NFL Draft: Could it be the Best/Most Awkward Draft Ever?

By James Sheldon on April 28th, 2011

It has been a seesaw of activity in the multi-billion dollar football business–and without the playing or practicing of any football. The lockout. The lockout lifted. The appeal. The commissioner who no longer possesses the allegiance of any player. And the draft.

The NFL draft is better than your birthday if you’re a hardcore football fan. Who will your team pick, what picks will your team trade for, and what will happen in Rounds 3-6. Everything can be found on ESPN. All the answers you desire. Round 1 begins this evening at 8:00 EDT/5:00 PDT. Sure, the first round is exciting, but it’s the difference makers who come in the later rounds who always tend to force the chatter when the playoffs roll around. Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and 4-6 on Saturday.

Many mock drafts have Cam Newton going #1 to the Carolina Panthers. I’ll leave my pundit hat out of this one, but I don’t see it happening. If you want instant impact, there are several guys coming out of the SEC on the defensive side of the ball who are stamped with legitimacy and will start as rookies, and potentially compete for the NFL ROY Award.

I have been a fan of Patrick Peterson since he started as a Freshman at LSU. Whoever picks the supremely talented and technical CB will not be disappointed. DT Nick Fairley from Auburn and DE Marcell Dareus from Alabama are also Top 5 quality, and will offer an impact for teams next year. Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller is another play maker that will go early. If Newton does go first, Georgia WR A.J. Green is predictably the next offensive specialist off the board.

My steal of the draft:

Keep your eyes open for Kentucky’s Randall Cobb in the 2nd round. He will be drafted as a WR, yet can serve as a utility tool–slot, run and even pass. The kid has always flown under the radar, and if you need any proof of his competitive nature and ability–he gave Auburn their most legitimate scare of the 2010 season. He hates to lose more than he loves to win, plays with unparalleled confidence and is one of those guys who just find a way to get done what needs to get done. Yeah, I should have been a sports agent.