The Class of 1996? The Class of 2001 is just as good. What am I talking about? Wide Receivers and the NFL Draft of course. Today, I’ll let you know the guys who turned out amazing, into megabusts, and the guy who doesn’t go in any of these categories.

Here are the guys who turned out right:

·         Santana Moss (Round 1, Pick 16) – Now he might not be as good as some of the guys below him, but he wasn’t a bust either. Moss had 1,483 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in 2005.

·         Reggie Wayne (Round 1, Pick 30) – Wayne is the present, Marvin Harrison is the past. With Harrison (who was ironically a part of the Class of 96’) injured much of last year, Wayne is the new Harrison for Peyton Manning.

·         Chad Johnson (Round 2, Pick 5) – OK, now he might not be liked by everybody, but as a receiver, and just a receiver, he is amazing. Without Ocho Cinco, the Bengals really wouldn’t be much.

·         Chris Chambers (Round 2, Pick 21) – Chambers had a solid career with Miami, and I was shocked when he was traded to San Diego. Now, he is flanker for the Bolts and the leader of a mediocre receiving corps, besides Antonio Gates.

·         Steve Smith (Round 3, Pick 12) – Today, Smith is arguably the best receiver in the league despite being only 5’9”. What he does need to improve is on is his anger management.

·         T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Round 7, Pick 4) – Just looking at his name, you would never guess he's a football player. But he is, and he was the steal of the draft. He’s not as good as Johnson, but he’s still one hell of a player.

·         Drew Bennett (Undrafted) – Unless you’re a big NFL fan, you won’t know who Bennett is. But at 6’5”, Bennett had a quality career with the Titans including 1,247 receiving yards and 11 TD’S in 2004. He’s now with the Rams and is about to take legend Isaac Bruce’s place at split end.

Here are the guys who weren’t so fortunate (the megabusts). Ironically, a number of the following guys seemed extremely promising (at one point at least):

·         Koren Robinson (Round 1, Pick 9) – As a former member of our beloved Hawks, Robinson made 1,240 receiving yards in just his second season with Seattle. After that, let’s just say he was never the same again.

·         Rod Gardner (Round 1, Pick 15) – Just like Robinson, Gardner had 1,006 receiving yards and 8 TD’S in only his sophomore year, and then, he jumped from team to team. Following a 2-reception 2006 season, he is waiting to sign with a team.

·         Freddie Mitchell (Round 1, Pick 25) – Unlike Robinson or Gardner, Fredex NEVER had a good season in his entire career with Philadelphia.

·         Quincy Morgan (Round 2, Pick 2) – Morgan is the unknown of this list. Still, he was an early 2nd round draft pick of the Browns, and managed 964 receiving yards and 7 TD’S in, you guessed it, his second season. Morgan is currently a free agent.

·         Ron Dixon (Round 3, Pick 11) – In the regular season, Dixon does not have a single career reception. What he will be remembered is his 97-yard kickoff return touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV versus Baltimore. Dixon left football after 2002 due to an injury.

Oh, and then there’s this guy:

·         Justin McCareins (Round 4, Pick 29) – After being drafted by the Titans, McCareins had a solid stretch of 700 & 800 receiving yards seasons between 2003 and 2005 with Tennessee and the New York Jets. Following two great campaigns in his first two seasons with the Jets, he started slowing down. He has since returned to Tennessee and is hoping to provide the Titans with more of a veteran receiver for Vince Young.

Let me know what you think.

CHICAGO BEARS: Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton-Grossman is a proven inconsistent starter, but has at least shown flashes of strong play ability. A former competitor, Brian Griese, has left for Tampa Bay again. On the other hand, Orton, a former 5th round pick, is pretty much an unknown. STARTER: Grossman

BUFFALO BILLS: Trent Edwards vs. J.P. Losman-This is pretty much a no-brainer. Edwards is a 3rd round pick. Losman a 1st. If you don’t follow up on football, you’d think Losman. But no, Edwards proved himself much better last season. I’m going with the Stanford product, like everyone else. STARTER: Edwards

CLEVELAND BROWNS: Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn-Even though Anderson was a Pro Bowler last year who passed for 29 TD’S & Quinn has barely played; it’s all QUINN in Cleveland. Still, Anderson is a proven starter and if I were Cleveland, I’d trade Brady unless Anderson falters. STARTER: Anderson

ARIZONA CARDINALS: Matt Leinart vs. Kurt Warner-After another excellent 2007 campaign from Warner which saw 3,417 pass yards and 27 TD’S, benching the disappointing Leinart wouldn’t help the situation. I believe starting Warner would gather a better record in 2008, but Leinart needs to play in order to improve. STARTER: Leinart

MIAMI DOLPHINS: John Beck vs. Chad Henne vs. Josh McCown-The journeyman McCown has shown he’s an inconsistent starter in his career. Many people believe Henne’s the man, and he may be, but I just don’t think starting him right away is the right decision. STARTER: Beck

ATLANTA FALCONS: Joey Harrington vs. Chris Redman vs. Matt Ryan-I think Ryan is Atlanta’s new franchise QB, but I would never recommend starting a rookie QB right away. Case goes here. I’d see Harrington start the first few games, then bring Ryan in later. Redman is a better reserve at this point in his career. STARTER: Harrington, then Ryan

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers: Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith-Hill was impressive during his 3 starts last year winning two of the three games and throwing for a 68.4% completion rating. However, I still believe Smith could play like a 1st overall pick should under new offensive coordinator, Mike Martz. STARTER: Smith

NEW YORK JETS: Kellen Clemens vs. Chad Pennington-Pennington has had a number of good seasons in his career. However, injuries have hurt his overall play and capability. Clemens has been promising in his first two seasons as a former 2nd rounder. STARTER: Clemens

GREEN BAY PACKERS: Brian Brohm vs. Aaron Rodgers-Rodgers has been waiting his entire career to start, benching him again just wouldn’t be right. He has also played well in relief or mop-up duty in his first 3 years, especially the Dallas game last year. STARTER: Rodgers

BALTIMORE RAVENS: Kyle Boller vs. Joe Flacco-Flacco has similarities to Boller; large makeup, strong arm, mid-1st rounder, Ravens pick, now would that be good or bad? Boller is still trying to prove himself after being selected 18th overall several years back. This is definitely his last shot at the starting spot; I would bring in Flacco if Boller falters. STARTER: Boller, then maybe Flacco

MINNESOTA VIKINGS: John David Booty vs. Gus Frerotte vs. Tarvaris Jackson-As a late 2nd round pick in the 06’ Draft, I have always backed Jackson. Despite a rocky start to his career, I trust he can still play well. If Jackson isn’t solid, bring in Booty; Frerotte should play as a 3rd-string instead. STARTER: Jackson