Best of the Rest
Teams could do a lot worse than drafting one of these three:
Taylor Mays, S, USC - Hard hitter built like a tank.
Rey Maualuga, LB, USC - Sideline-to-sideline tackling machine.
James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State - An instinctive, productive force ready to anchor a linebacking corps.
****************
Before each draft since 2003, I have identified the two players I thought would have the best careers. Here's the list:
2003: Carson Palmer, QB, USC; Andre Johnson, WR, Miami
2004: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Pittsburgh; Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Miami (OH)
2005: David Pollack, DE, Georgia; Thomas Davis, LB, Georgia
2006: Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State; Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
2007: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech; Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
2008: Keith Rivers, LB, USC; Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
2009: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State; Taylor Mays, S, USC
****************
I have also tried to identify the sure-fire first rounder I thought had the most "bust" potential. Judge for yourself:
2003: Dewayne Robertson, DT, Kentucky
2004: Phillip Rivers, QB, NC State
2005: Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn
2006: Vince Young, QB, Texas
2007: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
2008: Vernon Gholston, LB, Ohio State
2009: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
****************
I watched the High School All-America Game on Sunday night and came away disappointed, not with the talent but with the "me-first" attitudes. On all but a handful of plays, the ball carrier and/or the tackler celebrated much more than the situation called for. Then, the player would run to the sideline and scream nonsense into the camera.
Another player's family had shirts that read "The Truth" above a picture of the athlete.
****************
My favorite players from the High School All-America Game: Craig Roh and Andre DeBose. We'll see how their careers turn out.
This blog was created to form a medium of exchange where sports fans can share ideas, beliefs, and opinions. The creator has written for a number of websites and has appeared on ESPN Radio as an NFL Draft, MLB Trade Deadline and Fantasy Sports Analyst. He can be reached at mjs3131@hotmail.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
What do you think Boston College DT BJ Raji? That guy is a beast.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Raji has not offically declared for the draft, it is a foregone conclusion he will. Raji stands 6-1 and weighs about 335lbs. He is a run-stuffing monster (or beast as you called him). He dominated BC's bowl game (Vandy only rushed for 79 yards) where he further showcased his agility and ability to pursue the ball carrier despite the fact he was constantly being doubled.
ReplyDeleteAlthough he missed some practice time this season with a bum shoulder, the injury is not considered serious.
Raji would makes a lot of sense for the Packers at #9 or the Bills at #11.