First Round Tidbits

My thoughts upon the completion of a first round filled with quality players, if few stars:

-Matthew Stafford's huge contract will likely be the biggest rookie contract that we will see for quite some time. With the new collective bargaining agreement being negotiated, I don't think teams will be willing to pay such astronomical figures to top 10 picks anymore. It's a big risk for the Lions, and I really hope for their sake that it works out.

-The Jets took care of what they needed by moving up and drafting Mark Sanchez. Interestingly, because of the aforementioned astronomical figures being payed to high draft picks, especially quarterbacks, the Jets didn't have to pay a huge price to move up. They gave up only one other draft pick, their 2nd rounder this year, and three players on their roster. It works out for Mangini, because he gets his guys, but the real biggest price for the Jets will be whatever contract they end up giving to Sanchez. I would have to expect it to total well over $50 million.

-The three big tackles went in the first eight picks. These are smart, low risk, safer picks for teams who are rediscovering the supreme importance of tackles in the NFL.

-Darrius Heyward-Bey is an incredible physical talent, and he has a huge upside in the NFL. That said, Really Oakland?? Really??

-All of the picks from #9-#15 were smart, great value picks, in my opinion. All of those teams got good players who will come in and help win games.

-The Josh Freeman pick by Tampa Bay, on the other hand, seems like a huge reach at #17. Again, the NFL draft is largely a crapshoot, so nobody really knows, but he seems like just another quarterback at that same, insufficient talent-level for the Bucs. I think there are other ways they could have helped their team. The only thing I will says is that Tampa Bay will pay him a small fraction of what Detroit and the Jets will be paying their guys, a very important consideration in the dollars and sense salary cap NFL.

-From #19 through #26, I think you again saw some really good value picks. I pray that Detroit does something to help themselves out up front, but Pettigrew is a great value, a complete, polished player, and will be Stafford's best friend. Alex Mack, likewise, is one of the players I was highest on in the draft. Look no further than Kevin Mawae for an example of what a cerebral and tough center can mean to your line. Additionally, Percy Harvin makes a lot of sense with the Minnesota Vikings. He will bring a new dimension to their offense, and their Wildcat game with him and AD could be scary. Excellent moves throughout, and with Cushing and Raji, the Green Bay Packers defense could get downright scary.

-Finally, I was surprised to see Hakeem Nicks last so long, because I have him ranked right up there with Heyward-Bey for receivers, but he was a nice pick for the Giants. He will really fill the Plaxico role very well, and if he matures, he could become an elite receiver in the NFL.