A Look Back at the 2006 NFL Draft, Part 4: The Disappointments

As the series ” A Lookback At The 2006 NFL Draft” comes to it’s conclusion, we end it with the finale everybody wants: the disappointments. Which top ten picks have not lived up to their potential thus far in their careers?? Who has fallen off the map in the grand scheme of the NFL? Are any of these players considered busts?

Baltimore Ravens 2009 Off Season: Most Underrated In The NFL?

With training camp just a few weeks away for all 32 teams in the NFL, the offseason is nearing its end as July draws to a conclusion.

While teams such as the New York Jets, Chicago Bears (Jay Cutler trade), and others can make the case for the best offseason; which franchise had the most underrated NFL offseason?

While there are a few teams up for this award, the Baltimore Ravens, via draft and free agency, had a quiet, yet busy offseason to gear up for another postseason run.

The offseason did not begin well for the Ravens. In the first week, they lost defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, line backer Bart Scott, and Jim Leonhard, who played great in the postseason when needed.

While many believed Baltimore would take a step back heading into 2009, Ozzie Newsome worked his magic with a few key signings and draftees over the past several months.

While there are many acquisitions to consider in the Ravens offseason: the top moves that came into play are as follows:

1. Drafting Michael Oher Late in the 1st Round – In the 2009 NFL Draft, the 1st round was deep with offensive lineman, with a projected five or six draftees going in the first 32 picks according to many scouts.

Ole Miss lineman Michael Oher was predicted as the 4th best in this year’s class, and was thought of being selected within the first 15 picks.

However, Oher fell a few picks to the 23rd overall spot, where the Ravens felt they couldn’t pass him up.

Oher was recognized as one of the bigger surprises in the draft, especially the price Baltimore was able to sign him at.

Oher joins a young line that took some growing pains in ’08, and he has a great chance of finding the starting job this year.

 

2. Signing Of Pro-Bowl Center Matt Birk – When the Ravens let Jason Brown sign with the St. Louis Rams, a hole was created at center.

Sure, there were a few upgrades in the available in the draft, but a veteran presence was needed to lead the young core heading into this season. When they saw Matt Birk currently unsigned, they did not hesitate.

In March 2009, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with the six-time Pro-Bowl center on a three-year, $12 million dollar deal.

A great bargain was found with Birk, who looks to head back to Hawaii after missing out in 2008.

 

3. Signing Cornerback Domonique Foxworth – The biggest weakness on the Ravens defense was on the passing end. Getting up in age, Baltimore needed to go young and more athletic on the corners.

Luckily, they signed Domonique Foxworth to a four-year, $28 million dollar contract.

Foxworth is a solid pass coverage cornerback, who should help improve the passing defense in 2009.

 

4. Bringing L.J. Smith From Philly to Baltimore – Another need of the Baltimore Ravens was addressed: finding another offensive target that Flacco can pass to.

That man is tight end L.J. Smith.

Smith had solid campaigns with the Eagles a few years back; and signing him to a one-year, $1.5 million dollar deal is worth the sign. With questions of Todd Heap and his health, Smith could be a main target at the tight end spot.

 

5. Locking Up Terrell Suggs – One of the important goals of the offseason was to reach terms with Terrell Suggs. Luckily on the day of the deadline, they did so, and made Suggs the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history.

A six-year, $63 million dollar contract assures the security of keeping the young Suggs in Baltimore as the building block of the future defense.

As the Baltimore Ravens head into the 2009 season, many faces will be missed. However, the team continues to bring in new faces, many of whom should contribute to another successful season in Baltimore.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com. Miselis was recently hired by nfldraftbible.com as a columnist, along with joining FanHuddle.com as a Ravens weekly writer.

Tarvaris Jackson Wants Out of Minnesota: Why No Trade Shall Happen in ’09

The Minnesota Vikings have faced an offseason that seems as if it won’t come to an end anytime soon.

For the past several months, the Vikings’ pursuit of Brett Favre has been an ongoing media circus in Minnesota. Heading into the early parts of summer, many believed the Vikings were not going to wait on Favre to make a decision, and thought Brad Childress would make a deadline.

Since Childress did go public via radio and say that he did not make any deadline for Favre, the organization continues to wait on Favre’s decision.

According to No. 4 himself, his decision should be coming in a matter of two weeks, right around when Minnesota opens up for training camp.

For the most part, everybody has been patient with the decision. While surely some players are annoyed, they know the addition of Favre makes them the possible favorite for the NFC this season.

Yet, there was one person who could not wait: Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

The news broke late Friday evening that Jackson reportedly requested a trade from the Minnesota Vikings. Though Jackson didn’t give a specific answer to why he wants out of Minnesota, what can be predicted  as his distrust with the front office, and feels he is no longer wanted with the purple, yellow, and black.

For Jackson’s sake, seems a little to late on his part to come out and request a trade.

From his perspective, he is thinking of finding a place where he can battle out in training camp for a starting job.

However, most teams have their spot locked up, along with on-going quarterback battles that seem to not have room for Jackson.

A possible backup role? Possibly a few teams that could show a bit of interest in him.

What would be the point of wanting out of Minnesota though? Even with the expected joining of Favre in Minnesota, if the deal does fall through, Jackson would have his chance of winning the starting job over Sage Rosenfels.

From the Minnesota Vikings standpoint, is it worth trading Jackson at this point in time?

With the uncertainty of Favre, trading Jackson would be a risk down the road, especially if the coaching staff still feels Tarvaris has some potential. Besides, the Vikings wouldn’t trade Jackson for scrap.

A team likely wouldn’t be willing to give the Vikings what the asking price is for a quarterback who at best would be a backup with every other franchise.

Unfortunately for Tarvaris, he won’t be getting the trade he is asking for, and in the long run, could be the most beneficial move the Vikings make.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

A Ravens Fan Perspective: Making A Case For The Best Rivalry In Football

Every NFL season we the fans always deal with the highs and lows of our teams.

Whether losing a valuable player of our defense for the rest of the season, experience a losing streak, or are leaps and bounds with our new coaches, no matter what your record is, there is one time during the season that you can look forward to: The Rivalry Games.

From the eyes of an NFL fan, a rivalry can be broken down in so many ways.

It can be a rivalry that has been built within a division of two teams that are always fighting for a right to earn playoff births.

Yet, that is not the only prize in the rivalry games. It shall, and will always be bragging rights until these teams meet again.

We are lucky to see teams face each other twice in one season, which always brings the anticipated rivalry to it’s highest peak.

We have the NFC East, one of the divisions that holds these rivalries, involving the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants, along with the Philadelphia Eagles. You also see other division rivalries in the NFC North, between the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Not only do they gain the recognition and respect, but you also have to consider the high television ratings whenever these teams match up on the field.

The other type of rivalry we do have is not involved within a division, but has been made for the amount of times they have met in important games.

The perfect example is the New England Patriots vs the Indianapolis Colts.

Both squads have met countless times in the regular season, however, are known for the classic games in the playoffs.

A rivalry that hasn’t been around the longest time, it features the two best quarterbacks in the sport, and the discussion of who is the better quarterback.

Usually the only exception to a non-divisional rivalry, it’s one you can not miss.

There is one rivalry, however, that from many beliefs, tops them all.

The show of defense, where defense is made, the motto of ” defense win championships” was believed to be born.

When the Baltimore Ravens meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in the epic battle, the highlight of that Sunday is talked about every single day the week before.

There is no doubt that Raven and Steeler Nation have made their plans the day the schedule is released.

I could tell you right now, if a woman asked one of these fans out to a party a week before, the door would be shut right in her face.

The rivalry begins with the fans each morning, and ends with the fans ( sometimes in the parking lot.)

Most importantly though, the whole NFL world comes out twice a year to watch this game.

Sure, you have some of the rivalries that are just watched by the teams fans.

However, a small amount of these are watched by everyone.

The world is watching the hitting of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed from the Ravens, along with James Harrison and Troy Polamalu of the Steelers.

Both teams have been consistent in being the top two defenses for quite some time, so you can expect to see a low scoring match up with hard hitting.

The rivalry has played a huge part in playoff participation, especially seeding since the rivalry began.

Other then this past post season, it has not been often to see the Ravens vs the Steelers meeting in the playoffs.

Both of these teams have been clear representatives of the AFC North, with one of the teams involved in post season each year.

Each organization has experienced a down season throughout the rivalry, yet there is no change of scenery when these teams play.

One may have an advantage over another each season, yet the game has never changed because of the difference of records.

And most importantly, each team has respect for each other.

It is expected that the players respect one another like most rivalries.

However, the fans deep down respect the team as well.

It will never be shown in public how much respect everyone involved has for each other.

This is why the rivalry is one of the best in sports.

On the field, you see the hits, the bloody noses. At home, in the bars, one fan arguing with another.

But when the time comes, the true respect and presence each team has makes the rivalry better then any other.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

A Lookback At The 2006 NFL Draft , Pt. 3: The Surprises of the Later Rounds

Every NFL draft that has occurred, one sleeper is always found. Whether a player from a division II college that isn’t known, in the later rounds top stars are always born ( look at Tom Brady in the 6th round). As we take a lookback at the 2006 NFL Draft for the 3rd time, the top surprises are revealed. Who is the biggest surprise? The biggest steal in the draft?

Marvin Harrison: Five Teams That Could Use His Services

As training camp is less then a month away, we do not see many free agents that could be finding a job this season. However, the league still has a big name out on the market, wide receiver Marvin Harrison. There has been reports of teams targeting the veteran receiver. I have come up with five teams that could use Harrison in their offense.

Steve To The Heavens: Remembering The Great “Air” McNair

On the day of July 4, a time where friends and family should gather for happy times and give thanks for our country, something is poised to always go wrong.

Today, we experienced sadness with the loss of NFL great, Steve “Air” McNair.

McNair was born Feb. 14, 1973, in Mount Olive, Miss.

His football career took off while in college, playing for Alcorn State, a Division 1-AA team in the college ranks. He had a successful campaign during his time there, winning the Walter Payton Award for nations top player, while just coming short of a Heisman Trophy.

In 1995, he was selected third overall by the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans), a great selection, but surprised by some for being selected high while not playing in the so-called greatest competition.

Two years later McNair became the starter, doing so in great fashion. Steve passed for 2,655 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, the fewest amount for a single season in franchise history.

The next season, his dominance improved, throwing for 3,228 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions.

After the team changed the name to the Tennessee Titans and a new stadium opened, McNair had big plans.

Steve experienced one of the more memorable playoff runs in NFL history, that dealt with the highs and lows.

We all must remember the “Music City Miracle,” where the Titans used the Home Run Throwback, led by Lorenzo Neal and Kevin Dyson, who had the game winning 75 yard touchdown run to advance the Titans further into the playoffs.

Then, the heartbreaking times were experienced.

The Titans played the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia.

With Tennessee down, and on the final play of the game, “Air” McNair shot a pass to Kevin Dyson, who was reaching for the end zone was stopped right at the goal line, and the season ended.

My father, who was at the game, said ” It was the most heartbreaking moment I have ever seen in professional sports.”

Following that season, the Titans went 13-3, poised for another run. However, they lost to the eventual champions in the Baltimore Ravens.

Statistically, Steve McNair had his best season, having career highs in passing yards and touchdowns.

The Titans experienced a few more playoff appearances, however, resulting in early exits.

Unfortunately, there is always a point in time where you must move on, and McNair and the Titans had to face that.

He was dealt to the Baltimore Ravens on May 1, 2006. During his short tenure, he led the Ravens to a division title. However, he came up short again, and lost to the eventual champion Indianapolis Colts.

The following season was one that saw the ending of his career. Missing most of the season due to injury, McNair announced his retirement in the April of 2008.

“Air” McNair’s career stats are 31,304 passing yards, 174 touchdowns, 119 interceptions.

To me, he is a Hall Of Famer, no doubt.

To others, he could miss out for just missing the ring that was needed.

Steve was probably the greatest football player to come out of a Division 1-AA college.

The man has inspired people to continue on with their dreams; that playing in a lower level college does not mean anything.

He was best known for his toughness on the field, such as playing through injury, and taking the leaps and bounds.

The great memories he had brought upon the game of football will always be remembered.

His presence on the football field could never be forgotten and shows the light to future generations.

A last time to talk about the great Steve McNair, we know he will be in a better place, and will rest peacefully with happiness and respect as a professional football star.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

A Lookback at the 2006 NFL Draft, Pt. 2: The Surprises of the 1st Round

The short series continues involving the lookback of the 2006 NFL Draft. Part One was the handful of players who lived up to the expectations. Part number two, however, deals with some of the players later in the 1st round who have boosted onto the scene as Pro-Bowlers, and has showcased their talent very quickly in the National Football League.

A Look Back at the 2006 NFL Draft, Pt. 1: Living Up to Expectations

As I was thinking of a short series to discuss, I began to think of one that pertained to past NFL Drafts. Well, the 2006 NFL Draft sure came to mind. We had a lot of surprises within the top ten move up and down, shocking developments within the top ten picks. Well, now it begins. The 3 part series will begin looking at the handful of players within the first 15 picks that have lived up to the expectations the team brought upon them.

Drew Brees: Why the Underrated Quarterback Will Solidify Elite Status in ’09

Drew Brees entered the National Football League in 2001.

He was drafted in the second round by the San Diego Chargers, who did need help at the quarterback position.

In his rookie season, he did not get a shot of running the offense, appearing in only one game that season.

However, his work ethic landed him the starting gig in 2002 and he would never look back.

He threw for 3,284 yards, 17 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, a year which you could compare to the Ravens Joe Flacco that he had when taking his first snaps as quarterback.

The 2003 season worsened, as he threw for only 2,108 yards, 11 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and he had a passer rating of 67.5.

The organization began to think a new quarterback was needed and they went on to draft Philip Rivers.

The pressure was on Brees, and he performed up to task in his next two seasons.

In 2004, he won Comeback Player of the Year honors, passing for 3,159 yards, 27 touchdowns on only seven interceptions, which led to a 104.8 passer rating.

The 2005 season led to his career year in passing yards with 3,576, along with 24 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in that season.

However, a season-ending injury in 2005 ended his stint with the Chargers, who made Rivers their quarterback.

Brees went big financially in the off season, finding his new home named the New Orleans Saints, and signed for a six year, $60 million contract.

His first season in New Orleans exceeded expectations, as he led the league with 4,418 yards, was third in the league with 26 touchdown passes, while only throwing 11 interceptions.

Brees was the runner up in the MVP voting, which helped the Saints surge to the playoffs.

In his first playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he didn’t put up the high stats as in previous games, yet they advanced to the NFC Championship Game against the Chicago Bears, where they did come up short.

He had similar stats in the 2007 season, with 4,423 yards, 28 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

Yet, he established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league after his 2008 performance.

He passed for a league high 5,069 yards, just 15 yards short of the single-season passing record held by Dan Marino. This season also included 34 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

The Saints failed to make the playoffs in 2008, one that was led with woes on the defensive side on the ball, which was one of the more in-consistent groups in the league.

There were also questions on the offense. Reggie Bush was set-back again with an injury, while the receiver group didn’t play up to the potential in seasons past.

Even with those issues, Brees still found the way to be the top quarterback in the NFL last season, and joins the elite class of quarterbacks.

Wait a minute there.

Actually, there are people who still don’t consider Brees a top five quarterback, and I still find it hard to find why.

His career stats post as 26,258 yards, 168 touchdowns, 99 interceptions, with a 89.4 passer rating.

Yes, the interceptions have gotten in his way, nor has he thrown over 40 touchdowns once in his career.

However, only once in his career in a 16 game season has he thrown for under 3,000 yards passing.

He has one playoff win to his credit, led his team to the NFC title game, and came up short of a Super Bowl run.

You also need to consider that Brees never had a top target to throw to like the other quarterbacks.

Marques Colston is the most talented receiver that comes to mind, but just being a one to crack a top 25 list, he can not always be counted on as a big threat.

He has put up enough quality numbers to be listed as a top five quarterback, and deserves to be in the discussion of the elite class.

Drew Brees will statistically be one of the top quarterbacks in the league again, nearing 4000 yards, 30 touchdowns, and around 15 interceptions.

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Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com.

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