This idea has been floating around for a while. I haven't addressed this yet so I will go into depth with it in many different angles. Let's jump right into it. I'm going to do a list of pros and cons and then explain my position on it...
PROS
More Football
I don't think any fan will argue that the football season goes by too quickly. Every year I find myself looking back nostalgically on week one thinking about how great the season was and how quickly it went by. This past year I was lucky that the Packers won the Super Bowl and played in all 3 playoff games, but some fans aren't that lucky. 20 teams miss the playoffs every year and the fans of those 20 teams have their seasons truncated after 16 games. Some teams get 17 games, some teams get 18, some 19, and some 20. If the league expands to 18 games, it would almost be like every team makes the playoffs.
More Revenue--Bigger Pie
With 2 more regular season games, the cash flow is even higher. This will come at the loss of two preseason games (I will get to that in the "Cons" section). Most teams have season ticket plans where you must also purchase preseason tickets at full price, so the revenue won't come from ticket sales. Where the money will come from, however, is the increased importance of the games. Now that the games have meaning, more people will attend them, purchase concessions, team gear, parking, and so on. This also gives the teams leverage to strike deals with sponsors in the stadium and the NFL leverage to get better TV deals and sponsor deals.
More Chances for Teams to Make the Playoffs
With 18 games, you're now increasing each team's chances of making the playoffs. If you have 4 10-6 teams, you have another 2 weeks to set yourself above the competition. It gives teams a bit of extra breathing room in case they hit a snag like an injury bug or a string of a couple close losses. This may spike overall interest seeing as fans still have hope after 8 games that the teams have another 10 games to right the problems rather than 8.
Expanded Roster Sizes
Everybody loves the story of the low round draft pick or the undrafted free agent becoming a star. Guys like Tom Brady, Jerome Harrison, Arian Foster, Tramon Williams, and Antonio Gates are examples of big time guys with little appreciation coming out of college. With an expanded roster, more of these guys will have a chance to crack the lineup and break the stigma that only big school, top draft picks can play.
CONS
Diminished Product
One problem of expanding the season to 18 games is that you're most likely going to be stretching 16 games worth of quality over 18 games. You're just going to see the top teams continue to win and the bottom teams continue to lose. It's bad enough when teams like Carolina are 2-14, imagine them going 2-16? You may lose overall viewers. The benefit to having 16 games is that every game counts and every game means something. If you move it to 18, you're giving the fans a product that is only marginally better than preseason games. You want to make a product that's superior to preseason.
Now I know a lot of you are saying, "Mike, it's only two games!! How can adding two games diminish the product??" Well look at it this way. Baseball is 162 games. Football is 16. So roughly every 10 baseball games=1 football game. Now if you want to keep that same ratio with 18 games, you would need 182 baseball games. You can imagine if baseball added another 20 games, there would be a lull in the middle of the season when fans wouldn't care as much. You can bet the same is true with football. Part of the captivating qualities of football is that it's winning matters more than almost anything. You're taking away from the quality of the wins by adding more games. This will also eat into the bottom line. Once games start becoming less interesting, less fans will view games making it harder for owners to impose such high prices for games.
Loss of Two Preseason Games
I understand most of you would have this under the "Pros" heading. I disagree though. Fans look at preseason in the perspective of "how entertaining is this to me"? That attitude is the one fans should have. But let's not get past the point of preseason. It has more recently become a bit more entertainment, but there is also plenty of functionality that comes from preseason games. This is a way for teams to see their draft picks and free agents in real, live, game action. You can look good hitting your own guys, but teams want to see you play in real game situations.
From a fan's perspective, you can also see aspects of your team that you wouldn't normally see. It's cool to see a Graham Harrell handing off to Tyrell Sutton in Green Bay. I could imagine the same is true elsewhere. Tony Pike throwing to Brandon LaFell. It's interesting to me. I understand that most people aren't a lunatic like me, but it's nice to imagine once in a while.
Increased Risk of Injury
Now, I'm not delusional. I know that when starters play in preseason, they usually don't go 100%. If you add two more games, you're increasing their playing time by a lot more than that. You'll have to truncate the preseason process from 4 games to 2 games, forcing the starters to play for longer to get better looks. The laws of odds take over after that. Adding another 100+ snaps to a players body will take it's toll. Injuries will likely pile up. You will also be taking away from the player's wage earning years. Every 8 years would be like playing 9 under the current system. It's not much, but that's at least $760,000 you're preventing a player from earning. The players ARE going to get more money for playing more games, but they won't likely make as much as they would have playing for more years.
Scheduling Problems
Under the current system, the schedule is a thing of beauty. Each team plays 16 games so here is the breakdown. Each team plays their own division twice, once home and once away (6). Each division plays one AFC and one NFC division other than their own once. The division rotates each year (8). The remaining two games are played against the two teams in your conference who finished in the same spot in their division as you did in yours, but aren't in the division you're playing.
Example: Giants play the NFC East twice, NFC West, AFC East, and the Saints ( 2nd place NFC South) and Packers (2nd place NFC North).
Now add two more games in there. Do you play two teams from the AFC divisions you don't play? If so, which two? There are three you don't play. How do you determine this, how do you make this work? 16 games and 32 teams. The symmetry is perfect.
Given the two sides, I think I lean more towards NOT adding two games. I love football, but adding two more games would take away more than it would give back. The more games there are, the less demand there are for the games. Think of a baseball game in July. You can get seats for $10, even for a marquee team like the Yankees. I went to DC for a Redskins-Packers game this past year and had seats in the second to last row of the STADIUM. 90,000+ seat stadium. The tickets were $100+. Adding more games will only lower that price as the season moves on. I really hope that they don't agree to more games.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Mock Draft Picks 1-10
1) Carolina Panthers
Let's look at the needs for Carolina.
Offensively, the Quarterback position is very young. Still, I don't believe you can justify taking a QB here. I think Carolina sticks with Clausen or Moore here. Nobody on offense besides a QB in this years draft would justify a No. 1 overall selection.
Defensively, the Panthers have several holes. Jon Beason and Captain Munnerlyn are the only two guys I see on the defense worth anything. The defense needs a LOT of work. The best way to start building a defense is with a great defensive line.
Thats is why the Panthers will select...
Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
2) Denver Broncos
Offensively, the Broncos are marginal at QB. With Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow, and Kyle Orton, it's a revolving door of mediocre QBs. The rushing game and the receivers are all pretty solid and Denver boasts a pretty good offensive line. I still don't think the Broncos go offense here.
Defensively, the Broncos were last in the league in defense. That has to change. The Broncos are moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and they need personnel for that.
That is why the Broncos will select....
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemsen
3) Buffalo Bills
Offensively the Bills were either dormant or explosive. Ryan Fitzpatrick was inconsistent but the offense should improve with Steve Johnson emerging as well as a couple guys who spent last year on IR coming back.
Defensively, the bills weren't amazing on defense either. They made plays occasionally but they would never win you a game. The downside of being #3 is that the top 2 defenders are already off the board.
That is why the Bills will select....
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
4) Cincinnati Bengals
Offensively, the Bengals should just have one giant "?". That sums everything up. Which Cedric Benson will show up? Will Carson Palmer ever suit up for Cincy? Will TO and Ochocinco be back?
Defensively, the Bengals are weak as well. They have a nice core of players, but they are very inconsistent. They need to add some depth for some positions. But there may be more pressing needs on the team.
That is why the Bengals will select...
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
5) Arizona Cardinals
Offensively, the Arizona Cardinals struggled with the retirement of Kurt Warner and the lack of effort/ability of Matt Leinart. They are in need of a QB badly.
Defensively, the Cards were also pretty bad, but not as bad as the offensive ineptitude.
That is why the Cardinals will select...
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
6) Cleveland Browns
Offensively, it seems the Browns are sold on Colt McCoy. Peyton Hillis had a solid year at RB. The team lacks options for McCoy however.
Defensively, the Browns are improving and some of their defenders are starting to gel. Joe Haden was a good pickup for the Browns and they are shaping up into a good defense.
That is why the Browns will select...
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
7) San Francisco 49ers
Offensively, the 49ers have many of the key guys in place. Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore are great guys to build your team around. There is a slight QB issue in SF, but with Gabbert and Newton off the board, there's no reason to reach here.
Defensively, the 49ers have one of the best LBs in the NFL, Patrick Willis. There aren't many other notable guys on the defense though.
That is why the 49ers will select...
Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
8) Tennessee Titans
Offensively, the Titans have one of the leagues top rushers along with a blossoming WR. The team lacks a top notch TE and a QB.
Defensively, the team lacks a lot of different positions. The defense was one of the main problems for them last year ranking 26th in total yards.
That is why the Titans will select...
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
9) Dallas Cowboys
Offensively, the Cowboys were outstanding. The Cowboys do need help badly on the offensive line, but the OL class this year is weak.
Defensively, the Cowboys were pathetic. They need a total revamp of the D besides Jenkins, Ware, and Ratliff.
That is why the Cowboys will select...
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
10) Washington Redskins
Offensively, they have some question marks. McNabb most likely won't be back, nor will Portis. Moss is getting up there in age. They are on the decline.
Defensively, the Redskins have the shell of a good defense. They need to tinker with a few things, but overall it's not a bad unit.
That is why the Redskins will select...
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Let's look at the needs for Carolina.
Offensively, the Quarterback position is very young. Still, I don't believe you can justify taking a QB here. I think Carolina sticks with Clausen or Moore here. Nobody on offense besides a QB in this years draft would justify a No. 1 overall selection.
Defensively, the Panthers have several holes. Jon Beason and Captain Munnerlyn are the only two guys I see on the defense worth anything. The defense needs a LOT of work. The best way to start building a defense is with a great defensive line.
Thats is why the Panthers will select...
Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
2) Denver Broncos
Offensively, the Broncos are marginal at QB. With Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow, and Kyle Orton, it's a revolving door of mediocre QBs. The rushing game and the receivers are all pretty solid and Denver boasts a pretty good offensive line. I still don't think the Broncos go offense here.
Defensively, the Broncos were last in the league in defense. That has to change. The Broncos are moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and they need personnel for that.
That is why the Broncos will select....
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemsen
3) Buffalo Bills
Offensively the Bills were either dormant or explosive. Ryan Fitzpatrick was inconsistent but the offense should improve with Steve Johnson emerging as well as a couple guys who spent last year on IR coming back.
Defensively, the bills weren't amazing on defense either. They made plays occasionally but they would never win you a game. The downside of being #3 is that the top 2 defenders are already off the board.
That is why the Bills will select....
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
4) Cincinnati Bengals
Offensively, the Bengals should just have one giant "?". That sums everything up. Which Cedric Benson will show up? Will Carson Palmer ever suit up for Cincy? Will TO and Ochocinco be back?
Defensively, the Bengals are weak as well. They have a nice core of players, but they are very inconsistent. They need to add some depth for some positions. But there may be more pressing needs on the team.
That is why the Bengals will select...
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
5) Arizona Cardinals
Offensively, the Arizona Cardinals struggled with the retirement of Kurt Warner and the lack of effort/ability of Matt Leinart. They are in need of a QB badly.
Defensively, the Cards were also pretty bad, but not as bad as the offensive ineptitude.
That is why the Cardinals will select...
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
6) Cleveland Browns
Offensively, it seems the Browns are sold on Colt McCoy. Peyton Hillis had a solid year at RB. The team lacks options for McCoy however.
Defensively, the Browns are improving and some of their defenders are starting to gel. Joe Haden was a good pickup for the Browns and they are shaping up into a good defense.
That is why the Browns will select...
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
7) San Francisco 49ers
Offensively, the 49ers have many of the key guys in place. Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore are great guys to build your team around. There is a slight QB issue in SF, but with Gabbert and Newton off the board, there's no reason to reach here.
Defensively, the 49ers have one of the best LBs in the NFL, Patrick Willis. There aren't many other notable guys on the defense though.
That is why the 49ers will select...
Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
8) Tennessee Titans
Offensively, the Titans have one of the leagues top rushers along with a blossoming WR. The team lacks a top notch TE and a QB.
Defensively, the team lacks a lot of different positions. The defense was one of the main problems for them last year ranking 26th in total yards.
That is why the Titans will select...
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
9) Dallas Cowboys
Offensively, the Cowboys were outstanding. The Cowboys do need help badly on the offensive line, but the OL class this year is weak.
Defensively, the Cowboys were pathetic. They need a total revamp of the D besides Jenkins, Ware, and Ratliff.
That is why the Cowboys will select...
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
10) Washington Redskins
Offensively, they have some question marks. McNabb most likely won't be back, nor will Portis. Moss is getting up there in age. They are on the decline.
Defensively, the Redskins have the shell of a good defense. They need to tinker with a few things, but overall it's not a bad unit.
That is why the Redskins will select...
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Is having a great rushing offense the key to winning?
When the playoffs start, we hear the same lines. Defense wins championships, and the teams with the best rushing game will do great in the cold weather. The former is definitely true, but does having a great rushing game really mean you're going to be great? Let's take a look...
To prove this I'm going to break down the rankings of every playoff team in the last decade.
2000-2001 Season
Wild Card Teams
Tampa Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Warrick Dunn-1133 Yards
St. Louis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-17th
Top Rusher-Marshall Faulk-1359 Yards
New Orleans (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-8th
Top Rusher-Ricky Williams-1000 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-16th
Top Rusher-Donovan McNabb-624 Yards
Minnesota (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-Robert Smith-1521 Yards
New York (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Tiki Barber 1006 Yards
Denver (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Mike Anderson-1487 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-16th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-1709 Yards
Miami (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Lamar Smith 1139 Yards
Baltimore-(Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Jamal Lewis-1356 Yards
Oakland
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Tyrone Wheatley-1046 Yards
Tennessee
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Eddie George-1509 Yards
7 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 9.42
Super Bowl Champs: 5th
Super Bowl Runner Up: 11th
Average Rank Of Super Bowl Teams: 8th
This year the Super Bowl teams are above the Rushing average of the entire playoff bracket. Let's see how this changes over each year.
2001-2002
Tampa Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-30th
Top Rusher-Mike Alstot-680 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-21st
Top Rusher-Ahman Green-1387 Yards
San Francisco (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Garrison Hearst-1206 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Deuce Staley-604 Yards
St. Louis (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Marshall Faulk 1382
Chicago (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-17th
Top Rusher-Anthony Thomas-1183 Yards
NY Jets (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Curtis Martin-1513 Yards
Oakland (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-24th
Top Rusher-Charlie Garner-839 Yards
Miami (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-23rd
Top Rusher-Lamar Smith-968 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Terry Allen-658 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Championship Game)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Jerome Bettis-1072 Yards
New England (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-13th
Top Rusher-Antowain Smith-1157 Yards
5 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 13.75
Super Bowl Winner: 13th
Super Bowl Loser: 5th
Average Rank of SB Teams: 9th
Once again, the Super Bowl teams outperformed the whole bracket.
2002-2003
New York Jets (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-22nd
Top Rusher-Curtis Martin-1094 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Amos Zeroue-762 Yards
Cleveland (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank 23rd
Top Rusher-William Green-887 Yards
Tennessee (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Eddie George-1165 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-26th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-989 Yards
Oakland (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-18th
Top Rusher-Charlie Garner-962 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Deuce Staley-1029 Yards
New York Giants (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Tiki Barber-1387 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Ahman Green-1240 Yards
Tampa Bay (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-27th
Top Rusher-Michael Pittman-718 Yards
Atlanta (Lost Divisional
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Warrick Dunn-927 Yards
San Francisco (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-Garrison Hearst-972 Yards
8 of 12 teams not in the top 10
1 Team in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 14.92
Super Bowl Winner: 27th
Super Bowl Loser: 18th
Average: 22.5
This year, the Super Bowl teams were significantly worse than the average rank.
2003-2004
New England (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-27th
Top Rusher-Antowain Smith-642 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Jamal Lewis-2066 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-19th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-1259 Yards
Tennessee (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-26th
Top Rusher-Eddie George-1031 Yards
Kansas City (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-15th
Top Rusher-Priest Holmes-1420 Yards
Denver (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Cilnton Portis-1591 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Brian Westbrook-613 Yards
Dallas (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Troy Hambrick-972 Yard
Green Bay (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Ahman Green-1883 Yards
Carolina (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Stephen Davis-1444 Yards
St. Louis (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-30th
Top Rusher-Marshall Faulk-818 Yards
Seattle (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-10th
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-1435 Yards
6 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 13.42
Super Bowl Winner: 27th
Super Bowl Loser: 7th
Average Rank: 17th
For the second year in a row, the Super Bowl teams are below average.
2004-2005
New England (Won SB)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Corey Dillon-1635 Yards
New York Jets (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Curtis Martin-1697 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Jerome Bettis-941 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Divsional)
Rushing Ranl-15th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-1548 Yards
San Diego (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-1335 Yards
Denver (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Ruben Droughns-1240 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-24th
Top Rusher-Brian Westbrook-812 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-10th
Top Rusher-Ahman Green-1163 Yards
Minnesota (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-18th
Top Rusher-Ontereo Smith-544 Yards
Atlanta (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Warrick Dunn-1106 Yards
Seatle (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-8th
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-1696 Yards
St. Louis (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-25th
Top Rusher-Marshall Faulk-774 Yards
7 of 12 teams in the top 10
4 of 12 teams in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 10.25
Super Bowl Champ: 7th
Super Bowl Loser: 24th
Average Rank: 15.5
In a season where the top teams were more run heavy, the Super Bowl teams were below average for the 3rd straight year.
2005-2006
New England (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-24th
Top Rusher-Corey Dillon-773 Yards
Cincinnati (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Rudi Johnson-1458 Yards
Pittsburgh (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Willie Parker-1202 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-16th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-1506 Yards
Jacksonville (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-10th
Top Rusher-Fred Taylor-787 Yards
Denver (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Mike Anderson-1014 Yards
New York Giants (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-Tiki Barber-1860 Yards
Washington (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Clinton Portis-1516 Yards
Chicago (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-8th
Top Rusher-Thomas Jones-1335 Yards
Tampa Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Cadillac Williams-1178 Yards
Carolina (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-19th
Top Rusher-DeShaun Foster-879 Yards
Seattle (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-1880 Yards
8 of 12 teams in the top 10
3 of 5 teams in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 10.42
Super Bowl Champs: 5th
Super Bowl Loser: 3rd
Average Rank: 4th
This year the trend is bucked. 2 Top rushing teams make it to the big game.
2006-2007
New England (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Corey Dillon-812 Yards
New York Jets (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-20th
Top Rusher-Leon Washington-650 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-25th
Top Rusher-Jamal Lewis-1132 Yards
Indianapolis (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-18th
Top Rusher-Joseph Addai-1081 Yards
San Diego (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-1815 Yards
Kansas City (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Larry Johnson-1789 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Brian Westbrook-1217 Yards
Dallas (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-13th
Top Rusher-Julius Jones-1089 Yards
New York Giants (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Tiki Barber-1662 Yards
Chicago (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-15th
Top Rusher-Thomas Jones-1210 Yards
New Orleans (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-19th
Top Rusher-Deuce McCallister-1057 Yards
Seattle (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-896 Yards
3 of 12 in the top 10
1 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 13.75
Super Bowl Champ: 18th
Super Bowl Loser: 15th
Average Rank: 16.5
Another year where the top playoff teams were better than the SB teams.
2007-2008
New England (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-13th
Top Rusher-Lawrence Maroney-835 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Willie Parker-1316 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-18th
Top Rusher-Joseph Addai-1072 Yards
Jacksonville (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Fred Taylor-1202 Yards
Tennessee (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-LenDale White-1110 Yards
San Diego (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-1474 Yards
Dallas (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-17th
Top Rusher-Marion Barber-975 Yards
Washington (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Clinton Portis-1262 Yards
New York Giants (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Brandon Jacobs-1009 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-21st
Top Rusher-Ryan Grant-956 Yards
Tampa Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Earnest Graham-848 Yards
Seattle (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-20th
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-716 Yards
5 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 11.08
Super Bowl Champ: 4th
Super Bowl Loser: 13th
Average Rank: 8.5
The SB teams outperformed the aggregate.
2008-2009
Miami (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Ronnie Brown-916 Yards
Pittsburgh (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-23rd
Top Rusher-Willie Parker-791 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Le'Ron McClain-902 Yards
Tennessee (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Chris Johnson-1228 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-31st
Top Rusher-Joseph Addai-544 Yards
San Diego (Lost Divisional
Rushing Rank-20th
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-1110
New York Giants (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Brandon Jacobs-1089 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-22nd
Top Rusher-Brian Westbrook-936 Yards
Minnesota (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Adrian Peterson-1760 Yards
Carolina (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-DeAngelo Williams-1515 Yards
Atlanta (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Michael Turner-1699 Yards
Arizona (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-32nd
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-514 Yards
7 of 12 in the top 10
5 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 13.42
Super Bowl Champ: 23rd
Super Bowl Loser: 32nd
Average Rank: 27.5
The SB teams were markedly worse than the average. 2 of the leagues WORST rushing teams faced off in the Super Bowl.
2009-2010
New England (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Lawrence Maroney-757 Yards
New York Jets (Lost Championship Game)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Thomas Jones-1402 Yards
Cincinatti (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Cedric Benson-1251 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Ray Rice-1339 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-32nd
Top Rusher-Joseph Addai-828 Yards
San Diego (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-31st
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-730 Yards
Dallas (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Marion Barber-932 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-22nd
Top Rusher-LeSean McCoy-637 Yards
Minnesota (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-13th
Top Rusher-Adrian Peterson-1383 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Ryan Grant-1253 Yards
New Orleans (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-Pierre Thomas-793 Yards
Arizona (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-28th
Top Rusher-Chris "Beanie" Wells-793 Yards
5 of 12 in the top 10
2 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 15th
Super Bowl Winner-6th
Super Bowl Loser-32nd
Average Rank: 19th
The SB teams, once again, were below average.
2010-2011
New England (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-BenJarvis Green-Ellis-1008 Yards
New York Jets (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-914 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Rashard Mendenhal-1273 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Ray Rice-1220 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-29th
Top Rusher-Donald Brown-497 Yards
Kansas City (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Jamaal Charles-1467 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-LeSean McCoy-1080 Yards
Chicago (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-22nd
Top Rusher-Matt Forte-1069 Yards
Green Bay (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-24th
Top Rusher-Brandon Jackson-703 Yards
Atlanta (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Michael Turner-1371 Yards
New Orleans (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-28th
Top Rusher-Chris Ivory-716 Yards
Seattle (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-31st
Top Rusher-Marshawn Lynch-573 Yards
4 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 10
Average Total Rank: 15.83
Super Bowl Champ: 24th
Super Bowl Loser: 11th
Average Rank: 17.5
To finish it off, this year the SB teams were worse than the average.
Lets break this down.
Average rank from ALL playoff teams from 2000-2011: 12.84
There you have it folks. 12.84. To make the playoffs, the average team needs to have a rank of 12.84.
Lets look at the Super Bowl now.
Average rank from ALL Super Bowl Winners: 14.45
Average rank from ALL Super Bowl Losers; 15.55
Average rushing rank needed to make the Super Bowl: 15th
NEAR AVERAGE. That's the rushing attack you need to make the Super Bowl. Near average.
To prove this I'm going to break down the rankings of every playoff team in the last decade.
2000-2001 Season
Wild Card Teams
Tampa Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Warrick Dunn-1133 Yards
St. Louis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-17th
Top Rusher-Marshall Faulk-1359 Yards
New Orleans (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-8th
Top Rusher-Ricky Williams-1000 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-16th
Top Rusher-Donovan McNabb-624 Yards
Minnesota (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-Robert Smith-1521 Yards
New York (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Tiki Barber 1006 Yards
Denver (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Mike Anderson-1487 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-16th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-1709 Yards
Miami (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Lamar Smith 1139 Yards
Baltimore-(Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Jamal Lewis-1356 Yards
Oakland
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Tyrone Wheatley-1046 Yards
Tennessee
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Eddie George-1509 Yards
7 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 9.42
Super Bowl Champs: 5th
Super Bowl Runner Up: 11th
Average Rank Of Super Bowl Teams: 8th
This year the Super Bowl teams are above the Rushing average of the entire playoff bracket. Let's see how this changes over each year.
2001-2002
Tampa Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-30th
Top Rusher-Mike Alstot-680 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-21st
Top Rusher-Ahman Green-1387 Yards
San Francisco (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Garrison Hearst-1206 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Deuce Staley-604 Yards
St. Louis (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Marshall Faulk 1382
Chicago (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-17th
Top Rusher-Anthony Thomas-1183 Yards
NY Jets (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Curtis Martin-1513 Yards
Oakland (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-24th
Top Rusher-Charlie Garner-839 Yards
Miami (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-23rd
Top Rusher-Lamar Smith-968 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Terry Allen-658 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Championship Game)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Jerome Bettis-1072 Yards
New England (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-13th
Top Rusher-Antowain Smith-1157 Yards
5 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 13.75
Super Bowl Winner: 13th
Super Bowl Loser: 5th
Average Rank of SB Teams: 9th
Once again, the Super Bowl teams outperformed the whole bracket.
2002-2003
New York Jets (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-22nd
Top Rusher-Curtis Martin-1094 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Amos Zeroue-762 Yards
Cleveland (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank 23rd
Top Rusher-William Green-887 Yards
Tennessee (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Eddie George-1165 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-26th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-989 Yards
Oakland (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-18th
Top Rusher-Charlie Garner-962 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Deuce Staley-1029 Yards
New York Giants (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Tiki Barber-1387 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Ahman Green-1240 Yards
Tampa Bay (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-27th
Top Rusher-Michael Pittman-718 Yards
Atlanta (Lost Divisional
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Warrick Dunn-927 Yards
San Francisco (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-Garrison Hearst-972 Yards
8 of 12 teams not in the top 10
1 Team in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 14.92
Super Bowl Winner: 27th
Super Bowl Loser: 18th
Average: 22.5
This year, the Super Bowl teams were significantly worse than the average rank.
2003-2004
New England (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-27th
Top Rusher-Antowain Smith-642 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Jamal Lewis-2066 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-19th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-1259 Yards
Tennessee (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-26th
Top Rusher-Eddie George-1031 Yards
Kansas City (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-15th
Top Rusher-Priest Holmes-1420 Yards
Denver (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Cilnton Portis-1591 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Brian Westbrook-613 Yards
Dallas (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Troy Hambrick-972 Yard
Green Bay (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Ahman Green-1883 Yards
Carolina (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Stephen Davis-1444 Yards
St. Louis (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-30th
Top Rusher-Marshall Faulk-818 Yards
Seattle (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-10th
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-1435 Yards
6 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 13.42
Super Bowl Winner: 27th
Super Bowl Loser: 7th
Average Rank: 17th
For the second year in a row, the Super Bowl teams are below average.
2004-2005
New England (Won SB)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Corey Dillon-1635 Yards
New York Jets (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Curtis Martin-1697 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Jerome Bettis-941 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Divsional)
Rushing Ranl-15th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-1548 Yards
San Diego (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-1335 Yards
Denver (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Ruben Droughns-1240 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-24th
Top Rusher-Brian Westbrook-812 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-10th
Top Rusher-Ahman Green-1163 Yards
Minnesota (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-18th
Top Rusher-Ontereo Smith-544 Yards
Atlanta (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Warrick Dunn-1106 Yards
Seatle (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-8th
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-1696 Yards
St. Louis (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-25th
Top Rusher-Marshall Faulk-774 Yards
7 of 12 teams in the top 10
4 of 12 teams in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 10.25
Super Bowl Champ: 7th
Super Bowl Loser: 24th
Average Rank: 15.5
In a season where the top teams were more run heavy, the Super Bowl teams were below average for the 3rd straight year.
2005-2006
New England (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-24th
Top Rusher-Corey Dillon-773 Yards
Cincinnati (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Rudi Johnson-1458 Yards
Pittsburgh (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Willie Parker-1202 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-16th
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-1506 Yards
Jacksonville (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-10th
Top Rusher-Fred Taylor-787 Yards
Denver (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Mike Anderson-1014 Yards
New York Giants (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-Tiki Barber-1860 Yards
Washington (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Clinton Portis-1516 Yards
Chicago (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-8th
Top Rusher-Thomas Jones-1335 Yards
Tampa Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Cadillac Williams-1178 Yards
Carolina (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-19th
Top Rusher-DeShaun Foster-879 Yards
Seattle (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-1880 Yards
8 of 12 teams in the top 10
3 of 5 teams in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 10.42
Super Bowl Champs: 5th
Super Bowl Loser: 3rd
Average Rank: 4th
This year the trend is bucked. 2 Top rushing teams make it to the big game.
2006-2007
New England (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Corey Dillon-812 Yards
New York Jets (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-20th
Top Rusher-Leon Washington-650 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-25th
Top Rusher-Jamal Lewis-1132 Yards
Indianapolis (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-18th
Top Rusher-Joseph Addai-1081 Yards
San Diego (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-1815 Yards
Kansas City (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Larry Johnson-1789 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Brian Westbrook-1217 Yards
Dallas (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-13th
Top Rusher-Julius Jones-1089 Yards
New York Giants (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Tiki Barber-1662 Yards
Chicago (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-15th
Top Rusher-Thomas Jones-1210 Yards
New Orleans (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-19th
Top Rusher-Deuce McCallister-1057 Yards
Seattle (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-896 Yards
3 of 12 in the top 10
1 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 13.75
Super Bowl Champ: 18th
Super Bowl Loser: 15th
Average Rank: 16.5
Another year where the top playoff teams were better than the SB teams.
2007-2008
New England (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-13th
Top Rusher-Lawrence Maroney-835 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-Willie Parker-1316 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-18th
Top Rusher-Joseph Addai-1072 Yards
Jacksonville (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Fred Taylor-1202 Yards
Tennessee (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-LenDale White-1110 Yards
San Diego (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-1474 Yards
Dallas (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-17th
Top Rusher-Marion Barber-975 Yards
Washington (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Clinton Portis-1262 Yards
New York Giants (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Brandon Jacobs-1009 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-21st
Top Rusher-Ryan Grant-956 Yards
Tampa Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Earnest Graham-848 Yards
Seattle (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-20th
Top Rusher-Shaun Alexander-716 Yards
5 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 11.08
Super Bowl Champ: 4th
Super Bowl Loser: 13th
Average Rank: 8.5
The SB teams outperformed the aggregate.
2008-2009
Miami (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Ronnie Brown-916 Yards
Pittsburgh (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-23rd
Top Rusher-Willie Parker-791 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-Le'Ron McClain-902 Yards
Tennessee (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Chris Johnson-1228 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-31st
Top Rusher-Joseph Addai-544 Yards
San Diego (Lost Divisional
Rushing Rank-20th
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-1110
New York Giants (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Brandon Jacobs-1089 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-22nd
Top Rusher-Brian Westbrook-936 Yards
Minnesota (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Adrian Peterson-1760 Yards
Carolina (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-3rd
Top Rusher-DeAngelo Williams-1515 Yards
Atlanta (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-2nd
Top Rusher-Michael Turner-1699 Yards
Arizona (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-32nd
Top Rusher-Edgerrin James-514 Yards
7 of 12 in the top 10
5 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 13.42
Super Bowl Champ: 23rd
Super Bowl Loser: 32nd
Average Rank: 27.5
The SB teams were markedly worse than the average. 2 of the leagues WORST rushing teams faced off in the Super Bowl.
2009-2010
New England (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Lawrence Maroney-757 Yards
New York Jets (Lost Championship Game)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Thomas Jones-1402 Yards
Cincinatti (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-Cedric Benson-1251 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-Ray Rice-1339 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-32nd
Top Rusher-Joseph Addai-828 Yards
San Diego (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-31st
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-730 Yards
Dallas (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-7th
Top Rusher-Marion Barber-932 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-22nd
Top Rusher-LeSean McCoy-637 Yards
Minnesota (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-13th
Top Rusher-Adrian Peterson-1383 Yards
Green Bay (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Ryan Grant-1253 Yards
New Orleans (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-6th
Top Rusher-Pierre Thomas-793 Yards
Arizona (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-28th
Top Rusher-Chris "Beanie" Wells-793 Yards
5 of 12 in the top 10
2 of 12 in the top 5
Average Total Rank: 15th
Super Bowl Winner-6th
Super Bowl Loser-32nd
Average Rank: 19th
The SB teams, once again, were below average.
2010-2011
New England (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-9th
Top Rusher-BenJarvis Green-Ellis-1008 Yards
New York Jets (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-4th
Top Rusher-LaDannian Tomlinson-914 Yards
Pittsburgh (Lost Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-11th
Top Rusher-Rashard Mendenhal-1273 Yards
Baltimore (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-14th
Top Rusher-Ray Rice-1220 Yards
Indianapolis (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-29th
Top Rusher-Donald Brown-497 Yards
Kansas City (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-1st
Top Rusher-Jamaal Charles-1467 Yards
Philadelphia (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-5th
Top Rusher-LeSean McCoy-1080 Yards
Chicago (Lost Championship)
Rushing Rank-22nd
Top Rusher-Matt Forte-1069 Yards
Green Bay (Won Super Bowl)
Rushing Rank-24th
Top Rusher-Brandon Jackson-703 Yards
Atlanta (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-12th
Top Rusher-Michael Turner-1371 Yards
New Orleans (Lost Wild Card)
Rushing Rank-28th
Top Rusher-Chris Ivory-716 Yards
Seattle (Lost Divisional)
Rushing Rank-31st
Top Rusher-Marshawn Lynch-573 Yards
4 of 12 in the top 10
3 of 12 in the top 10
Average Total Rank: 15.83
Super Bowl Champ: 24th
Super Bowl Loser: 11th
Average Rank: 17.5
To finish it off, this year the SB teams were worse than the average.
Lets break this down.
Average rank from ALL playoff teams from 2000-2011: 12.84
There you have it folks. 12.84. To make the playoffs, the average team needs to have a rank of 12.84.
Lets look at the Super Bowl now.
Average rank from ALL Super Bowl Winners: 14.45
Average rank from ALL Super Bowl Losers; 15.55
Average rushing rank needed to make the Super Bowl: 15th
NEAR AVERAGE. That's the rushing attack you need to make the Super Bowl. Near average.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
What is a better way to build your team? Draft/Undrafted Free Agents or Free Agency/Trades?
Building a team is the hardest part for the front office of a football team. You can have the best system in the league as far as coaching but if you don't have the players, you won't be successful. So what is the best way to go? Should you draft your team and have a bunch of young guys and work to get them to gel? Or do you give up those picks in exchange for big name free agents and blockbuster trades? Let's take a look at the last 3 years. We'll compare the Super Bowl Champions with the worst team in the league and see who has what. All numbers include IR players.
2010-2011 Green Bay Packers
Drafted-38
Trades-3
Undrafted Free Agents-20
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-3
2009-2010 New Orleans Saints
Drafted-24
Trades-5
Undrafted Free Agents-6
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-34
2008-2009 Pittsburgh Steelers
Drafted-30
Trades-1
Undrafted Free Agents-12
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-20
Avg Drafted-30.67
Avg Traded-3
Avg Undrafted-12.67
Avg Free Agent-19
2010-2011 Carolina Panthers
Drafted-39
Trades-2
Undrafted Free Agents-6
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-25
2009-2010 St. Louis Rams
Drafted-26
Trades-4
Undrafted Free Agents-5
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-31
2008-2009 Detroit Lions
Drafted-29
Trades-2
Undrafted Free Agents-5
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-35
Avg Drafted-31.33
Avg Traded-2.67
Avg Undrafted-5
Avg Free Agent-30.33
So comparing the last 3 years, both the best and the worst teams drafted relatively the same amounts of players and had relatively the same amount of trades. But what separates the boys from the men seems to be undrafted free agent signings. 7.67 more undrafted players per team for the champs over the chumps. The chumps also relied heavily on free agents in general, signing 11.33 more per team than the champs. So from this very limited sample, we see a trend towards the teams that scour through the undrafted guys as the guys who come out on top.
2010-2011 Green Bay Packers
Drafted-38
Trades-3
Undrafted Free Agents-20
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-3
2009-2010 New Orleans Saints
Drafted-24
Trades-5
Undrafted Free Agents-6
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-34
2008-2009 Pittsburgh Steelers
Drafted-30
Trades-1
Undrafted Free Agents-12
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-20
Avg Drafted-30.67
Avg Traded-3
Avg Undrafted-12.67
Avg Free Agent-19
2010-2011 Carolina Panthers
Drafted-39
Trades-2
Undrafted Free Agents-6
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-25
2009-2010 St. Louis Rams
Drafted-26
Trades-4
Undrafted Free Agents-5
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-31
2008-2009 Detroit Lions
Drafted-29
Trades-2
Undrafted Free Agents-5
Restricted/Unrestricted Free Agents-35
Avg Drafted-31.33
Avg Traded-2.67
Avg Undrafted-5
Avg Free Agent-30.33
So comparing the last 3 years, both the best and the worst teams drafted relatively the same amounts of players and had relatively the same amount of trades. But what separates the boys from the men seems to be undrafted free agent signings. 7.67 more undrafted players per team for the champs over the chumps. The chumps also relied heavily on free agents in general, signing 11.33 more per team than the champs. So from this very limited sample, we see a trend towards the teams that scour through the undrafted guys as the guys who come out on top.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Breaking Down the 2008 NFL Draft
I have always been in love with the NFL draft and I find it fascinating how some players flourish while others flop. Today I want to look into the 2008 NFL Draft and what teams did well and what teams didn't. I'm using 2008 because it's a nice place to start. 2009 or 2010 would be too soon and before 2007 would be too easy. I'm going to rank each player for each team and give each team an overall grade. This grade will be based on overall contributions to the team. If a player was drafted to a team and went on to be successful on another team, he will receive a grade that reflects his time with the team that drafted him. So if player A gets drafted to Team A and he sits the bench for a year and gets cut without recording any stats and then gets cut and performs well for another team, player A will receive 0.0.
Grading Scale-
4.0-Elite NFL star
3.0-3.9-Top contributor
2.0-2.9-Solid
1.0-1.9-Situational player, limited contributions
0.1-0.9-Minimal contributions
0.0-No contributions
Arizona Cardinals
Rd 1 (16) Dominique Rodgers Cromartie 2.8
Rd 2 (50) Calais Campbell 3.0
Rd 3 (81) Early Doucet 1.5
Rd 4 (116) Kenny Iwebema 0.0
Rd 5 (149) Tim Hightower 2.8
Rd 6 (185) Chris Harrington 0.0
Rd 7 (225) Brandon Keith 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.44
Atlanta Falcons
Rd 1 (3) Matt Ryan 3.5
Rd 1 (21) Sam Baker 3.0
Rd 2 (37) Curtis Lofton 3.2
Rd 3 (68) Chevis Jackson 1.8
Rd 3 (84) Harry Douglass 1.0
Rd 3 (98) Thomas DeCloud 3.1
Rd 5 (138) Robert James 0.0
Rd 5 (154) Kory Biermann 3.2
Rd 6 (172) Thomas Brown 0.0
Rd 7 (212) Wilrey Fontenot 0.0
Rd 7 (232) Keith Zinger 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.71
Baltimore Ravens
Rd 1 (18) Joe Flacco 3.2
Rd 2 (55) Ray Rice 3.8
Rd 3 (71) Tavares Gooden 1.0
Rd 3 (86) Tom Zbikowski 1.0
Rd 3 (99) Oniel Cousins 1.0
Rd 4 (106) Marcus Smith 0.0
Rd 4 (133) David Hale 0.0
Rd 6 (206) Haruki Nakamura 0.8
Rd 7 (215) Justin Harper 0.0
Rd 7 (240) Allen Patrick 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.08
Buffalo Bills
Rd 1 (11) Leodis McKelvin 2.0
Rd 2 (41) James Hardy 0.6
Rd 3 (72) Chris Ellis 0.1
Rd 4 (114) Reggie Corner 1.8
Rd 4 (132) Derek Fine 0.4
Rd 5 (147) Alvin Bowen 0.0
Rd 6 (179) Xavier Omon 0.0
Rd 7 (219) Demetrius Bell 1.9
Rd 7 (224) Steve Johnson 3.3
Rd 7 (251) Kennard Cox 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.01
Carolina Panthers
Rd 1 (13) Jonathan Stewart 2.9
Rd 1 (19) Jeff Otah 3.0
Rd 3 (67) Charles Godfrey 2.9
Rd 3 (74) Dan Connor 2.1
Rd 6 (181) Nick Hayden 0.0
Rd 7 (221) Hilee Taylor 0.8
Rd 7 (241) Geoff Schwartz 1.8
Rd 7 (250) Mackenzie Bernadeau 1.8
TOTAL SCORE: 1.91
Chicago Bears
Rd 1 (14) Chris Williams 2.9
Rd 2 (44) Matt Forte 3.8
Rd 3 (70) Earl Bennett 1.8
Rd 3 (90) Marcus Harrison 0.8
Rd 4 (120) Craig Steltz 0.5
Rd 5 (142) Zackary Bowman 2.6
Rd 5 (158) Kellen Davis 0.5
Rd 7 (208) Ervin Baldwin 0.0
Rd 7 (222) Chester Adams 0.0
Rd 7 (243) Joe LaRocque 0.1
Rd 7 (247) Kirk Barton 0.0
Rd 7 (248) Marcus Monk 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.89
Cincinnati Bengals
Rd 1 (9) Keith Rivers 3.1
Rd 2 (46) Jerome Simpson 0.8
Rd 3 (77) Pat Sims 1.8
Rd 3 (97) Andre Caldwell 1.7
Rd 4 (112) Anthony Collins 1.0
Rd 5 (145) Jason Shirley 0.0
Rd 6 (177) Corey Lynch 0.0
Rd 6 (207) Matt Sherry 0.0
Rd 7 (244) Angelo Craig 0.0
Rd 7 (246) Mario Urrutia 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.84
Cleveland Browns
Rd 4 (104) Beau Bell 0.0
Rd 4 (111) Martin Rucker 0.0
Rd 6 (190) Ahtyba Rubin 2.6
Rd 6 (191) Paul Hubbard 0.0
Rd 7 (231) Alex Hall 0.6
TOTAL SCORE: 0.64
Dallas Cowboys
Rd 1 (22) Felix Jones 2.2
Rd 1 (25) Mike Jenkins 2.8
Rd 2 (61) Martellus Bennett 1.2
Rd 4 (122) Tashard Choice 1.9
Rd 5 (143) Orlando Scandrick 1.5
Rd 6 (167) Erik Walden 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.60
Denver Broncos
Rd 1 (12) Ryan Clady 3.2
Rd 2 (42) Eddie Royal 2.5
Rd 4 (108) Kory Lichtensteiger 0.0
Rd 4 (119) Jack Williams 0.2
Rd 5 (139) Ryan Torain 0.6
Rd 5 (148) Carlton Powell 0.0
Rd 6 (183) Spencer Larson 0.1
Rd 7 (220) Josh Barrett 0.2
Rd 7 (227) Peyton Hillis 0.6
TOTAL SCORE: 0.78
Detroit Lions
Rd 1 (17) Gosder Cherilus 3.2
Rd 2 (45) Jordon Dizon 0.8
Rd 3 (64) Kevin Smith 1.8
Rd 3 (87) Andre Fluellen 0.0
Rd 3 (92) Cliff Avril 2.8
Rd 5 (136) Kenneth Moore 0.0
Rd 5 (146) Jerome Felton 1.0
Rd 7 (216) Landon Cohen 0.3
Rd 7 (218) Caleb Campbell 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.10
Green Bay Packers
Rd 2 (36) Jordy Nelson 2.4
Rd 2 (56) Brian Brohm 0.0
Rd 2 (60) Pat Lee 0.2
Rd 3 (91) Jermichael Finley 3.2
Rd 4 (102) Jeremy Thompson 0.1
Rd 4 (135) Josh Sitton 2.9
Rd 5 (150) Breno Giacomini 0.0
Rd 7 (209) Matt Flynn 2.0
Rd 7 (217) Brett Swain 0.1
TOTAL SCORE: 1.21
Houston Texans
Rd 1 (26) Duane Brown 3.0
Rd 3 (79) Antwaun Molden 0.3
Rd 3 (89) Steve Slaton 2.5
Rd 4 (118) Xavier Adibi 1.4
Rd 5 (151) Frank Okam 0.0
Rd 6 (173) Dominique Barber 0.7
Rd 7 (223) Alex Brink 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.13
Indianapolis Colts
Rd 2 (59) Mike Pollak 2.8
Rd 3 (93) Philip Wheeler 1.8
Rd 4 (127) Jacob Tamme 2.0
Rd 5 (161) Marcus Howard 0.6
Rd 6 (196) Tom Santi 0.7
Rd 6 (201) Steve Justice 0.1
Rd 6 (202) Mike Hart 0.8
Rd 6 (205) Pierre Garcon 2.0
Rd 7 (236) Jamey Richard 0.8
TOTAL SCORE: 1.29
Jacksonville Jaguars
Rd 1 (8) Derrick Harvey 2.4
Rd 2 (52) Quinten Groves 1.1
Rd 5 (155) Thomas Williams 0.0
Rd 5 (159) Trae Williams 0.0
Rd 7 (213) Chauncey Washington 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.70
Kansas City Chiefs
Rd 1 (5) Glenn Dorsey 1.9
Rd 1 (15) Branden Albert 3.1
Rd 2 (35) Brandon Flowers 3.3
Rd 3 (73) Jamaal Charles 3.4
Rd 3 (76) Brad Cottam 0.2
Rd 3 (82) DaJuan Morgan 0.4
Rd 4 (105) William Franklin 0.2
Rd 5 (140) Brandon Carr 1.6
Rd 6 (170) Barry Richardson 1.4
Rd 6 (182) Kevin Robinson 0.0
Rd 7 (210) Brian Johnson 0.0
Rd 7 (239) Michael Merritt 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.29
Miami Dolphins
Rd 1 (1) Jake Long 3.8
Rd 2 (32) Phillip Merling 0.9
Rd 2 (57) Chad Henne 2.4
Rd 3 (66) Kendall Langford 2.0
Rd 4 (110) Shawn Murphy 0.0
Rd 6 (176) Jalen Parmele 0.0
Rd 6 (195) Donald Thomas 0.0
Rd 6 (204) Lex Hilliard 0.2
Rd 7 (245) Lionel Dotson 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.03
Minnesota Vikings
Rd 2 (43) Tyrell Johnson 1.4
Rd 5 (137) John David Booty 0.0
Rd 5 (152) Letroy Guion 0.0
Rd 6 (187) John Sullivan 3.0
Rd 6 (193) Jaymar Johnson 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.88
New England Patriots
Rd 1 (10) Jerod Mayo 3.9
Rd 2 (62) Terrence Wheatley 0.0
Rd 3 (78) Shawn Crable 0.1
Rd 3 (94) Kevin O'Connell 0.1
Rd 4 (129) Johnathan Wilhite 0.8
Rd 5 (153) Matthew Slater 0.6
Rd 6 (197) Bo Ruud 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.79
New Orleans Saints
Rd 1 (7) Sedrick Ellis 3.1
Rd 2 (40) Tracy Porter 2.8
Rd 5 (144) DeMario Pressley 0.0
Rd 5 (164) Carl Nicks 2.6
Rd 6 (178) Taylor Mehlhaff 0.2
Rd 7 (237) Adrian Arrington 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.45
New York Giants
Rd 1 (31) Kenny Phillips 2.6
Rd 2 (63) Terrell Thomas 3.0
Rd 3 (95) Mario Manningham 2.4
Rd 4 (123) Bryan Kehl 1.0
Rd 5 (165) Jonathan Goff 1.9
Rd 6 (198) Andre Woodson 0.0
Rd 6 (199) Robert Henderson 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.56
New York Jets
Rd 1 (6) Vernon Gholston 0.4
Rd 1 (30) Dustin Keller3.2
Rd 4 (113) Dwight Lowery 2.5
Rd 5 (162) Erik Ainge 0.0
Rd 6 (171) Marcus Henry 0.0
Rd 7 (211) Nate Garner 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.02
Oakland Raiders
Rd 1 (4) Darren McFadden 3.6
Rd 4 (100) Tyvon Branch 3.0
Rd 4 (125) Arman Shields 0.0
Rd 6 (169) Trevor Scott 2.5
Rd 7 (226) Chaz Schilens 1.5
TOTAL SCORE: 2.12
Philadelphia Eagles
Rd 2 (47) Trevor Laws 1.4
Rd 2 (49) DeSean Jackson 3.7
Rd 3 (80) Bryan Smith 0.0
Rd 4 (109) Mike McGlynn 1.4
Rd 4 (117) Quintin Demps 0.4
Rd 4 (131) Jack Ikegquono 0.0
Rd 6 (184) Mike Gibson 0.0
Rd 6 (200) Joe Mays 0.4
Rd 6 (203) Andy Studebaker 0.0
Rd 7 (230) King Dunlap 0.3
TOTAL SCORE: 0.76
Pittsburgh Steelers
Rd 1 (23) Rashard Mendenhall 3.6
Rd 2 (53) Limas Sweed 0.1
Rd 3 (88) Bruce Davis 0.0
Rd 4 (130) Tony Hills 0.0
Rd 5 (156) Dennis Dixon 0.5
Rd 6 (188) Mike Humpal 0.0
Rd 6 (194) Ryan Mundy 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.6
San Diego Chargers
Rd 1 (27) Antoine Cason 2.9
Rd 3 (69) Jacob Hester 2.5
Rd 5 (166) Marcus Thomas 0.0
Rd 6 (192) DeJuan Tribble 0.0
Rd 7 (234) Corey Clark 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.08
San Francisco 49ers
Rd 1 (29) Kentwan Balmer 0.2
Rd 2 (39) Chilo Rachal 3.0
Rd 3 (75) Reggie Smith 1.2
Rd 4 (107) Cody Wallace 0.0
Rd 6 (174) Josh Morgan 2.0
Rd 7 (214) Larry Grant 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.07
Seattle Seahawks
Rd 1 (28) Lawrence Jackson 0.8
Rd 2 (38) John Carlson 3.0
Rd 4 (121) Red Bryant 0.3
Rd 5 (163) Owen Schmitt 0.5
Rd 6 (189) Tyler Schmitt 0.0
Rd 7 (233) Justin Forsett 2.0
Rd 7 (235) Brandon Coutu 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.94
St. Louis Rams
Rd 1 (2) Chris Long 3.0
Rd 2 (33) Donnie Avery 2.0
Rd 3 (65) John Greco 0.8
Rd 4 (100) Justin King 0.1
Rd 4 (128) Keenan Burton 0.6
Rd 5 (157) Roy Schuening 0.0
Rd 7 (228) Chris Chamberlain 1.1
Rd 7 (252) David Vobora 1.2
TOTAL SCORE: 1.10
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rd 1 (20) Aqib Talib 3.1
Rd 2 (58) Dexter Jackson 0.4
Rd 3 (83) Jeremy Zuttah 2.5
Rd 4 (115) Dre Moore 0.1
Rd 5 (160) Josh Johnson 0.8
Rd 6 (175) Geno Hayes 2.2
Rd 7 (238) Cory Boyd 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.31
Tennessee Titans
Rd 1 (24) Chris Johnson 4.0
Rd 2 (54) Jason Jones 2.1
Rd 3 (85) Craig Stevens 0.0
Rd 4 (103) William Hayes 0.6
Rd 4 (126) Lavelle Hawkins 0.3
Rd 4 (134) Stanford Keglar 0.2
Rd 7 (229) Cory Williams 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.03
Washington Redskins
Rd 2 (34) Devil Thomas 0.6
Rd 2 (48) Fred Davis 1.2
Rd 2 (51) Maclom Kelly 0.4
Rd 3 (96) Chad Reinhart 0.3
Rd 4 (124) Justin Tryon 0.7
Rd 6 (168) Durant Brooks 2.0
Rd 6 (180) Kareem Moore 0.4
Rd 6 (186) Colt Brennan 0.0
Rd 7 (242) Rob Jackson 0.0
Rd 7 (249) Chris Horton 1.9
TOTAL SCORE: 0.75
Best Draft: Oakland
Oakland scored 3 starters and another solid contributor in their draft. Only one player didn't make the cut.
Worst Draft: Pittsburgh
Rashard Mendenhall is the only player who isn't a pile of garbage in the draft. 4 complete busts in the draft.
Grading Scale-
4.0-Elite NFL star
3.0-3.9-Top contributor
2.0-2.9-Solid
1.0-1.9-Situational player, limited contributions
0.1-0.9-Minimal contributions
0.0-No contributions
Arizona Cardinals
Rd 1 (16) Dominique Rodgers Cromartie 2.8
Rd 2 (50) Calais Campbell 3.0
Rd 3 (81) Early Doucet 1.5
Rd 4 (116) Kenny Iwebema 0.0
Rd 5 (149) Tim Hightower 2.8
Rd 6 (185) Chris Harrington 0.0
Rd 7 (225) Brandon Keith 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.44
Atlanta Falcons
Rd 1 (3) Matt Ryan 3.5
Rd 1 (21) Sam Baker 3.0
Rd 2 (37) Curtis Lofton 3.2
Rd 3 (68) Chevis Jackson 1.8
Rd 3 (84) Harry Douglass 1.0
Rd 3 (98) Thomas DeCloud 3.1
Rd 5 (138) Robert James 0.0
Rd 5 (154) Kory Biermann 3.2
Rd 6 (172) Thomas Brown 0.0
Rd 7 (212) Wilrey Fontenot 0.0
Rd 7 (232) Keith Zinger 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.71
Baltimore Ravens
Rd 1 (18) Joe Flacco 3.2
Rd 2 (55) Ray Rice 3.8
Rd 3 (71) Tavares Gooden 1.0
Rd 3 (86) Tom Zbikowski 1.0
Rd 3 (99) Oniel Cousins 1.0
Rd 4 (106) Marcus Smith 0.0
Rd 4 (133) David Hale 0.0
Rd 6 (206) Haruki Nakamura 0.8
Rd 7 (215) Justin Harper 0.0
Rd 7 (240) Allen Patrick 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.08
Buffalo Bills
Rd 1 (11) Leodis McKelvin 2.0
Rd 2 (41) James Hardy 0.6
Rd 3 (72) Chris Ellis 0.1
Rd 4 (114) Reggie Corner 1.8
Rd 4 (132) Derek Fine 0.4
Rd 5 (147) Alvin Bowen 0.0
Rd 6 (179) Xavier Omon 0.0
Rd 7 (219) Demetrius Bell 1.9
Rd 7 (224) Steve Johnson 3.3
Rd 7 (251) Kennard Cox 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.01
Carolina Panthers
Rd 1 (13) Jonathan Stewart 2.9
Rd 1 (19) Jeff Otah 3.0
Rd 3 (67) Charles Godfrey 2.9
Rd 3 (74) Dan Connor 2.1
Rd 6 (181) Nick Hayden 0.0
Rd 7 (221) Hilee Taylor 0.8
Rd 7 (241) Geoff Schwartz 1.8
Rd 7 (250) Mackenzie Bernadeau 1.8
TOTAL SCORE: 1.91
Chicago Bears
Rd 1 (14) Chris Williams 2.9
Rd 2 (44) Matt Forte 3.8
Rd 3 (70) Earl Bennett 1.8
Rd 3 (90) Marcus Harrison 0.8
Rd 4 (120) Craig Steltz 0.5
Rd 5 (142) Zackary Bowman 2.6
Rd 5 (158) Kellen Davis 0.5
Rd 7 (208) Ervin Baldwin 0.0
Rd 7 (222) Chester Adams 0.0
Rd 7 (243) Joe LaRocque 0.1
Rd 7 (247) Kirk Barton 0.0
Rd 7 (248) Marcus Monk 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.89
Cincinnati Bengals
Rd 1 (9) Keith Rivers 3.1
Rd 2 (46) Jerome Simpson 0.8
Rd 3 (77) Pat Sims 1.8
Rd 3 (97) Andre Caldwell 1.7
Rd 4 (112) Anthony Collins 1.0
Rd 5 (145) Jason Shirley 0.0
Rd 6 (177) Corey Lynch 0.0
Rd 6 (207) Matt Sherry 0.0
Rd 7 (244) Angelo Craig 0.0
Rd 7 (246) Mario Urrutia 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.84
Cleveland Browns
Rd 4 (104) Beau Bell 0.0
Rd 4 (111) Martin Rucker 0.0
Rd 6 (190) Ahtyba Rubin 2.6
Rd 6 (191) Paul Hubbard 0.0
Rd 7 (231) Alex Hall 0.6
TOTAL SCORE: 0.64
Dallas Cowboys
Rd 1 (22) Felix Jones 2.2
Rd 1 (25) Mike Jenkins 2.8
Rd 2 (61) Martellus Bennett 1.2
Rd 4 (122) Tashard Choice 1.9
Rd 5 (143) Orlando Scandrick 1.5
Rd 6 (167) Erik Walden 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.60
Denver Broncos
Rd 1 (12) Ryan Clady 3.2
Rd 2 (42) Eddie Royal 2.5
Rd 4 (108) Kory Lichtensteiger 0.0
Rd 4 (119) Jack Williams 0.2
Rd 5 (139) Ryan Torain 0.6
Rd 5 (148) Carlton Powell 0.0
Rd 6 (183) Spencer Larson 0.1
Rd 7 (220) Josh Barrett 0.2
Rd 7 (227) Peyton Hillis 0.6
TOTAL SCORE: 0.78
Detroit Lions
Rd 1 (17) Gosder Cherilus 3.2
Rd 2 (45) Jordon Dizon 0.8
Rd 3 (64) Kevin Smith 1.8
Rd 3 (87) Andre Fluellen 0.0
Rd 3 (92) Cliff Avril 2.8
Rd 5 (136) Kenneth Moore 0.0
Rd 5 (146) Jerome Felton 1.0
Rd 7 (216) Landon Cohen 0.3
Rd 7 (218) Caleb Campbell 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.10
Green Bay Packers
Rd 2 (36) Jordy Nelson 2.4
Rd 2 (56) Brian Brohm 0.0
Rd 2 (60) Pat Lee 0.2
Rd 3 (91) Jermichael Finley 3.2
Rd 4 (102) Jeremy Thompson 0.1
Rd 4 (135) Josh Sitton 2.9
Rd 5 (150) Breno Giacomini 0.0
Rd 7 (209) Matt Flynn 2.0
Rd 7 (217) Brett Swain 0.1
TOTAL SCORE: 1.21
Houston Texans
Rd 1 (26) Duane Brown 3.0
Rd 3 (79) Antwaun Molden 0.3
Rd 3 (89) Steve Slaton 2.5
Rd 4 (118) Xavier Adibi 1.4
Rd 5 (151) Frank Okam 0.0
Rd 6 (173) Dominique Barber 0.7
Rd 7 (223) Alex Brink 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.13
Indianapolis Colts
Rd 2 (59) Mike Pollak 2.8
Rd 3 (93) Philip Wheeler 1.8
Rd 4 (127) Jacob Tamme 2.0
Rd 5 (161) Marcus Howard 0.6
Rd 6 (196) Tom Santi 0.7
Rd 6 (201) Steve Justice 0.1
Rd 6 (202) Mike Hart 0.8
Rd 6 (205) Pierre Garcon 2.0
Rd 7 (236) Jamey Richard 0.8
TOTAL SCORE: 1.29
Jacksonville Jaguars
Rd 1 (8) Derrick Harvey 2.4
Rd 2 (52) Quinten Groves 1.1
Rd 5 (155) Thomas Williams 0.0
Rd 5 (159) Trae Williams 0.0
Rd 7 (213) Chauncey Washington 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.70
Kansas City Chiefs
Rd 1 (5) Glenn Dorsey 1.9
Rd 1 (15) Branden Albert 3.1
Rd 2 (35) Brandon Flowers 3.3
Rd 3 (73) Jamaal Charles 3.4
Rd 3 (76) Brad Cottam 0.2
Rd 3 (82) DaJuan Morgan 0.4
Rd 4 (105) William Franklin 0.2
Rd 5 (140) Brandon Carr 1.6
Rd 6 (170) Barry Richardson 1.4
Rd 6 (182) Kevin Robinson 0.0
Rd 7 (210) Brian Johnson 0.0
Rd 7 (239) Michael Merritt 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.29
Miami Dolphins
Rd 1 (1) Jake Long 3.8
Rd 2 (32) Phillip Merling 0.9
Rd 2 (57) Chad Henne 2.4
Rd 3 (66) Kendall Langford 2.0
Rd 4 (110) Shawn Murphy 0.0
Rd 6 (176) Jalen Parmele 0.0
Rd 6 (195) Donald Thomas 0.0
Rd 6 (204) Lex Hilliard 0.2
Rd 7 (245) Lionel Dotson 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.03
Minnesota Vikings
Rd 2 (43) Tyrell Johnson 1.4
Rd 5 (137) John David Booty 0.0
Rd 5 (152) Letroy Guion 0.0
Rd 6 (187) John Sullivan 3.0
Rd 6 (193) Jaymar Johnson 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.88
New England Patriots
Rd 1 (10) Jerod Mayo 3.9
Rd 2 (62) Terrence Wheatley 0.0
Rd 3 (78) Shawn Crable 0.1
Rd 3 (94) Kevin O'Connell 0.1
Rd 4 (129) Johnathan Wilhite 0.8
Rd 5 (153) Matthew Slater 0.6
Rd 6 (197) Bo Ruud 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.79
New Orleans Saints
Rd 1 (7) Sedrick Ellis 3.1
Rd 2 (40) Tracy Porter 2.8
Rd 5 (144) DeMario Pressley 0.0
Rd 5 (164) Carl Nicks 2.6
Rd 6 (178) Taylor Mehlhaff 0.2
Rd 7 (237) Adrian Arrington 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.45
New York Giants
Rd 1 (31) Kenny Phillips 2.6
Rd 2 (63) Terrell Thomas 3.0
Rd 3 (95) Mario Manningham 2.4
Rd 4 (123) Bryan Kehl 1.0
Rd 5 (165) Jonathan Goff 1.9
Rd 6 (198) Andre Woodson 0.0
Rd 6 (199) Robert Henderson 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.56
New York Jets
Rd 1 (6) Vernon Gholston 0.4
Rd 1 (30) Dustin Keller3.2
Rd 4 (113) Dwight Lowery 2.5
Rd 5 (162) Erik Ainge 0.0
Rd 6 (171) Marcus Henry 0.0
Rd 7 (211) Nate Garner 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.02
Oakland Raiders
Rd 1 (4) Darren McFadden 3.6
Rd 4 (100) Tyvon Branch 3.0
Rd 4 (125) Arman Shields 0.0
Rd 6 (169) Trevor Scott 2.5
Rd 7 (226) Chaz Schilens 1.5
TOTAL SCORE: 2.12
Philadelphia Eagles
Rd 2 (47) Trevor Laws 1.4
Rd 2 (49) DeSean Jackson 3.7
Rd 3 (80) Bryan Smith 0.0
Rd 4 (109) Mike McGlynn 1.4
Rd 4 (117) Quintin Demps 0.4
Rd 4 (131) Jack Ikegquono 0.0
Rd 6 (184) Mike Gibson 0.0
Rd 6 (200) Joe Mays 0.4
Rd 6 (203) Andy Studebaker 0.0
Rd 7 (230) King Dunlap 0.3
TOTAL SCORE: 0.76
Pittsburgh Steelers
Rd 1 (23) Rashard Mendenhall 3.6
Rd 2 (53) Limas Sweed 0.1
Rd 3 (88) Bruce Davis 0.0
Rd 4 (130) Tony Hills 0.0
Rd 5 (156) Dennis Dixon 0.5
Rd 6 (188) Mike Humpal 0.0
Rd 6 (194) Ryan Mundy 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.6
San Diego Chargers
Rd 1 (27) Antoine Cason 2.9
Rd 3 (69) Jacob Hester 2.5
Rd 5 (166) Marcus Thomas 0.0
Rd 6 (192) DeJuan Tribble 0.0
Rd 7 (234) Corey Clark 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.08
San Francisco 49ers
Rd 1 (29) Kentwan Balmer 0.2
Rd 2 (39) Chilo Rachal 3.0
Rd 3 (75) Reggie Smith 1.2
Rd 4 (107) Cody Wallace 0.0
Rd 6 (174) Josh Morgan 2.0
Rd 7 (214) Larry Grant 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.07
Seattle Seahawks
Rd 1 (28) Lawrence Jackson 0.8
Rd 2 (38) John Carlson 3.0
Rd 4 (121) Red Bryant 0.3
Rd 5 (163) Owen Schmitt 0.5
Rd 6 (189) Tyler Schmitt 0.0
Rd 7 (233) Justin Forsett 2.0
Rd 7 (235) Brandon Coutu 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 0.94
St. Louis Rams
Rd 1 (2) Chris Long 3.0
Rd 2 (33) Donnie Avery 2.0
Rd 3 (65) John Greco 0.8
Rd 4 (100) Justin King 0.1
Rd 4 (128) Keenan Burton 0.6
Rd 5 (157) Roy Schuening 0.0
Rd 7 (228) Chris Chamberlain 1.1
Rd 7 (252) David Vobora 1.2
TOTAL SCORE: 1.10
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rd 1 (20) Aqib Talib 3.1
Rd 2 (58) Dexter Jackson 0.4
Rd 3 (83) Jeremy Zuttah 2.5
Rd 4 (115) Dre Moore 0.1
Rd 5 (160) Josh Johnson 0.8
Rd 6 (175) Geno Hayes 2.2
Rd 7 (238) Cory Boyd 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.31
Tennessee Titans
Rd 1 (24) Chris Johnson 4.0
Rd 2 (54) Jason Jones 2.1
Rd 3 (85) Craig Stevens 0.0
Rd 4 (103) William Hayes 0.6
Rd 4 (126) Lavelle Hawkins 0.3
Rd 4 (134) Stanford Keglar 0.2
Rd 7 (229) Cory Williams 0.0
TOTAL SCORE: 1.03
Washington Redskins
Rd 2 (34) Devil Thomas 0.6
Rd 2 (48) Fred Davis 1.2
Rd 2 (51) Maclom Kelly 0.4
Rd 3 (96) Chad Reinhart 0.3
Rd 4 (124) Justin Tryon 0.7
Rd 6 (168) Durant Brooks 2.0
Rd 6 (180) Kareem Moore 0.4
Rd 6 (186) Colt Brennan 0.0
Rd 7 (242) Rob Jackson 0.0
Rd 7 (249) Chris Horton 1.9
TOTAL SCORE: 0.75
Best Draft: Oakland
Oakland scored 3 starters and another solid contributor in their draft. Only one player didn't make the cut.
Worst Draft: Pittsburgh
Rashard Mendenhall is the only player who isn't a pile of garbage in the draft. 4 complete busts in the draft.
Monday, February 14, 2011
What Draft Had the Best Rounds from 2005 to 2009?
I'm going to pick which year had the best year for each round. This is up for debate, let me hear what you guys think. I'm going to list the guys in each round in each year I think are worth mentioning then I'm going to rank them and give my reasons.
2005 NFL Draft
1st Round
Ronnie Brown, Braylon Edwards, Cedric Benson, Antrel Rolle, DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, Jamaal Brown, Derrick Johnson, Aaron Rodgers, Roddy White, Heath Miller, Logan Mankins.
2nd Round
Michael Roos, Corey Webster, Lofa Tatupu, Stanford Rout, Nick Collins, Justin Milller, Vincent Jackson, Khalif Barnes, Roscoe Parish, Kelvin Hayden, Bryant McFadden
3rd Round
Frank Gore, Justin Tuck, Oshiomogho Atogwe, Channing Crowder.
4th Round
Sean Considine, Kyle Orton, Marion Barber III, Brandon Jacobs, Kerry Rhodes, Todd Herremans, Darren Sproles.
5th Round
Trent Cole, Michael Boley, Gerald Sensabaugh, Frank Oiyale.
6th Round
Bo Scaife, Chris Harris, Chris Kemoeatu, Derek Anderson.
7th Round
Jay Ratliff, Matt Cassel, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Madison Hedgecock.
Notable Undrafted
Robbie Gould, Josh Cribbs, Samkon Gado, Ryan Grant, Jim Leonhard, Leonard Weaver, Cameron Wake.
2006 NFL Draft
1st Round
Mario Williams, Reggie Bush, AJ Hawk, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Vernon Davis, Jay Cutler, Haloti Ngata, Chad Greenway, Antonio Cromartie, Tamba Hali, Davin Joseph, Santonio Holmes, DeAngelo Williams, Marcedes Lewis, Nick Mangold, Joseph Addai
2nd Round
DeMeco Ryans, D'Qwell Jackson, Sinorice Moss, Daryn Colledge, Marcus McNeil, Greg Jennings, Devin Hester, Maurice Jones-Drew
3rd Round
None
4th Round
Owen Daniels, Jahri Evans, Leon Washington, Stephen Gostkowski, Brandon Marshall, Elvis Dumervil.
5th Round
Kyle Wilson, Charlie Peprah.
6th Round
Johnny Jolly, Bruce Gradkowski, Antoine Bethea
7th Round
Courland Finnegan, Marques Colston.
Notable undrafted:
Mike Bell, Miles Austin, Brent Grimes, Tramon Williams
2007 NFL Draft
1st Round
Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, LaRon Landry, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch, Darrelle Revis, Lawrence Timmons, Michael Griffin, Aaron Ross, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Merriweather, Jon Beason, Robert Meachem, Anthony Spencer, Joe Staley, Ben Grubbs, Greg Olsen, Anthony Gonzalez.
2nd Round
Kevin Kolb, Eric Weddle, Zach Miller, Chris Houston, Tony Ugoh, Sidney Rice, LaMarr Woodley, David Harris, Steve Smith, Eric Wright, Ryan Kalil, Brandon Jackson, Sabby Piscitelli.
3rd Round
Jacoby Jones, James Jones, Mike Simms-Walker, Stewart Bradley, Trent Edwards.
4th Round
Michael Bush, Tanard Jackson, Danny Sepulveda, Zak DeOssie, Clint Session, Le'Ron McClain.
5th Round
Steve Breaston, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, William Gay.
6th Round
Nick Folk, Korey Hall, Desmond Bishop, Mason Crosby.
7th Round
Tyler Thigpen, Zac Diles, Ahmad Bradshaw.
Notable undrafted
Eric Weems, Pierre Thomas, Melvin Bullitt, Matt Moore, Daniel Muir.
2008 NFL Draft
1st Round
Jake Long, Chris Long, Matt Ryan, Darren McFadden, Jerod Mayo, Ryan Clady, Jonathan Stewart, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Gosder Cherilus, Joe Flacco, Jeff Otah, Aqib Talib, Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson, Mike Jenkins, Dustin Keller, Kenny Phillips.
2nd Round
Donnie Avery, Jordy Nelson, Curtis Lofton, John Carlson, Tracy Porter, Eddie Royal, Matt Forte, DeSean Jackson, Ray Rice, Chad Henne.
3rd Round
Kevin Smith, Jamaal Charles, Dan Connon, Tom Zbikowski, Steve Slaton, Jermichael Finley, Cliff Avril, Mario Manningham, Phillip Wheeler.
4th Round
Tashard Choice, Jacob Tamme, Josh Sitton.
5th Round
Ryan Torain, Brandon Carr, Orlando Scandrick, Tim Hightower, Jonathan Goff.
6th Round
Erik Walden, Geno Hayes, Mike Hart, Pierre Garcon.
7th Round
Matt Flynn, Steve Johnson, Peyton Hillis, King Dunlap, Justin Forsett.
Notable undrafted:
Danny Amendola, Davone Bess, Dan Carpenter, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Gary Guyton, Caleb Haine, Garrett Hartley, David Hawthorne, Clifton Smith, Danny Woodhead, Mike Tolbert.
2009 Draft
1st Round
Matthew Stafford, Jason Smith, Mark Sanchez, Andre Smith, BJ Raji, Michael Crabtree, Knowshon Moreno, Brian Orakpo, Malcom Jenkins, Brian Cushing, Larry English, Josh Freeman, Jeremy Maclin, Brandon Pettigrew, Alex Mack, Percy Harvin, Michael Oher, Clay Matthews, Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt, Ziggy Hood.
2nd Round
Louis Delmas, Patrick Chung, James Laurinaitis, Jairus Byrd, Max Unger, Andy Levitre, LeSean McCoy, Phil Loadholt, Sebastian Vollmer.
3rd Round
Shonn Greene, Brandon Tate, Mike Wallace, Asher Allen, Ladarius Webb, Jerraud Powers.
4th Round
Brian Hartline, TJ Lang, Mike Goodson, DJ Moore, Louis Murphy.
5th Round
Johnny Knox, Quinn Johnson, David Buehler, Javon Ringer.
6th Round
Al Afalava, Jason McCourty, Bernard Scott.
7th Round
Captain Munnerlyn, Brad Jones, Pat McAfee, Moise Fokou, Julian Edleman, Zack Follett, LaRod Stephens-Howling.
Notable Undrafted
Jacob Lacey, Arian Foster, Dannell Ellerbe, Tim Masthay.
1st Round--2007
Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, LaRon Landry, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch, Darrelle Revis, Lawrence Timmons, Michael Griffin, Aaron Ross, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Merriweather, Jon Beason, Robert Meachem, Anthony Spencer, Joe Staley, Ben Grubbs, Greg Olsen, Anthony Gonzalez.
I think this one takes the cake because of the quality of this group as a whole. Calvin Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Darrelle Revis, and Chris Johnson are all top 5 players in their positions. I think if it were a few years later it would be 2009. There are a lot of young guys in that class that have a lot to prove.
2nd Round--2008
Donnie Avery, Jordy Nelson, Curtis Lofton, John Carlson, Tracy Porter, Eddie Royal, Matt Forte, DeSean Jackson, Ray Rice, Chad Henne.
Just a huge group of playmakers. DeSean Jackson, Matt Forte, and Ray Rice make this group stand out. Avery will probably be a star one day and Nelson just had a huge game in the Super Bowl. Great group here.
3rd Round--2008
Kevin Smith, Jamaal Charles, Dan Connon, Tom Zbikowski, Steve Slaton, Jermichael Finley, Cliff Avril, Mario Manningham, Phillip Wheeler.
This group includes Jamaal Charles and Jermichael Finley as their top 2 playmakers. The rest are all very solid. A lot of 3rd rounds have netted next to nothing.
4th Round--2005
Sean Considine, Kyle Orton, Marion Barber III, Brandon Jacobs, Kerry Rhodes, Todd Herremans, Darren Sproles.
You can't complain if you get 2 starting RBs, 2 starting Safeties, and a starting QB in the 4th round.
5th Round--2007
Steve Breaston, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, William Gay.
Not a very strong class at all. Boss and Celek are two pretty solid tight ends. That's how bad the 5th round has been.
6th Round--2007
Nick Folk, Korey Hall, Desmond Bishop, Mason Crosby.
2 starting kickers, a LB who will likely be a starter next year and a FB that's a special teams stud. Not much to see here.
7th Round--2005
Jay Ratliff, Matt Cassel, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Madison Hedgecock.
A Pro Bowl nose and 2 starting QBs in the 7th round? Pretty damn solid.
Undrafted FAs--2006
Mike Bell, Miles Austin, Brent Grimes, Tramon Williams.
2 CBs who should have been Pro Bowlers this year and a top 10 WR. True diamonds in the rough.
2005 NFL Draft
1st Round
Ronnie Brown, Braylon Edwards, Cedric Benson, Antrel Rolle, DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, Jamaal Brown, Derrick Johnson, Aaron Rodgers, Roddy White, Heath Miller, Logan Mankins.
2nd Round
Michael Roos, Corey Webster, Lofa Tatupu, Stanford Rout, Nick Collins, Justin Milller, Vincent Jackson, Khalif Barnes, Roscoe Parish, Kelvin Hayden, Bryant McFadden
3rd Round
Frank Gore, Justin Tuck, Oshiomogho Atogwe, Channing Crowder.
4th Round
Sean Considine, Kyle Orton, Marion Barber III, Brandon Jacobs, Kerry Rhodes, Todd Herremans, Darren Sproles.
5th Round
Trent Cole, Michael Boley, Gerald Sensabaugh, Frank Oiyale.
6th Round
Bo Scaife, Chris Harris, Chris Kemoeatu, Derek Anderson.
7th Round
Jay Ratliff, Matt Cassel, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Madison Hedgecock.
Notable Undrafted
Robbie Gould, Josh Cribbs, Samkon Gado, Ryan Grant, Jim Leonhard, Leonard Weaver, Cameron Wake.
2006 NFL Draft
1st Round
Mario Williams, Reggie Bush, AJ Hawk, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Vernon Davis, Jay Cutler, Haloti Ngata, Chad Greenway, Antonio Cromartie, Tamba Hali, Davin Joseph, Santonio Holmes, DeAngelo Williams, Marcedes Lewis, Nick Mangold, Joseph Addai
2nd Round
DeMeco Ryans, D'Qwell Jackson, Sinorice Moss, Daryn Colledge, Marcus McNeil, Greg Jennings, Devin Hester, Maurice Jones-Drew
3rd Round
None
4th Round
Owen Daniels, Jahri Evans, Leon Washington, Stephen Gostkowski, Brandon Marshall, Elvis Dumervil.
5th Round
Kyle Wilson, Charlie Peprah.
6th Round
Johnny Jolly, Bruce Gradkowski, Antoine Bethea
7th Round
Courland Finnegan, Marques Colston.
Notable undrafted:
Mike Bell, Miles Austin, Brent Grimes, Tramon Williams
2007 NFL Draft
1st Round
Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, LaRon Landry, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch, Darrelle Revis, Lawrence Timmons, Michael Griffin, Aaron Ross, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Merriweather, Jon Beason, Robert Meachem, Anthony Spencer, Joe Staley, Ben Grubbs, Greg Olsen, Anthony Gonzalez.
2nd Round
Kevin Kolb, Eric Weddle, Zach Miller, Chris Houston, Tony Ugoh, Sidney Rice, LaMarr Woodley, David Harris, Steve Smith, Eric Wright, Ryan Kalil, Brandon Jackson, Sabby Piscitelli.
3rd Round
Jacoby Jones, James Jones, Mike Simms-Walker, Stewart Bradley, Trent Edwards.
4th Round
Michael Bush, Tanard Jackson, Danny Sepulveda, Zak DeOssie, Clint Session, Le'Ron McClain.
5th Round
Steve Breaston, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, William Gay.
6th Round
Nick Folk, Korey Hall, Desmond Bishop, Mason Crosby.
7th Round
Tyler Thigpen, Zac Diles, Ahmad Bradshaw.
Notable undrafted
Eric Weems, Pierre Thomas, Melvin Bullitt, Matt Moore, Daniel Muir.
2008 NFL Draft
1st Round
Jake Long, Chris Long, Matt Ryan, Darren McFadden, Jerod Mayo, Ryan Clady, Jonathan Stewart, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Gosder Cherilus, Joe Flacco, Jeff Otah, Aqib Talib, Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson, Mike Jenkins, Dustin Keller, Kenny Phillips.
2nd Round
Donnie Avery, Jordy Nelson, Curtis Lofton, John Carlson, Tracy Porter, Eddie Royal, Matt Forte, DeSean Jackson, Ray Rice, Chad Henne.
3rd Round
Kevin Smith, Jamaal Charles, Dan Connon, Tom Zbikowski, Steve Slaton, Jermichael Finley, Cliff Avril, Mario Manningham, Phillip Wheeler.
4th Round
Tashard Choice, Jacob Tamme, Josh Sitton.
5th Round
Ryan Torain, Brandon Carr, Orlando Scandrick, Tim Hightower, Jonathan Goff.
6th Round
Erik Walden, Geno Hayes, Mike Hart, Pierre Garcon.
7th Round
Matt Flynn, Steve Johnson, Peyton Hillis, King Dunlap, Justin Forsett.
Notable undrafted:
Danny Amendola, Davone Bess, Dan Carpenter, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Gary Guyton, Caleb Haine, Garrett Hartley, David Hawthorne, Clifton Smith, Danny Woodhead, Mike Tolbert.
2009 Draft
1st Round
Matthew Stafford, Jason Smith, Mark Sanchez, Andre Smith, BJ Raji, Michael Crabtree, Knowshon Moreno, Brian Orakpo, Malcom Jenkins, Brian Cushing, Larry English, Josh Freeman, Jeremy Maclin, Brandon Pettigrew, Alex Mack, Percy Harvin, Michael Oher, Clay Matthews, Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt, Ziggy Hood.
2nd Round
Louis Delmas, Patrick Chung, James Laurinaitis, Jairus Byrd, Max Unger, Andy Levitre, LeSean McCoy, Phil Loadholt, Sebastian Vollmer.
3rd Round
Shonn Greene, Brandon Tate, Mike Wallace, Asher Allen, Ladarius Webb, Jerraud Powers.
4th Round
Brian Hartline, TJ Lang, Mike Goodson, DJ Moore, Louis Murphy.
5th Round
Johnny Knox, Quinn Johnson, David Buehler, Javon Ringer.
6th Round
Al Afalava, Jason McCourty, Bernard Scott.
7th Round
Captain Munnerlyn, Brad Jones, Pat McAfee, Moise Fokou, Julian Edleman, Zack Follett, LaRod Stephens-Howling.
Notable Undrafted
Jacob Lacey, Arian Foster, Dannell Ellerbe, Tim Masthay.
1st Round--2007
Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, LaRon Landry, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch, Darrelle Revis, Lawrence Timmons, Michael Griffin, Aaron Ross, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Merriweather, Jon Beason, Robert Meachem, Anthony Spencer, Joe Staley, Ben Grubbs, Greg Olsen, Anthony Gonzalez.
I think this one takes the cake because of the quality of this group as a whole. Calvin Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Darrelle Revis, and Chris Johnson are all top 5 players in their positions. I think if it were a few years later it would be 2009. There are a lot of young guys in that class that have a lot to prove.
2nd Round--2008
Donnie Avery, Jordy Nelson, Curtis Lofton, John Carlson, Tracy Porter, Eddie Royal, Matt Forte, DeSean Jackson, Ray Rice, Chad Henne.
Just a huge group of playmakers. DeSean Jackson, Matt Forte, and Ray Rice make this group stand out. Avery will probably be a star one day and Nelson just had a huge game in the Super Bowl. Great group here.
3rd Round--2008
Kevin Smith, Jamaal Charles, Dan Connon, Tom Zbikowski, Steve Slaton, Jermichael Finley, Cliff Avril, Mario Manningham, Phillip Wheeler.
This group includes Jamaal Charles and Jermichael Finley as their top 2 playmakers. The rest are all very solid. A lot of 3rd rounds have netted next to nothing.
4th Round--2005
Sean Considine, Kyle Orton, Marion Barber III, Brandon Jacobs, Kerry Rhodes, Todd Herremans, Darren Sproles.
You can't complain if you get 2 starting RBs, 2 starting Safeties, and a starting QB in the 4th round.
5th Round--2007
Steve Breaston, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, William Gay.
Not a very strong class at all. Boss and Celek are two pretty solid tight ends. That's how bad the 5th round has been.
6th Round--2007
Nick Folk, Korey Hall, Desmond Bishop, Mason Crosby.
2 starting kickers, a LB who will likely be a starter next year and a FB that's a special teams stud. Not much to see here.
7th Round--2005
Jay Ratliff, Matt Cassel, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Madison Hedgecock.
A Pro Bowl nose and 2 starting QBs in the 7th round? Pretty damn solid.
Undrafted FAs--2006
Mike Bell, Miles Austin, Brent Grimes, Tramon Williams.
2 CBs who should have been Pro Bowlers this year and a top 10 WR. True diamonds in the rough.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
NFL-NFLPA Labor Dispute
Finally--I'm writing about a topic that truly matters. Most fans have the same attitude, "it's millionaires crying about billionaires". There's a hint of truth in that. But there are bigger issues to deal with. The Union, I'm guessing to try to sway public opinion, said they want a 50/50 split of the TOTAL REVENUE. The NFL refused. Many people are criticizing the NFL for this, but let's think about this rationally. The players received 50.06% of the total revenue this past season. The owners opted out of this current deal for a reason. It's simply unsustainable. True, player costs are relative to the amount of revenue, but some of the smaller market teams will incur rising player costs with declining total revenues. The numbers are based off of total revenue for all 32 teams. Let's make this simple...
This is all hypothetical and obviously simplified. It's not this black and white, but it is a general idea. Let's say the total revenue to be split is $1,000,000,000. 50% of that is 500,000,000...divide that by 32 and each team has to spend $15,250,000 on players. This suggests that all teams made $32,500,000. But that's not how it is. The Cowboys may have made $40,000,000 and the Panthers may have made $20,000,000. The Cowboys have $24,750,000 but the Panthers have $4,750,000. Now that money needs to be split up to pay all the executives, coaches, employees, and any stadium expenses ect PLUS player benefits (no that doesn't come out of their cap number). Yes, there is revenue sharing, but thats only SOME of the revenue not ALL of the revenue. And now you're taking money from the Cowboys and giving it to the Panthers.
The bottom line is this. The owners are taking the risks. The owners have sunk billions into capital, employees, and players. The players are just EMPLOYEES. If the league folds tomorrow, the players will walk away with whatever money they earned. The owners will still have to pay all of the employees due money, all people who loaned money to them, season ticket holders who paid upfront ect. You may scoff at the whole idea of the owners taking "risks" and you may say that it's the players risking their bodies. They are risking their bodies. They get compensated for it. They get tons more than soldiers who have a very good chance of dying if they're deployed in combat. When they're shipped off to combat, the compensation they receive for the added danger is only a couple hundred dollars. If they're lucky and live, the rest of their lives will be spent working.
There is a problem with the attitude of players. It's not a RIGHT to play football. They chose to play football, when you choose to do something, you play by the rules of the people who set it up. The owners invested money into these teams so that they can make money. They're capitalists. They set the league up to succeed. The league is huge because they set it up that way. They're as much of a reason, if not more, that the league does so well. Without the brains behind it all, these players would be jocks. Their careers would end in college and they'd go on to take normal jobs and live a normal lifestyle. These owners developed a system to not only make money off of it, but makes boatloads of money. There's a reason why in every single job, employees don't make as much as the owners. The owners are the reason you have a job.
Here's how football will continue to prosper. Make the players take a smaller piece of a bigger pie. The NFL is saying 42% is the number they want. These guys are professional capitalists. They will invest the extra money intelligently and help expand the league. With the added expansion becomes larger streams of revenue. Larger streams of revenue means a larger amount of money the 42% will get you.
If you stay where we're at or continue to raise player costs, you're only hurting the game. The owners have the profits that they want to make and they're in charge. It's the way our country is run. Let the owners run their businesses the way they want to. As long as the players get a FAIR wage, there shouldn't be a problem. The players aren't entitled to a certain percentage of the owner's money.
This past season, Laverneous Coles was signed and released by the Jets in the span of less than one week. For his duties he was given over $47,000. Put that in perspective, many Americans live off of half of that for the year. If you think that an NFL player deserves MORE for something that isn't even their own intellectual property, you need to take a seriously look at the way businesses work.
This is all hypothetical and obviously simplified. It's not this black and white, but it is a general idea. Let's say the total revenue to be split is $1,000,000,000. 50% of that is 500,000,000...divide that by 32 and each team has to spend $15,250,000 on players. This suggests that all teams made $32,500,000. But that's not how it is. The Cowboys may have made $40,000,000 and the Panthers may have made $20,000,000. The Cowboys have $24,750,000 but the Panthers have $4,750,000. Now that money needs to be split up to pay all the executives, coaches, employees, and any stadium expenses ect PLUS player benefits (no that doesn't come out of their cap number). Yes, there is revenue sharing, but thats only SOME of the revenue not ALL of the revenue. And now you're taking money from the Cowboys and giving it to the Panthers.
The bottom line is this. The owners are taking the risks. The owners have sunk billions into capital, employees, and players. The players are just EMPLOYEES. If the league folds tomorrow, the players will walk away with whatever money they earned. The owners will still have to pay all of the employees due money, all people who loaned money to them, season ticket holders who paid upfront ect. You may scoff at the whole idea of the owners taking "risks" and you may say that it's the players risking their bodies. They are risking their bodies. They get compensated for it. They get tons more than soldiers who have a very good chance of dying if they're deployed in combat. When they're shipped off to combat, the compensation they receive for the added danger is only a couple hundred dollars. If they're lucky and live, the rest of their lives will be spent working.
There is a problem with the attitude of players. It's not a RIGHT to play football. They chose to play football, when you choose to do something, you play by the rules of the people who set it up. The owners invested money into these teams so that they can make money. They're capitalists. They set the league up to succeed. The league is huge because they set it up that way. They're as much of a reason, if not more, that the league does so well. Without the brains behind it all, these players would be jocks. Their careers would end in college and they'd go on to take normal jobs and live a normal lifestyle. These owners developed a system to not only make money off of it, but makes boatloads of money. There's a reason why in every single job, employees don't make as much as the owners. The owners are the reason you have a job.
Here's how football will continue to prosper. Make the players take a smaller piece of a bigger pie. The NFL is saying 42% is the number they want. These guys are professional capitalists. They will invest the extra money intelligently and help expand the league. With the added expansion becomes larger streams of revenue. Larger streams of revenue means a larger amount of money the 42% will get you.
If you stay where we're at or continue to raise player costs, you're only hurting the game. The owners have the profits that they want to make and they're in charge. It's the way our country is run. Let the owners run their businesses the way they want to. As long as the players get a FAIR wage, there shouldn't be a problem. The players aren't entitled to a certain percentage of the owner's money.
This past season, Laverneous Coles was signed and released by the Jets in the span of less than one week. For his duties he was given over $47,000. Put that in perspective, many Americans live off of half of that for the year. If you think that an NFL player deserves MORE for something that isn't even their own intellectual property, you need to take a seriously look at the way businesses work.
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