Draft

The NFL draft is a little more than a month away, and I think I have empathy for whomever is picked first, for two reasons:
1. Obviously, the first team to pick is never a very good team, but in this case, the Oakland Raiders are especially bad. Maybe the new coach can turn things around, but since Al Davis has so much control, it ain't looking good.

and

2. The expectations for the number one pick (and all first round picks) are way, way to high. In all honesty, most first round picks develop into solid, if not spectacular picks. However, since the expectation is that they will be first year all-pros and pro bowl players every year.

Think back over the past 20 years. How many number one picks have been that level of proven performer. Most of these teams would have been much better served drafting a solid player than trying to make some poor guy (usually a QB) the next super-stud.

Fortunately, the Saints are low enough down the draft order that they can really pick a need pick or the best available and get away with it.

A.T.