![]() Johnson is strictly a 4-3 defensive end, meaning my defense is now locked into some form of a four-man front. Demarcus Ware was also under consideration here, but he is five years older than Johnson and Russ Lande swiped him just before me. Jason Pierre-Paul emerged as my clear target before Scott Kacsmer took him a few picks before me-an incredible value considering his talent, athleticism and youth-making Johnson my consolation prize. There are better, more versatile pass-rushers in the league, but they were all snapped up before the 52nd pick. Round 2, Pick 51: Charles Johnson, Defensive End While there were certainly some elite players at other positions available, the fear of being stuck choosing between Mark Sanchez, John Skelton and a wet slice of bread kept my wandering mind in check. I am confident he can master his failing footwork and get to the next level as a NFL quarterback.Įven if these three weren’t there, quarterback was my priority in the first round. ![]() (Though, admittedly, having Calvin Johnson and dropping back to pass roughly 70,000 times has helped.) His upside was too big to ignore, though this being a draft focusing both on immediate and long-term success, he presented the best of both worlds. Sure, Stafford has only been to the playoffs once, notching a loss in his only appearance, but the 24-year-old has thrown for over 10,000 yards in his first two fully healthy seasons. That means his problems can be corrected, which in turn means he could become one of the NFL’s great quarterbacks in the next few years. He is 24 years old, and mechanics are his biggest issue. Stafford may have regressed last season after a breakout performance in his first fully healthy year in 2011, but he still possesses the best arm talent in the league. Ultimately, however, Matthew Stafford’s talent was too tantalizing to pass up. His draft classmate, Flacco, has not been nearly as consistent despite leading his team to the playoffs even more often, but he is coming off a torrid playoff run that could be a portent for the rest of the league. He is a huge reason they have made the playoffs four out of five years since he was drafted in 2008, and he is just now climbing into his prime. ![]() Matt Ryan has been consistently good for the Falcons since he came in to the league. They may not be Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but this was still a tough decision. Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford and recently minted hundred-millionaire Joe Flacco were all available. Hence, I was somewhat shocked to find I had a choice between three such quarterbacks with the 14th overall pick. The Trent Dilfers and Brad Johnsons-and, perhaps, Joe Flaccos-of the world are the exceptions, not the rules. Teams without franchise quarterbacks rarely see the light of gameday come mid-January. Round 1, Pick 14: Matt Stafford, Quarterback Stafford this late goes to show you how much different a year makes with perception.
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