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Roughly a month ago, several NFL writers and pundits were proclaiming this one of the worst years for holding a high draft pick because there were no superstars in the draft.
However, as the workouts come in, teams and draft followers are beginning to realize that these players have a great deal of talent. The last two days of QB workouts have really helped the top of the draft. Separating the two still appears difficult. Everyone jumped on the Smith bandwagon when they read Gil Brandt's glowing description. But, Rodgers proved to be exceptional as well.
Consider this quote about Rodgers: "He did extremely well," 49ers' head coach Mike Nolan told the Mercury News. "He's very accurate and has a very strong arm. Just by what I have seen on film and watching him out here today, Aaron is about as polished a quarterback as I've seen." Saban also had good things to say about both QB's. This point is not to argue the Dolphins should take a QB, but to note that there is value at that position.
It may be that this is posturing by both coaches in an attempt to trade down and obtain more picks. However, the reports that so many were impressed with these guys, even those who don't have a dog in the fight, would indicate otherwise.
The bottom-line is, the top two picks have clear value as they stand. This is regardless of team needs. Whether it be one of the two QB's, one of the three RB's, or perhaps Braylon Edwards (depending, in part on his workout), these choices should bring value to the selecting team. Mike Williams may enter the mix as well, though he is more of a longshot to jump into the top two.
Let's just leave aside Derrick Johnson, shall we. Regardless of what his fans say, he is not and will not be a top two selection. It would be a major reach at that point. Those who continue to proclaim that are ignorant or in denial.
For Saban, this is good and bad news. The bad news is, he will have a tough time determining who to select at this spot. There will likely be a good deal of debate within the organization and he will need to balance need with value. That's also the good news, in that there is going to be someone worthwhile to choose at the #2 spot.
As for trading down, it's also good news / bad news. The good news is that Saban should get more value for a trade down than most suspected. Especially if someone gets hot for one of the QB's. If he doesn't get good offers, then he can go with a top player. The bad news part is that if he trades down, he may miss out on a top QB or other player of great value.
Whatever the outcome, Saban is sitting better than most believed several weeks ago - when many thought he'd be stuck at #2 and no players that would excite someone at that position. As things unfold, this is not the case.
Good news for coach Saban and the Dolphin fans.
However, as the workouts come in, teams and draft followers are beginning to realize that these players have a great deal of talent. The last two days of QB workouts have really helped the top of the draft. Separating the two still appears difficult. Everyone jumped on the Smith bandwagon when they read Gil Brandt's glowing description. But, Rodgers proved to be exceptional as well.
Consider this quote about Rodgers: "He did extremely well," 49ers' head coach Mike Nolan told the Mercury News. "He's very accurate and has a very strong arm. Just by what I have seen on film and watching him out here today, Aaron is about as polished a quarterback as I've seen." Saban also had good things to say about both QB's. This point is not to argue the Dolphins should take a QB, but to note that there is value at that position.
It may be that this is posturing by both coaches in an attempt to trade down and obtain more picks. However, the reports that so many were impressed with these guys, even those who don't have a dog in the fight, would indicate otherwise.
The bottom-line is, the top two picks have clear value as they stand. This is regardless of team needs. Whether it be one of the two QB's, one of the three RB's, or perhaps Braylon Edwards (depending, in part on his workout), these choices should bring value to the selecting team. Mike Williams may enter the mix as well, though he is more of a longshot to jump into the top two.
Let's just leave aside Derrick Johnson, shall we. Regardless of what his fans say, he is not and will not be a top two selection. It would be a major reach at that point. Those who continue to proclaim that are ignorant or in denial.
For Saban, this is good and bad news. The bad news is, he will have a tough time determining who to select at this spot. There will likely be a good deal of debate within the organization and he will need to balance need with value. That's also the good news, in that there is going to be someone worthwhile to choose at the #2 spot.
As for trading down, it's also good news / bad news. The good news is that Saban should get more value for a trade down than most suspected. Especially if someone gets hot for one of the QB's. If he doesn't get good offers, then he can go with a top player. The bad news part is that if he trades down, he may miss out on a top QB or other player of great value.
Whatever the outcome, Saban is sitting better than most believed several weeks ago - when many thought he'd be stuck at #2 and no players that would excite someone at that position. As things unfold, this is not the case.
Good news for coach Saban and the Dolphin fans.
