re: Why was Coach Payton on the phone with Foster before we picked?

That's why I'm saying none of the explanations make sense.

They wouldn't call to tell him they were picking him before being on the clock.

They would have had any questioned answered before the draft.

Why would they call during the draft BEFORE they are on the clock to ask his girlfriend questions?

Payton is paranoid as frick about things getting out.

To me it seems to lead to one of two conclusions, both pretty crazy themselves but more believable than the other theories.

You either trip up his girlfriend because you've now caught them pff guard.

or

You call to let another team think you were interested (it's crazy but these things really do get out which is why it's SUPER rare for any team to call any player before the pick is on the clock) so they trade up and take him, letting a player you really want fall.

Thinking more about the second one, Seattle desparately needed Oline help, so maybe we called with them on the clock (or right before they get on the clock) and make the pick before us the only spot to trade up and get him.

And if it is the second scenario you have to play to the media you were genuinely interested to sell the story so it can work again in the future.

Some seriously crazy shite happens on draft day, and the farfetched becomes the reality quite often.