NFL Draft 1st Round Evaluation
For those of you who don’t know, today was the NFL Draft. It’s probably the most exciting weekend of football from the Superbowl till August. It’s great for college fans and NFL fans. This is where football fans get to see the future of football. Now I don’t want to make a long article on this, but for those of you who didn’t have a chance to tune in here are some thoughts:
STEAL OF THE FIRST ROUND:
Chris Wells to the Cardinals at Pick 31
Chris Wells, in my opinion, is the best running back in this year’s draft. Besides his health issues, it’s hard to find too many faults with his game. He is 6′1, 237 lbs, and runs a 4.5 forty. He is not burner, but he is a big old school back. In all three years at Ohio State, Wells has been a productive back. You put him in a offense like Arizona, which likes to pass the ball, and you let him pound the ball and he will be sick. He is a load to bring down, and when he gets into open space he knows how to get those extra yards. He has a great chance to win rookie of the year.
STAFFORD OR SANCHEZ:
Winner: Sanchez
Between Sanchez and Stafford, I expect Sanchez to be the better pro. Both of them are around the same size and possess the same speed. While Stafford has a slightly better arm, both have very strong arms. The edge I give Sanchez is his decision making and leadership. At USC, Sanchez was praised for his leadership skills and his one season as a starter was better than any of Stafford’s seasons. Sanchez’s career TD/INT ratio is a lot better than Staffords. While Stafford has shown improvement over each year, Sanchez was able to step in one year and lead his team to a Rose Bowl. Sanchez at the Jets is a lot better fit than Stafford at the Lions. The Jets were a playoff team two years ago, but Detroit has a lot of work needed to be done.
REACH OF THE FIRST ROUND:
Darrius Heyward-Bey at Number 7 to Oakland
Oakland continues to look insane with their picks. With guys like Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin on the board, they draft Heyward-Bey. While Bey is a great deep ball threat he was not a Top 10 prospect. At best he should have been taken in the late 1st round. He has amazing speed and potential, but Oaklands problem is that they continue to draft on potential. Crabtree was a much more complete prospect, but they passed on him for speed. They continue to let Al Davis draft in his own little world.
PLAYER WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN THE 1st ROUND:
LeSean McCoy
It was close between McCoy and USC LB Rey Maualuga, both deserved to be 1st round picks, but McCoy deserved it a little more. McCoy has been nothing but amazing in his two years at Pitt. In two years he has rushed for over 2,800 yards and 35 TD’s on average Pitt teams. He was their offense, and people would stack eight in the box and he was still successful. He’s 5′11, 210 lbs, and is very shifty. He reminds me of Clinton Portis when Portis was first drafted. I think he has the potential to be just as good or even better than all the RB’s taken in the first round. He can hit the hole or break outside. He has no major flaws.
PLAYER MOST LIKELY TO TURN INTO A HALL OF FAMER:
Brian Cushing
Kid is old school. He played both DE and LB at USC, and played both at an All-American level. He has the measurables, the speed, the athleticism, and the toughness. He played the past two years with multiple injuries and was very successful. He can drop back and defend the pass or line up on the line and attack the QB. His motor just doesn’t stop, and as long as he stays healthy expect multiple pro bowls. If you need a good example on what he brings to the table then watch the 2007 Rose Bowl, he was all over the field. You group him with DeMeco Ryans in Houston and you got a scary LB duo. Cushing will be successful because of his love of the game and work ethic.
IF YOU GUYS LIKE THE SPORTS ARTICLES, LET ME KNOW AND I CAN DO MORE ON THE DRAFT.
This is just beatiful.
