Patriots, Giants, and Dolphins talk draft

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JaMarcus Russell – very expensive number 1 pick

Build your lines.

Get your quarterback.

That is the plan.

The plan can take you to the Super Bowl.

It seems simple, but it is not. This is the formula that the New England Patriots followed, as well as the New York Giants, and San Diego Chargers. Green Bay was a little different, because 38 year old Brett Favre has been around much longer than any of the linemen.

In order to follow this plan, you need a great talent evaluator.

That person has to be backed up and believed in by the organization. Usually it is not a coach, because coaches have a tendency to watch a game and get excited about some player they have to have.

Usually the talent evaluator becomes the most important person in the management team.

“The No. 1 key for a successful franchise — even more important than the owner and head coach — is an outstanding talent evaluator,” says former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson, now an analyst for Fox, who won two Super Bowls in the 1990s with Dallas while laying the groundwork for another Cowboys crown. source

These are not men that are out on the front lines reaping headlines, but there value is unmistakable.

“There’s not that many in the league that are recognized,” Johnson says of the men who work behind the scenes. “There are some coaches who are good at it like (Indianapolis’) Tony Dungy and (New England’s) Bill Belichick. And that’s an added bonus.

“But that talent evaluator is the most important position in the entire organization.”

Listen to what Gil Brandt had to say about the legendary Tex Schramm.

“Our motto with the Cowboys used to be, ‘Championships were won in the spring getting ready for the draft,’ ” says Brandt, now NFL.com’s senior analyst.

He cited Tex Schramm, the Hall of Fame Dallas president and general manager whose emphasis on the draft helped the Cowboys morph from a 1960 expansion squad into “America’s Team,” perennial Super Bowl contenders in the 1970s.

“Tex felt that building through the draft was paramount,” Brandt says.

Schramm has plenty of disciples.

So who is doing the job for the Patriots, Giants, Packers, and Chargers? Who is bringing in Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, Eli Manning, and others?

Pioli (in tandem with Belichick), Reese, Chargers GM A.J. Smith and Packers GM Ted Thompson are the architects for contenders that appear built to last for years to come.

All of them have built their teams from the inside out, with strong front lines on both sides of the ball, franchise quarterbacks who should be able to anchor the offenses for the foreseeable future

What about the Dolphins?

That brings us to the Miami Dolphins. They have the first pick in the draft, but need a lot of players. There is always the pressure to sign the star quarterback, but don’t forget the plan.

Build your lines.

Then get your quarterback.

It won’t be a popular move in Miami to pass on top rated Matt Ryan at quarterback, but Miami needs so many players, including lineman, that they may trade down and take a Jake Long from UM that could anchor their line for 10 years. That is how great teams are built.

Let’s not forget how much a number one pick at quarterback can cost as well.

Also, the financial obligation that goes with the top choice is steep. JaMarcus Russell, the top pick in 2007’s draft, battled over contract details with the Raiders a year ago before reaching a six-year, $60 million agreement. source

The Miami fans would probably cry, because they want excitement, but don’t forget the plan.

NFL Football Fan Question Would you have the guts to follow the plan?

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