Packers: Packers GM Ted Thompson is one of the best in the business. He has NEVER EVER traded up in a draft, although he's moved down 15 times, including this year in the first round. He came away with Kansas State WR Jordy Nelson in the second round and then got more help at quarterback in the post-Brett Favre era by taking Louisville's Brian Brohm at 56 overall. Not bad for a kid who probably would have been a top 5 overall pick had he come out after the 2006 season. Thompson also bought some more QB insurance with LSU's Matt Flynn, who may not have all the talent in the world, but is a proven winner.
Giants: The best safety in the draft fell right into the defending Super Bowl champs' laps at No. 31 overall. That fills an immediate need after the Giants lost Gibril Wilson to the Raiders. GM Jerry Reese wanted a corner, too, and he got a potentially good one in the second round with Terrell Thomas of USC. And if third-round WR Mario Manningham of Michigan pans out, this will be a steal. Not saying it will happen, because Manningham has plenty of growing up to do. But the Giants generally don't make mistakes with misbehaving players. See: Ahmad Bradshaw in 2007.
Cardinals: It isn't often the Cardinals pick in the middle of the first round (they're usually a top 10 pick because they usually stink the year before), but they did a solid job in addressing needs with what appear to be quality players. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was the second best corner in this draft, and they got him at 16. And second-round DE Calais Campbell of Miami might be a steal if he pans out. A big if, but certainly not out of the question. And LSU receiver Early Doucet in the third round is a potential hedge against the team not being able to extend Anquan Boldin's contract.
Ravens: GM Ozzie Newsome was wheeling and dealing early, trading down from No. 8 and then moving up to No. 18 to get Delaware QB Joe Flacco. This kid has a chance to be very good with the right coaching. Rutgers RB Ray Rice adds a nice change-up element, and Newsome came away with five picks in the next two rounds, including OLB Tavares Gooden of Miami. That is a good day at the office.
Patriots: Not a bad draft, considering the Pats had surrendered their own first-round pick in the Spygate affair. They did have the 49ers' seventh overall choice, and wound up trading down to 10 before selecting Tennessee OLB Jerod Mayo. We really like this guy, although we suspect the Pats would like to have taken him a shade lower down. Third-round QB Kevin O'Connell adds depth behind Tom Brady.
Colts: Bill Polian is one of the best talent evaluators in the history of football, even when he's without a first-round pick. Second-round C Mike Pollak is a solid pick who adds youth to an already strong offensive line. Polian came away with eight other players, including third-round ILB Phillip Wheeler.
Dolphins: A very active draft for Bill Parcells and his minions. Good job signing Michigan OT Jake Long before the draft. Clemson DE Phillip Merling is a very good value at No. 32. And maybe the most intriguing pick of all: Michigan QB Chad Henne at No. 57. If Tuna got his franchise QB at that spot, good for him. Some scouts had Henne pegged for a low first-round value.
Saints: They wanted Glenn Dorsey but couldn't get high enough to move up for him, so they settled for the next best thing: USC DT Sedrick Ellis by moving up three spots with the Patriots. Dorsey only a shade better than Ellis, so a wise move not to go nuts. Also wise to stay at No. 40 and not give away too much in a trade for Giants TE Jeremy Shockey. The Giants were looking for that pick and S Roman Harper. Instead, the Saints stood pat and got help for their awful secondary with Indiana CB Tracy Porter.
Comments (1)
Hey Bob,
I was pleased with the Packer draft. They were 13-3 last year, and only 1 starter is missing. (I think everyone knows who that is.)
I think most Packer fans liked what they saw in Rodgers and are excited about this season. We upgraded depth, and it's hard to doubt TT because they have went from 4-12 to 8-8 to 13-3.