Right now, no matter what Vegas says, every team thinks it’s headed to Super Bowl XL. T.O. is unhappy? Doesn’t matter, the Eagles can do it without him. Kansas City has no defense? Who cares? Priest Holmes and Co. will carry the day regardless of how many points their defense yields. The Vikings got rid of one of the most productive receivers ever in Randy Moss? Stop sweatin’ the little things. That’s only a minor detail in their offseason restructuring to fit the mold of a Super Bowl champion.
In the constant whirlwind that is the NFL, the draft is the only time when everyone puts money down on his or her team to hit it big. All coaches, general managers and owners will tell you they are ecstatic with the selections they made, and all fans will look at the bright side of the moves their teams made.
The good feelings just keep on coming when the names are actually read. Tears flow, hugs are exchanged, and the nation’s top prospects are just grateful that they are finally done attending classes and will be given the opportunity to provide for their families. They can buy momma a house, customize their first cars and even accept money openly, rather than from boosters under the table.
How these picks pan out is a different story entirely. Alex Smith could be the next Peyton Manning, or the next Ryan Leaf. Only time will tell. Here at the Serm we have our own ideas about how some of this draft went down.
San Francisco 49ers: Following in the footsteps of Joe Montana, Steve Young and Jeff Garcia, Tim Rattay never really fit the bill as one who could continue that stretch of greatness. The Niners hope Alex Smith can do just that, and with such an astute football mind and above-average athletic ability, he will. David Baas and Frank Gore in the second and third rounds will provide Smith with the protection and help he needs up the middle to thrive.
Philadelphia Eagles: With unhappy players at DT, RB and WR the Eagles drafted what else? A DT, RB, and WR. Should Corey Simon or T.O. provide problems, Mike Patterson and Reggie Brown could be acceptable replacements. Ryan Moats is a strong, tough runner who is also very elusive. With injuries at the position last year, Moats will provide much needed depth.
Detroit Lions: Not many of Mooch’s picks without the advice of Bill Walsh in San Francisco fared very well, so I am not surprised that Coach Mariucci used his third first-round pick in three years on a wide receiver. Mike Williams hasn’t played organized football in over a year and doesn’t give Joey Harrington any more weapons than he already has. The Lions passed up on much-needed defensive help when quality talent was available at No. 10.
Washington Redskins: Cornerback Carlos Rogers will only bolster last year’s No. 2 defense, but taking his teammate, quarterback Jason Campbell, with the No. 25 pick is very puzzling. Campbell only had one good year at Auburn and was better at handing the ball off to two top-five picks (Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams) than airing it out. Campbell is more of a project than an immediate contributor and Coach Joe Gibbs won’t be around for long enough to see him through.
