2006 NASCAR Draft Analysis

Well, another draft is in the books. First the shocker of the year so far.....Bill gets the 5th overall pick.

Let me start off by thanking Paul for once again hosting the draft. His hospitality is second to none. He is truly the greatest and I love him!

Now, let me also say that some of the picks weren't the only things with a lot of stench that night. I've made doctor's appointments for some of you. Let's just leave it at that.

As for the first round, it didn't take long for a shocking pick to be made. Right out of the gate Paul picks Jamie McMurray, who I do believe will be at least knocking at the door again to get into the chase. But first overall.....hm....I guess time will tell. That left a proven winner, Jimmy Johnson, for the person who already has the hottest driver in NASCAR. And I don't mean hottest in the way you're thinking, Paul. If Keith gets anything at all out of another one of his drivers, he will once again be a force to be reckon with. Kelly had a no-brainer pick when she took Edwards, who I personally thought may go one or two. Elmo phoned in and picked Elliot Sadler, who could be the comeback driver of the year. Bill the Hittman wanted Sadler and couldn't believe that the little red Elmo grabbed him. So Bill took another proven winner, Mark Martin. The old man still has enough in the tank and Roush won't let him down. Then came Don...Another somewhat shocking pick here by taking Kasey Kahne. If the Martini Mixer can return to his 2004 form (or at least half of 2004), it may turn out to be a good pick....Again, time will tell. And last, but certainly not least (somehow he picked Bill's card), Toad. He must have studied hard because he took the best available left on the board, Kyle Busch. With Hendrick power behind him, I don't think you'll see a sophomore slump here.

Bottom line.......I think everyone picked a minimum top 15 driver in the first round. After that, it was a crap shoot (again in more ways than one on draft night). No real surprises in rounds two - five.

Awards:

Most surprising pick - Jamie McMurray - 1st overall pick.

Best No-Brainer pick - Tie - Jimmy Johnson #2, Carl Edwards #3.

Best Value Pick - Tie - Casey Mears (3rd round), Ken Schrader (4th round) - Both by Mr. Paul.

Worst Pick - Elliot Sadler (only because I wanted him).

Predictions:

Busch / Truck Finishing Order

1. Bill
2. Paul SR
3. Paul JR
4. Todd
5. Don
6. Keith
7. Kelly
   

** Note: I put myself #1 because I'm thirsty.

Nextel Finishing Order

1. Keith (gotta like the 1-2 punch here)
2. Bill (Solid 1 & 2....And potential sleeper 3)
3. Kelly (The lizard won't leap like last year but you can't go wrong with a premier Wisconsin Driver)
4. Elmo (Picked with his head this year.)
5. Todd (Did the best he could with the last pick. If Harvick improves and Kyle picks up from last year, he could move up.)
6. Paul (Let a couple of top tier drivers slip through his fingers at #1. Time will tell.)
7. Don (Biffle not enough to carry this team.)

Comeback team of the Year - Team Elmo (of course... Only one way to go here)

Good Luck and Good Racing!!