One of the hottest stories coming out of this year’s NFL Draft was about the Denver Broncos trading up to draft ex-Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round and 25th overall.
Tebow had been written off by some scouts and sports pundits as a risky venture. His mechanics aren’t solid and he didn’t play in a pro-style offense at Florida, meaning that he’d have some adjusting to do in the NFL.
The Broncos took a chance on the popular and sometimes controversial quarterback, and the story caught fire.
But there were plenty of other stories too: Despite questions about his recurring shoulder injuries, Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford was picked first overall. Looking to replace departed veteran LaDanian Tomlinson, the San Diego Chargers drafted Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews.
Big men dominated the top of the draft, with linemen representing four of the first six picks.
But what’s your take?
Who were the winners and losers of this year’s NFL Draft?
Long before the endorsements, paychecks and big-time contracts, today’s pro football stars were playing regular ol’ high school ball.
But there wasn’t anything regular about them.
As we count down the minutes until our weekend begins, lets give them a look. Here are some of today’s NFL superstars, back before they became famous:
Adrian Peterson — Palestine HS (Palestine, TX)
As a high school senior in 2004, Peterson averaged an absolutely astounding 11.7 yards per carry, piling up 2,960 yards and 32 touchdowns on 252 attempts. He received Player of the Year honors from the U.S. Army, College Football News and Rivals.com.
Peterson helped lead the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship Game this past year.
Reggie Bush — Helix HS (La Mesa, CA)
Following a breakout junior season, in which he amassed 3,135 all-purpose yards, Bush returned from a broken wrist to reach the CIF San Diego Section Division II finals. He averaged 12.0 yards per carry in his high school career and scored 450 points in 2002.
Bush was a key player in the New Orleans Saints’ run to the Super Bowl XLIV title.
Vince Young — Madison HS (Houston, TX)
Young passed for 3,819 yards and 59 touchdowns as he led Madison to the state finals in his 2001 senior year, earning a laundry list of national awards. He earned Player of the Year honors from both Parade and The Sporting News.
Young led a renaissance in Tennessee this past year as he sparked a massive turnaround with the Titans.
Brian Urlacher — Lovington HS (Lovington, NM)
A force in all three phases of the game, Urlacher helped lead Lovington to a 14-0 record and the state championship in 1995, his senior season.
A six-time Pro Bowl linebacker, Urlacher is regarded as as one of the “Monsters of the Midway” in Chicago.
Allen Iverson — Bethel HS (Hampton, VA)
As dangerous of a football player as he is a basketball player, Iverson passed for 201 yards, returned a punt for a 60-yard touchdown and intercepted two passes as he led Bethel to the state championship in his junior year in 1995.
Iverson’s career is winding down. He Averaged 27.0 points per game over a 14-year basketball career.
For those Saints fans who might have been too busy partying when we first posted this:
The New Orleans Saints are the Super Bowl XLVI champions! Drew Brees tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions on his way to earning MVP honors, and a late interception by Tracy Porter put the game out of reach.
Final score: New Orleans 31, Indianapolis 17.
Now, for the official New Orleans Saints Super Bowl 44 gear:
Posted by Team Express 
