Who did well?

The Kansas City Chiefs are getting the most attention because they had the most action in the first rounds. I think that making an impact in the draft is finding value past the first couple rounds.  The New York Giants did exactly that. In the third round the Giants selected a receiver with a lot of raw talent and pure potential in Mario Manningham. They also recognized an aging linebacking corps by adding an undervalued linebacker from Vanderbilt Jonathan Goff. The New York Giants also received big playmakers in the first two rounds to their secondary by adding a lurking free safety in Kenny Phillips (Miami) and a shutdown corner in Terrell Thomas (USC).

Jacksonville Jaguars Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a statement on draft weekend by selecting big names from big time programs. In the first round the Jaguars traded up to the Baltimore Ravens spot to grab a relentless Defensive End from Florida Derrick Harvey. In the second round, the Jags added another pass rusher from Auburn in Quentin Groves. Groves acquired 26 sacks in his career at Auburn and hopes to add some ferociousness to the already stacked Jacksonville D. Jack Del Rio also grabbed two USC Trojans in Thomas Williams and Chauncey Washington who made an impact for four years in one of the most successful universities in the nation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft

I was also impressed with what the Bucs did at their positioning in the draft. The Bucs gave their Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin three new toys to play with and spent a first round pick on a Cover 2 corner Aqib Talib from Kansas. Talib is a strong and instinctive corner who can compete at the next level. He will be under the tutelage of one of his favorite corners in the league Ronde Barber. The Bucs also added a fierce competitor in Geno Hayes from Florida State. Hayes is a reliable tackler who has a nose for the football, but will lack the necessary coverage skills in the feared Tampa 2 defense.

San Diego Chargers Draft

A.J. Smith the Chargers General Manager added depth to an already stout secondary and versatility to the already great back field. In the first round the Chargers picked a 1^st team All American cornerback from the University of Arizona in Antoine Cason. Cason has all the intangibles of a successful corner in the league. A combination of speed, size, and ball skills Cason will fill the empty nickel back slot and add another weapon for San Diego’s scoring defense. The Bolts also added a violent runner in National champion Jacob Hester who also has the ability to catch the ball out of the back field and grind-it-out mentality to gain after contact yards.

Dallas Cowboys Draft

Jerry Jones again wined and dined the other NFL General Managers on draft day. The former oil tycoon made moves in the draft to acquire three first day picks who will all have an impact on the team. In the first round the Cowboys lived to their motto by building their team around the draft by adding Arkansas Running Back Felix Jones and a human highlight reel in South Florida’s cornerback Mike Jenkins. The Cowboys also filled a needed hole in the number two Tight End spot by getting Martellus Bennett right up the street from Texas A&M. Bennett who is known for more of his blocking skills could also a vertical threat for “Americas team”.

NFL Draft to Move?

Potentially the tradition of the one weekend in April inside Radio Music Hall could be coming to an end.

According to the LA Times, reports have shown that deals with the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles are being negotiated.

The draft would bring an official NFL event to Los Angeles in more than 14 years.

I think that it would benefit all 32 teams because there wouldn’t be a bias of chants coming from the crowd.

The Giants and Jets fans overwhelm the league event and create a stir of emotions among the crowd.