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Future men Strategic draft picks give teams options down the road
Updated: Tuesday May 15, 2001 9:21 PM
Some draft choices are as what I like to call "leverage picks" for the future of the franchise. There are very few players in the NFL to whom clubs can afford to surrender the upper hand. If your name isn't John Elway or Dan Marino, then you're out of luck. It was clear the Saints put themselves in a position of strength with Ricky Williams when they selected former Ole Miss running back Deuce McAllister in the first round. If Williams doesn't perform the way head coach Jim Haslett wants, New Orleans can move on without the moody running back. Hard to believe the Saints gave up their entire draft for this player only two years ago. The Philadelphia Eagles love middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, but he's playing for the tender this season and may demand a blockbuster contract next year. By drafting former Arkansas linebacker Quinton Caver in the second round, head coach Andy Reid is giving himself options for next year if Trotter wants to "break the bank" and the price becomes too high for the Eagles. The Cowboys had the same philosophy in selecting former Alabama strong safety Tony Dixon in the second round. Now owner Jerry Jones can go to starter Darren Woodson and reduce his salary or let him go. Clubs that position themselves to be in the driver's seat when their top players hit free agency are generally the ones that win.
Several backups set for breakthrough seasonsThere are a number of players who were backups in 2000 who are now being handed starting positions on new teams. They must come through for their new clubs to have a chance to win. Last season, running back James Stewart had the weight of the world on his shoulders trying to keep the Lions in contention after Barry Sanders' abrupt retirement. He made good on his opportunity to start as did Ahman Green in Green Bay and Lamar Smith in Miami. This year, Priest Holmes needs to step it up for the Chiefs. He played well for Baltimore when he got his chance, but now it's time for him to become a 1,000-yard back. Last season, the Dolphins surprised everyone when they picked up Jacksonville backup quarterback Jay Fiedler during free agency to be their quarterback. Matt Hasselbeck faces the same pressure this year in Seattle, moving out of Brett Favre's shadow with the Packers. Another Jaguars backup, cornerback Dave Thomas, signed with the Giants last year and was a starter from Day 1. This season Mike Logan moves over from a backup safety position in Jacksonville to be a starter in Pittsburgh. Perennial backup center Casey Wiegmann has departed Chicago to become the Chiefs' starter. And two Redskins second-teamers, wide receiver James Thrash and defensive end N.D. Kalu, will start for the Eagles. The pro personnel department is responsible for identifying players capable of making the transition from backup to starter. When the pro scouts find the right candidates, the benefits can be significant. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel adminstrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
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