A Look Back at the 2006 NFL Draft, Pt. 1: Living Up to Expectations

As I was thinking of a short series to discuss, I began to think of one that pertained to past NFL Drafts. Well, the 2006 NFL Draft sure came to mind.

We had a lot of surprises within the top 10 with teams moving up and down, and some shocking developments within the top 10 picks.

In the first of the three-part series, we will begin looking at the handful of players within the first 15 picks that have lived up to the expectations the team brought upon them.

4. Haloti Ngata

When entering the 2006 NFL Draft, Haloti Ngata made a name for himself at Oregon as a top defensive tackle who would clear holes for the rest of the defense. As the Baltimore Ravens had the downfall of a year due to injuries, they selected Ngata with the 12th overall pick, in hopes of opening holes for Ray Lewis and the rest of the group.

In his career with the Ravens, he has posted 99 solo tackles, along with five sacks, one forced fumble, and three interceptions.

The stats do not tell the whole story, though, at least from his standpoint—he has led the Ravens to post a top five defense year after year, while giving Lewis, Reed, and Suggs great chances to make big plays.

A great investment has turned out well for Raven Nation.

3. AJ Hawk

The top five concluded in the 2006 NFL Draft with the selection of AJ Hawk by the Green Bay Packers. Coming out of The Ohio St. University, Green Bay hoped he would lead the group of linebackers that wasn't as strong as other defenses.

He has surely proven that; in three seasons, Hawk has managed to put up 311 total tackles, leading the team in this category during his rookie season.

In 2008, he fell short of the 100 tackle mark for the first time in his career, a season that proved to be a disappointment for the entire Packers' defense.

2. Mario Williams

Heading into the draft, many people believed the Houston Texans would select Vince Young or Reggie Bush. When Mario Williams was selected instead, he was labeled the "bust of the century" that minute.

After the disappointing season in '06, Williams has become one of the top defensive ends in the league. For his career, he has 159 tackles, 30.5 sacks, and earned his first Pro-Bowl selection in 2008.

1. Jay Cutler

Well, what do you know? Jay Cutler earns the top spot on the beginning of this series. Out of the three quarterbacks taken in the first round, Cutler received the least amount of recognition for going to Vanderbilt. However, he has succeeded them both.

In his three year career (two full seasons as starter), Cutler has thrown for 9,024 yards, 54 TDs, and 37 interceptions. He also earned his first Pro Bowl appearance for the 2008 season. He does have some growing up to do, as he did force his way out of Denver.

Cutler has too much potential to not get himself together, and could see playoff action within a few years.