"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free." Isn't that the truth? The familiar Lee Greenwood tune echoed throughout the nation early Sunday morning as Osama Bin Laden was killed, ending the world's longest game of Hide and Seek.
We sometimes take for granted all of the work that is done by our military overseas to ensure our freedom, and we are forever indebted to them. Justice has been served to all of those who lost a loved one on September 11.
April is one of the most exciting months in the year. We are spoiled with Opening Day in the MLB, the Masters, NCAA Championships, NHL & NBA playoffs, and the NFL Draft.
Every year, and rightfully so, the biggest headlines of the draft are about quarterback prospects. The scouting process for this position has changed drastically throughout the years. Players are dissected for months leading up to the draft through events like Pro Days, Combines, and team workouts. One may think that all of these looks would yield high success rates of draft picks.
However, as Peter King stated in a Sports Illustrated article, this is not necessarily the case. Over the past 15 years, GM's have chosen 36 first-round quarterbacks. Of these 36, only 13 appear to be long-term starters. For those who consider themselves to be mathematically challenged, like myself, that leaves 23 players who appear to be "busts." Feel free to check my math.
Naturally, after reading King's article, I started to think about these numbers in relation to this year's quarterback class. When scouts go to these events they test the physical assets of the quarterback like accuracy and arm strength, but what is ultimately more important, and flies under the radar of these tests, are the "intangibles"—pocket presence, leadership, work ethic.
So often it's been proved that the success of a player in the NFL is not dependent on what round he's taken in the draft. I've seen quarterbacks taken in the later rounds that turn out to be very successful, the most prominent example being Tom Brady. I have also seen quarterbacks taken in the first round, who have all the physical tools, but turn out to be absolute busts, like Ryan Leaf.
The less desirable, but perhaps more successful road for quarterbacks is to go to a team that has a starting quarterback that is on the way out in 3-4 years. It gives the young guy the chance to learn the lifestyle of a professional quarterback—how hard they need to study, how much time is needed in the film room, getting plenty of snaps in practice.
It worked with Aaron Rodgers and several others. Some quarterbacks are naturally ready, like Matt Ryan, but it's a shame to see young guys like David Carr or Eric Couch come out of the draft highly touted and join a team with a weak offensive line, be thrown into a starting role, and struggle to adjust.
In a sense, the NFL Draft can be seen as a total crap shoot. You really never know how a player is going to react to the NFL. Success for these quarterbacks will ultimately depend on how well they can adjust to the bigger and faster defenses, how well they gel with their head coach, and how well the offensive line can protect them. It also doesn't hurt to have a little luck on your side.
Speaking of luck, probably the No. 1 overall prospect in this year's draft, Andrew Luck, shocked the NFL world in January when he decided to return to Stanford for his senior year. My guess is that the 49ers are going to throw every game this coming season so that the dynamic duo of Jim Harbaugh and Luck can once again reunite and bring the championship rings back to the city by the bay. It's just a hunch.
I give this year's quarterback class a solid B rating. Not the best group I've seen, but certainly talented and worthy of making some noise in the NFL.
Cam Newton: The Carolina Panthers organization had to make a splash at the draft and they did so by taking the player surrounded by the most hype. However, I don't think it was their best option. Admittedly, Newton had the best single season in college football; he has size, he can scramble; but all of that aside, he took the majority of the snaps in college out of the shotgun, and when he got into trouble in college he resorted to his feet to buy himself some time. The problem is that he doesn't have Mick Vick's elusiveness that will allow him to do so, which means he'll have to stay in the pocket more and rely on his arm, which isn't necessarily his best suit. Will Newton bring success to the Panthers? That remains to be seen. What is certain is that it appears Newton will be paid to play football for a second time in his career...too soon?
Jake Locker: I think Jake Locker is going to be the best quarterback in this draft class after it is all said and done. He would have gone first overall in last year's draft had he decided to forgo his senior year at Washington. Yes, he had a down year, but one can argue that he wasn't getting much help from his offense, which, from a talent standpoint, was pretty weak, in comparison to the players Newton and Mallet were throwing to. Physically he's big, strong, mobile, has a huge arm, and is a great leader. However, the knock against Locker is that he is inaccurate, which is a big knock, but I think that it is something he will be able to overcome as a result of his Protestant work ethic and comfort within the Titan system. I think that he's in a good spot. Why? For one thing there is a new coach, but also the inconsistency of Vince Young combined with the aging of Kerry Collins, along with the very strong offensive line, all point to the signs that Locker could be the man in Nashville sooner rather than later.
Christian Ponder: The Vikings answer to their struggles at quarterback is...Christian Ponder. Wait, what? This questionable decision is comparable to Moulton Union's decision to switch the tables around in the dark room last week. The 6-4, 225 pound Florida State alum was selected 12th overall by Minnesota, in a decision that has left many, including myself, scratching their heads. His upside is that he has great pocket presence, but what cannot be overlooked is his arm strength and more importantly, his durability. An offensive line that ranked on the lower half in the league does not bode well for Ponder. Have no fear Vikings fans, I've been told Brett Favre has looked great this spring throwing to high schoolers in Mississippi and that he's thinking about trying to squeeze one to two more years of football in. Stay tuned for more information.
Andy Dalton: With Carson Palmer expressing that he wants out of Cincinnati, the organization appears to have taken a serious step in the other direction by drafting the red-headed flamethrower out of Texas Christian University. No denying that Dalton is a proven winner. I love his leadership, work ethic, pocket presence, and sound techniques. I simply don't think Cincinnati is a great team. They play in a tough division and have too many egos in the locker room. However, I'd love for them to prove me wrong with Dalton leading the charge.
Ryan Mallet: Tom Brady is the face of the franchise and will be until he decides to hang up the cleats. So until that time, the best thing that Mallet can do is attach himself to Brady's hip. He has a great opportunity to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. If he is willing to buy into the Patriot system, he could easily be Brady's successor down the road. He has great physical tools: he's big, and has a huge arm. However, what goes unnoticed is that, unlike Newton and Blaine Gabbert, Mallet has played under center in the college ranks while he was at Michigan, prior to transferring to Arkansas. However, he does have character issues. But the Patriots have been known for taking players like Mallet and straightening them out (most notably Corey Dillon and Randy Moss). Once again, the Patriots have a pick that has some controversy surrounding it, but like all Patriot fans say at the end of the day: in Belichick we trust.
Jam of the Week: "On the Floor" by Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull. That's right, J. Lo is back and is delivering straight fire. This track is right up my alley: solid beat and catchy chorus. And how can you go wrong with my man Pitbull?