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.

Another Buckeye NFL Draft Record

Two Buckeyes were selected in the first round of this year's NFL Draft, giving them 66 first rounders in draft history. That's more than any other school; USC is second with 65 and Notre Dame and Miami (FL) are tied for third with 61. Since Jim Tressel took over the program Ohio State has put more players in the NFL than other other school. If you want to be successful at the next level, there can be no debate about whether Michigan or Ohio State should be your choice.

Ted Ginn Jr. was the first Buckeye off the board at #9 to the Miami Dolpins. His pick surprised many in the media and disappointed many Dolphin fans who thought Brady Quinn would be the pick. But more on that later. WR Anthony Gonzalez was the last pick in the first round, #32, to the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. Gonzo will replace Brandon Stokley in the slot and should be a very productive player. DT Quinn Pitcock was also selected by the Colts in the third round, joining Ginn and Gonzalez as first day picks.

The news was less exciting for RB Antonio Pittman and QB Troy Smith. Pittman was rated by some as the third best back in the draft, and ran a blazing 4.4 40 at the NFL Combine. But he was the 11th back selected and didn't come off the board until 4th round by the Saints. He joins a crowded backfield with Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister.

The Heisman Trophy winning Smith endured a few months of poor press after the national championship loss. After uninspiring workouts, Smith fell all the way to the end of the 5th round, choosen by the Baltimore Ravens at #174. It should be noted that Baltimore could be a great situation for Smith. With veteran Steve McNair as their aging starter, he has the opportunity to learn the system and hopefully take over in a few seasons. Incumbent reseve Kyle Boller poses little long-term threat.

DE Jay Richardson (Oakland Raiders, 5th round), WR/TE Roy Hall (Indianapolis Colts, 5th round) and C Doug Datish (Atlanta Falcons, 6th round) were the other Buckeyes choosen thus far. Other Buckeyes hoping to be drafted that may need to sign free agent contracts: DT David Patterson, FB Stan White Jr., G T.J. Downing, and S Brandon Mitchell.

We'll tackle the Ted Ginn lynching in a seperate post.