NFL Draft: Best Selections by Pick, 2005-2009
After previously investigating the worst draft picks by position from 2005 to 2009 it's now time to reveal best selection made at each spot over that time frame. Once again I have only gone up to 2009 as I feel a lone NFL season is not enough to judge a player good or bad.
As you will soon see each and every 1st round pick has the potential to be a lucrative selection, some much more so than others. From unlikely draft day falls to bold apparent reaches, there are plenty of opportunities for every organization to land a potential franchise cornerstone at some point during the draft's initial 32 picks.
In compiling this list I have taken into consideration primarily a players performance on the gridiron, but have also given weight to the impact the player has had on the organization both on and off the field, his relative value to his franchise, and lastly his effect on the players around him.
What follows should give fans of all franchises hope that April 28th will see the addition of a player that will help their team become or remain a playoff contender.
1.MARIO WILLIAMS (DE, NORTH CAROLINA STATE) – HOUSTON TEXANS – 2006
1 of 33
Mario Williams was not only the most successful 1st overall pick in recent history, but he was also the most controversial at the time of his selection. All the pre-draft hype leading up to the 2006 NFL Draft surrounded USC running back Reggie Bush and Texas quarterback Vince Young and with the Texans having needs at both position the commonly held belief was that either Bush or hometown favorite Young would be the 1st pick come draft day. Then the evening before the draft Houston stunned everyone by announcing it had agreed to terms with top defensive prospect Mario Williams leaving Bush and Young to be selected 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the 5 seasons since the ’06 draft Williams has become an All Pro defensive end that many will argue is the best in the NFL, Bush is little more than a complementary running back and return man for the New Orleans Saints, and Vince Young has had a tumultuous and ultimately unsuccessful tenure as a Tennessee Titan. Although former Texans general manager Charley Casserly’s track record with the organization is subject to much debate he showed tremendous resolve and evaluation skills in his ability to resist pressure from the media and fans alike and avoided making a tremendous mistake by taking the sexy pick at least in the eyes of the media and the common fan. As a result the Texans have an elite All Pro franchise cornerstone rather than an over paid situational player or a high profile bust.
2.CALVIN JOHNSON (WR, GEORGIA TECH) – DETROIT LIONS – 2007
2 of 33
The 4th time turned out to be a charm for former Lions general manager Matt Millen. After spending top 10 picks on Roy Williams, Charles Rogers, and Mike Williams Lions fans were obviously a little skeptical when Millen selected Calvin Johnson with the 2nd pick of the 2007 NFL Draft. As it turns out though Johnson has become the lone superstar selected by Millen over the course of his 7 years as GM. The man dubbed “Megatron” has quickly become one the NFL’s elite wide receivers and it could even be argued that he is right there with Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald as the game’s best wide out. What is most impressive about what Johnson has been able to accomplish in the Motor City is that he has achieved his All Pro status without the benefit of strong quarterback play or another weapon in the passing game to divert the attention of opposing defenses making him subject to constant double coverage. Although Matt Millen’s tenure in Detroit will deservedly go down as the most disastrous run by any decision maker of all time, although Al Davis may have something to say about that, he should be given credit for having the wherewithal to ignore his past mistakes when selecting Johnson who is now a franchise player for a team that will be a real up and comer if quarterback Matthew Stafford can stay off the IR.
3.MATT RYAN (QB, BOSTON COLLEGE) – ATLANTA FALCONS – 2008
3 of 33
To Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff’s credit Matt Ryan was no sure thing heading into the 2008 NFL Draft. Matty Ice, as he was known for his ability to stay calm under pressure, had his fair share of detractors who were quick to point to the amount that Boston College took to the air as the reason behind Ryan’s impressive college numbers and some labeled him a risk taker who was bound to turn the ball over in the NFL. With those concerns out there, one line of thought was that Smith and Dimitroff should take the safe pick by selecting LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey in the 1st round and find a quarterback to develop in a later round. Lucky for Atlanta the duo liked what they saw in Matt Ryan and selected the quarterback to be the new face of a franchise that was looking to recover from the debacles of Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino. Smith and Dimitroff had so much confidence in the young QB that he was named the opening day starter as rookie and he went on to lead the Falcons to the playoffs behind an 11-5 record en route to becoming the 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year. His sophomore season he lead Atlanta to a 9-7 record marking the first time in franchise history the team posted back to back winning seasons and by 2010 he again led Atlanta in the playoffs earning his first Pro Bowl honors in the process. If Ryan continues on the path he has been on, it would be surprising if he doesn’t end up hoisting a Lombardi Trophy or two during his career.
.jpg?w=256 "Commanders Giants Football")
4.D’BRICKASHAW FERGUSON (OT, VIRGINIA) – NEW YORK JETS – 2006
4 of 33
Coming out of Virginia as 4 year starter with 49 consecutive starts to his credit on one of college football’s best offensive lines there were many who thought D’Brickashaw Ferguson was the best left tackle prospect since Jonathan Ogden. Being such an impressive and heralded prospect, Ferguson was a no-brainer for a Jets team that had given up 53 sacks the season before, good for 3rd worst in the NFL. New York selected the talented tackle and immediately inserted him into the starting line up on the left side, a tall order for a rookie. Consequently, Ferguson often found himself in over his head during his first professional season. He was a competent run blocker, but he struggled mightily in pass protection initially allowing 10.5 and 13.25 sacks in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Things finally started to come together in his 3rd season undoubtedly due in part the addition of Alan Faneca next to him at left guard. Since then he has really come into his own earning Pro Bowl honors in 2009 and 2010 while the Jets pass protection as whole has improved to now being among the better units in the league playing a vital role in development of Mark Sanchez by giving the youngster the time he needs to read the coverage and work through his progressions. The hopes of the organization riding on the development of Sanchez as its franchise quarterback perhaps no player outside of Sanchez himself is as vital to the organization as Ferguson.
5.A.J. HAWK (OLB, OHIO STATE) – GREEN BAY PACKERS – 2006
5 of 33
The 5th pick in the draft has not been a rewarding spot in recent history, although 2010’s 5th overall selection Eric Berry, who is not eligible for consideration for this piece, looks to be bucking that trend earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie. The best 5th pick between 2005 and 2009 really comes down to A.J. Hawk and Glenn Dorsey, 2 prospects who have become solid starters for their respective franchises, but not the game changers they were expected to become when they were drafted. The edge goes to Hawk simply because he seems to have become a favorite amongst fans, teammates, and coaches in Green Bay and is emerging as a leader in the organization. After 5 solid seasons the Packers actually released Hawk this off-season in order to rework his contract to be more in line with his play. During his brief period on the open market he received a lot of interest from other clubs provoking the Packers got a deal done quickly and revealing that he is held in high regard around the league. Hawk is a guy who is going to represent the franchise well on and off the field even though he probably will never represent it in a Pro Bowl. While that don’t get all the media hype, guys like that are hard to come by and are a key part in building a championship caliber football team.
6.VERNON DAVIS (TE, MARYLAND) – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – 2006
6 of 33
It was well known that Vernon Davis was a workout warrior and an impressive physical talent when he declared for the 2006 draft. However, no one could have expected the display he put on in Indianapolis at the 2006 Combine. Davis left scouts in awe measuring in 6’3, 254 lbs. and clocking in at 4.38 in the 40 yard dash. Too big for a defensive back to cover and too fast for a linebacker, he was seen as a mismatch waiting to happen. Under that assumption San Francisco selected him 6th overall with the expectation that he’d develop into a weapon similar to what Antonio Gates had become for the San Diego Chargers. Initially though Davis was no Gates. Through 3 professional seasons the talented tight end consistently under achieved as a pass catcher, averaging roughly 34 receptions for 375 yards and 3 touchdowns per year. The watershed moment for Davis came half way through the 2008 season when interim head coach Mike Singletary sent him to the locker room after he received a flag for a personal foul, an event that seemed to ignite a fire within the young man. Entering 2009 with a newly found sense of maturity and focus, Davis finally took the NFL by storm like he was predicted to do as a rookie breaking out earning his first Pro Bowl invite. He received a 5-year contract extension from the 49ers before 2010 and responded by continuing his dominance despite the 49ers quarterback woes. Entering the prime of his career, Davis will be a key figure for new coach Jim Harbarugh in his efforts to reverse the franchise’s recent misfortunes.
7.ADRIAN PETERSON (RB, OKLAHOMA) – MINNESOTA VIKINGS – 2007
7 of 33
Following the 2006 NFL season the Minnesota Vikings had a lot of holes to fill on their roster namely at quarterback. Naturally, most assumed that offensive minded new head coach Brad Childress would target Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn to be his hand picked franchise quarterback instead, Childress pulled a bit of a shocker and selected Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson 7th overall after the talented running back took a slight tumble due to concerns surrounding his ability to stay healthy. What made the Peterson selection so surprising was that Chester Taylor, who was just signed from Baltimore the previous off-season, had rushed for over 1200 yards in his first season with the Vikings. Unfortunately for Taylor his gig as a featured back was short lived with Peterson immediately taking the NFL by storm rushing for over 1300 yards and 12 touchdowns as a rookie including a Week 9 performance that saw him break the NFL’s single game rushing record. Peterson hasn’t showed any sign of slowing down since then averaging over 1400 yards and 13 touchdowns a year in the 3 years since he burst onto the professional scene showing concerns over his durability were unwarranted. He has not only been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his 4 NFL seasons, but he has been named All-Pro all 4 years as well. He is already considered the game’s most complete back and has become the face of the Vikings’ franchise. It is very probable that if AP stays healthy he’ll ultimately end up in the conversation as one the NFL’s all time great running backs.
8.ANTREL ROLLE (CB, MIAMI) – ARIZONA CARDINALS – 2005
8 of 33
Like the 5th spot in the draft, the 8th overall pick has not brought fortune to its holder in recent memory. Also like the 5th selection, the 8th selections best recent representative came from the 2010 draft with the Oakland Raiders’ selection of Ronaldo McClain; however, a single professional season is not enough to label a pick a success or failure. Although his career has not been the model of consistency, Antrel Rolle has been a 2-time Pro Bowl selection, one of which was warranted, and was named All-Pro this past season. Initially drafted as a cornerback out of Miami, Rolle was quickly shaping up to as bust before the Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt, recognizing Rolle’s best attribute to be his ball skills, moved the former Hurricane to free safety for the 2009 season. At safety Rolle became a break out star and developed into the Pro Bowl caliber defensive back he failed to become as a corner. After a lone successful season at safety for the Cardinals Rolle was released to avoid a $4 million roster bonus and was promptly signed the very next day to a lucrative contract with the New York Giants. He earned 2010 Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors despite his first season in New York being largely considered a disappointment contributing only 1 interception to secondary that altogether unimpressive. With a year in Giants defense under his belt, 2011 figures to be a better season for Rolle on account have a chance to gain a better understanding of the scheme and his role within it.
9.B.J. RAJI (DT, BOSTON COLLEGE) – GREEN BAY PACKERS – 2009
9 of 33
Making the switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 under newly hired defensive coordinator Dom Capers the Green Bay Packers went into the 2009 draft looking to remake their defensive front. Specifically the Packers were looking to add both size upfront to improve a run defense that ranked that was 3rd worst in the NFC in 2008 and a pass rusher that would help better the NFC’s 2nd worst pass rush. With options at both positions general manager Ted Thompson opted to secure an anchor up front first and foremost selecting B.J. Raji who had catapulted himself from a 2nd round prospect to a top 10 lock during the months leading up the draft. Initially it looked as if Raji may have been over hyped with his rookie season ending up a wash thanks to a camp holdout and a nagging ankle injury that prevented him from ever really challenging Ryan Pickett for the starting gig at nose tackle. Raji wouldn’t wait long though to prove his worth and quickly put the unimpressive rookie performance behind him seizing the starting nose tackle job in training camp before his sophomore campaign forcing Pickett outside to defensive end. As the starter Raji excelled in all phases of the game. More than just a space eater, he registered 6.5 sacks and routinely dropped into, even recording an interception, which he returned for a touchdown that sealed the Packers’ victory in the NFC Championship Game. Although he barely missed out on earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2010, there are sure to be many in his future and he wouldn’t have been able to participate anyways as he would go on to earn a more important accolade, a Super Bowl ring.
10.JEROD MAYO (MLB, TENNESSEE) – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – 2008
10 of 33
Without its 1st round selection thanks to the Spygate scandal, New England still found itself in a very enviable position for the 2008 NFL Draft with San Francisco’s 7th overall pick which it obtained in a draft day trade the year before. After a crushing loss in Super Bowl XLII that ended the Patriots’ run at the NFL’s first 19-0 season, the organization needed to secure an impact prospect that could help it bounce back from such a crushing defeat. On defense the franchise was at a crossroads. Defensive leaders like Teddy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison were past there prime creating a need for a young talent capable of becoming the spearhead of the unit. Fortunately for New England they got just that after trading down a few spots and using the 10th overall pick to select Jerod Mayo. A prospect many thought would go somewhere in the middle to later part of the 1st round, Mayo quickly proved he was no reach. He became a big time contributor for the Patriots right off the bat as the only rookie in the Week 1 starting lineup and playing well enough throughout the 2008 season to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. That proved to only be the beginning. This past year, his 3rd in the league, was his break out year. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors and really established himself as one of the premier young defenders in the league and the unquestioned leader of a young albeit talented New England defense.
11.DEMARCUS WARE (DE, TROY) – DALLAS COWBOYS – 2005
11 of 33
I doubt anyone would require much justification for DeMarcus Ware being named the best 11th overall selection in recent memory, or even in the entire history of the NFL Draft. Simply put Ware has become the NFL’s most dangerous pass rusher amassing 80 sacks thus far in his 6-year career. Although he was a tremendous prospect, coming out of tiny Troy University there were obvious questions regarding how the well he would fair in making the dramatic jump from small time Division I college football to the NFL. Needless to say, Ware quickly answered those question starting every game his rookie season and registering 8 sacks in the process. Since then he has become an unstoppable force off the edge for the Cowboys. Every week opposing blocking schemes focusing on trying to slow him down and almost always they end up looking helpless in the process. He has been named to a Pro Bowl and All-Pro team in every season except for his rookie year and he won Defensive MVP honors following a 20-sack season in 2008. Most impressive of all of Ware’s accolades was his inclusion on the 2000s All Decade team despite not even being in the league until half way through the decade. DeMarcus Ware truly is one of the NFL’s elite talents, regardless of position. It is a safe bet that he will one day be enshrined in Canton as a first ballot Hall of Famer.
12.HALOTI NGATA (DT, OREGON) – BALTIMORE RAVENS – 2006
12 of 33
You would be hard pressed to find a better all around defensive lineman in the NFL today than Haloti Ngata. No matter the situation Ngata’s size, strength, and explosiveness often requires that opposing blocking schemes devote multiple blockers to him in turn freeing up other members of the talented Baltimore Ravens defense to make plays, that is of course himself Ngata does not do so first. The value that kind of presence brings to a defense cannot be overstated. Without Ngata it is safe to assume that Terrell Suggs would be no where near as productive as he is off the edge, that Ray Lewis would not be able to track down ball carries as quickly as he does, and that Ed Reed would have to as many opportunities to take advantage of poor decisions made by opposing quarterbacks. Although Lewis, Suggs, and Reed are the most visible and popular members of the Ravens’ defense, Ngata has not gone unnoticed earning All Pro honors the last 3 seasons. Make no mistake, Lewis may be the vocal leader of the Baltimore defense, but it’s actually Ngata that is the linchpin holding everything together on that side of the ball. Designated as the Ravens franchise player this off-season, he should reap the rewards for his outstanding play in the form of a lucrative long term contract that should make him one the league’s top paid defensive lineman once a new CBA permits Baltimore to do so.
13.BRIAN ORAKPO (DE, TEXAS) – WASHINGTON REDSKINS – 2009
13 of 33
The Washington Redskins owe the Buffalo Bills a thank you for the Bills making the decision to ignore the tremendously productive and decorated career Brian Orakpo achieved as a Texas Longhorn in favor of the impressive workout numbers and potential of Penn State’s one year wonder Aaron Maybin. In the 2 short seasons since the 2009 NFL Draft Brian Orakpo has become one of the game’s best young pass rusher and a 2 time Pro Bowler where as Maybin has become a bust that has yet to produced a single sack as a professional. Orakpo was an impact defender right out the gate recording 11 sacks as rookie including a 4 sack Week 14 effort against the Oakland Raiders that tied the franchise’s single game sack record. That was good enough to earn him a trip to the Pro Bowl making him 1 of only 6 rookies to receive that honor in ‘09. He earned a 2nd trip to the Pro Bowl as a sophomore despite seeing his sack total falling to 8.5, but that must be taken in the context of the fact that he carried the Redskins’ pass rush pretty much solely on his shoulders and was routinely able to make an impact by being on the receiving end of holding calls. Going forward, Orakpo figures to be a much needed franchise cornerstone for a Redskins team that is looking to establish some stability after almost a decade of constant coach and personal turnover.
14.DARRELLE REVIS (CB, PITTSBURGH) – NEW YORK JETS – 2007
14 of 33
Plain and simply Darrelle Revis is the best defensive back, corner or safety, in the NFL. The way he has been able to consistently totally shut down some of the NFL’s most elite wide outs is down right unbelievable. From Randy Moss to Reggie Wayne to Andre Johnson, Revis has made All-Pros into non-factors. The value of his ability to essentially take away half the football field and nullify an opponent’s primary receiver cannot be understated. He allows Rex Ryan to bring more pressure with greater confidence or provide additional help to other defenders in pass coverage because he knows he can leave Revis alone on island no matter the opponent or the situation. His shutdown abilities have resulted in AFC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2009 as well as Pro Bowl selections the last 3 seasons and All Pro nods the previous 2 years. The Jets rewarded the star corner with a new deal following a prolonged holdout before the 2010 season making the location of “Revis Island,” as his side of the field has come to be known, the New Meadowlands Stadium for years to come. He’s already well on his way to becoming a 1st ballot Hall of Famer and the continuation of his incredible success will enable him to make a run at challenging Deion Sanders for the title of the greatest corner to ever play the game.
15.LAWRENCE TIMMONS (OLB, FLORIDA STATE) – PITTSBURGH STEELERS – 2007
15 of 33
Up until this past season it was beginning to look as if Lawrence Timmons was not going to live up to his potential at least not while he was in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform. Granted the Steelers organization is known to bring rookies along slowly, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but during his first 2 seasons Timmons really struggled to find playing time behind veterans James Farrior and Larry Foote showing flashes of his ability far too inconsistently to gain the confidence of head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. He got his big opportunity in 2009 with Foote leaving as a free agent and while his stat line for the season looked good on paper, he appeared lost at times and too often took himself out of plays. That set up 2010 to be the make or break season for Timmons as a Steeler and he responded in a big way. The least heralded of the 4 linebackers, Timmons was just as effective as both LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison and was clearly the better player in the middle in comparison to James Farrior last season. What made the difference was his ability to finally bring along the mental aspect of his game to match his tremendous physical gifts. The 2011 season should see him make another giant step forward as he will be expected to assume the leadership role from Farrior and should take over playing calling duties for the defensive. It should also be expected that Timmons will make the first of what should be several Pro Bowl appearances after being one of the worst snubs left off the 2010 roster. All in all, he appears set to be the next in a long line of great Pittsburgh linebackers.
16.DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE (CB, TENNESSEE STATE) – ARIZONA CARDINALS – 2008
16 of 33
The 16th overall pick is another one of those picks that hasn’t been the landing spot for future superstars in recent history. With a 2009 Pro Bowl selection to his credit Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie represents the best of the bunch select from ’05 to ‘09. Picking of 13 passes so far in his short NFL career one thing that is for sure is that he has a nose for the football. Beyond that, there are few who can match what he brings to the table purely from a talent and physical standpoint making him capable of matching up with any wide out in the league. Where Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has struggled though is in the mental aspect of the game. Too often he relies on his athletic talent and that has hurt the development of his awareness and ability to read a play. As a result he found himself too often out of position allowing for separation or in more extreme cases flat out blown assignments both of which are inexcusable from a player that is supposed to be a primary corner. Rodgers-Cromartie himself has acknowledged as much and has pledged to improve for the 2011 season. The addition of new defensive coordinator Ray Horton and assistant defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend should prove beneficial to his development and will certainly aid in helping him achieve his goal. With his undeniable talent and eagerness to learn and better his game you have to like the young man’s chances of making significant strides this coming season and potentially earning a return trip to Hawaii.
17.JOSH FREEMAN (QB, KANSAS STATE) – TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS – 2009
17 of 33
Quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez received all the pre-draft buzz from the media leaving Josh Freeman as a distant after thought that some felt did not even deserve 1st round consideration. Fast forward two season and Freeman has proven his detractors wrong giving every indication of becoming a franchise quarterback for a young, up and coming Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. Stafford and Sanchez have become starters for their respective teams as well, but Stafford’s first two years in Detroit have been injury plagues and the New York Jets seem to win in spite of Sanchez not on account of him, although he has had his moments. Freeman on the other hand has remained healthy and is the unquestioned leader of the Buccaneers offense. During the Tampa’s surprising 10-6 2010 season, Freeman’s 1st as a full time starter, the young man displayed poise beyond his years leading to the league’s 6th highest passer rating, placing him ahead of big names such as Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan. He and wide receiver Mike Williams quickly formed a report with one another and figure to become one of the best pass and catch combinations in the NFL over the coming season. It’s a safe bet that the young quarterback has multiple Pro Bowls in his future and that the Buccaneers franchise will once again rise to relevancy behind the strength of his arm.
18.JOE FLACCO (QB, DELAWARE) – BALTIMORE RAVENS – 2008
18 of 33
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome has earned much acclaim for his skill in evaluating draft prospects and rightfully so. He consistently does an excellent job at not only finding the best talent, but also at working the draft board to land his targets in positions of great value. Those skills were on full display in 2008 when Newsome moved down from the 8th overall selection to the 18th selection collecting a ransom of draft picks from Jacksonville in the process and still landed the quarterback he was targeting in Joe Flacco. At the time Flacco was viewed a very bold selection. Coming out of Division I-AA Delaware, where he transferred to after not receiving playing time at the University of Pittsburgh, many analysts questioned how well he’d adapt to NFL competition and whether or not his production was on account of lesser competition. Those doubters did not have to wait long to have their questions answered. Flacco was thrown into the starting job as a rookie due to a season ending injury for Kyle Boller and illness for Troy Smith and he hasn’t missed a start since producing an impressive 36-19 record, including 4 playoff wins, in the process. The Ravens have gone to the post-season in each of his three years at the helm and have won at least one game in each trip, going all the way to the AFC Championship Game his rookie year. Most importantly, Flacco has progressively assumed a more prominent role within the offense going from a game manager to now being the guy who head coach John Harbaugh expects to put the offense on his shoulders in key situations. The continuation of that trend in combination with a Ray Rice lead ground game and the always stout Baltimore defense will make the Ravens a Super Bowl contender for 2011 and beyond.
19.MICHAEL GRIFFIN (S, TEXAS) – TENNESSEE TITANS – 2007
19 of 33
Just having lost Adam Jones for the 2007 season thanks to his now infamous Las Vegas Strip Club incident, the Tennessee Titans found themselves suddenly in need of help in the defensive backfield. The commonly held conception was that head coach Jeff Fisher would take advantage of a draft thought to be deep at the corner position and select a prospect that would hopefully allow the franchise to part with the constant headache Pacman Jones had become so it came as a surprise when Tennessee chose Michael Griffin, a free safety, with it’s first selection. Despite not being viewed as a potential pro corner Fisher initially tried to develop Griffin as one anyway and did not achieve much success. Thankfully for both Griffin and the organization the experiment ended when Courtland Finnegan stepped up in Jones’ absence and free safety Calvin Lowry proved to be a liability as the last line of defense. Once the Titans had Griffin back at his proper position he quickly became an impact defender. In just his second professional season he made the Pro Bowl and he was named second team All Pro this past season. He has become the complete package as a safety displaying the ability to act as a ballhawk or lock up in man coverage on passing downs and play in the box attacking the line of scrimmage in rushing situations. There’s potential for Griffin to ascend to an elite level in 2011 under the guidance of new Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, who previously coached Sean Taylor and LaRon Landry in Washington as the Redskins defensive backs coach.
20.TAMBA HALI (DE, PENN STATE) – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – 2006
20 of 33
Before Scott Pioli and Todd Haley took control on the Kansas City Chiefs franchise Tamba Hali was considered a solid pass rusher as 4-3 defensive end, but not exactly a guy that opposing offensive coaches had to game plan for. Then the duo of Pioli and Haley came to town and with them came the 3-4 defense. Initially Hali appeared ill suited for the scheme. Not particularly quick or agile he was a questionable fit at outside linebacker and he certainly did not have the size to anchor as a 5-technique. Surprisingly Tamba Hali proved he could indeed be an effective stand up pass rusher amassing a career high 8.5 sacks in his first season at his new position. However, that would prove to just be a small preview of what he was capable of. With a full season in the scheme under his belt Hali came through with a break out performance in 2010 erupting for 14.5 sacks trailing only DeMarcus Ware for the most in the league. Most impressive about Hali’s performance this past season was that his production came without the benefit of having another pass rusher on the defense to divert any attention away from him making him the focal point of opposing pass protections week in and week out. Kansas City recently designated its former top overall selection as its franchise player and if the team does not do so this off-season, a follow up double digit sack performance in 2011 will ensure that Hali receives a lucrative long term contract whether its from Kansas City or any of a growing number of 3-4 teams in need of a feature pass rusher.
21.ALEX MACK (C, CALIFORNIA) – CLEVELAND BROWNS – 2009
21 of 33
The 2009 NFL Draft would be considered an all out wasted effort on behalf of newly hired general manager George Kokinos and head coach Eric Mangini if it weren’t for the selection of Alex Mack with the organization’s 1st overall pick. Not only did the Browns allowed the Jets to trade up from the 17th to the 5th pick for basically nothing and then traded back twice more with the Buccaneers and Eageles getting poor deals each time, but in the process of trading back for pennies on the dollar so to speak the organization passed on both Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman despite have Derek Anderson for a starting quarterback. At least for Cleveland fans the Kokinos and Mangini duo did manage to select a Pro Bowler out of the debacle in Alex Mack. A highly decorated 3 year starter and 3 time All Pac-10 lineman, Mack was about as close to a “sure thing” as you can possible be as a prospect and was almost unanimously seen as a guy who would come in and anchor an NFL front for a decade or more right from the start. He did just that for Cleveland immediately earning a spot in the starting lineup as a rookie and going on to surrender only 0.25 sacks in his first professional season. He followed with a Pro Bowl performance this past season paving the way for a break out season by running back Peyton Hillis and provided valuable protection for rookie quarterback Colt McCoy. With just two NFL seasons to his credit Mack is already seen as one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL and joins Pittsburgh’s Maurkice Pouncey in looking to challenge New York’s Nick Mangold for the title as the best center in the NFL.
22.PERCEY HARVIN (WR, FLORIDA) – MINNESOTA VIKINGS – 2009
22 of 33
Hot in pursuit of a recently “retired” Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress opted to use his 1st selection in the 2009 draft on an offensive weapon that could help further entice the fickle quarterback from farm life in Mississippi to another year in the NFL. Hailing from an unconventional Florida Gator spread offense, recovering for a hairline fracture and a high ankle sprain, and testing positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine Percy Harvin was a surprise pick in front of fellow wide outs Hakeem Nicks and Kenny Britt. However, Harvin possessed a unique package of elusiveness and speed that proved just too enticing for Childress to pass up. In his first season Chilly found ways to get the ball into the hands of his promising rookie hands in space where that elusiveness and speed could be put on full display. The result was over 2,000 all purpose yards, 8 touchdowns and numerous honors including Rookie of the Year and All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. As a second year guy this past season Harvin was forced to take on a greater role in the passing game with Sidney Rice missing most of the season due to off-season hip surgery. Unfortunately, Brett Favre finally started showing his age, the passing game as a whole struggled, and Harvin never looked comfortable as a primary target. It also did not help that at the same time Brad Childress was losing control of the franchise and would eventually be fired before the season’s end. In spite of his struggles last season new head coach Leslie Frazier remains committed to the young receiver and says he plans to feature him more on offense in 2011 with play calls designed to get him isolated in one on one situations. If the Vikings can find a competent QB to get him the ball between now and the start of next season, Harvin could be in for very big year en route to firmly establishing himself as one the league’s premier big play threats.
23.DWAYNE BOWE (WR, LSU) – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – 2007
23 of 33
For a franchise that has been playing professional football as long as the Kansas City Chiefs have you would figure it would have a richer history at the wide receiver position. Outside of Tony Gonzalez, a tight end, the Chiefs all-time receiving core is a largely anonymous list. In the entire 50-year history of the team there have on been 5 Pro Bowlers wide, only 3 multiple 1,000 seasons, and just 5 Kansas City wide outs have produced double-digit touchdown seasons. Current Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe is a member of all 3 of those exclusive fraternities. Bowe’s first two seasons in Kansas City were quite promising featuring over 2,000 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. With Tony Gonzalez traded to the Falcons, the offensive minded Todd Haley in as head coach, and Matt Cassell as the new franchise quarterback, his third season was supposed to be Bowe’s breakout season. However, the receiver experienced his worst professional season quickly finding himself in Todd Haley’s doghouse due to questionable work ethic and suffering the from the effects of Cassell’s struggles to adjust to his first full NFL season as a starter. The down year proved to be just a hiccup though and Bowe had his official break out season in 2010 eclipsing 1,000 yards for the second time in his career and hauling in a league leading 15 touchdown grabs earning him a spot in the 2010 Pro Bowl. Having repaired his relationship with Todd Haley and established a report with Matt Cassell Dwayne Bowe’s is facing a very bright future on one the NFL’s most promising young teams.
24.AARON RODGERS (QB, CALIFORNIA) – GREEN BAY PACKERS – 2005
24 of 33
The Aaron Rodgers-Alex Smith debate and Rodgers draft day fall are both now infamous examples of the inexact science of the NFL Draft. Sitting atop the 2005 draft the San Francisco 49ers had to make the decision between the known quantity in Aaron Rodgers, who played in Jeff Tedford’s pro-style offense as the quarterback for the Cal Golden Bears, or potential and intrigue of Alex Smith, a product of Urban Meyer’s spread offense during Meyer’s days a the head coach of the Utah Utes. In the end the 49ers decided to go with the athletic ability of Alex Smith hoping he would become the next Steve Young. What followed was shocking. Team after team passed on Rodgers although he had a fantastic college resumé and was seen as the most pro-ready quarterback prospect. His free fall was finally ended when Green Bay selected him to be the heir apparent to an aging Brett Favre. After spending 3 seasons on the bench enduring the annual Brett Favre post-season retirement ritual Rodgers finally got his chance to start after Green Bay’s leadership joined the rest of America and grew tired of Favre’s act. Facing the dual pressures of being the guy trying to replace a legend and also being the guy that some viewed as having a hand in sending said legend out of town Aaron Rodgers entered his 1st year as a starter under intense scrutiny from the fans and the media. All Rodgers did was rise to the occasion and earn the support of the franchise and the fan base after just one season under center. In his three years as Green Bay’s starter he has already emerged from Favre’s shadow establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier passers and also one of its most likeable athletes. A Super Bowl victory this past year over the Pittsburgh Steelers firmly cemented his own unique legacy in Green Bay and with the team being so young and so deep across the board many think Rodgers could be captaining the NFL’s newest dynasty.
25.JON BEASON (MLB, MIAMI) – CAROLINA PANTHERS – 2007
25 of 33
Realizing that middle linebacker Dan Morgan was a poor bet to ever make it through a full 16 game season, not to mention the playoffs, the Carolina Panthers were forced to find a young player in the 2007 draft capable of filling in for Morgan in the middle of the defense in the likely event that he would miss significant time due to injury. In order to fill that need former Panthers head coach John Fox again looked the University of Miami, the alma mater of Morgan, and selected linebacker Jon Beason. The former Hurricane offered the franchise a unique value being able to make an impact regardless of Morgan’s health status with his ability to start at weakside linebacker in the off chance that Morgan remained healthy while still offering a viable option to step up and play the middle at a high level if need be. Sure enough, Dan Morgan only appeared in 3 games before an ankle injury ended his season forcing Beason to slide over to middle of the defense where he experienced immediate success. After just two seasons Beason was given Pro Bowl honors and has subsequently been name to the NFC roster in each of the two seasons since, with his 2010 selection coming as an outside linebacker after he voluntarily acted in the best interest of the team, despite coming off consecutive All-Pro seasons in the middle, by returning to his initial rookie position following Thomas Davis suffering a season ending knee injury in training camp. As the Carolina franchise looks to rebuild from the ground up, Beason figures to be one of the few Pro Bowlers left on the roster for 2011 and beyond making him a key piece for the organization both on and off the football field.
26.CLAY MATTHEWS (OLB, USC) – GREEN BAY PACKERS – 2009
26 of 33
It’s draft picks like Clay Matthews that have earned Packers general manager Ted Thompson the reputation of being one of the NFL’s best talented evaluators and draft day operators. Looking to secure a pass rusher for newly hired defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ 3-4 scheme, Thompson gave up a 2nd round pick and two 3rd round selections to the New England Patriots to move back into the 1st round to select Clay Matthews a bit early than most thought the USC product would go. After walking on with the Trojans and producing only 13.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks during his entire career there were legitimate concerns that Matthews was just a workout warrior whose impressive performances in shorts and a t-shirt would not necessarily translate to the football field at the professional level. Ignoring those concerns Thompson drafted Matthews over more productive college prospects such as Everett Brown, Connor Barwin, and Michael Johnson and he has since looked like a genius with Clay becoming an instant terror off the edge and a Pro Bowler in both of his NFL seasons while the others have yet to assume a significant role with their respected franchises. This past year in addition to being named to the Pro Bowl Matthews also earned NFC Defensive Player of the Year, an All-Pro selection, and most importantly won a Super Bowl championship. In just two seasons he has become Green Bay’s franchise player on the defensive side of the ball and one the NFL’s most feared pass rushers. Not bad for a guy who was largely seen as a 2nd round prospect by so-called experts.
27.RODDY WHITE (WR, UAB) – ATLANTA FALCONS – 2005
27 of 33
After leading the Falcons to an impressive 11-5 regular season mark and then carrying the team all the way to the NFC Championship, Michael Vick was shut down by an athletic Philadelphia Eagles defense that forced that elusive quarterback to try to win the game with his arm which he could not do then or at any other point in his career. It was clear that if the Falcons were going to be Super Bowl contenders Vick had to evolve as a passer and the more talent the franchise put around him the quicker that could happen. Previously, Atlanta tried the veteran rout trading a 1st round pick in the 2003 to the Buffalo Bills for Peerless Price, but he was so unremarkable after two seasons that he was released before he got a chance at a third. The release of Price gave every indication the franchise was expecting big things from 2007 1st overall pick Roddy White. However, White was a major let down in his first and second seasons and Vick continued to struggle as a passer. White finally broke out in his third year coming out of seemingly nowhere to produce over 1,2000 yards and 6 TDs. Then came the infamously tumultuous 2008 off-season in which the organization had to find a new head coach after having Bobby Patrino abruptly abandon the team with just weeks left in the regular season and a new franchise quarterback with Michael Vick under federal indictment on dog fighting charges. The calamity proved to be a blessing in disguise for both White and the organization as a whole. New head coach Mike Smith brought with him a needed cultural change and used the 3rd pick of the 2008 draft to select Matt Ryan to be the new franchise quarterback. With a stable organization and a Pro Bowl quarterback under center, Roddy White has built on his impressive 2007 season becoming an All-Pro wide receiver. Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank rewarded “Rowdy” Roddy in August of 2009 with a 6-year, $48 million contract extension that will keep him in the Georgia Dome through 2014.
28.ERIC WOOD (C, LOUISVILLE) – BUFFALO BILLS – 2009
28 of 33
Many casual fans will see Eric Wood over Marcedes Lewis at the best 28th pick between 2005 and 2009 and cry foul. However, Wood is at the disadvantage of playing an unglamorous position for a franchise that hasn’t been relevant for quite some time. Assuredly though, more studious fan and the Bills faithful know just how valuable of a player Wood has become when he’s been able to stay healthy. Although Marcedes Lewis did show tremendous talent last season with a Pro Bowl year racking up 700 yards receiving and 10 TDs that was the only time in his career he has come remotely close to that type of offensive output. Oddly enough it occurred during a contract year so excuse me if I am a bit skeptical in Lewis’ long-term emergence. Wood on the other hand has been effective since day on for his franchise becoming the best run blocker for a respectable Buffalo ground game. While injuries have been an issue limiting him to 10 games as a rookie and 14 in his second year, he displayed toughness and resolve rebounding quicker than expected and continuing right where he left off with no apparent residual effects. Expected to move from right guard to his natural position of center for the 2011 season, Wood has a future that looks bright if he can remain healthy for a full 16 game season. While accolades such as Pro Bowls will be hard to come by playing in a conference that features more highly touted outstanding young centers in New York’s Nick Mangold, Pittsburgh’s Maurkice Pouncey, and Alex Mack in Cleveland, Eric Wood into one of the most effective interior lineman in the league and will be a key part of the the rebuilding effort currently underway in Buffalo.
29.NICK MANGOLD (C, OHIO STATE) – NEW YORK JETS : 2006
29 of 33
After selecting D’Brickashaw Ferguson to be their franchise left tackle with their 1st pick of the 2006 NFL Draft, the New York Jets were not done rebuilding the offensive line and used their 2nd selection in the 1st round on Ohio State center Nick Mangold. Faced with the undesirable task of replacing a future Hall of Famer and team leader in Kevin Mawae Mangold was under a lot of pressure to pay immediate dividends in New York. Sure enough the former Buckeye not only rose to expectations he exceeded them becoming the anchor of a much improved Jets offensive front that was able to emerge from being at the bottom of the barrel the previous year. As the Jets running game continued to improve Mangold began to garner much deserved attention and was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2008 season. It wouldn’t be until Rex Ryan took over as head coach for the 2009 season though that Mangold’s would show his full potential. Bringing with him a commitment to the power run game the Jets’ average carries per game would rise from 26 to 38 during Ryan’s first year at the helm. The increased workload allowed Nick Mangold to shine going from a Pro Bowl center to an All-Pro one and entering the conversation as a one of the NFL’s elite offensive lineman. Along with a stout defense the Jets run game has carried the franchise to consecutive AFC Championship Games and Mangold has been as much apart of the success on the ground as the backs themselves. He is currently seen as the best center playing the game today and is fast becoming a guy who will be mentioned with the all time greats like Webster, Stephenson, and Otto.
30.HEATH MILLER (TE, VIRGINIA) – PITTSBURGH STEELERS – 2005
30 of 33
You would be hard pressed to find a more underrated player in the league today than Heath Miller who has quietly become one of the best all around tight ends in the game. Despite being a 3 year starter for the Virginia Cavaliers, a John Mackey Award recipient, and an accomplished blocker to boot Miller somehow lasted all the way to the 30th pick of the 2005 draft where the Pittsburgh Steelers gladly ended his draft day slide. With an NFL ready size and skill set he earned the rare honor of starting for Pittsburgh as a rookie playing a key role as Ben Roethlisberger’s safety valve on a team that would go on to become Super Bowl XL Champions. From that point Miller just became more firmly entrenched within the offense becoming Roethlisberger’s most reliable target. He far from a flashy big play type of guy, but he is routinely the guy moving the chains in during key moments in the game and is rarely allows a catchable ball hit the ground even if it means putting his body at risk. In his 6 NFL seasons he has averaged over 500 yards receiving and roughly 5 touchdowns a year, been a key member of 2 Super Bowl teams, and has even earned a trip to a Pro Bowl. Most importantly, for everything he has been able to contribute as a receiver to the Steelers, he has matched that as a blocker. Whether he is asked to take on a defensive lineman, linebacker, or defensive back, Miller has consistently allowed Pittsburgh ball carriers to find success when running the ball to his side. His role as a receiver will likely diminish as promising young wide outs Mike Wallace, Emanuel Sanders, and Antonio Brown continue to progress; however, Miller is sure to remain on Ben Roethlisberger’s radar in pressure situations and he will continue to be key in creating running room for Rashard Mendehall.
31.GREG OLSEN (TE, MIAMI) – CHICAGO BEARS – 2007
31 of 33
The 28th pick has not been kind to its holders in recent drafts with Greg Olsen being the best of the bunch. Olsen moderate production as a professional is not so much about his talent, but more so a case of a good player on the wrong team. When he was draft he figured to quickly become a much needed second or third target helping to limit the numerous costly turnovers surrendered by quarterback Rex Grossman who was finally showing some signs of becoming at least a competent game manager. Unfortunately for Olsen Grossman regress in 2007 and there was a revolving door at quarterback during his rookie season with Grossman, Brian Greise, and Kyle Orton all starting multiple games preventing the young tight end and the offensive as whole from ever getting into any kind of rhythm. Eventually Orton emerged from the pack and with him at the helm Olsen saw an increase in his production across the board and flashed significant signs of becoming an asset in the passing game. His long-term outlook in Chicago received a boost when GM Jerry Angelo made the biggest trade in recent memory when he sent multiple 1st round picks and Orton to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Jay Cutler. With Cutler under center in 2009 Olsen would go on to experience his best season as a pro catching 60 balls for over 600 yards and 8 scores in his first season as a full time starter. It appeared as if the former Miami Hurricane was ready to ascend to a Pro Bowl level going forward until the Bears hired Mike Martz, who rarely features the tight end position in the passing game, to be the new offensive coordinator. Consequently, there was rampant speculation that Olsen would be traded, which to his credit he handled like a true professional. Sure enough though Olsen’s numbers and role within the offense did indeed decline under Martz last season. Although Jerry Angelo contests that the tight end will see his role increase in 2011, history is not on Olsen side. Fortunately 2011 is last year of his rookie contract and he will be free to sign with a team that can better utilize his abilities as a receiver in 2012.
32.LOGAN MANKINS (G, FRESNO STATE) – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – 2005
32 of 33
The Patriots’ selection of Logan Mankins at the bottom of the 1st round in ’05 was met with little fanfare. Most saw it as a safe pick and felt New England could have been better served by selecting a prospect to add to the underwhelming wide receiver core or to an aging group of linebackers and defensive backs. As it turns out, Logan Mankins has ended up right there with Aaron Rodgers, DeMarcus Ware, and Roddy White as one of the few difference makers to come out of the 2005 NFL Draft. In his 6 years in the NFL, he has only allowed 15.5 sacks and drawn just 25 penalties earn spots on three Pro Bowl and two All-Pro teams. His value to the New England and overall talent was really shown this past season when the usually frugal and no nonsense Patriots actually choose to negotiate with a disgruntled Mankins who sat out almost half the season to show his displeasure with his restricted free agent tender and then still went on to earn All-Pro honors. Given that the Patriots have moved on from other disgruntled veterans who were key contributors such as Richard Seymour, Ty Law, and Deon Branch the drama of 2010 is telling on just how significant the left guard has become to the organization. He has been the rock on the offensive line remarkably starting every game since his he came into the league except for the ones he missed during his holdout. New England recently designated him as its franchise player at a rate of over $10 million for 2011 and the team hopes to finally sign him to a long-term deal that will surely make him among the highest paid linemen in the league and likely will put him above New Orleans’ Jahari Evans as the most well compensated interior lineman.
COMING SOON...
33 of 33
Wednesday April 27th I will post my full 2 round mock draft with full analysis of each of the 64 picks. Be on the look out.
.jpg?w=480 "Commanders Giants Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Expert Mock Draft Roundup ✍️")
.jpg?w=600 "NFL Teams Under Most Pressure ♨️")
