I think some of it is that earlier round guys are usually very talented and more pro ready, whereas lower draft picks are usually more raw and less talented but tougher and more dedicated.
In this extremely physical, hard hitting – no bull crap attitude regime these kind of players actually have a shot at beating more talented ones if they put enough deedication into it.
Just as you mention the case was with Langford beating out Merling who you could argue was a “late 1st round pick”, really talented but doesnt have the best work attitude.

And in fact while I do like lots of polished talent that a guy like Davis (or Merling) has, I love it when “less talented” rookies who have the dedication and will to play at least at their level and at most well beyond that level.

On the other hand, a lot of that also has to do with imperfections in the drafting and scouting systems (like Mayock’s, for example). Lets take receivers. Turner, who played with a top pick QB Sanchez, is scouted as a viable first or second rounder because of the system he comes from, and Pete Carroll of course. I’d say Hartline, who is not big and not blazing fast, got more passed over because he played at Ohio State, which is NOT known for its passing prowess, and (perhaps because he is white) is seen as more of a Wes Welker type. Then at CB, while Davis has that “sculpted body,” anyone who saw Utah play last year KNOWS how good Sean Smith is (in fact, I think Smith could have been a legit first rounder, but Utah isn’t Big Ten if you know what I mean. With Langford vs. Merling, it’s a matter of chosing the “big school” guy over the “small school” guy just because he’s big school! But the Division 1-A and Div. 2 (and sometimes even Div. 3…Nalbone for instance) DO produce more than a handful of outstanding players every year (I mean, who ever heard of Akron—JT!).

In fact, it isn’t just the Trifecta that has made this work. Does anyone remember that half that wonderful Steel Curtain D line of the 70s comes from smaller schools? Joe Green played at North Texas State and Dwight White played at East Texas State! Both are HOFers (I think).

And don’t forget the most underrated WR in the NFL, Davone Bess, wasn’t even drafted!

Coincidence? Maybe, but I think it’s more player talent acumen than coincidence!

Parcells is NOT the GM! Jeff Ireland is…

short. easy to read. and it has colorful pictures. rec’d.

also rec’d

but you are right…the lower round picks, are prepared to fight for their job immediately, and thus having a stronger mental makeup and harder work ethic…as opposed to the high picks (1st or 2nd round guys) that prob take the starting position for granted and slack off…competition brings the best out of everybody and IMO is the best tool to evaluate just who is the better, and i believe that every position should have a competition…