This is the first time in at least five years I’ve actually paid a decent amount of attention to the NFL draft.

What can I say? I’m not a fan of gambling, and there are very few people in the world who are poorer bettors than NFL executives.

People get bent out of shape about losing thousands of dollars in Vegas, but are a little more careless when placing the future of their multi-billion dollar franchise into the hands of a 21-year-old.

Oh well, there’s my Oprah moment for the week.

You watch all those people on television mulling around the room on draft day, right?

You ever wonder what they’re saying to each other?

This week on “The List,” I present to you the 2007 draft room conversations. And oh yes, it is juicy …

“Whew! I’m just glad nobody noticed I limped into here.” – Adrian Peterson, often-injured running back, Minnesota

“I’m not even going to need a fake ID to party now. Being a first-rounder is the best.” – Amobi Okoye, 19-year-old defensive lineman, Houston

“I’m going to make every single Tampa Bay fan forget all about John Lynch. Soon as I teach them how to spell my name.” – Sabby Piscitelli, strong safety, Tampa Bay

“Whoo hoo! The first guy taken from Boise State. Take that, Mr. Jared Zabransky!” – Gerald Alexander, safety, Detroit

“Oh yeah. Papa’s gonna pay for a new boat off this kid’s first contract.” – Every agent in the place.

“I don’t care if it makes me an outcast. I’m running straight to the sideline every time I score.” – Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State receiver who injured his foot celebrating a TD in the BCS Championship, Miami

“I hope no one notices I’m wearing lifts in my shoes. Man, these things hurt way more than I thought they would.” – Buster Davis, 5-foot-9 linebacker, Arizona

“I wonder which one of these guys will be dumb enough to marry me.” – Random draft hostess

“We drove all this way to watch Cleveland take an offensive lineman with its first pick. And the guy didn’t even show up? We oughta move to Chicago.” – Browns fan talking about the selection of former Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas.

“Hey! What did I tell you? Any less hair gel is completely unacceptable!” – Mel Kiper Jr.

“If I went No. 1, Brady Quinn’s got to go No. 2 or 3. Bet it.” – JaMarcus Russell, Oakland

“Oh, God, please make it stop!” – Brady Quinn, almost forgotten QB, Cleveland

George L. Jones is sports editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at (334) 410-1744 or .