Calfox's Ultra-stupid Preliminary Earliest Ever Stupid Mock Draft
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Linked up with a circle of coaches who were able to grant me access to some Iowa offense all-22. Early impressions are not favorable. Footwork is the biggest problem, especially when pressured. It's sporatic and all over the place, throughout the drop and resetting/hitch moving through progressions. Footwork tied to drop, route depth & timing needs insane professional work.
Throwing motion is also questionable. Drops his elbow and windmills quite a bit. Elongates the motion, increases time the ball is in his hand + lack of velocity and bad timing. Lots of late throws in the 3 games I've seen so far. Being late throwing outside = easy picks. Which, even when his feet are set, can cause some nasty misses outside & low when throwing at the numbers. Think to the similar struggles JJ McCarthy had (still has)
Mentally has tendencies to spray the ball into spot drop zones and struggles with placement on hi-low stressors flat.
Good physical traits and can put plenty of velocity on the ball. But like a pitcher on the mound, he losses a good bit of control when he tries to put too much sauce on the throw. Mobile as hell, great legs and athletic ability. By all accounts a quality work ethic. But he has a ridiculous uphill battle to fight to even land on a 53 man roster. He'll likely have a good combine because that's the type of athlete he is.
Could he be a quality backup? Anything is possible. But I don't work on possible, I work on what is most probable.
The Browns 3rd round pick is #70. There isn't a team right now investing a top 100 pick into this kid. I'm not going to over-pay for a product my competitors would get at a lower rate. #70 can be used for a day 1 starter. Barring a drop down, praise Jesus miracle, that ain't Gronowski.
Right now - Day 3 pick. Was UDFA before the senior bowl. Likely played up to 6th round. Can't imagine it being more than a 5th, even lighting up the combine.
Duly noted. lol. Thanks for the legit input.
Compared to Gabriel, 3rd round, Grobowski wins.
Compare Grobowski's nfl draft profiles with Josh Allens, and it
gets more legit to appraise Grobowski higher.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/josh-allen/3200414c-4c52-9264-bedc-c4ddaf201fe7
I would draft him higher because of his Josh Allen type of upside. Sure, he didn't get pro style qb coaching at S. Dakota St. He has stuff to work on. But he has qualities that coaching can't instill when they aren't there.
I did a lot of reading before catching crap for my 3rd round pick. He did start off slow at Iowa. Later, he improved dramatically.
Aug 3, 2025The expectations are growing for Iowa QB Mark Gronowski. The Hawkeyes' signal caller is ranked among the best in the nation.****************************I look for football players. Guys who love the game work hugely to grow into the best they can be in the game.Taking a look a Mendoza, surely a #1 pick overall,"'Weaknesses
- He benefited from heavy RPO usage and receivers who were very good at winning contested catches.
- Won’t harm defenses all that often with throws when he has to extend the play.
- Below-average pocket mobility to climb, slide and reset launch point.
- Has a habit of looking for a side-door exit when options are limited.
- Unable to escape pressure once it’s in the pocket.
- Average arm talent to make off-platform throws and rip window throws
- Double A-gap blitzes can speed him up and into misfires.
- Played stubbornly as a decision-maker against Purdue." '
No one player is perfect. But it isn't just me that sees a dramatic upside to Grobowski, regardless.
I had Josh Allen as my #1 pick overall, because I saw a lot of the same things in him that would make him a great qb. His profile said he would be a good starter in two years? lol.
The list of first round qb's is legit:
https://fansided.com/25-biggest-nfl-draft-busts-quarterback-still-giving-teams-nightmares
and I didn't see Josh Rosen on that list.
Let's get another opinion on Grobowski, who was a huge star at N. Dakota St, and transferred to Iowa to play more in a NFL style offense:
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/sleeper-qb-candidates-2026-nfl-draft/
Mark Gronowski, Iowa
Mark Gronowski was a two-time FCS national champion and an FCS All-American during his time at South Dakota State. Now, he looks to carry his success onto a bigger stage upon transferring to Iowa.
Aside from his 49-6 record as a starter, Gronowski brings a lot to the table. He’s tough in the pocket and possesses ideal arm strength. He has a dense frame at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds and can run well in space, too.
The FCS leader in passing efficiency at 179.67 in 2023, Gronowski won the Walter Payton Award as the best offensive player at the FCS level that year. He has also scored over 30 touchdowns from scrimmage in each of his last three seasons, showing off tremendous dual-threat ability.
My stupid draft, my goofy third round qb pick.
We'll see how it goes, lol.
Duly noted. lol. Thanks for the legit input.
Compared to Gabriel, 3rd round, Grobowski wins.
Compare Grobowski's nfl draft profiles with Josh Allens, and it
MG has physical gifts that Gabriel will never be able to duplicate. But don't like DG's comical overvalue be the pillar here. Gabe should have been a 5th-6th rounder.
To Mark's credit, like Gabriel, is an incredibly hard worker. Mark's profiles as a physically gifted athlete but a raw passer. Another name I would toss out that profiles similarly, probably more so than Josh, is Jake Locker.
I get the 'why' you might like him. It's difficult to look at the raw, athletic ability and not want to be intrigued by the upside.
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Duly noted. lol. Thanks for the legit input.
Compared to Gabriel, 3rd round, Grobowski wins.
Compare Grobowski's nfl draft profiles with Josh Allens, and it
MG has physical gifts that Gabriel will never be able to duplicate. But don't like DG's comical overvalue be the pillar here. Gabe should have been a 5th-6th rounder.
To Mark's credit, like Gabriel, is an incredibly hard worker. Mark's profiles as a physically gifted athlete but a raw passer. Another name I would toss out that profiles similarly, probably more so than Josh, is Jake Locker.
I get the 'why' you might like him. It's difficult to look at the raw, athletic ability and not want to be intrigued by the upside.
MG has physical gifts that Gabriel will never be able to duplicate. But don't like DG's comical overvalue be the pillar here. Gabe should have been a 5th-6th rounder.
To Mark's credit, like Gabriel, is an incredibly hard worker. Mark's profiles as a physically gifted athlete but a raw passer. Another name I would toss out that profiles similarly, probably more so than Josh, is Jake Locker.
I get the 'why' you might like him. It's difficult to look at the raw, athletic ability and not want to be intrigued by the upside.
I don't even remember Locker, but I'm impressed at the comparision. The difference is, imho, that Grobowski just gets it. His winning records at S. Dakota St is a major indication that he has a huge advantage over Jake Locker. I did have to research a good bit on locker.
The difference, to me, is:
- that Locker did play in the Holiday bowl way back, ....only completed 5 of 16 passes in the game.
and
http://www.mynfldraft.com/NFL-Draft-Profiles/2011/Jake-Locker
" You can certainly find enough tape that shows Locker making all the throws a NFL QB needs to make, but you can also find plenty of tape of him sailing throws over his wr, locking in on a wr too long, or simply having a mental breakdown and throwing it right to the other team."
" The question needed to be asked regarding Locker’s lack of statistical and team success is; was it a byproduct of lack of surrounding talent, or does it prove he is still a project at QB? Probably a bit of both."
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So, I think Locker reached his max in college, and didn't improve much. Grobowski was a huge winner at S. Dakota St, I'm thinking ?Grobowski has the qb mind and love for the game, over the physical qualities of Locker. but I just do stupid Calfox mock drafts, what do I know? lol
It will be really intriguing to watch it all play out.
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MG has physical gifts that Gabriel will never be able to duplicate. But don't like DG's comical overvalue be the pillar here. Gabe should have been a 5th-6th rounder.
To Mark's credit, like Gabriel, is an incredibly hard worker. Mark's profiles as a physically gifted athlete but a raw passer. Another name I would toss out that profiles similarly, probably more so than Josh, is Jake Locker.
I get the 'why' you might like him. It's difficult to look at the raw, athletic ability and not want to be intrigued by the upside.
I don't even remember Locker, but I'm impressed at the comparision. The difference is, imho, that Grobowski just gets it. His winning records at S. Dakota St is a major indication that he has a huge advantage over Jake Locker. I did have to research a good bit on locker.
The difference, to me, is:
- that Locker did play in the Holiday bowl way back, ....only completed 5 of 16 passes in the game.
and
http://www.mynfldraft.com/NFL-Draft-Profiles/2011/Jake-Locker
" You can certainly find enough tape that shows Locker making all the throws a NFL QB needs to make, but you can also find plenty of tape of him sailing throws over his wr, locking in on a wr too long, or simply having a mental breakdown and throwing it right to the other team."
" The question needed to be asked regarding Locker’s lack of statistical and team success is; was it a byproduct of lack of surrounding talent, or does it prove he is still a project at QB? Probably a bit of both."
************************************
So, I think Locker reached his max in college, and didn't improve much. Grobowski was a huge winner at S. Dakota St, I'm thinking ?Grobowski has the qb mind and love for the game, over the physical qualities of Locker. but I just do stupid Calfox mock drafts, what do I know? lol
It will be really intriguing to watch it all play out.
" The question needed to be asked regarding Locker’s lack of statistical and team success is; was it a byproduct of lack of surrounding talent, or does it prove he is still a project at QB? Probably a bit of both."
************************************
Do I need to post Gronkowski’s less than stellar stats from his last season of college football again?
In his fifth season of college football, his sixth year of college, Gronowski threw for all of 1741 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions for Iowa. 6.6 ypa.
This is not someone to be obsessed about. You like him as a late rounder or free agent pickup? Cool. As a third rounder? Come on meow.?
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Let's make some choices for the Browns.
There are 3 teams with two picks in the first round. With the run on OT's,
I don't believe the Browns will wait til 24. Proctor had big troubles in pass protection in 2025...
that doesn't bode well in the NFL - the Browns will need to make their OT pick early on.
However, the Cardinals and Giants need an OT. The Cards may pick Fano. The Giants will then take
Mauigoa. or............they will take Carnell Tate. Then the Browns can take Lomu or Tate.
However, the Browns have their LT, he just got injured. They can get a LT to develop later.
So, the first pick is......I figure the Giants take Carnell Tate....
maybe.....
FIRST ROUND A: LOMU - can play both tackle spots, the versatility is excellent. High, high ceiling.
First ROUND B: This OG is worth it, and won't be there in the second round. The pick:
Olaivavega Ioane, OG. He may not last til the Browns second pick, but the Browns can't pass him up. Loane can play R or L OG, and would dominate. Future all-pro type of player.Unless stupid haslam decides to draft a trouble with the law drunken kicker or something.....SECOND ROUND This pick is the Browns WR - Chris Bell, 6'2", 220, 4.4 speed, is only here in the second round because he tore an ACL. Will be light duty I guess in rookie minicamp in May. But he is a great pick here.THIRD ROUND: quarterbacks were falling in the later first round and second round. The one qb that is still there for the Browns, they are delighted to not wait any longer for qb competition for Sanders.Mark Gronowski, Iowa.QB. Sure, Tiam will LOL, but it is what it is. Right now, he's a later pick. But he is making a big case for starting at the Shrine Bowl. At the combine, I bet all eyes will be noticing that Gronowski is the real deal.FOURTH ROUND: no idea. lol defense. -
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Cal the farmer ??.. Ya Don't pass on a 14 ft. hay bail tossing champion ? @2:14 .. take the right hawkeye
OMG. LOL.
Dunker is a force, but he is an OG in the NFL, the Kelces were having too much fun talking about him. "pig" ....lol
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Gennings-Dunker-OL-Iowa
The best guess is Dunker is only an ORG, who will go around round 3. But Olaivavega Ioane - no way could I pass him up at 24. His athleticism lets him play LG, even C, RG, RT....
The biggest concern I have with Dunker is his haircut. Just looks wrong..... If Loane is even gone by #24, I can see drafting a WR, then Dunker in round two.
But that would screw up my stupid mock draft....
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Cal the farmer ??.. Ya Don't pass on a 14 ft. hay bail tossing champion ? @2:14 .. take the right hawkeye
He's gonna be a badass RT or RG or LG or LT. Reminds me a lot of former Iowa Hawkeye and Cleveland Brown LG Eric Steinbach (that played Tackle at Iowa like Dunker). Joe Thomas said Steinbach was an incredible veteran/calming influence playing right next to him as a rookie. Our former OL Coach & Long-time Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz knows how to recruit ideal OL he can develop into pro-ready starters.
I'll say it again, there are still successful LTs that don't have long arms per cut and paste below. How? Look no further than the 1st syllable of the sport - "FOOTball" Great feet and base can overcome this one variable. One's success begins with his stance. The width apart between the feet and maintaining it until the end of the play as well as how quick (and lateral in pass pro) the feet can move throughout a play. When they're too close together the Tackle is prone to over-extension which renders him useless in run-blocking. When kept shoulder width or slightly wider apart he sets up a great base for success. A word I see frequently from the journalists is "anchor" but an anchor stops a boat/ship from moving. That said, they use the term to simply mean strong leverage from the base below. All the guys pasted below have overcome the dreaded short arms sentence with work ethic, great feet/base and passion to the extent of earning/adding Pro Bowls to their resumes. (They were all pre-draft no-no's sentenced to a handicap by people under-estimating their desire, passion and work ethic)...
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Cal the farmer ??.. Ya Don't pass on a 14 ft. hay bail tossing champion ? @2:14 .. take the right hawkeye
OMG. LOL.
Dunker is a force, but he is an OG in the NFL, the Kelces were having too much fun talking about him. "pig" ....lol
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Gennings-Dunker-OL-Iowa
The best guess is Dunker is only an ORG, who will go around round 3. But Olaivavega Ioane - no way could I pass him up at 24. His athleticism lets him play LG, even C, RG, RT....
The biggest concern I have with Dunker is his haircut. Just looks wrong..... If Loane is even gone by #24, I can see drafting a WR, then Dunker in round two.
But that would screw up my stupid mock draft....
But Olaivavega Ioane - no way could I pass him up at 24. His athleticism lets him play
pre-combine.. my 2 mock favorite picks are getting Spencer Fano at #6.. Vega Loane at pick 24..so we agree on Loane..he's a beast (becomes huge target if Bitonio retires)
the twist is..
Fano---Zona picks at 3.. I'm not high on Miami's Maulgoa, but lots of mocks put him ahead of Fano in Zona.
Titans pick #4.. QB Ward was sacked the most of any QB last season.. Why would they pass on Fano or Maulgoa?
Loane---How do teams get a Penn St. OL monster pass Pittsburgh (hosting draft) sitting at #21 ? yeah, they need QB or WR.. but. It'd be like the Browns passing on Caleb Downs if they pass on Vega for a WR ...
it's a good thing.. teams get 2 months to set boards.. Night one should be just as crazy as the past drafts
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But Olaivavega Ioane - no way could I pass him up at 24. His athleticism lets him play
pre-combine.. my 2 mock favorite picks are getting Spencer Fano at #6.. Vega Loane at pick 24..so we agree on Loane..he's a beast (becomes huge target if Bitonio retires)
the twist is..
Fano---Zona picks at 3.. I'm not high on Miami's Maulgoa, but lots of mocks put him ahead of Fano in Zona.
Titans pick #4.. QB Ward was sacked the most of any QB last season.. Why would they pass on Fano or Maulgoa?
Loane---How do teams get a Penn St. OL monster pass Pittsburgh (hosting draft) sitting at #21 ? yeah, they need QB or WR.. but. It'd be like the Browns passing on Caleb Downs if they pass on Vega for a WR ...
it's a good thing.. teams get 2 months to set boards.. Night one should be just as crazy as the past drafts
the twist is..
Fano---Zona picks at 3.. I'm not high on Miami's Maulgoa, but lots of mocks put him ahead of Fano in Zona.
Titans pick #4.. QB Ward was sacked the most of any QB last season.. Why would they pass on Fano or Maulgoa?
Loane---How do teams get a Penn St. OL monster pass Pittsburgh (hosting draft) sitting at #21 ? yeah, they need QB or WR.. but. It'd be like the Browns passing on Caleb Downs if they pass on Vega for a WR ...
it's a good thing.. teams get 2 months to set boards.. Night one should be just as crazy as the past drafts
it's crazy - but I was guessing that Mauigoa and Fano would be gone, to those two teams. That leaves Lomu for the Browns, hopefully.
As usual, it gets complicated and confusing. A lot mocks have Fano and Mauigoa rated higher, but here, Lomu is rated #1. But that was back in January.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-draft-pfsn-consensus-top-offensive-tackles/
I suppose the Browns could draft Caleb Downs at six, and go WR at 24, then OL with the next two picks, unless they sign a starter FA OL........ but that messes up my qb pick in round 3, LOL.
This is interesting - only 3 teams have two picks in the first round, the earliest first pick is the Cowboys at #12.
but I don't see that happening - the Cowboys don't have a pick in the 2rd or 3th rounds, so trading up with the Browns would give them the #6, and they wouldn't draft again until the 4th round.
I don't know, but it should be a hell of a lot of fun and/or shock to watch this draft.
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the twist is..
Fano---Zona picks at 3.. I'm not high on Miami's Maulgoa, but lots of mocks put him ahead of Fano in Zona.
Titans pick #4.. QB Ward was sacked the most of any QB last season.. Why would they pass on Fano or Maulgoa?
Loane---How do teams get a Penn St. OL monster pass Pittsburgh (hosting draft) sitting at #21 ? yeah, they need QB or WR.. but. It'd be like the Browns passing on Caleb Downs if they pass on Vega for a WR ...
it's a good thing.. teams get 2 months to set boards.. Night one should be just as crazy as the past drafts
it's crazy - but I was guessing that Mauigoa and Fano would be gone, to those two teams. That leaves Lomu for the Browns, hopefully.
As usual, it gets complicated and confusing. A lot mocks have Fano and Mauigoa rated higher, but here, Lomu is rated #1. But that was back in January.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-draft-pfsn-consensus-top-offensive-tackles/
I suppose the Browns could draft Caleb Downs at six, and go WR at 24, then OL with the next two picks, unless they sign a starter FA OL........ but that messes up my qb pick in round 3, LOL.
This is interesting - only 3 teams have two picks in the first round, the earliest first pick is the Cowboys at #12.
but I don't see that happening - the Cowboys don't have a pick in the 2rd or 3th rounds, so trading up with the Browns would give them the #6, and they wouldn't draft again until the 4th round.
I don't know, but it should be a hell of a lot of fun and/or shock to watch this draft.
This is interesting - only 3 teams have two picks in the first round, the earliest first pick is the Cowboys at #12. (Jets=Dallas=Rams)
but I don't see that happening - the Cowboys don't have a pick in the 2rd or 3th rounds, so trading up with the Browns would give them the #6, and they wouldn't draft again until the 4th round.
Jets #2 & 16 (nah, to much) Dallas #12 & 20 (possible)... Rams #13 & #29 (possible)
dallas trade link won't open.. did the math on this before though..
at pick 6,
Might be KC/Or _______? wanting to jump Saints for RB J. Love...
Dallas would have to give up 12 & 20 to come up to #6 for Edge (who's left of top 3)pass rusher or Downs. We'd give Dallas back a 2nd(#39) -OR- 3rd (#70) in point value difference (change) for their 20th pick.. Dallas could/may counter offer, future next year picks to just jump to pick #6
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But Olaivavega Ioane - no way could I pass him up at 24. His athleticism lets him play
pre-combine.. my 2 mock favorite picks are getting Spencer Fano at #6.. Vega Loane at pick 24..so we agree on Loane..he's a beast (becomes huge target if Bitonio retires)
the twist is..
Fano---Zona picks at 3.. I'm not high on Miami's Maulgoa, but lots of mocks put him ahead of Fano in Zona.
Titans pick #4.. QB Ward was sacked the most of any QB last season.. Why would they pass on Fano or Maulgoa?
Loane---How do teams get a Penn St. OL monster pass Pittsburgh (hosting draft) sitting at #21 ? yeah, they need QB or WR.. but. It'd be like the Browns passing on Caleb Downs if they pass on Vega for a WR ...
it's a good thing.. teams get 2 months to set boards.. Night one should be just as crazy as the past drafts
pre-combine.. my 2 mock favorite picks are getting Spencer Fano at #6.. Vega Loane at pick 24..so we agree on Loane..he's a beast (becomes huge target if Bitonio retires)
the twist is..
Fano---Zona picks at 3.. I'm not high on Miami's Maulgoa, but lots of mocks put him ahead of Fano in Zona.
Titans pick #4.. QB Ward was sacked the most of any QB last season.. Why would they pass on Fano or Maulgoa?
Loane---How do teams get a Penn St. OL monster pass Pittsburgh (hosting draft) sitting at #21 ? yeah, they need QB or WR.. but. It'd be like the Browns passing on Caleb Downs if they pass on Vega for a WR ...
it's a good thing.. teams get 2 months to set boards.. Night one should be just as crazy as the past drafts
During the CFP, Miami was very protective with their frequency to put a TE + an H-Back/Wing-Back 1 yard over and 1 yard back from the right hip of TE to the right of Mauigoa - especially when they wanted to throw. He's obviously a great run blocker that may settle in at OG at the next level with an OTackle always lining up next to his outside shoulder. All this said, I haven't seen enough of him to say he can't pass protect with space to his outside shoulder because he seemed to hold up well when there wasn't help to his right. He's consistently regarded as one of the best RTs in this draft.
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I've thrown plenty of hay bales back in the day - the smaller, very dry ones I could throw about almost 4'. The bigger, not as dry ones, nope. 14' throw, straight up? wow.
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I've thrown plenty of hay bales back in the day - the smaller, very dry ones I could throw about almost 4'. The bigger, not as dry ones, nope. 14' throw, straight up? wow.
I've thrown plenty of hay bales back in the day - the smaller, very dry ones I could throw about almost 4'. The bigger, not as dry ones, nope. 14' throw, straight up? wow.
I'd help my grandfather load up about 8 or so rectangular bales on the back of his old tractor and ride on the top ones as he drove us down to the bottomland. He'd make his very distinctive cattle cattle call and they'd come running up as he cut the wire on each one in turn and we'd scatter it all around the tractor. Guess that predated frisbees and they were squares instead of rounds. Had to be careful not to fall off while doing this or risk getting trampled by hungry cattle. I could fly 'em out fairly far when broken down like that, though more often than not they'd just fall apart as I tried to fling 'em. Cattle didn't mind. LOL!
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I've thrown plenty of hay bales back in the day - the smaller, very dry ones I could throw about almost 4'. The bigger, not as dry ones, nope. 14' throw, straight up? wow.
I'd help my grandfather load up about 8 or so rectangular bales on the back of his old tractor and ride on the top ones as he drove us down to the bottomland. He'd make his very distinctive cattle cattle call and they'd come running up as he cut the wire on each one in turn and we'd scatter it all around the tractor. Guess that predated frisbees and they were squares instead of rounds. Had to be careful not to fall off while doing this or risk getting trampled by hungry cattle. I could fly 'em out fairly far when broken down like that, though more often than not they'd just fall apart as I tried to fling 'em. Cattle didn't mind. LOL!
I'd help my grandfather load up about 8 or so rectangular bales on the back of his old tractor and ride on the top ones as he drove us down to the bottomland. He'd make his very distinctive cattle cattle call and they'd come running up as he cut the wire on each one in turn and we'd scatter it all around the tractor. Guess that predated frisbees and they were squares instead of rounds. Had to be careful not to fall off while doing this or risk getting trampled by hungry cattle. I could fly 'em out fairly far when broken down like that, though more often than not they'd just fall apart as I tried to fling 'em. Cattle didn't mind. LOL!
I was being careful, tossing hay bales into our hay loft off the big truck, way, way back decades ago, when several hay bales flipped out underneath me, and I fell sideways into the front of the horse stall, and flipped bounced into the stall into horse crap. Not one of my better moves. My ribs weren't broken, so I went back up and kept throwing. Couldn't do much of anything the next day.
Thanks for the memory, dammit. lol
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