The following are 20 thoughts that I have at the conclusion of this year’s NFL Draft.
- GMs do not want to draft a QB for “the next guy”. As a result, if they don’t think the QB is ready at this moment, they will continually slide down in the draft. I am still stunned by the decision process on Tebow, Clausen, and McCoy.
- The Cincinnati Bengals are not getting enough coverage for a great draft. Jermaine Gresham is the best TE in a strong class. 2nd round pick Carlos Dunlap was being considered at the #1 overall pick back in December. Jordan Shipley is the 2nd coming of Wes Welker. 4th round pick Muckelroy is great value. Great draft.”“
- I was amazed at how many USC Trojans were viewed as not playing to their potential this past year. There was not a single player from the program who overachieved.
- Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks had significant improvement. Lyndell White, Leon Washington, and Russell Okung immediately upgrade the running game. Earl Thomas may be an All-Pro as early as this year. I disagree with Trent Dilfer, I love Golden Tate’s strength and YAC abilities. 6th round pick Anthony McCoy was the 2nd best TE in the draft. Matt Hasselback, just stay healthy.
- I am constantly amazed by how well the New England Patriots prepare for the future. With 3 additional picks already accumulated for the 2011 draft, they are already controlling next year’s draft.
- Congratulations to the Oakland Raiders for a nice draft and a great job acquiring Jason Campbell. Perception is not always reality. His completions, yardage, touchdowns, and QB rating have increased each of his 4 years in the league. Great pick up.
- My best drafts are 1. New England Patriots who also get extra credit for having 3 extra picks already for 2011. 2. Baltimore Ravens 3. Seattle Seahawks 4. Cincinnati Bengals 5. Carolina Panthers
- Worst Drafts – 1. Jacksonville Jaguars 2. Denver Broncos 3. Pittsburgh Steelers 4. St Louis Rams 5. Chicago Bears
- The interaction between Mel Kiper and Todd McShay was phenomenal this year.
- Jevan Snead was not drafted. I am reminded that individuals must first be able to gather information and then make quality decisions. He should have never come out.
- LeGarrett Blount was not drafted. I am reminded that a bad pivot decision (punching a player and attempting to go into the stands) has led to a series of very difficult strategic decisions.
- Urban Meyer knows how to get people ready for the next level.
- I love the Patriots drafting Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes, and Aaron Hernandez from the Florida Gators. Great draft. The networking relationship between Bill Belichek and Urban Meyer is something other coaches should cultivate.
- Trent Dilfer is the best analyst on television right now.
- Those closest to you determine your level of success. With Head Coach John Fox and his staff, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart at RB, their offensive line, and Steve Smith at WR, Jimmy Clausen is going to be great. If Dwayne Jarrett develops, they could be scary in a couple of years.
- I’m wondering where Terrell Owens will land. The Atlanta Falcons would be a nice spot.
- If Darren McFadden steps up, the Oakland Raiders could be a wild card team next year.
- Tim Tebow will make all Denver Bronco fans forget drafting Tommy Maddox. Kyle Orton will be the starter again next year.
- I think this will go down as one of the five best drafts of all time despite the first two QBs taken will be average at best.
- Bad character and poor work habits will cost you a minimum of two rounds.
Bring on the mini-camps.