Chiefs 2009 Draft: A Look At Other "Elite" Prospects

Why did the Chiefs select Tyson Jackson as our first round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft?

That's a question a lot of us asked on that fateful Saturday afternoon. Why reach for him when Aaron Curry was sitting in our lap? Two years have passed and a lot of Chiefs fans are still unhappy with the pick. I understand why the Chiefs drafted him but I will never "love*" this pick.

Anyways, my main point is this: the 2009 Draft class hasn't been great. Let's take a quick look at some other "elite" draft prospects that we missed out on.

*Aaron Curry, OLB: Many experts saw him as the top overall player in the 2009 Draft. I loved his athleticism and productivity in college. I loved his work ethic and maturity. When Seattle drafted him at #4, I thought it was a great fit. But after two seasons, Curry has yet to light up the NFL. He's had a few good games but he hasn't been the superstar that everyone thought he would be. You could argue that he isn't even the best linebacker in Seattle.

*Mark Sanchez, QB: Since he has been with Gang Green, the Jets have been to the AFC Championship game twice. I know the defense has a lot to do with their success but Sanchez has made tremendous strides so far in his career.

*Andre Smith, OT: I was the Bengals GM for the 2009 AP Mock Draft. I chose Andre Smith with their first pick. The Bengals eventually selected him too. I said he was the best lineman in the draft and he would be a huge boost for Cincy's offensive line. Boy was I wrong. He's been injured a few times and when he's healthy he hasn't been very effective. 

*BJ Raji, DT: He's been a major part of Green Bay's defensive success. He isn't the sexiest player out there but he fit a need and has progressed nicely so far in his career.

*Michael Crabtree, WR: He held out until October '09 to sign his contract. Kind of a red flag to me. But what about his stats? They are pretty average so far. Granted, Alex Smith hasn't helped out much but I am expecting more from Crabtree. The jury is still out for him yet.

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I'm not trying to rip on these players. Some of them have been Most of these guys are still learning the ropes and I wouldn't write them off as busts anytime soon. And I believe that is the case with T-Jax. After next year, if he hasn't shown a lot of improvement, then I will start throwing around the term "bust" a little more.