I did not realize until a couple of days ago that the NFL Draft starts tonight. Since they start talking about it and arguing over everything before the bowl games, it didn’t seem like the seriousness had risen. Todd McShay and Mel Kiper looked like they hated each other in the split screen yesterday the same way they did in January. I had no idea.

I should feel differently. I love the NFL. I love college football, especially Penn State. The one time when the two come together should fill me with excitement. I should get totally amped to see who the Ravens add and where Nittany Lion players might end up to continue their careers. I even watch the combine sometimes on TV, at least parts of it. Just for fun. Honest. Usually, I care a lot, but not so much this year.

The whole non-stop process is part of the reason. You hear names thrown out as top picks before the college season even ends. Then they get moved around in mock drafts as the combine takes place. Then some more when pro days take place. Then some more as we get closer to the draft.

It’s mind-numbing. Maybe it has to do with the fact that the Ravens are in good shape so I’m not hanging on their pick. Maybe the fact that the Penn State group coming out doesn’t have as much oomph as in past years. I prefer to blame the hype machine.

Not only do we get a dose of McShay and Kiper smugly squaring off on ESPN more than usual, but we now have the first round specially presented on Thursday night with the following six rounds spread out over two days. The NFL thinks it will build excitement, but it has helped kill the anticipation for me. I’ll probably watch less than ever.