2003 NFL draft news and notes

Who were the 2003 first round draft picks?

A look at the first round of the 2003 draft

AP Photo/David Kohl

2003 pick #1 Carson Palmer

While all 32 NFL teams would burn an overall number one pick on a potential franchise QB, the Bengals actually got this one pretty right. Since he was drafted Palmer has started most of games for the Bengals, despite missing much of the 2008 season with an injury.

AP Photo/Novi Police

2003 pick #2 Charles Rogers

It is hard to say that Charles Rogers is going to go down as one of the better pick by one of the worst drafters in NFL history. In 2003 Detroit Lions former GM Matt Millen was looking for a weapon to pare with his young QB drafted the year before (Joey Harrington). However Rogers, without doubt, ended up being one of the worst selections made by this tem, in terms of injuries, suspensions, and legal battles that ensued from his time with the Lions.

AP Photo/Wade Payne

2003 pick #3 Andre Johnson

The Things bout top 10 draft picks is they should come in and make an immediate impact for the team that draft them. How good of a pick was Andre Johnson for the Houston Texans? Well it might be the finest pick made by this organization in its short history, and may just be among one of the best draft picks ever made.

AP Photo

2003 NFL draft pick by pick: #4 Dewayne Robertson

Dewayne Robertson, pick #4 in the 2003 draft by the New York Jets, has the distinction of being the second bust of the 2003 draft. The first was Charles Rogers at pick #2. Dewayne a DT, who attended the University of Kentucky, skipped his senior season to enter the 2003 draft.

2003 NFL draft pick by pick: #5 Terence Newman

It seems that CB Terrence Newman has the distinction of being the third home run draft pick of the 2003 draft. When Bill Parcells was running the Dallas Cowboys he considered him to be the finest athlete on the roster and after making the 2008 Pro Bowl his status as a shut down corner is assured.

2003 NFL draft pick by pick: #6 DT Johnathan Sullivan

It would seem that despite a strong rookie campaign, in which Johnathan Sullivan recorded 38 tackles, a sack, and started in 13 games his rookie year, and was named to the Pro Football Weekly’s All rookie team that Sullivan is the third bust of the 2003 draft.

2003 NFL Draft pick by pick: #7 QB Byron Leftwich

When one reads the career stats of Byron Leftwich the though NFL Draft bust immediately comes to mind. However, much of Leftwich’s struggles in the NFL are not the fault of his play, but terrible circumstances outside his control.