Commentary

Raiders botch seventh overall pick

B.J. Raji offers great value at No. 9; Larry English a reach for Chargers

Originally Published: April 25, 2009
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.
The first day of the NFL draft was full of values, reaches and surprises. Here's a look at the five best and five worst moves on Day 1 as judged by Scouts Inc.:

Five good

1. New York Jets: QB Mark Sanchez (No. 5 overall)
The Jets gave up a lot for Mark Sanchez (the Nos. 17 and 52 overall picks, three players), but I really like this pick for two reasons. First, Sanchez's intangibles and charisma make him a perfect fit in the big city. Second, with a good defense and a strong running game already in place, the Jets can really protect Sanchez, much like the Ravens and Falcons did with rookie QBs Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan, respectively, last season.

2. Buffalo Bills: DE/OLB Aaron Maybin (No. 11 overall)
Maybin is the best pure pass-rusher in this year's draft. The Bills can develop him properly early in his career in a rotation with Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel while he adds bulk and gets stronger versus the run.

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Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

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