Circling the Wagons for Ginn

Perhaps it's because the NFL team I root for had such a disappointing draft, I've spent the last 24 being pissed off at the Miami Dolphins. Their fans are in a huge uproar over the selection of Ted Ginn Jr. instead of Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn.

*Quinn didn't fall all the way to 22 by himself. There are questions about the guy's accuracy, and he didn't exactly light it up big games. He never won a bowl game or beat USC, and was flattened against Ohio State and Michigan in 2006. But since he's from Notre Dame, he's become the patron draft martyr of 2007. One publication actually rated him as a third round talent but put him on the cover. Why? Pretty Notre Dame QB's sell magazines.

*It's a bit hypocritical for analysts to praise teams for picking Leon Hall (Cincinnati, #19) and Aaron Ross (New York Giants, #20) in the first round. Ginn torched both of these players last season, yet somehow he won't be effective in the NFL? But Mouthy Mel Kiper called the selection of Ginn "ridiculous" over Quinn.

*Further evidence of hypocrisy for Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson, who went to Vikings at #7. The Vikings have a 1,000 yard rusher in Chester Taylor. They have a HORRIBLE QB duo in Tavaris Jackson and Brooks Bolliger. And Peterson is recovering from a broken collarbone that actually may sideline him for a huge chunk of next year. But it's the Miami pick that makes no sense?

*And it's not like Ginn is operating on one wheel for life. Yes, he sprained his foot in the BCS game - a celebrating teammate rolled his foot and he's recovering. So his workouts weren't anywhere near top speed, and he certainly needs time to get back in game shape. But this isn't a serious, lingering or career threatening injury. And he has no substantial hitory of injuries either - durability isn't a concern.

*Don't forget last year, when everyone jumped all over Buffalo for selecting Ohio State S Donte Whitner at #8. It was called a reach, but Whitner was one of the top rookie defenders in the league.

Bottom line is that Ginn is a special talent. Yes, he need to continue to improve his route running and get stronger to break press coverage. But he is a threat to break a big play every time he's touches the ball. Anytime he's on the field he opens up space for other receivers and backs becuase he commands attention on deep routes. Ginn has near Olympic-level sprinter's speed; he just needs an offense that will get him the ball in the right spots. I would be shocked if Ginn wasn't a Pro Bowl quality returner once he's back to speed. He will flourish in an offense opposite a strong player like Chris Chambers, with upside like a young Joey Galloway.

I'll buy the Ginn jersey, and will try to be nice to Dolphin fans while they realize what idiots they were this weekend.