Not only have the AFC teams had the better quarterbacks of late, but they have been extremely successful in the draft. For example, over a nine-year stretch starting in 1996, Indianapolis selected wide receiver Marin Harrison, left tackle
Tarik Glenn, Manning, running back
Edgerrin James, linebacker
Rob Morris, wide receiver
Reggie Wayne, defensive end
Dwight Freeney, tight end
Dallas Clark and safety
Bob Sanders.
Eight of those nine started in the Super Bowl. James was the exception, having signed as a free agent with the
Arizona Cardinals the previous offseason. Furthermore, Harrison and Manning are well on their way to Hall of Fame careers while Glenn, Wayne and Freeney have been Pro Bowlers.
"That storyline is pretty evident when you consider that Bill Polian is there," said Smith, who worked under Polian in Buffalo when the Bills made four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. "Whether it was in Buffalo or when Bill went to Carolina, I think his draft record and ability to build teams speaks for itself."