First impression of the 2009 NFL Draft was one of confusion. The only pick that seemed to go according to plan was the 1st pick of Matthew Stafford to the Detroit Lions. Stafford had an impressive career at Georgia and his abilities should translate well in the NFL. After that the picks were either, I don't care because that team is going to suck anyway, or left me shaking my head wondering what they were thinking. At times it was as if the teams took the "do not pick" list of players and started to choose at random different players. For example, Graham Gano, best all around kicker in college football last year was not drafted, but other obvious "do not pick" kickers were taken. The most clutch kicker in college football last year was not even shown a bit of respect in the draft. At least Mel Kiper showed respect to his abilities.
Another ridiculous pick was that of the Oakland Raiders, who drafted a wide receiver from Maryland. His name eludes me but apparently he had a 4.3, 40 at the combine. Michael Crabtree was still on the board, what?!. It was like Helen Keller was brought in to help draft for the Raiders and picked him because his name felt cool on the Braille sheet. This is what happens when you have a senile old hipster have full rein of a professional team. Also, a wide receiver from Florida was drafted by the Raiders, enough said.
FloridaState and Miami had a very poor showing at the draft. But USC put out a bunch of prospects to the NFL, once again riding the hype machine of USC brought about by ESPN and other media outlets. There seems to be a changing of the guard within the front offices of NFL teams led by new generation young people picking players only because they were listed on top pick lists in each position created by the media. The teams I was impressed by were those run by older executives who know how evaluate talent and how it could be used for the team.
Here are a few observations I will take away from the draft:
Team that did there homework - Baltimore Ravens, there first pick of Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss) gives them one of the best O-lineman in college football last year and has the work ethic that will make him successful in the NFL. Also, by picking up Graham Gano in free agency gives them an absolute steal (this is the real reason I picked the Ravens). They got positions they need to fill by getting players who will be able to come in and play right away.
Honorable mention - Cincy Bengals (started very strong with picks, got a steal with Michael Johnson but then faded). Miami Dolphins (I love creativity and by drafting Pat White it shows what they are trying to accomplish next year on offense).
Most intriguing pick - Pat White (QB/WR/anything, West Virginia). Wildcat offense in the NFL should be interesting with White in the backfield. Dolphins were very successful with this offense last year and by having White as a weapon should be pretty interesting to witness this coming season.
Disappointing team - Tampa Bay Bucs (my team). Very uninspiring. Wasted first round pick. Young coach shows the direction he wants to take the team and it doesn't seem very smart. They had better do well in free agency or it is going to be a long year.
Most overrated player - Mark Sanchez (QB, USC). USC QB enough said.
Honorable mention - Percy Harvin, his lack of having a brain may get him trouble, but at least he is not in the back field of a certain college team.
Instant bust or waste of pick - Rhett Bomar (QB, who cares U). This guy was drafted but not Graham Harrell, mind blowing.
