Winners, Losers from the 2006 NFL Draft

Since there are all too many "Winners and Losers" articles after this past weekend's NFL Combine, I will take late-February draft analysis in a much different direction.

Common belief in NFL circles is that it takes three years to determine the value of an NFL draft class. Lucky for us, the 2006 draftees just finished their third season of professional football.

Which teams won and lost in April 2006? Who was the draft's best value pick?

Biggest overall steal: Brandon Marshall (WR, Central Florida)

Marshall didn't leave UCF with much hype. In fact, he flew well under the radar, finally coming off the board with the 119th overall selection, midway through the fourth round.

He has appeared to overcome early off-the-field troubles to become one of the best receivers in the league. Playing in only 15 games, Marshall was third in the league with 102 receptions. His 1,265 receiving yards was the seventh-best mark in the NFL.

2008 was a breakout year for the third-year receiver, who will continue to be Jay Cutler's go-to receiver in Denver.

Biggest first-round steal: DeAngelo Williams (RB, Memphis)

Williams had some serious competition in this category. Antonio Cromartie (CB, Florida State) was taken 19th by the Chargers and Santonio Holmes (WR, Ohio State) went 25th to the Steelers.

The man that nearly took this honor, Colts running back Joseph Addai, went 30th overall, three spots after Williams. Addai and Williams have comparable career numbers, but Williams' game-changing abilities give him the edge.

Williams has just 36 more career rushing yards, but Addai has run the ball 104 more times. Williams finished third in the NFL in rushing yards this past season, despite being the focal point of many opposing defenses in 2008.

Biggest bust: Vince Young (QB, Texas)

Drafted ahead of an equally underachieving Matt Leinart, Young was supposed to be the first franchise quarterback the Titans franchise had since Warren Moon took the snaps during the team's days in Houston.

Young showed promise early in his career but his struggles easily shadowed his strong outings.

After an early-season injury in 2008, Young was replaced in the starting line-up by Kerry Collins, who helped lead the Titans to an AFC-best 13-3 record.

As preparations for the 2009 season begin in Nashville, Young is set to be embroiled in a battle for the backup quarterback position with Chris Simms.

Not exactly where Young, or the Titans franchise, thought he'd be as his fourth NFL season began.

Biggest winner: Green Bay

Most people would jump to Green Bay's first-round selection, Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk, as evidence as to why the Packers had the best draft class of 2006.

Those people would be wrong.

The gem of Green Bay's draft was their second second-round pick, Western Michigan wide receiver Greg Jennings, who has become one of the league's best playmaking receivers.

Hawk and Jennings aren't the only two regular starters for the Packers. Second-rounder Daryn Colledge, third-round pick Jason Spitz, fifth-round pick Tony Moll and sixth-round selection Johnny Jolly also start for the Pack. Will Blackmon has also seen significant playing time.

Biggest loser: Miami

Unfortunately for Miami, Ted Thompson was running Green Bay's draft board. Regardless, I could have done a better job on Draft Weekend 2006 than the Dolphins did.

The 'Fins whiffed badly on all six of their selections. Tennessee defensive back Jason Allen, selected 16th overall, has been nothing more than a nickel back, at best. Defensive tackle Rodrique White is the only other pick still with the team, and he is buried at the bottom of the depth chart at his position.

Miami's four other picks aren't household names with their new teams, either. Derek Hagan (Giants), Joe Toledo (49ers), Fred Evans (Vikings) and Devin Aromashodu (Bears) haven't seen significant playing time since leaving Miami.

Best decision: Houston Texans at No. 1

When news broke less than 24 hours before the draft that Houston had reached an agreement with NC State defensive end Mario Williams, the NFL world was in shock.

It may be the best decision in the history of the Texans franchise.

A No. 1 overall pick should be a franchise player and Williams is just that. Super Mario is the best young defensive end in the game and an anchor for Houston's defense.

The alternative and consensus No. 1 at the time, USC's Reggie Bush, hasn't been the same for New Orleans. Bush has fought off injuries and rushing inconsistencies to become a poor man's Brian Westbrook...without the rushing yards.

Bush is, in fact, of similar make-up to Chicago's Devin Hester: a shifty but all-too-inconsistent playmaker. The ups are great, but they aren't nearly as plentiful as the teams would like.