Just wanted to make a few notes about the three Ducks who were drafted on Saturday:
- Jonathan Stewart | 1st Round (#13) Carolina
I love this pick for both J-Stew and Carolina. The Panthers hovered around .500 last season, but aren't that far away from being contenders in a relatively weak division. Stewart will likely split carries with DeAngelo Williams, at least to start the season. See the SBN Panther blog Cat Scratch Reader to keep up with Stewie.
- Dennis Dixon | 5th Round (#156) Pittsburgh
I love this fit even more. The Steelers have a history with athletic quarterbacks (Kordell Stewart, Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle-El). Now, Dennis projects as a QB much more than those players, and Steelers coaches say they drafted him as a QB, but this gives both sides some insurance. If they don't think he'll be a QB long term, or if he doesn't see any PT at QB, then they can see how he does at another position. Pittsburgh has Ben Rothlisberger, and I don't expcect to see Dennis under center this season unless Big Ben gets hurt, but you have to think that they could have some trick plays in their package. They've done it before. For more info, look at Behind the Steel Curtain.
- Geoff Schwartz | 7th Round (#332) Carolina
Geoff has to be disapponted at falling to the 7th round, but he should make the roster. This is a team rebuilding its offensive line, and Geoff has the size and ability that they need. The only question mark he has is his footwork.
Best of luck to these guys in the NFL.
GO DUCKS!!!
--Dave