Ruskell at His Best

While many debate some of the decisions that GM Tim Ruskell has made, few can debate that he has actually been at his best in the draft room.

Many of you may not know this, but Ruskell got his start as a scout in the CFL. Eventually he worked his way into the NFL through his friendship with Rich McKay. The two met while Ruskell was a ball boy for the Bucs when Rich's father John was coach.

Anyway, his original position was director of college scouting. To the point...He as always been a good evaluator of talent.

Reader Griffin bought up what Pat Kirwan reported, that the Hawks average more starters from their draft classes than any other team.

If you want to look at and discuss Ruskell's draft record......

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE CHART TO SEE IT LARGER



First off, let me say that I am going to count Deion Branch as a starter. If anybody out there feels that Ruskell wouldn't have gotten a starter with that pick, then you are free to disagree.

If you go by strict averages, Ruskell has found 3.33 starters per draft. 10 starters in 3 drafts.
Also, it could be debated whether or not Obamanu is a starter, however, as it currently sits, it would seem he would open the season as the 3rd receiver, which often starts.

However it is more interesting to speculate a little. Looking at the 2006 draft class which included Jennings, Tapp, and Simms. All three of these players didn't start full time until 2007.
Therefore, it is plausible to say that a lot of those blue highlighted players will begin making an impact in 08'. I think the most plausible would be Wilson and Taylor, although it is hard to predict what spots may open up do to unforeseen circumstance. Either way, I think most can agree that Ruskell does a good job of getting production from his picks. There are a lot of starters and one perennial pro bowler from the group.

So what does this mean for 08'. First, I expect the Ruskell to do at least as good as his average. One position that most agree that the Hawks will choose at some point is TE. With no real long term starter in place, it is not hard to see the TE who he chooses becoming a starter. Now many people think that the 2nd round is where the TE will be taken. Therefore there is a first round pick available. I would expect that the first rounder will be a starter by 2010 at the latest. You don't pay first rounders to be backups, unless you pick poorly. Third, Ruskell almost has to choose a kicker. There currently is a gaping hole at that roster spot. Most likely, a rookie kicker will start. That immediately is three starters from the upcoming class. Include Ruskell's success with players like Leroy Hill and Brandon Mebane in the 3rd, and it is likely that this class bears a lot of similarities to the 06' class as far as number of contributers.

As we have seen very clearly this offseason, as a team has sustained success, value is attributed to their players. Thus, a successful team often has to pay high salaries to keep its veteran players. This is not always feasible, especially with players who are backups and special teamers. Thus, it is important to get lots of contributions from draft picks.

People keep pointing out how the Giants got contributions from all 7 of their draft picks last year. If Ruskell has a draft like that, which is certainly possible, not only will the Hawks continue to win the West for years to come, but they may send Holmgren out a winner too.

Ruskell draft picks with the Hawks have performed extremely well overall, starting next year, we will find out how dedicated he is to keeping them here.