NFL Draft-Day 1, The Problem with the MWC

So its the NFL Draft and I am anxiously awaiting to see what happens to my favorite team, the Miami Dolphins. They did what was expected of them and went free safety. Dr. Z of Sports Illustrated was all over that one. What was unexpected for me, however, was the dearth of Mountain West Conference players drafted on Day 1. How many you ask? Two. Yep, for all the huffing and puffing that we ought to be in the BCS, we have only to look at our programs to see why we get no support nationally.

I know, I know, last year we had a banner year and a lot of the Utah guys went pretty high and the Cougs and CSU have routinely put guys high in the draft, but this year the MWC had exactly two. An offensive lineman from New Mexico and an ILB from San Diego State. To make matters worse, the kid from New Mexico graded out to a 4th or 5th round pick and everyone was surprised he went that high. Look, the MWC clamors for attention, but ultimately the individual talent in the league is just not that impressive. TCU and Utah, the top two teams in the league placed less guys in the first three rounds than Weber State or Northwestern State.

I want to say the talent is there, cause the Utes thumped on Georgia Tech and the Cougs held their own with the Cal Bears in the bowl games, but the draft says no. It is frustrating, too, knowing that several guys like Ngata and Litui actually showed interest in the Cougs before going to PAC-10 schools. I am hopeful it gets better, but can anyone blame Urban for leaving Utah after seeing whats happening in the MWC. I don't think so.

Better luck on Day 2.