NFL Draft successes and busts 10-year evaluation: 6th overall success

by Dan Kadar on Apr 15, 2011 11:24 PM EDT

Over the next couple weeks, we'll evaluate the best and worst top 10 picks in a 10-year span from 1999-2008. We capped this at 2008 because it's unfair to judge first- or second-year players. Today, the pick six success.

Pick: Six overall
The player: I'm not sure.

Between 1999 and 2008, there are two clear cut choices as the top player. The trouble is, I'm not sure who that player is.

The choices, as you probably know, are Torry Holt (Rams, 1999) and Richard Seymour (Patriots, 2001). Both have won Super Bowls, both are members of the 2000s All-Decade Team and have been named to multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams.

Holt finished his career with 920 receptions for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns. He has the NFL record for most consecutive seasons with 1,300 yards receiving, 90 or more catches and most catches and receiving yards in a decade. For a time, Holt was one of the most dynamic players in the NFL and a key cog in the vaunted Greatest Show on Turf offense.

Seymour doesn't have Holt's records or stats, but he has two more Super Bowl titles. Seymour was a key piece of New England's defense while he was there until 2008 along with Tedy Bruschi, Ty Warren and Willie McGinest. More importantly is the legacy he's built. Seymour is the benchmark for modern 3-4 defensive ends and whom all are compared against.

So I'm still not sure who the top No. 6 pick is in this window of time. Both are excellent players who should make the Hall of Fame. But who do you think is better?

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Poll

Who was the better player in their career?

Torry Holt

100 votes

Richard Seymour

192 votes

292 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 10 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

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Comments

Richard Seymour

Torry Holt put up the numbers in a pass happy offense. Richard Seymour was a huge part of the Patriots Dynasty making a huge impact all three years they won the Super Bowl getting 39 sacks as a 3-4 DE in 8 seasons. That may not seem like a lot, but look at the position he played in what scheme and that is actually impressive for the position in a 3-4 defense. 3 Super Bowls vs. 1 Super Bowl. One of those three Super Bowls Seymour won was against Holt as his defense shutdown the “Greatest Show on Turf”. Both are future HOFers, but Richard Seymour gets the nod of Torry Holt.

Bring Bruce Carter to KC...Man is a beast!!!

by ChiefsFan90s on Apr 16, 2011 12:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I feel dirty doing this

But I picked Richard Seymour. Seymour was just the all around great player for the Patriots. Great player, leader, mentor and community man. Even when he left the Pats via trade, he left with class. It is no surprise that he was a cornerstone of the Patriots dynasty

A long way from Pittsburgh PA, in fact, 8653.2 miles to be precise. My blood still bleeds black and gold like the rest of Steeler Nation, proud fan since 2002.

BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia

by Michael Hewitt on Apr 16, 2011 12:40 AM EDT reply actions

Seymour, pretty clearly in my mind.

The guy is still a Pro Bowl level talent and looks like he has a few more years left in the tank. Holt has basically been done since 2008.

That is not to demean Holt in anyway, the guy was a durable consistent threat for eight straight years. Very impressive.

"I read one article, I said, 'This guy doesn't know what he's talking about,' " Mayhew said. "Then I read another one, and I thought, 'Wait a minute, they're all saying the same thing.' -Martin Mayhew 2011 regarding Draft Gurus.

by NorthLeft12 on Apr 16, 2011 8:16 AM EDT reply actions

Torry Holt.

One of the best, most consistent receivers ever to play. Using Super Bowls to gauge players is just dumb.

by TheSmart1 on Apr 16, 2011 3:36 PM EDT reply actions

Absolutely.

Aaron Curry was a bust the moment he took the field.
Seahawks please draft Ryan "Monster" Mallett or Jake "Montlake Messiah" Locker!

by Fearless Frog on Apr 17, 2011 2:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I wasn’t really using Super Bowls to gauge them, but it’s a component. Seymour is a legacy player, I think. Holt isn’t but had freaky stats.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Apr 17, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course, though, you’re a Ram fan. It’s no surprise to see that you back Holt.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Apr 17, 2011 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Haha true. Gotta stick to the guys I know best.

by TheSmart1 on Apr 17, 2011 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow, REALLY difficult

for me to choose one but I’m leaning Tory Holt. The way I broke the “tie” in my head was like this: If I had to choose 2 wideouts between like 2000 and 2006 to be on my team, I would choose Tory Holt and Randy Moss. If I had to choose 2 DE’s in that span, neither would be Seymour. Gimme Strahan and Jevon Kearse.

Granted, you could pick Seymour over either of my ends, but I would really want Holt on my team before any of those guys. And I lean defense in my thoughts, usually.

The draft and who we might get has been posted to death and then back to life. I've lost interest in the draft until the day comes....

by tommy d. on Apr 16, 2011 7:09 PM EDT reply actions