Monday, May 12, 2008
NFL History 101: Top Running Backs
In yet another new feature, Sport Crack presents NFL History 101, in which I will discuss the history of the game… whether that be the top skill positions, top games, top anything. It’s my mission to bring you a history lesson that you most certainly will not fall asleep through. At least I hope not...
Anyway, first up: NFL History 101: Top Running Backs.
It’s gone by many names in it’s storied history. The running back. The tailback. The fullback. The halfback. Each one exhibit’s a certain mystique. Each one suggests that the player it is the title of is a game changer, a skilled athlete who can take punishment like no other position in sports.
To run the ball into a group of rabid behemoths 20-30 times a game takes a certain kind of player. Hell, it takes a certain kind of person. Many say that the quarterback is the heart of the team, but I say it’s the one who takes a beating play in and play out. I say it’s the one who is the target of a kill the man with the ball mentality of the opposing defense for about a third of the entire game.
There have been many men who have graced us with their athleticism and toughness in the storied history of the NFL. So many that it’s almost a travesty to try and classify each one into a list. It just doesn’t make any sense to try and rank them from best to almost best when each one had their own strengths and their own ways in which they entertained us through the various mediums we enjoyed them with.
How do you measure receiving yards versus career yards per game? What about the amount of touchdowns one scored? If you favor one, your limiting the other and it finally dawned on me that there was only one way to do this. To shit with rankings, let’s just take a look at the best running backs.
So in no particular order, here is a brief profile of the top running backs the NFL has ever seen. There’s no sense trying to rank them because it would do them an injustice. Until someone comes up with a formula to put all of their careers on a level playing field (which I‘m pretty sure will never happen…), it’s just no use. Stop trying to rank them! Just appreciate what they each did individually for the game of football!
As with everything I write, feel free to agree or disagree vehemently in the comments. It’s why I do it.
Jerome Bettis, or “The Bus” as he was formally known as will go down in NFL history as a touchdown machine. His running style exhibited the traits of a bus in more ways than one… he could either run through you like road kill, or he could turn on a higher gear and run right by you. In 13 years (3 of which were with the Rams [and 2 of which of those were when the Rams were still in L.A.]) he racked up 13,662 yards and bowled his way through the goal line for 91 touchdowns. Nearly half those years he was awarded a trip to the Pro Bowl and he is fifth all time in career rushing yards and tied for tenth for all time touchdowns. To think that all that time he had asthma… amazing.
Career highlights: 6-time Pro Bowler & 2-time first-team All-Pro (13 year NFL career)
Nicknamed “Sweetness” in college, Walter Payton would go on to have on of the finest careers the NFL had ever seen. Rushing for 16,726 yards and an astonishing 110 touchdown’s, Payton’s career is easily one of the best ever. Coach Mike Ditka even went so far as to say that Payton was the greatest football player he had ever seen, which is no small feat. Why the man was nicknamed Sweetness is up for debate. Some have said it was acronym for how he ran the ball (which was extremely aggressive). Others have said it stemmed from his easy going personality and still others have said it was because of the ease he played the game with. No matter what the case, The Sweetness will go down as one of the best rushers the game of football has ever seen.
Career highlights: 9-time Pro Bowler & 5-time first-team All-Pro (13 year NFL career)
Arguably one of the most thrilling, electric runners of all time, Barry Sanders was generally regarded as a human highlight reel. No matter where he touched the ball, or the situation of the defenders in his proximity, he was always a threat to bring it in for six. His 15,269 and 99 touchdowns is all the more impressive when you take into account that he never really had a capable offensive unit around him (not to mention his offensive lines…). Although his retirement before the 1999 season shocked the entire football world, his career stats and classy reputation put him into the conversation of best backs to have ever played the game.
Career highlights: 10-time Pro Bowler & 6-time first-team All-Pro (10 year NFL career)
Perhaps the best “complete” back of all time, Marshall Faulk brought an entirely different dynamic to the running back position. He could kill you by rushing the ball but he could also kill you catching the ball out of the backfield. Not only do his 12,279 career yards with 100 rushing touchdowns put him on the map for one of the best backs, his 6,875 receiving yards with 36 touchdown’s finish the conversation. While not the best running back of all time, a strong case can be put up for Faulk to have been the most complete all around running back the NFL has or ever will see.
Career highlights: 7-time Pro Bowler & 3-time first-team All-Pro (12 year NFL career)
Just nine years in the league and Jim Brown is proclaimed by many more knowledgeable than I as the best back to ever play the game. Sure, we can compare stats, but by pure athleticism and dominance, Brown makes a strong case as the best back to have played the professional game. In his mere nine years in the NFL, Brown rushed for 12,312 and 106 touchdowns. Not to mention, he was named to the Pro Bowl in all nine of his NFL seasons. His dominance, at a time when many NFL legends were born builds him a strong case for best ever. If he is or not is of no concern, because all that I need to know is that I was born 25 years too early, fore I never got to witness the force that was Jim Brown.
Career highlights: 9-time Pro Bowler & 8-time first-team All-Pro (9 year NFL career)
Curtis Martin’s career is often look at how he the player was looked at when he was playing. Sure, he was a great running back -- but look a little closer and you might just find a little more. 14,101 yards and 90 touchdowns are offset only by some of his inconsistent years. Not to mention he had perhaps one of the best rookie seasons of any running back in the history of the league. No matter what the case against Curtis Martin, he had himself a fantastic career and was a class act similar to Barry Sanders. He went about his business and did what he could to win. Because of this, he’s one of the best in my opinion.
Career highlights: 5-time Pro Bowler & 1-time first-team All-Pro (11 year NFL career)
Regardless of the comparisons between he and Barry Sanders, and his new position as wordsmith on ESPN, Emmitt Smith had a fantastic career. While some will say he had the best career ever, it was certainly in part to the talent he had around him. None the less, Smith had skills, and those skills, surrounded by supreme talent or not, rushed for 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns (most all time in both categories). Both of these accomplishments will be the mark to beat in the NFL for many years to come.
Career highlights: 8-time Pro Bowler & 4-time first-team All-Pro (15 year NFL career)
Yes, he played 16 years, but instead of knocking him for it -- why not give him a hand? The man had less than 100 attempts only twice in his sixteen year career and took an absolute beating en route to 12,243 yards and 123 touchdowns (second all time). A Marshall Faulk before their was one, Marcus Allen caught 587passes for 5,411 yards and 21 touchdowns. In conjunction with his rushing stats (which may be a bit low in the yards per game category) expose Allen as one of the most skillful, tough players to have ever played the game.
Career highlights: 6-time Pro Bowler & 2-time first-team All-Pro (16 year NFL career)
A running back mercenary for hire if you will, Dickerson played for four different teams in his twelve year career. Not one to have scenery alter his play, Dickerson would rush for 13,259 yards and 90 touchdowns. When he retired, he was second all time in rushing yards behind Walter Payton. Unfortunately for him (but fortunately for us) the NFL was in an influx for talented all time rushers, with Jerome Bettis, Curtis Martin, Barry Sanders and Emmit Smith eventually passing him. Dickerson’s 90.8 yards per game remains one of the best all time averages in NFL history.
Career highlights: 6-time Pro Bowler & 5-time first-team All-Pro (12 year NFL career)
12,120 and 91 touchdowns? A nine time Pro Bowler in thirteen seasons? A focal point in one of the best offenses who have ever played? Franco Harris is a legend in the NFL, never mind his lore in Pittsburgh. I’m not even from Pittsburgh and I get jitters watching him tear it up in the old school games with the Steelers. Maybe he was overshadowed by a bunch of other players on the same team, but Franco Harris had one hell of a career.
Career highlights: 9-time Pro Bowler & 1-time first-team All-Pro
Known as “The Diesel” to teammates and fans, John Riggins is arguably the best Redskins running back of all time. His pure grit and toughness led him to a respectable 1,352 yards and 104 touchdowns (sixth all time). In his fourteen year career, Riggins carried the ball nearly 3,000 times -- an amazing accomplishment considering his reckless abandon running style.
Career highlights: 1-time Pro Bowler & 1-time first-team All-Pro (14 year NFL career)
About to enter his eighth NFL season, L.T. is in position to strike as perhaps the greatest running back we have every seen. Already third on the list of career rushing touchdowns (with 115), Tomlinson is equally as dangerous on the ground as well. He has a 4.5 rushing average for his career and if he can hold up a mere two more years, he could very well jump into the Top 10 rushing yards of all time. While it may strike some as surprising to already name someone still playing as one of the best of all time, L.T. has shown that even if he retires tomorrow, he could be put into the conversation with ease. The reason I included him is because he is my generations premier back -- we are going to be talking about him 10, 20 years from now. So boys and girls who are under the age of 25 like me -- enjoy this man make history while you still can.
Career highlights: 5-time Pro Bowler & 3-time first-team All-Pro (7 year NFL career… and still going!)
Other notable backs: O.J. Simpson, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, Thurman Thomas
Again, this is not the end all be all list. If you feel that someone was left off of my list, you’re probably right! But state why in the comments, it’s why this site exist! And who do you think is THE best all time? Let the debates begin!!
(And what kind of writer would I be if I didn’t source the absolutely amazing http://pro-football-reference.com -- if you’re at all interested in football history, than go there. You will not leave.)
Friday, May 9, 2008
Barry Sanders: A Mini-Biography
When you think of Barry Sanders, you think of breathtaking runs and with good reason, Sanders is the product of some of the most breathtaking NFL clips of all time. Never big enough to run through people, Sanders would get around you another way: breaking your ankles. No other athlete that I have had the pleasure to watch has made me unconsciously drop my jaw like Barry Sanders. Even with some of the clips I’ve already seen, I will doubt that he’ll get through the swarm of defensive players. But he always does and it always amazes me. It certainly says something when you can wow people with a clip that they’ve already seen.Born on July 16th,1968, in Wichita, Kansas, Barry David Sanders was the seventh of eleven children. You could even say he was the runt of the pack, his height never exceeding 5 feet 8 inches. None the less, he didn’t let his size dictate what sports he played, participating in basketball and football from a young age.
Because of his size, not many big time colleges wanted to take a chance with Barry, even though he had a very impressive (albeit short) running career his senior year. Barry would eventually select Oklahoma State University as his school of choice. Little did the Oklahoma State brass know at the time, but they were getting what would turn out to be one of the greatest college football running backs players of all time.
After sitting and watching Thurman Thomas his first two years at OSU, Barry finally got his chance to start his junior year when Thomas left to enter the NFL Draft. Not one to let an opportunity pass him by, Sanders had a season for the ages, racking up 2,628 rushing yards (3,249 total yards), 37 rushing touchdowns and a Heisman trophy. It was at this time that many people began to take notice of this up and coming young running back, yet there were still many doubters -- their main gripe with him being his small stature.
No one really knows why Barry left after just one year in Oklahoma State but it was perhaps because he felt he had nothing else to accomplish in college. The NFL was where the pros were and although the young Sanders was humble, he was never one to doubt his own skills. It would foreshadow his retirement a decade later, which would surprise everyone -- mainly because of the fact that it was so obvious that he still had miles left on his odometer. But Barry would do what Barry thought was the best for him and it is one of the reasons why he is one of the most respected NFL players of all time.
The Detroit Lions scouts apparently felt that Barry’s upside far outweighed the fact that he was so small, and they picked him with the number three overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. If only the Dallas Cowboys had decided to take Sanders with the number one overall selection, it would have changed the Emmitt Smith/Barry Sanders debate forever. But that’s neither here nor there -- the Detroit Lions selected Barry Sanders and he will likely go down as the best player in the franchises rocky history.
It was evident from Barry’s first year in Detroit that they had struck gold with their first round selection. Lions fans must have thought they were having flashbacks; in 1980 running back Billy Sims had an equally impressive rookie season, rushing for 1,303 yards and 13 touchdowns. It is there however, that the comparisons between the two cease. Barry’s rookie year, complete with nearly 1500 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns, would only prove as a launching point for what is perhaps the best running back career the NFL has ever seen.
Sanders would rush for at least 1,000 yards in each of his ten seasons in the league. Besides his injury plagued 1993 season (1,115 yards on 243 attempts, 3 TD‘s in 11 games) his lowest season rushing total was 1,352 yards. He was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his 10 seasons in the NFL and participated in all of them except 1993 because of an injury. He was also named 1st Team All-Pro in 6 of his 10 seasons in the league.
While Sanders’ 1997 season is often talked about because of his absolute dominance (he rushed for 2,000 yards in 14 games) he had some other equally impressive years. The 1994 season saw him rush for 1,883 yards on 331 attempts for 7 TD’s. That equals out to be about 5.7 yards per rush, which is amazing when you consider the offensive line that he had blocking for him that (and arguably every single) year.
The Lions made the playoffs 5 of the 10 years that Sanders was playing. That is certainly saying something when you take a look at the talent (or lack thereof) that he had around him during that period of time. The offensive line was never any good and that much is common knowledge. One of the reasons he is said to have retired so early is because he was never given a decent blocking unit.
Although it is a disgrace to the likes of Herman Moore to say that Barry never had any other talented offensive players on the field with him. Many gifted players gave their all along with him to get the Lions a Super Bowl title. Unfortunately, they just never seemed to be good enough.
Barry also never had a legitimate threat at quarterback to force defenses to drop a couple of extra people back in case the Lions decided to pass. It’s absolutely amazing when you look at Barry Sanders' numbers and take into account his lack of a competent quarterback and skilled offensive line. This was the case for nearly his entire career.
Barry Sanders' retirement was caused by his disgust at his teams ownerships ability to surround him with competent players. Even Emmitt Smith has gone on record to say something on the matter:
"Obviously I had a great quarterback with Troy Aikman and I had Michael Irvin and and Jay Novacek and so forth. But when you looked at the Detroit Lions, and as I look at it and evaluate what Barry Sanders meant to that organization, he meant everything in the entire world to that organization. And for him not to have had a championship run is kind of disappointing and I think a person can only go through that for so long before they get enough."
With the exception of a few talented offensive players that graced the field along with Barry during his career, Barry Sanders was the entire Detroit Lions’ offense. It is difficult to argue otherwise.
A couple of months prior to the 1999 season, just a year or so removed from one of the greatest single season performances in NFL history, Barry Sanders announced his retirement by faxing a letter to his hometown newspaper in Wichita, Kansas.
Opinions vary on why he retired so suddenly, especially when he was so close to breaking the all time NFL rushing record. Was it his disgust with the Detroit Lions organization? Did he merely have no desire to play the game of football anymore? Barry has gone on record himself to say that he was sick of losing in Detroit and that it had robbed him of his competitive nature, the same nature that had rocketed him to the top of the NFL record books.
Although the timing was a surprise, the way it was done and perhaps the reasons it were done for echoed the characteristics Barry had exemplified his whole career. Classiness. Humbleness. Is it so surprising that the man who never celebrated a touchdown his entire career didn’t put much stake into a record? He just did not have the competitive drive anymore and because of that, he decided he could no longer play the game of football.
Just as he had come out of college early, he decided to retire early. His retirement has caused constant speculation on what would have been should he have played a couple of more years. By all accounts, barring injury, he would have shattered the career rushing yards record as well as many others. It also wouldn’t have made the case for the number one running back of all time a debate, it would have written in the name Barry Sanders and sealed the book shut for good.
Sources: http://pro-football-reference.com
http://nfl.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Sanders
Sunday, May 4, 2008
A look back: The 2002 NFL Draft (with grades!)
After writing my recent article about grading NFL team’s first few draft picks my thoughts were triggered by a statement by our very own, Afraid of Ed Hochuli:He was referring to how we give grades out on draft picks, but have absolutely no idea how they’ll turn out. Sure, we can predict what they’ll do. We can watch as much game tape and read as much stats as we want, but all we’re really doing is making an educated guess. We’re Nostradamusing the NFL Draft. Sometimes we’re right (See: Peyton Manning) and sometimes we are terribly, terribly wrong (See: Ryan Leaf).
So, I figured why not go back a couple of years and grade the drafts? I mean, I have a kid -- so my social life is effectively over, why not put my free time to good use?! I didn’t want to go back too long, about 5 years or so ago so that we have a better handle on where those picks are right now -- in what should be the prime of their careers. More importantly, we can get a handle on how teams did selecting players and what those players contributed to the teams future.
Please note that although I will take into account how a player contributed to the team that drafted him, I will also take into account how that player did on other teams as well. The draft is all about scouting, after all and the grades that follow are essentially a scouting mark based on the team's total number of picks and their overall performance.
First off, let’s get into some explanations of some statistics you‘ll be seeing (as if you couldn‘t figure it out on your own…):
Number of Pro Bowlers selected: Self-explanatory
Number of quality players selected: While I’m not going to completely define a ‘quality player’ or give term qualifying stats, let’s just say a quality player is someone who has had a fairly successful career since 2002 and is generally regarded as a good draft choice.
Number of busts (a.k.a. disappointments… let’s be nice): Selections within the first two rounds that a team wasted because they did not pan out at all for one reason or another.
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: The number of players selected that are still in the NFL and played in at least four games during the 2007 season.
Number of those choices still with the team that drafted them: Number of active draft choices who are still with the team that drafted them.
Number of quality late round picks: The number of players who are still doing or have made significant contributions and were selected in Round 4 or later.
Grades will take into account the preceding statistics as well as the intangibles, a la if the draft class had players who were key in a playoff or title run and the like. Since there was so much info I decided to break this up into three parts. Part one is the breakdown of the first ten teams’ drafts who selected in Round 1. Part two is will be the next ten and part three will be, you guess it, the final twelve teams. I wanted to do it all in one shot but it would have been way too big and I’m only human. As always, enjoy and feel free to discuss at length in the comments. Oh, and a special thanks to [User:AfraidofEdHochuli| AOEH] for giving me the idea in the first place.
First up, April 27th, 2002. The date of the 2002 NFL Draft and more importantly, the Houston Texans birthday!
Houston Texans: David Carr (QB), Jabar Gaffney (WR), Chester Pitts (OG), Fred WearyCharles Hill (DT), Jonathan Wells (RB), Jarrod Baxter (FB), Ramon Walker (S), Demarcus Faggins (CB), Howard Green (DT), Greg White (DE), Ahmad Miller (DT) (OG), Number of Pro Bowlers: 0
Number of quality players selected: 5 (David Carr, Jabar Gaffney, Chester Pitts, Fred Weary, Demarcus Faggins)
Number of disappointments: 0
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 5
Number of those players still with Houston: 3 (Chester Pitts, Fred Weary, Demarcus Faggins)
Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Sixth rounder: Demarcus Faggins)
Breakdown: 2002 was the Houston Texans inaugural year in the NFL and because of this they got the first pick in each of the first six rounds (not to mention some other picks thrown in for good measure). While 5 of their 12 selections went on to have successful careers, David Carr was not the QB they thought he would be when they drafted him. While he wasn’t a bust by any means, the Texans would go on and neglect to get him any offensive line help and he would be sacked 249 times in his 5 year stint with the Texans. But for 2002, their draft went quite well and three of the five quality selections they took are still with the team.
Grade: C +
Carolina Panthers: Julius Peppers (DE), Deshaun Foster (RB), Will Witherspoon (LB), Dante Wesley (CB), Randy Fasani (QB), Kyle Johnson (FB), Keith Heinrich (TE), Pete CampionBrad Franklin (CB) (OG), Number of Pro Bowlers: 1 (Julius Peppers)
Number of quality players selected: 3 (Julius Peppers, Deshaun Foster, Will Witherspoon)
Number of disappointments: 0
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 3
Number of those players still with Carolina: 1 (Julius Peppers)
Number of quality late round picks: 0
Breakdown: The Panthers hit a home run with their first round selection of Julius Peppers. Generally regarded as a “freak” because of his combination of strength, speed and his incredibly long arms, Peppers would go on to have a Pro Bowl career for the Panthers. Carolina’s next two selections, Deshaun Foster and Will Witherspoon would both play key roles in the Panthers 2003 championship push. Unfortunately, the Panthers lost the Super Bowl that year to the New England Patriots, but that doesn’t make their first three picks in the 2002 Draft any less impressive.
Grade: A -
Detroit Lions: Joey Harrington (QB), Kalimba Edwards (DE), Andre Goodman (CB), John Taylor (DE), John Owens (TE), Chris Cash (CB), Luke Staley (RB), Matt Murphy (TE), Victor Rogers(OT)
Number of Pro Bowlers: 0
Number of quality players selected: 3 (Joey Harrington, Kalimba Edwards, Andre Goodman)
Number of disappointments: 0
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 4
Number of those players still with Detroit: 0
Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Fifth rounder: John Owens)
Breakdown: Joey Harrington’s four years in Detroit were marred by mediocrity. At times, he looked he may be the man to save Lions football, yet at other times he looked like he belonged in Arena football. However he at least showed he had potential and is still in the league, albeit with a career high 77.2 QB rating (2007 with the Falcons). Second round selection Kalimba Edwards, while not a blue chip or anything, did make contributions on defense. The rest of their selections, save for Andre Goodman, didn’t quite pan out in the long run.
Grade: D +
Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams (OT), Josh Reed (WR), Ryan Denney (DE), Coy Wire (SS), Justin Bannan (DT), Kevin Thomas (CB), Mike Pullico ( C ), Rodney Wright (WR), Jarrett Ferguson (RB), Dominique Stevenson (LB) Number of Pro Bowlers: 0
Number of quality players selected: 1 (Josh Reed)
Number of disappointments : 1 (Mike Williams)
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 5
Number of those players still with Buffalo: 3 (Josh Reed, Ryan Denney, Coy Wire)
Number of quality late round picks: 3 (Third rounder: Coy Wire, Fifth rounder: Justin Bannan, Seventh rounder: Mike Pullico)
Breakdown: First round selection Mike Williams just did not work out at all. While generally a good run blocker, he was not as skilled at pass blocking and was cut by the team three years after he was drafted. Any time a first round pick (not to mention a Top 5 one) doesn’t work out, it sets the team back immensely. Unfortunately for the Bills, the rest of their draft didn’t go as well, with Josh Reed being the only real contributor to the team.
Grade: D -
San Diego Chargers: Quentin Jammer (CB), Toniu Fonoti (OG), Reche Caldwell (WR), Ben Leber (LB), Justin Peele (TE), Terry Charles (WR), Matt Anderle (OT), Seth Buford (QB) Number of Pro Bowlers: 0
Number of quality players: 4 (Quentin Jammer, Reche Caldwell, Ben Leber, Justin Peele)
Number of disappointments: 1 (Toniu Fonoti)
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 4
Number of those players still with San Diego: 1 (Quentin Jammer)
Number of quality late round picks: 2 (Third rounder: Ben Leber, Fourth rounder: Justin Peele)
Breakdown: The Chargers had a very productive 2002 draft, with Quentin Jammer panning out to be the anchor of the secondary for the defense, Reche Caldwell proving to be a skilled receiver (but never a number one), Ben Leber starting many games at linebacker, and Justin Peele proving to be a competent pass catching number two TE. Second round pick Toniu Fonoti, while a skilled player had injury problems and off the field issues that limited his stay in San Diego to a mere two years. You can’t really penalize San Diego for not foreseeing these problems at the time of the draft, though.
Grade: B +
Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Sims (DT), Eddie Freeman (DE), Omar Easy (FB), Scott FujitaMaurice Rodriguez (LB) (LB), Number of Pro Bowlers: 0
Number of quality players: 1 (Scott Fujita)
Number of disappointments: 2 (Ryan Sims, Eddie Freeman)
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 2
Number of those players still with Kansas City: 0
Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Fifth rounder: Scott Fujita)
Breakdown: While Ryan Sims was not necessarily a bust, he certainly didn’t put up the numbers that a defensive lineman taken in the Top 10 should. In five seasons with the Chiefs he only had 75 tackles, 5 sacks and 1 interception. I’m even being nice and counting assisted tackles. The remainder of the Chiefs picks didn’t bode quite well, either. With the exception of Scott Fujita all of Kansas City’s picks did nothing to improve the team in any way. To add insult to injury, Fujita left after his third season with the team, leaving them with nothing at all to show for the 2002 draft at this point in time.
Grade: F
Minnesota Vikings: Bryant McKinnie (OT), Raonall Smith (LB), Willie Offord (SS), Brian Williams (DB), Ed Ta’amu (OG), Nick Rogers (LB), Chad Beasley (OT) Number of Pro Bowlers: 0
Number of quality players: 2 (Bryant McKinnie, Brian Williams)
Number of disappointments: 0
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 3
Number of those players still with Minnesota: 1 (Bryant McKinnie)
Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Fourth rounder: Brian Williams)
Breakdown: The Vikings first round selection of Bryant McKinnie is perhaps my favorite selection in the entire 2002 draft. In addition to being a fantastic blocker, he’s also been an absolute workhorse. He’s started every single Minnesota Vikings game since 2003. Every single one. The Vikings appeared to like him too, giving him a 7 year, $48.5 million dollar deal. Hopefully, nothing will come of his recent legal troubles. While most of the other picks paled in comparison to the McKinnie selection, the Vikings did find another gem in the fourth round: Brian Williams. Although he is currently on the Jacksonville Jaguars, he’s started every game he’s been able to when he’s not been injured (save for his rookie year). Although he’s not there, the Vikings still got a solid 4 years out of him.
Grade: B +
Dallas Cowboys: Roy Williams (FS), Andre Gurode ( C ), Antonio Bryant (WR), Derek Ross (CB), Jamar Martin (FB), Pete Hunter (CB), Tyson Walter ( C ), Deveren Johnson (WR), Bob Slowikowski (TE) Number of Pro Bowlers: 2 (Roy Williams, Andre Gurode)
Number of quality players: 3 (Roy Williams, Andre Gurode, Antonio Bryant)
Number of disappointments: 0
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 2
Number of those players still with Dallas: 2 (Roy Williams, Andre Gurode)
Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Sixth rounder: Tyson Walter)
Breakdown: The Cowboys struck gold with their first two selections in the 2002 draft, selecting two eventual Pro-Bowlers. Roy Williams wouldn’t waste any time, being sent to the Pro Bowl in just his second year. It took Andre Gurode a bit longer but he is currently on back to back Pro Bowl nominations for 2006 and 2007. Antonio Bryant was looking like a solid selection as well until he violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy in 2006. They also found a gem (but not a starter, apparently) in Tyson Walter in the sixth round.
Grade: A
Jacksonville Jaguars: John Henderson (DT), Mike Pearson (OT), Akin Ayodele (LB), David Garrard (QB), Chris Luzar (TE), Clenton Ballard (DT), Kendall Newson (WR), Steve SmithHayden Epstein (K) (DB), Number of Pro Bowlers: 1 (John Henderson)
Number of quality players: 3 (John Henderson, Akin Ayodele, David Garrard)
Number of disappointments: 0
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 3
Number of those players still with Jacksonville: 2 (John Henderson, David Garrard)
Number of quality late round picks: 2 (Third rounder: Akin Ayodele, Fourth rounder: David Garrard)
Breakdown: The Jaguars selection of John Henderson in Round 1 proved to be a great one, with Henderson becoming a 2 time Pro Bowlers in 2004 and 2006. He along with Marcus Stroud would ensure the Jaguars had one of the most feared defensive lines up until 2007. Third rounder Akin Ayodele would prove to be a workhorse linebacker and improved the Jaguars defense greatly while he was there. David Garrard wouldn’t get his time to shine until 2005 and would eventually be named the starting quarterback over Byron Leftwich. Garrard led the Jaguars to an 11-5 record and a wild card playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Grade: A -
Cincinnati Bengals: Levi Jones (OT), Lamont Thompson (FS), Matt Schobel (TE), Travis Dorsch (K), Marquand Manuel (S), Joey Evans (DE) Number of Pro Bowlers: 0
Number of quality players: 3 (Levi Jones, Matt Schobel, Marquand Manuel)
Number of disappointments: 0
Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 4
Number of those players still with Cincinnati: 1 (Levi Jones)
Number of quality late round picks: 2 (Third rounder: Matt Schobel, Sixth rounder: Marquand Manuel)
Breakdown: The tenth overall selection of Levi Jones in the 2002 Draft has proved to be a smart one. Save for an injury plagued 2006 season, Jones has started 74 out of 80 possible games. He was also a large part of Rudi Johnson’s 4,000+ yards from 2004-2006 and it could even be said he was key in Rudi’s Pro Bowl bid in 2004 as well. While Lamont Thompson contributed, he was released after one year with the team. Matt Schobel put in some work from 2002-2005, racking up 938 yards and 9 touchdowns. Marquand Manuel has also played sporadically with both the Bengals and several other teams who needed secondary help.
Grade: C +
Thursday, May 1, 2008
NFL Draft Team Grades (Rounds 1-2)
The first two rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft were full of surprises, intrigue and many perplexing decisions involving the wide receiver crop. Some players were taken where they were projected, others not yet taken at all. There were reaches, big trades and even a little tension between Mel Kiper Jr. and Chris Berman. What more could you ask for? Oh, grades of the first two round picks for each team you say? Alright, here you go.
Teams are in alphabetical order because I figured if we're going to be giving out grades, we might as well keep it school oriented. Oh and there are no F’s in my class, although some teams were pretty close.
Picks: Round 1 - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB), Round 2 - Calais Campbell (DE)
The Cardinals filled in two key weaknesses by landing a CB and a DE with their first two picks. Cromartie also gives them a return specialist while Campbell has the potential to finally give their defense a legitimate pass rush threat.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Matt Ryan (QB), Sam Baker (OT), Round 2 - Curtis Lofton (ILB)
After kicking themselves in the ass after giving away Matt Schaub, the Falcons decided the time was now with the third pick in the draft and selected Matt Ryan from Boston College. Ryan is generally regarded as the best QB in the draft and along with Sam Baker and second round pick Curtis Lofton, should make an immediate impact.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Joe Flacco (QB), Round 2 - Ray Rice (RB)
Everyone knew the Ravens needed a QB and apparently, so did they. After trading down and acquiring more mid round picks, the Ravens selected Delaware QB Joe Flacco, perhaps the most accurate QB of the bunch. Ray Rice was selected in Round 2 to spell McGahee and the two give a great upgrade to what otherwise was an anemic offense last year. They still need receivers, though.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 1 - Leodis McKelvin (CB), Round 2 - James Hardy (WR)
The Bills get the top rated CB in McKelvin who should sure up their defensive pass attack and James Hardy, a second round receiver with the potential to be great.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 1 - Jonathan Stewart (RB), Round 2 - Jeff Otah (OT)
The Panthers decided to continue the trend of two-back systems by taking Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart. He will be a fine power compliment to DeAngelo Williams speedster style. The Panthers also landed Jeff Otah in at pick 19, which is amazing considering some had him going as high as the Top 10.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Chris Williams (OT), Round 2 - Matt Forte (RB)
Why the Bears didn’t take a QB is completely beyond me. Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton? Come on! Brian Brohm and Chad Henne both fell to them and they failed to pull the trigger. Chris Williams however, is a great offensive tackle and Matt Forte will usher in the end of the disappointing Cedric Benson era. I’ll give the Bears the benefit of the doubt and assume they’re going to take a Woodson or Brennan later on in the rounds.
Grade: B -
Picks: Round 1 - Keith Rivers (OLB), Round 2 - Jerome Simpson (WR)
Keith Rivers is going to be a great linebacker and will finally fill the void of a playmaking linebacker that was left after the departure or Takeo Spikes. Jerome Simpson in Round 2 perplexed the shit out of me, however.
Grade: C -
Picks: N/A
Picks: Round 1 - Felix Jones (RB), Mike Jenkins (CB), Round 2 - Martellus Bennett (TE)
Reports said Jerry Jones wanted Felix Jones in the first round and it turned out to be true. In fact, it turned out to be really true because the Cowboys probably could have waited until their twenty-eighth pick to get him. Instead, they took Mike Jenkins -- a curious decision considering the amount of corner back depth they already have at the position. The round two selection of Martellus Bennett will go well in two TE sets along with Jason Witten.
Grade: B +
Picks: Round 1 - Ryan Clady (OT), Round 2 - Eddie Royal (WR)
As with the Bengals selections -- the Broncos first round selection of Ryan Clady was a good one (if a little puzzling due to his size) however their second round pick of Eddie Royal while many of the top receivers were still on the board? Um, what?
Grade: C -
Picks: Round 1 - Gosder Cherilus (OT), Round 2 - Jordon Dizon (OLB)
I’m not going to knock the Lions first and second round picks of Cherilus and Dizon, respectively, however I am going to knock the fact that they failed to take Rashard Mendenhall after he fell to them twice. Hey, at least they didn’t take a wide receiver.
Grade: C +
Picks: Round 2 - Jordy Nelson (WR), Brian Brohm (QB), Patrick Lee (CB)
Grade: B -
Picks: Round 1 - Duane Brown (OT)
The Texans had a need for an offensive tackle and Duane Brown will fit the bill. Simple enough.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 2 - Mike Pollak (C )
The Colts are apparently planning for the future at the center position and Mike Pollack was considered by many the best one in this years draft.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 1 - Derrick Harvey (DE), Round 2 - Quentin Groves (DE)
With the departure of Marcus Stroud the Jaguars didn’t want to lose their reputation of having a fearsome offensive line to go with a smash mouth offense. They did just that by obtaining Derrick Harvey (in some what of a reach) in round one and Quentin Groves in round two.
Grade: B
Picks: Round 1 - Glenn Dorsey (DT), Branden Albert (OG), Round 2 - Brandon Flowers (CB)
The most impressive first day out of any team, I think. They had three high profile picks and they stuck to their game plan and didn’t take what they didn’t need. Some thought they would take a QB early but there are still plenty available. Glenn Dorsey could be a franchise corner stone, Branden Albert must have Larry Johnson smiling and Brandon Flowers will make their secondary better.
Grade: A +
Picks: Round 1 - Jake Long (OT), Round 2 - Phillip Merling (DE), Chad Henne (QB)
Another great first day, the Dolphins selected Jake Long who could anchor their offensive line for the next decade, Phillip Merling (who freefell to them for some strange reason) and Chad Henne who will battle for the starting job and most likely get it.
Grade: A +
Picks: Round 2 - Tyrell Johnson (S)
The Vikings filled a need with a great safety here. Done and done.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Jerod Mayo (OLB), Round 2 - Terrance Wheatley (CB)
I’m not going to lie, me and my friends were flipping out after we traded up to number ten and the Bengals took Keith Rivers. After the selection though, we all began to calm down and realized Mayo is just as good if not better than Rivers. Belichick does know a thing or two about defensive players. Terrance Wheatley, while not one of my top choices is a great athlete who should do just fine in the system.
Grade: B +
Picks: Round 1 - Sedrick Ellis (DT), Round 2 - Tracy Porter (CB)
Trading up to the number seven pick, the Saints made an immediate upgrade to their defensive line with Sedrick Ellis. Does the selection of Tracy Porter in round two suggest that the Saints are no longer in the running for Lito Shephard?
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Kenny Phillips (S), Round 2 - Terrell Thomas (CB)
The defending Super Bowl champion Giants upgraded their weaknesses with Kenny Phillips, the best safety in the draft and Terrell Thomas, a great athlete with the potential to make an impact.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 1 - Vernon Gholston (DE), Round 2 - Dustin Keller (TE)
Again, I won’t lie. I’m jealous. Not for the Dustin Keller pick, although it was a good one -- but for the fact that Jets fans get to enjoy Vernon Gholston for the next couple of years. I got a little too attached to Gholston over the past few weeks and while I knew he wouldn’t fall to the Patriots, I just wish he hadn’t gone to the Jets. I’m still a fan, though.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Darren McFadden (RB)
You can’t knock the Raiders for taking the best running back in the draft, but you can knock them for doing it after giving Justin Fargas a three year deal and having Lamont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes on the roster. Still though, he’s a prime talent and they made a good decision. Or should I say Al Davis did.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 2 - Trevor Laws (DT), DeSean Jackson (WR)
The Eagles upgraded their defensive line with Laws who should be a great professional player. DeSean Jackson gives them a playmaker, but they still don’t have a tall, physical possession receiver. Plenty of picks left to get one.
Grade: B+
Picks: Round 1 - Rashard Mendenhall, Round 2 - Limas Sweed (WR)
Although I think Willie Parker is one of the few backs in the NFL who should not be a part of a RB by committee, he has been an injury risk and Mendenhall fell right to them. It was a good pick and will be a fearsome duo. They also aimed to please Big Ben with the selection of Limas Sweed, a big tall receiver to replace the void left by Plaxico Burress.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Antoine Cason (CB)
I thought they might take an offensive lineman with this pick, but Antoine Cason is a great cornerback.
Grade: B+
Picks: Round 1 - Kentwan Balmer (DT), Round 2 - Chilo Rachal (OG)
I thought the 49ers would take one of the top tier QB’s early since Alex Smith has been a disappointment, instead they improved their offensive and defensive lines -- something they sorely needed to do. Still many QB’s left on the board for them to select.
Grade: B
Picks: Round 1 - Lawrence Jackson (DE), Round 2 - John Carlson (TE)
Why they didn’t take Phillip Merling is beyond me, but Lawrence Jackson is still a solid defensive end. John Carlson gives them a great catching and blocking tight end.
Grade: B -
Picks: Round 1 - Chris Long (DE), Round 2 - Donnie Avery (WR)
Chris Long was the obvious pick in round one but Donnie Avery in round 2? There were so many better wide receivers on the board! Did the teams know something we didn’t about the top receivers?
Grade: C
Picks: Round 1 - Aqib Talib (CB), Round 2 - Dexter Jackson (WR)
Aqib Talib perhaps would have been the best CB available was it not for his off the field problems. Dexter Jackson in round two? The definition of reach. What were they thinking?
Grade: C -
Picks: Round 1 - Chris Johnson (RB), Round 2 - Jason Jones (DE)
No wide receivers for Vince Young? Seriously? Chris Johnson is a great running back and Jason Jones a very capable defensive end, but why oh why wouldn’t you have taken one of the top receivers with the top two picks especially after every single one fell to the second round?
Grade: D+
Picks: Round 2 - Devin Thomas (WR), Fred Davis (TE), Malcolm Kelly (WR)
No Chad Johnson? No problem! The Redskins get the best wide receiver in the draft in Devin Thomas, the next best one in Malcolm Kelly and a fantastic receiving tight end in Fred Davis. Hey Tennessee, this is what trying to help out your QB by giving him weapons looks like.
Grade: A
Saturday, April 26, 2008
MLB Powerless Rankings (4.25/08)
We all know and love (or possibly hate) the phenomenon known as Power Rankings. They provide just about anyone an opportunity to give their opinion on who the best teams are each week in any given league. But don’t we owe it to ourselves to know who the bad teams are as well? Sport Crack is proud to present a new weekly feature: The Powerless Rankings!
This weeks edition holds host to four new teams not yet in the rankings until now. Two of them are on spectacular losing streaks, and the other two have the potential to stay in the bottom five for the majority of the season. The Tigers finally have begun to live up to expectations and have exited the cellar, while the Nationals are still holding strong as the undisputed worst team in the league. As always, feel free to disagree vehemently in the comments and enjoy!
5. Cincinnati Reds (9-14, LW: NR) - The Reds have dropped eight of their last eleven games and are currently sitting solely by themselves at the bottom of the NL Central standings. Luckily for them they have a three game set in San Francisco the next three games. Unluckily for them, they have a three game set in St. Louis right after that. Prognosis: They’ll be extremely lucky to win three of their next six games.
4. San Diego Padres (9-14, LW: NR) - Although the two next teams hog the spotlight with their seven game losing streaks, San Diego is on a just as unrespectable four game skid. Add to that that they are 1-8 in their last nine games and it makes sense why Adrian Gonzalez is the team leader in almost every offensive category. Prognosis: They are very lucky they have Jake Peavy as their ace, and that Randy Wolf is pitching well.
3. Kansas City Royals (9-13, LW: NR) - We all knew the Royals would end up here sooner or later didn’t we? Just when you think they just might have a good team, they go and drop seven in a row. You read that right, seven in a row. The one good thing they have going for them? Four of those losses were to solid teams. It’s still no excuse, though. Prognosis: Let’s give them a week or two more before we finally decide on them.
2. Texas Rangers (7-16, LW: NR) - Is anyone else surprised the Rangers also just dropped seven straight? Sure, four of them were to the Red Sox but the other three were to the Tigers. Is the number two spot too harsh for them? Maybe, but they had hardly any offense at all in each of those seven losses so until they prove me wrong, here they’ll stay. Prognosis: Tough schedule or preview of things to come? We’ll have to wait and see.
And the winner is…
1. Washington Nationals (7-16, LW: 1) - I have nothing nice to say about the Nationals, so I won’t say anything at all. Prognosis: Okay, I lied. They suck.
Mediocre mentions: L.A. Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays
