I don't think anyone is way ahead of anyone in the NFL, but in a game of inches, our guy does seem to be at least a few yards ahead everyone else, and a few weeks ahead of Chilly.
Regarding talent evaluation, I think a few bad years shouldn't be enough to discredit a long track record of success. No doubt, he made some mistakes over the years, and from 2006 to 2008, he missed on a lot of picks. But he also learned from it, rebounded to have a very solid 2009 draft class, and absolutely nailed the 2010 draft while loading up for 2011.
It's one thing to say he made mistakes. It's another to hold those against him forever, especially if he has improved in that area dramatically.
I also wonder about how his draft decision-making changed between that period. From 2006 to 2008, there were some very unusual decisions compared to the rest of BB's drafts. Like taking a RB in the first round when he never spent higher than a third at the position. Or taking a big-armed raw-talent QB like KOC. Not spending a top-3 pick on an OL or DL throughout that 3-year period. I know Josh was working out some prospects personally (like KOC).
I'm not trying to take blame away, as ultimately BB is responsible for everything that goes on. But it's clear there were some differences in philosophy during these 3 years, and it's just as clear that whatever the issues were, they've been resolved.
