With the first pick in the NFL draft (part 2)
Past #1 draft picks boom or bust?
In part one of this 3-part series we looked at the #1 draft picks from last year to the year 2004 and in this article we will focus on those from the year 2003-2000. I really enjoy looking back because in all the drafts that have taken place there is always that one diamond in the rough that everyone passes on and eventually it comes back to bite them. The major thing that teams must do in each and every draft is research the players, because the fact is that the ones we expect to be great could be but the ones we are willing to take a chance on could really turn out to be the foundation for the franchise. So let’s look at prior drafts:
In the year 2003:
Drafted #1 overall was Carson Palmer, QB from USC. I am sure that the Bengals are pleased with this pick, Palmer has paid dividends for Cincinnati leading them to the playoffs but he has been injury prone throughout his career. In this draft there was another Trojan that was drafted #16, Troy Polamalu, the hard hitting safety has impacted the Steelers and been involved in a couple of championships for the Steel town.
In the year 2002:
Drafted #1 out of Fresno St. was quarterback David Carr, I am sure the Texans really wished they had this pick back. Carr really struggled in Houston, being sacked over and over again; the Texans had the number one pick but didn’t have the line to protect their investment so this pick was and has been a bust. Just imagine what Houston could have had, in that same draft out of the U was the amazing safety Ed Reed who is a ball hawk and changed the face of that Ravens defense. Texans fans just to let you know, Reed went number 24 in the first round.
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In the year 2001:
This pick looked like a match made in heaven, as the Atlanta Falcons with the #1 pick took Michael Vick the quarterback from Virginia Tech. Vick did well while in the ATL, until his immaturity caught up with him and the decisions he had made in the past came back to haunt him. Not to mention that it was stated that he really didn’t give all that he could have for the team. With the falcons receiving corps now imagine if they would have added the #30 pick in the year 2001, Reggie Wayne from the U who is doing big things in Indianapolis.
In the year 2000:
The Browns had their second consecutive number one pick and with it they took, Courtney Brown, Defensive End from Penn State. Brown never really panned out to do anything significant for the Browns and again it was another bust for Cleveland. This is the matter of doing the research on the players Brown may have looked like the top player but at number 9 in that same draft was Brian Urlacher the heart and soul of the Chicago defense today.
Looking back at previous drafts to get ready for this year’s draft, you can see there are always those players out there that if you are willing to take the chance it could change the whole face of your franchise. So no matter who your team may be, hope that they do the research and find that diamond in the rough.
By: Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer