Talking about value at the slot, not necessarily best/worst player overall. Best: To me, it was close between Gabbert (Jags) and Cameron Jordan (Saints), but I'd have to say Jordan because I didn't think he'd fall that far. Worst: Between Ponder (Vikings) and Carpenter (Seahawks), but I'll say Ponder because he went so far above where he should have and Dalton is still on the board. They must've fallen in love with him.
Christian Ponder was probably the "worst" pick because it was such a reach. Even though they gave up next year's first, the Saints got a hell of a steal when they traded back in for Mark Ingram.
Worst: Ponder for the Vikes (Should of been Mallet) Alternate: Watkins for Philly, should of went with another Guard, I like the kid but 27 yrs old? He should be a 2nd rounder. Best pick: Giants with Prince at 19, the kids going to be a stud and they got great value. Alternative: Rams getting Quinn at 14, Quinn will be a hell of a DE especially in a conference with such weak OLines.
This is a great list, although I'm making one change. I don't mind the Vikes reaching for a QB if they really believe in him. They're an excellent team outside of the quarterback position, and their pick was too late to count on getting a QB later. It's a move Minnesota really needed to make.
I mean the best picks were the early ones just based on talent. But the best value is Cam Jordan to the Saints The worst is probably Ponder, but Locker could give him a run
Hated the Ponder pick... huge reach imo (but you never know really). They have so many holes they should've gone Amukamara or Fairley. I still expect them to bring in a veteran for this year. I also didn't like the Panthers pick (been discussed a ton), Seahawks pick (with Carimi still on the board) and the Chiefs pick (big reach for Baldwin imo). Loved the Saints Cam Jordan pick, Rams' Quinn pick, Giants Amukamara's and our Wilkerson pick tht late in the draft.
Something tells me they will look to trade up in round 2 ( The Seahwaks). Probably for Caepernick but thats only if he reachs the Broncos at 46. With Dalton and Mallet left they probably feel comfortable waiting a bit. I like Carp alot but he's clearly a second rounder and supposedly they were looking for Watkins but got Carp to be there LG. Also, The pick wasnt bad per say but with deep threats in Rice, Harvin, and Berrian I dont get how the Vikings could pass on stronger arm QBs like Dalton and Mallet. Ponder isnt even more accurate than both of them, the only thing that makes sense is that he fits their west coast offense. They should of traded down even if it wasnt for a great pick just as long as they stayed in the first. Maybe even trade with a team looking to get Prince. I dont hate the pick but would of done something diffferent.
Best: Detroit - Fairley, St. Louis - Quinn, Giants - Amukamara Worst: Titans - Locker, Seattle - Carpenter, Eagles - Watkins
I think all the QB picks were bad. I also have no idea what the Falcons are thinking. Maybe there is a rule where you can play with three balls that I don't know about. They already have a top 5 WR, Gonzalez, Turner, Jenkins, Douglass, Snelling, etc. How is this going to help them stop the Packers from marching up and down the field on them like last year. No #2, #4 or #1 or #4 next year either. Gave all that up for a WR. Also, I am so glad the Patriots suck at the draft. They could have done some damage with some combination of Quinn, Jordan, Ingram, Costonzo but they end the day with Nate Solder. Mo will eat his lunch for the next five years.
Nick Fairley fell out of the top ten? I thought there was no way that would ever happen? I caught hell for calling that 2 months ago. I like the Rams pick- Quinn at 14 is a very nice pick. Atlanta gets a good player, but I think that move was just absurd. They completly mortgaged this years, and next years draft to get this guy. What was it, 2 firsts, a second, and 2 fourths? That's just too much to give up for a high bust position like WR. Not to mention, now they have to give the guy a 60 Million Dollar contract. Everyone freaks out about trading picks for a proven vet with a franchize tag, but somehow, a move like this is acceptable? People on this board scoffed at the notion of trading 2 picks for Ngata. Not suggesting that I wanted to do so, but I'll tell you what- that would make a lot more sense than trading 2 firsts, a second, and two 4ths for Julio Jones. The contracts won't be that different either. I'm not going to kill Minnesota for Ponder. Everyone is so quick to criticize a slight reach, but nobody mentions how much it would cost them to move up later if they passed on him at 12. If Minny passes on Ponder, and then wants to trade back up into the late first, it's going to cost them next years first and then some.
I think the worst pick was Carolina. Cam has a huge upside but was a reach at #1 and has a huge bust potential. I liked J Russel and vince young coming out of college and to me they have simular games and brains. Best pick for me was probably Jordon for NO but I actually liked Detroit taking Fairley. Detroit has studs up front and now they can keep them all fresh with a rotation without a great drop off in talent.
Best:Fairley (with Suh and Vandonbosch...WOW); Prince at 19 eventhough he needs to change his press style as NFL nework pointed out) great value, and Mark Ingram with the Saints, Hayward (the steelers get it). Worst: Jones (just gave up way too much for him), Ponder of course, Solder (is a total NE guy if you saw his draft look in...total white collar family, way too stiff and tall), Phil Taylor (they just had way to many other needs to go with a NT), and Carpenter (did you see Sabins face when he was picked ahead of Ingram...priceless)
Is there such a thing as too tall for an OT? He is 6'9 so he will at least effect Brady's vision if not take a few balls off the helmitt. I was really worried NE was going to take Ingram who I think will be very good.
Christian Ponder isn't terrible. People are freaking out about the draft. His arm is more than adequate and he's got a great head on his shoulders. He's going to be playing in a dome and hand off to one of the best backs in the game. He's one of the only guys where you don't have questions about transition to a pro style offense. He doesn't have glitzy physical tools, but he's not a stiff. This pick is nowhere near as bad as the Locker pick. Physical tools are highly overvalued in the draft at the quarterback position. A big arm is no good if you can't hit a receiver in stride. Even Gabbert has questions on that one. In a normal draft, Ponder is a third round pick, but this is not a normal draft. Everyone thinks any quarterback is as good as any quarterback, and in this case, the Vikings felt they had to jump. -X-
Worst pick was the Eagles. A 27 year old interior lineman. Even funnier was Kiper wanted to kill them, but couldn't because of all the firefighter 9/11 stuff that was going down. I am pretty sure that John Gruden would have given that kid a ZJ if he asked for it. Holy hell. -X-
Best picks: 1. Giants getting Prince; 2. Ravens getting Smith; 3. Lions get Fairley Worst picks: 1. Vikings reach for Ponder; 2. Panthers take Cam Newton 1st; 3. The Browns ignore their biggest need and then take a guy that doesn't fit their system.
Best pick - Jets (not being too much of a homer, I honestly think it was) Worst pick - Seahawks by a mile. You cant criticise the Vikings too much - if you think someone can be a franchise QB then you take him wherever you are - taking a 3rd round guard in the 20's is just awful. edit: if talking just about value, best pick was prolly the Giants.