Thoughts from the First Round

Alright, the first round of the draft is in the books. Let’s have a quick look at a few of the notable picks. I’ll be sure not to name the same pick to multiple categories, even if it deserves it.

BEST PICK

David DeCastro to Pittsburgh – What can I say? This was just a great selection, every way you look at it. DeCastro is widely touted (and deservedly so) as the best guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson. If he can be that kind of player, lined up next to Maurkice Pouncey, then the Steelers interior line is set for the next decade. I just really love this pick.

WORST PICK

Branden Weeden to the Browns – This really isn’t a knock on Weeden as much as it is a knock on the Browns. I hate the fact that they just are quitting on Colt McCoy. Nothing they say to the contrary is going to mean anything to me. They quit on him when he never quit on them. Their issue was at receiver (which they still haven’t addressed) and they are trying to use a band-aid to make over their team. It’s not going to happen. Weeden may work out in the short term, but I don’t see him as a guy who can lead them to a Super Bowl. It’s most likely they’ll be picking a QB in the first round again in two years, most likely with a new head coach and GM.

RISKIEST PICK

Quinton Coples to the Jets – Coples has some great physical tools, but has huge motor issues. Also, I’m not sure where they’re planning to play him. If he’s a five technique, where are they going to get the outside pressure? If they play him on the edge, is he explosive enough to get pressure from that spot? Frankly, this feels a ton like the Vernon Gholston pick of 2008, which is about the worst comment you can make about a Jets draft selection.

SAFEST PICK

Matt Kalil to the Vikings – While I would normally go with the DeCastro pick here, I have to go elsewhere because of that being the best pick. The Vikings got themselves a guy with great technique and athletic ability who should be a starter for the next ten years.

BEST VALUE

Riley Reiff to the Lions – Again, DeCastro would be another option here, but Reiff should’ve been a top ten pick, so getting him here is excellent value. He can step in at right tackle if need be and play there until Backus retires and then he can shift over to the left. This is just a solid, great team building move.

MOST INTRIGUING PICK

Bruce Irvin to the Seahawks – I know a lot of people are knocking this pick, and in terms of value it’s deserving of the knocking it’s getting. However, I’m very much intrigued by it. Irvin is a pass-rush specialist, which really is what the Seahawks need. I couldn’t imagine them going for a defensive end who would play full time because of how much they paid Red Bryant to return. But with Irvin, they could easily bring him in on passing downs and kick Bryant inside to provide pressure. I’m just very interested to see how they use him and let him develop.

BEST PLAYER LEFT

Cordy Glenn – OT/OG – Georgia – Glenn brings great value as being able to play inside and outside on the offensive line and being a very experienced offensive linemen in the best defensive conference in the country. I expect to see him go as early as the first pick in the second round. He’s got great value and can play anywhere along the offensive line.