What a weekend. Like an epic Tom Jones concert or the first time you saw Anchorman, you just didn't want the Draft to end. From the Jets trade heard round the world to Al Davis literally losing functionality of his brain on national television this draft weekend was certainly one for the ages. While it appears to be a requisite for draft pundits to scribble down a grade for each team, I instead will offer deep thoughts on the good, the bad, and the completely absurd.
PODCAST
710 ESPN NFL Draft expert Brandon Graham recaps the 2009 NFL Draft with Skyler the Sass. Winners, losers, sleepers, busts - they've got an informed yet casual take on it all.
If you have a Raider fan in your life then I'm sure you've given him a good ribbing over their picks in the first couple of rounds. In the end though, this might not be the worst move ever. While Crabtree was undoubtedly the best wideout on the board, I'm not too peeved by their selection of Derrius Heyward-Bey. I had already gone on record suggesting that DHB was the second best WR in this draft (apologies to all those Jeremy Maclin fans out there), and his lack of productivity at Maryland should not be cause for concern. Last year his QB threw 13 TD and 11 picks, and averaged less than 200 yards passing a game. Charles Rogers, Rashaun Woods, and David Terrell put up monster seasons at big-time programs only to watch their pro careers cease to exist. Everyone is applauding Philly for grabbing Maclin and is already fawning over the possibilities of he and DeSean Jackson being on the field together. Go ahead and call the Raiders the poor man's Eagles, because Heyward-Bey and Jonnie Lee Higgins will present fits for defenses with their track star speed.
The Mike Mitchell pick however, I cannot defend. Easily the stupidest pick in the draft.
The Bengals had a great draft for one simple reason: they chose obvious talent. None of their picks were reaches and they grabbed known commodities. Andre Smith, Ray Maualuga, and Michael Johnson through the first three rounds give them three incoming starters. I sometimes think that teams get too caught up in over analysis and falling in love with workout numbers. Cincy proved that game film and production were at the top of their list. Chase Coffman, the tight end out of Missouri, may be the best pass catcher at the position in this draft and Michigan corner Morgan Trent was a great value pick in the sixth round. This draft should pay immediate dividends and might even help keep Marvin Lewis's job.
Mark Sanchez got more love, face time, and analysis than Matt Stafford, by a mile. He was on a high all weekend long, and rightfully so after being taken fifth overall by the Jets. But I can't but look at this team and fear that way too much pressure has already been put on him. I always stated that Mark Sanchez is going to be a great quarterback, but he needed at least a year sit behind someone and soak up a system. The way he and Rex Ryan were talking I got the impression that a time table like that does not exist. It's apparent that Sanchez, not Kellen Clemens, will be the starter in 2009. A week receiving corp, disgruntled starting running back, and a starting rookie QB spells trouble for the J-E-T-S.
I'm not sure why, but I took a liking to Larry English early on in the draft process. Most of the television coverage thought that the Chargers reached for the small school defensive end with the 16th overall pick, but I don't see it that way. A.J. Smith is as good as any at doing his homework February through April, and he must have saw something in English that he didn't see in Clay Matthews, Robert Ayers, or Everette Brown. English could be a sack master as an outside backer at the next level.
The Patriots once again displayed why they are so successful at stockpiling picks and drafting for depth. All three of their second rounders should have an impact this season. Patrick Chung was the best strong safety on the board, and Darius Butler will more than likely start at cornerback for this team. Additionally, Ron Brace has a bright future in this league at either DT or DE.
One of the great mysteries to me was the slide of San Jose St. CB Coye Francies. The Browns were able to grab the standout corner at the end of the sixth. While his timed speed scared some teams away, his play at the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl should have secured him a third round selection.
The 49ers got a real player in undrafted free agent Alex Boone. The Ohio St. tackle crippled his stock with some off-the-field issues late in the season, but at 6'6 and 330 lbs he was bound to find a home. He may just be the best of the undrafted as he could fight for playing time at right tackle for San Francisco .
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Chris "Beanie" Wells, Arizona Cardinals (What a steal by the way)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rey Maualuga, Cincinnati Bengals