do you replace the best coach in football, you ask? Well, you take a small, energetic Irishman that the Boston fans will love from day one. Good value here and a match made in Heaven (or Hell), depends what side you’re on.

18. San Diego Chargers – Gene Chizik (Auburn)

Fresh off his national championship, the Chargers draft coach Chizik with high hopes he can bring that winning philosophy to the West coast. Upon learning Cam Newton is not included in this, every San Diego fan (7 total) show up and boo him at the airport.

19. New York Giants – Bo Pelini (Nebraska)

The Giants fans won’t be happy when Pelini’s name is called and they’ll let him hear it as he walks up to shake hands with the commish. Upon hearing these boos, however, Pelini will fire up two middle fingers and the crowd will LOVE HIM. It’s New York science.

20. Tampa Bay Bucs – Bobby Petrino (Arkansas)

Although he fell much further than he expected because of “character concerns,” both parties are thrilled with the pairing. Twenty minutes after being drafted, we expect Petrino to demand a trade the Falcons, then the Patriots, then back to Arkansas. He will later sign as an undrafted free agent with Ole Miss.

21. Kansas City Chiefs – Bronco Mendenhall (BYU)

With big names still on the board, KC takes a chance on Bronco after having serious concerns over the lack of personnel named “Broncos” in the organization. Upon hearing that BYU’s Honor Code would be coming with him, some SEC players are seen crying in the locker room.

22. Indianapolis Colts – Bret Bielema (Wisconsin)

Another 1^st round steal and the feeling is mutual for both parties. Off the field, this move will likely revive the Indianapolis gentlemen’s clubs which have taken a hit in recent years. In fact, sources are saying that Bret’s contact will feature strip club incentives  - an NFL first.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – Rich Rodriguez (CBS?)

The first shocking pick of round one is one were willing to try and call. The combination of Mike Vick and Rich Rod could mean bad news for NFC East when it comes to offense. On defense, however, they’re totally #$%^ed.

24. New Orleans – Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State)

A solid, safe pick and the offense shouldn’t skip a beat. New Orleans really is looking for someone that can wear a visor better than any head coach in their division and they no doubt have found their guy.

25. Seattle Seahawks – Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks)

Been there done that. Move along.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Mark Richt (Georgia)

I’m expecting there to be mixed reactions to this one, although we’re not as angry as some folks. You guys can also read my “Mark Richt on Ravens Hot Seat” piece which will hit the web later this week.

27. Atlanta Falcons – Butch Davis (UNC)

He doesn’t quite bring the same “Wow” factor as some of the others, but we think this is an absolute steal. We hear that Atlanta loves the fact that he salvaged an impressive 2010 season despite the fact that he had only 8 eligible players

28. New England – Mike Leach (CBS)

They got their coach already (see pick 17) so they look for one of the brightest offensive minds available and have the luxury of taking a flyer here. I think I speak for all of us when I fire off a “It’s about #$%^ing time.”

29. Chicago Bears – Dave Wannstedt (FA)

The previous relationship here tells me this one is all but a done deal. The fact that he still looks exactly the same from the last time he coached there is also a positive. Oh, and it’s The Stache and you damn well know he was sneaking in round one.

30. New York Jets – Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern)

This would be a steal if he falls to them, and this pick could serve two purposes. Outside of being one hell of a motivator, the Jets are confident that Fitz could step in and play (if needed) and still be more productive than Vernon Gholston ever was.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers – Gary Pinkel (Missouri)

Vastly underrated and someone that would fit the Steelers’ mold. Most of the state has zero idea who he is, but they really, really, really love the potential graphic t-shirts” Good enough for us.

32. Green Bay Packers – Houston Nutt (Green Bay)

We expect the Super Bowl champs to go after a sparkplug coach that can help them avoid a hangover next season. Because the QB situation is settled in Packerland, we actually think this strange marriage could work quite well. Giggity.