2014 NFL Draft: Some thoughts about the draft
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view as fans enter the lobby of Radio City Music Hall before the start of the 2014 NFL draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
It comes as no surprise that the Seattle Seahawks did well with their 2014 NFL Draft picks.
I don’t like giving out draft grades mainly due to the fact typically a drafted player (not named Russell Wilson) needs about three seasons to show their value. I’ll just say the 2014 Seahawks draft was a success, at least on paper. Let’s just hope Wilson has the protection he needs to lessen the abuse from last season.
This is a deep team with a championship roster. They are the favorite to win the Super Bowl in 2015, as they should be. Although if Wilson is lost to injury it would greatly jeopardize a chance at a repeat.
As far as the NFC West goes, Seattle and San Francisco are still at the top of the class. Don’t forget about Arizona and St. Louis. They’re both gaining ground, in fact they have been since 2012. Each coach in this division could’ve won Coach of the Year last season.
A very exciting season is just around the corner. It’s so tough to wait!
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Having the draft broadcast in prime time is brilliant. This is a sport we want to watch all year, so any NFL event is going to get a lot of attention.
Roger Goodell has been the leader of changing the draft format as well as expanding the NFL brand to other parts of the world. To many, he has made this league the No Fun League with rules on celebration and how the defense can make a hit on a player.
As much as I miss the days of Kenny Easley crushing every receiver near him, Goodell must protect the league from injury today and from future legal issues. We tend to forget this a very large business, not just a fun game to watch.
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I have to admit I was very curious if and when Michael Sam would be drafted.
Going to St. Louis near the end of the draft must have been a huge relief for this young man. Sadly, it was the reaction of Sam after he was selected that became the big story.
I have to wonder why.
This very talented player out of Missouri and the SEC defensive POY told the world months ago he was gay. Like many gay men, he has a partner who he is obviously close to and loves. Of course he’s going to turn to that person and show relief, happiness and affection.
ESPN showed the kiss Sam shared with his partner far too much. I don’t remember a time when ESPN showed a player kiss his wife or girlfriend that often. Twitter exploded with many people showing support as well as the ignorant and homophobic not showing support at all. Many people commented that they were simply uncomfortable watching the kissing between the two men.
That’s OK, not too many of us have seen that before and it may have looked odd.
Regardless of your view on the issue of Sam being gay, he is a human being who deserves to chase his dream.
He was given that chance by Jeff Fisher and the St. Louis organization. He’s going to be in a friendly environment having played college not far away.
It’s an ideal situation for Sam and I’m rooting for the guy. Just like I’m rooting for the other draft picks and undrafted free agents. Like Sam they have a dream to play football in the NFL.
That ladies and gentlemen is what really matters.
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