The 2009 National Football League Draft is remembered for several
things. It was the last NFL Draft that didn’t start in prime-time. It
was also the first draft since 1983 that saw two centers drafted in the
first round as Alex Mack went to The Cleveland Browns and Eric Wood was
selected by The Buffalo Bills. It is mainly remembered as a draft that
has produced some flame outs early in the first round. The Detroit Lions
selected University of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford with the
first overall pick as he has been one of the positive standouts from the
early portion of the draft. Stafford suffered through two injury
riddled seasons to start his career, but last season he became only the
fifth quarterback in NFL history to pass for more than 5,000 yards in a
season. Last season, Stafford was able to lead The Lions to their first
playoff berth since 1999. As good as Stafford has been individually, the
losing that has plagued The Lions has resurfaced in 2012 as the team is
currently 4-10.
The St. Louis Rams owned the second overall pick and they selected
University of Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith. Smith never played a
full season for The Rams and last August he was traded to The New York
Jets where he has yet to start a game for “Gang Green”. Entering this
season The Jets had three of the top eleven picks of The 2009 NFL Draft
on their roster.
University of Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith. Smith never played a
full season for The Rams and last August he was traded to The New York
Jets where he has yet to start a game for “Gang Green”. Entering this
season The Jets had three of the top eleven picks of The 2009 NFL Draft
on their roster.
April 25, 2009 gave fans of The Jets hope as the
team appeared to strike gold. Entering the draft, The Jets owned the
17th overall selection. Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum and new
head coach Rex Ryan were able to move up to the fifth overall spot in
the draft by trading with The Browns who were now being coached by
former Jets head coach Eric Mangini. There was a buzz at Radio City
Music Hall in New York City when The Jets selected University of
Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jets enjoyed early
success with Sanchez as the team reached The AFC Championship Game in
each of his first two seasons. However, Sanchez has never finished a
season where his completion percentage was more than 56.7 percent and he
only has a career quarterback rating of 72.0. Sanchez has built a
reputation with Jets fans as “Captain Checkdown” for his propensity to
throw the football to running backs or tight ends in the flat. After a
five turnover performance on Monday Night Football against The Tennessee
Titans, Ryan has benched Sanchez for the remainder of the season in
favor of Greg McElroy. This move by Ryan all but ends Sanchez’s career
with The Jets.
team appeared to strike gold. Entering the draft, The Jets owned the
17th overall selection. Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum and new
head coach Rex Ryan were able to move up to the fifth overall spot in
the draft by trading with The Browns who were now being coached by
former Jets head coach Eric Mangini. There was a buzz at Radio City
Music Hall in New York City when The Jets selected University of
Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jets enjoyed early
success with Sanchez as the team reached The AFC Championship Game in
each of his first two seasons. However, Sanchez has never finished a
season where his completion percentage was more than 56.7 percent and he
only has a career quarterback rating of 72.0. Sanchez has built a
reputation with Jets fans as “Captain Checkdown” for his propensity to
throw the football to running backs or tight ends in the flat. After a
five turnover performance on Monday Night Football against The Tennessee
Titans, Ryan has benched Sanchez for the remainder of the season in
favor of Greg McElroy. This move by Ryan all but ends Sanchez’s career
with The Jets.
The Jets also took a run at former Penn State
defensive end Aaron Maybin. Maybin was the 11th overall pick of The 2009
NFL Draft as he was selected by The Buffalo Bills. Maybin was an
All-American in his last season at Penn State as he had 12 sacks. He
appeared to be a can’t miss prospect once he entered The NFL. In two
seasons with The Bills, Maybin never recorded a sack. In 2011, The Bills
released him during training camp and The Jets did not waste any time
in signing him. In 2011, Maybin played in 13 games for The Jets as he
recorded 6 sacks. The future appeared to be bright for Maybin, but he
went backwards in 2012 and The Jets subsequently released him in
November.
defensive end Aaron Maybin. Maybin was the 11th overall pick of The 2009
NFL Draft as he was selected by The Buffalo Bills. Maybin was an
All-American in his last season at Penn State as he had 12 sacks. He
appeared to be a can’t miss prospect once he entered The NFL. In two
seasons with The Bills, Maybin never recorded a sack. In 2011, The Bills
released him during training camp and The Jets did not waste any time
in signing him. In 2011, Maybin played in 13 games for The Jets as he
recorded 6 sacks. The future appeared to be bright for Maybin, but he
went backwards in 2012 and The Jets subsequently released him in
November.
When you look at the recent draft history of The
Kansas City Chiefs, it is no wonder that this franchise has only enjoyed
one winning season since 2007. In 2009, The Chiefs used the third
overall selection of the draft on LSU defensive lineman Tyson Jackson.
The Chiefs have been exclusively running a 3-4 scheme on defense, but
Jackson has still failed to provide that impact that you would expect
from a top five pick. For his career, Jackson only has 5 sacks to go
along with 111 tackles.
Kansas City Chiefs, it is no wonder that this franchise has only enjoyed
one winning season since 2007. In 2009, The Chiefs used the third
overall selection of the draft on LSU defensive lineman Tyson Jackson.
The Chiefs have been exclusively running a 3-4 scheme on defense, but
Jackson has still failed to provide that impact that you would expect
from a top five pick. For his career, Jackson only has 5 sacks to go
along with 111 tackles.
Right after The Chiefs selected Jackson, The Seattle
Seahawks selected Wake Forest University linebacker Aaron Curry. Curry
was an outstanding strong-side linebacker in college. In 2007, Curry had
three interceptions that he returned for touchdowns that tied an NCAA
record. In his last two seasons at Wake Forest, Curry amassed 204
tackles, but he was never able to carry his ability as an impact player
in college to his NFL career. Curry spent two and a half unproductive
seasons with The Seahawks before he was traded to The Oakland Raiders.
Last month, The Raiders released Curry. For his career, Curry has 190
tackles and 5.5 sacks. These are numbers that he was expected to produce
during one season in The NFL more less for his career.
Seahawks selected Wake Forest University linebacker Aaron Curry. Curry
was an outstanding strong-side linebacker in college. In 2007, Curry had
three interceptions that he returned for touchdowns that tied an NCAA
record. In his last two seasons at Wake Forest, Curry amassed 204
tackles, but he was never able to carry his ability as an impact player
in college to his NFL career. Curry spent two and a half unproductive
seasons with The Seahawks before he was traded to The Oakland Raiders.
Last month, The Raiders released Curry. For his career, Curry has 190
tackles and 5.5 sacks. These are numbers that he was expected to produce
during one season in The NFL more less for his career.
At The 2009 NFL Scouting Combine, University of
Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey ran the fastest time of any
wide receiver in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.30 seconds. It was a
no-brainer that former Raiders owner the late Al Davis would select him
because he loved speed. In three-plus seasons with Oakland, Heyward-Bey
has yet to start all 16 regular-season games. Heyward-Bey has never
reached the 1,000-yard mark in receiving and he has never had more than 4
receiving touchdowns in a season, but you must love the fact that he
has world-class speed.
Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey ran the fastest time of any
wide receiver in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.30 seconds. It was a
no-brainer that former Raiders owner the late Al Davis would select him
because he loved speed. In three-plus seasons with Oakland, Heyward-Bey
has yet to start all 16 regular-season games. Heyward-Bey has never
reached the 1,000-yard mark in receiving and he has never had more than 4
receiving touchdowns in a season, but you must love the fact that he
has world-class speed.
The teams at the top of the first round in 2009
appeared to miss except The Green Bay Packers. The Packers owned the
ninth overall selection and they drafted Boston College nose tackle B.J.
Raji. At 6’2″, 337 lbs., Raji was vital in The Packers winning The
Super Bowl during the 2010 season. In The NFC Championship Game against
The Chicago Bears, Raji intercepted a pass that was thrown by Bears
quarterback Caleb Henne. Raji returned it 18 yards for a touchdown as it
proved to be the game-winner in Green Bay’s 21-14 victory. Raji
finished the season with 6.5 sacks. The Packers traded with The New
England Patriots and used the 26th overall pick on University of
Southern California linebacker Clay Matthews. Aside from winning The
Super Bowl with The Packers, Matthews is a three-time Pro Bowl selection
and he has 40.5 sacks for his career.
appeared to miss except The Green Bay Packers. The Packers owned the
ninth overall selection and they drafted Boston College nose tackle B.J.
Raji. At 6’2″, 337 lbs., Raji was vital in The Packers winning The
Super Bowl during the 2010 season. In The NFC Championship Game against
The Chicago Bears, Raji intercepted a pass that was thrown by Bears
quarterback Caleb Henne. Raji returned it 18 yards for a touchdown as it
proved to be the game-winner in Green Bay’s 21-14 victory. Raji
finished the season with 6.5 sacks. The Packers traded with The New
England Patriots and used the 26th overall pick on University of
Southern California linebacker Clay Matthews. Aside from winning The
Super Bowl with The Packers, Matthews is a three-time Pro Bowl selection
and he has 40.5 sacks for his career.
Aside from Raji and Matthews, the first round of The
2009 NFL Draft has produced four Pro Bowlers. The Washington Redskins
selected University of Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo. The Redskins
converted him to an outside linebacker in their 3-4 system. Orakpo’s
2012 campaign was cut short once he tore his left pectoral muscle in the
team’s second game of the season. Orakpo is a two-time Pro Bowl
selection that has 29.5 sacks for his career. Houston Texans middle
linebacker Brian Cushing was taken with the 15th overall pick that year.
Cushing earned a trip to The Pro Bowl in his rookie season as he
finished the year with 133 tackles, 4 sacks and 4 interceptions. In
2011, Cushing earned All-Pro honors as he helped The Texans reach the
playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Cushing’s 2012
campaign was cut short when he suffered an ACL injury during a Week 5
game against The Jets. With the 21st overall selection, The Browns
selected Alex Mack. Mack has been the glue to The Browns offensive line.
In 62 career games, Mack has never missed a start and he earned a
Pro-Bowl selection in 2010. Right after Mack was selected, The Minnesota
Vikings selected The University of Florida’s “Mr. Everything” Pecry
Harvin. Harvin was a dynamic kick returner, wide receiver, and tailback
in college and he transferred that ability to The NFL. Harvin’s 2,081
all-purpose yards in his rookie season earned him The Associated Press’
NFL Offensive Rookie of The Year Award as he helped The Vikings reach
The NFC Championship Game. New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks
has yet to be selected to a Pro Bowl, but his 3,726 receiving yards and
27 touchdowns lead a group of six wide receivers that went in the first
round. Nicks has reached the 1,000-yard mark in receiving twice for his
career. Nicks isn’t afraid of the big stage either as his 10 receptions
for 109 yards in Super Bowl 46 helped The Giants win The NFL
Championship last season.
2009 NFL Draft has produced four Pro Bowlers. The Washington Redskins
selected University of Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo. The Redskins
converted him to an outside linebacker in their 3-4 system. Orakpo’s
2012 campaign was cut short once he tore his left pectoral muscle in the
team’s second game of the season. Orakpo is a two-time Pro Bowl
selection that has 29.5 sacks for his career. Houston Texans middle
linebacker Brian Cushing was taken with the 15th overall pick that year.
Cushing earned a trip to The Pro Bowl in his rookie season as he
finished the year with 133 tackles, 4 sacks and 4 interceptions. In
2011, Cushing earned All-Pro honors as he helped The Texans reach the
playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Cushing’s 2012
campaign was cut short when he suffered an ACL injury during a Week 5
game against The Jets. With the 21st overall selection, The Browns
selected Alex Mack. Mack has been the glue to The Browns offensive line.
In 62 career games, Mack has never missed a start and he earned a
Pro-Bowl selection in 2010. Right after Mack was selected, The Minnesota
Vikings selected The University of Florida’s “Mr. Everything” Pecry
Harvin. Harvin was a dynamic kick returner, wide receiver, and tailback
in college and he transferred that ability to The NFL. Harvin’s 2,081
all-purpose yards in his rookie season earned him The Associated Press’
NFL Offensive Rookie of The Year Award as he helped The Vikings reach
The NFC Championship Game. New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks
has yet to be selected to a Pro Bowl, but his 3,726 receiving yards and
27 touchdowns lead a group of six wide receivers that went in the first
round. Nicks has reached the 1,000-yard mark in receiving twice for his
career. Nicks isn’t afraid of the big stage either as his 10 receptions
for 109 yards in Super Bowl 46 helped The Giants win The NFL
Championship last season.
As always when teams miss on an early first-round selection, it
will set the franchise back. Of the ten teams that selected in the top
10 that year, only The Jets, Packers, Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers
(who drafted wide receiver Michael Crabtree) have won a playoff game.
The Lions, Chiefs, Rams, Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars all were in
the top 10 that season and they are currently reserving spaces for next
April’s NFL Draft. Of those five teams, only The Lions have had the same
head coach as these other teams suffer from constant turnover at the
top of the organization. The successful teams in The NFL are the ones
who strike it rich on draft day. When you miss early in the first round
it is back to the drawing board.
will set the franchise back. Of the ten teams that selected in the top
10 that year, only The Jets, Packers, Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers
(who drafted wide receiver Michael Crabtree) have won a playoff game.
The Lions, Chiefs, Rams, Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars all were in
the top 10 that season and they are currently reserving spaces for next
April’s NFL Draft. Of those five teams, only The Lions have had the same
head coach as these other teams suffer from constant turnover at the
top of the organization. The successful teams in The NFL are the ones
who strike it rich on draft day. When you miss early in the first round
it is back to the drawing board.
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