Vox Popoli: NFL Draft 2012

I'm quite happy with the Kalil (OT) pick, as well as the trade that helped them pick up some extra picks late in the draft. Both Smith (S) and Robinson (CB) appear to be sensible picks at positions of dire need, since the Vikes have a pair of decent cornerbacks that weren't able to stay on the field last year. Safety has been a problem for years, so here's hoping Smith works out. I do NOT understand the Jarius Wright pick, as he's another short receiver in the Percy Harvin slot receiver mode. Since they've already got Harvin, I don't see how Wright makes sense. And a FB in the fourth round? Seriously? It makes more sense for the Vikes and their running-heavy offense than for most teams that don't even use FB much, but still, it seems hard to believe there weren't any more pressing holes to fill. The second receiver picked, Childs, makes more sense given his 6'3" height.

All in all, it looks like a pretty good draft, with the potential to be an excellent one if it gives Minnesota even an average secondary to pair with a very good defensive line and if the new lineman and receivers help Ponder develop from "rookie with real promise" to "borderline elite NFL quarterback". His first-year performance was particularly impressive in light of how he spent good parts of it on the run.

Labels: sports

7 Comments:

Stilicho April 29, 2012 7:46 AM: One of the most interesting facets of this draft was the way in which the rookie cap made teams much more willing to trade and to take chances. It certainly made it more interesting from a fan's perspective. Of course, the Brown's expensive trade to get a RB at number 3 was perhaps the dumbest move since Ditka traded his entire draft for Ricky Williams. Minnesota really pulled a fast one on Cleveland.
tdm April 29, 2012 9:12 AM: "Childs, makes more sense given his 6'3" height."

I remember Arkansas playing Alabama a few years back(I think it was 2009, Alabama's defensive backs could not stop Childs. If he had not gotten injured around half-time Alabama would have lost and poof, no National Championship for Alabama. I believe Childs will be a great Pro receiver.
Mr. Nightstick April 29, 2012 12:30 PM: OT: Happy Birthday to you know who.
Daniel April 29, 2012 9:17 PM: Wright is an attempt to seamlessly paper over anticipated injury, I think. I'm not opposed to that method, if true.
bw April 30, 2012 1:45 AM: His first-year performance was particularly impressive in light of how he spent good parts of it on the run.

JimboFisher knows how to coach them up in pro-style offense that most other teams don't run. Ponder is way smart, but needs to figure the TO thing out, some of it being what you allude to of course. Also, watch out for those injuries. He loves them - or they seem to love him.
The recently new signee Flynn in Seattle was a product of Fisher's as well. (Aaron Rodgers wanted to go to FSU out of HSchool - stupid Bowdens didn't want him - they took another QB out of Cali instead..who played WR his Sr year in HSchool..beginning of the end...but I progress...)

I am a little bit impressed by Minn politicos telling the BigBusiness man to "build your own damn stadium". Of course they'll cave - or the team will move to L.A.
The Welfare for the Biggest of BigBusiness as a system of morality continues.
artie April 30, 2012 2:41 AM: I liked the first 2 rounds. Exactly the players I wanted. After that, not so much.

I would have liked for them to move up to grab Randle late in the 3rd. It would have been the perfect wide-out for us. Again, the Giants prove to be smart by taking him.

Not sold at all on Robinson, who shot up the draft boards because of his combine. He won't stop WR from getting the ball...he'll probably limit their YAC. Outside of being fast, I don't see an upside on him.

I like the Greg Childs pick. If this dude can stay healthy, he'll be great. Very good hands, can burn, nice off of the line, and a good blocker to boot. Could be the steal of the draft if fully healthy. Will be our #1 receiver in his second season if all goes well.

Not perfect draft, but could have been much worse. I see 2 immediate starters, one potential steal, and alot of guys who won't be in the NFL in a couple of years.
WaterBoy April 30, 2012 12:16 PM: Stilicho: Of course, the Brown's expensive trade to get a RB at number 3 was perhaps the dumbest move since Ditka traded his entire draft for Ricky Williams. Minnesota really pulled a fast one on Cleveland.

The more I look at this, the more I agree. Minnesota looked like nothing more than a shady used car dealer, telling the young kid wanting that old Camaro that he's already got two other offers pending on it, and he better snatch it up quick. Where was Cleveland's father during this deal?

I like the Lions picks overall, I just think they went a little overboard with the defense. They definitely needed help in the back, but three linebackers and two corners, when they could also use a RB? I fear that Best may not return to the NFL, and Leshoure is still unproven. Of course, the fact that they didn't draft one could indicate that they aren't worried about Best and Leshoure at all.