This is something I've noticed over the past decade or so and wanted to see what you all think. I watch a lot of college football and every NFL game I can but I will admit I'm not very good at determining how well a player will make the transition from NCAA to the NFL. With that being said, I've noticed that the year after Jeremy Shockey was drafted, the following year everybody had a bunch of tight ends high on their draft boards, hoping that they could land the next Shockey. Similar situations happen nearly every year, and the players that are drafted rarely pan out to be as good as expected. It seems that whatever position is "hot" the season before, every team trys to upgrade at that position, ignoring other needs. I think that we will see this a lot of this in this years NFL draft. Many people say that McFadden is the best player in the draft. I think this has a lot to do with people thinking he could be as effective as Adrien Peterson was in his rookie year. However, I'm worried about something else. The NY Giants won the superbowl with a good pass rush, so now many people now think a pass rush is the most important aspect of a football team. I looked at a few mock drafts and most of them had Glenn Dorsey, Chris Long, Sedrick Ellis, Vernon Gholston, Phillip Merling, Quentin Groves, Lawrence Jackson, Kentwan Balmer, Keith Rivers, and Derrick Harvey all listed in the first round or early 2nd.(http://walterfootball.com/draft2008.php i used this mock as reference) That is about 1/3 of the first round just on D-line and OLB. I know that a pass rush is important, and the Jets' pass rush was pathetic last year, but I'm worried that some of these players are overrated. Are they all 1st and early 2nd round talent, or are they just up there because D-line and OLB were the "hot" positions last year? I watched Dorsey and Gholston a few times last year and they didn't seem to be top 5 talent. I personally think they would be mid to late first round picks in any other season. What do you all think?
I think that your basic premise is 100% correct - even professionals, who you would think would be immune to the hype, fall into this trap. No doubt this is because they believe that if they miss one Adrian Peterson they'll still have a job, but if they miss two they'll be fired. Unfortunately, they're probably right.
Even if people disagree, that is a good thought. I think atleast three will pan out. If used in the right system. That is the key for a lot of players. See Vilma. IMO, he was too good to get rid of because you are so bullheaded about your scheme. But if thopse guys get in the right system they'll be just fine.
I agree with this post. Thats why Im nervous about Gholston- He seems like he might be overatted because of his "potential" as a dominant pass rushing OLB in the 3-4, when he played end in the 4-3. I think thats why I want to draft McKelvin at 6- Seems like a safer pick and he obviously plays a bigger need position- In addition hes considered the top return man in the country- With Mckelvin on punts and Miller/Washington on returns, our special teams would be unstoppable. The addition of McKelvin would also give our secondary the chance to be the best in all of football. Having a great defense and a super elite special teams is an appealing thought. We would dominate the field position game and our blue collar offense would score enough points for us to win 10-12 games and compete with the Pats.
They will not take McKelvin at 6...give that idea up. Doubtful they could trade down if they wanted to in order to draft him where he would belong.
The same was said about Mario Williams in his first year . He seems to be good to go now ! These guys have to gel and then we can comment on if their over rated. I have seen teams pick up a bunch of veterans and new players only to have it all come crashing down around them . Lets hope thats not the Jets this year.
True...he's been such a terrible burden on this franchise not becoming a top tier LT in 2 years spending half his career with the worst G in the NFL....
That makes sense. Ask: Heath Miller Darryl Blackstock Matt Schaub Thomas Jones Patrick Kerney James Farrior Tiki Barber Ronde Barber Jeff Lageman ..............
