2011 NFL Draft: Round 2 Is Where General Managers Struggle with Need over Talent

It doesn’t take a genius to know that the NFL Draft is as unpredictable as a dog with rabies. Teams often pass over future stars to get players they feel will become key contributors to their team, only to regret the decision later.

In hindsight, everyone wants to point a finger when there is a miss, but in the end…how were they supposed to know?

Stars such as Greg Jennings and Maurice Jones-Drew (2006) were taken in the second round. They were passed over by clubs in favor of…whatshisface?

What is even more disheartening for the GM facing a draft is when you consider Sidney Rice and LaMarr Woodley (2007), both second round picks, who wouldn't take either of them now in exchange for first round selections?

How about the Eagles and DeSean Jackson? Second round pick again. If teams knew he would be so special despite his “lack of NFL size”, would they have passed over him or fellow 2007 second round sliders Ray Rice and Matt Forte?

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2010 season, many thought they would win maybe three games. Their first round pick was Gerald McCoy, and their second round find? Arrelious Benn, one of the main contributors to an offense that exploded onto the scene and helped the team win 10 games.

The Chiefs picked up a game winning talent in Dexter McCluster that same year in the second round.

So as the 2011 draft approaches keep this in mind. Your favorite team's “Football Boss” should still be looking to take the best available player in round two.

Sure, the players are more familiar and have more potential upside the closer to the top you are. But where those gems, diamonds in the rough and make the whole draft a success kind of players lie are in the second round.

Picking for need after round one is a horrible mistake.

During the 2009 draft in the second round the Cleveland Browns took DE David Veikune, a need decision, one pick later the Eagles grabbed RB LeSean McCoy. Tricky, eh?

This years second round finds could be, WR Randall Cobb, RB Ryan Williams, QB Colin Kaepernick and possibly OG Rodney Hudson.

Keep your eyes open! There are plenty of second round choices that could be the next Brett Favre.