The three NFL teams with the worst records in 2008 went a combined 4-44. Given that, it’s easy to believe that adding any player with a pulse to their rosters would be a step up. Now that the 2009 NFL draft is over, All Team Sports Information takes a look at how those three NFL teams fared.
With a 0-16 record in 2008, it’s no surprise that the NFL team Detroit Lions took Georgia QB Matthew Stafford—the top ranked player in the 2009 draft—with the overall number one pick. While Stafford could be a franchise player someday, the Lions have said he needs more time to develop. Along with Stafford, the Lions made good selections with Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew, Western Michigan safety Louis Delmas, and Nebraska tackle Lydon Murtha.
The NFL team St. Louis Rams (2-14) got what they needed—top draft picks with the potential to contribute immediately. Baylor tackle Jason Smith could become a long-term anchor on the line, and Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis is steady in the middle. The Rams needed help at wide receiver, but waited until the fifth round to pick up UNC’s Brooks Foster.
The NFL team Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) had a lot of spots to fill this year. They beefed up the defensive line in hopes to build the team around LSU DE Tyson Jackson and Purdue DT Alex Magee. With some time to develop as a unit, the NFL team Chiefs could be a force in the AFC by 2010.
Overall, the worst of the worst managed to snap up some promising talent this year. We’ll just have to wait and see how long it takes to make the turn-around.
