Read Sports Geek’s argument that Aaron Rodgers is the best first round pick from the 2005 NFL Draft and Loyal Homer’s argument that is it DeMarcus Ware.
Do you remember the 2004 NFL Draft? I do…
To help refresh your memory, here are a couple names from that outstanding draft year:
- Eli Manning (1)
- Larry Fitzgerald (3)
- Philip Rivers (4)
- Sean Taylor (5)
- Ben Roethlisberger (11)
This draft was SO loaded with talent that seven of the first ten picks have been named Pro Bowlers, with seven more coming in the remaining first round picks.
So, how is it that just ONE year later, we see one of the most lackluster first rounds in recent NFL draft memory?
In comparison to 2004, the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft has only produced seven total Pro Bowl players, and is highlighted by names like Alex Smith, Adam Jones, and who could forget Alex Barron?! Even the Pro Bowlers have been suspect, such as Braylon Edwards and Shawne Merriman.
But, that doesn’t mean that the first round of the draft was completely devoid of talent. There were still a few diamonds in the rough.
And while Sports Geek will argue for Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Loyal Homer will argue for Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware, I look no further than Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White as THE diamond pick from 2005. At 6’0’’ the 27 year-old out of Alabama-Birmingham has emerged as one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the NFL.
Granted, his career got off to a slow start. In his first two seasons combined with the Atlanta Falcons White only grabbed 59 receptions for 952 yards and three touchdowns. Those are hardly stellar stats.
Itis important to keep something in mind, though, when you look at those numbers. White’s quarterback during those two seasons, one Mr. Ronald Mexico, was not known to be a “passing” quarterback. Instead, Michael Vick’s style was to be a rusher first and a passer second (in 2006, for example, Vick was a 1000 yard rusher, but threw the ball only 388 times). It should also be noted that Vick’s favorite target when he DID throw was his tight end, Alge Crumpler.
It wasn’t until Vick left the Falcons (whatever happened to him anyway?!) that White finally got his opportunity to showcase his tremendous talent.
To replace Vick, the Falcons brought in Joey Harrington at quarterback. Considering the upgrade in “passing” that Harrington brought to the Falcons, it was evident that the Falcon’s offensive game plan was going to be shifting – enter Roddy White.
In 2007, White turned in a season with totals that surpassed the combined results from his first two years with Vick. He caught 83 passes for 1202 yards and six touchdowns. His 1,202 yards was actually eighth in the NFL that season.
The 2008 season brought White a new head coach, Mike Smith, and a new quarterback, rookie sensation Matt Ryan out of Boston College. For White the 2008 NFL season was just another day at the office. Ryan and White were able to connect 88 different times for a total of 1,382 yards (the fourth highest total in the NFL) and seven touchdowns. White’s 2008 performance was so good that it even earned him a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl roster, and he helped the Falcons turn in an 11-5 record and a Wild Card berth in the NFC playoffs.
With a promising young quarterback in Matt Ryan and an explosive running game that features fellow 2008 Pro Bowler Michael Turner, it is very safe to assume that Roddy White’s performances are only going to get better.
If the Atlanta Falcons wish to continue their outstanding momentum which began in the 2008 season, they MUST consider Roddy White as an integral piece of their puzzle, and they MUST sign him to a new contract worthy of any other first round Pro Bowler in the NFL.
I voted for Demarcus Ware. Not many defensive players can do what he can. Rodgers was a close 2nd.
You voted before hearing the Rodgers argument! Promise you’ll read it and perhaps, vote again?
Okay, no problem.
It’s posted! http://thesportsdebates.com/2009/07/17/the-2005-nfl-draft-resign-debate-–-aaron-rodgers-is-the-class-of-that-draft/