The NFL Draft is the most publicized and followed
raft in professional sports. Individuals, such as myself, spend
months evaluating prospects, breaking down film, and determining
potential rankings for each NFL position. Obviously, NFL
franchises have individuals employed year-round to ensure they
find the most prominent prospects and provide their GM's and
decision-makers with all the tools necessary to build a Super
Bowl winner. On that note, I found a few teams were "left in
the dark" after the draft weekend and wonder if they really were
prepared or believe their depth charts are complete. Here's my
list of teams that may suffer for poor efforts during the draft:
1. Washington Redskins: The Redskins had a decent season
and showed some promise during the play-offs. Sure they lost
LaVar Arrington; however, they managed to find a few Free Agents
to improve their on-field product (Randal El and Archuleta).
Unfortunately, they did not continue this momentum during the
draft. Struggling with a single pick on Day 1, the Redskins
seem to believe Rocky McIntosh (LB) will help ease the pain of
losing Arrington. Nothing against Rocky; however, he needs to
bulk-up quickly and get stronger by week 1 if he is interesting
in making an immediate impact. Personally, I don't believe the
Redskins did enough during the draft to remain competitive in
the NFC East, which also hosts the quick rising Cowboys and
Giants.
2. Chicago Bears: The Bears won the NFC North last year
with strong defense. The draft seems geared around maintaining
depth on defense in the event of potential holdouts; however,
the lackadaisical effort of the offence is the Achilles heel of
this organization. I really question their sole offensive
selection - Devin Hester - in round 2. A special teams player
does not alleviate the fact that the Bears have a miserable
offence. Muhammad will continue to put up decent stats, while
faced with constant double-teams; however, regardless of who is
taking the snaps, the Bears offence will stumble again and open
the door for a new division champ this season.
3. Minnesota Vikings: How does an organization falter on
draft day after an exceptional Free Agency period? Maybe its
indicative of their belief this team is ready to challenge for a
division title. Honestly, I believe this is a possibility;
however, lets re-examine their draft. I still believe Chad
Greenway is over-rated. In fact, I would take his Iowa teammate
Abdul Hodge over Greenway, regardless of the height difference.
Can Brad Johnson maintain last year's production? Was Tarvaris
Jackson really the 4th best quarterback available? The Vikings
continue to confuse me - as a Packers fan that suits me fine.
4. Buffalo Bills: The Bills have been sliding for the
past few seasons, with occasional glimmers of potential. A
stable of untested quarterbacks, including JP Losman should
develop quickly into a QB controversy in Buffalo. As for draft
selections, Donte Whinter is an exceptional prospect; however,
may have been a reach at #8 overall. Still, this selection
pails in comparison to trading back into the first round and
selecting John McCargo (DT). Coincidentally, potential steals
Ashton Youboty (CB) and Ko Simpson (S) both remind me of Ahmad
Carroll, who was a highly touted Junior entering the draft early
for fame and fortune. These guys may become solid football
players; however, their immediate impact will be negligible, as
they attempt to defend against the likes of Tom Brady and Dante
Culpepper.
5. Baltimore Ravens: Are the Ravens actually going to
enter training camp with Kyle Boller as their starter? Does
this team not understand the have an abysmal offence with Boller
on the field? My first question is the absence of a QB to at
least pressure Boller to produce. Ngata was a great pick in
round 1 and regardless of the potential upgrades on defense they
may have selected, the fact the Ravens believe in Boller speaks
volumes for a team on the decline - let's hope the McNair rumors
are true, or this franchise will be eaten alive in the AFC
North.
