From now until April there will be lots of jockeying for players in this spring’s NFL Draft. There is one player that has me a bit curious. Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden. I’m no scout or have any knowledge about what teams look for in a quarterback. I think Weeden would be worth the risk to take a first day flier on.
He will get knocked down a peg or two because of his age. He’s 28, pitched in the New York Yankees farm system for five years (he was a second round pick in 2002) before coming back to college. The question is, is he more Chris Weinke that Roger Staubach.
I think his age and maturity will help him adjust to the pro game. Whether he’ll be able to adjust to the speed of the game is a different story. He has the arm, mobility, and can make the throws. He did have his moments where he forced things that got him in trouble (see Iowa State game). He did have good receivers to throw to (thanks Justin Blackmon) that could’ve made him look better than he really is.
Another knock on him is that he played in a shotgun spread offense. The same knock that killed Texas tech quarterbacks coming out of college. I think he can overcome that if given a chance and play in a pro style system.
I think Weeden will be a third round pick at best. He could slide up to the seond round if he has a killer combine and pro day. Maybe he hit his ceiling in college and it gets no better for him. I do think he could wind up going to a quarterback starved team such as the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, or Seattle Seahawks. If he gets into a savior type situation it won’t be good for him.
With questions surrounding the Oregon Ducks after LaMichael James left, where will Darron Thomas go? The dual-threat quarterback is coming off a solid Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin.
Many were wondering what the 6’3″, 215-pound QB would do: Will he enter the NFL with James or will he stay for his senior year without James (but then again, he has DeAnthony Thomas in the backfield with him).
But the decision has now been made, as Thomas announced he will skip his senior season to enter the pros. Thomas is coming off a solid season with a school-record 33 touchdowns and over 2,700 yards passing.
“I came to this decision on behalf of myself and my family,” Thomas said in a statement released by Oregon. “I have a dream of playing in the NFL and I’m going to pursue those dreams.”
The Ducks finished 12-2 in the regular season, beating Wisconsin 45-42 in the Rose Bowl. Thomas has had a solid past two years. In his sophomore season, he helped lead Oregon to the National Championship, but falling short to Cam Newton’s Auburn Tigers. This year, he finally got a victory for the Ducks after capping off the Rose Bowl victory.
“As in all cases, we educate our players with the information we feel will be beneficial to them throughout the process but ultimately, the decision is left up to the players,” Oregon coach Chip Kelly said. “I will always support Darron in his decision and want to thank him for everything he has done for this program. He obviously has played a major role in elevating Oregon football to new heights and I wish him well in the future.”
Thomas finishes his collegiate career with 66 touchdowns along with 5,910 passing and 6,629 total yards.
Where do you think Thomas will fall in the NFL Draft? —-
Josh has been writing since 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also writes at Hardcourt Mayhem and contributes to TrueHoop’s Eight Points Nine Seconds. Check him out on JoshDhani.com and follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
Andrew Luck looks to be on his way to the NFL, and the Indianapolis Colts are on their way to the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft! If you’re the Colts, do you stick with Manning or start to rebuild immediately?
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We have all seen the comparisons between Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck — and at 0-7 , coming off a 55-point blowout, it looks like Indianapolis is leading the sweepstakes. There is no bigger discussion amongst members of football media than which team will have a chance to draft the collegiate star. In one of those recent discussions, former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms said that a healthy Manning would definitely not want Luck to be drafted — “no way.”
I can see what Simms is saying. Even if Manning stayed, he’d probably be gone after about two years, as Luck will have had a chance to get comfortable in the system.
I think if the Colts have the opportunity to take Luck, they will do it — no matter what Peyton Manning may say. Manning only has a few years left in his football career. Why not take Luck? Manning can mentor him for the future.
The biggest factor in this situation is Luck himself.
Will Luck be okay being a back-up for the first three or four years of his career and then taking over? Reports have came out that Luck may want to start right away, which is why many think the Miami Dolphins will the better choice. However, it would beneficial to Luck to land with the Colts, in my opinion. Look at how Aaron Rodgers turned out after backing up Brett Favre for a few years.
After Manning retires with the Indianapolis Colts and takes a shot at breaking numerous passing records — and he has just enough time to do so with four years left under his belt — the Luck dynasty can finally begin.
The final decision will likely be made by a Polian. Will Bill and Chris take a shot, even if it may upset No. 18? Will the Colts tie up that much money in the position over the next four seasons?
We’ll see.
Then again, Miami may get Luck and Indy could take a shot a players like Matt Barkley or Landry Jones; so don’t take that out of the question.
No matter what happens, it’s going to be an interesting April.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
“Suck for Luck” is sweeping the nation. According to Luck, this doesn’t concern him too much. He is just going to go out each week, play his game and continue striving for a national championship.
In theory, the Heisman candidate shouldn’t be wasting his time and energy on which city could be his new zip code for the next 15 years. In theory, he is going to be drafted onto an awful team. Too bad for Andrew Luck the Indianapolis Colts are screwing with the nature of the NFL draft.
Luck is saying all the right things but we know all too well that the Colts would be a devastating landing spot for the Stanford product. To Luck, going to Indianapolis would make him feel like he was kicked in the groin by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robinson. He can ask T.J. Lang how that feels.
With 6 teams – the Dolphins, Jaguars, Vikings, Rams, Cardinals and Colts – still firmly entrenched in the “Suck for Luck” sweepstakes, you would have to put Colts as one of the frontrunners after 7 weeks.
The Dolphins and Colts are the two favourite heavyweights in the ‘suckiest be luckiest’ division. But after the thorough beat down the Colts took at the hand of the New Orleans Saints, 62-7 on Sunday night, the Colts might have Vegas giving them the best imaginary odds to take it all.
I don’t think I can remember an instance in my lifetime where Peyton Manning and quarterback controversy was used in the same sentence.
Andrew Luck got into Stanford. He’s smart enough to know that he doesn’t want to be part of one of those. He can ask Aaron Rodgers how that feels.
However, it would be ironic if the first player touted a once-in-a-decade talent since Peyton Manning ended up fighting it out with him for the starting job.
Nevertheless, an ironic situation isn’t topping Andrew Luck’s NFL aspirations bucket list. For his own sake, Luck must make sure he doesn’t ever have to face that ironic situation. He has the power to prevent it but his personality might stop him from doing so.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, there is no doubt that Andrew Luck will be ready to start week 1 of the 2012 season. Heck, he would have been ready to start week 1 of the 2011 season. I still believe he should have come out last year. Maybe he didn’t want to go to Carolina but it has got to hurt a little bit to see Cam Newton have such a successful first half of the season.
The thing is, Cam Newton is exactly the reason that Andrew Luck can’t let himself end up in Indianapolis. Consider this, 4 quarterbacks drafted in 2011 and 8 quarterbacks drafted since 2010 are currently starting in the NFL. It would be crazy if Luck wasn’t starting week 1 of 2012.
No one knows how many years Peyton Manning has left, especially following 3 neck surgeries. Although, if we have learned anything about Peyton we know that he wants Brett Favre longevity, which doesn’t bode well for Andrew Luck.
Luck foolishly proved that he is a selfless individual by returning to Stanford for another unnecessary year. He doesn’t need to prove it again.
At some point, but not yet, he is going to have to speak up and tell the world that he will not sign with the Indianapolis Colts if Peyton Manning is there. A selfish ultimatum from a selfless individual. Yeah, he might be criticized by some for a move like that but it would be worth it in the long run.
The other Manning wouldn’t sign with the Chargers. His reputation wasn’t tarnished by his refusal to sign. He won a Super Bowl.
Even if the Colts ended up taking Luck, fully intending to trade him, is there really a guarantee that some team is willing to pay the inevitably mammoth price to get him? The 2012 draft is projected to be one saturated with quarterback talent. Well known prospects Matt Barkley out of USC and Oklahoma’s Landry Jones round out the top 3 quarterbacks.
Is the price for Luck really worth it when other potential stars are available in Jones and Barkley?
What about the possibility of stepping into Peyton Manning’s shoes following a trade of the Colts legend?
If Peyton Manning were traded to allow Andrew Luck to start in his rookie year, the expectations and animosity surrounding Luck among Colts fans would be tremendous. While I’m sure Luck would be able to handle the increased stress, the conditions are certainly not ideal for a quarterback with so much already on his shoulders.
Playing in a Miami or Jacksonville type city would allow for a certain degree of patience that wouldn’t be accepted in Indianapolis.
It could be argued that learning behind one of the great minds in NFL history would be beneficial to Andrew Luck. Much like playing behind Brett Favre seems to have been most helpful to Aaron Rodgers.
Despite the possible advantage sitting out 2-4 years could have for Andrew Luck, his situation is far from similar to Rodgers. People tend to forget that Aaron Rodgers slipped all the way down to 24th overall in the year he was drafted. For some reason that I can’t quite put my finger on, I don’t see Luck slipping to 24th overall. Rodgers was not touted as a once-in-a-generation talent, he didn’t have the power to demand better circumstances and are we seriously supposed to believe Rodgers wouldn’t be the quarterback he is today if not for those years riding the pine.
If Luck is as great as they say he is, he can, should and will be able to learn on the job.
Andrew Luck doesn’t have to cost himself precious years of a football career that could potentially be one of the best in history.
20 yr old UBC Student. Live and breathe sports. My writing is edgy. Not the typical stuff you find. Hit up my blog – Painting the Black – you won’t regret it.
The 2011 NFL Draft is months gone, and rookies are getting their first taste of the NFL as they begin practice in their respective team’s training camp. Just a few weeks stand between now and the start of the regular season which is when they will get first real action on the gridiron.
Every year, we witness rookies make a fluid transition from the college ranks to the pro game and have an immediate impact on their team. Last year we witnessed the top two overall picks, quarterback Sam Bradford and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, claim the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards after impressive performances. At the same time, 7th round pick Marc Mariani was selected to the Pro Bowl which just goes to show that anyone can make a name for themselves.
That being said, here’s a look at whom I believe the Top 8 Biggest Impact Rookies will be.
8. RB Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
Mark Ingram may have to split time with Pierre Thomas, but he’s always injured and his future with the team is uncertain.
Nevertheless, what we do know is that the Saints want to get back to running the ball like they did in 2009 when they ranked 6th in rushing yards and ultimately won the Super Bowl.
Ingram will be given his shot and he’s talented enough to capitalize on it.
7. G/C Mike Pouncey, Miami Dolphins
The bloodline is great here as his twin brother Maurkice Pouncey was a Pro Bowl center for the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers last season.
Moreover, just take a look at what the Dolphins did in the last time they drafted an offensive lineman in the 1st round. Jake Long, who was taken with the first overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, is already one of the best in the business.
I think they could train Pouncey similarly and turn him into a cornerstone of their interior o-line.
6. OT Gabe Carimi, Chicago Bears
Going into the draft, Gabe Carimi was widely considered one of the most pro ready offensive lineman in the class because while he may not be the greatest athlete, he does have the technique needed to be a starter in this league.
He will provide a major upgrade for an offensive line that surrendered a league-high 59 sacks last season. With that being so, there’s no way that he doesn’t make a huge impact.
5. RB Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins
Daniel Thomas may be overshadowed by Reggie Bush, but don’t be surprised if he’s named the starter and is given the majority of the carries. He’s proven that he can be a workhorse in college, and with a massive 6’1″ 228 lbs. frame, he should carry that over with the Dolphins. Especially with major questions at quarterback, expect head coach Tony Sporano to continue his run-heavy gameplan.
4. WR A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green is one of those unique wide receivers that possess the rare combination of physical skills and natural receiving ability. He will be catching balls from a rookie quarterback, but take a look at the past three receivers taken in the Top 5 and their rookie campaigns.
Calvin Johnson: 756 yards, 4 TD
Larry Fitzgerald: 780 Yards, 8 TD
Andre Johnson: 976 Yards, 4 TD
There’s no reason that Green can’t replicate that.
The only reason I don’t have him higher is because wide receiver is already the toughest position to learn, and the lockout makes it even more challenging.
3. WR Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Green will have to deal with rookie Andy Dalton which could limit his rookie season. Julio Jones, on the other hand will be catching passes from Pro Bowler Matt Ryan and won’t have all the coverage on his side with All Pro Roddy White opposite him.
Jones reminds me of the situation that Dez Bryant went into last year with the Dallas Cowboys as Miles Austin was the primary option. Remember, he hauled in 45 receptions for 561 yards for six touchdowns and did so in only twelve games six of which were with Jon Kitna.
Barring any major setbacks I could see Jones put up even better numbers.
2. CB Jimmy Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Despite being drafted 22 spots lower, Jimmy Smith is just a notch below Patrick Peterson.
The reason he fell was because of character issues but on a team that includes respected veterans such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, Smith won’t even think about stepping out of line so it should be a non-issue.
1. CB Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals
Maybe it’s just me but Patrick Peterson reminds me a lot like Deion Sanders with his shutdown cover skills and his threat to score in the return game.
In fact, he may be the most complete overall prospect in this year’s draft class and he should begin making plays from Day One.
The Cardinals wanted a player who could make an ‘immediate impact’ and they certainly got that here.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
For the 31st pick of the NFL Draft, many expected the Colts to draft an offensive tackle or someone like that. People were just hoping for someone who can contribute on offense.
But I guess the Colts will do that in the later rounds, picking up Jerry Hughes, defensive end/linebacker from TCU. In my opinion, I really don’t see this as that bad of a pick.
I say Hughes could be one of the futures of the Colts. I think the Colts will rotate him at many positions. He could be a very valuable asset to the franchise. Before we get into this, let’s take a look at his career profile in college and such.
Hughes was probably the anchor of this Horned Frogs’ defense. His last two seasons have been the most significant of his career, putting up 31 tackles and 15 sacks in 2008 and 32 tackles and eleven sacks in 2009.
For his career, Hughes has had 142 tackles, 28 sacks, and three interceptions. Hughes is also a fast athlete for his size at 6’3″ and 260 pounds.
After seeing his stats, it seems like he is one of those combo 3-4 linebackers you see today. Putting up tackles and sacks. But since Indy has lost Raheem Brock, the Colts will look to replace him with Hughes.
The Colts are known for fast defenders. I mean, just look at Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, possibly the fastest defensive-end combo in the league. Hughes will be just another one of them. He will look to pair up with Mathis, Freeney, and Daniel Muir.
The Colts could also do this, too: put Mathis at left defensive end, Hughes at right defensive end, and Freeney and Muir as the tackles. It might fit better. But the Colts probably might not be look towards that.
Just an idea.
Indy sometimes does a rotation with their ends. Hughes could play DT and sometimes replace Mathis and Freeney at end when they need breaks throughout the game. We seen it happen last season. Sometimes Mathis and Brock went into rotations.
The Colts also do more with Hughes.
They could use him as a DE/LB combo. He could play some minutes at the linebacker position. Since TCU played a different defense, I believe, Hughes will probably have to adjust to the 4-3.
Like I said before, he is playing defensive end as the Colts announced. Bill Polian says the Colts have been looking for third pass-rusher for a while. It could work with Hughes at linebacker sometimes.
The Colts could use him in a blitz package when they put him at LB.
It’ll look pretty good to me.
But as the day ended yesterday, the Colts got who they got and they’re happy to have him. I am, too. I say it’s an excellent pick.
The Colts should get him into business right away. Probably start him somewhere or be in a rotation with Mathis and Freeney. But whatever they do, Hughes is gonna make a difference.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
And to think we were concerned with his draft status.
There were times, when Timothy Richard Tebow was expected to fall as low as a second-rounder, with speculations of him converting to the tight end or linebacker position, given his muscular size and incredible speed.
In an unpredictable, crazy, out-of-this-world draft, enormous bucks and talented youth was guaranteed for two gifted quarterbacks.
The nuisance, rowdy crowd sat petulantly or tensed and were curious to know what the home franchise’s ideas were. To all the prejudices and nonsense that he’s not NFL-ready and a bust, today it seems he’s the second-best quarterback in the draft, other than Sam Bradford, the first selection in the draft who went to the revamped St. Louis Rams with the No. 1 pick overall.
He was selected later than expected, in which he was snatched late in the first round of the NFL draft with the No. 25 overall pick after the Denver Broncos traded twice and with the Baltimore Ravens.
Throughout Radio City Music Hall in New York, it was a dramatic night, delivered with raucous shouts and obnoxious chants on a surprising evening and a million-dollar future for all the players departing the campus lifestyle.
As we are aspired to escape outrageous images that has poisoned the highest market and a productive enterprise, the kids are enhancing upon an upstart and soothing a troublesome league and enduring emotional memories. And now, we really know how touching it is receiving a phone call from executives, then moments later, hearing their names called by commissioner Roger Goodell.
So this is an event when we’re forced to take a bold guess, and evaluate whether the selection was the next biggest bust, akin to JaMarcus Russell, an abysmal pick that the Oakland Raiders squandered when the world projected him as the most talented quarterback in the draft.
These days, however, teams take a huge gamble on draftees, and later blow an ill-advised pick. But happily, the St. Louis Rams selected wisely and was impressed with Bradford ever since evaluating his throwing motion and passing mechanics during workouts.
This wasn’t much of a surprise, mainly because the Rams released veteran quarterback Marc Bulger on his 33rd birthday, and emotionally ended an eight-year tenure with a franchise that plunged and transformed into a disoriented team.
It’s easy to predict that he’s the next Tom Brady or Peyton Manning in football, but at this point, his mental capacities and pro-style adjustments remains a mind-boggler. Either way, he validated his stock and value during pre-draft workouts, after traveling or approving Dr. James Andrews (a.k.a. Dr. Doom), to surgically repair his right shoulder, an injury that he re-injured and blew-out and horrified the Oklahoma crowd with his frequent shoulder episodes.
It was quite enough fear to jeopardize Bradford’s college career and future in the pros, affecting his accuracy and abilities to loft downfield throws.
The saga surrounding his health enlarged Bradford’s willpower and devotion in a sport he zests and is confident he’ll produce consistently, and now become the face of a renovating franchise still developing as a divisional competitor. Given the assortment of his injuries, skeptics doubted he’d be selected in the early rounds, but taken in the late rounds.
He may have fooled us all, viewed as the comeback player with heart and determination to compete at the next level, seizing the national spotlight among all quarterbacks.
He received a phone call, while the Rams were on the clock. Moments later, he was beckoned to the stage and walked across, where Goodell greeted him with a friendly, welcome-to-the-NFL handshake. Relieved of the draining anxiety, he wore his Rams cap and acted with class and was gracious to absorb sentimental attainments.
As it happens, it’s a risk the Rams couldn’t turn down and had to take Bradford with the No. 1 choice. In short, it justified that he has potential as a promising superstar with the commodities to make an immediate impact, proven to be a durable gunslinger entering from the collegiate level.
“I’ve had NFL teams ask, ‘Why did you come back?’” Bradford said. “I dreamed of playing for Oklahoma my whole life, and I wasn’t going to let an injury take that away. I couldn’t have lived [with] myself if I did. To have my career at Oklahoma end like that was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through.”
He’s not necessarily expected to win now, but he’s a blossoming athlete. If there’s early success, he’s the savior in a dispirited town that hasn’t sold tickets in years, while mired in disarray with a horrid track record. Assuming that he’s the biggest attraction to gladden a town, he’ll increase ticket sales and hopefully improve any porous results.
It’s quite humbling and rewarding that he’s guaranteed $42 million in bonuses, in which he was an early first-rounder and portrayed as the incomparable quarterback, as was Tebow, who had been relentlessly debated weeks prior to the draft. And the more critics polarize him, the more he normally proves skeptics wrong, like when he was drafted higher than expected.
In fairness, he has been called one of the greatest and rarest collegiate athletes ever, but has been criticized for overly practicing his religious trends publicly and he wasn’t caliber to start at quarterback in the NFL.
At this point, no one can refer to him as a bust, until he makes his debut and tosses the football next season. In Denver, coach Josh McDaniels demands high character, and bringing in a humble-minded Tebow was a brilliant move. Although it was a risk, he’s an evangelistic and endearing figure and exposes positivity for his strong character and dignity as a charity worker and preacher.
He doesn’t have the similarities of an average 21-year-old, who listens to hip-hop and curses in nearly every sentence, but instead he’s a spiritual and folksy individual. Instead of listening to Lil Wayne or Jay-Z, he likes hearing the benevolent sounds of Gospel music.
He’s the one lad we need to appreciate and be more polite to, always vowing to alleviate children’s pain and minister to prisoners by spending his ample time in the Philippines and prison cells.
Very wisely, he’s not the next Matt Leinart. Last year, Tebow avowed he’s a virgin. So I guess that means he won’t be seen on a photo with hot chicks relaxing with him in a hot tub and drinking a beer.
But the more likable and targeted quarterback was Bradford. It’s no secret Tebow’s flaws are worth questioning, whether his accuracy and reading plays have improved. Recently, he’s developing his passing ability and working on his throwing efficiencies, to flourish into an elite quarterback and not a bust.
And Tebow knows in the NFL, he’ll have to limit his singular jump passes, stiff-arms, and driving the ball to the end zone on the ground. It’s important his style converts into a dimensional and versatile motion, unlike in the college-style offense when he was allowed to exploit his speed and execute options within a spread formation many teams couldn’t slow down.
The Rams cannot afford setbacks. And Bradford potentially gives St. Louis a legit chance to heighten its level of consistency at a crucial position.
At such a young age with no experience at the pro level, he’s a NFL-ready quarterback. With very few blemishes, he throws with precision and releases quick passes. Also, he has a strong range of connecting with receivers in downfield throws, predicating all the components that come with the rigid task of conducting offensive schemes.
Soon, he’ll be the instrumental piece to their climbing success, as he’ll now have to adapt and learn the concepts from the playbook. Weeks ago, he past the Wonderlic test, as a 3.89 GPA honors student. But people are still worried about his shoulder, and according to doctors he’s healthy and has proved it with his remarkable throws.
“I feel great,” Bradford said. “Obviously, it’s a dream come true. You grow up and you dream of playing in the NFL and you dream of being drafted. But to actually have it happen, it’s really unexplainable. It’s pretty exciting.”
For some, it’s worth the wait. Jimmy Clausen, the dynamic Notre Dame quarterback, has to wait until the second-round after a disappointing evening turned startling. It’s more devastating when he was projected to fall in the laps of the Cleveland Browns, a franchise who desperately needs a quarterback to diminish a woeful age, in which its name altered to the Clowns.
Laughed at before the Mike Holmgren regime took over, the Browns blundered when it failed to select Clausen.
Eventually someone will pick him.
As a prolific quarterback, he missed out on millions because he wasn’t taken in the first round. And Colt McCoy, Texas star quarterback, who expanded his stardom when he engineered the Longhorns to the national championship game (but fell short against Alabama), went undrafted.
Seems the Rams pulled off the blockbuster deal, considering that defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma were available and impressed the organization and would’ve suited a depleted defense.
More than ever, St. Louis head coach Steve Spagnulo, a defensive specialist, is satisfied to know he has upgraded the weakest position.
And if Tebow wasn’t drafted, it would have been a huge disappointment. His relatives and friends gathered at a Tebow NFL entering party, waiting nervously for his lifelong dream that he has devoted much of his energy and focus on since he was six years old.
When his name was called his blissful family and friends cheered and congratulated him.
“It’s all been worth it,” said Tebow. “The good stuff is usually worth the wait. You’ve just got to be patient.”
Certainly, each of them had character and class, positive signs for protecting a NFL image.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
10. Tennessee Titans: I don’t think you can say enough about the job Jeff Fisher has done in his tenure as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. He took over in 1995, and since then the team has gone 128-102. In my opinion, he is just a title away from greatness.
The Vince Young saga was an absolute disgrace, but you could tell part of the run the Titans made last year was Jeff Fisher coaching. In his years, the Titans have been in contention pretty consistently, and have won 10 games six times, which is remarkable considering this is indeed the NFL, where the word “consistency” loses its meaning.
That’s why teams who you can bet contend every year like the Pats, Steelers, and Colts are so unique.
And you know they draft well. The Titans have pulled off some magical draft picks. Drafting Chris Johnson and Michael Griffin back to back was nothing short of miraculous. Johnson was fantastic as a rookie, and Griffin is one of the best safeties in the NFL, and was a ballhawk last year.
Pacman Jones and Vince Young were terrible picks, but the Titans also have picked Michael Roos, who is one of the best left tackles in the NFL, DT Albert Haynesworth (2002, first round), Keith Bulluck (2000, first round), Jevon Kearse (1999, first round), Samari Rolle (1998, second round), and even the late Steve McNair (1995, first round).
Let’s not forget Derrick Mason, who was drafted by Tennessee in the fourth round in 1997 and is one of the most productive receivers in the game.
9. San Diego Chargers: People underrate the job the Chargers have done over the years, but they really shouldn’t.
Yes, they did draft Ryan Leaf. But over the last 10 years, they have done a tremendous job and appear to have the AFC West locked up for many years to come.
In 2001, they laid the foundation, drafting both QB Drew Brees (Purdue) and RB LaDainian Tomlinson (TCU) back to back. They continued to pull off good drafts and do to this day, selecting Quentin Jammer and Ben Leber early in 2002, Drayton Florence and Mike Scifres in 2003, and 2004 was a gem of a draft class.
They took Eli Manning, which translated to Rivers, and also took Igor Olshansky, who was a good DT until leaving last offseason.
They also got Nate Kaeding, Nick Hardwick, Shaun Phillips, and Ryan Bingham. I think it’s one of the more underrated draft classes in the last decade. And who can forget the last four years, when they have gotten countless good football players, including Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Cromartie, Marcus McNeill, and even Eric Weddle?
Since 2004, the “Bolts” are 54-26, and while some of that can be attributed to the weak division they play in, a lot is also a credit to the class of that organization.
8. Dallas Cowboys: The five Super Bowls speak for themselves.
True, the Dallas Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game since 1996, but that’s not to say they aren’t a great organization. In fact, during that period, they are 105-103, and in the last five years, are 46-34.
I don’t see this drought lasting too much longer. They have the pieces in place. They have a quarterback, a dangerous run game, a scary offensive line, and a solid defense. They have what it takes. Jerry Jones is a fantastic owner, and not so much as a GM, but I like what I see in this Cowboys organization. People still heckle Jones as a GM for trading draft picks for Roy Williams, but they are still good drafters.
In the last few years, they have made some good decisions in the draft room. Felix Jones was great as a rookie until he was hurt, and Tashard Choice really came on as the year progressed.
The 2005 draft was underrated for the Boys. They took DeMarcus Ware first, who, in four years, has 53-1/2 sacks. Let’s not forget Kevin Burnett, Marion Barber, Chris Canty, and Jay Ratliff. And in 2003, they took Jason Witten, Terrence Newman, andBradie James. Say what you will about the Roy Williams trade and the $1.15 billion stadium. This team wins—and the right way, at that.
7. Green Bay Packers: The days of Brett Favre are long gone, and if I’m a Packers fan, I’m not too sad about it. They have a brilliant organization.
Since 2001, they are 75-53, and while that has a lot to do with Brett Favre’s presence, they have the looks of a great team now. Aaron Rodgers is an elite quarterback, and proved that last year. Ted Thompson and the Packers definitely handled that situation perfectly, opting for the future in Rodgers.
It’s very hard to evaluate drafts so prematurely, but it’s pretty obvious the 2009 Packers draft class was a good one, as they got two solid prospects in the first round. Not only did they get that, they added to their defense—something they needed to do.
You can’t question the drafting. James Jones, Aaron Rouse, and Mason Crosby figure to play prominent roles in the future and both Rouse and Crosby were starters last year. Throughout the last few years, they have been inconsistent. But you can’t criticize what they get when they’re on.
Since 2001, they’ve gotten some good players like Javon Walker, Najeh Davenport, Nick Barnett, Nick Collins, Brady Poppinga, A.J. Hawk, and even Jermichael Finley, who has truly emerged during the preseason. Let’s not forget Greg Jennings, drafting Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila in the 2000 draft in the fifth round, and finding a diamond in the rough in 1999 when they picked Donald Driver in round seven.
6. Baltimore Ravens: Most great NFL players don’t make great front office executives, but Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome is a rare exception.
For 13 years, he was a great tight end for the Cleveland Browns, catching 662 passes for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns. His average season consisted of 51 catches, 614 yards, and four touchdowns.
In 1999, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 1996, when the Browns moved to Baltimore, he became the general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, and his first draft picks rate as one of the best draft classes in NFL history, as he took both Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis in the first round.
In franchise history, the Ravens are 107-100-1, with one Super Bowl victory. Like every team, the Ravens are off from time to time, but always regroup with drafting. They have taken Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, Terrell Suggs, Peter Boulware, Chris McAlister, Todd Heap, Haloti Ngata, Sam Koch, and of course, Ed Reed. Not a bad core of players in just 13 years of franchise existence.
The Ravens always draft well, and more recently, found their franchise quarterback when they selected Joe Flacco in 2008. This franchise has a bright future—and present.
5. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts changed the direction of the franchise in the 1998 draft. They had a choice to make. They could either take Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf, who threw for 3,637 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions as a senior at Washington State, or they could take Peyton Manning, who threw for 3,819 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions for the Tennessee Vols.
They decided to take Manning, who in 12 years with Indy, has 9 Pro Bowls, 3 MVPs, and one Super Bowl ring.
On the other hand, Leaf is considered the biggest bust in NFL history, as he threw 14 touchdowns and 35 interceptions and is currently in jail. Good decision, Indy.
But it’s not just this. Over the last decade or so, the Colts have done a good job in pretty much every draft, as they have taken some very good players like Joseph Addai, Anthony Gonzalez, Antoine Bethea, Kelvin Hayden, Bob Sanders, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Cato June, Dwight Freeney, Ryan Diem, and of course, Jeff Saturday.
Since 2000, when Peyton really got settled in, the Colts are ridiculously consistent, with a 101-43 record, good for an almost unbelievable .701 winning percentage. You have to respect the way the organization does things.
4. New York Giants: Another underrated organization. The Giants are excellent drafters, handle cap well, and are a very-well respected team throughout the NFL.
Of course, we all remember the Eli Manning-for-Philip Rivers swap during the 2004 draft, and it’s debatable who got the edge there. Eli has won a ring, but individually, Rivers has clearly had the superior career. That 2007 magical run the Giants had was fun to watch.
They beat some teams many thought of as clearly superior, like the 18-0 Patriots, along with Brett Favre’s Packers, who won 13 games that year. Eli grew up during the playoffs, making much smarter decisions.
The Giants definitely draft well. They go by the “best player available” philosophy, which most smart teams use. And since 2000, the results speak for themselves. In 2000, they added Cornelius Griffin and Dhani Jones, both guys who panned out, just not with New York.
In 2001, they added Jeremy Shockey, who was certainly a good tight end there from 2001 to 2007. They even got Osi Umenyiora, David Diehl, and William Joseph the next year, certainly an impressive draft. Others since 2002 include Chris Snee, Eli Manning, Justin Tuck, Brandon Jacobs, Mathias Kiwanuka, Aaron Ross, Jay Alford, and Kevin Boss.
3. Philadelphia Eagles: The way Joe Banner, Jeffrey Lurie, and the Philadelphia Eagles handle cap astonishes me. They are able to sign big name guys every offseason like Jason Peters, Asante Samuel, and Stacey Andrews, but still have plenty of cap room to make sure their core of players stay happy.
And nobody can question the way they draft. For every bust like Jerome McDougle (1st round, 2003), there’s a Donovan McNabb, Shawn Andrews, Mike Patterson, Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, Tra Thomas, Trent Cole, or a Stewart Bradley.
Every owner likes comfort. They like to have stability at both head coach and quarterback. They want to have guys they feel can produce year in and year out, but can also do it for a while. The Eagles have gotten that in Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb.
Reid has been head coach for ten years and has a 97-62-1 record, and in my opinion, is just a Super Bowl victory away from Hall of Fame consideration. McNabb is also that. He’s been an Eagle for 10 years, and the numbers speak for themselves: 29,320 passing yards, 194 touchdowns, 90 interceptions, 3,109 rushing yards and 26 rushing TDs, along with an 82-45-1 starter’s record. Need I say more?
2. Pittsburgh Steelers: It’s easy to hate the Steelers. However, I can’t do it.
They have the six Super Bowl rings, had a dynasty during the 1970′s, and have two Super Bowls in the last five seasons. But they win the right way. They are a class organization. They draft brilliantly, chase guys who can play, but also have character, and have respectful players and coaches.
You can hate them, but you almost have to have respect for them. In the 1974 draft, they got John Stallworth, Mike Webster, Lynn Swann, and Jack Lambert—four Hall of Famers in a single draft.
They haven’t had a draft so impressive since, but they’ve still been solid. Since 1998, they’ve added guys like Hines Ward, Alan Faneca, DeShea Townsend, Joey Porter, Aaron Smith, Marvel Smith, Casey Hampton, Larry Foote, Kendal Simmons, Brett Keisel, Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes, Lawrence Timmons, and LaMarr Woodley.
And who can forget them picking up James Harrison on the waiver wire as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State and turning him into a 2008 NFL defensive player of the year?
1. New England Patriots: It’s hard to put anyone above the Steelers, but if anyone is a better organization than them, it’s Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots.
Like the Steelers, many people despise the Pats, but also like the Steelers, it’s for no real good reason. They win too much. That about wraps up those fans’ justifications.
The Patriots win, but not like the Yankees, they win the right way. They build from within. If you look around the Pats’ depth chart, almost everyone is homegrown. Except Randy Moss and Wes Welker, the Pats have a roster of players they drafted.
Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick. The whole offensive line is homegrown, and eight of the 11 defensive starters were drafted.
That’s phenomenal. The Patriots have the wins for the right reason. They don’t buy everybody much like the Washington Redskins do.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite for the Pats. It seems they are firmly against using the free agent market to win games. It’s understandable that people hate the Pats. They win too much.
But you have to respect how the organization works. They win the right way, and it shows it’s not just because of Tom Brady, as after losing him in the first game last year, they still managed to go 11-5, with Matt Cassel—who hadn’t started since high school. It was a credit to the coaching, especially Belichick, and the depth of the team. So they are my No. 1 organization.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
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