2008 Woodie Awards
McFadden will be the star of the NFL
Justin Abaya
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Opinion
The National Football League's draft is next weekend and teams will be looking to fill voids in their roster.
The Miami Dolphins have the first overall pick after a pathetic 2008 season in which they only won one game.
And with the number one pick comes the pressure of making the right decision.
That pressure can lead to bad choices. Look at some past "bust" in the first round, for example, Ryan Leaf and Heath Shuler.
The year Leaf came out was the same year as Peyton Manning.
Both were rated high and the general thought was you couldn't miss on either of them. But that was proved wrong.
Leaf turned out to be possibly the biggest first round bust ever.
This year's draft is full of potential, notably, University of Arkansas standout Darren McFadden.
He was the best running back in college football for the last two years.
In my opinion, the Dolphins will not select him with the first pick and will be kicking themselves for the next 10 years.
McFadden will be a star in the NFL.
Instead the Dolphins will probably re-build their team starting with the offensive and defensive line, which isn't that bad of an idea.
But a player like McFadden only comes along every couple of years. It is un-excusable to pass on him.
Now let us talk about the Titans. Last season the Titans had a good team, but lacked production on the offensive side of the ball.
They need help desperately, particularly at the wide receiver position.
This year's crop of receivers is good, but not great.
And the Titans haven't had the best record at drafting receivers in the first round.
But there is one out there that the Titans should seriously consider.
DeSean Jackson from California is just what the Titans need.
He's a receiver but that's not all. Jackson is phenomenal at returning kicks.
And it looks like Pac Man will be gone soon so the Titans need to fill the void left on special teams.
Will he still be on the board though when the Titans select 24th overall?
That's why we watch, nobody really knows anything until it happens.
But the draft doesn't end with the first round.
There are seven total and the Titans are loaded with picks throughout.
Remember there are some stars in the NFL that haven't gone high in the draft. Tom Brady was taken in the sixth round.
Terrell Owens was a third rounder. There is value in every round.
So don't be surprised if the star from this year's draft doesn't come out of the first round.
The Miami Dolphins have the first overall pick after a pathetic 2008 season in which they only won one game.
And with the number one pick comes the pressure of making the right decision.
That pressure can lead to bad choices. Look at some past "bust" in the first round, for example, Ryan Leaf and Heath Shuler.
The year Leaf came out was the same year as Peyton Manning.
Both were rated high and the general thought was you couldn't miss on either of them. But that was proved wrong.
Leaf turned out to be possibly the biggest first round bust ever.
This year's draft is full of potential, notably, University of Arkansas standout Darren McFadden.
He was the best running back in college football for the last two years.
In my opinion, the Dolphins will not select him with the first pick and will be kicking themselves for the next 10 years.
McFadden will be a star in the NFL.
Instead the Dolphins will probably re-build their team starting with the offensive and defensive line, which isn't that bad of an idea.
But a player like McFadden only comes along every couple of years. It is un-excusable to pass on him.
Now let us talk about the Titans. Last season the Titans had a good team, but lacked production on the offensive side of the ball.
They need help desperately, particularly at the wide receiver position.
This year's crop of receivers is good, but not great.
And the Titans haven't had the best record at drafting receivers in the first round.
But there is one out there that the Titans should seriously consider.
DeSean Jackson from California is just what the Titans need.
He's a receiver but that's not all. Jackson is phenomenal at returning kicks.
And it looks like Pac Man will be gone soon so the Titans need to fill the void left on special teams.
Will he still be on the board though when the Titans select 24th overall?
That's why we watch, nobody really knows anything until it happens.
But the draft doesn't end with the first round.
There are seven total and the Titans are loaded with picks throughout.
Remember there are some stars in the NFL that haven't gone high in the draft. Tom Brady was taken in the sixth round.
Terrell Owens was a third rounder. There is value in every round.
So don't be surprised if the star from this year's draft doesn't come out of the first round.
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