Tweet
Ranking the decision makers: Who is best at the NFL draft?
By Nate Davis, USA TODAY
So which franchise really stands the best chance to reap the most from its rookies now that the 2010 NFL draft has concluded? USA TODAY ranked the 20 league personnel executives who have been on the job for at least three years with their current team (the exception being Scott Pioli) to try and get a better idea as to who scores touchdowns in April, who settles for field goals and who coughs it up.
REPORT CARD: Grading the 2010 NFL draft class
1A. Bill Belichick, head coach/el jefe supremo, New England Patriots— Little point in arguing after he transformed a franchise that seemed to be in decline into a three-time Super Bowl champion virtually overnight. Clearly Belichick learned a lot after the five putrid drafts the Cleveland Browns produced during his tenure there in the 1990s. New England has become known for its deft ability to amass quality picks and find excellent players later in the process who won't come with the price tag of a top-10 pick. Belichick has made seven second-round picks over the last two drafts and picked up an extra Round 2 pick next year after extracting it from the Carolina Panthers for a low third-round pick last Saturday. Key contributors such as receiver Deion Branch, defensive end Jarvis Green, tackle Matt Light and cornerback Asante Samuel all came at pick 48 or later. But Belichick knows how to find first-round stars, too, including 2008 defensive rookie of the year Jerod Mayo and Pro Bowlers Logan Mankins, Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork.
• Best pick: Tom Brady— The Patriots admit they got lucky finding him in the sixth round in 2000, but at least they were smarter than the 30 other teams that also passed on him multiple times. Probably the best value pick in the history of the NFL.
• Worst pick: Chad Jackson— The 36th pick of the 2006 draft only caught 13 passes for New England.
1B. Scott Pioli, GM, Kansas City Chiefs— He and Belichick are essentially inextricable when it comes to New England's ascendancy. It's too early to assess Pioli's tenure in K.C., though last weekend's haul looks to be among the best of the spring. But the Patriots' success on the personnel side is just as much a credit to Pioli's eye for talent as Belichick's. And the litany of players they plucked from college aside, Pioli and Belichick were masters of using picks as currency for established stars with depressed value (Corey Dillon, Randy Moss) and gems other teams didn't appreciate (Wes Welker). After a recent spotty draft record, the Chiefs were in desperate need of a draft craftsman like Pioli.
• Best pick: Matt Cassel— He barely played at USC, but Pioli took a flier on him in the seventh round of the 2005 draft anyway. Cassel proved in 2008 he can play at a Pro Bowl level, something Pioli is banking he will do for the Chiefs.
• Worst pick: Laurence Maroney— The 2006 first-rounder has never rushed for as many as 900 yards and probably never will for the Patriots, who have opted not to make him a featured back.
3. Bill Polian, president, Indianapolis Colts— He constructed a four-time Super Bowl team in Buffalo and nearly got the Panthers that far in just their second season of existence (1996). But Polian has outdone himself by sustaining the Colts as an AFC power since he joined the team in 1998. Indianapolis' 115 regular-season wins over the last 10 years are the best for any decade in NFL history. The team hasn't failed to win at least 12 games since 2002. It's quite a testament to Polian in an NFL epoch where it's nearly impossible to stay near the top for such a protracted period. He masterfully manipulates the draft, finding a near-perfect mixture of cornerstones and players that restock the team's more perishable needs. And given the lack of trades (though swapping out Marshall Faulk to draft Edgerrin James was a notable one in 1999) and splashy free-agent signings Indy makes, it's Polian's draft acumen that seems perhaps the biggest reason for the franchise's winning ways.
• Best pick: Peyton Manning— It wasn't as much of a no-brainer in 1998 when many argued that Ryan Leaf had more potential. Polian obviously made the right call on the man who could go down as the greatest passer ever.
• Worst pick: Tony Ugoh— Polian sent his 2008 first-rounder to the San Francisco 49ers to move up in Round 2 of the 2007 draft to get Ugoh, who was supposed to be the long-term replacement for left tackle Tarik Glenn. But Ugoh has fallen out of favor and only started four games last season after losing his job.
4. Ozzie Newsome, GM/executive vice president, Baltimore Ravens— In the Ravens' first-ever draft in 1996, he took offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden and linebacker Ray Lewis, two near sure-fire Hall of Famers. Newsome has continued to be one of the league's savviest talent evaluators, finding stars in the first round (Joe Flacco, Jamal Lewis, Haloti Ngata, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs among them) and front-line contributors as late as the sixth round (Derek Anderson, Chester Taylor and Adalius Thomas). He even secured Ogden's replacement at left tackle, Jared Gaither, in the fifth round of the 2007 supplemental draft. Newsome was the architect of Baltimore's 2000 Super Bowl team and consistently has the franchise in playoff contention year in and year out.
• Best pick: Ray Lewis — He's been the face of the franchise since the Ravens arrived in Baltimore.
• Worst pick: Kyle Boller— Newsome traded back into the first round of the 2003 draft (he'd already picked Suggs) to add Boller, who was supposed to the long-term answer at quarterback the Ravens have struggled to find. Boller wasn't.
5. Kevin Colbert, director of football operations, Pittsburgh Steelers— His moves (especially in tandem with former coach Bill Cowher) have been a huge factor in the Steelers' two titles since 2005. He's quietly done a first-rate job in the first round over the last decade, importing Plaxico Burress (2000), Casey Hampton (2001), Troy Polamalu (2003), Ben Roethlisberger (2004), Heath Miller (2005) and Santonio Holmes (2006). Of course the recent character concerns regarding Roethlisberger and Holmes — who hooked up for the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII— have taken some of the luster off those choices. Colbert has also had trouble finding studs in Round 2, LaMarr Woodley being the notable exception.
• Best pick: Polamalu— His value was never more apparent than 2009 when the historically stout defense sagged badly without him. Probably the most versatile safety in the game today, and few are as effective in run support, coverage and rushing the passer. Colbert traded up 11 spots to No. 16 to get Polamalu.
• Worst pick: Alonzo Jackson— A linebacker taken the round after Polamalu, Jackson had just eight tackles in two seasons before getting his pink slip.
6. A.J. Smith, GM/executive vice president, San Diego Chargers— Smith's roster has been widely lauded for years as the NFL's most talented, though it has yet to justify the compliment with the franchise's first Super Bowl victory. Smith's most famous move came at the top of the 2004 draft when he took Eli Manning No. 1 overall despite the protests of the Manning family. Smith didn't waste much time dealing with the New York Giants, parlaying Manning into Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, Nate Kaeding and Roman Oben when all was said and done. Less known, Smith also picked up Nick Hardwick (third round), Shaun Phillips (fourth) and Michael Turner (fifth) in that draft. His first four picks in 2005 were Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles. Still, it hasn't entirely jelled for the Chargers, and Smith hasn't picked an impact player since 2006.
• Best pick: Antonio Gates— Smith didn't even draft the future star in 2003 but signed him off the street. The rest is history, including the part where every team scouts the college hardwood looking for tight end projects.
• Worst pick: Craig "Buster" Davis— With 30 catches in three seasons, the 2007 first-rounder looks like an unqualified misfire. The jury is also out on 2007 second-rounder Eric Weddle. Smith moved up 25 spots in Round 2 that year at the cost of his own second-rounder, two third-rounders and a fifth. Weddle's eye-popping athleticism hasn't translated to eye-popping play, though.
7. Andy Reid, head coach, executive vice president of football operation, Philadelphia Eagles— The boo-birds in Philly will be quick to point out that Reid's been on the job for 11 years and has yet to end their championship drought … they'll also probably express dissatisfaction with some of his pass-biased playcalling. But Reid's a very good coach and very good executive, and despite the lack of a Lombardi, he's turned the Eagles into the class of the NFC over the last decade. So his moves in the personnel department deserve some praise. The Philly faithful might still be bridling, but picking Donovan McNabb over Ricky Williams in 1999 was the right choice. And if you look at Reid's draft history, you'll find several players that went on to start for other teams (Bobbie Williams, Raheem Brock) even though they didn't stick with the Eagles.
• Best pick: Brian Westbrook— The 2002 third-rounder arguably carved himself a niche as the best back in Philadelphia history not named Van Buren. Runner-up: Trent Cole— The Pro Bowl defensive end was mined in Round 5 in 2005.
• Worst pick: Freddie Mitchell— Reid has had problems developing receivers (a malady that may be cured by DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin). But Mitchell was the most notorious bust, especially since he acted like such a boomer. Runner-up: Jerome McDougle— Reid loves to draft linemen high, but this is one he should've passed on.
8. Jerry Reese, GM/senior vice president, New York Giants— He was on the job during the 2007 season when the Giants won the Super Bowl, but his predecessor, Ernie Accorsi, was largely responsible for the construction of that team. However seven of the eight players Reese picked in the 2007 draft were major contributors, including seventh-rounder Ahmad Bradshaw. Perhaps one of Accorsi's best decisions was getting Reese on his staff in the first place.
• Best pick: Steve Smith— With more playing time, Bradshaw may emerge as Reese's top steal. But for now, the honor goes to Smith after the 51st pick of the 2007 draft led the NFC in receptions (107) in 2009.
• Worst pick: Kenny Phillips— Reese hasn't really made a pick that can be considered poor to this point and tagging Phillips with this label is admittedly premature (and, frankly, unfair). But given the season-ending knee surgery he had last year and all the safeties (Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant, Chad Jones) Reese has stockpiled since, it no longer seems certain Phillips will reach the stardom predicted for him.
9. Mickey Loomis, GM/executive vice president, New Orleans Saints— He cracks the top 10 for building a Super Bowl champion; he barely cracks it because the Saints have only been a playoff team twice in Loomis' eight-year run. Save 2006, none of Loomis' drafts have been anything out of the ordinary. But his 2006 crop netted Reggie Bush, Roman Harper, Jahri Evans and Marques Colston, all starters for the Super Bowl team with fourth-rounder Evans earning all-pro honors at guard. However Bush does remain a focus of debate — a supremely gifted athlete with game-breaking skills, but hardly the 21st-century version of Gale Sayers most expected he'd be with the No. 2 pick. Loomis' most fateful off-field moves also occurred in 2006 with the hiring of coach Sean Payton and his willingness to take a chance on then-damaged quarterback Drew Brees.
• Best pick: Colston— The seventh-rounder has been a 1,000-yard receiver in each of the three seasons he's been healthy.
• Worst pick: Johnathan Sullivan— The sixth pick of the 2003 draft was quietly one of the bigger busts in recent memory. The defensive tackle made little impact before the Saints gave up on him following the 2005 campaign.
10. Mike Tannenbaum, GM/executive vice president, New York Jets— Tannenbaum just completed his fifth draft, and he again employed his signature move: trading up for players he wanted (tailback Joe McKnight and fullback John Conner this spring) at the expense of low-round selections. Tannenbaum's first draft brought Pro Bowlers D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold in the first round. The next year, he shot up the board in the first round for all-pro cornerback Darrelle Revis and in the second for emerging linebacker David Harris. In 2008, "Mr. T" took linebacker Vernon Gholston with the sixth pick, then dealt back into Round 1 to get tight end Dustin Keller. The coup de grace may have come last year when Tannenbaum paid a relatively low price to jump up for Mark Sanchez at the No. 5 spot before securing the first selection of the third round to get big back Shonn Greene. The Jets typically have among the fewest draftees annually, but they almost always haul in quality at the expense of quantity.
• Best pick: Revis— He appears to be well worth the first-, second- and fifth-round choices the Jets gave up for him now that he's widely recognized as the game's best cover corner.
• Worst pick: Gholston— He's hoping a move to defensive end can salvage his heretofore unproductive career.
11. Marty Hurney, GM, Carolina Panthers— The team's performance in 2010 will likely determine if Hurney gets to run a 10th draft in 2011. By choosing Julius Peppers and Jordan Gross atop his first two drafts, Hurney helped a franchise emerge from a 1-15 season in 2001 into NFC champions just two years later. Hurney's last four first-round picks (DeAngelo Williams, Jon Beason, Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah) all appear to be cornerstones of the team's foundation going forward, though it must be noted he hasn't picked in Round 1 since 2008. Hurney should be credited for acquiring the unknown Jake Delhomme in 2003, but the fact that he never found a franchise quarterback to groom behind Delhomme — perhaps until getting Jimmy Clausen last week — could prove to be his downfall. Finding a complement to receiver Steve Smith has also been a tricky bugaboo.
• Best pick: Peppers— Yes, he had his warts, but the No. 2 pick of the 2002 draft is probably the greatest player in franchise history to date.
• Worst pick: Dwayne Jarrett— He slid during the 2007 draft, and Hurney should have let him slide past at pick 45. The former USC star has manged just 33 receptions in the pros and has often been inactive on game day.
12. Ted Thompson, GM/executive vice president/director of football operations, Green Bay Packers— Fairly or not, he'll probably be forever judged by his first pick with the Packers, 2005 first-rounder Aaron Rodgers. Thompson cut the cord with legendary Brett Favre in 2008, a move some considered ruthless, calculating and self-serving. Others deemed it prudent, necessary and forward-thinking. Rodgers has played like a Pro Bowler since taking over for No. 4, and if the talent around him coalesces, history could very well cast an approving eye on Thompson, especially if he keeps drafting players like Clay Matthews and getting talents like Ryan Grant for sixth-round picks.
• Best pick: Greg Jennings— The 52nd pick of the 2006 draft quickly became a productive player, hauling in 25 TDs over the past three seasons. Of course Rodgers, who famously lasted until pick 24 in 2005, seems ready to supplant Jennings soon.
• Worst pick: Justin Harrell— Thompson took a chance on a player with an injury history at Tennessee, and unfortunately that's spilled over into the NFL. The 16th pick of 2007 has played sparingly, recording just 18 tackles and zero sacks in his 13-game career.
13. Jerry Jones, owner/president/GM, Dallas Cowboys— He had his rough patches after divorcing coach Jimmy Johnson following the 1993 season. Shante Carver was the first first-round pick of the post-Johnson era (though Jones did get Larry Allen in Round 2). But after a series of less-than-lackluster years — aside from the Greg Ellis/Flozell Adams crop in 1998 — Jones started hitting his stride in 2002 (Roy Williams, Andre Gurode). In 2005, he brought in DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Marion Barber, Chris Canty and Jay Ratliff. He got five more studs in 2008: Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins, Martellus Bennett, Tashard Choice and Orlando Scandrick. As Jerry would tell you, it's not how you start — it's how you finish.
• Best pick: Jason Witten— This helped erase the memory of taking tight end David LaFleur at No. 22 in 1997. A third-round pick in 2003, Witten was the best tight end in the NFC over the past decade. Of course, signing Tony Romo as an undrafted free agent may ultimately be the move that defines this era of Cowboys football.
• Worst pick: Quincy Carter— A second-round pick in 2001, Carter was just one of Jones' many misguided efforts (Ryan Leaf, Chad Hutchinson, Drew Henson) to replace Troy Aikman. Thank the (blue) stars for Romo.
14. Rod Graves, GM, Arizona Cardinals— It took him a while, but after getting the keys to the Cards in 2003, Graves has had the franchise in the playoffs the past two seasons (the franchise has had consecutive postseason appearances only two other times in its 90-year history). Armed with two first-round picks in 2003, Graves failed to get future stars in Bryant Johnson and Calvin Pace, but he recovered with Anquan Boldin in Round 2, Gerald Hayes in Round 3 and Reggie Wells in Round 6. Graves' next draft brought in Larry Fitzgerald, Karlos Dansby, Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith, all key cogs in the organization's first Super Bowl run in 2008. Graves' subsequent drafts haven't been nearly as successful, though he did find major contributors in the fifth round with Steve Breaston (2007) and Tim Hightower (200
.
• Best pick: Boldin— A case can easily be made for Fitzgerald and Dockett, too, but Boldin (who was traded this offseason) brought the best mixture of production (three Pro Bowls, five 1,000-yard seasons), value (54th pick) and an on-field attitude that helped finally turn the team around.
• Worst pick: Matt Leinart— He's still got time to shake this tag, but Graves was expecting a franchise quarterback when he drafted the former Heisman Trophy winner 10th overall in 2006. If Leinart doesn't maximize his opportunity in Year 5, he probably never will, at least not in the desert.
15. Rick Spielman, vice president of player personnel, Minnesota Vikings— Spielman's draft record with the Miami Dolphins early in the decade isn't all that impressive, but he's picked up the pace in Minnesota. His first Vikings draft in 2007 produced Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice. But after a mixed bag in 2008, Spielman hit it big in 2009 when all five of his selections started at some point in the season. Phil Loadholt looks like the answer at right tackle for some time, while 2009 offensive rookie of the year Percy Harvin instantly emerged as a weapon by finding chemistry with Brett Favre.
• Best pick: Peterson— With 1,200-yard rusher Chester Taylor on the roster, Spielman didn't need to take Peterson. But he wisely took the best player available with the seventh overall pick. The rest could be history.
• Worst pick: Marcus McCauley— A third-rounder in 2007, the cornerback was gone after two seasons.
16. Mike Reinfeldt, GM/executive vice president, Tennessee Titans— He just completed his fourth draft in Nashville for a franchise that seems to be on the cusp of contention. He's made some curious picks at times but isn't afraid to adhere to his convictions while flouting conventional wisdom. Taking largely unknown Winston-Salem State defensive end William Hayes in the fourth round of the 2008 draft is a perfect example. Hayes is now a starter.
• Best pick: Chris Johnson— Draft analysts assumed Reinfeldt would fill what seemed to be the team's obvious need at wideout. Instead, he took Johnson, the speedy back who'd plied his trade fairly anonymously at East Carolina. Reinfeldt hit a home run by picking this home-run hitter, arguably now the game's most dangerous back.
• Worst pick: Chris Henry— Johnson absolved Reinfeldt of this second-round pick in the previous draft. Henry had sprinter's speed like Johnson, but it never translated to the NFL field as he lacked Johnson's football instincts.
17. Rick Smith, GM, Houston Texans— Smith took over just weeks after Charley Casserly put together the greatest draft in the franchise's history in 2006, reeling in future Pro Bowlers Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Owen Daniels. Smith hasn't had that kind of draft day success yet … though in fairness, it's very early in his tenure. And he did sacrifice two second-rounders in 2007 to get quarterback Matt Schaub, a move that looks quite crafty in hindsight.
• Best pick: Brian Cushing— The 2009 first-round linebacker is off to a great start with defensive rookie of the year honors a nice feather in his cap. Steve Slaton, a third-rounder two years ago, also debuted strongly before injuries ruined his 2009 season.
• Worst pick: Amobi Okoye— The defensive tackle will be 23 this season, so the 2007 first-rounder still has time to grow into his body, role and expectations.
18. Jerry Angelo, GM, Chicago Bears— OK, the Bears have reached one Super Bowl during his reign. But they've also been wildly inconsistent, and Angelo's spotty draft record is a factor. Angelo was named to his post after the Bears took David Terrell with the eighth pick in 2001. But his first-round picks include Michael Haynes (2003), Rex Grossman (2003) and Cedric Benson (2005); he traded away Round 1 selections in 2006, 2009 and 2010. Tommie Harris (2004) has been the only first-round star Angelo has secured, but even he hasn't been very productive in recent years as questions abound about his attitude and knees. Greg Olsen came atop the 2007 draft and has been solid, but the other eight players from that class collectively gave Chicago almost nothing. Give Angelo credit for taking Devin Hester, a player without a position coming out of Miami, in the second round of 2006 and letting Chicago's coaches harness Hester's talents.
• Best pick: Lance Briggs— The 2003 third-rounder has been named to the past five Pro Bowls.
• Worst pick: Benson— Missing at No. 4 is a real setback to a franchise, and Angelo missed badly on Benson, who's resurrected his career in Cincinnati. Haynes, a defensive end who came off the board 14th in 2003, had 5.5 sacks in three seasons with the Bears.
19. Al Davis, owner, Oakland Raiders— He's overseen a franchise that's become a source of ridicule in recent years, largely because of the anemic drafts Davis has presided over. Davis has also been the overlord of three Super Bowl champions, but his ranking here is a reflection of the Raiders' recent misery and a title drought that's exceeded a quarter-century. There's no forgetting some of the Hall of Famers the Raiders have found off the beaten path, men like Howie Long, Art Shell and Gene Upshaw. Davis also stole first-round talents like Bo Jackson (seventh round) and Raghib Ismail (fourth round) when other teams were taking players who'd never leave a footprint in the NFL. And right or wrong, he was the man with the guts to take punter Ray Guy (1973) and kicker Sebastian Janikowski (2000) in Round 1. Davis' 2010 draft appears to be his best of the century and could help get the organization back on the track to relevance.
• Best pick: Rod Martin— The linebacker played a dozen years for the Raiders after coming off the board in the 12th round of the 1977 draft. His three interceptions in Super Bowl XV should have earned him game MVP honors.
• Worst pick: JaMarcus Russell— The top pick of the 2007 draft "grows" ever closer to being the biggest draft bust of all time.
20. Mike Brown, owner, Cincinnati Bengals— It hasn't been pretty since Brown took over the franchise in 1991 after his father, the legendary Paul Brown, passed away. Though they're the reigning AFC North champs, last year's playoff push was only the Bengals' second during Brown's 19-year stewardship. Their last postseason victory came in 1990. Among Mike Brown's legendary first-round whiffs: David Klingler (1992), John Copeland (1993), Ki-Jana Carter (1995, though injuries scuttled his career from Day 1), Reinard Wilson (1997), Akili Smith (1999), Peter Warrick (2000), Chris Perry (2004) and David Pollack (2005, another injury case). The cast of characters with questionable character has also repeatedly burned Brown and the franchise. But it must be noted that last year's division crown is largely due to better drafts in recent years, and the Stripes might finally consistently contend for a few years.
• Best pick: T.J. Houshmandzadeh— The 2001 seventh-rounder averaged 89 catches per year over his last five seasons in Cincinnati. For all of his misses, Brown consistently finds topflight wideouts after Round 1 (Carl Pickens, Darnay Scott, Chad Ochocinco).
• Worst pick: Smith— The No. 3 pick of the 1999 draft was one of the biggest busts ever, losing 14 of his 17 starts with a career QB rating of 52.8. Of course that performance helped the Bengals into position to get Carson Palmer first overall in 2003.
[url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-04-29-nfl-executives_N.htm"]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football ... ives_N.htm[/url]
By Nate Davis, USA TODAY
So which franchise really stands the best chance to reap the most from its rookies now that the 2010 NFL draft has concluded? USA TODAY ranked the 20 league personnel executives who have been on the job for at least three years with their current team (the exception being Scott Pioli) to try and get a better idea as to who scores touchdowns in April, who settles for field goals and who coughs it up.
REPORT CARD: Grading the 2010 NFL draft class
1A. Bill Belichick, head coach/el jefe supremo, New England Patriots— Little point in arguing after he transformed a franchise that seemed to be in decline into a three-time Super Bowl champion virtually overnight. Clearly Belichick learned a lot after the five putrid drafts the Cleveland Browns produced during his tenure there in the 1990s. New England has become known for its deft ability to amass quality picks and find excellent players later in the process who won't come with the price tag of a top-10 pick. Belichick has made seven second-round picks over the last two drafts and picked up an extra Round 2 pick next year after extracting it from the Carolina Panthers for a low third-round pick last Saturday. Key contributors such as receiver Deion Branch, defensive end Jarvis Green, tackle Matt Light and cornerback Asante Samuel all came at pick 48 or later. But Belichick knows how to find first-round stars, too, including 2008 defensive rookie of the year Jerod Mayo and Pro Bowlers Logan Mankins, Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork.
• Best pick: Tom Brady— The Patriots admit they got lucky finding him in the sixth round in 2000, but at least they were smarter than the 30 other teams that also passed on him multiple times. Probably the best value pick in the history of the NFL.
• Worst pick: Chad Jackson— The 36th pick of the 2006 draft only caught 13 passes for New England.
1B. Scott Pioli, GM, Kansas City Chiefs— He and Belichick are essentially inextricable when it comes to New England's ascendancy. It's too early to assess Pioli's tenure in K.C., though last weekend's haul looks to be among the best of the spring. But the Patriots' success on the personnel side is just as much a credit to Pioli's eye for talent as Belichick's. And the litany of players they plucked from college aside, Pioli and Belichick were masters of using picks as currency for established stars with depressed value (Corey Dillon, Randy Moss) and gems other teams didn't appreciate (Wes Welker). After a recent spotty draft record, the Chiefs were in desperate need of a draft craftsman like Pioli.
• Best pick: Matt Cassel— He barely played at USC, but Pioli took a flier on him in the seventh round of the 2005 draft anyway. Cassel proved in 2008 he can play at a Pro Bowl level, something Pioli is banking he will do for the Chiefs.
• Worst pick: Laurence Maroney— The 2006 first-rounder has never rushed for as many as 900 yards and probably never will for the Patriots, who have opted not to make him a featured back.
3. Bill Polian, president, Indianapolis Colts— He constructed a four-time Super Bowl team in Buffalo and nearly got the Panthers that far in just their second season of existence (1996). But Polian has outdone himself by sustaining the Colts as an AFC power since he joined the team in 1998. Indianapolis' 115 regular-season wins over the last 10 years are the best for any decade in NFL history. The team hasn't failed to win at least 12 games since 2002. It's quite a testament to Polian in an NFL epoch where it's nearly impossible to stay near the top for such a protracted period. He masterfully manipulates the draft, finding a near-perfect mixture of cornerstones and players that restock the team's more perishable needs. And given the lack of trades (though swapping out Marshall Faulk to draft Edgerrin James was a notable one in 1999) and splashy free-agent signings Indy makes, it's Polian's draft acumen that seems perhaps the biggest reason for the franchise's winning ways.
• Best pick: Peyton Manning— It wasn't as much of a no-brainer in 1998 when many argued that Ryan Leaf had more potential. Polian obviously made the right call on the man who could go down as the greatest passer ever.
• Worst pick: Tony Ugoh— Polian sent his 2008 first-rounder to the San Francisco 49ers to move up in Round 2 of the 2007 draft to get Ugoh, who was supposed to be the long-term replacement for left tackle Tarik Glenn. But Ugoh has fallen out of favor and only started four games last season after losing his job.
4. Ozzie Newsome, GM/executive vice president, Baltimore Ravens— In the Ravens' first-ever draft in 1996, he took offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden and linebacker Ray Lewis, two near sure-fire Hall of Famers. Newsome has continued to be one of the league's savviest talent evaluators, finding stars in the first round (Joe Flacco, Jamal Lewis, Haloti Ngata, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs among them) and front-line contributors as late as the sixth round (Derek Anderson, Chester Taylor and Adalius Thomas). He even secured Ogden's replacement at left tackle, Jared Gaither, in the fifth round of the 2007 supplemental draft. Newsome was the architect of Baltimore's 2000 Super Bowl team and consistently has the franchise in playoff contention year in and year out.
• Best pick: Ray Lewis — He's been the face of the franchise since the Ravens arrived in Baltimore.
• Worst pick: Kyle Boller— Newsome traded back into the first round of the 2003 draft (he'd already picked Suggs) to add Boller, who was supposed to the long-term answer at quarterback the Ravens have struggled to find. Boller wasn't.
5. Kevin Colbert, director of football operations, Pittsburgh Steelers— His moves (especially in tandem with former coach Bill Cowher) have been a huge factor in the Steelers' two titles since 2005. He's quietly done a first-rate job in the first round over the last decade, importing Plaxico Burress (2000), Casey Hampton (2001), Troy Polamalu (2003), Ben Roethlisberger (2004), Heath Miller (2005) and Santonio Holmes (2006). Of course the recent character concerns regarding Roethlisberger and Holmes — who hooked up for the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII— have taken some of the luster off those choices. Colbert has also had trouble finding studs in Round 2, LaMarr Woodley being the notable exception.
• Best pick: Polamalu— His value was never more apparent than 2009 when the historically stout defense sagged badly without him. Probably the most versatile safety in the game today, and few are as effective in run support, coverage and rushing the passer. Colbert traded up 11 spots to No. 16 to get Polamalu.
• Worst pick: Alonzo Jackson— A linebacker taken the round after Polamalu, Jackson had just eight tackles in two seasons before getting his pink slip.
6. A.J. Smith, GM/executive vice president, San Diego Chargers— Smith's roster has been widely lauded for years as the NFL's most talented, though it has yet to justify the compliment with the franchise's first Super Bowl victory. Smith's most famous move came at the top of the 2004 draft when he took Eli Manning No. 1 overall despite the protests of the Manning family. Smith didn't waste much time dealing with the New York Giants, parlaying Manning into Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, Nate Kaeding and Roman Oben when all was said and done. Less known, Smith also picked up Nick Hardwick (third round), Shaun Phillips (fourth) and Michael Turner (fifth) in that draft. His first four picks in 2005 were Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles. Still, it hasn't entirely jelled for the Chargers, and Smith hasn't picked an impact player since 2006.
• Best pick: Antonio Gates— Smith didn't even draft the future star in 2003 but signed him off the street. The rest is history, including the part where every team scouts the college hardwood looking for tight end projects.
• Worst pick: Craig "Buster" Davis— With 30 catches in three seasons, the 2007 first-rounder looks like an unqualified misfire. The jury is also out on 2007 second-rounder Eric Weddle. Smith moved up 25 spots in Round 2 that year at the cost of his own second-rounder, two third-rounders and a fifth. Weddle's eye-popping athleticism hasn't translated to eye-popping play, though.
7. Andy Reid, head coach, executive vice president of football operation, Philadelphia Eagles— The boo-birds in Philly will be quick to point out that Reid's been on the job for 11 years and has yet to end their championship drought … they'll also probably express dissatisfaction with some of his pass-biased playcalling. But Reid's a very good coach and very good executive, and despite the lack of a Lombardi, he's turned the Eagles into the class of the NFC over the last decade. So his moves in the personnel department deserve some praise. The Philly faithful might still be bridling, but picking Donovan McNabb over Ricky Williams in 1999 was the right choice. And if you look at Reid's draft history, you'll find several players that went on to start for other teams (Bobbie Williams, Raheem Brock) even though they didn't stick with the Eagles.
• Best pick: Brian Westbrook— The 2002 third-rounder arguably carved himself a niche as the best back in Philadelphia history not named Van Buren. Runner-up: Trent Cole— The Pro Bowl defensive end was mined in Round 5 in 2005.
• Worst pick: Freddie Mitchell— Reid has had problems developing receivers (a malady that may be cured by DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin). But Mitchell was the most notorious bust, especially since he acted like such a boomer. Runner-up: Jerome McDougle— Reid loves to draft linemen high, but this is one he should've passed on.
8. Jerry Reese, GM/senior vice president, New York Giants— He was on the job during the 2007 season when the Giants won the Super Bowl, but his predecessor, Ernie Accorsi, was largely responsible for the construction of that team. However seven of the eight players Reese picked in the 2007 draft were major contributors, including seventh-rounder Ahmad Bradshaw. Perhaps one of Accorsi's best decisions was getting Reese on his staff in the first place.
• Best pick: Steve Smith— With more playing time, Bradshaw may emerge as Reese's top steal. But for now, the honor goes to Smith after the 51st pick of the 2007 draft led the NFC in receptions (107) in 2009.
• Worst pick: Kenny Phillips— Reese hasn't really made a pick that can be considered poor to this point and tagging Phillips with this label is admittedly premature (and, frankly, unfair). But given the season-ending knee surgery he had last year and all the safeties (Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant, Chad Jones) Reese has stockpiled since, it no longer seems certain Phillips will reach the stardom predicted for him.
9. Mickey Loomis, GM/executive vice president, New Orleans Saints— He cracks the top 10 for building a Super Bowl champion; he barely cracks it because the Saints have only been a playoff team twice in Loomis' eight-year run. Save 2006, none of Loomis' drafts have been anything out of the ordinary. But his 2006 crop netted Reggie Bush, Roman Harper, Jahri Evans and Marques Colston, all starters for the Super Bowl team with fourth-rounder Evans earning all-pro honors at guard. However Bush does remain a focus of debate — a supremely gifted athlete with game-breaking skills, but hardly the 21st-century version of Gale Sayers most expected he'd be with the No. 2 pick. Loomis' most fateful off-field moves also occurred in 2006 with the hiring of coach Sean Payton and his willingness to take a chance on then-damaged quarterback Drew Brees.
• Best pick: Colston— The seventh-rounder has been a 1,000-yard receiver in each of the three seasons he's been healthy.
• Worst pick: Johnathan Sullivan— The sixth pick of the 2003 draft was quietly one of the bigger busts in recent memory. The defensive tackle made little impact before the Saints gave up on him following the 2005 campaign.
10. Mike Tannenbaum, GM/executive vice president, New York Jets— Tannenbaum just completed his fifth draft, and he again employed his signature move: trading up for players he wanted (tailback Joe McKnight and fullback John Conner this spring) at the expense of low-round selections. Tannenbaum's first draft brought Pro Bowlers D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold in the first round. The next year, he shot up the board in the first round for all-pro cornerback Darrelle Revis and in the second for emerging linebacker David Harris. In 2008, "Mr. T" took linebacker Vernon Gholston with the sixth pick, then dealt back into Round 1 to get tight end Dustin Keller. The coup de grace may have come last year when Tannenbaum paid a relatively low price to jump up for Mark Sanchez at the No. 5 spot before securing the first selection of the third round to get big back Shonn Greene. The Jets typically have among the fewest draftees annually, but they almost always haul in quality at the expense of quantity.
• Best pick: Revis— He appears to be well worth the first-, second- and fifth-round choices the Jets gave up for him now that he's widely recognized as the game's best cover corner.
• Worst pick: Gholston— He's hoping a move to defensive end can salvage his heretofore unproductive career.
11. Marty Hurney, GM, Carolina Panthers— The team's performance in 2010 will likely determine if Hurney gets to run a 10th draft in 2011. By choosing Julius Peppers and Jordan Gross atop his first two drafts, Hurney helped a franchise emerge from a 1-15 season in 2001 into NFC champions just two years later. Hurney's last four first-round picks (DeAngelo Williams, Jon Beason, Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah) all appear to be cornerstones of the team's foundation going forward, though it must be noted he hasn't picked in Round 1 since 2008. Hurney should be credited for acquiring the unknown Jake Delhomme in 2003, but the fact that he never found a franchise quarterback to groom behind Delhomme — perhaps until getting Jimmy Clausen last week — could prove to be his downfall. Finding a complement to receiver Steve Smith has also been a tricky bugaboo.
• Best pick: Peppers— Yes, he had his warts, but the No. 2 pick of the 2002 draft is probably the greatest player in franchise history to date.
• Worst pick: Dwayne Jarrett— He slid during the 2007 draft, and Hurney should have let him slide past at pick 45. The former USC star has manged just 33 receptions in the pros and has often been inactive on game day.
12. Ted Thompson, GM/executive vice president/director of football operations, Green Bay Packers— Fairly or not, he'll probably be forever judged by his first pick with the Packers, 2005 first-rounder Aaron Rodgers. Thompson cut the cord with legendary Brett Favre in 2008, a move some considered ruthless, calculating and self-serving. Others deemed it prudent, necessary and forward-thinking. Rodgers has played like a Pro Bowler since taking over for No. 4, and if the talent around him coalesces, history could very well cast an approving eye on Thompson, especially if he keeps drafting players like Clay Matthews and getting talents like Ryan Grant for sixth-round picks.
• Best pick: Greg Jennings— The 52nd pick of the 2006 draft quickly became a productive player, hauling in 25 TDs over the past three seasons. Of course Rodgers, who famously lasted until pick 24 in 2005, seems ready to supplant Jennings soon.
• Worst pick: Justin Harrell— Thompson took a chance on a player with an injury history at Tennessee, and unfortunately that's spilled over into the NFL. The 16th pick of 2007 has played sparingly, recording just 18 tackles and zero sacks in his 13-game career.
13. Jerry Jones, owner/president/GM, Dallas Cowboys— He had his rough patches after divorcing coach Jimmy Johnson following the 1993 season. Shante Carver was the first first-round pick of the post-Johnson era (though Jones did get Larry Allen in Round 2). But after a series of less-than-lackluster years — aside from the Greg Ellis/Flozell Adams crop in 1998 — Jones started hitting his stride in 2002 (Roy Williams, Andre Gurode). In 2005, he brought in DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Marion Barber, Chris Canty and Jay Ratliff. He got five more studs in 2008: Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins, Martellus Bennett, Tashard Choice and Orlando Scandrick. As Jerry would tell you, it's not how you start — it's how you finish.
• Best pick: Jason Witten— This helped erase the memory of taking tight end David LaFleur at No. 22 in 1997. A third-round pick in 2003, Witten was the best tight end in the NFC over the past decade. Of course, signing Tony Romo as an undrafted free agent may ultimately be the move that defines this era of Cowboys football.
• Worst pick: Quincy Carter— A second-round pick in 2001, Carter was just one of Jones' many misguided efforts (Ryan Leaf, Chad Hutchinson, Drew Henson) to replace Troy Aikman. Thank the (blue) stars for Romo.
14. Rod Graves, GM, Arizona Cardinals— It took him a while, but after getting the keys to the Cards in 2003, Graves has had the franchise in the playoffs the past two seasons (the franchise has had consecutive postseason appearances only two other times in its 90-year history). Armed with two first-round picks in 2003, Graves failed to get future stars in Bryant Johnson and Calvin Pace, but he recovered with Anquan Boldin in Round 2, Gerald Hayes in Round 3 and Reggie Wells in Round 6. Graves' next draft brought in Larry Fitzgerald, Karlos Dansby, Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith, all key cogs in the organization's first Super Bowl run in 2008. Graves' subsequent drafts haven't been nearly as successful, though he did find major contributors in the fifth round with Steve Breaston (2007) and Tim Hightower (200
.• Best pick: Boldin— A case can easily be made for Fitzgerald and Dockett, too, but Boldin (who was traded this offseason) brought the best mixture of production (three Pro Bowls, five 1,000-yard seasons), value (54th pick) and an on-field attitude that helped finally turn the team around.
• Worst pick: Matt Leinart— He's still got time to shake this tag, but Graves was expecting a franchise quarterback when he drafted the former Heisman Trophy winner 10th overall in 2006. If Leinart doesn't maximize his opportunity in Year 5, he probably never will, at least not in the desert.
15. Rick Spielman, vice president of player personnel, Minnesota Vikings— Spielman's draft record with the Miami Dolphins early in the decade isn't all that impressive, but he's picked up the pace in Minnesota. His first Vikings draft in 2007 produced Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice. But after a mixed bag in 2008, Spielman hit it big in 2009 when all five of his selections started at some point in the season. Phil Loadholt looks like the answer at right tackle for some time, while 2009 offensive rookie of the year Percy Harvin instantly emerged as a weapon by finding chemistry with Brett Favre.
• Best pick: Peterson— With 1,200-yard rusher Chester Taylor on the roster, Spielman didn't need to take Peterson. But he wisely took the best player available with the seventh overall pick. The rest could be history.
• Worst pick: Marcus McCauley— A third-rounder in 2007, the cornerback was gone after two seasons.
16. Mike Reinfeldt, GM/executive vice president, Tennessee Titans— He just completed his fourth draft in Nashville for a franchise that seems to be on the cusp of contention. He's made some curious picks at times but isn't afraid to adhere to his convictions while flouting conventional wisdom. Taking largely unknown Winston-Salem State defensive end William Hayes in the fourth round of the 2008 draft is a perfect example. Hayes is now a starter.
• Best pick: Chris Johnson— Draft analysts assumed Reinfeldt would fill what seemed to be the team's obvious need at wideout. Instead, he took Johnson, the speedy back who'd plied his trade fairly anonymously at East Carolina. Reinfeldt hit a home run by picking this home-run hitter, arguably now the game's most dangerous back.
• Worst pick: Chris Henry— Johnson absolved Reinfeldt of this second-round pick in the previous draft. Henry had sprinter's speed like Johnson, but it never translated to the NFL field as he lacked Johnson's football instincts.
17. Rick Smith, GM, Houston Texans— Smith took over just weeks after Charley Casserly put together the greatest draft in the franchise's history in 2006, reeling in future Pro Bowlers Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Owen Daniels. Smith hasn't had that kind of draft day success yet … though in fairness, it's very early in his tenure. And he did sacrifice two second-rounders in 2007 to get quarterback Matt Schaub, a move that looks quite crafty in hindsight.
• Best pick: Brian Cushing— The 2009 first-round linebacker is off to a great start with defensive rookie of the year honors a nice feather in his cap. Steve Slaton, a third-rounder two years ago, also debuted strongly before injuries ruined his 2009 season.
• Worst pick: Amobi Okoye— The defensive tackle will be 23 this season, so the 2007 first-rounder still has time to grow into his body, role and expectations.
18. Jerry Angelo, GM, Chicago Bears— OK, the Bears have reached one Super Bowl during his reign. But they've also been wildly inconsistent, and Angelo's spotty draft record is a factor. Angelo was named to his post after the Bears took David Terrell with the eighth pick in 2001. But his first-round picks include Michael Haynes (2003), Rex Grossman (2003) and Cedric Benson (2005); he traded away Round 1 selections in 2006, 2009 and 2010. Tommie Harris (2004) has been the only first-round star Angelo has secured, but even he hasn't been very productive in recent years as questions abound about his attitude and knees. Greg Olsen came atop the 2007 draft and has been solid, but the other eight players from that class collectively gave Chicago almost nothing. Give Angelo credit for taking Devin Hester, a player without a position coming out of Miami, in the second round of 2006 and letting Chicago's coaches harness Hester's talents.
• Best pick: Lance Briggs— The 2003 third-rounder has been named to the past five Pro Bowls.
• Worst pick: Benson— Missing at No. 4 is a real setback to a franchise, and Angelo missed badly on Benson, who's resurrected his career in Cincinnati. Haynes, a defensive end who came off the board 14th in 2003, had 5.5 sacks in three seasons with the Bears.
19. Al Davis, owner, Oakland Raiders— He's overseen a franchise that's become a source of ridicule in recent years, largely because of the anemic drafts Davis has presided over. Davis has also been the overlord of three Super Bowl champions, but his ranking here is a reflection of the Raiders' recent misery and a title drought that's exceeded a quarter-century. There's no forgetting some of the Hall of Famers the Raiders have found off the beaten path, men like Howie Long, Art Shell and Gene Upshaw. Davis also stole first-round talents like Bo Jackson (seventh round) and Raghib Ismail (fourth round) when other teams were taking players who'd never leave a footprint in the NFL. And right or wrong, he was the man with the guts to take punter Ray Guy (1973) and kicker Sebastian Janikowski (2000) in Round 1. Davis' 2010 draft appears to be his best of the century and could help get the organization back on the track to relevance.
• Best pick: Rod Martin— The linebacker played a dozen years for the Raiders after coming off the board in the 12th round of the 1977 draft. His three interceptions in Super Bowl XV should have earned him game MVP honors.
• Worst pick: JaMarcus Russell— The top pick of the 2007 draft "grows" ever closer to being the biggest draft bust of all time.
20. Mike Brown, owner, Cincinnati Bengals— It hasn't been pretty since Brown took over the franchise in 1991 after his father, the legendary Paul Brown, passed away. Though they're the reigning AFC North champs, last year's playoff push was only the Bengals' second during Brown's 19-year stewardship. Their last postseason victory came in 1990. Among Mike Brown's legendary first-round whiffs: David Klingler (1992), John Copeland (1993), Ki-Jana Carter (1995, though injuries scuttled his career from Day 1), Reinard Wilson (1997), Akili Smith (1999), Peter Warrick (2000), Chris Perry (2004) and David Pollack (2005, another injury case). The cast of characters with questionable character has also repeatedly burned Brown and the franchise. But it must be noted that last year's division crown is largely due to better drafts in recent years, and the Stripes might finally consistently contend for a few years.
• Best pick: T.J. Houshmandzadeh— The 2001 seventh-rounder averaged 89 catches per year over his last five seasons in Cincinnati. For all of his misses, Brown consistently finds topflight wideouts after Round 1 (Carl Pickens, Darnay Scott, Chad Ochocinco).
• Worst pick: Smith— The No. 3 pick of the 1999 draft was one of the biggest busts ever, losing 14 of his 17 starts with a career QB rating of 52.8. Of course that performance helped the Bengals into position to get Carson Palmer first overall in 2003.
[url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-04-29-nfl-executives_N.htm"]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football ... ives_N.htm[/url]
Comment