Monday, April 25, 2005

Winners & Losers in the NFL Draft

It was the longest first round in NFL draft history and it made for a draft that was definitely filled with lots of drama. Let's take a look at the winners and losers of the Weekend.

WINNERS!
Ohio State Running Back Maurice Clarett - Many people thought he would be a late second day pick instead he was the last pick taken in the third round, by the Denver Broncos, on the first day. Clarett definitely has a lot to prove after being out of football for a few seasons and having a nack for showing up out of shape and over weight. The Broncos are the perfect fit for Clarett because of their history of turning average backs into superstars.

Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys could possibly have had the best draft of the thirty two teams involved. Bill Parcells got exactly what he needed in the draft, defense and more defense. The 2005 draft class is full of guys who will be NFL All-Pros led by defensive end Marcus Spears.

Miami Dolphins - The Ricky Williams era is officially over and now the Ronnie Brown era has begun. Look for Brown to get a ton of carries as he becomes the feature back that the Dolphins desperately needed. Miami also boosted their defensive unit by picking up defensive end Matt Roth and linebacker Channing Crowder.

University of Oklahoma - The Sooners didn't break the NFL draft record but they did have more players drafted than any other school. The Big Twelve Conference sent 33 players to the NFL, 11 of them were from Oklahoma. Florida State was second with 9 and Georgia and Wisconsin each had 7 players drafted.

LOSERS!
Green Bay Packers - Sure they got Cal. Q.B. Aaron Rodgers but who did they get that will make an immediate impact for them next season?

Kansas State Running Back Darren Sproles - After leading the Wildcats to the Big 12 Championship in 2003 the speedy running back was touted as a Heisman contender at the beginning of the 2004 college football season. Sprawls draft stock dropped as did the Wildcats season as they failed to make a bowl appearance. Sproles slipped to a second day pick going to San Diego in the fourth round where he will compete to back up LaDainian Tomlinson.

New York Jets - The Jets could have possibly had the worst draft of the thirty two teams. Not having a first round pick, they selected a kicker with their first pick of the second round. Granted that poor kicking did cost them in the play-offs last season. However, with kickers being a dime a dozen you don't spend a second round pick on one, much less, your first overall pick in the draft.

Oklahoma Quarterback Jason White - White becomes only the fourth heisman trophy winner to not be drafted and the first since Charlie Ward in 1993. The 2003 heisman trophy winner was slated to be a sixth or seventh round pick, but injuries and poor performances in back to back BCS championship games caused NFL teams to shy away from picking him.

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