The 2007 NFL Draft: A Year of “Second-Class” Value
by Wil Mara

What struck me as the most interesting aspect of the ’07 NFL Draft, particularly in comparison to the ’06 Draft, was the quality of talent that went in the second round. This is not to say the first-rounders weren’t worthy of their lofty placement, but the sheer volume of second-round acquisitions who are likely to make impact, both immediate and longterm, was staggering.

Look at Carolina’s new receiver, Dwayne Jarrett. At USC, he was a two-time All-American with a school-record 216 receptions and 41 touchdowns in just three seasons, but his draft stock fell when he failed to blow everyone away at the combines (his 40 time was particularly lukewarm). Still, he was a first-round-quality player, and it’s ridiculous that he was allowed to fall to 45th overall. Then Carolina got lucky again with another USC’r—Ryan Kalil. He was certainly the best center in the pool. Sure, centers generally don’t go in the first round, but still—this guy can be a difference-maker. A good center is worth his weight in platinum.

The Colts wanted a quality OT, and, in the second round, they got one. Arkansas’s Tony Ugoh is a masterful drive blocker who can be relied upon to cover the crucial left side. His long arms and legs give him an edge when exploding off the line, and he has tremendous balance and upper-body strength. It is to his credit that the Colts will soon be trusting him to keep the Great Peyton off the ground.

And then there’s Justin Blalock. Did Atlanta really get him 39th overall? And then, two picks later, did they also land Chris Houston? Good God—somebody call the cops, because there’s some thievery going on here. How did these two—who, in my view, can both be starters—go unnoticed, unappreciated, and unpicked by so many other teams? Blalock is another monster drive blocker who has proven his worth in multiple line positions. He’s also durable and consistent, breaking a school record for consecutive starts (in the injury-prone NFL, that matters). And Houston is another wonder—a graceful, fluid corner with otherwordly speed. He made his mark at Arkansas in only three seasons, so he’s got plenty of gas left in the tank.

There were others, too—check them out and see for yourself. Russell, Adams, Quinn, Johnson, and Peterson were the guys who got all the hype, and they’re certainly deserving of it. But as time passes, the ’07 draft may become known as ‘The Year of the Second Rounders.’

Reggie Bush at NFL Pre-Draft Party, originally uploaded by Pete90291.

Ah, the spoils of success. Reggie Bush, at this point expecting to play for the Houston Texans, shows up at the NFL Pre-Draft Party in a Hummer. As we know, he was taken second by the New Orleans Saints, and almost went to Super Bowl XLI.

One issue at the 2007 NFL Spring Owners meeting -- a one-day affair held in Nashville -- is the length of the NFL Draft. This year's event at Radio City Music Hall featured the longest First Round in NFL History - over six hours. That development prompted the part of the agenda that concerns the draft. Here's the AP's report as placed on NFL.com:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 21, 2007) -- If Titans coach Jeff Fisher had a vote, he'd favor trimming some time off the draft.

Fisher, co-chair of the NFL's rules committee, won't be part of the NFL owners' talks with Commissioner Roger Goodell about shortening selection times in the first and second rounds of the league's draft. But he has been part of discussions with Goodell about picking up the pace on draft day.

"I think we could arrive at a good number of minutes whether it be 10 for the first round or seven for the second. I think it would work. I would be willing to give it a shot," Fisher said Monday.

The topic of trimming the current 15 minutes for a first-round selection and 10 during the second came up only days after the NFL endured its longest first round ever last month -- 6 hours, 8 minutes.

Goodell called members of the competition committee, and the committee has had a few conference calls on the subject. The commissioner will discuss the topic with NFL owners at their spring meeting in Nashville, a few miles from the Titans' headquarters.

"Teams just typically use all their time, and I don't think it would affect your ability to execute trades, not only picks, but also players," Fisher said. "That's the thing that's being examined right now. "

This one-day meeting is for owners only. A final decision on trimming the draft isn't expected.