NFL Roundtable: Looking at Who Improved the Most via the Draft
“What NFL team improved the most through their draft?”
Walter Zaviski
I think the Tennessee Titans will see the most improvement. For as bad as they were last year they can jump 4 games because of the addition of Chance Warmack and Brian Schwenke. Those additions will improve that o-line and they can grind it out with Shonn Greene and get the big runs from Chris Johnson.
Blake Meek
I think the Arizona Cardinals did a great job. They had an amazing draft. They got 2 guys to help protect the QB, 2 steals at the running back position as well as 3 defensive playmakers in Kevin Minter, Tyrann Mathieu and Alex Okafor.
May 3, 2012; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) smiles for the camera at the Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dustin Meritt
The Minnesota Vikingsgot three real good players in Sharrif Floyd, Xavier Rhodes and Cordarrelle Patterson. Of course, it took three 1st-round picks, but they improved their team and took the quality over quantity approach.
Patterson is real special with the ball in his hands and will take over kick return duties right away. He also has a good mentor in Greg Jennings and I look for him to be in the starting lineup at midpoint of the season. They also got a good linebacker and possible starter in the fourth, Gerald Hodges.
I like what the St. Louis Ramsdid as well, pairing Tavon Austin with college teammate Stedman Bailey will giveBradfordsome needed underneath receivers. If coach Fisher can get Alec Olgeltree straight he can be a difference maker in an already solid defense. I was stunned to see Barrett Jones go in the fourth and feel he will be a 10 year starter. Getting Ray Rice built, Zacy Stacy in the 5th will comfort the loss of Steven Jackson. Look for the Rams to use a committee approach at RB this year and I expect Stacy to be a contributor.
Mitchel
TheSan Francisco49ers had the best draft on paper, and I don’t think that’s really up for debate. Eric Reid, Tank Carradine, and Marcus Lattimore are all first round talents that will immediately help their team. Quinton Patton is a second round talent receiver that provides incredible value in round four.
Sean McMahon
The team that improved the most because of the draft is the Arizona Cardinals. They are building their team and had a great draft. They drafted arguably the best interior lineman in Jonathan Cooper.They drafted a steal with Kevin Minter.
They then took the Honey Badger Mathieu in the 3rd round. Alex Okafor falling to them was big, as he was arguably a 1st-round talent. Added another OG in Wartford who has been solid. Drafted two RBs in Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington, who could both compete for a starting job. And they drafted Ryan Swope, a solid #2 and slot guy.
They are building this team in the right way. Within a year or two, they may push for their division.
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