NFL Draft in ‘04 and ‘05: Night and Day Difference
April 11, 2008
Yesterday, Eric Kuselias, filling in as host of the Mike Tirico Show, brought attention to the stunning difference between the success of the top 10 picks in the ’04 NFL draft versus the success – or lack thereof – of the top 10 selection in the ’05 draft.
Take a look at this:
1st pick
’04: Eli Manning, SD (NYG) – Super Bowl champion.
’05: Alex Smith, SF – Injury prone and anything but secure.
2nd pick
’04: Robert Galley, Oak – OK, so ’04 wasn’t flawless. This is the only disappointment.
’05: Ronnie Brown, Mia – Just one 1,000-yard season in three years, tore ACL in ’07.
3rd pick
’04: Larry Fitzgerald, Ari – You could argue he’s the best WR in football.
’05: Braylon Edwards, Cle – A rare success story from this draft.
4th pick
’04: Philip Rivers, NYG (SD) Led team to AFC Championship in ’07, Pro Bowler in ’06.
’05: Cedric Benson, Chi – A remarkably lethargic “starter” who is injury prone.
5th pick
’04: Sean Taylor, Was – First-class playmaker before his tragic death.
’05: Cadillac Williams, TB – Started fast, tapered off, injured knee in ’07, could be done.
6th pick
’04: Kellen Winslow, Cle – Has rebounded from injuries, had over 1,100 yds. in ’07.
’05: Pacman Jones, Ten – You know.
7th pick
’04: Roy Williams, Det – Monster when healthy; had over 1,300 yds. in ’06.
’05: Troy Williamson, Min – Traded for a 6th-rounder after Vikings realized he can’t catch.
8th pick
’04: DeAngelo Hall, Atl – Traded to Oakland, but perhaps the most feared CB in football.
’05: Antrel Rolle, Ari – Demoted to NB last season.
9th pick
’04: Reggie Williams, Jax – Okay, so two disappointments. Still, 80 % vs. 10 %.
’05: Carlos Rogers, Was – Good-looking but somewhat inconsistent CB who tore his ACL in ’07.
10th pick
’04: Dunta Robinson, Hou – Serious injury last year, but if healthy, absolutely electric.
’05: Mike Williams, Det – Immature non-achiever who has eaten his way to journeyman status.
stupi how but bolts