4/13/08
2004 NFL Draft 1st Round Evaluation
In my opinion, it takes four years to evaluate a players ajustment from college to the NFL. So let's take a look back and see how this 1st Round class turned out...
1.) San Diego Chargers- Phillip Rivers QB North Carolina State (1)
-Technically, Eli Manning was the first pick of this class, but the Chargers and Giants were able to srike a deal that sent Rivers, the Giants first pick at #4, to San Diego for a couple picks in next years draft, which made it possible to draft star linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding in 2005. Yes, Eli has won a Super Bowl, but in the last 2 years where Rivers has played he has shown he can carry this team. In the 2007 AFC Championship game, Rivers played on a bum knee and was only 9 points away from beating the undefeated Patriots. I havn't asked many fans, but i'm sure they're happy how the deal panned out.
GRADE: A+
2.) Oakland Raiders- Robert Gallery OT Iowa
- The first bust of the draft, and it couldn't come too soon. Robert Gallery coming out of college was said to be the next Walter Jones. A true wall at the left tackle spot. However, that just wouldn't be the case. The Raiders would shuffle him around at various postions on the offensive line, praying he would reach his full potential. Gallery just couldn't get it done, and is now offically elligiable to be labeled a first round bust.
GRADE: D-
3.) Arizona Cardinals- Larry Fitzgerald WR Pittsburgh
- I expected more from Larry, but he surely is still one of the more feared receivers in the game. I thought he'd be the number one guy in he league 2 years when he came in, but a dissappointing 2006 campaign held him back. However, he has still gone over the 1400 yard mark twice in his four year career. In fact, he had 1409 and 10 TD's in 2005 AND 2007. He has also led the Cardinals in receiving three out of those four years. A lot of thanks can be given to stud receiver on the other side Anquan Boldin as well. With a new contract and an improving team, Fitzgerald should be even better in 2008.
GRADE: A
4.) New York Giants- Eli Manning QB Ole Miss (2)
- Well, the New York football Giants got exactly what they wanted. Going into the 2004 draft, they were hunting for a quarterback that could get them to the promise land. Well, all they had to do is give up some picks next year to move up four spots to find their man. Four years later, Eli Manning has a ring. After being critizied mostof his career and having to live under his brothers shadow, Eli still took his team to the playoffs three straight years, and in 2007 won ten straight road games. To top it all off, he took the ball in the last few minutes of Super Bowl 42 and scored the game winning touchdown to defeat the 18-0 New England Patriots. In the end, it was all worth it.
GRADE: A+
5.) Washington Redskins- Sean Taylor S Miami
- Well everyone basically knows the story of Sean Taylor. After going threw some difficult off field problems through out his carrer, Sean still managed to be an all star on the field. Then when Sean was blessed with a new kid, it seemed all his problems were washed away, and he would continue to play with all the potental the Redskins seeked out of him. Then tragically in the middle of the 2007, Sean was shot in his home and died two years later. It is truely sick someone this young had to die so soon, but Sean was definally be remembered for his play making ability on the field. He always brought the big hit, and was always a specacullar teammate. What more could you want from a player?
GRADE: A
6.) Cleveland Browns- Kellen Winslow TE Miami (3)
- Two seasons ago, people were ready to name Kellen a huge bust. He tore his ACL mid 2004, and was in a motor cycle accident before the 2005 campaign, missing the whole season. However, Kellen would recover. The following season he flashed his potential with 875 yards and 3 touchdowns. That would only be the start. Last year, this tight end with all the potential in the world made the Pro Bowl with a spectacullar 1106 yard season with 5 touchdowns. He makes the Cleveland Browns offense even more frightening.
GRADE: B+
7.) Detroit Lions- Roy Williams WR Texas (4)
- If you like talking potential, you could go a whole day discussing Roy Williams. When on the field, he's one of the best in the game. Injuries though have held his man back from unleashing all of his freakish ability. He is always an endzone threat, having 28 total touhdowns throughout his career. The only real season he wasat full stength was 2006, and that is when he made the Pro Bowl with 1310 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Lions can't control him getting injured, but regardless, they still have one hell of a player playing receiver for them (well now they have two with the arrival of Calvin Johnson).
GRADE: B
8.) Atlanta Falcons- DeAngelo Hall CB Virginia Tech
- This pick is quite the tricky one. A lot of experts consider Hall to be one of the top corners in the game, but I think other wise. DeAngelo gets burned too many times to be considered a real "Shut down" cornerback. Don't get me wrong, he is still a solid player, but not worthy enough to get some of the praise he gets. He was recently shipped to Oakland for a second round pick in the 2008 draft. Maybe that shows some of the negative thoughts the Falcons organization had on their #8 pick?
GRADE: B
9.) Jacksonville Jaguars- Reggie Williams WR Washington
- When Williams was drafted, the Jacksonville Jaguars hoped he'd fill the role of a receiver that would fight for every ball and be a redzone machine. That just hasn't been the case. The only high of his career has been a ten touchdown season in 2007. Even with that, he only took in 629 yards. In his four seasons, he has never been to a Pro Bowl, and has not even made a Pro Bowl. Also, before this season, he only had 5 touchdowns total. It's safe to say he has been a disappointment so far.
GRADE: C-
10.) Houston Texans- Dunta Robinson- CB South Carolina
- On Draft day 2004, I beleived the Texans had a steal when grabbing Robinson at #10. I still do. I am a huge Robinson fan, and think if he was on a better team, he would be considered one of the leagues best. He flashed star ability his rookie season with six interceptions, but since then has had to battle with a bad defense. Also in 2007, he unfortunately missed seven games due to injury. He should grow to be better next season with a defense that is adding many other young stars.
GRADE: B-
11.) Pittsburgh Steelers- Ben Rothlisberger QB Miami (Ohio)
- This draft had four quarterbacks that were predicted to be future Pro Bowlers (all four turned out to be selected in the first round), and Big Ben may have turned out to be the best one. Where to begin? In his rookie season, he led the Steelers to a 15-1 record, not losing a game until the Afc Championsip game against the Patriots. In 2005, he started slow, but evetually rallied the Steelers and won Super Bowl XL as a sixth seed. After a motor cycle inncident before the 2006 season, Ben had his first struggled season as a pro with an 8-8 record, but he recovered in 2007 with career highs in passing touchdowns and yards. It also earned him the richest Steelers contract in history with an 8-year 102 million dollar honor. They got all this, and they didn't even need to trade picks away.
GRADE: A+
12.) New York Jets- Jonathan Vilma MLB Miami
- This would have been a marvelous pick at #12...if the Jets didn't run a 3-4 scheme. Vilma never was able to ajust to the Jets way of running the defense, and was eventually shipped to the New Orleans Saints this off-season. With him being able to play in a 4-3 scheme in New Orleans, people beleive he'll finally live up to his potential and make the Pro Bowl. That doesn't benefit the Jets though, and they will basically receive a low grade mainly on the fact they run their defense a certain way.
GRADE: C
13.) Buffalo Bills- Lee Evans WR Wisconson
- Evans for the past four seasons has been Buffalo's only main threat at the receiver position. Before last season, experts predicted Evans to surpass many of his doubters and roll into the conversations as a Top 5 receiver in the game. That just wouldn't be the case though. Evans would struggle all season long, and only haul in 849 yards 5 touchdowns. A lot can be blamed on the Bills lackof threats on the offensive side of the ball. Teams would just target Lee all game long. With a more mature Marshawn Lych, and hopefully a rookie receiver thrown into the mix, Evans could possibly return to his 2006 form and become that "elite" wide out.
GRADE: B
14.) Chicago Bears- Tommie Harris DT Oklahoma
- I don't know if there wasa better sight in the 2004 draft than seeing Tommie Harris's father dancing as his son Tommie was drafted #14 overall by the Chicago Bears. He had good reason too. Harris has become one of the most feared defensive linemen in the game today, and is almost impossible to block one on one vs offensive linemen. He played a major role in the Chicago Bears Super Bowl run two seasons ago. Three straight Pro Bowls later, Harris is on his way to a Hall of Fame career.
GRADE: A+
15.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Michael Clayton WR LSU
- No, not the movie. Were talking about the wide receiver that looked like the next geat wide receiver in the NFL after his rookie season, but was never heard from again. He brought in 1193 yards and seven touchdowns his rookie season, but since then only has one touchdown. ONE. A lot could be blamed for his lack of success, but the fact remains is that Clayton has been a major bust the last three seasons.
GRADE: D
16.) Philadelphia Eagles- Shawn Andrews OT Arkansas (5)
- The Eagles offensive line has been critizied this season many times after giving up six sacks to Osi Umenyiora, but this shouldn't effect the grade of offensive tackle Shawn Andrews. Along with Jon Runyan, Andrews has been an anchor on the Eagles offensive line and is considered among the best tackles the game has to offer. I think I speak for Eagles fans when I say this was a very solid choice by the Philadelphia organization. This pick was also made in the year the Eagles made their second Super Bowl in franchise history
GRADE: A
17.) Denver Broncos- D.J Williams OLB Miami (6)
- Willams has been apart of a solid linebacking corefor most of his NFL career, but last season was stuck on a front seven that had much trouble stopping the run. He also has been tossed around to all of the linebacking positions, searching for the "right spot" they'd be happy sticking him. Al Wilsons departure left him playing middle linebacker last season. He had a solid season regardless with 106 tackles and 35 assists. For the most part, D.J Williams has been a very solid starteron the Denver Broncos defense.
GRADE: B
18.) New Orleans Saints- Will Smith DE Ohio State
- Here comes the man in black. Will Smith has had to be the Saints main man on defense to provide pressure on the quarterback. Early in his career he enjoyed be lined up beside Charles Grant, but Grant has struggled as of late leaving Smith to be the top end on the line. During their miracle story in 2006 and division title, Will Smith enjoyed a Pro Bowl campaign and gathered 10.5 sacks with career high. In 2007, Smith couldn't match that but still made seven sacks, which isn't bad considering he is doubled teamed all game. All in all, he has been a solid contributor on defense.
GRADE: B
19.) Miami Dolphins- Vernon Carey OG Miami (7)
- Carey has been the Dolphins best offensive linemen since his arrival, but it hasn't helped the lack of talent around him to help out. He has been constantly switched around the line where he is most servicable. He now lies on the tackle spot, and it now appears he is getting help with many additions threw free agency, and hopefully threw the draft. He will also be moved to the right side with the release of L.J Shelton.
GRADE: B
20.) Minnesota Vikings- Kenechi Udeze DE USC (8)
- This franchise has been in search for a dominate pass rusher for quite some time. They took the rish in drafting an end in the first round of 2004, but once again, things didn't work out. He had a decent rookie year with five sacks, but didn't do much damage other wise. In 2005 he had only one sack and played on three games. In 2006, he played all sixteen games and didn't get a single sack. This season he had five sacks, but still hasn't been able to live up to the hype of a first round pick.
GRADE: D
21.) New England Patriots- Vince Wilfork DT Miami (9)
- The Patriots organization loves bringing in defensive linemen, and they got lucky in 2004 that Vince Wilfork fell to them. Wilfork is the perfect fit to be stuck in the middle of New England's 3-4 scheme. He made his first Pro Bowl last season, and has played a large role in the Patriots success the past few seasons. At this point in the draft, he could be considered a solid A.
GRADE: A
22.) Buffalo Bills- J.P Losman QB Tulane (10)
- Losman was the last quarterback in this draft who was predicted to be a future star in this league. The Buffalo Bills took the risk and gave away their first round pick in 2005 to grab him, and it's turn out they may regret it. Losman was injured his first year, and when he finally entered the lineup in 2005, he was benched in favor of Kelly Holcomb. After a solid 2006 campaign, Losman sturggled a year later in 2007 and ended up getting injured. Rookie Trent Edwards preformed better, and now Losman may become a backup, or even traded to another team. His career in Buffalo was a disappointment.
GRADE: C-
23.) Seattle Seahawks- Marcus Tubbs DT Texas
- Prior to the 2004 season, the Seattle Seahawks were in desperate need of a defensive tackle. Then they selected Marcus Tubbs hopefully to cure that, but he failed to see much time in the lineup due to injuries. However, when he is in the lineup, the Seahawks become twice as good on defense. He plugs the middle of the line and creates a lot of problems for offenses. This is exactly why the Seahawks made the Super Bowl in 2005. That is all good and great, but the fact remains he is constantly injured. If he falls to the injury bug this season, it is safe to call him a bust.
GRADE: C-
24.) St. Louis Rams- Steven Jackson RB Oregon State (11)
- Finally a running back is taken off the board. The Rams got an absolute steal here with Steven Jackson, who somehow fell to them with the #24 pick. The man does it all. He'll block for you, run with power to get the extra yard, and even catch it out of the backfield. He's a modern day Marshall Faulk. He guarenteed 2500 total yards last season, but due to injuries that wasn't possible. Although if he's at full strength this season, it's definally possible he can pass that mark.
GRADE: A+
25.) Green Bay Packers- Ahmad Carroll CB Arkansas
- Possibly the biggest bust of the 2004 Draft. Even at the time, many thought the Packers should have used this choice on the other cornerback in the draft, Chris Gamble, but the Packers chose a different route and took a risk with Carroll. He never really did ajust to the NFL, and was burned on many occasions. After his time with the Packers were up, he tried to make a comeback with Jacksonville in 2006, but once again failed. Bad pick by Green Bay.
GRADE: F
26.) Cincinnati Bengals- Chris Perry RB Michigan (12)
- At this time, the Bengals were trying to find a running back to replace the great Corey Dillon, so they decided to use their number one choice on Chris Perry coming out of Michigan. Little did they know, Rudi Johnson would later emerge to be a capable number one running back, and beat out Perry for the job. Since then, Perry only has two touchdowns in his career, and both came from receiving. So what does that tell you? A running back drafted in the first round, and in four years has no rushing touchdowns. Bust.
GRADE: D-
27.) Houston Texans- Jason Babin DE Western Michigan (13)
- It has been very obvious over the past few years that Houston has received a new franchise, that they want to have as many pass rushers on the defensive line to have a chance to beat the Colts. This is why they traded up in the first round to select Jason Babin. He actually played linebacker his first year and had four sacks, but little did he know he should have gotten used to it. He would never become that dominate pass rusher as they hoped. With only four in 2005, and five in 2006, the Texans finally traded him away to Seattle in 2007 for safety Michael Boulware, where Babin never played a down. Another move the Texans franchise should regret.
GRADE: D-
28.) Carolina Panthers- Chris Gamble CB Ohio State (14)
- Unlike Ahmad Carroll, Gamble has been a solid starter for most of his career. He has excelled greatly in Carolina opposite of Ken Lucas. In his first three years in the league, he gathered sixteen interceptions, but could only manage one in 2007. Considering the spot they grabbed him at, this wasa very solid choice for the Panthers.
GRADE: B+
29.) Atlanta Falcons- Michael Jenkins WR Ohio State (15)
- Things were looking very good at the time after the selection of Michael Jenkins for the Falcons. They already had just drafted a top corner back early in the draft, and now they had a large receiver to join the roster to help out the passing game. It also helped Mike Vick was coming back from a season where he was injured. Not so fast. Jenkins may have been tall, but he would just be another victum to the list of receiver Mike Vick couldn't throw too. It would be interesting to see how he developed with Matt Schaub, but the fact remains Jenkins just didn't live up to his first round pick.
GRADE: D+
30.) Detroit Lions- Kevin Jones RB Virginia Tech (16)
- The Lions moved up in the first round hoping to develope a new power running game with Kevin Jones. His rookie year, he did outstanding. He gained a remarkable 1133 yards and five touchdowns. After that, it was all downhill. He failed the next three years to gain over 700 yards and failed to be the star player Detroit had hoped he'd be. This is kind of like all the other Lions players that have been drafted though, so it comes as no suprise.
GRADE: C-
31.) San Francisco 49ers- Rashaun Woods WR Oklahoma State (17)
- Who? I can't help but laugh at this selection. I now have to take my Ahmad Carroll comment back, THIS is the biggest bust of the 2004 Draft. Woods only had 160 yards and one touchdown his rookie season, was on IR the next, and was traded to the Chargers in 2006. However, he failed a physical and was cut. He hasn't played a down since.
GRADE: F
32.) New England Patriots- Ben Watson TE Georgia
- The Patriots used the last round pick with the large tight end out of Georgia, Ben Watson. Watson has never stood out as that "great" big named tight end, but he has gotten the job done since his stay in New England. Perhaps his best memory is in the 2005 AFC Divisional Championship where Champ Baily intercepted a Tom Brady pass and was running down the sideline for the score, only to be caught up to on the one yard line by Ben Watson and get hammered out of bounds. Denver later scored, but it showed the true heart and effort of Watson. However, Ben was somewhat of a let down in the Super Bowl, and there are rumors he may be replaced threw the 2008 NFL Draft.
GRADE: C
(1) = Swapped players with New York Giants
(2) = Swapped players with San Diego Chargers
(3) = From Detroit
(4) = From Cleveland
(5) = From San Francisco
(6) = From Cincinnati
(7) = From Minnesota
(8) = From Miami
(9) = From Baltimore
(10) = From Dallas
(11) = From Denver through Cincinnati
(12) = From St. Louis
(13) = From Tennessee
(14) = From Philadelphia through San Francisco
(15) = From Indianapolis
(16) = From Kansas City
(17) = From Carolina
A+ = 5 PLAYERS
A= 4 PLAYERS
A- = 0 PLAYERS
B+ = 2 PLAYERS
B = 6 PLAYERS
B- = 1 PLAYER
C+= 0 PLAYERS
C = 2 PLAYERS
C- = 4 PLAYERS
D+ = 1 PLAYER
D = 2 PLAYERS
D- = 3 PLAYERS
F = 2 PLAYERS
Biggest Steal:
Ben Rothlisberger QB Miami of Ohio-
The Steelers didn't even need to trade away picks to snag their Pro Bowl, Super Bowl winning quarterback with Pick #11. Four years later, he has the richest contract in Steelers history.
Biggest Bust:
Ahmad Carroll CB Arkansas-
Green Bay took a "gamble" and chose Ahmad Carroll over Chris Gamble. It didn't pay off. Carroll isn't even in the league anymore.
or
Rashaun Woods WR Oklahoma State-
160 yards and one touchdown throughout his carreer, and that was only in his rookie year. He was even drafted in the 5th round of the NFL Europe Draft in 2007 by the Hamburgh Sea Devils. Yeah, you think the 49ers are regretting this one?
