2013 NFL Draft: Looking Back at the 39th Pick Since the Year 2000, Part II

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The draft continues to approach, so we continue to look back. Starting yesterday, we began to look at the players chosen with the 39th pick of the draft, since the year 2000. Looking back like this can sometimes give us a good insight as to the type of talent available at the position.

We started yesterday, looking at the 39th selection between the years 2000-2003.  This morning, we continue our journey through a millenium of 39th picks, starting with the 2004 season.

DARYL SMITH, LB

December 11, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Daryl Smith (52) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Daryl Smith arrived on the scene with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004 after being chosen with the 39th pick overall. He has been a consistent starter for the Jags ever since, take a look:

Mark Bradley did not perform to the level of a 39th overall choice.

Mark Bradley was chosen with the 39th pick of the 2005 draft. Through 2009, he never caught more than 30 passes in one season. Definite bust.

Aug 19, 2012; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle Winston Justice (69) blocks against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of the game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive tackle Winston Justice, shown hear as a member of the Indianapolis Colts, was chosen with the 39th pick of the 2006 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Since the year 2007, Justice has played for the Eagles, and most recently, the Colts, and has started 43 out of 59 games.

Nov 29, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) celebrates a 55-yard field goal with guard Justin Blalock (63) in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Again, an offensive lineman was taken with the 39th pick overall, this time by the Falcons in 1997. Justin Blalock was selected out of the University of Texas, and after his selection in the 2007 draft, started almost every game through 2012 along the Falcons’ offensive line. It’s often hard to quantify the value of an offensive lineman, but when he steps in and starts for his entire career, it’s clearly a player worth assigning value to.

Tomorrow, we will finish up by covering the choices form 2008-present.