Tim Tebow didn't step to the podium here in Indianapolis. He ascended. I'm being sarcastic, of course. Tebow has become such a big story here that following the people who are following Tebow has become as fascinating as the man himself. This year's contingent of reporters is the biggest ever at a scouting combine. And nearly every one of them - yes, including me - was gathered around Him as He made his anticipated media appearance.
And you can see the appeal. Every word out of Tebow's mouth is positive. It's as if he's a character on "Leave it to Beaver." "I'd do whatever they asked me to do," Tebow said of the team that drafted him. "And I'd do it with all my heart. And I'll do it over and over and over again." Every answer came with a smile. And he looked the questioner in the eye as he answered. I'd like to say that the women here swooned when he spoke, but the guys seemed to be weak-kneed, too. Tebow is the face that launched a million man crushes.
The bottom line, however, is that the most popular player at the combine probably won't be drafted until the second round at the earliest. Tebow's looong delivery and his lack of accuracy on deep throws concern teams, and there is skepticism that he can erase those concerns with a recalibrated throwing motion. "You can tweak a release," former GM Charley Casserly said earlier. "You can't change a release."
The good news for Tebow is that no one is talking about switching him to another position. He'll be drafted as a quarterback. It also was clear that despite the huge media contingent, Tebow wasn't even slightly bothered by the glare. He was right at home. In fact, when the press conference was over, he helpfully and happily handed reporters the tape recorders they had placed on lectern. Isn't he dreamy?
-- Matt Barrows
