By By Chandler Myers
Last weekend changed the lives of several people as 256 names were called at the 2009 NFL Draft.
The first name called of course will be under the most scrutiny as Matthew Stafford will try to guide the Detroit Lions back to the win column after they suffered the first 0-16 season in the history of the NFL.
The former quarterback of the Georgia Bulldogs was taken because of his cannon arm and intelligence of the game.
Aside from the No. 1 pick, one player from a school in Alabama went in the first round with that being Andre Smith. Smith was taken at No. 6 by the Cincinnati Bengals where he will join former and now current teammate Simeon Castille.
Smith was given a lot of grief after being suspended from the Sugar Bowl. He did make mistakes at the combine, but it was not ultimately his fault that his uncle made contact with that agent. As a fan of the Crimson Tide, I don’t have dislike for the big mauler and wish him well in his future.
After Smith’s selection, Sherrod Taylor (Troy) and Auburn’s Sen’Derrick Marks were the next picks from the state going in the second round. The Panthers taking Taylor helps them shore up their secondary as he can play corner or safety with ease. The Titans should love Marks because he is a beast of a defensive tackle that will replace Albert Haynesworth sooner than later.
The pick that surprised me was Rashad Johnson slipping to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 95. The Cardinals recieved a gift with Johnson still being available. I wanted my team the Dallas Cowboys to pick up the instinctive safety, but they went stupid in the draft and reached on several picks.
Glen Coffee really surprised people by jumping up to early portion of the third round to the 49ers. He improved his draft stock by showing off his great character. If the NFL needs one thing these days, it would be some players that bring a positive image to the league.
He should step in immediately and help the 49ers offense along with Michael Crabtree.
I was surprised that John Parker Wilson was not drafted in the later rounds. He is a solid quarterback that performed strongly under three different offensive coordinators. He showed that he can manage different offenses during his college career, so it surprises me no one wanted to use a pick on him. He did sign with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday though.
I always look forward to the upcoming drafts and who knows maybe one day one of our local schools will have a player get selected for the big time.
Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com