For months on months, NFL general managers, personnel directors, scouts and head coaches have been stewing over game films, combine-workout results, 40-yard-dash times, and bench-press reps. Among their top priorities in this year’s scouting reports will be “individual character.”
This weekend, while you’re watching Mel Kiper Jr. (and his amazingly perfect hair) break down the draft, analysts will be informing you of the draft selections’ highlights and lowlights on the field. Don’t be surprised if you find out more about their personal lives and troubles off the field than you care to know.
Two weeks ago, new NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a landmark decision when he suspended troubled Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones for the 2007 season and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry for eight games.
Goodell’s new conduct policy, supported not only by owners but also by players, is a no-joke decree to the league to clean itself up. It provides some food for thought for personnel directors when they’re deciding whom to select and whom to avoid.
WWJD (What will Joe Do)?
It should be interesting to see what Joe Gibbs decides to do with the Washington Redskins‘ sixth overall pick.
Although Gibbs says it’s still Jason Campbell’s team, recently the Redskins talked to quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell (LSU) and Brady Quinn (Notre Dame).
And don’t rule out another phone call to the Chicago Bears about Lance Briggs or a possible draft selection that could bring Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams or Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye to the nation’s capital.
Ready to receive
 Calvin Johnson has the hands and the attitude to be a draft darling. |
Sadly, Virginia and Virginia Tech fans know Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech) all too well. Good news is, his collegiate days are done. At 6"5′ Johnson is better RIGHT NOW than half of the current “number two” wide receivers in the league. He has a Spider-Man leap, a Terrell Owens build and a better (actually terrific) attitude. Reggie Bush was the star of last year’s draft. Johnson is the star this year. It will be interesting to see which NFL quarterback gets to help him shine.
Saving the best for last
Sometimes the most interesting part of the draft occurs towards the end and not the beginning. A prime example is New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (Hofstra). Colston was a key element in the Saints’ offense last season. As the Saints reached the NFC Championship game, Colston hauled in 70 receptions, 1000-plus yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.
In the end, Colston was a finalist for Rookie of the Year along with the top pick, Titans quarterback Vince Young, and Saints teammate Reggie Bush. Not bad for a guy who was not selected until the draft reached its final picks in the last round. Who knows what the 252nd pick of this year’s draft will accomplish?
Wes McElroy hosts “The Final Round” on ESPN 840am. Monday-Friday 4pm-6pm.