The NFL draft might be the funniest two days of the year. Guys sit around talking about what’s going to happen as teams have something like an hour to make a pick. Just when the audience thinks nothing interesting is going on, Mike Ditka shows up wearing a dread locked wig after he trades literally the entire future of his franchise for one Ricky Williams.
Turns out Ricky never had much success until he left New Orleans, and that success was short lived because he would rather smoke week in China, on the Lenny Kravitz tour, and in some holistic health clinic in Humboldt County.
The draft is a lot of hurry up and wait, especially in the first round, where guys in the green room actually can play a year in the time it takes to be selected.
The one constant bright spot is Mel Kiper Jr. who knows everything about a player. Kiper can give stats about the amount of groupies x player had in his hotel room last night if you wanted that information. My favorite draft clip of all time is Mel Kiper’s manhood being questioned on national television by the Colts GM Jim Irsay because Kiper ripped Indianapolis for picking Trev Alberts, who Mel said would be a bust. As always, Mel was right, and the guy that he wanted the Colts to pick, Trent Dilfer, has done just enough to warrant the selection by sticking around the league for over 10 years and winning a Super Bowl. I will now break down some interesting happenings as if I were Mel Kiper Although these are my opinions I will try to write in Mel cadence. As you read this in your head, you should probably be yelling and be extremely excited because that’s how Mel talks because he has been doing nothing but watching tape for the last 11 months in some shack in the woods. Quite frankly I thought about putting it all in CAPS for affect.
Who is the big name that will slip to a perfect spot for him?
At 6-1, 240 pounds, LenDale White is a perfect replacement for Jerome Bettis at pick number 32. White, who following his junior season was projected to be the second running back off the board, has seen his stock drop as questions about his work ethic and torn hamstring came to the forefront on USC Pro Day. He only benched 225 pounds 14 times. To put that in perspective, his highly touted teammate Reggie Bush repped it 24 times. White, going purely on tape, is a tough between-the-tackles runner who should fit in perfectly in the grind-em out style of the World Champions if the Carolina Panthers at pick #27 don’t snatch him up as the perfect complement to oft-injured De’Shaun Foster.
Who is the fastest riser on the Board?
Florida St.’s CB Antonio Cromartie is wowing scouts with his exceptional athleticism. The early-entry cornerback started only three games in his college career and missed all of last season after tearing ligaments in his knee, but answered all questions by running a 4.4 40 and broad jumping 11 feet, incredible numbers for a legit 6 foot, 2 inch cornerback. His exceptional hands and ability to return kicks make him a playmaker that I don’t see Kansas City letting go by at number 20.
Who is the biggest ‘sure thing’ of the Draft?
Virginia’s D’Brickashaw Ferguson in a franchise offensive tackle that a team can immediately plug into on its line and be set for the next decade. The 6-6 312 lb. physical specimen ran a gaudy 5.1 in the 40, an amazing time for a player his size. A two-time All-ACC performer who has started since his true freshman year, Ferguson uses his exceptional wingspan and intelligence to dominate opponents. His lack of ideal bulk doesn’t scare me and I see him going #4 to the New York Jets unless a trade happens.
What player is dropping but he has done nothing wrong?
Oregon’s DT Halot Ngata has seen his draft position, drop despite the fact there is still no one questioning his game. The mammoth defensive tackle ran a 5.16 40 at 338 lbs. and has a wealth of game tape to prove his worth, but he seems pigeon holed as a 2-gap player with not much versatility. The one knock is an off-again on-again motor that has allowed fast rising Brodrick Bunkely from Florida St. to pass him as the first DT taken. I have him falling into the lap of the very happy Baltimore Ravens as they receive their DT of the future who will hold up lineman to allow Ray Lewis to roam free and make plays
Who will the Cowboys take?
To me it will be a slight reach, but I see the Cowboys selecting DE Manny Lawson of North Carolina State. Lawson at times got lost do to his more heralded teammate Mario Williams, but he has great closing speed and is an explosive tackler. The “workout warrior” wowed scouts with his 4.48 speed which is phenomenal for a 6-5, 242 pounder. He has the frame to continue to add bulk and should project as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. His ability to play special teams and block kicks, he had seven in college, make him a perfect fit for the win-now Cowboys.
Who will be Rookie of Year?
Since I expect none of the quarterbacks to play immediately I think the Rookie of Year will be DeAngelo Williams of Memphis if he is selected by Denver Broncos at pick 15. All Williams did last season is run for over 1,900 yards behind four new offensive line starters, a wide receiver playing quarterback, and defensives stacked with nine guys in the box. The compact 5-9, 220-pounder has high 4.4 speed in a powerfully compact package that can run over or around the second line of defenders. His strong character and high work ethic make him a no-brainer for any team, and if he ends up in the Bronco system he is solid selection for top rookie.
