Tim Kawakami‏ @timkawakami 15h15 hours ago
On Aaron Rodgers before the 2005 draft: Over lunch, I literally argued with McCarthy and Hostler over this. They were not fans of AR. I was.

Yes, it affected the way I viewed Hostler when he eventually become OC. I knew what he'd argued about Rodgers. And how wrong he was.

Of course it was ironic that McCarthy ended up going to Green Bay the next year, and McCarthy has admitted he was wrong about AR in 2005.

According to Dilfer, Hostler was a superstar coach. Which is when I forever dismissed any and all Dilfer comments.

In 2005, Hostler told me Rodgers' 2004 game vs. USC (which I covered) was proof that he was flawed. I thought it was proof of AR's greatness

He wasn't as vehement as Hostler, but yes, McCarthy was not high on Rodgers and told me so. I told them they were both dead wrong.

I've written about it many, many times. It was at a large lunch attended by dozens. You believe what you want. I'm evil.

Hostler argued that it (USC game) proved Rodgers was just a check-down QB. He was so, so, so wrong.

Reply from other: That's when he had like 22 straight completions? I saw that and thought he was the #1 pick.

Media meet/greet w/the new 49ers coaching staff. I sat near McCarthy, who asked me who I'd take #1. I said Rodgers. He & Hostler disagreed.

Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan made the pick, but yes, I was then and remain wholly unconvincing to 49ers people!