So draft weekend is now in the books. Lets take a look at how each team did. I have reviewed each draft pick in each round, and rated how well I feel the team did with the selection, and then of course how these selections, and all of the maneuvering surrounding the team helped them become a better team. The ranks are in order from best to worst.
1.
Philadelphia Eagles: A+Bottom line is that Eagle fans have to be absolutely thrilled at what this team did over the course of the draft. The team got started a week before the draft dealing their second pick of the first round to the Bills in exchange for Jason Peters. This filled an immediate need at OT, and to acquire a pro-bowler in exchange for a first rounder is a good deal.
Then the Eagles used their other first round selection to trade up two spots an acquire WR Jeremy Maclin from Mizzou. Maclin was a top ten talent, but do to a poor move by the Raiders, he fell on draft day. The Eagles grabbed him at the mid to back end of round one. What a steal.
With their second round selection the Eagles grabbed LeSean McCoy, the running back from Pittsburgh. I had said in my mocks, the Eagles needed a good back to spell Brian Westbrook from time to time, so they grabbed another Brian Westbrook type of back in McCoy who had a Late 1st/Early 2nd round grade in my book.
Considering they did not pick again till the 5th round, and there they grabbed a guy who could be the steal of the draft earnes the Eagles this lofty grade. Cornelius Ingram, the former Gator TE missed his Senior season due to a leg injury, but despite this, his previous collection of work, plus his outstanding combine made him the number 3 TE on my board.
No doubt the Eagles are a better team after the draft, and they really rocked the weekend in my opinion. A+ work by the Eagles.
Rd 1 - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Mizzouri
Rd 2 - LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
Rd 5 - Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
Rd 5 - Victor Harris, CB, Va Tech
Rd 5 - Fenuki Tupou, OT, Oregon
Rd 6 - Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington St
Rd 6 - Paul Fanaika, OG, Arizona St
Rd 7 - Moise Fokou, OLB, Maryland
2.
Seattle Seahawks: B+I think the Seahawks did a very good job with their picks over draft weekend. They started things off by being patient, and thanks to the poor selection by KC, the Hawks were able to land the drafts number 1 rated talent overall in Aaron Curry. His selection immediately bolsters this teams defense.
Going into the weekend however, the Hawks had to upgrade at o-line too. Nabbing Max Unger, a clear round 1 rated player in round two earned this team their second straigh high value selection. Unger can play anywhere on the line, but likely will make a career in the pros at center or guard.
In free agency, the team added TJ Whosyomama to give Matty H a new target, and in the third round they picked up Deon Butler from Penn State to learn from the crafty vet.
In addition, due to some trading, the Hawks added themselves another third round selection in next years draft. You have to like that type of movement. The only knock on the Hawks draft would be they still don't have an heir to Matt Hasselbeck on their roster. Then again, maybe next year.
Rd 1 - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Rd 2 - Max Unger, OL, Oregon
Rd 3 - Deon Butler, WR, Penn State
Rd 6 - Mike Teel, QB, Rutgers
Rd 7 - Courtney Green, SS, Rutgers
Rd 7 - Nick Reed, DE, Oregon
Rd 7 - Cameron Morrah, TE, California
3.
Atlanta Falcons: BLike the Eagles, the Falcons got their draft started early. They dealt a second rounder to KC in the days before the draft to acquire Tony Gonzalez, who happens to fill one of the teams biggest needs. Matt Ryan is going to love having a big target like the future Hall-of-Famer.
Then with their first round selection, the Falcons choose Peria Jerry, a DT from Ole Miss. Jerry is a big body, in the mold of Warren Sapp, perfect for the Cover 2 defense the Falcons play.
In the second round the team selected William Moore, possibly the best Safety on the board. Moore has some talent and could be a good fit with Mike Smith's defense.
The rest of the Falcons selectons were all of appropriate value, including Lawrence Sidbury Jr. Sidbury is a DE from Richmond who was selcted in the 4th round. I think this guy could see some major playing time in his rookie season.
Rd 1 - Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
Rd 2 - William Moore, S, Missouri
Rd 3 - Christopher Owens, CB, San Jose State
Rd 4 - Lawrence Sidbury Jr, DE, Richmond
Rd 5 - William Middleton, CB, Furman
Rd 5 - Garrett Reynolds, OT, North Carolina
Rd 6 - Spencer Adkins, LB, Miami
Rd 7 - Vance Walker, DT, Georgia Tech
4.
Cincinatti Bengals: B-You always have to wonder which questionable character will the Bengals select as the draft approaches, and this years draft was no different. However, dispite some minor character concerns from their first round selection, I think the Bengals did a pretty good job overall.
The Begals came into the draft in definate need of some o-line help, and they netted themselves the highest rated OT talent-wise on my board. Andre Smith could be a gem, in the mold of a Willie Anderson for the Bengals to corner themselves around for years to come.
Then, with their second round selection, the Bengals landed the highest rated MLB on my board, a clear first round talent in Rey Malaluga. Big Rey fell on draft day, and there will be a lot of teams very sorry that they passed on this guy in a few years.
With their thrid round selection, the Begals picked DE, Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech. Johnson came into his senior season a possible top ten overall selection, but a poor work ethic allowed him to fall into day two. If this kid plays for anyone, it will be Marvin Lewis, and the Bengals will have landed a steal.
TE Chase Coffman, also grabbed in the third round was also a good value selection. My only concern is that the Bengals failed to address their obvious need at WR effectively in this draft. TJ is now in Seattle and Chad is a nut case, looking to bolt Cincy. The addition of Vern Coles was nice, but not enough, and I feel the team should have done more than the seventh round selection of Freddie Brown to address this area.
Rd 1 - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Rd 2 - Rey Malaluga, MLB, USC
Rd 3 - Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Rd 3 - Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
Rd 4 - Johnathan Luigs, C, Arkansas
Rd 5 - Kevin Huber, P, Cincinatti
Rd 6 - Morgan Trent, CB, Michigan
Rd 6 - Bernard Scott, RB, Abeline Christian
Rd 7 - Fui Vakapuna, RB, BYU
Rd 7 - Clinton McDonald, DE, Memphis
Rd 7 - Freddie Brown, WR, Utah
5.
Carolina Panthers: C+The Panther lacked a first round selection, but still managed to land a first round talent in second round choice Everette Brown. Brown is a very talented DE, and he fell on draft day due to concerns about his ability to hold up against the run. I think many teams made mistakes passing on this kid, as he has Jason Taylor type potential. Now regardless of what happens with DE Julius Peppers, the Panthers should still be OK.
They also made another excellent selection when they came on the clock in the 5th round, grabbing Oklahoma tackle, Duke Robinson. Duke has all the makings of becoming a special player, and the reason he didn't go higher is beyond me. This kid had a Late 2nd/Early 3rd round grade in my book, and the Panthers landed themselves a steal.
Unfortunately for Carolina, these two pick are taken away from a bit because of the teams second round selection of Safety Sherrod Martin from Troy. This years crop of safeties was weak, and Martin had a 4th-5th round grade on most teams draft boards. The Panther reached for him, for no appearant reason, and I think this took away from what was an otherwise very good draft.
Rd 2 - Everette Brown, DE, FSU
Rd 2 - Sherrod Martin, S, Troy
Rd 3 - Corvey Irvin, DL, Georgia
Rd 4 - Mike Goodson, RB, Texas A&M
Rd 4 - Tony Fiammetta, FB, Syracuse
Rd 5 - Duke Robinson, OT, Oklahoma
Rd 7 - Captain Munnerlyn, CB, South Carolina
6.
Miami Dolphins: C+The Phins made their bones in this draft with their first three choices. Miami cam into the weekend with a real need in their secondary and adding CB Vontae Davis from Illinois in the first round, Sean Smith, the standout corner from Utah in the second round and Clemson safety, Chris Clemons, in the 5th round all made additions to the Miami secondary. Davis was the number two corner on the board, and Smith had a Late 1st/Early 2nd round grade.
Another excellent selection was the Dolphins second round selection of West Virgina QB, Pat White. White is a tremendous all around athlete whose abiltity to play both QB and WR makes him a perfect weapon in the Wildcat offense the Phins run. White will be given a chance to get the ball in his hands on game days, and this made the day for the Phins.
The knock on Miami's draft is their passing on TE, Cornelius Ingram to select John Nalbone, and possibly reaching too high to choose both WR Patrick Turner, and WR Brian Hartline early on day two.
Rd 1 - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Rd 2 - Pat White, QB, West Virginia
Rd 2 - Sean Smith, CB, Utah
Rd 3 - Patrick Turner, WR, USC
Rd 4 - Brian Hartline, WR, Ohio State
Rd 5 - John Nalbone, TE, Monmouth
Rd 5 - Chris Clemons, S, Clemson
Rd 6 - Andrew Gardner, OT, Georgia Tech
Rd 7 - JD Folsom, OLB, Weber State
7.
Chicago Bears: C+
It can be argued that the trade for Jay Cutler was the first move on draft day for the Bears, but considering the high price paid for the signal caller, I am not sure this would have helped their grade. The trade left Chicago without any day one selections, yet the team certainly maximized most of their day two choices earning them the better than average grade.
Defensive ends, Jarron Gilbert (Round 3, San Jose State) and Henry Melton (Round 4, Texas) both bring great value for the Bears, and both could see some field action during their rookie campaigns. The selection of Juaquin Iglesias, the Oklahoma wide out was a very good move for this team that needs to provide their new QB with some targets. But best of all of these moves was the selection of Vandy corner DJ Moore in the late 4th round. Moore is a talented cover corner with the ability to go to the house. He had a Late 1st/Early 2nd round grade, but due to concerns about his size, the tenacious Vandy product fell to the Bears in round 4. Great move.
Rd 3 - Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose St
Rd 3 - Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
Rd 4 - Henry Melton, DE, Texas
Rd 4 - DJ Moore, CB, Vandy
Rd 5 - Johnny Knox, WR, Abeline Christian
Rd 5 - Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio St
Rd 6 - Al Afalava, S, Oregon St
Rd 7 - Lance Louis, G, San Diego St
Rd 7 - Derek Kinder, WR, Pittsburgh
8.
Green Bay Packers: C+Folks like Mel Kiper have the Packer rated as their top draft day winners, and I too like what the Packers did, especially with their two first round selections. With the 9th overall selection the Pack added BJ Raji, the top DT in the draft. The BC product will be a great presence in this teams d-line, and will immediately bolster a front that showed some holes last year.
The the pack used their second round selection as leverage to trade back up into the back end of Round 1 and grab Clay Matthews Jr from USC. This kid with the legendary family line in the league is poised to be the next to carry the Matthews torch, and by addid him to a linebacking corp already featuring AJ Hawk, the Pack now have a playoff caliber front 7.
Unfortunatley, the rest of the Packs selection were simply average, and their decision not to select a running back to split with Grant was a bit confusing for me. Still, I think the pack bettered their team over the draft, and I think they will be in the mix this season.
Rd 1 - BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
Rd 1 - Clay Matthews Jr, LB, USC
Rd 4 - TJ Lang, OT, Eastern Michigan
Rd 5 - Quinn Johnson, FB, LSU
Rd 5 - Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
Rd 6 - Jarius Wynn, DE, Georgia
Rd 6 - Brandon Underwood, CB, Cincinatti
Rd 7 - Brad Jones, LB, Colorado
9.
Tennessee Titans: C+Tennessee made 11 selections over the two days, and the nabbed themselves some very good players in the process. The third round selection of TE Jared Cook from South Carolina gave the Titans the second best TE on my board. Their 5th round selection of Michigan State RB, Javon Ringer, also was a value selection, albeit a selection at a position of glutteny for Tennessee.
As for the Titans top pick, they knew they needed some more targets for either Collins or Young, and they picked up Rutgers wide out, Kenny Britt, who was a good selection, and then they added Sen'Derrick Marks at Dt from Auburn with their second round selection. Some feel Marks is overrated, but I like what he brings to the table.
Rd 1 - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Rd 2 - Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Rd 3 - Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Rd 3 - Ryan Mouton, CB, Hawaii
Rd 4 - Gerald McGrath, LB, Southern Miss
Rd 4 - Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane
Rd 5 - Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State
Rd 6 - Jason McCourtney, CB, Rutgers
Rd 6 - Dominique Edison, WR, Stephen F Austin
Rd 7 - Ryan Durand, OG, Syracuse
Rd 7 - Nick Shommer, S, North Dakota State
10.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C+The Jags needed to address their o-line and wide out during their draft weekend. For their answer at wide out, the team inked Torry Holt to provide a veteran presence to this corp. Then the team used their first two picks to grab value at the o-line with Virginia tackle, Eugene Monroe in round 1, and Arizona tackle, Eben Britton in round 2. Both of these guys will find homes in the starting lineup, possibly as rookies, and will ultimately provide strong bookends for the team. This could take a few years however, and by that time, Jack Del Rio will be history.
Rd 1 - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Rd 2 - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Rd 3 - Terrance Knighton, DT, Temple
Rd 3 - Derek Cox, CB, William and Mary
Rd 4 - Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona
Rd 5 - Jarett Dillion, WR, Rice
Rd 6 - Zach Miller, TE, Nebraska Omaha
Rd 7 - Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty
Rd 7 - Tiquan Underwood, WR, Rutgers
11.
San Francisco 49ers: C
I have to admit that I am a bit confused about the experts review of the Niners draft as "horrible" or "awful" or any of the other negative terms I heard. I think the Niners came away a better ball club after the weekend overall.
The team's most significant addition came thanks to their Bay Area rivals, the Raiders. When Oakland passed on Crabtree, and Jacksonville signed Holt, it set the table for the Niners to grab the top wide out in this years class, and the second best player on my board overall. I love what Michael Crabtree brings to the field, and I think he can be an all world type of receiver in the league.
Glenn Coffee, the teams third round selection out of Alabama, is also a good talent, and will be an excellent backup to starter Frank Gore in the Niner's ground game. I also really like the 5th round addition of 2-time Big East defensive player of the year, Scott McKillop to add to the linebacking corp. These three picks really made the Niner's day.
The only knock I have is the team still lacks a legitimate QB to get the ball to their new weapons. The selection of Nate Davis from Ball State in my opinion was poor. Despite a high grade in some circles, I feel Davis will be way out of his depth in pro football, and I don't feel like the Niners have any real answers on their current roster. This being said however, the team did net an extra 1st rounder in next years draft from Carolina, and with the possibility of three top signal callers being available, the Niners could use their fire power to land their guy then.
Rd 1 - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Rd 2 - Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama
Rd 5 - Scott McKillop, LB, Pittsburgh
Rd 5 - Nate Davis, QB, Ball State
Rd 6 - Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State
Rd 7 - Curtis Taylor, S, LSU
Rd 7 - Ricky Jean-Francois, DT, LSU
12.
Indianapolis Colts: CPlenty of the experts are down on the Colts draft, especially for the "reach" in the first round of Donald Brown from UConn. I have got to say, I absolutely disagree with that assessment. I think Donald Brown has all the makings of a big time playmaker in the NFL, and although he was a slight reach, as he had a high 2nd round grade in my book, I think he is perfect for the Colts. pairing him with Joey Addai will make for an awesome backfield for Manning's squad.
I also like the 2nd round selection of USC DT Fili Moala, who I think fits the Colts D like a glove. He will be a great DT in the Tampa 2 defense the Colts run. Also, the Colts also earn some credit for their 6th round selection of QB Curtis Painter from Purdue. Not that Painter will be pushing Manning, but he is a good talent who can serve as a great backup to the future hall-of-famer.
Rd 1 - Donald Brown, RB, Conneticuit
Rd 2 - Fili Moala, DT, USC
Rd 3 - Jerraud Powers, CB, Auburn
Rd 4 - Austin Collie, WR, BYU
Rd 4 - Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
Rd 6 - Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
Rd 7 - Pat McAfee, P, West Virginia
Rd 7 - Jaimie Thomas, OT, Maryland
13.
Arizona Cardinals: CAlthough the Cards represented the NFC in the Super Bowl, and almost won it, they still had some holes to fill on draft day. I wanted to see the Cards come out with an everydown back to replace the unhappy Edge, and then the team needed to add some additional depth in their secondary. Obviously, I was not the only one who thought this way, as the Cards chose Ohio State RB, Beanie Wells to bolster their backfield. Beanie has good hands, and runs with great power. He will be a real asset to the Cards.
Then, with their 3rd Round selection, the team jumped on Rashad Johnson, the Alabama safety. This kid has a lot of upside, and with a bit of seasoning, he could be one of the better safeties in the league. He had a second round grade in my book, so the third round choice means value for Zona.
Rd 1 - Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
Rd 2 - Cody Brown, DE, Connecticuit
Rd 3 - Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
Rd 4 - Greg Toler, CB, St Pauls
Rd 5 - Herman Johnson, OT, LSU
Rd 6 - Will Davis, DE, Illinois
Rd 7 - LaRod Stephens Howling, RB, Pittsburgh
Rd 7 - Trevor Canfield, OG, Cincinatti
14.
New England Patriots: CThe Pats are a team that made some real nice selections over the weekend, but the also left me scratching my head with a few choices too. With four picks in the second round, the Pats had the opportunity to really build , and the maximized their value with two of their choices. Ron Brace, the other DT from Boston College, is a quality addition who will fit the New England system very well, and I also love the Darius Butler selection. The former Huskie corner has all the potential to be a shut down corner in the league, and I think he can shine in the Pats defense.
Unfortunately, I am not as high on the teams first choice of the draft, Patrick Chung, the Oregon safety. I fell he was overrated, and their were definately better options for the Pats still available. Also, the Sebestian Vollmer selection was also a bit of a stretch to me. I had Vollmer as a third rounder, and I though that was being a bit generous. I am just not sure what impact he will have in the league.
On a side note, bonus points for the Pats with their selection of South Florida's Tyrone McKenzie, a strong motor guy who can bring some youth and intensity to a linebacking corps with some holes.
Rd 2 - Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Rd 2 - Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
Rd 2 - Darius Butler, CB, Connecticuit
Rd 2 - Sebestian Vollmer, OT, Houston
Rd 3 - Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina
Rd 3 - Tyrone McKenzie, LB, South Florida
Rd 4 - Rich Ohrnberger, G, Penn State
Rd 5 - George Bussey, OT, Louisville
Rd 6 - Jake Ingram, LS, Hawaii
Rd 6 - Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky
Rd 7 - Julian Edelman, QB, Kent State
Rd 7 - Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech
15.
Pittsburgh Steelers: CThe Steelers had the opportunity to really build on the Super Bowl winning season with a hugh draft. Unfortunately, I felt the Steelers uncharacteristically missed on a few picks, and I am a bit surprised. Going into the draft, I felt the most pressing need for the Steelers was to build their o-line, and then to bolster their corners. The team managed to do both, but not the way I expected.
When the Steelers got on the clock in the first round, they were set up perfectly to choose Max Unger, the Oregon lineman, with the Steeler attitude. This would have been a perfect fit. Instead, the Pittsburgh brass chose Evander Hood, a DT from Missouri. Now, don't get me wrong, I like Hood, just not in the first round. Not only were there better players at positions of greater need on the board, but there were even better DTs still available (Ron Brace) when Hood was selected.
I am also not sure how much I like the Mike Wallace selection in round three. Again, it is not that I don't like Wallace, but I just feel there were definately better options available, even at the same position when the pick was made.
Now having said this all, remember that I began this rant by stating that the Steelers did in fact adress their two primary needs with this draft. Their third round selection of Wisconsin's Kraig Urbik was perfect for Pittsburgh, as this guy bring a great o-linemans attitude with him each week. The the team absolutely stole UCF corner Joe Burnett in round 5 and Penn State center AQ Shipley in round 7. These three picks saved the Steelers draft.
Rd 1- Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Rd 3 - Kraig Urbik, OT, Wisconsin
Rd 3 - Mike Wallace, WR, Mississippi
Rd 3 - Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon State
Rd 5 - Joe Burnett, CB, UCF
Rd 5 - Frank Summers, RB, UNLV
Rd 6 - Ra'Shon Harris, DT, Oregon
Rd 7 - AQ Shipley, C, Penn State
Rd 7 - David Johnson, TE, Arkansas State
16.
New York Giants: CMuch of how the Giants will ultimately fare from this draft will come from how well things pan out with their first round selection of Hakeem Nicks. Nicks is a big, strong reciever with good hands, much like their former #1 Plaxico Burress. Unfortunately, Nicks seems prone to weight gain, and lapses in commitment, and if these type behaviors take over this could be a big bust for big blue.
I do like some of the Giants other selection however. I think Clint Stintim is a great addition with the second round choice, and he is a Giants-type linebacker through and through. I like the Ramses barden selection in Round 3, as this kid could untimately be even better than Nicks. I also think Travis Beckum in the thrid round, and Rhett Bomar in the 5th were both good selections too.
The rest of the Giants selections were average and if Nicks doesn't pan out, this could turn into a much lower grade.
Rd 1 - Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Rd 2 - Clint Stintim, LB, Virginia
Rd 2 - William Beatty, T, Connecticuit
Rd 3 - Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly
Rd 3 - Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin
Rd 4 - Andre Brown, RB, North Carolina State
Rd 5 - Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State
Rd 6 - DeAndre Wright, DB, New Mexico
Rd 7 - Stoney Woodson, DB, South Carolina
17.
Washington Redskins: C
Like the Giants, the Redskin's draft will weigh heavily on the performance of their first round selection. Unlike the Giants, I have more faith in the Skins selction than I do the New York choice.
The Skins came into the weekend with needs on both the offensive and defensive front. Thanks to their uncharacteristic patients, coupled with the Cleveland Browns game of first round roulette, the Skins were able to land the number three overall player on my board in Texas DE, Brian Orakpo. This kid can flat out play, and with Albert Haynesworth occupying space in the middle, Orakpo could be getting after QBs quite a bit next year.
Unfortunately as has become the norm with Dan Snyder, the Skins were not really left with enough other picks to really improve the teams depth or for the team to get much younger. Hence the reason the Skins finsh with the 17th best draft and not a top 10 draft.
Rd 1 - Brain Orakpo, DE, Texas
Rd 3 - Kevin Barnes, CB, Maryland
Rd 5 - Cody Glenn, LB, Nebraska
Rd 6 - Robert Henson, LB, TCU
Rd 7 - Eddie Williams, TE, Idaho
Rd 7 - Marko Mitchell, WR, Nevada
18.
New York Jets: COne thing that cannot be said about Jets GM, Mike Tannenbaum, is that he lack courage. Each year Tannenbaum shows the intenstinal fortitude to pull off some of the biggest trades in the league. This year was no different. The Jets made the biggest splash of the draft by moving up from the middle of the first round to Cleveland's number 5 spot, and choosing USC QB, Mark Sanchez. The Jets definately needed a signal caller, and Sanchez was one of the draft's fastest rising prospects, and now will be the new face of the franchise on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Having said all of that, it is important to not get caught up in the hype, and look at Sanchez realistically. The truth is that despite being talented, Sanchez really needed to return to USC next season. He does not have enough experience starting football games, and has not shown the type of polish that you want from a rookie signal caller in the NFL. Those are serious concerns when you consider how much the Jets are investing in this kid to lead the team now.
Also of note, the Jets traded up again into the top spot on day 2 and landed Shonn Green, the Iowa running back, who I believe will be an excellent addition to the New York backfield, and ultimately will replace Thomas Jones as the primary back for the Jets. I really like this pick, but it is very hard for me to give a higher grade to a team that added only three players from the whole weekend (and if you consider the three players dealt in the Cleveland trade they netted zero additional palyers).
The Jets have to stop trying to be Washington, and remember how much value can be gained during the draft if they would stop trading away al of their picks.
Rd 1 - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Rd 3 - Shonn Green, RB, Iowa
Rd 6 - Matt Slauson, G, Nebraska
19.
Detroit Lions: C-So how does the team with the first overall pick, and ten selection in total wind up with the 19th best draft class? This is a great question that does not bode well for the Lions faithful. The Lions had the best opportunity of any team to improve through the draft, and ultimately, it seems the team squandered the opportunity. Their draft selection were consistantly mediocre, and really lacked any appearant impact overall.
It is hard to argue with the Stafford selection at the top of the draft, although in general, I am not really excited by this pick either. I like Stafford's potential, but the kid has some red flags that concern me, and I am not certain that of the season started today Stafford could even surplant Daunte Culpper as the Lions starter, and I am not sure that is what this teams needed from the top overall selection.
I do like the Brandon Pettigrew selection with their second first rounder, but then things kind of fall off. The Lions chose Louis Delmas in the second round while guys like Rey Malaluga, James Laurinaitis, and even Darius Butler were still available, and I just don't see the Delmas pick as impactful. Same goes for just about every other selection the Lions made across the two days.
The only other bright spot for the Lions came on day 2 when the team nabbed Derrick Williams from Penn State at the end of round 3. I like Williams, but you know how it goes with the Lions and wide receivers.
Rd 1 - Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
Rd 1 - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
Rd 2 - Louis Delmas, CB, Western Michigan
Rd 3 - DeAndre Levy, LB, Wisconsin
Rd 3 - Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State
Rd 4 - Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman
Rd 6 - Aaron Brown, RB, TCU
Rd 7 - Lydon Murtha, T, Nebraska
Rd 7 - Zack Follett, LB, California
Rd 7 - Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland
20.
New Orleans Saints: C-
The Saints were another team who lacked the necessary firepower to really improve their ballclub. I think the team did well in selecting Malcolm Jenkins with their 1st round pick, but their other three picks of the weekend lacked luster overall.
Jenkins is a corner/saftey hybrid. This flexibility will be valuable to New orleans who really needs playmakers in the secondary. I think the knock on Jenkins' speed will prove to be superfluous, as he plays faster than he measures, and this will fit in nicely with Greg Williams defense.
Still how much better can a team be when they are left with only 4 picks for the whole weekend, and then you spend one on a punter?
Rd 1 - Michael Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
Rd 4 - Chip Vaughn, S, Wake Forest
Rd 4 - Stanley Arnoux, LB, Wake Forest
Rd 5 - Thomas Morestead, P, Southen Methodist
21.
Minnesota Vikings: C-To me, the Vikings are a decent franchise despite themselves. This team came into the weekend with a few areas of need,most of which fell on the defensive side of the ball. So what does the team do with their first two picks? The choose offensive players.
Percy Harvin can be an exciting player, especially when he has the ball in his hands. He can run, catch, and throw, and reminds a lot of people of a Reggie Bush type. Unfortunately for the Vikes, he is also injury prone like Bush, and for all of the good he brings, he may only bring it 8 - 14 games per year. Is that really what you want out of your top pick?
Then in the second round the team chose Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma. I really like Loadholt and think he can be a great addition to any team, but did the Vikes really need him? He will be good, but I think the team could have addressed some more glaring holes, and been a better team next season because of it.
I know the Vikes now have some seriouc weapons on the offensive side of the ball, but they still do not have a signal caller to run this high powered offense, and their defense still has too many holes to push this team to that next level.
Rd 1 - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Rd 2 - Phil Loadholt, OL, Oklahoma
Rd 3 - Asher Allen, CB, Georgia
Rd 5 - Jasper Brinkley, LB, South Carolina
Rd 7 - Jamarca Sanford, S, Mississippi
22.
Baltimore Ravens: C-Let me begin this review by saying this about Ravens GM, Ozzie Newsome. I think Ozzie is the best GM in the game today, bar none. If I was building a franchise from scratch, Ozzie wold be my first hire, and then I would let him build me a playoff caliber team year in and year out. I would choose him without a second thought, even over Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli. Having said that, I am not impressed with the Ravens draft.
Mike Oher could be a good selection at tackle for this club. Unfortunately he has been a model of inconsistancy, and that is too important a position in the pros for inconsistance to be tolerated.
The rest of the Raven's selections lack pizzaz, and impact, and I think ultimately this draft may net the team only 1-3 players on their roster. I do like the Cedric Peerman selection however, with the team's 7th round pick.
Rd 1 - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Rd 2 - Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
Rd 3 - Ladarrius Webb, CB, Nichols State
Rd 5 - Jason Phillips, LB, TCU
Rd 5 - Devon Drew, TE, East Carolina
Rd 7 - Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia
23.
St Louis Rams: C-Draft weekend featured much spectacle. One of the more interesting side shows to watch was the Rams interpratation of Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde. I love the Rams first two picks, but I hate one of their day two choices, and am completely baffeled by the teams lack of focus on some areas of need.
The Rams had the number two overall pick, and their selection of Jason Smith was spot on. With Orlando Pace now gone, the team needed a new anchor for their o-line, and I beleieve they got it in Smith. This former TE has great feet and mobility for a big guy, and he is strong enough to hold up at the point of attack.
Then the team grabbed a great steal in the second round with the selection of James Laurinaitis. This kid is a football player, and the fact that he slipped into the second round because of his measurables is disgraceful. Laurinaitis simply plays football the way linebackers are supposed to, and the Rams landed themselves great value with this pick.
Then the wheels flew off the bus for this team. With an exceptional need at wide receiver, especially following the departure of Torry Holt, the team managed to add only one receiver in the draft, and not one who is going to make much of an impact it seems. Then to make matters worse, the team follows my advise and spends a late round selection on a QB, and the choose Keith Null from West Texas A&M, with Graham Harrell still on the board!!! Are you kidding me. Null would have been available as a free agent, and Harrell was absolutely a better choice.
Who would believe that it will be the Rams offense that keeps them near the bottom of the league next year, and not their defense.
Rd 1 - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Rd 2 - James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Rd 3 - Bradley Fletcher, DB, Iowa
Rd 4 - Dorell Scott, DT, Clemson
Rd 5 - Brooks Foster, WR, North Carolina
Rd 6 - Keith Null, QB, West Texas A&M
Rd 7 - Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Texas
24.
Cleveland Browns: C-I like the idea the Bowns had going into this draft. The correctly realized that the woes of this team could not be fixed in one draft. They made the decision to trade down to acquire more picks, which I think was smart. Unfortunately, I think the team came up short on value for their pick. When you choose to trade out of the top 5 in a draft, you
MUST come away with a first round selection in a future year. The Bowns did not. It is also impeartive that when you trade down thre times in the first round, you come away with a player or players at need positions. The Browns did not.
Now do not get me wrong. I like Alex Mack, and I think the kid can be good in the league. I just dont know that trading down three times from 5 overall, and landing a center is what the Browns needed to do.
The rest of the Browns draft will go down as unmemorable, with no real impact players selected over the two days. The drafting of hometown favorite Brian Robiskie was a nice storyline, but I am not sure it will develop into anthing more than that.
I am also concerned that the team which came into the weekend with some of the most tradable assets (Braylon Edwards, and Brady Quinn) walked away having done nothing with each.
Rd 1 - Alex Mack, C, California
Rd 2 - Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
Rd 2 - Mohammad Massaquoi, WR, Georgia
Rd 2 - David Velkune, DE, Hawaii
Rd 4 - Kaluka Maiava, LB, USC
Rd 6 - Don Carrey, CB, Norfolk State
Rd 6 - Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State
Rd 6 - James Davis, RB, Clemson
25.
Houston Texans: D+Houston's low draft grade is not as much a reflection as what I think about the players that they drafted, but instead about their complete inability to make an coherent draft strategy to improve their ball club.
Houstons top two picks are both very talented guys who could be good players at the next level. Both Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin pla with high intensity motors, and can become assets to a team's defense. Having said that, neither of these plaers makes a whole lot of sense for the Texans. Both of these guys are front seven players, and the stregnth of the Texans are their front seven. Having spent recent first round selections on Mario Williams and Omobe Okoye, and a second rounder on Demeco Ryans, I just don't see pick two more front seven guys this year.
Then, the team makes two rediculous choices in the 4th and 5th rounds, selecting TEs both times. Remember, two seasons back the Texans drafted Owen Daniels, who has developed into one of the best young TEs in football, so now with needs for WR and RB depth, the team makes two more TE selections. What are these guys doing?
Rd 1 - Brian Cushing, LB, USC
Rd 2 - Conner Barwin, DE, Cincinatti
Rd 3 - Antoine Caldwell, G, Alabama
Rd 4 - Glover Quinn, CB, New Mexico
Rd 4 - Anthony Hill, TE, North Carolina State
Rd 5 - James Casey, TE, Rice
Rd 6 - Brice McCain, CB, Utah
Rd 7 - Troy Nolan, S, Arizona State
26.
Dallas Cowboys: DFrom year to year, the Cowboys are one of the better drafting teams in the league. That is why I am so surprised to see the quality of this class for the Boys. Now it is true that the Boys lacked any day 1 picks, but Trader Jerry did have some firepower with his 12 day two selections, so they could have moved up if they wanted. Instead, they stayed pat, and they did not really capitalize on their opportunities.
In fact, not only did the team not really take advantage of their chances, but the wasted two picks on top of that, and that is very uncharacteristic for Jerry Jones. In the offseason, the team signed Jon Kitna to be the vereran backup for Tony Romo. So why then did the team waste a 4th round selection on QB Stephen Mcgee, when they could have drafted a similarly talent QB in the 6th or 7th round (Graham Harrell, Rhett Bomar) simply to compete to hold the clipboard next year.
Equally confusing was the wasting of a 5th round selection on K David Buehler from USC. The Cowboys have one of the better kickers in the league in Nick Folk, and they waste this pick on a guy who really has very little chance of even making the team next season. It just makes no scence to me.
Rd 3 - Jason Williams, LB, Western Illinois
Rd 3 - Robert Brewster, OT, Ball State
Rd 4 - Stephen McGee, QB, Texas A&M
Rd 4 - Victor Butler, DE, Oregon State
Rd 4 - Brandon Williams, DE, Texas Tech
Rd 5 - DeAngelo Smith, CB, Cincinatti
Rd 5 - Michael Hamlin, FS, Clemson
Rd 5 - David Buehler, K, USC
Rd 6 - Stephen Hodge, SS, TCU
Rd 6 - John Phillips, TE, Virginia
Rd 7 - Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinatti
Rd 7 - Manuel Johnson, WR, Oklahoma
27.
Buffalo Bills: DI have two big knocks on the Bills draft this year. First, as good a move as it was for the Eagles to send a first rounder to the Bills for Jason Peter, it was only going to be a good move for Buffalo if they effectively replaced him. Unfortunately they did not do so. They did draft two o-linemen that I like. Eric Wood is a center who I feel could have a good future in the league, but he will only be able to play center. This does not count as Peter's replacement. Plus, Wood had a round 2 grade in my book, and in classic Bills fashion, they reached. Andy Levitre is an o-lineman who I also like, and I think getting him in the second round was a smart move, but I am not convinced he will be a pro-bowl caliber lineman like Peters is.
The second knoc I have for the Bills, is their continued prediliction to reach for players, or buy into the hype of overrated players. As I mentioned, although i like him, I think the Bills reached for Wood in round 1. And as for the overrated players, I think Aaron Maybin (round 1) and Jarius Byrd (round 2) were both way overrated.
Maybin is a quality human being who you want to root for because of his hard luck past. He is very likeable, but that alone does not make him worthy of a high round 1 selection. The truth is, Maybin is a situational pass rusher, who has a good first step and is quick off the line. Where as pass rusher are of value, do you really want to spend that high a selection on a guy who can only come in on obvious passing downs?
Byrd is anoth overrated player who measured well at the combine, and earned his dough that way. I see this as anoth classic "Works out like Tarzan, plays like Jane" situation, and the Bills are a team that really need more Tarzans and fewer Janes right now.
Rd 1 - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
Rd 1 - Eric Wood, C, Louisville
Rd 2 - Jarius Byrd, CB, Oregon
Rd 2 - Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon State
Rd 4 - Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss
Rd 5 - Nic Harris, S, Oklahoma
Rd 6 - Cary Harris, CB, USC
Rd 7 - Ellis Lankaster, DB, West Virginia
28.
Denver Broncos: DIt is possible that I am worng, but right now I think Josh McDaniels is trying to see how quickly he can destroy a once pround franchise. First, McDaniels completely botches up the situation with his pro-bowl QB, which ultimately leads him to having to trade him out of town, then, he muff up this draft entirely.
So, after the Cutler trade, the Broncos have two first rounders. Both of the players they selected were quality players, but one, Knowshon Moreno, plays a position that the Broncos spent all offseason filling. Guys like Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, and JJ Arrington all sign in Denver, where they already have a full stable of backs like Andre Hall, Ryan Torain, Michael Pittman, and Peyton Hillis. Now they go and add Moreno to that mix. What are they thinking?
Robert Ayers, the man chose with the pick acquired for Cutler was a good selection for the Broncos, but he was the only good one of the bunch.
Then in the second round, the Broncos decide they need to trade up. So, they put together a deal which costs them a first round selection in next years draft and they acquire... Alphonso Smith. Huh?
Another questionable move was the second round selection of TE Richard Quinn. It confuses me because not only did Quinn have a late 4th / eartly 5th round grade in my book, but there were also plenty of more talented TEs available, including Jared Cook, Cornelius Ingram, and Chase Coffman. Again I ask, what planet are these guys on?
Rd 1 - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Rd 1 - Robert Ayers, DE/LB, Tennessee
Rd 2 - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Rd 2 - Darcel McBath, CB, Texas Tech
Rd 2 - Richard Quinn, TE, North Carolina
Rd 4 - David Bruton, S, Notre Dame
Rd 4 - Seth Olsen, G, Iowa
Rd 5 - Kenny McKinley, WR, South Carolina
Rd 6 - Tom Brandstater, QB, Fresno State
Rd 7 - Blake Schleuter, C, TCU
29.
Kansas City Cheifs: D
Last year I felt that the Cheifs had one of the best drafts. They build themselves a foundation to build on in the future. Well, the future is now, and there is new leadership in place, and this new leadership is not off to a great start in my opinion.
The draft was moving along just fine until we got to the third pick of the first round and the Cheifs came on the clock. Aaron Curry was available, and it looked like Scott Pioli was going to land himself the draft's best overall talent. Then up to the podium we go and the Cheifs select, Tyson Jackson. Tyson Jackson? Are you messing with me? Tyson Jackson? Now Tyson Jackson is a pretty good ball player, and he is worthy of a first round selection, but #3 overall... are you nuts? Jackson quits on plays. His work ethic is questionable, and he has trouble keeping his weight where it needs to be. And this is they guy you tab to continue to rebuild around?
Thanks to the Raiders move a few picks later, this won't go down as the dumbest move of the draft, but boy, not a good way to get started.
The rest of the Cheifs picks really lacked luster, and I am not really sure how many of these guys will be making the team next year.
Rd 1 - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Rd 3 - Alex Magee, DT, Purdue
Rd 4 - Donald Washington, CB, Ohio State
Rd 5 - Colin Brown, OL, Missouri
Rd 6 - Quentin Lawrence, WR, McNeese State
Rd 7 - Javarris Williams, RB, Tennessee State
Rd 7 - Jake O'Connell, WR, Miami (OH)
Rd 7 - Ryan Succop, K, South Carolina
30.
San Diego Chargers: DThe biggest problem that I have with the Chargers draft is how often the team reached for out-of-range talent in this draft.
Things started off badly for San Diego when in the first round they selected Larry English. Now those of you that regulary read my college football analysis and my draft pre-views and mocks know that I am a Larry English fan. I think the kid is going to be a very good football player. My problem is not with Larry, but with where he was taken. I think the Chargers reached for Larry, and a better move would have been to trade down 5 to 8 spots, picked up an extra 3rd or 4th rounder and then taken English there.
Then, the Chargers repeated the mistake again in the third round. Louis Vasquez may turn out to be a good player at some point, but he had a mid to late 4th round grade in my book. I think the chargers could have taken their thrid round pick dealt it for a 4 this year, and maybe a 4 or 5 next year too, and still landed Vasquez some 15 picks later.
And since they say the third time is the charm, the next selection for San D was used on Vaughn Martin, who was pick a clear round to round and a half too early. Again, trading down for some additional firepower in next years draft would have been the much smarter move.
As a result, despite my liking of Larry english overall, this was a real rach of a draft for San Diego, and I cannot in good faith give them any higher of a rating.
Rd 1 - Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
Rd 3 - Louis Vasquez, G, Texas Tech
Rd 4 - Vaughn Martin, DT, Western Ontario
Rd 4 - Tyronne Green, G, Auburn
Rd 4 - Gartrell Johnson, RB, Colorado State
Rd 5 - Brandon Huges, CB, Oregon State
Rd 6 - Kevin Ellison, S, USC
Rd 7 - Demetrious Byrd, WR, LSU
31.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: D-Talk about blowing something up and starting over. That is exactly what the Bucs have done this offseason. Unfortunately, the new blue print seems to have some serious flaws in it. First, the team surprises the world and drops their coach and much of the staff. Next they let go of a lot of the team's talent and most of its leadership (Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard). Now they show up at draft weekend, and lay one big ugly egg.
When you have no QB, it is easy to see possibility in everyone. Unfortunately it does not make drafting one of these possibilities a good idea. The Bucs really do need a signal caller, but unlike some other teams in the league who also have some need there, the Bucs made the unfortunate mistake of reaching a taking late second round project Josh Freeman in the middle of the first round. Now not only will this kid not be a sucessful QB in the pros, but he will be a highly paid unsucessful Qb in the pros to boot.
It has been shown time and time again that one of the most important measures of a college QB when it comes to predicting sucess at the pro level is how well he takes care of the football. Josh Freeman's ball care numbers look a lot more similar to the college numbers of Ryan Leaf and Kyle Boller than they do of Peyton Manning or Phillip Rivers.
Then to make matters worse, the Bucs traded up to get Freeman, leaving them with even fewer picks, although they did not really do too much with the picks they kept.
Not a good start for this new Buccaneer's regime. Maybe they should roll back out the creamsicle uniforms again.
Rd 1 - Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Rd 3 - Roy Miller, DT, Texas
Rd 4 - Kyle Moore, DE, USC
Rd 5 - Xavier Fulton, T, Illinois
Rd 7 - EJ Biggers, CB, Western Michigan
Rd 7 - Sammie Stroughter, WR, Oregon State
32.
Oakland Raiders: FWell folks, I think it is now official. It is now time for the league to step in and save one of the league's most marketable, stroied franchises. Al Davis is no longer capible of running a football team. Since meeting Tampa in the Super Bowl a few years back, the Raiders are without any doubt one of the worst teams in football. And despite each year having good draft position, they continue to get worse and worse each year.
Part of this is because no coach worth anything can or will work of Al Davis. And part of that is because Al Davis thinks the onlything important to building a football team is speed. If you run well at the combine, you very well could be a Raider. it really is that simple.
The Raiders invested in Jamarcus Russell to be the QB of the future two years ago, because the guy was big and fast. Then last year they selected Darren McFadden to be their go to back because of his blazing speed. Now this year the team was looking to add the wide receiver to their set, and despite both Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin being on the board, Al Davis selects Darrius Heyward Bey, the guy who had the fastest time at this year's combine. Seriously? Sure speed is important in the NFL, especially at a position like receiver, but there is more to being a great receiver than speed. Anyone ever hear of a guy named Jerry Rice? To be sucessful, receivers need to run good routes, something Heyward Bey does not do. To be sucessful, receivers need to catch everything thrown to them, again something done better by both Crabtree and Maclin. But most importantly, to be sucessful, receivers need to want to be the best and always win. Crabtree has this intangible in spades. Maclin too. Heyward Bey on the other had has been know to get lazy, take plays off, and have major lapses in consentration.
And don't think the Raiders earned this honor of "worst draft" just on the heels of their first round debacle. In the second round the Raiders chose safety Mike Mitchell from Ohio. Now to understand the magnitude of this blunder, look at this simple fact. More than half of the teams that showed up to the draft, did not even have Mitchell on their draft board. Thats right... more than have expected this guy to be available as an undrafted free agent. There is one thing that stands out about Mitchell though. He is fast, and therefore Al Davis spent a second round pick on this guy.
Oh how the mighty have fallen.
Rd 1 - Darrius Heyward Bey, WR, Maryland
Rd 2 - Mike Mitchell, S, Ohio
Rd 3 - Matt Shaughnessey, DE, Wisconsin
Rd 4 - Louis Murphy, WR, Florida
Rd 4 - Slade Norris, DE, Oregon State
Rd 6 - Stryker Sulak, DE, Missouri
Rd 6 - Brandon Meyers, TE, Iowa
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