The Importance of the NFL Draft

National Football League Draft

Look no further than the Detroit Lions draft choices in the past few years that have made a tremendous impact in their 2011 season. In 2007, the Lions drafted Wide-Receiver Calvin Johnson. In 2008, they drafted Quarterback Matthew Stafford. In 2009, they drafted top prospects, Safety Louis Delmas and Tight-End Brandon Pettigrew. In 2010, they drafted an absolute 'monster' at Defensive Tackle from Nebraska, Ndamukong Suh and a speedy Tail Back from Cal-Berkeley, Jahvid Best. In 2011, they drafted yet another 'beast' at defensive tackle from Auburn, Nick Fairley. All these draft choices are panning-out to what was expected from them. All these players have contributed to the 'surprise' success of their team, which so far have them at 5-0. The Detroit Lions have not been 5-0 since 1956!! The impact players are not only comprised of these draft picks but they are a huge reason as to why they have many fans across the nation are thinking something else other than "Why watch the morning Thanksgiving Day game? Everyone knows the Lions are going to lose." These 7 players in their active rosters have been draft picks from coaches and management, which only further solidifies the importance of the NFL Draft every year. It was only a few years ago, when the Lions were the laughing stock of the NFL at 0-16. Now they are serious contenders to challenge the defending Super Bowl Champions, Green Bay Packers (5-0 as well) for the NFL North Division Title, and Conference Title. It is the 2nd time since realignment that 2 teams in the same division are 5-0 (AFC's New York Jets & New England Patriots in '04).

There are many examples of teams having success with their draft picks, as well as teams not being so successful a la Oakland Raiders drafting Jamarcus Russell & San Diego Chargers drafting Ryan Leaf. As for the 2011 1st overall draft pick, Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers, he is off to a tremendous start that still has experts and pundits scratching their head as to how he is having so much success. In his first 2 games of his NFL career, Cam threw for more than 400 yards which makes him the 6th quarterback to ever throw back-to-back 400 yard games in NFL history. Cam brought in the intangibles that were missing in the previous Panther's team. The 2010 Carolina Panthers played with less fervor and intensity and it seemed as if they weren't having fun. However, when management and the coaches deemed Cam Newton as their 'guy', the team in 2011 is now playing with a lot of confidence. Every American Football fan knows the NFL Draft is important but to what extent to do they know, if they don't see immediate results? What Cam Newton and especially the 2011 Detroit Lions team is showing is that patience is key; once the coaches and management have done their due diligence to draft the right players that fit their culture and play schemes, teams will be successful. If you have doubts, one would highly suggest you speak with a true Detroit Lions fan! With all this being said, how are your teams draft picks panning-out?