As Matt continues his analysis of the 2008 NFL Draft, this series will discuss how teams in specific divisions addressed needs that either kept them on top of their division, or pushed them closer to the top. We call this the 2008 NFL Post-Draft Yin and Yang. The Yin are teams who are closer to the top (or remain at the top) because of this draft and the Yang are those slipping. It’s not an exact science, but it gives you a good barometer, and for you Jets fans, perhaps some spiritual cleansing after spending the entire weekend booing every Giants and Patriots selection:
2008 NFL Post-Draft Yin and Yang: AFC and NFC East
Ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
AFC EAST
Yin:
Miami DolphinsYou build great teams starting with a left tackle, quarterback, and a defensive end. The Dolphins took LT Jake Long, DE Phillip Merling, and QB Chad Henne on the first day, setting a solid foundation for years to come. Picks such as Kendall Langford and Jalen Parmele expand on that solid foundation.
Yang:
New England PatriotsThe Patriots traded out of the #7 overall pick, and got the #10 overall, but may have reached with it selecting LB Jarod Mayo. Mayo was seen as a late first round prospect. Drafting back-up QB prospect Kevin O'Connell was odd seeing as New England has several glaring weaknesses still at LB, RB, and in their secondary.
Yin:
Buffalo BillsThe Bills took the best CB in the draft in Leodis McKelvin at pick #11 and another CB, Reggie Corner, at pick #115. These moves improve Buffalo's young, quick defense, which was decimated by injuries in 2007.
Yang:
New York JetsThe Jets took DE Vernon Gholston because he was there, but traded back into the first round and reached for Dustin Keller, an athletic TE who has trouble blocking. The Jets still have issues at the QB, WR, and RB positions.
NFC East
Yin:
New York GiantsThe defending champs shored up the one real weakness they had by having safety Kenny Phillips fall to them with the last pick in the first round. LB Jonathan Goff was also a good pick-up in the 5th round, and if Mario Manningham can grow up, Giants fans could relish the Manning to Manningham combo.
Yang:
Dallas CowboysDallas' first day picks were excellent, but they made trades the second day that did not yield anything of note. Orlando Scandrick has some off-the-field issues, and drafting Tashard Choice after taking Felix Jones the day before seemed odd.
Yin:
Philadelphia EaglesFor the second year in a row, the Eagles trade out of the first round. However, unlike last year, this time it was a good idea. DT Trevor Laws fits their defensive system perfectly, and he will make an immediate impact. Mike McGlynn, taken in round 4 ,will help stabilize Philly's o-line.
Yang:
Washington RedskinsLots of people like what the Redskins did on draft day. I'm not one of them. TE Fred Davis is slow, but maybe not as slow as WR Malcolm Kelly. John Carlson would have been a better TE fit. Washington also did not adequately address their LB needs.
Next up: Yin and Yang for the NFC and AFC North.
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