Vic's Picks: Best drafters By Vic Carucci National Editor, NFL.com NEW YORK (April 29, 2007) -- One man's very preliminary view of the draft's four biggest winners: 2007 NFL Draft Carolina Panthers: After a mostly quiet offseason, the Panthers made a fairly noticeable splash in the draft. They worked out a deal with the New York Jets to trade down from the 14th to 25th overall spot and got former University of Miami linebacker Jon Beason, who at the very least is a nice insurance policy given Dan Morgan's repeated concussions but who should prove to be much more. Former USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett, the second-round pick, is an exceptional talent for the Panthers to acquire with the 45th overall choice. Jarrett isn't particularly fast, but he knows how to get in the end zone with the ball in his hands. He had 41 receiving touchdowns in only three seasons with the Trojans. The Panthers picked up an extra second-rounder that they used on another former Trojan, Ryan Kalil, arguably the best center in the draft and someone who also should help bring much-needed help to their offense. In the third round, they found the eventual replacement for defensive end Mike Rucker in Georgia's Charles Johnson. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons made perhaps the steal of the draft by getting former Texas guard Justin Blalock seven picks into the second round, 39th overall, with the choice they acquired as part of the trade that sent backup quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans. Blalock is polished enough to be an instant starter and should prove to be an outstanding player for many years to come. The Falcons also picked up tremendous value with their selection of former Arkansas cornerback Chris Houston, one of the top players at his position and someone capable of making an immediate contribution, two picks later (using a choice they acquired from the Minnesota Vikings). In addition, they did wonders for their depth by picking up former Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson with the eighth overall selection, which they acquired from the Texans. Indianapolis Colts: This is a case of the rich getting richer. The Colts found an ideal slot receiver for their spread-formation offense at the bottom of the first round in former Ohio State standout Anthony Gonzalez, a savvy route-runner who should find plenty of room to operate between Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. They used the second-round pick they acquired from San Francisco to land one of the top offensive tackles in this year's college crop, Tony Ugoh, formerly of Arkansas. Third-rounder Daymeion Hughes, a former California cornerback who excels in zone coverage, should compete for one of the starting vacancies created by the departures of Nick Harper and Jason David. Ask Vic! Have a question for Vic on anything NFL related? Don't just sit there -- send it to AskVic@nfl.com, and the best questions will be answered throughout the season right here on NFL.com! Cleveland Browns: Sure, the Browns gave up plenty for the right to acquire former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn in the 22nd spot of the first round after using their original third-overall pick to grab former Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas. The price included their first-round pick in 2008. But so what? The Browns' hierarchy can't afford to be concerned about next year. The focus is on immediate improvement, or at the very least, establishing a legitimate foundation for the hope of the team getting significantly better in the coming years. That process begins with a franchise quarterback, and the Browns are convinced they have one in Quinn. It also requires a tackle that can keep him protected and can help the team to run the ball more effectively, and Thomas is that man.
From Yahoo Sports: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Aqr442mEK19oficgOPHGA7dDubYF?slug=ap-nfldraft-notebook&prov=ap&type=lgns Basically says that Florida again relegates Ohio State to second place.....9 players drafted for UF leads the nation while OSU had 8. Is it any wonder these two played for the BCS NC? On Russell....his brain game is what will be lacking in the NFL....not his throwing ability. On Quinn....interesting that his two best receivers did not get drafted. Notice that Davis and Bowe of LSU were very high draft picks....hmmm.
I find it interesting that Darius Walker did not get drafted. I wonder how he feels now about coming out early. I'm not surprised about McKnight. I'm mildly surprised that Morton did not get drafted, but I'm not qualified to judge OL so I can't say what the reason(s) was/were. Certainly Samardzjia would have gone high if he had opted to go into the draft. All in all, we had 7 players drafted, potentially 8 if JS had been there. Not bad for a group who came in during the TW years.
I'm a little surprised that Walker didn't get drafted myself, I thought he would be a late round (4-5-6-7) if for no other reason than he was a productive college back who could catch the ball out of the backfield and he had learned how to block the blitzing lb. Morton I'm not surprised at all that he didn't get drafted, he was the one who was usually getting beat when Quinn was sacked or hurried, I doubt he'll ever play a down of NFL football. Rhema did not display the consistency of play that a guy with average speed has to have to get drafted, he's another one who will not play a down of NFL football.
I still have a number of GBTD T-Shirts! I see them on e-bay occassionally! If my maid hadn't cut one up for cleaning accidentally I'd have a complete set and given their current value I could retire!
I never thought that Darius would be drafted. I've been under the impression that Charlie had a sit-down with Darius and his dad and explained to them that his role in the offense was about to go way down. In other words, he was being beaten out by better and younger talent. With Travis Thomas, James Aldridge and Armando Allen, the team had at least three bigger/faster TBs with more on the way. I think Charlie gave him an honorable way out at the point where his possible NFL value would be at its highest...
More on LSU's talent: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/04/30/lsu.draft/index.html I think the Auburn loss for LSU was the one they wish they could get back. ( and have better officiating) The tone of the Florida loss was set by Russell's unusual turnover at the UF goal-line but Tebow's two magnificent TD passes were all Tebow and Meyer....not a byproduct of LSU mistakes or bad officials.
Hey.... <t>Stu...<br/> <br/> Give me your opinion on Anthony Spencer. The Boys really like him and I remember watching all the ND/Purdue games we never blocked the guy.<br/> <br/> By Dallas trading w/ the Browns on Quinn they get the Browns #1 next year which could mean McFadden in a Dallas uni. I hope the Browns go 16-0 just not next year. LOL !!</t>
Anthony Spencer will be a great player for the Cowboys, I think. Somebody on the Purdue List was sayin' how the Cowboys fans didn't like the pick because they like everything glitzy in Dallas, but they'll like him just fine when he's chewing up offensive lines.