In all the years that I've closely followed the drafts, the 1989 NFL Draft always stood out. Its hard to miss. Four Hall of Famers in the top five is an incredible concentration of talent. Dallas selected UCLA quarterback Troy Aikman #1. Barry Sanders went third followed by Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders. The one that didn't fit was all time bust Tony Mandarich at #2. Prior to this draft many were already considering Aikman and both Sanders' as potential greats. They were right. Everyone was wrong about Mandarich.
The 2007 NFL Draft is chasing that 1989 class. Despite missing that super quarterback that seems to be needed to be considered great, I think that 2007 is catching 1989. Both have a big bust. Unfortunately for 2007 that bust is the missing quarterback and he was selected first. Jamarcus Russell hurt himself, the Raiders, the league and this class. It would be a mistake to write off 2007 because of the first choice. It got better, much better. Detroit selected Calvin Johnson at #2. Cleveland followed with tackle Joe Thomas. With the Minnesota Vikings selecting seventh things were getting tense on draft day. My personal favorite was Calvin Johnson but I knew there was no chance that he'd be there for the Vikings. I had shifted my attention to LSU safety LaRon Landry. Then the impossible happened when Oklahoma runningback Adrian Peterson was still there. Peterson's a Viking! With Johnson, Thomas and Peterson in the top seven there was some serious impact on the league. What brings 2007 into competition with 1989 is what happened after the top ten. San Francisco found an all time great in Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis. Three picks later the New York Jets did the same with cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Five seasons is a bit early to induct players into Canton but its enough time to see who might be on their way. Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis and Darrelle Revis are among the best players in the league. If each continues as they have they will be in the conversation of the best of all time.
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