With the NFL Draft looming, I decided to take a look at some of the top low round draft picks in the NFL over the past 31 years. This is the third-part of a three part series, and will feature the best NFL Draft finds over the past 11 years, as of today. Now, it's possible that somebody picked last year or in 2009 could still break out and become the find of the draft. After all, a lot of players featured in the first two installments didn't take off until their third or fourth years, so keep that in mind. So, without further adieu, here are the top NFL Draft Finds over the past 11 years.
2000: Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots, Pick #199 (6th Round)
I'm sure by now that every football fan knows the story of Tom Brady. Coming out of Michigan, Brady was mainly considered to be the placeholder until super recruit Drew Henson could take over the Wolverines' quarterbacking duties. So nobody gave it much thought when the Patriots picked Brady late in the 2000 draft. However, in 2001 Drew Bledsoe got hurt, and Brady stepped up and not only succeeded, but led the Patriots to perhaps the most improbable Super Bowl win of all time. From there, Brady only got better, winning two more Super Bowl and becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.
2001: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals, Pick #204 (7th Round)
Houshmandzadeh and college teammate Chad Johnson were both drafted by the Bengals in the 2001 Draft, Johnson in the second round and Houshmandzadeh in the seventh. At first, Houshmandzadeh was primarily used on special teams, and after missing most of 2003 with a hamstring injury, not much was expected of him entering the 2004 season. But Houshmandzadeh came back better than ever, catching 73 passes and providing the Bengals with a great possesion receiver to go along with their big-time deep threat in Johnson. Houshmandzadeh kept up the good work, and in 2007 he led the league in receptions with 112. Now with the Baltimore Ravens, Houshmandzadeh has caught 616 passes for 7,091 yards thus far in his career.
2002: Brett Keisel, Defensive End, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pick #242 (7th Round)
A product of Brigham Young University, Keisel spent his first few years as a reverse to starter Kimo Von Oelhofen. When Von Oelhofen left in 2006, Keisel stepped right in and delivered 5.5 sacks in his first year as a starter. Ever since then, Keisel has been a key member of the fierce Pittsburgh defense, playing for AFC Championship teams and one Super Bowl Championship team. Keisel also played in his first Pro Bowl after the 2010 season, and even picked off a pass and ran it 79 yards for a touchdowns against the Bucs last season. Not only that, but Keisel possessed the most fearsome beard in the NFL until he shaved it off for charity last February.
2003: Dan Koppen, Center, New England Patriots, Pick #164 (5th Round)
Like fellow Boston College alum Tom Nalen, Koppen was a second-team All Big-East selection who was thought by scouts to be too small to succeed as an NFL center. Just like Nalen did, Koppen has proven his critics wrong, as his quickness and smarts proved to be quite useful to the Patriots. Koppen wasted no time, as he took over the starting center role after an injury to Damien Woody in week 2 of the 2003 season and never looked back, becoming a Super Bowl winning center in his first two years in the NFL. In 2007, Koppen made the Pro Bowl and helped the Patriots finish the regular season with a 16-0 record. Today, Koppen is still going strong, and should have a few top-notch years left as the Patriots' center in front of Tom Brady.
2004: Jared Allen, Defensive End, Kansas City Chiefs, Pick #126 (4th Round)
It's not everyday that defensive ends from a small school like Idaho State become one of the top pass rushers in football, but then again, there aren't many players like Jared Allen. The outspoken, fun-loving former roadie for Motorhead made his presence immediately felt, putting up 9.5 sacks as a rookie for the Chiefs in 2004. Ever since then, Allen has caused havoc for opposing offenses, and in 2007 he led the NFL with 15.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time. After the 2007 season, Allen was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, and he's kept up the solid work since then, with 40 sacks and 2 Pro Bowl appearances in his first three seasons for the Vikings. Since Allen entered the league in 2004, he has 83.5 sacks, a mark that is the best in the NFL over the past seven years, and at 29, Allen is nowhere near done, a scary thought for opposing quarterbacks.
2005: Jay Ratliff, Defensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys, Pick #224 (7th Round)
Ratliff spent only one year as a Defensive Tackle at Auburn when the Cowboys took him late in the 2005 Draft. After spending his first two years coming off the bench, coach Wade Phillips plugged Ratliff in as the starting nose tackle in 2007, and Ratliff stepped right in. Despite being somewhat small for a nose tackle, Ratliff is able to cause chaos in the middle by using his quickness, which is usually too much for opposing lineman to handle. In the last three years, Ratliff has played in the Pro Bowl, and collected a total of 17 sacks over that span, the most of any defensive tackle. Not too bad for a player that originally came to Auburn as a tight end.
2006: Marques Colston, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints, Pick #252 (7th Round)
Much like Shannon Sharpe, Colston was a 'tweener' from a small school whom many NFL teams felt was too small for a tight end and too slow to be a wide receiver. The Saints picked the Hofstra product with the fourth to last pick in the draft, and coach Sean Payton was so impressed by Colston in his first training camp that the Saints traded away starting wideout Donte' Stallworth to open up a spot for Colston in the lineup. Colston made Payton look like a genius as he caught 70 passes for 1,038 yards and eight touchdowns to help take the Saints to the NFC Championship game. Since then, Colston has continued to be Drew Brees' favorite target at wide receiver, and was a key contributer to the Saints title run in 2009. After five years, Colston has caught 369 passes for 5,067 yards and 40 touchdowns, marks that already put him in third place in each category in Saints history.
2007: Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, New York Giants, Pick #250 (7th Round)
Now we have reached the part of the article where it's somewhat murky, as players drafted this late are still quite young and have not yet reached the prime of their careers, so it's hard to say who will truly emerge as the steals of the draft. For now though, Bradshaw looks like a heck of a pick for the Giants. After playing at Marshall, Bradshaw spent most of his first year on the bench, but broke out with an 88 yard touchdown run late in the season against Buffalo, and was quite effective in the playoffs, running for 208 yards in the postseason as the Giants won the Superbowl. Since then, Bradshaw has steadily worked his way up in the lineup, and in 2010 he took over the starting running back duties from Brandon Jacobs. While Bradshaw has talent, as his 1,235 yards last season will attest, he also has shown a tendency to fumble the ball. If Bradshaw can correct his fumbling problem, then there's no doubt that he can become one of the NFL's best backs for the next few years.
2008: Peyton Hillis, Running Back, Denver Broncos, Pick #227 (7th Round)
Hillis was a fullback at Arkansas, blocking for superstar backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. In his first two seasons, Hillis had some success running the ball for the Broncos, but after being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2010 for Brady Quinn, Hillis flourished. After taking over the starting running back job in week three last year, Hillis flourished, making his presence felt by running for 144 yards against the staunch Ravens' defense. For the year, Hillis finished with 1,177 and 11 touchdowns on 277 carries, and he added 61 catches for 477 yards and two touchdowns. Plus, earlier today, Hills was announced as the cover athlete for Madden '12, a feat that seemed impossible just one short year ago.
2009: Johnny Knox, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears, Pick #154 (5th Round)
Thus far, there aren't really a whole lot of breakout candidates from the lower rounds of this draft, but as we just saw last year with Hillis, a player could develop out of nowhere in their third year next year, providing of course that there is an NFL season next year. For now, my choice is Knox, a fifth round pick who has been a bit inconsistent, but has played pretty well for a fifth round wide receiver from Abilene Christian. In 2009, Knox made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner, averaging 29 yards a return. Not only that, but Knox caught 45 passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, Knox started all 16 games for the Bears at wide receiver, and provided a much-needed deep threat for Jay Cutler. In 2010, Knox caught 51 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns. His 18.8 ypc average ranked fifth in the NFL last season. If Knox continues to develop, he could become the best wide receiver the Bears have had since the heyday of Curtis Conway.
2010: Cody Grimm, Safety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pick #210 (7th Round)
The son of Hall of Famer Russ Grimm, Cody was one of only two seventh rounders in last year's draft to start at least half of their team's games in 2010 (Indianapolis linebacker Kavell Corner being the other). A three-year starter at Virginia Tech, Grimm got his opportunity after Tanard Jackson was suspended for the season, and held up rather well, racking up 38 tackles and two interceptions. He even returned one of those interceptions for a touchdown. A broken fibula ended Grimm's season after 11 games, but he should be in contention for a starting role in the Bucs secondary again in 2011, provided of course that there is football to play in 2011.
Well, thanks for reading. If you have any comments about this post, than feel free to leave a comment on this blog. Also, if you have any ideas for future reviews or thoughts about the blog in general, than feel free to share those thoughts and ideas either by leaving a comment or by sending me an e-mail at KtheC2001@gmail.com.
Showing posts with label draft finds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label draft finds. Show all posts
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
NFL Draft Finds: 1990-1999
In the second of a three part series, The Canon Review takes a look at some of the best low round NFL Draft picks over the past 30 years. This installment features the best draft finds of the 1990s, and include a Hall of Fame tight end and three quarterbacks that rose from obscurity to become Pro Bowlers, including one that led his team to the Super Bowl. So, without further adieu, here are the top draft finds in each year's NFL Draft of the 1990s.
1990: Shannon Sharpe, Tight End, Denver Broncos, Pick #192 (7th Round)
Coming out of Division II Savannah State College, Sharpe was thought to be too small for a tight end, and too slow to be a wide receiver. On the other hand, Sharpe proved to be too strong for cornerbacks to defend, and too fast for linebackers to cover. The Broncos made him a tight end, and two years later, Sharpe played in the first of eight career Pro Bowls. Sharpe would go on to play for three Super Bowl winning teams, the 1997 and 1998 Broncos and 2000 Baltimore Ravens. Sharpe finished his career with 815 catches and 10,060 yards, becoming the first tight end in NFL history to exceed the 10,000 yard plateau. Earlier this year, Sharpe was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1991: Keenan McCardell, Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins, Pick #326 (12th Round)
McCardell actually didn't suit up for the Redskins until his last season in 2007, but the 12th Round pick from UNLV proved to be a top-notch receiver for many teams over his 16 year career. Released by the receiver-rich Redskins in 1992, McCardell landed on the Browns, and after a 56 reception season in 1995, he became a free-agent and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his six year stint as a Jaguar, McCardell exceeded the 1,000 yard mark four times, and in 2002, McCardell caught two touchdowns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl. McCardell retired in 2007, and his 883 catches ranks 14th in NFL history.
1992: Brad Johnson, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings, Pick #227 (9th Round)
Johnson spent his college career at Florida State, backing up starter Casey Weldon. So when the Vikings picked Johnson in the ninth round, no one knew what to make of a quarterback with so little on field experience in college. Johnson spent the first two years of his career on the sideline, and didn't start a game until 1996, but he proved to be a solid quarterback and led the Vikings to a playoff berth in 1997. After an injury gave way to Randall Cunningham's remarkable 1998 season, Johnson was sent to the Washington Redskins, and in 1999, Johnson passed for over 4,000 yards as the Redskins won the NFC East. In 2001, Johnson was traded to Tampa Bay, and the very next year, Johnson was the starting quarterback on the Bucs' 2002 Super Bowl winning team. For his career, Johnson played in two Pro Bowls, threw for 166 touchdowns and 29,054 yards. Not bad for a career backup in college.
1993: Trent Green, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers, Pick #222 (8th Round)
After a decent career at Indiana University, only two players were selected after Green in the 1993 Draft, neither of which played a game in the NFL. For a while, it looked as if Green would never play in the NFL either, as he was cut by San Diego, then cut by the CFL B.C. Lions before ending up on the Washington Redskins practice squad. After an injury to Gus Frerotte early in 1998, Green stepped in for the Redskins and played admirably, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. Green signed with the St. Louis Rams after that season, but missed the 1999 season due to a knee injury suffered in pre-season. Thanks to the play of his former backup, Kurt Warner, Green was traded to Kansas City in 2001. There, he played six years and engineered a high-powered offense during his stint there. From 2003-2005, Green threw for over 4,000 yards in each season and led the Chiefs to the playoffs after the 2003 and 2005 seasons. Green retired after the 2009 season, finishing his career with 28,475 passing yards and 162 touchdowns. Green passed for 237.3 yards per game in his career, which puts him ninth in NFL history and ahead of such quarterbacks as Warren Moon, Philip Rivers, Donovan McNabb, and John Elway.
1994: Tom Nalen, Center, Denver Broncos, Pick #218 (7th Round)
The fifth-to-last pick in the 1994 Draft was used on Nalen, an undersized center from Boston College. He may not have been the biggest center, but Nalen's quickness and smarts made him the perfect center for Alex Gibbs' zone blocking scheme, and starting in 1995, Nalen blocked for six different backs that ran for over 1,000 yards in a season. Nalen was the starter on Denver's Super Bowl teams in 1997 and 1998, and for his career, Nalen played in five Pro Bowls and started 188 games. In 2009, Nalen was voted to the Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary All-Time team.
1995: Terrell Davis, Running Back, Denver Broncos, Pick #196 (6th Round)
The third Denver Broncos draft pick on this list, Davis was perhaps the most valuable member of Denver's back-to-back Super Bowl champion teams in 1997 and 1998. Coming out of Georgia, Davis was an injury-prone running back thought to be too slow. But Denver took a chance on Davis, and the move paid off right away as Davis ran for 1,117 yards in his rookie season. Over the next three years, Davis was arguably the best running back in football, and in 1998, Davis was the NFL MVP after becoming the third back in history to run for over 2,000 yards. A knee injury slowed down Davis in 1999, and he never truly recovered his previous form, but make no mistake, Davis was an impact player. For his seven year career, Davis ran for 7,607 and 60 touchdowns, and his career mark of 97.5 yards per game ranks fourth in NFL history.
1996: Zach Thomas, Linebacker, Miami Dolphins, Pick #154 (5th Round)
Thomas was a tackling machine at Texas Tech, but scouts thought that Thomas was too small and too slow to succeed as a middle linebacker in the NFL. The Dolphins took a chance on Thomas in the fifth round, and he was so impressive in training camp that coach Jimmy Johnson cut free agent acquisition Jack Del Rio and named Thomas his starting middle linebacker on opening day. Over the next 13 years, the first 12 with the Dolphins, Thomas was one of the best middle linebackers in the game. Thomas played in seven Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro five times during his career. Thomas finished his career with over 1,000 tackles, 20.5 sacks and 17 interceptions, and in 2010 the NFL named Thomas one of three middle linebackers (along with Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher) on it's 2000 All-Decade team.
1997: Jason Ferguson, Defensive Tackle, New York Jets, Pick #229 (7th Round)
Another University of Georgia product, Ferguson's draft status was put into danger after he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine, but after a positive review from Jim Donnan, Jets head honcho Bill Parcells took a chance on Ferguson late in the draft. The move paid off, as Ferguson started all 16 games in his second season, and was a mainstay on the Jets' defensive line until moving to Dallas in 2005 to play for his old coach Bill Parcells. Ferguson started for three seasons in Dallas, and when Parcells became president of the Miami Dolphins in 2008, Ferguson soon followed, helping to turn around a Dolphins team that went from 1-15 in 2007 to an 11-5 record. Ferguson retired during training camp last year, finishing his career with 127 games started, 21.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, as well as a reputation as being a top-notch run stopper.
1998: Matt Hasselbeck, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers, Pick #187 (6th Round)
Hasselbeck had a decent but unspectacular career at Boston College when Mike Holmgren and Ron Wolf selected Hasselbeck late in the draft. Since Brett Favre was firmly in place as the Packers' quarterback, Hasselbeck sat on the bench for three years before he reunited with Holmgren after a trade to Seattle. Hasselbeck started the 2001 season as the Seahawks' starting QB, but didn't really flourish in the role until 2003, where he broke through with a season where he passed for 3,821 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading the Seahawks to the playoffs in the process. Since then, Hasselbeck has been the starting quarterback in Seattle with a great deal of success, leading his team to six postseason appearances and the Super Bowl in 2005. For his career, Hasselbeck has played in three Pro Bowls, and has completed 2,572 passes for 29,579 yards with 176 touchdowns. Hasselbeck is also the Seahawks all time leader in completions, passing yards, and completion percentage.
1999: Donald Driver, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers, Pick #213 (7th Round)
As it turns out, the Packers are pretty good at this draft thing. Coming out of Division 1-AA Alcorn State, Driver was the 25th receiver taken in the 1999 Draft. With the exception of Torry Holt, no receiver in that draft has more career catches, yards, and touchdown catches than Driver. Driver didn't become a starter in Green Bay until 2002, a season where he gained over 1,000 yards and made the first of three Pro Bowls. Driver continued to be the main target in the Packers' passing game, and from 2004-2009 he had a string of six consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. In 2010, Driver and his mates went on to win Super Bowl 45. Driver's 698 catches is the most in the rich history of the Green Bay Packers. He also has gained 9,615 yards and caught 53 touchdowns during his 12 year career.
Well, thanks for reading. If you have any comments about this post, than feel free to leave a comment on this blog. Also, if you have any ideas for future reviews or thoughts about the blog in general, than feel free to share those thoughts and ideas either by leaving a comment or by sending me an e-mail at KtheC2001@gmail.com.
1990: Shannon Sharpe, Tight End, Denver Broncos, Pick #192 (7th Round)
Coming out of Division II Savannah State College, Sharpe was thought to be too small for a tight end, and too slow to be a wide receiver. On the other hand, Sharpe proved to be too strong for cornerbacks to defend, and too fast for linebackers to cover. The Broncos made him a tight end, and two years later, Sharpe played in the first of eight career Pro Bowls. Sharpe would go on to play for three Super Bowl winning teams, the 1997 and 1998 Broncos and 2000 Baltimore Ravens. Sharpe finished his career with 815 catches and 10,060 yards, becoming the first tight end in NFL history to exceed the 10,000 yard plateau. Earlier this year, Sharpe was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1991: Keenan McCardell, Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins, Pick #326 (12th Round)
McCardell actually didn't suit up for the Redskins until his last season in 2007, but the 12th Round pick from UNLV proved to be a top-notch receiver for many teams over his 16 year career. Released by the receiver-rich Redskins in 1992, McCardell landed on the Browns, and after a 56 reception season in 1995, he became a free-agent and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his six year stint as a Jaguar, McCardell exceeded the 1,000 yard mark four times, and in 2002, McCardell caught two touchdowns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl. McCardell retired in 2007, and his 883 catches ranks 14th in NFL history.
1992: Brad Johnson, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings, Pick #227 (9th Round)
Johnson spent his college career at Florida State, backing up starter Casey Weldon. So when the Vikings picked Johnson in the ninth round, no one knew what to make of a quarterback with so little on field experience in college. Johnson spent the first two years of his career on the sideline, and didn't start a game until 1996, but he proved to be a solid quarterback and led the Vikings to a playoff berth in 1997. After an injury gave way to Randall Cunningham's remarkable 1998 season, Johnson was sent to the Washington Redskins, and in 1999, Johnson passed for over 4,000 yards as the Redskins won the NFC East. In 2001, Johnson was traded to Tampa Bay, and the very next year, Johnson was the starting quarterback on the Bucs' 2002 Super Bowl winning team. For his career, Johnson played in two Pro Bowls, threw for 166 touchdowns and 29,054 yards. Not bad for a career backup in college.
1993: Trent Green, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers, Pick #222 (8th Round)
After a decent career at Indiana University, only two players were selected after Green in the 1993 Draft, neither of which played a game in the NFL. For a while, it looked as if Green would never play in the NFL either, as he was cut by San Diego, then cut by the CFL B.C. Lions before ending up on the Washington Redskins practice squad. After an injury to Gus Frerotte early in 1998, Green stepped in for the Redskins and played admirably, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. Green signed with the St. Louis Rams after that season, but missed the 1999 season due to a knee injury suffered in pre-season. Thanks to the play of his former backup, Kurt Warner, Green was traded to Kansas City in 2001. There, he played six years and engineered a high-powered offense during his stint there. From 2003-2005, Green threw for over 4,000 yards in each season and led the Chiefs to the playoffs after the 2003 and 2005 seasons. Green retired after the 2009 season, finishing his career with 28,475 passing yards and 162 touchdowns. Green passed for 237.3 yards per game in his career, which puts him ninth in NFL history and ahead of such quarterbacks as Warren Moon, Philip Rivers, Donovan McNabb, and John Elway.
1994: Tom Nalen, Center, Denver Broncos, Pick #218 (7th Round)
The fifth-to-last pick in the 1994 Draft was used on Nalen, an undersized center from Boston College. He may not have been the biggest center, but Nalen's quickness and smarts made him the perfect center for Alex Gibbs' zone blocking scheme, and starting in 1995, Nalen blocked for six different backs that ran for over 1,000 yards in a season. Nalen was the starter on Denver's Super Bowl teams in 1997 and 1998, and for his career, Nalen played in five Pro Bowls and started 188 games. In 2009, Nalen was voted to the Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary All-Time team.
1995: Terrell Davis, Running Back, Denver Broncos, Pick #196 (6th Round)
The third Denver Broncos draft pick on this list, Davis was perhaps the most valuable member of Denver's back-to-back Super Bowl champion teams in 1997 and 1998. Coming out of Georgia, Davis was an injury-prone running back thought to be too slow. But Denver took a chance on Davis, and the move paid off right away as Davis ran for 1,117 yards in his rookie season. Over the next three years, Davis was arguably the best running back in football, and in 1998, Davis was the NFL MVP after becoming the third back in history to run for over 2,000 yards. A knee injury slowed down Davis in 1999, and he never truly recovered his previous form, but make no mistake, Davis was an impact player. For his seven year career, Davis ran for 7,607 and 60 touchdowns, and his career mark of 97.5 yards per game ranks fourth in NFL history.
1996: Zach Thomas, Linebacker, Miami Dolphins, Pick #154 (5th Round)
Thomas was a tackling machine at Texas Tech, but scouts thought that Thomas was too small and too slow to succeed as a middle linebacker in the NFL. The Dolphins took a chance on Thomas in the fifth round, and he was so impressive in training camp that coach Jimmy Johnson cut free agent acquisition Jack Del Rio and named Thomas his starting middle linebacker on opening day. Over the next 13 years, the first 12 with the Dolphins, Thomas was one of the best middle linebackers in the game. Thomas played in seven Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro five times during his career. Thomas finished his career with over 1,000 tackles, 20.5 sacks and 17 interceptions, and in 2010 the NFL named Thomas one of three middle linebackers (along with Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher) on it's 2000 All-Decade team.
1997: Jason Ferguson, Defensive Tackle, New York Jets, Pick #229 (7th Round)
Another University of Georgia product, Ferguson's draft status was put into danger after he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine, but after a positive review from Jim Donnan, Jets head honcho Bill Parcells took a chance on Ferguson late in the draft. The move paid off, as Ferguson started all 16 games in his second season, and was a mainstay on the Jets' defensive line until moving to Dallas in 2005 to play for his old coach Bill Parcells. Ferguson started for three seasons in Dallas, and when Parcells became president of the Miami Dolphins in 2008, Ferguson soon followed, helping to turn around a Dolphins team that went from 1-15 in 2007 to an 11-5 record. Ferguson retired during training camp last year, finishing his career with 127 games started, 21.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, as well as a reputation as being a top-notch run stopper.
1998: Matt Hasselbeck, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers, Pick #187 (6th Round)
Hasselbeck had a decent but unspectacular career at Boston College when Mike Holmgren and Ron Wolf selected Hasselbeck late in the draft. Since Brett Favre was firmly in place as the Packers' quarterback, Hasselbeck sat on the bench for three years before he reunited with Holmgren after a trade to Seattle. Hasselbeck started the 2001 season as the Seahawks' starting QB, but didn't really flourish in the role until 2003, where he broke through with a season where he passed for 3,821 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading the Seahawks to the playoffs in the process. Since then, Hasselbeck has been the starting quarterback in Seattle with a great deal of success, leading his team to six postseason appearances and the Super Bowl in 2005. For his career, Hasselbeck has played in three Pro Bowls, and has completed 2,572 passes for 29,579 yards with 176 touchdowns. Hasselbeck is also the Seahawks all time leader in completions, passing yards, and completion percentage.
1999: Donald Driver, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers, Pick #213 (7th Round)
As it turns out, the Packers are pretty good at this draft thing. Coming out of Division 1-AA Alcorn State, Driver was the 25th receiver taken in the 1999 Draft. With the exception of Torry Holt, no receiver in that draft has more career catches, yards, and touchdown catches than Driver. Driver didn't become a starter in Green Bay until 2002, a season where he gained over 1,000 yards and made the first of three Pro Bowls. Driver continued to be the main target in the Packers' passing game, and from 2004-2009 he had a string of six consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. In 2010, Driver and his mates went on to win Super Bowl 45. Driver's 698 catches is the most in the rich history of the Green Bay Packers. He also has gained 9,615 yards and caught 53 touchdowns during his 12 year career.
Well, thanks for reading. If you have any comments about this post, than feel free to leave a comment on this blog. Also, if you have any ideas for future reviews or thoughts about the blog in general, than feel free to share those thoughts and ideas either by leaving a comment or by sending me an e-mail at KtheC2001@gmail.com.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Top NFL Draft Finds, 1980-1989
Hey, did you know the NFL Draft starts this Thursday? Yes, in what is sure to be the last event the NFL puts on until the 2012 Draft, each team is looking to find the next great player that will either bring them to prominence or keep them there. While last year I spotlighted some of the high picks that didn't quite make it (which you can read about here, here, and here), this year I decided to go in the opposite direction and spotlight some of the best low draft picks to make an impact in the NFL over the past 30 years. So, in the first of a three-part series, here are the best draft finds for each NFL draft in the 1980's.
1980: Wayne Smith, Cornerback, Detroit Lions, Pick #278 (11th Round)
With the first pick in the 11th round, the Detroit Lions selected Smith, a cornerback out of Purdue. It's rare that 11th round picks start as rookies, but Smith took over the starting cornerback role in the middle of his rookie season. After spending nearly three seasons in Detroit, Smith went on to St. Louis and was their starting cornerback from 1983-1986. For his career, Smith started 84 games and picked off 10 passes over an eight year career. Sure, Smith wasn't exactly a great player, but he did provide great value for an 11th round pick.
1981: Jim Wilks, Defensive End, New Orleans Saints, Pick #305 (12th Round)
The Saints selected Wilks out of San Diego State as part of a draft class that also included stalwarts such as George Rogers, Rickey Jackson, Hoby Brenner, and Frank Warren. Over the next 13 years, Wilks would become a solid performer along the Saints defensive line as the team climbed to respectability, first as a defensive end, then as a nose tackle. Over his career, Wilks started 154 games for the Saints and racked up 45.5 sacks, with a career high of 8 in 1983.
1982: Steve Jordan, Tight End, Minnesota Vikings, Pick #179 (7th Round)
The greatest football player to come out of Brown since Fritz Pollard, the Vikings took a flyer on Jordan in the seventh round. As it turned out, it was a great move, as Jordan would become one of the NFL's top tight ends for the next decade. Jordan was named to six consecutive Pro Bowls (1986-1991) and from 1985 to 1992, Jordan led all tight ends with 383 catches and 5,074 receiving yards. For his 13 year career, all in Minnesota, Jordan finished with 498 catches (10th all time amongst tight ends), for 6,307 yards (8th) and 28 touchdowns. Interestingly enough, Jordan's son Cameron, a defensive end from Cal, is expected to be a first round pick in this year's draft.
1983: Karl Mecklenburg, Linebacker, Denver Broncos, Pick #310 (12th Round)
A walk-on at the University of Minnesota, Mecklenburg was considered to be too small and too slow to make an impact in the NFL, but the Broncos took a chance on him in the 12th round primarily due to Mecklenburg's performance on the IQ tests at the NFL Combine. As things turns out, it was a stroke of genius for the Broncos, as Mecklenburg became the leader of a defense that went to three Super Bowls in the 1980s. Although Mecklenburg was officially listed as an inside linebacker, he played all over the place along the Broncos' front seven, and was considered to be the most versatile defender of his era. Mecklenburg was named to six Pro Bowl squads and was a first-team All Pro three times (1985, 1986, 1989) during his career. Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, second in Broncos history, and an unofficial total of 1,104 tackles.
1984: Earnest Byner, Running Back, Cleveland Browns, Pick #280 (10th Round)
Okay, so he did have "The Fumble", but other than that, Byner was heck of a pick for the Browns. With the last pick in the tenth round, the Browns selected the running back from East Carolina, and Byner proved to be a key contributor to the Browns' teams that made the AFC Championship Game in 1986 and 1987. After five years of splitting carries with Kevin Mack, the Browns traded Byner to the Washington Redskins in 1989, and it was there that Byner had his most success, picking up two 1,000 yard seasons and being the leading rusher for the 1991 Super Bowl Champions. For his 14 year career, Byner ran for 8,261 yards and 56 touchdowns, and also caught 512 passes out of the backfield, which ranks 12th all-time among running backs.
1985: Raleigh McKenzie, Offensive Lineman, Washington Redskins, Pick #290 (11th Round)
Like Byner, McKenzie was a starter on the Redskins' 1991 Super Bowl Championship team. Not only that, but McKenzie was also a starter on the Redskins' 1987 Championship squad. An 11th round pick out of Tennessee, McKenzie would go on to play 16 years in the NFL with four different teams, with his first ten years taking place in Washington. A versatile lineman, McKenzie would start at least one game at all five offensive line positions, although he primarily played left guard and center. In 2002, McKenzie was honored for his achievements by being named one of the seventy greatest Redskins of all-time.
1986: Clyde Simmons, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles, Pick #233 (9th Round)
A defensive end out of Division 1-AA Western Carolina, the Eagles took a chance on Simmons late in the 1986 draft. The next season, Simmons took over as the starting right defensive end opposite of Reggie White, and the Eagles had the best pair of defensive ends in football for the next six years. Simmons developed into one of the most dangerous pass rushers in football, racking up 15.5 sacks in 1989, 13 in 1991, and a league leading 19 sacks in 1992. After leaving the Eagles in 1993, Simmons played with four different teams, and provided a boost to the pass rush at each stop along the way. Simmons retired in 2000 with 121.5 career sacks, which ranks 14th all time. In 2007, Simmons was voted to the Eagles' 75th Anniversary All-Time team.
1987: Tyrone Braxton, Cornerback, Denver Broncos, Pick #334 (12th Round)
With the next to last pick in the entire draft, the Broncos took a cornerback from Division 1-AA North Dakota State in Tyrone Braxton. By 1989, Braxton was the starting cornerback for the AFC Champion Broncos. After five years in Denver, Braxton spent a year with the Miami Dolphins, then came back as the Broncos' starting strong safety. In 1996, Braxton led the NFL with nine interceptions, while the next year, Braxton picked off a pass in the Super Bowl for the winning Broncos. Braxton retired after the 1999 season with 36 interceptions, 34 of which came in a Denver Broncos uniform, the fourth highest total in Broncos history.
1988: Dwayne Harper, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks, Pick #299 (11th Round)
Another pick from a Division 1-AA school (South Carolina State), Harper became a starter for the Seahawks in 1989 and held that job for the next seasons. After that, Harper signed with San Diego, and started every game for the 1994 AFC Champions. A solid cornerback, Harper spent 12 years in the NFL, starting 128 games and picking off 24 passes during his career.
1989: Mark Schlereth, Guard, Idaho, Pick #263 (10th Round)
The greatest NFL player to come out of Alaska, Schlereth was picked from the University of Idaho by the Redskins. He started six games during his rookie year, but didn't become a full time starter until 1991. That year, Schlereth made the Pro Bowl and the Redskins won the Superbowl. After the 1994 season, Schlereth signed with the Denver Broncos, where he won another two Super Bowl rings and made the Pro Bowl after the 1998 season. Currently an analyst on ESPN, Schlereth started 140 games during his career despite enduring 29 surgeries, 20 on his knees alone. In 2009, Schlereth was selected to the Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary team.
Well, thanks for reading. If you have any comments about this post, than feel free to leave a comment on this blog. Also, if you have any ideas for future reviews or thoughts about the blog in general, than feel free to share those thoughts and ideas either by leaving a comment or by sending me an e-mail at KtheC2001@gmail.com.
1980: Wayne Smith, Cornerback, Detroit Lions, Pick #278 (11th Round)
With the first pick in the 11th round, the Detroit Lions selected Smith, a cornerback out of Purdue. It's rare that 11th round picks start as rookies, but Smith took over the starting cornerback role in the middle of his rookie season. After spending nearly three seasons in Detroit, Smith went on to St. Louis and was their starting cornerback from 1983-1986. For his career, Smith started 84 games and picked off 10 passes over an eight year career. Sure, Smith wasn't exactly a great player, but he did provide great value for an 11th round pick.
1981: Jim Wilks, Defensive End, New Orleans Saints, Pick #305 (12th Round)
The Saints selected Wilks out of San Diego State as part of a draft class that also included stalwarts such as George Rogers, Rickey Jackson, Hoby Brenner, and Frank Warren. Over the next 13 years, Wilks would become a solid performer along the Saints defensive line as the team climbed to respectability, first as a defensive end, then as a nose tackle. Over his career, Wilks started 154 games for the Saints and racked up 45.5 sacks, with a career high of 8 in 1983.
1982: Steve Jordan, Tight End, Minnesota Vikings, Pick #179 (7th Round)
The greatest football player to come out of Brown since Fritz Pollard, the Vikings took a flyer on Jordan in the seventh round. As it turned out, it was a great move, as Jordan would become one of the NFL's top tight ends for the next decade. Jordan was named to six consecutive Pro Bowls (1986-1991) and from 1985 to 1992, Jordan led all tight ends with 383 catches and 5,074 receiving yards. For his 13 year career, all in Minnesota, Jordan finished with 498 catches (10th all time amongst tight ends), for 6,307 yards (8th) and 28 touchdowns. Interestingly enough, Jordan's son Cameron, a defensive end from Cal, is expected to be a first round pick in this year's draft.
1983: Karl Mecklenburg, Linebacker, Denver Broncos, Pick #310 (12th Round)
A walk-on at the University of Minnesota, Mecklenburg was considered to be too small and too slow to make an impact in the NFL, but the Broncos took a chance on him in the 12th round primarily due to Mecklenburg's performance on the IQ tests at the NFL Combine. As things turns out, it was a stroke of genius for the Broncos, as Mecklenburg became the leader of a defense that went to three Super Bowls in the 1980s. Although Mecklenburg was officially listed as an inside linebacker, he played all over the place along the Broncos' front seven, and was considered to be the most versatile defender of his era. Mecklenburg was named to six Pro Bowl squads and was a first-team All Pro three times (1985, 1986, 1989) during his career. Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, second in Broncos history, and an unofficial total of 1,104 tackles.
1984: Earnest Byner, Running Back, Cleveland Browns, Pick #280 (10th Round)
Okay, so he did have "The Fumble", but other than that, Byner was heck of a pick for the Browns. With the last pick in the tenth round, the Browns selected the running back from East Carolina, and Byner proved to be a key contributor to the Browns' teams that made the AFC Championship Game in 1986 and 1987. After five years of splitting carries with Kevin Mack, the Browns traded Byner to the Washington Redskins in 1989, and it was there that Byner had his most success, picking up two 1,000 yard seasons and being the leading rusher for the 1991 Super Bowl Champions. For his 14 year career, Byner ran for 8,261 yards and 56 touchdowns, and also caught 512 passes out of the backfield, which ranks 12th all-time among running backs.
1985: Raleigh McKenzie, Offensive Lineman, Washington Redskins, Pick #290 (11th Round)
Like Byner, McKenzie was a starter on the Redskins' 1991 Super Bowl Championship team. Not only that, but McKenzie was also a starter on the Redskins' 1987 Championship squad. An 11th round pick out of Tennessee, McKenzie would go on to play 16 years in the NFL with four different teams, with his first ten years taking place in Washington. A versatile lineman, McKenzie would start at least one game at all five offensive line positions, although he primarily played left guard and center. In 2002, McKenzie was honored for his achievements by being named one of the seventy greatest Redskins of all-time.
1986: Clyde Simmons, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles, Pick #233 (9th Round)
A defensive end out of Division 1-AA Western Carolina, the Eagles took a chance on Simmons late in the 1986 draft. The next season, Simmons took over as the starting right defensive end opposite of Reggie White, and the Eagles had the best pair of defensive ends in football for the next six years. Simmons developed into one of the most dangerous pass rushers in football, racking up 15.5 sacks in 1989, 13 in 1991, and a league leading 19 sacks in 1992. After leaving the Eagles in 1993, Simmons played with four different teams, and provided a boost to the pass rush at each stop along the way. Simmons retired in 2000 with 121.5 career sacks, which ranks 14th all time. In 2007, Simmons was voted to the Eagles' 75th Anniversary All-Time team.
1987: Tyrone Braxton, Cornerback, Denver Broncos, Pick #334 (12th Round)
With the next to last pick in the entire draft, the Broncos took a cornerback from Division 1-AA North Dakota State in Tyrone Braxton. By 1989, Braxton was the starting cornerback for the AFC Champion Broncos. After five years in Denver, Braxton spent a year with the Miami Dolphins, then came back as the Broncos' starting strong safety. In 1996, Braxton led the NFL with nine interceptions, while the next year, Braxton picked off a pass in the Super Bowl for the winning Broncos. Braxton retired after the 1999 season with 36 interceptions, 34 of which came in a Denver Broncos uniform, the fourth highest total in Broncos history.
1988: Dwayne Harper, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks, Pick #299 (11th Round)
Another pick from a Division 1-AA school (South Carolina State), Harper became a starter for the Seahawks in 1989 and held that job for the next seasons. After that, Harper signed with San Diego, and started every game for the 1994 AFC Champions. A solid cornerback, Harper spent 12 years in the NFL, starting 128 games and picking off 24 passes during his career.
1989: Mark Schlereth, Guard, Idaho, Pick #263 (10th Round)
The greatest NFL player to come out of Alaska, Schlereth was picked from the University of Idaho by the Redskins. He started six games during his rookie year, but didn't become a full time starter until 1991. That year, Schlereth made the Pro Bowl and the Redskins won the Superbowl. After the 1994 season, Schlereth signed with the Denver Broncos, where he won another two Super Bowl rings and made the Pro Bowl after the 1998 season. Currently an analyst on ESPN, Schlereth started 140 games during his career despite enduring 29 surgeries, 20 on his knees alone. In 2009, Schlereth was selected to the Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary team.
Well, thanks for reading. If you have any comments about this post, than feel free to leave a comment on this blog. Also, if you have any ideas for future reviews or thoughts about the blog in general, than feel free to share those thoughts and ideas either by leaving a comment or by sending me an e-mail at KtheC2001@gmail.com.
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