Post-Draft Analysis

1 comment so far April 30, 2007 by Darren K. Carlson

For the first time in a long time, I didn't watch pick-by-pick coverage of the NFL draft, because I needed to take advantage of the great weather to get a landscaping project finished. My awesome wife gave me intermittent updates during the first couple of rounds. Isn't she great? Anyway, I'm not surprised by the Huskers that were drafted or the order in which they were drafted. Although, there are some interesting story lines behind each of the four Huskers taken - Adam Carriker, Brandon Jackson, Stew Bradley, and Jay Moore - and I continue to hold out hope for Zac Taylor to have some sort of NFL future.

Carriker Leads the Way
As most predicted, Adam Carriker was the first Husker taken in the Draft, going to St. Louis with the 13th pick in the first round. It is nice to see a Husker go in round 1. And, I believe Carriker landed in a good spot in St. Louis. Former Husker and NFLer Grant Wistrom had himself a nice career starting with the Rams playing the same position. Carriker lists Wistrom among his idols growing up. That is pretty cool.

This is one of the few times I've correctly predicted where a player would go. Working on the aforementioned landscaping, my Dad asked "Where do you think the first Husker will go?" And I said he wouldn't get past St. Louis at 13. Though, San Francisco may give him a long look at 12. As we'll see later, they waited to take a Husker D-end.

BJax Confirms His Suspicions
Brandon Jackson went to Green Bay in the second round (62nd pick overall), and I just feel great for him. By going in the first two rounds, it guarantees he'll get paid in a way that few can really imagine. It confirms that it was the right time to come out of college. Really, would anyone expect him to get more carries this season for NU? I doubt it, because it is not like Lucky and Glenn are getting worse. And, Jackson was the 5th running back taken overall. Could he have really gone much higher?

The week before the draft, my co-worker (a rabid Packers fan) and I were discussing their need for a solid running back. He was in love with Lynch from Cal. I feel like I made a viable argument for taking Jackson, based primarily on his familiarity with a pro-style offense (blocking, receiving, etc) and the fact that he still has a lot of "tread on his tires". Not getting a boat load of reps in college may actually help him, as running backs wear down quickly in the NFL.

Stew Gets Paid
Okay, raise your hand if you thought former walk-on Stew Bradley was a first-day NFL draft pick a few years ago. Okay, now put them down. Liars. Nobody knew this guy would rise up draft boards like this. Philadelphia took Bradley in the third round. Bradley had a productive but not spectacular career at NU. As a great physical athlete, the Eagles have to like his potential upside. As a first day pick, he'll be given every opportunity to earn a spot and keep cashing NFL checks. Not bad for a former rugby player who walked on to NU.

For context on how much NFL differs from college, consider this. The Big 12 defensive player -- Rufus Alexander -- who plays the same position that Bradley does, was taken in the 6th round by Minnesota. Go figure. Nothing against Stew, but if I were picking sides in the sand lot, I'd probably take Rufus first. Ah...the NFL. We don't have a clue.

Moore Slips a Bit
While he didn't have as noteworthy a fall as former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, former NU defensive end Jay Moore did slip a bit in the draft. Instead of going in the first day, as some thought he might, he went in the 4th round to San Francisco. The 49ers addressed their need for more pass rush by taking Moore. The good news for Moore is that he is entering a team on the rise. The Niners are an en vogue pick to make some noise in 2008 and 2009. The down side is that Moore must learn to play stand-up outside linebacker in the Niners 3-4 defensive front. Hopefully, he'll prove to have the athletic ability to do so. Sliding in the draft likely provides the extra motivation needed.

Taylor Leads Husker Free Agents
Four other Huskers were selected by NFL teams as free agents. Defensive tackles Ola Dagunduro and Barry Cryer went to Dallas and San Diego, respectively. And Matt Herian and Zac Taylor both inked deals with the Tampa Bay Bucs. While I'm hopeful for all four prospects, I'll be rooting hardest for Taylor to make it in the NFL.

For Taylor (and Herian too, I suppose) NU's "West Coast" offense made a difference in their landing with the John Gruden-led Bucs. The Tampa offense is remarkably similar to NUs, and Gruden has been exposed to Taylor at camps and clinics. Both sides are getting a fairly "known" product. Right out of the gate, Taylor should have the chance to show the intelligence and game management that made him the Big 12 offensive player of the year. All the same, it will be very tough for Taylor in Tampa, as the Bucs have four quarterbacks already on the roster.

I must also admit that I am enamored with the notion of an NU quarterback in the NFL, because it can only help Nebraska's recruiting. ("See young man, we're a gateway to your NFL dreams.") So, barring Taylor making a Tom Brady like surge as a late selection, I may have to wait for Sam Keller and his big arm to be a part of the 2008 NFL Draft.

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