The NFL Draft

[Reschke]

Usually it is the late round OL picks that last the longest of any draft picks. My case for that rests in this right here:

Chris Gray currently plays for the Seahawks and has been in the league for 14 seasons now. He was drafted in the 5th round in 1993 by the Dolphins as the 20th pick of the 5th round (132nd overall) from Auburn University. He is a good friend of mine.

Mike Webster, a 6-1, 255-pound All-Big Ten center at Wisconsin, was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fifth-round selection and the 125th player taken in the 1974 NFL Draft. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Taken from the NFL Hall of Fame website:

Jackie Slater, a veteran of twenty National Football League seasons, was like the Energizer Battery bunny that “just kept going and going and going.” Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 1976 NFL Draft, Slater is tied for third all time for the most seasons played in the history of the league. His 259 regular-season games played were the most ever by an offensive lineman when he retired, and his 20 seasons with one team is an NFL record.

That is just three to think of right off the top of my head. Given more time and less beer I could name a few more.

[Hoarach]

Without a doubt I think Titans had the best overrall draft picks and Im not saying because they have Vince Young who I think is the worst QB compared to Leinhart or Cutler.

[Sixpence]

Originally posted by Reschke
Usually it is the late round OL picks that last the longest of any draft picks. My case for that rests in this right here:

Chris Gray currently plays for the Seahawks and has been in the league for 14 seasons now. He was drafted in the 5th round in 1993 by the Dolphins as the 20th pick of the 5th round (132nd overall) from Auburn University. He is a good friend of mine.

Mike Webster, a 6-1, 255-pound All-Big Ten center at Wisconsin, was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fifth-round selection and the 125th player taken in the 1974 NFL Draft. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

There are always exceptions at any position, i.e., Terrell Davis, Tom Brady, 6th round picks.

Sure, you can find offensive lineman late in the draft, I think Tom Ashworth(formally of the Pats, just signed with Seattle) wasn't even drafted. But he is the product of a personnel staff who can identify someone who can be coached and a coaching staff that can get it done. The Pats are blessed with both and are able to produce a solid offensive line out of mid to late round picks. Remember when the Pats played Carolina in the SB? Remember Warren Sapp saying the Pat's offensive line was going to get run over by the Carolina defensive line? Brady wasn't sacked all game, he had a record 32 completions. I have a quote in my sig related to it.

Now, that being said, you don't pass on an Orlando Pace, Tony Boselli or Jonathan Ogden. Especially when your personnel dept or coaching staff has yet to show they can identify or coach good mid to late round talent, and your QB is best known for being sacked and taking a beating all season.

I have been reading some articles laughing at the Texans for not taking Reggie Bush, these are probably the same people who scorned the Pats for not drafting David Terrell when they drafted Richard Seymour.

[Sox62]

Originally posted by Stang
Woot, another Bengals fan!  I'm not alone after all.



Edit: btw, I ran into Carson Palmer on the driving range yesterday, he was swinging pain free and without a knee brace on.  Think he's doing better than anyone expected.

Yep...I'm one of the long suffering.I took the plunge and became a season ticket holder two years ago,and I'm glad I did.The good seats are all gone now.

[Reschke]

You are right Sixpence. You can not pass up those types of players and if I would have been sitting in the GM chair at Houston I would have drafted 7 OL prospects and gone free agent hunting for defensive help. With a QB like Carr and the Dominic Davis at RB and some of the young WR's they have all they need is OL help. BUT what do I know since I am not the suit in the front office.

[Sixpence]

Originally posted by Reschke
You are right Sixpence. You can not pass up those types of players and if I would have been sitting in the GM chair at Houston I would have drafted 7 OL prospects and gone free agent hunting for defensive help. With a QB like Carr and the Dominic Davis at RB and some of the young WR's they have all they need is OL help. BUT what do I know since I am not the suit in the front office.

I think I am bias cause Johnson and Carr didn't produce in my fantasy league. I think I drafted Johnson kind of early too