Seeing as how we're only entering week six of the NFL season, it would be a little early to start writing off members of this year's draft class as busts, or, as the case may be, hyping them up as instant stars. It takes time to evaluate these things, and a strong rookie season doesn't always lead to a long, successful career as an impact player. Take for example Tampa Bay wide receiver Michael Clayton, who burst onto the scene with one of the best rookie seasons we've seen from the receiver position in quite some time. Since that rookie campaign, however, he's been a rather large disappointment, failing to come anywhere near the lofty numbers he put up that first year.
On the other end of the spectrum, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu hardly played during his rookie season, and when he did find himself on the field, he struggled to make any kind of impact. Frankly, he was kind of terrible that year. The following season, he blossomed into a perennial all-pro. Some players simply take a little longer to develop.
That being said, the San Francisco media seems to be eating it up this week that first-round pick Kentwan Balmer, and second-round pick Chilo Rachal, so far, kind of stink, while DeSean Jackson is, so far, kind of awesome. When you consider the 49ers passed on Jackson in the draft -- twice -- and the 49ers are playing the Eagles this week -- they didn't pass on Jackson -- well, it leads to a lot of talk among the local scribes.
