Now that the 2013 NFL draft is in the rear view mirror, let the analysis begin.
All of the leading media outlets, football websites and self- proclaimed NFL gurus have weighed in on the draft. They’ve done everything from grade the teams for how they did and on which players ended up in a favorable situation and those who didn’t. If you wager on the NFL, you have no doubt been culling as much information as you can.
Here are a few players who are either thanking their lucky stars or bemoaning their lousy luck.
Good vibrations
The St. Louis Rams drafted wide receiver Tavon Austin and the only guy happier than Austin was quarterback Sam Bradshaw who now has a legitimate big play receiver. Austin was the most dangerous offensive player in this year’s draft, and he has the ability to be a game breaker. It’s not too much of a stretch to say that if he stays healthy he could the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Detroit Lions drafted defensive end Ezekiel Ansah. He played a total of nine games at BYU and just picked up the sport in 2010. When you look up the words “raw talent” in the dictionary, you’ll see his picture. In Detroit, he will be mentored by some of the best defensive minds in the game. However, at 6-foot-5, 271 pounds Ansah has size and speed, two things that can’t be coached.
Risky Selection
The Green Bay Packers used a second-round pick on Alabama running back Eddie Lacy. However, there are a couple of reasons why he dropped to the Packers. Lacy had surgery for a big toe injury that made many of his potential suitors shy away. At 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, he has everything teams need in a running back these days: power, speed, agility and versatility. The Packers haven’t had a 1,000-yard runner in their backfield since 2009 and Lacy has the potential to be that guy.
Lelani on Line 1
The off-field saga of Manti Te’o will never be forgotten, but at least now he can concentrate on football. He was a second round pick of the San Diego Chargers who seemed to ignore his physical limitations. He isn’t nearly as quick or fast as most of the running backs he will play against, and that is immense problem. Plus he’ll playing in a city where the late Junior Seau spent many of his All-Pro seasons. Te’o will be compared to Seau, and even though he could go on to have an illustrious career, he’ll never be like Junior. This will be a nightmare for Te’o who might have been better off in a place like Buffalo or Cincinnati, not a media market like San Diego.
Using this player information should be part of any wagering strategy. Remember a happy NFL player is an effective one.