The Draft Is Upon Us

This weekend will be an exciting time not only for NFL and college fans, but mainly for the potential pro football players who's future lays in the hands of 32 franchises looking for their next star. The NFL draft begins Saturday afternoon with their new trimmed down draft time slots that should make the event much more enjoyable. Rarely will people know the overall success of a team's draft for a few years down the line, but that won't halt non stop commentary before and after the picks.

This year is the classic example of teams picking players who best fit their needs, and not necessarily the best overall player in the draft. The Dolphins have already signed their #1 pick out of Michigan, Jake Long. Long is one of many players worthy of the #1 selection. Amongst the others who should be picked within the first 7 or so picks are Chris Long out of Virginia, Glenn Dorsey from LSU, Matt Ryan from BC, and Darren McFadden of Arkansas.

An interesting thing to look at is the success rates of players panning out from the draft and the round they are drafted in. Everybody knows the fact that starting QB's Tony Romo and Jake Delomme were both undrafted and are now leading successful teams. Although for every Tony Romo there are numerous quarterbacks clinging to a dream of making the NFL who never make it. In the NFL today 15 of the starting QB's are 1st round picks. There are also 17 1st round running backs who start in the league.

Gil Brandt of NFL.com has listed his Top 100 prospects for the year with very few surprises. The interesting thing to look at is where these prospects are coming from. In his top 100 the ACC had the most prospects. The team with the most top 100 prospects was USC with 7. Listed below are the number of players from each conference in Brandt's 100 list. The draft is always a joy to watch, and this year shouldn't disappoint. So strap in, crack a beer, and get ready to watch all 15 or so hours of the draft.

Conference Ranks in top 100 prospects:
1. ACC (20)
2. Pac 10 (15)
3. Big Ten (14)
3. SEC (14)
5. Big 12 (12)
6. Big East (8)

Mid Majors: 1o players
Non FBS: 4 players
Notre Dame: 3 players