The 2008 NFL Draft this past weekend was filled with a lot of surprises, trades, and decisions with huge impacts for each individual team. Every year important decisions are made that can truly make or break a franchise. Whether it is choosing Ryan Leaf or Peyton Manning, Michael Jordan or Sam Bowie? Of course the choice is obvious now, but at that time it was anyone's guess. It is possible to develop an insight of a player's skill level and ability by their play in college or their statistics, but that doesn't necessarily translate to the "next level." GMs can watch all the game film they want in order to get a grasp of who they would like to pick, but what game film doesn't show is more important than stats and highlights. Game film doesn't show a players determination, work ethic, and character. That is what makes a champion, which is what GMs truly covet for their franchises.

A few draft decisions that stuck out to me this past weekend were the picks of the Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, and the Kansas City Chiefs. All of these teams drafted for need, however, they did not let that hinder their decisions when it came to selecting the best available players. First let's start with the Carolina Panthers who really made some gutsy decisions that should prove beneficial for them this year.

Carolina Panthers:

Panthers GM, Matt Hurney and Head Coach, John Fox made some surprising choices at predictable positions in this year's draft. With the release of Deshaun Foster it was evident that Carolina had to get a replacement for him because DeAngelo Williams, albeit a fine rusher, can not handle the full load of an every down back. The Panthers addressed this need with their first pick in the 2008 draft by selecting running back Jonathan Stewart from Oregon. At 5-10, 235lbs he has outstanding quickness, field vision, body control and playmaking ability. In his first season as Oregon's feature running back, Stewart set a single-season school record with 1,722 rushing yards in 2007. The Panthers also traded up in the first round for Jeff Otah, offensive tackle from Pittsburgh (6-6, 322). Otah has a large frame and should be an impact from the onset helping to assure a respectable power running game in Carolina. With these two picks in the first round the Carolina Panthers have just officially garnered a notable dual rushing attack. Many skeptics think that perhaps the Panthers should have drafted a quarterback, but their new found running game should assist

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