Quick Look at 2013 NFL Draft 1st Round

Ok, so not the most exciting 1^st round.  But as many experts predicted, it wasn’t expected to be a “sexy” draft.  But as I enjoy a 2-1 pitchers duel in baseball I also enjoy a draft dominated by players who spend their playing time in the trenches.

SEC Dominance

SEC players made up 12 of the 32 first round picks (37.5%).  That number really shouldn’t shock us, as the SEC is the most dominant NCAA conference and most NFL translatable. 

Best Player Available

           

I strongly believed in the theory going into the draft and I think the first round showed us that many teams adapted the approach.  Besides the Manuel and Travis Frederick picks I think most teams played it by the board last night. 

QB Solo

I was 6 for 22 on my first round predictions (18.75%), not good.  But I was dead on with my QB assumption.  I stated yesterday NO QB was worthy of a top 15-pick and that played out well as the Bills selected the first QB at #16 in E.J. Manuel.  I do have to admit however I am shocked that ZERO teams traded into the back end of round 1 to grab their preferred QB (Cleveland, NYJ).

Favorite Pick 

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – Houston knew exactly what they needed (WR opposite Andre Johnson) and they got it.  Hopkins is the perfect “Z” fit wide out and is going to make Houston a much more dynamic offense.  I also think Hopkins becomes the clear-cut favorite fantasy football option from the pool of first rounder’s. 

The “Ewww”

You know that pick when after it’s made you look around the room in disgust like you just threw up in your mouth?  For me, my face turned sour when the Jags selected Luke Joeckel.  This is no knock on Joeckel as a player but rather the Jags assumption that they will not be able to retain Eugene Monroe.  Monroe graded out as a top 10 LT last year according to Pro Football Focus and is by far the most promising young player on the Jaguars entire roster.  He is however a FA after this year and I GUESS Jax is throwing in the white towel in terms of negotiating a contract with him or else they wouldn’t of drafted Joeckel as his replacement.  In my eyes the team with the most needs didn’t fill one with the 2^nd overall pick. 

2^nd round gets under way around 3:30 PM today.  Tons of talent remaining.