The NFL Draft

The NFL Combine has passed, the scouts have taken notes and mock draft boards are being argued and debated over. It is the off-season for the NFL, but it is a crucial time for General Managers looking to add another part to their team. A 1^st round pick can be a great addition to anyone’s team, but at the same time, it can be just as much harm.

Flashback to when the Oakland Raiders drafted JaMarcus Russell with the 1^st pick of the 2007 NFL Draft. Russell’s arm was incredible. A video revealed of him throwing a 70-yard pass, on one knee. How could anyone pass up a Quarterback with his talent? This was a question the Raiders regretted asking, as Russell ended up being a bust. He didn’t produce on the field and had trouble off the field.

Russell is a valuable lesson learned to all General Managers, you never know what you’re going to get. These are the problems faced when drafting a player. Are they going to be a good or great player? Will they represent our team well?  Are they going to be the player I want them to be?

Let’s take a look at this year’s draft. The Texans have the first pick and need a Quarterback. Matt Schaub did live up to his expectations and many games hurt his team’s chances of winning. Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel has been the frontrunner in many opinions. Manziel is a former Heisman Winner and is a running threat as much as a passing threat. He is criticized hor his off the field actions and some think he is too short to play in the NFL.

Another option for the Texans is the Defensive End coming out of South Carolina, Jadeveon Clowney. At 6’6, 249lbs Clowney is a freak of nature. He ran a 4.53 40-yard-dash at the Combine, but scouts questioned Clowney since he did not participate in the cone drills. Supposedly he has been haunted by injuries since days at South Carolina. Regardless of the criticism, Clowney is a talent that is hard to pass up. Teaming Clowney with J.J. Watt could be a deadly combination on defense.