Sometimes second round is better than first in NFL draft

[Double Barrel]

Sometimes second round is better than first in NFL draft

A year ago, the Houston Texans bypassed the electric Reggie Bush and ignored hometown hero Vince Young. They used the first overall pick in the N-F-L draft on defensive end Mario Williams.

After a six-and-ten season, they hear about it every day -- more often as this year's draft approaches.

But the Texans still can brag about last year's draft -- because they took linebacker DeMeco Ryans with the first pick of the second round. While Williams was bothered by injuries and made little impact, Ryans was the N-F-L's defensive rookie of the year.

It's too bad everyone focuses on the first round. Too bad, because almost as many stars emerge from the second round as the first -- from Brett Favre in 1991 and Michael Strahan (STAY'-han) two years later to Ryans and Devin Hester last season.

Why do second-rounders succeed when first-rounders often fail? To most football people, it's simple.

In the first round, teams often draft on potential. Sometimes, they're the players who ace the tests at the scouting combine by running faster and jumping higher in shorts. The problem is they don't do the same thing in pads when there's someone trying to crush them.

Intelligence is often the secret to second-rounders' successes. Former Houston general manager Charley Casserly -- who picked both Williams and Ryans before resigning shortly thereafter -- cites another quality. That's attitude.

Casserly says "first-rounders get big money and a lot of them hold out. Second-rounders are in camp right away and start working. A lot of them want to prove that they deserved to be in the first round -- or that they are better than the guys with the big names who got the big money."

Source

[gwallaia]

This is one reason I support the Texans trading out of the 1st round this season.

[leebigeztx]

Lower expectation probably. Mario was playing well until he got hurt and played hurt. The defense played better after the 1st 6 games. I guess i'm still missing the reggie bush deal. I mean if you want a receiver, draft one, but drafting a back that plays like a reciever that avg 3.5 a carry and longest run from srimmage is 12 yards thats another.

[gwallaia]

I think Mario is going to be a damn good player that will always be compared to Reggie and Vince.

But since this year, because the Texans have lost some picks beacuse of the Schaub deal. (they overpaid in my opinion) they should trade down and get more picks.

[leebigeztx]

i agree. i think if you look at the depth the texans have built this offseason i think its pretty good. I think they did the right thing and eveluated Carr themselves before dumping him. I do like the instant leadership Matt has shown early on. People smirked at Jordan Black,Barber,Davis and Fletcher signing, but i think they were low cost smart moves. If the pats, or eagles make these moves they're called great, but the texans make then and hardly no mention. I could break down the benefits of the moves they've made and people would probably think none really matter.

[Specnatz]

Originally Posted by leebigeztx

Lower expectation probably. Mario was playing well until he got hurt and played hurt. The defense played better after the 1st 6 games. I guess i'm still missing the reggie bush deal. I mean if you want a receiver, draft one, but drafting a back that plays like a reciever that avg 3.5 a carry and longest run from srimmage is 12 yards thats another.

Do not forget he got all that money to be a decoy and a return specialist.

[ATXtexanfan]

teams are built through the draft. most often from rounds three to five. usually these guys have something to prove and very little guaranted

[leebigeztx]

Yeah like a 1600yd guy like duece reallly needed help. Its a trip how when the game is close or the team reggie is on have the lead, he's on the bench with his helment and mouthpiece.

[RTP2110]

It's all about the money. Stop giving unproven rookies insane amounts of money. Let them stay hungry and have to earn the big bucks. Then you'll see more 1st rounder shine.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by RTP2110

It's all about the money. Stop giving unproven rookies insane amounts of money. Let them stay hungry and have to earn the big bucks. Then you'll see more 1st rounder shine.

This should be the next big move in the NFL--moving toward and NBA model of defined rookie salaries that limit or eliminate hold-outs and have even the best prospects paid less than the best proven players. There is no rational reason for Bush making more than LT.

[Double Barrel]

Originally Posted by ATXtexanfan

teams are built through the draft. most often from rounds three to five. usually these guys have something to prove and very little guaranted

Yep. The Colts had 22 of 24 starters (incl. kicker & punter) last year through the draft. That speaks volumes about the quality of front office analysis and decisions. Hopefully we're building something like that, but only time will tell.

Originally Posted by RTP2110

It's all about the money. Stop giving unproven rookies insane amounts of money. Let them stay hungry and have to earn the big bucks. Then you'll see more 1st rounder shine.

I've never cared for paying guys on potential. It seems counter-productive to give someone the reward before they have a chance to earn it.

[nedthehead]

After last year the Texans should trade out of the first round annually!

[Wolf]

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/con...422-E8-01.html

NEW YORK ? A year ago, the Houston Texans bypassed the electric Reggie Bush and ignored hometown hero Vince Young to use the first pick in the NFL draft on defensive end Mario Williams. After a 6-10 season, they hear about it every day ? more often as the draft approaches this week.

But the Texans still can brag about the 2006 draft ? because of linebacker DeMeco Ryans, taken with the first pick of the second round. While Williams was bothered by injuries and made little impact, Ryans was the NFL?s defensive rookie of the year. He was second in the league with 155 tackles, had 3 1 /2 sacks and developed into the leader of the defense, if not the team?s leader.

It?s too bad everyone focuses on the first round. Too bad, because almost as many stars emerge from the second round, from Brett Favre in 1991 and Michael Strahan two years later to Ryans and Devin Hester last season.

[SheTexan]

Maybe if Mario can keep from breaking his neck in his new set of wheels, he might have a better year, and get better press. How does he get his big butt in and out of that car anyway?!!!

[False Start]

Mario really needs to come out and have a pretty big year to silence the critics . (10 1/2 sacks would be nice) . The debate will rage on until he either makes or breaks himself in the next couple of years. I still have faith in the guy .

Sopranos in 5 minutes ..........

[the wonger need food]

Originally Posted by RTP2110

It's all about the money. Stop giving unproven rookies insane amounts of money. Let them stay hungry and have to earn the big bucks. Then you'll see more 1st rounder shine.

Take it a step further and pay the winning teams more money. That will keep everyone in the organization hungry. The current socialist system promotes mediocrity.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by the wonger need food

Take it a step further and pay the winning teams more money. That will keep everyone in the organization hungry. The current socialist system promotes mediocrity.

Yeah, there's a good idea. Let's give the already best team more money so they can stay best and no one else has a good chance. This has nothing to do with political systems and how you run a government. You want your country and government to be the best. You want sports to be competitive and non-predictable, i.e. each season isn't a repeat of last year.

[awtysst]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

This should be the next big move in the NFL--moving toward and NBA model of defined rookie salaries that limit or eliminate hold-outs and have even the best prospects paid less than the best proven players. There is no rational reason for Bush making more than LT.

How about a performance based pay system? You get a base salary and then get incventives if you play well(a la Demeco) and no incentives if you dont(TJ)?

Your thoughts, sir?

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by awtysst

How about a performance based pay system? You get a base salary and then get incventives if you play well(a la Demeco) and no incentives if you dont(TJ)?

Your thoughts, sir?

For rookies or everyone? Generally, I have no problem with folks negotiating whatever they can get. The NFL is awash in money. The only problem I have is rookies getting more money without playing a down at the same position as the best in the league. Somehow the rookie system has gone whack. There is no excuse for a rookie coming in and earning 50% more than the league MVP at the same position. A defined rookie system would also eliminate hold outs.

[gwallaia]

A system that limits what rookies make I assume would be an issue the player's union would be involved in. Doubt they would make any concessions in that matter. The owners ofcourse would support it.

I could see this leading to a player's strike. My season tickets are spent to see pro's, not scabs.

But I like the idea of limiting the money rookies with no expeirence make; that's make as in not earned.