Colts get ‘lucky,’ score top talent in 2012 NFL Draft

National Football League fans witnessed plenty of drama during this year’s NFL draft. Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III were picked first and second, going to the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins. Fans witnessed the quickest first round in NFL history, roughly three hours. The Dallas Cowboys shocked everyone, trading up into the top 10 to get their guy, Louisiana State University cornerback and wonderlic test failure — Morris Claiborne.

While many fans became witnesses, some became victims of horrible picks made by general managers and head coaches.

The Seattle Seahawks should be ashamed of their draft picks. In the first round, the Seahawks reached on West Virginia University outside linebacker Bruce Irvin. Yes, he is lightning quick when it comes to pass rushing, but that is it. He brings no other skills to the table. Another pick that puzzled many was the third round pick of University of Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson. As talented as Wilson is, it brings into question why the Seahawks would sign free agent quarterback Matt Flynn. Also, there were better quarterbacks still on the board, such as Kirk Cousins, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Redskins.

Class — The players from the 2012 NFL draft should not disappoint come this September. Google Images

Year after year, the Jacksonville Jaguars amaze fans, but not in a good way. Yes, they got much-needed Oklahoma State University wide out Justin Blackmon, but they traded up for him, giving away quality picks. Although Blackmon is a major need for quarterback Blaine Gabbert, the Jaguars gave up a little too much. The Jaguars made another questionable decision when selecting a punter in the third round. The Jaguars have been at the bottom of the barrel in the NFL for the past couple of seasons, and bad decisions make bad teams.

While the Seahawks and Jaguars may have made questionable decisions, many teams were solid with their draft choices.
The Pittsburg Steelers made shrewd draft choices, selecting players that fit the Steeler football mold. With their first two picks, the Steelers addressed their offensive line, selecting Stanford University guard David DeCastro and Ohio State University tackle Mike Adams. These two selections may not look appealing to viewers at home, but these picks were wise. Protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been an issue the Steelers have faced for a while.

After making wholesale changes from the front office to the players, the Colts struck gold in this year’s draft. New head coach Chuck Pagano not only got Luck, but the two best tight ends in the entire draft, as well as Luck’s old teammate Coby Fleener and Clemson’s Dwayne Allen. Youth and talent is what the Colts needed, and if these cores of rookies are willing to work, the Colts will yet again become dominant in the NFL in the years to come.

Talent is something that this year’s draft did not lack. Expect immediate impact from these rookies when the NFL season starts this September.