In the age of $4 per gallon gasoline prices, Miami Dolphins Bill Parcells invests $30 million in a huge SUV of a player in Michigan Offensive Tackle Jake Long. I'm not doubting the man's ability to build a football team but I think everyone who knows football understands that dynasties are created at the quarterback position. The quarterback then has to be surrounded by playmakers.
One thing is for sure in the NFL and that playmakers rule, both offensively and defensively. The Big 10 is not the NFL. The speed and athleticism significantly increases. I just hope Long can adjust to the speed at the next level. It is the speed and explosiveness of NFL competition that college players have the most difficulty adjusting to. The successful transition from college to pro separates the booms from the busts.
I saw a couple highlights of Jake Long performing pancake blocks and also a couple highlights of him getting beat. Long will have to step into the office of Indianapolis Colts speed rusher Dwight Freeney, currently recovering from injury. We'll see.
On film, Virginia's Branden Albert looks to be the best offensive lineman in the draft.
Here is a list of some players from this years draft class who will be game changers at the next level.
Chris Long - Long has NFL athleticism, maturity, and desire, a pro bowler in two years.
Darren McFadden - Best talent in the draft. You can't teach 4.33 40. Only injuries will slow him down, not opposing defenses. Rookie of the year.
Glenn Dorsey - Significantly upgrades Kansas City and should have a Warren Sapp like career.
Vernon Gholston - They say he takes plays off but this guy is a beast. Good pick for the Jets.
Jonathan Stewart - I see Jonathan Stewart becoming a top level running back immediately.
Brandon Flowers - the best cornerback in the draft from a great program and a solid pick for the Chiefs.
Leodis McKelvin - should be extremely productive for the Bills.
Aqib Talib - one of the top cornerbacks in the draft. The Bucs got a gem.
Dominque Rodgers Cromartie - probably the most athletic corner in the draft.
Antonie Cason - another playmaker in the secondary and on special teams.
DeSean Jackson - a little on the small side but will be a killer on punt and kickoff returns, a Devin Hester type talent. Watch and see.
Derrick Harvey - A good pick by the Jags. A future pro bowler.
Joe Flacco - It's something about this guy. It make take a little time but I see a bright future in Baltimore.
Early Doucet - This guy is a player from LSU and will thrive for the Cardinals.
Jerod Mayo - New England jumped on this athletic linebacker from Tennessee.
Philip Merling - dropped in the eyes of scouts because of surgery but will become a future star.
Malcom Kelly - The Skins got a winner with Kelly despite what he did on his pro day.
In the draft, like life, they're no sure things. No one can predict a player's work ethic, health, coaching system, timing, emotional maturity, or off the field drama, things that affect a player's productivity.
I always thought the best part of the draft was watching the players faces as their names are called and realizing a dream come true.
Keep logging onto DCMetrosports.com as we follow the Redskins players into the camp season.
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