Draft Grades - AFC East

by Sigmund Bloom on 04/28/09

yeah

Posted April 29, 2009 - 9:04:34

I was very disappointed while watching the draft live, although work related issues prevented me from seeing the 2nd day live.  However, after giving this draft time to settle in, it makes me realize that grading a draft before these players hit the field is pointless, but interesting nonetheless.  As a longtime Dolphins fan, the last year there was a big change in the Dolphin “culture” so to speak, and Parcells infused this team with many of “his guys” (Fasano, Ayodele, Ferguson etc.).  At #25, they pick Vontae Davis, and my immediate reaction was, WHAT????  Maybe the most talented corner in the draft, and certainly the most physically capable, I didn’t see Vontae as one of Parcells “guys”.  Everything I’ve heard recently from Ron Zook, seems to make all those bad character issues not exactly accurate, i’m sure the truth lies somewhere in the middle.  Regardless, Parcells took a talented player at a position of great need, and either figures he will work hard to change hos prima donna character, or he’ll just have a really talented prima donna CB, who hopefully plays as well as big as his ego is supposed to be.  Now onto Pat White, who admittedly, I cringed when I heard that pick.  Now, I realize that he will be used very often in different ways in an offensive set that apparently, this team believes will be a major part of the offense.  He will play QB, and WR in the wildcat, and will be a dangerous option in this formation.  Just think for a moment, really think, how many 1st round WR’s, or 2nd rounders actually make an impact in their rookie year?  Moreso, how many rookie QB’s (besides Flacco and Ryan) even see the field in their rookie year?  If Pat White has 10-15 touches a game from day 1, and lets say is involved in 10 TD’s for the year,  rushing and passing combined, isn’t that worth a 2nd round pick?  Sean Smith I liked immediately, because the AFC EAST is filled with dominating big receivers, so adding Smith, whether he plays safety or CB was a good move.  Day 2 of the draft I found very disappointing, and still feel that way, far too many reaches value wise, and they had a shot at a couple of big NT’s, (Terrance Taylor and Sammy Lee Hill), which I think was a need here, but maybe they will make a push for Wilfork next year.  Please e-mail back, I’m curious if you agree or disagree.  Great job on all your work on your site!  Take Care - Mike E.

Posted April 29, 2009 - 10:38:47