NFL team executive calls this year's draft "The worst in the last decade"

[jtnc]

One high-ranking team executive told CBS Sports' Mike Freeman this is the worst draft in a decade.

"Worst draft in past 10 years or longer," the executive said. "When we look back at this draft in five or 10 years we might view it as one of the worst we've seen in some time."

The talent is considered deep along the offensive and defensive lines, but there are few true stars. Current NFL stars who were no-question first-rounders in their respective draft classes include: quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton and Matthew Stafford; defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh; linebacker Von Miller; and wide receiver A.J. Green.

"There will be 13-15 players picked in the first round that are true first-rounders," the executive said. "That's a fairly low number."

In comparison, the executive said there were 20-23 players with first-round talent in 2012, which is average.

Every draft has those who outperform expectations and become cornerstone players. Right now, there doesn't seem to be many who will be in that category this year.

www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000162810/article/report-executive-calls-draft-the-worst-in-10-years?campaign=Twitter_atl

[Ricky Spanish]

Honestly? that's how I've felt about it this year too...

[Delhommey]

It's bad regarding star power, but good regarding bodies.

The worst part is the complete lack of QB's, but that doesn't directly hurt us very much.

A draft deep in DT's, Safeties, and Offensive Linemen? Yes, please.

[BigEric]

This is a meaty, rugged draft. There are no pretty prospects like Cam, Aj Green, or Trent Richardson... but yeah it is rich in the trenches. Solid depth at CB, two of the top guards we've seen in years, 3 potential franchise LT's. Plenty of Olb/DE projects. I don't think its the "worst" but it isn't flashy.

[Kevin Greene]

This Exec probably works for the Redskins who traded away their draft future for RG3.

[Miiikey]

My personal opinion is that the draft just has no superstars; celebrityism (yes, I declare that a word too) but its significantly deep in useable talent. F it, I'll take this years. Could get a couple [maybe future] starters

[TheRumGone]

We're lucky were not in a desperate need for a QB or RB.

[frash.exe]

the 2009 draft was pretty goddamned bad

[rodeo]

Every draft has those who outperform expectations and become cornerstone players. Right now, there doesn't seem to be many who will be in that category this year.

how can you tell already that they won't outperform expectations when they haven't even performed yet?

[koolkatluke]

Put your name by your quote or it don't mean poo. That's what I think about NFL Exc. who makes comments in the shadows. If you think this is the worst draft then trade all your picks for next year picks.

[TheRed]

Pft, what hogwash.

Doesn't this exec read the huddle? If he only knew the laundry list of teams wanting to trade up with us..

/Delusional bliss.

[carolina-chuck]

I can only count about 8-9 players that are true 1st rounders: Joeckel, Fisher (could've been a 2nd rounder with Lane Johnson if Matthews and Lewan had enter), Warmack, Star, Eifert, Jarvis, Rhodes, Manti and Mingo

[KendrickPanther]

It's absurd to rate a draft class "the worst in 10 years" without them playing football. Some players that are poorly rated will become hall of famers. Many others will become pro bowlers. People get caught up in "reaching" and "over drafting". None of that matters if the guy you picked is good. Bruce Irvin was not expected to go in the first round but he played well his rookie season. The MLB from Seattle was not rated as a first round stud but he had a great year. Russel Wilson was considered a 4th round guy, gets drafted in the third and plays like a top 5 pick. I just noticed I'm naming the entire Seattle draft from last year, poo they did good.

So I don't really care what anonymous GMs and draft gurus think. Some of these guys will bust and others will ascend.

[LinvilleGorge]

It's absurd to rate a draft class "the worst in 10 years" without them playing football. Some players that are poorly rated will become hall of famers. Many others will become pro bowlers. People get caught up in "reaching" and "over drafting". None of that matters if the guy you picked is good. Bruce Irvin was not expected to go in the first round but he played well his rookie season. The MLB from Seattle was not rated as a first round stud but he had a great year. Russel Wilson was considered a 4th round guy, gets drafted in the third and plays like a top 5 pick. I just noticed I'm naming the entire Seattle draft from last year, poo they did good.

So I don't really care what anonymous GMs and draft gurus think. Some of these guys will bust and others will ascend.

Exactly.

I'm sure back in 1996, GMs new that it was a really good WR draft, but looking back on it now, it was probably the greatest WR draft of all time. 8 future Pro Bowl WRs were taken in that draft and I was shocked to see that Amani Toomer wasn't one of them. The guy had 5 straight 1000+ yard receiving seasons and never went to a Pro Bowl. T.O. was a 3rd rounder. Joe Horn went in the 5th. Hindsight is always 20/20. You gotta wait at least a few years to even try to judge a draft class as a whole.