Chapter 556: Planning
In 2017, the Kansas Chiefs detonated the entire league with a series of dazzling operations, and undoubtedly became the biggest winner in the draft.
In 2018, the Baltimore Ravens, who had been working hard to sharpen their swords, finally showed their sharp edges, and John Harper showed his courage as a head coach.
Originally, quarterback wasn't even on Harbaugh's draft target list.
The reason is very simple. The Baltimore Ravens' hesitation and entanglement have all ended in the offseason.
Indeed, they desperately need a quarterback. Joe Flacco's status has been showing a slow decline every year. This 33-year-old veteran will definitely not be the future of the team; but the Baltimore Ravens have always been a traditional defense. A strong team, they don't need to rely on their offense to win.
After careful consideration, Hubble decided to let Flacco continue to start, and signed a one-year contract with Griffin III, who had been ignored for a whole year, a week before the draft; Hubble was ready to see if the former No. 1 pick could Potential can also be tapped.
In other words, the Baltimore Ravens already have two quarterbacks who are likely to start. There is really no need for them to get involved in the quarterback battle in this year's draft and sit back and watch. .
In fact, when it was the Baltimore Ravens' turn to draft, they even sold out their picks and completed a deal with the Tennessee Titans; then the Baltimore Ravens leisurely selected a tight end with the 25th overall pick. End, complete his draft plan.
Calm, calm and sophisticated.
Once the goal is determined, they refuse to be hot-headed or act impulsively. The Baltimore Ravens show the deep heritage of a traditional strong team in the American League.
Then.
An accident happened——
Lamar Jackson.
The potential No. 1 overall pick quarterback, who had polarizing reviews, suffered a nightmare worse than Rogers and Watson. He sat stupidly in the small green room for more than four hours and was about to fall out of the first round of the draft.
This happens every year.
Jackson is not the first and definitely not the last player who received rave reviews before the draft but was generally looked down upon in the draft. Among these players, some have proven themselves, but more have proven that the team has a sophisticated vision. Therefore, Jackson Which one does it belong to?
At this time, the Baltimore Ravens showed another side of a traditional strong team:
It took action when it was time to take action.
Not impulsively, not taking risks, but making a prompt decision when you see an opportunity.
Watching Jackson decline all the way and being ignored all the way, the Baltimore Ravens see the value of Jackson. It is true that they do not need a quarterback for the time being, but it does not mean that they do not need a new cornerstone.
Whether it is Flacco or Griffin III, they can cope with one season and two seasons, but after all they will not be the future of the team. Even if it is not this year, the Baltimore Ravens must choose a rookie quarterback next year.
As a result, the opportunity now arises. An unexplored gem is placed in front of you, and you can easily pick it up at a reasonable or even low price?
The Baltimore Ravens have no reason to miss out.
then.
The first day of the 2018 draft ended with a bang as the Baltimore Ravens picked up Jackson at the buzzer.
Jackson was confused, and so were other professionals and teams.
Sure enough, what competitive sports want is excitement.
For the second year in a row, one team's bold move demonstrated the mettle of the front office, ensuring the excitement of the draft lasted until the very end.
This time, Jackson entered the first round at the buzzer and became the fifth quarterback selected, proving that quarterbacks are still the best in the league.
There, before the Baltimore Ravens scored at the buzzer, the draft's most noteworthy moments had created one classic scene after another.
This year, Mayfield, the No. 1 pick, is the quarterback, and Darnold, the No. 3 pick, is also the quarterback. The No. 2 pick who was treated as a sandwich cookie is finally not a quarterback - the New York Giants have exceeded everyone's expectations.
Since the Thanksgiving quarterback farce, almost everyone has firmly believed that the New York Giants are about to usher in a new era of quarterbacks. It coincides with this year's quarterback year, and the second overall pick can also choose a talented player. players, but not the New York Giants front office.
Saquon-Barkley, running back from the University of Pennsylvania.
Running back, actually a running back?
The league was stunned. They couldn't understand the New York Giants' draft strategy for a while. Are they planning to have another flat season this year?
Brush brush brush.
All eyes were focused on Buckley.
Because of the unexpected selection of the New York Giants, and also because of the running back position——
Levi, the No. 3 overall pick last year, wrote an unsurpassed rookie season. Not just Barkley, any running back must look up to him when he enters the league, and he carries the expectations that come from all directions.
As the second best player this year, Barkley naturally bears the brunt.
However, the young man seemed confident and locked the target early.
"Levi, I'm here."
Before officially entering the league, Barkley had already issued a battle invitation.
Levi: ...During training, please do not disturb. If he had to respond to all the arrogant words of cats and dogs, he wouldn't need to train or compete at all. He could just lie on the sofa and broadcast live every day to respond specifically.
This year, a total of three running backs were selected in the first round, but the momentum and atmosphere were far from what they were last year; instead, there was competition for linebackers.
A total of five linebackers were selected in the first round, as many as quarterbacks.
Among them are the Tennessee Titans, who traded up, and the Buffalo Bills, who have two first-round picks.
Compared with the Baltimore Ravens, who are making a lot of noise and maximizing profits at the minimum cost, the Buffalo Bills appear to be extremely low-key and make no big moves. They rely more on the picks they acquired through trades to expand their layout and quietly hide behind the noise. Build a new team in a low-key manner——
A quarterback, Josh Allen, and a linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds, are not inferior to last year's Kansas Chiefs and this year's Baltimore Ravens, doing big things in silence.
At this point, you can see the important role played by the team manager.
There are clear-thinking and resolute team managers like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills who can build a competitive team based on the team's situation.
With team managers like the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns who have advantages but are incomprehensible, draft strategy is more like arbitrary artistic creation.
There are also team managers like the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars who are very calculating and courageous but often lack a little inspiration in details.
The Kansas Chiefs manager Veach is a growing type. He knows his shortcomings and also has his own advantages. After listening to opinions and considering them comprehensively, he will consider the overall situation and consider the long term. Once he makes a decision, he will never show mercy.
Following last year, the Kansas Chiefs also gained a lot in the draft this year. Although it had nothing to do with the team on the first day, it was the stage for Veach to show off his skills from the second day on.
(End of chapter)