PFF's Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson rewatch the 2011 NFL Draft, analyzing top picks like Cam Newton and Von Miller. They discuss player fits, trades, and the impact of draft analysts. The chapter reflects on defensive players, Christian Ponder's selection, and the paths of the Pouncy twins. They also explore the performances and struggles of players like Mark Ingram and Derek Charade from the 2011 NFL Draft.
Quarterback evaluations focus on college performance and draft positions.
Team strategies and reactions to draft picks impact future success.
Comparisons between players and playing styles shape NFL careers.
Transition from college to professional play highlights unforeseen challenges for defensive talents.
Deep dives
The Pundit's Analysis
Many quarterbacks are discussed, including Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, and Christian Ponder. The analysts highlight their college performances and potential NFL roles, emphasizing their skill sets and draft positions.
Draft Picks and Discarded Expectations
The podcast delves into the early draft picks of the 2011 NFL draft, outlining the selections of top players like Cam Newton, Von Miller, and Patrick Peterson. The process of evaluating new talent and the unexpected outcomes of various players are central themes.
Team Strategies and Reactions
The episode explores team strategies during the draft, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars' choice of Blaine Gabbert and the Minnesota Vikings' selection of Christian Ponder. The reactions to these picks and the subsequent impact on the teams are closely examined.
Player Comparisons and Career Trajectories
Comparisons between different players and discussions around their career trajectories are prevalent throughout the episode. The evolution of playing styles and how they translate to success in the NFL are key points of interest.
Top 5 Draft Pick Influence
The inability to become a dominant player influenced JJ Watt's draft positioning, with players like Muhammad Wilkerson and Cameron Heyward sharing similar body types but Watt showing exceptional versatility and disruption on the field, deviating from the traditional 3-4 defensive end role assigned to him.
Franchise Quarterback Moves
The Washington Redskins coveted Christian Ponder in the draft, highlighting the importance of securing a potential franchise quarterback. The opinions on making such a move, tied to future success, are exemplified by the Vikings' draft decisions, emphasizing the critical nature of quarterback selections in the NFL.
Defensive Draft Depth
The 2011 draft showcased a deep defensive talent pool with players like Nick Fairley and Robert Quinn displaying immense potential but facing challenges in meeting sky-high expectations at the NFL level. Despite the defensive prowess displayed in college, the transition to professional play proved complex for many, underscoring the unpredictable nature of player development beyond collegiate success.
