A word on the subject: Draft

Many Broncos fans sat in wait with their eyes glued to ESPN announcers as they rambled off 256 names that would be the future of the NFL. Much to their disappointment not one single Boise State athlete made it into the picks for the first time in four years. Even BSU’s Ian Johnson was snubbed by teams before signing a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings shortly after the No.256 “Mr. Irrelevant,” was announced.

I tell those fans not to be discouraged. There is light at the end of the tunnel. These guys have been there before.

Despite BSU being the only team that finished in the AP top-25 to not have a player drafted don’t expect that Ian Johnson, Vinny Perretta, Julian Hawkins or Jeremy Childs to go quietly into the night. Other players have made a dent in the elitist NFL party without the help of the top 256.

Antonio Gates was never drafted out of Kent State. In fact his collegiate career consisted of basketball before he made a crash into the NFL with a thundering blow. He has emerged as one of the top tight ends in the game at his home with the San Diego Chargers.

Wes Welker has played an important role since joining the New England Patriots. He has just with the help from a talented pair of quarterbacks, putting up over a hundred receptions per season since joining the Pats. Truly a diamond in the rough.

Who can forget Tony Romo who emerged from the tutelage of Drew Bledsoe at the Cowboys. He has amazed fans by guiding Dallas to the playoffs during 2006 and 2007 to go along with his two Pro Bowl appearances during the same two stellar seasons.

Boise State has seen its share of adversity. To this very day there are fans that still fail to give them the respect they deserve. They are blue-collar and they will keep it that way. Despite losing by one point to a team that finished No.7 in the polls against TCU in one of the most misrepresented bowl games in recent history at the Poinsettia. Despite being one of the nation’s most consistent programs that was able to put up 43 points against Oklahoma. Despite having to climb their way back into the polls each year.

I am not saying that their weren’t plenty of athletes who emerged right where they belonged in the draft. I am saying that the Broncos who failed to emerge as the elite 256 have seen this multiple times during their careers at Boise State. Chris Petersen and the gang have groomed them to move forward without a bad taste in their mouths and to look at the opportunity to be members of the NFL, not the gift that they failed to receive.

Many scouts have labeled Johnson as one of the hardest working individuals from the 2008 running backs class that they have seen. If anyone knows his determination after observing him over the years they know this to be true.

Draft is the word. Sometimes it is best to climb the ladder of success than to begin at the top only to tumble to the ground.

KIRK BELL
Sports Coordinator

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