Random thoughts about the NFL draft

I really thought long and hard about this considering I've enjoyed the information that certain experts give. The window of opportunity for some franchises closes much faster than others while other teams rarely even crack one. The evaluation of players are what steroid were to Barry Bonds. A pompous and overrated sideshow worthy of changing the channel with a click of the remote. The combine is now a spectacle for all to behold. Twenty years ago scouts from all the teams would identify players for their intangible qualities, leaning less on forty times and more on whether the prospect could actually contribute to their teams.

If money is the root of all evil then one could easily see why the development of young prospects has been reduced to buzz words. Does upside, motor, moxie or workout warrior ring a bell? It causes many teams to make decisions mostly on physical skills and not the intangibles that projects whether guys will be great football players. Matthew Stafford got a boat load of money but it wouldn't be a suprise if Rhett Bomar(taken by the Giants with the 151st pick) became a star in this league and Stafford didn't.

Late round and "unconventional" picks have a history of making draft experts look like complete idiots. Bill Walsh took a beating for taking Jerry Rice in the first round in 1985. Marques Colston was seventh round pick in 2006. His monster season made New Orleans Scouts look smart while teams that selected receivers in earlier rounds reminded you of that Snickers commercial. (Want to get away?) Santonio Holmes was a first round pick of the Steelers in the same draft. Colston made an immediate inpact while Holmes took a few seasons to develop into a reliable threat.

The quarterback position is even worse. Guys like David Carr, Joey Harrington, Vince Young, Alex Smith and Matt Leinart have been given a shorter time frame to develop. The early success of Ben Rothlisberger ushered in a new wave of expectations. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco have inherited the mantle after exceeding expectations causing most analyst, fans, and GM's to settle for instant gratification and not the total development of a football player.

Troy Aikman the hall of fame signal caller for the Dallas Cowboys took three full years to develop. A young quarterback in today's in NFL isn't as lucky. Two of the top three picks in the 2006 draft have lost their jobs to steady veterans. Jemarcus Russell can now look over his shoulder in Oakland after the signing of Jeff Garcia. Will the same thing happen to Josh Freeman, Mark Sanchez and Matt Stafford? Judging by the latest trends, I'd have to say yes.

Stafford's team is coming off a win less season. Even if he leads them to 3 wins this year it would make him look like a hero. Sanchez could either be Matt Ryan or Akili Smith. Sanchez's own coach believed that his one year starter wasn't prepared. What did Pete Carroll see that the analyst didn't? Akili Smith was drafted because of all of the physical tools he displayed at private workouts before the draft. He started only one year in college and was exposed at the next level.

Akili Smith is more the rule than the exception. Matt Cassell has added to the legend of USC being a football factory for the NFL but his heroics with the Patriots last season is an exception to the rule. This guy hadn't started since high school and could never beat out the likes of Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer. Under the tutelage of a master mind coaching staff, Cassell shook off some early season miscues and played great down the stretch. Now people expect a repeat performance in Kansas City. Not so fast.. Has anyone seen the roster?

The NFL isn't instant grits or coffee.. (Add quarterback and stir...) Kansas City will be terrible this year. Tony Gonzalez is gone. Larry Johnson is Dennis Rodman with a helmet minus the dress. They also have a first year coach. Not good. Sure Miami and Atlanta turned around after coaching changes but not necessarily because those coaches did everything right. Both teams could easily relapse into mediocrity. Stranger things have happened. The off season creates the proper anticipation for the upcoming season. Unfortunately it doesn't give us a peek into the crystal ball of which teams will stink and which team will be the leaders of the pack.

This year draft lacked the sizzle of drafts in the past but a few teams impressed me with their selections.

1. The Cincinnati Bengals.

They have stuck with Carson Palmer and Marvin Lewis. Most people believe that Lewis should've been fired long ago while Palmer has yet to return to pro bowl form after injury.
Their selection of Andre Smith raised some eyebrows but these are the bungles we're talking about. In the past they have taken some huge risk on talented and equally troubled players. In fairness Smith hasn't been arrested but it is fair to question his desire considering some of his antics in college and most recently at the "scouting combine".

2. The Philadelphia Eagles

They have committed to getting some weapons for Mcnabb for the first time since they went after T.O. It's no secret that Donovan has taken his fair share of undeserved criticism. The drafting of Jeremy Macklin at 19 and Lesean Mccoy shows that the eagles are headed in the right direction. They also made some key trades to help beef up the protection of Mcnabb with the acquisitions of Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews. Mcnabb and the eagles just became the favorites in their brutal division.

3. The Tennessee Titans

The Titans did something that they haven't done in 11 season. They selected a wide receiver in the first round. Kenny Britt completed a stellar college career as the number one receiver for Rugters. Jared Cook out of South Carolina gives the titans offense some pop with his jet like speed and ability to get valuable yards after the catch. Sen'Derrick Marks can fill the hole left by Albert Haynesworth at the Defensive tackle spot. Marks fit the mold of the tough players fisher likes to install in his defensive schemes. Overall great draft by the titans. They should be one of the leaders in the AFC south in the 2009 season.

Is it football season yet?