Football USA Today: Ranking the decision makers: Who is best at the NFL draft? - Page 4

**Tribal Warfare** · 04-30-2010, 04:31 PM

Ranking the decision makers: Who is best at the NFL draft?

Yahoo! Buzz
By Nate Davis, USA TODAY
So which franchise really stands the best chance to reap the most from its rookies now that the 2010 NFL draft has concluded? USA TODAY ranked the 20 league personnel executives who have been on the job for at least three years with their current team (the exception being Scott Pioli) to try and get a better idea as to who scores touchdowns in April, who settles for field goals and who coughs it up.

REPORT CARD: Grading the 2010 NFL draft class

1A. Bill Belichick, head coach/el jefe supremo, New England Patriots— Little point in arguing after he transformed a franchise that seemed to be in decline into a three-time Super Bowl champion virtually overnight. Clearly Belichick learned a lot after the five putrid drafts the Cleveland Browns produced during his tenure there in the 1990s. New England has become known for its deft ability to amass quality picks and find excellent players later in the process who won't come with the price tag of a top-10 pick. Belichick has made seven second-round picks over the last two drafts and picked up an extra Round 2 pick next year after extracting it from the Carolina Panthers for a low third-round pick last Saturday. Key contributors such as receiver Deion Branch, defensive end Jarvis Green, tackle Matt Light and cornerback Asante Samuel all came at pick 48 or later. But Belichick knows how to find first-round stars, too, including 2008 defensive rookie of the year Jerod Mayo and Pro Bowlers Logan Mankins, Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork.

• Best pick: Tom Brady— The Patriots admit they got lucky finding him in the sixth round in 2000, but at least they were smarter than the 30 other teams that also passed on him multiple times. Probably the best value pick in the history of the NFL.

• Worst pick: Chad Jackson— The 36th pick of the 2006 draft only caught 13 passes for New England.

1B. Scott Pioli, GM, Kansas City Chiefs— He and Belichick are essentially inextricable when it comes to New England's ascendancy. It's too early to assess Pioli's tenure in K.C., though last weekend's haul looks to be among the best of the spring. But the Patriots' success on the personnel side is just as much a credit to Pioli's eye for talent as Belichick's. And the litany of players they plucked from college aside, Pioli and Belichick were masters of using picks as currency for established stars with depressed value (Corey Dillon, Randy Moss) and gems other teams didn't appreciate (Wes Welker). After a recent spotty draft record, the Chiefs were in desperate need of a draft craftsman like Pioli.

• Best pick: Matt Cassel— He barely played at USC, but Pioli took a flier on him in the seventh round of the 2005 draft anyway. Cassel proved in 2008 he can play at a Pro Bowl level, something Pioli is banking he will do for the Chiefs.

• Worst pick: Laurence Maroney— The 2006 first-rounder has never rushed for as many as 900 yards and probably never will for the Patriots, who have opted not to make him a featured back.

**Dylan** · 05-01-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B_Ambuehl

Pioli was nothing but a myth/media creation conjured up by east coast writers. Belichik always called the shots for that team. It should be obvious based on Belichik's personality that he doesn't bow down to anyone or work "hand in hand" with anyone. Pioli was just along for the ride. If they're gonna call Pioli a bad ass they should should put the same all-star title on the assistants of guys like Ozzie Newsome and Ted Thompson. I am convinced Clark Hunts lack of football knowledge let to him being swayed by the media that Pioli really was everything they were saying he was. Not the first time a football team has made mistakes based upon myths.

DaWolf · 05-01-2010, 10:14 PM

It's easy to call BB a genius, but two things to note (as people like to point out that Parcells hasn't done anything without BB on his sideline):

1) He hasn't done anything of note in the NFL when Pioli wasn't his personnel director
2) He hasn't done anything of note in the NFL without Tom Brady running his team

He's an outstanding coach, but sometimes his genius seems over hyped. I look at a guy like Joe Gibbs, who won three titles with three different non-HOF QB's, and am more impressed by that track record...

KC Jones · 05-01-2010, 10:50 PM

All I know, is I can't wait for the day Scott Pioli hoists that magical trophy over his head. You know, the trophy for winning the draft. That's going to be an awesome day!

KCrockaholic · 05-01-2010, 10:54 PM

Bill Polian is the best in the Biz IMO. I hate Indy, but Polian is incredible, and I was actually surprised to see Pioli's name that high on the poll. I like Pioli a lot, but I don't hold him to that standard. I think he has the Chiefs on a great track though.

CarlPeterson_fan · 05-02-2010, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Dude Todd Collins could've done the same thing Cassel did in '08. Even Grbac with the NE offensive weapons on the Patriots could've pulled the exact same result.

I agree completely. Another example would be Gannon in Oakland. Throwing to Rice and Brown, Jamarcus Russell could have taken that team to the SB. Cassel=Gannon

Pasta Little Brioni · 05-02-2010, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan

Somebody call the Ambuehlamps.

Pioli Zombie · 05-02-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlPeterson

I agree completely. Another example would be Gannon in Oakland. Throwing to Rice and Brown, Jamarcus Russell could have taken that team to the SB. Cassel=Gannon

Couldn't be that Gannon improved his game with more experience and Gruden being his coach and better talent. Yeah that would simply be awful if the Chiefs gave Cassel better coaching and weapons and he went out and became an MVP QB and takes his team to the Super Bowl. Yeah, who would want that????

You have proven yourself to be a total douchebag to actually to say that Cassel equals Gannon as a BAD THING.

Pioli Zombie · 05-02-2010, 09:09 AM

Oh, and how could I forget your biggest douchebag football ignorant point. That fat ass Russell could have taken the 2002 Raiders to the Super Bowl. You should not be allowed to ever watch a football game ever again.

Chiefshrink · 05-02-2010, 10:02 AM

I would think the Steelers Organization should have been mentioned in this article

B_Ambuehl · 05-02-2010, 10:58 AM

Colts, Chargers, Packers, Ravens, Steelers

Every single one of those teams have handed the patriots their ass and their balls as far as consistency in the draft over time. Every single one of them has a GM and every single one of those GMs has a director of pro personnel/assistant/"right hand man". Why haven't you heard of any of them?

The only reason anyone even knows about Pioli is because there is so much national media in the Patriots back yard and so much obsession with the Pats.

The Pats made some good trades and signed some good FAs when Pioli was there but that doesn't even apply to this Chiefs team who is active in neither.

I think for the most part people are starting to realize they've been sold a bill of goods. There will always be Pioli ballwashers but at least there's a big difference now compared to last year. If I'm a betting man I say the failure of Cassell will pretty much seal the deal for the majority. We'll have to revisit this topic next year for sure.

FD · 05-02-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B_Ambuehl

Colts, Chargers, Packers, Ravens, Steelers

These 5 teams combined for 4 Superbowls in the past decade, the Patriots went to 4 themselves and won 3. Maybe that has something to do with the "ballwashing"?

Pioli Zombie · 05-02-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forward Dante

These 5 teams combined for 4 Superbowls in the past decade, the Patriots went to 4 themselves and won 3. Maybe that has something to do with the "ballwashing"?

Exactly. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Colts and Steelers. But all this ballwashing that goes on at CP for the Eagles,Ravens,Chargers,and Packers amuses me. Those 4 teams have won shit.

milkman · 05-02-2010, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pioli Zombie

Exactly. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Colts and Steelers. But all this ballwashing that goes on at CP for the Eagles,Ravens,Chargers,and Packers amuses me. Those 4 teams have won shit.

The fact is that those teams have done a better job of drafting overall through the years, but it all comes back to Tom Brady.

And when you look at it, guys like Willie McGinest, Teddy Bruski, Mike Vrabel, Rodney Harrison, etc...etc... who were big contributors to those SB teams, were all drafted before BB, or signed as free agents.

B_Ambuehl · 05-03-2010, 11:33 AM

Exactly. There's a lot more that goes into winning games than drafting. You have free agency, trades, coaching, luck, and cheating, and the Pats used every one of them. The only thing Pioli can do here is draft. Clark isn't gonna do trades and isn't gonna do free agency, and Pioli doesn't coach. so he (Clark) shoulda made damn sure he hired a master of the draft. As Pioli has proven thru his drafting record in NE and 2 years here, there were assuredly better potential hires out there.

Jethopper · 05-03-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B_Ambuehl

Pioli was nothing but a myth/media creation conjured up by east coast writers. Belichik always called the shots for that team. It should be obvious based on Belichik's personality that he doesn't bow down to anyone or work "hand in hand" with anyone. Pioli was just along for the ride. If they're gonna call Pioli a bad ass they should should put the same all-star title on the assistants of guys like Ozzie Newsome and Ted Thompson. I am convinced Clark Hunts lack of football knowledge let to him being swayed by the media that Pioli really was everything they were saying he was. Not the first time a football team has made mistakes based upon myths.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOUCANTKILLROR

That's gonna' leave a mark.

Wrong! You should check out BB's record without Tom Brady.... Losing.

04-30-2010, 04:31 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3017187	USA Today: Ranking the decision makers: Who is best at the NFL draft? Ranking the decision makers: Who is best at the NFL draft? Yahoo! Buzz By Nate Davis, USA TODAY So which franchise really stands the best chance to reap the most from its rookies now that the 2010 NFL draft has concluded? USA TODAY ranked the 20 league personnel executives who have been on the job for at least three years with their current team (the exception being Scott Pioli) to try and get a better idea as to who scores touchdowns in April, who settles for field goals and who coughs it up. REPORT CARD: Grading the 2010 NFL draft class 1A. Bill Belichick, head coach/el jefe supremo, New England Patriots— Little point in arguing after he transformed a franchise that seemed to be in decline into a three-time Super Bowl champion virtually overnight. Clearly Belichick learned a lot after the five putrid drafts the Cleveland Browns produced during his tenure there in the 1990s. New England has become known for its deft ability to amass quality picks and find excellent players later in the process who won't come with the price tag of a top-10 pick. Belichick has made seven second-round picks over the last two drafts and picked up an extra Round 2 pick next year after extracting it from the Carolina Panthers for a low third-round pick last Saturday. Key contributors such as receiver Deion Branch, defensive end Jarvis Green, tackle Matt Light and cornerback Asante Samuel all came at pick 48 or later. But Belichick knows how to find first-round stars, too, including 2008 defensive rookie of the year Jerod Mayo and Pro Bowlers Logan Mankins, Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork. • Best pick: Tom Brady— The Patriots admit they got lucky finding him in the sixth round in 2000, but at least they were smarter than the 30 other teams that also passed on him multiple times. Probably the best value pick in the history of the NFL. • Worst pick: Chad Jackson— The 36th pick of the 2006 draft only caught 13 passes for New England. 1B. Scott Pioli, GM, Kansas City Chiefs— He and Belichick are essentially inextricable when it comes to New England's ascendancy. It's too early to assess Pioli's tenure in K.C., though last weekend's haul looks to be among the best of the spring. But the Patriots' success on the personnel side is just as much a credit to Pioli's eye for talent as Belichick's. And the litany of players they plucked from college aside, Pioli and Belichick were masters of using picks as currency for established stars with depressed value (Corey Dillon, Randy Moss) and gems other teams didn't appreciate (Wes Welker). After a recent spotty draft record, the Chiefs were in desperate need of a draft craftsman like Pioli. • Best pick: Matt Cassel— He barely played at USC, but Pioli took a flier on him in the seventh round of the 2005 draft anyway. Cassel proved in 2008 he can play at a Pro Bowl level, something Pioli is banking he will do for the Chiefs. • Worst pick: Laurence Maroney— The 2006 first-rounder has never rushed for as many as 900 yards and probably never will for the Patriots, who have opted not to make him a featured back.
Posts: 43,454

05-01-2010, 10:14 PM	#47
DaWolf Cry havoc... Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10007725	It's easy to call BB a genius, but two things to note (as people like to point out that Parcells hasn't done anything without BB on his sideline): 1) He hasn't done anything of note in the NFL when Pioli wasn't his personnel director 2) He hasn't done anything of note in the NFL without Tom Brady running his team He's an outstanding coach, but sometimes his genius seems over hyped. I look at a guy like Joe Gibbs, who won three titles with three different non-HOF QB's, and am more impressed by that track record... Last edited by DaWolf; 05-01-2010 at 10:34 PM..
Posts: 6,798

05-01-2010, 10:50 PM	#48
KC Jones Genious Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Colorado Casino cash: $10012761	All I know, is I can't wait for the day Scott Pioli hoists that magical trophy over his head. You know, the trophy for winning the draft. That's going to be an awesome day! __________________ re-sign: to sign again resign: to withdraw from employment
Posts: 5,366

05-01-2010, 10:54 PM	#49
KCrockaholic Sarcasm Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $3312900	Bill Polian is the best in the Biz IMO. I hate Indy, but Polian is incredible, and I was actually surprised to see Pioli's name that high on the poll. I like Pioli a lot, but I don't hold him to that standard. I think he has the Chiefs on a great track though.
Posts: 21,179

05-02-2010, 09:09 AM	#53
Pioli Zombie Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: olathe,kansas Casino cash: $10004900	Oh, and how could I forget your biggest douchebag football ignorant point. That fat ass Russell could have taken the 2002 Raiders to the Super Bowl. You should not be allowed to ever watch a football game ever again.
Posts: 11,077

05-02-2010, 10:58 AM	#55
B_Ambuehl Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Casino cash: $9705405	Colts, Chargers, Packers, Ravens, Steelers Every single one of those teams have handed the patriots their ass and their balls as far as consistency in the draft over time. Every single one of them has a GM and every single one of those GMs has a director of pro personnel/assistant/"right hand man". Why haven't you heard of any of them? The only reason anyone even knows about Pioli is because there is so much national media in the Patriots back yard and so much obsession with the Pats. The Pats made some good trades and signed some good FAs when Pioli was there but that doesn't even apply to this Chiefs team who is active in neither. I think for the most part people are starting to realize they've been sold a bill of goods. There will always be Pioli ballwashers but at least there's a big difference now compared to last year. If I'm a betting man I say the failure of Cassell will pretty much seal the deal for the majority. We'll have to revisit this topic next year for sure. __________________ Who's decision was it to fire Romeo" - Coleman C Hunt: "It was my decision but it was one that Scott agreed with" LOL
Posts: 2,613

05-03-2010, 11:33 AM	#59
B_Ambuehl Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Casino cash: $9705405	Exactly. There's a lot more that goes into winning games than drafting. You have free agency, trades, coaching, luck, and cheating, and the Pats used every one of them. The only thing Pioli can do here is draft. Clark isn't gonna do trades and isn't gonna do free agency, and Pioli doesn't coach. so he (Clark) shoulda made damn sure he hired a master of the draft. As Pioli has proven thru his drafting record in NE and 2 years here, there were assuredly better potential hires out there. __________________ Who's decision was it to fire Romeo" - Coleman C Hunt: "It was my decision but it was one that Scott agreed with" LOL
Posts: 2,613