I'm no Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, or Ron Jaworski. I'm just the average (Raiders) fan who likes to think he knows a little bit about the NFL. I'm a bit biased when discussing Ohio State players because I'm a lifetime Buckeye. I'm also a bit disgruntled when talking about the Raiders because I'm a fan and am tired of years of frustration and stupid choices. That being said, here's what I like and dislike from this year's NFL Draft.
Teams I thought did really well this year are the Bengals, Browns, Packers, Eagles, and Lions. Bengals hit just about every need. A starting OT in Andre Smith, a steal in LB Rey Maualuga in the second,a talented DE in Michael Johnson (3rd round), a possible starting TE in Chase Coffman (3rd round), and a center in Johnathan Luigs (4th round)... all hit crucial needs. The Browns loaded up on picks by trading down three times in the first round and still got the best center in the draft in Alex Mack (1st round)and two decent WRS in Brian Robiske and Mohamed Massaquoi (2nd round). The Pack got two top defensive prospects in DT B.J. Raji and LB Clay Matthews to solidify that new 3-4 defense they will be using. The Eagles got themselves a stud receiver in Jeremy Maclin then also got a RB in LeSean McCoy to split with aging Brian Westbrook. The Lions got their QB of the future in Matt Stafford and a starting TE in Brandon Pettigrew.
I didn't like what the Broncos, Jets, and especially ... the Raiders did. The Broncos added several free agent RBs like Lamont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter, and J.J. Arrington .... then draft Knowshon Moreno?? Bet Jordan and Buckhalter are reconsidering signing with the Broncos now after that ... AND the whole Cutler fiasco. The Jets better pray that Sanchez is everything they hoped for because they gave up a truckload to get him. I'm not high on Sanchez at all.
Then you have the Raiders.
We could have had Michael Crabtree ... or Jeremy Maclin. But we took Darrius Heyward-Bey ... the man with the fastest 40 time ... just because he's fast. Fine ... I could live with that if they had traded DOWN to get him! Come on Al, Darrius would have lasted at least five more picks at least. I understand that speed kills and Darrius most likely fits a vertical passing game ... but did you have to use the seventh overall pick on him?? And I won't even discuss the second round pick S Mike Marshall ..... BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS!! Heck, Mel Kiper BARELY knew who he was! I will say this ... if either of these guys pan out and make the Pro Bowl, I'll eat a whole flock full of crows. But I'm still smarting from the drafting of Sebastian Janikowski in the first round a few years ago and am very tired of first round busts. I'm sure I'm not the only Raiders fan to feel that way.
Okay, I'm done venting about it. Now we'll just wait and see what happens in Oakland the next couple of years.
As for the rest of the draft, it was fun and interesting as usual. I'll talk more about it later.
