Re: Draft Grades! <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Arizona Cardinals</span>The Picks:Matt Leinart | Quarterback | Southern Cal.Taitusi Latui | Offensive Guard | Southern Cal.Leonard Pope | Tight End | GeorgiaGabe Watson | Defensive Tackle | MichiganBrandon Johnson | Outside Linebacker | LouisvilleJonathan Lewis | Defensive Tackle | Virginia TechTodd Watkins | Wide Receiver | Brigham YoungAnalysis:The Cardinals were expected to take a long look at any quarterback who fell to them at #10, and when Matt Leinart was still on the board their decision was basically made for them. While Leinart is a bigger name and will sell more tickets, Jay Cutler may possibly have been the better pick there as his strong arm fits in better with Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, two guys who like to go deep. Also, Cutler is more of a raw quarterback who would be able to sit a year or two behind Kurt Warner, while Matt Leinart may cause a quarterback controversy that any playoff hopeful wants to avoid. The team reached for Deuce Latui in the second round, however they did make up for it by stealing Leonard Pope in the third, Gabe Watson in the fourth and Jonathan Lewis in the 6th (all were seemingly second-third round picks).The Grade: <span style="color:green">B</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Atlanta Falcons</span>The Picks:Jimmy Williams | Cornerback | Virginia TechJerious Norwood | Running Back | MississippiQuinn Ojinnaka | Offensive Tackle | SyracuseAdam Jennings | Wide Receiver | Fresno St.D.J. Shockley | Quarterback | GeorgiaAnalysis:The Falcons used an extra third round pick to move up in the second round (the team did not hold a first round pick) and pick Jimmy Williams who had fallen further than expected. Virginia Tech players seem to somehow thrive in Atlanta's system, so staying true to that strategy may not be a bad idea despite other talented corners falling as well. The Falcons added Jerious Norwood in the third round, which may spell the end for TJ Duckett in Atlanta as Norwood will hopefully be the back of the future. However, the most interesting pick by Atlanta may be quarterback D.J. Shockley. The team was unwilling to trade backup quarterback Matt Schuab this off-season, which may show that the Michael Vick era in Atlanta is coming to an end. It's just speculation, but adding another quarterback in Shockley may show that Vick is on his way out. The Falcons' draft was nothing more than average, as they filled their holes but didn't exactly load up on great players who will come in and make an big impact.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Baltimore Ravens</span>The Picks:Haloti Ngata | Defensive Tackle | OregonChris Chester | Center | OklahomaDavid Pittman | Cornerback | Northwestern St.Demetrius Williams | Wide Receiver | OregonP.J. Daniels | Running Back | Georgia TechDawan Landry | Free Safety | Georgia TechQuinn Sypniewski | Tight End | ColoradoSam Koch | Punter | NebraskaDerrick Martin | Cornerback | WyomingRyan LaCasse | Defensive End | SyracuseAnalysis:The Ravens stockpiled 10 picks in the draft, and knew what to do with them as quality came with quanity. The team traded up one spot in the first round to pick up Haloti Ngata, although Cleveland's so called interest in him was likely just a smokescreen to trade down. Chris Chester in the second round was a bit of a surprise, but a solid pick as Mike Flynn is getting older and Chester can take over the job at center in a year or two. Baltimore knew they had to address their defensive backfield, and took two great sleepers in corerbacks David Pittman and Derrick Martin along with free safety Dawan Landry. Ryan LaCasse in the seventh round is a huge steal and he should be an effective pass rusher in that system. Another steal for the team was Demetrius Williams in the fourth, who should be penciled in as the team's slot receiver. One thing I didn't like about Baltimore's draft is that they continued to pass on free safety Ko Simpson, who fell into the fourth round and could have been a great fit next to Ed Reed.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Buffalo Bills</span>The Picks:Donte Whitner | Strong Safety | Ohio St.John McCargo | Defensive Tackle | N.C. StateAshton Youboty | Cornerback | Ohio St.Ko Simpson | Free Safety | South CarolinaKyle Williams | Defensive Tackle | L.S.U.Brad Butler | Offensive Tackle | VirginiaKeith Ellison | Outside Linebacke | Oregon St.Terrence Pennington | Offensive Tackle | New MexicoAaron Merz | Offensive Guard | CaliforniaAnalysis:On paper the Buffalo's draft looks extremely solid, especially the first six picks. However the league must know something we don't about Donte Whitner as Buffalo took him at #8 instead of trading down for him, possibly because they thought Detroit would take him at #9. The team solidified their defensive backfield, adding not only Whitner but Ko Simpson who will take over at free safety once Troy Vincent retires, and Ashton Youboty who will likely start as the nickel back. Kyle Williams and John McCargo add some solid depth to what was once an unimpressive defensive tackle rotation, and McCargo will likely crack the starting lineup. Three of Buffalo's last four picks were focused on the offensive line, and Brad Butler may find the starting lineup sometime soon. The team did a great job reloading on depth and talent and should see a defensive rebirth within a year or two.The Grade: <span style="color:green">A-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Carolina Panthers</span>The Picks:DeAngelo Williams | Running Back | MemphisRichard Marshall | Cornerback | Fresno St.James Anderson | Outside Linebacker | Virginia TechRashad Butler | Offensive Tackle | Miami (FL)Nate Salley | Free Safety | Ohio St.Jeff King | Tight End | Virginia TechWill Montgomery | Offensive Guard | Virginia TechStanley McClover | Defensive End | AuburnAnalysis:DeAngelo Williams fell into Carolina's lap at pick #27, and the team didn't hesitate to pick him up as Stephen Davis was not retained and they have seen Nick Goings starting back there one too many times. Its unsure how Williams will split carries with Deshaun Foster, but in order to keep Foster healthy we may see DeAngelo get the bulk of the carries. Richard Marshall in the second round was a great value pick at a position that needed its depth addressed. Nothing too exciting from there, although they did pull a page out of Atlanta's book picking three Virginia Tech players. The team was unable to draft a strong safety to start in Thomas Davis' place (who's moving to outside linebacker) although they may simply move Mike Minter back to the position and start Nate Salley at free safety. Stanley McClover was a great pick in the seventh round and will help the rotation at defensive end as a pass rusher, and Jeff King helps an unimpressive group of tight ends. The Panthers weren't too impressive, but picks like Williams and Marshall keep their grade afloat.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Chicago Bears</span>The Picks:Danieal Manning | Defensive Back | Abilene ChristianDevin Hester | Wide Receiver | Miami (FL)Dusty Dvoracek | Defensive Tackle | OklahomaJamar Williams | Inside Linebacker | Arizona St.Mark Anderson | Defensive End | AlabamaJ.D. Runnels | Fullback | OklahomaTyler Reed | Offensive Guard | Penn St.Analysis:Not much to say about Chicago other than they did what they had to do and fill their needs. Danieal Manning will prove depth in the defensive backfield, and it seemed as if he would be the primary return man but the Bears drafted Devin Hester later in the round. Manning may be the kick returner and Hester the punt returner, but the two will both provide depth at their respective positions. Jamar Williams will do the same at linebacker, and Tyler Reed on the interior offensive line. Nothing special, but they needed to address depth at certain positions and did a good job doing it..However, none of the picks are very solid and the players they picked may be career backups at the best.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Cincinnati Bengals</span>The Picks:Jonathan Joseph | Cornerback | South CarolinaAndrew Whitworth | Offensive Tackle | L.S.U.Frostee Rucker | Defensive End | Southern Cal.Domata Peko | Defensive Tackle | Michigan St.A.J. Nicholson | Outside Linebacker | Florida St.Reggie McNeal | Quarterback | Texas A&MEthan Kilmer | Wide Receiver | Penn St.Bennie Brazell | Wide Receiver | Louisiana St.Analysis:The Bengals, with no glaring holes, were expected to go best player available in round one and that's what they did, picking Jonathan Joseph out of South Carolina. With Tory James getting older and no replacement on the roster, Joseph may start out as the teams nickel corner (if James isnt a cap casualty..) and eventually step into the starting lineup. Andrew Whitworth is a great pick in the second round and although it seemed a bit high for him he adds depth to a line that certainly needs it. Frostee Rucker went EXTREMELY high in the third round and hurts the team's overall draft grade drastically. Other than that, the Bengals had a solid draft although A.J. Nicholson and his off the field incident are very questionable and that image is one Cincinatti should be trying to shed right now.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Cleveland Browns</span>The Picks:Kamerion Wimbley | Outside Linebacker | Florida St.D'Qwell Jackson | Inside Linebacker | MarylandTravis Wilson | Wide Receiver | OklahomaLeon Williams | Inside Linebacker | Miami (FL)Issac Sowells | Offensive Guard | IndianaJerome Harrison | Running Back | Washington StateDeMario Minter | Cornerback | GeorgiaLawrence Vickers | Fullback | ColoradoBabatunde Oshinowo | Defensive Tackle | StanfordJustin Hamilton | Strong Safety | Virginia TechAnalysis:GREAT job. Cleveland was one of the few teams who had me excited at which direction they'd go in and they didn't disappoint. Wimbley and Jackson should be immediate starters at outside and inside linebacker respectively, with Wimbley possibly moving to defensive end on occation as part of a rotation. Travis Wilson is a great pick and should take over for Joe Jurevicius in at least a year and is great insurance while Braylon Edwards is hurt. Edwards and Wilson, Kellon Winslow and Reuben Droughns and Jerome Harrison in the backfield surrounds Charlie Frye with solid, young players. Great job rebuilding their front seven and giving Frye weapons, and also adding a solid corner in DeMario Minter. THIS is the draft that pushes Cleveland to the next level and sets them up for years of success in the near future.The Grade: <span style="color:green">A</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Dallas Cowboys</span>The Picks:Bobby Carpenter | Outside Linebacker | Ohio St.Anthony Fasano | Tight End | Notre DameJason Hatcher | Defensive End | Grambling St.Skyler Green | Wide Receiver | L.S.U.Pat Watkins | Free Safety | Florida St.Montavious Stanley | Defensive Tackle | LouisvillePat McQuistan | Offensive Tackle | Weber St.E.J. Whitley | Center | Texas TechAnalysis:The Cowboys took Carpenter in the first round and it's unsure whether he'll be used inside or outside at linebacker. Either way he's as solid as they could have asked for and will help fill the hole left by Dat Nguyen. At first, Anthony Fasano seemed questionable in the second round but after second thought it's a great pick. Dallas can be lethal running two tight end sets, putting Terrell Owens and Jason Witten on opposite sides of the field along with Terry Glenn and Fasano. I thought Dallas needed a wide receiver, but Fasano makes up for them passing on guys like Santonio Holmes early. The rest of the draft looks decent at best, with Pat Watkins being a bright spot and future starting free safety for the team. However after a strong draft last season, expectations were higher than what Dallas was able to accomplish.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Denver Broncos</span>The Picks:Jay Cutler | Quarterback | VanderbiltTony Scheffler | Tight End | Western MichiganBrandon Marshall | Wide Receiver | Central FloridaElvis Dumervil | Defensive End | LouisvilleDomenik Hixon | Wide Receiver | AkronChris Kuper | Offensive Guard | North DakotaGreg Eslinger | Center | MinnesotaAnalysis:Trading up for Jay Cutler was nothing short of a surprise, although there were "quiet" rumors that they were in the market for a quarterback. Cutler spells the end for Jake Plummer's long term future in Denver and competition at quarterback may be in Denver's near future, likely to hurt their playoff chances. Tony Scheffler and Brandon Marshall help give whoever it is at quarterback weapons, and Chris Kuper and Greg Eslinger help to provide depth on one of the league's best offensive lines. Elvis Dumervil is a risk, however may succeed in part of a rotation. Basically, past Cutler and arguably Dumervil, the Broncos' picks weren't too exciting. However the team did trade their second round pick to Green Bay for disgruntled wide receiver Javon Walker in order to solidify their wide receiver corps. While they added Walker, the team wasn't able to deal Ashley Lelie as they hoped and may face a logjam at the position with Walker, Lelie, Marshall, and Rod Smith. If Lelie isn't able to be traded the Broncos may face serious problems at both quarterback and wide receiver as far as playing time is concerned. NOTE: The trade for Walker IS factored into the draft grade below.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Detroit Lions</span>The Picks:Ernie Sims | Outside Linebacker | Florida St.Daniel Bullocks | Strong Safety | NebraskaBrian Calhoun | Running Back | WisconsinJonathan Scott | Offensive Tackle | TexasAlton McCann | Defensive Back | West VirginiaFred Matua | Offensive Guard | Southern Cal.Anthony Cannon | Outside Linebacker | TulaneAnalysis:It was clear that the Lions were targeting outside linebacker and safety early, and their first two picks were almost as solid as you can get at each position. The team added Brian Calhoun in the third round..For reason's I'm unsure of. Matt Millen (obviously) loves drafting wide receivers, and Calhoun is a great pass catcher out of the backfield, so that may be his reason for taking him in the third round, although it's a rather bad one. The team should be thankful Jonathan Scott and Fred Matua fell into their laps in the 5th and 7th round respectively, because they had to address their offensive line and if they weren't able to add solid players we'd be seeing even more "FIRE MILLEN" banners at Ford Field in Detroit. The Lions filled their big needs in the draft with good players, but the Calhoun pick in the third is really puzzling and hurts their grade.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Green Bay Packers</span>The Picks:A.J. Hawk | Outside Linebacker | Ohio St.Daryn Colledge | Offensive Tackle | Boise St.Greg Jennings | Wide Receiver | Western MichiganAbdul Hodge | Inside Linebacker | IowaJason Spitz | Center | LouisvilleCory Rodgers | Wide Receiver | Texas ChristianWill Blackmon | Wide Receiver | Boston CollegeIngle Martin | Quarterback | FurmanTony Moll | Offensive Tackle | NevadaJohnny Jolly | Defensive Tackle | Texas A&MTyrone Culver | Free Safety | Fresno St.Dave Tollefson | Defensive End | Northwestern Missouri St.Analysis:Wow. The Packers stockpiled twelve picks in this draft and seemingly did everything right. Green Bay was another team I was always excited to see on the clock and they continued making great picks. A.J. Hawk in the first round was a shoe-in for months, and fills the team's biggest need at outside linebacker. Daryn Colledge is currently listed as an offensive tackle but will most likely shift inside to guard helping to replace the losses of Mark Waehle and Marco Rivera from last off-season. Greg Jennings later in the second helps replace Javon Walker, who they had earlier traded to Denver. Jennings will likely play a big role as a rookie in the slot behind Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson. The team then went on to add two more wide receivers in their next four picks after Jennings, in Cory Rodgers and Will Blackmon. Rodgers will provide depth, as will Blackmon who will also play a huge role in the return game. Abdul Hodge was another great pick and although he will likely start his career on the bench the team will have trouble keeping him off the field. Jason Spitz is a great interior lineman who will likely start at center and help replace Mike Flanagan. A surprising pick for Green Bay was quarterback Ingle Martin, who should be giving Aaron Rodgers a bit of a scare as he may wind up competing to be Brett Favre's successor. The Packers did an amazing job filling each and every one of their needs with great players, while adding much needed depth.The Grade: <span style="color:green">A+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Houston Texans</span>The Picks:Mario Williams | Defensive End | N.C. StateDeMeco Ryans | Outside Linebacker | AlabamaCharles Spencer | Offensive Tackle | PittsburghEric Winston | Offensive Tackle | Miami (FL)Owen Daniels | Tight End | WisconsinWali Lundy | Running Back | VirginiaDavid Anderson | Wide Receiver | Colorado St.Analysis:The Texans surprised, and disappointed many when they announced it would be Mario Williams at #1 over Reggie "Jordan of the NFL" Bush. However I think picking Williams with the first pick was a great move and I'm happy that the Houston front office didn't crumble under the pressure to satisfy fans, but rather did what was better for the team. DeMeco Ryans in the second round was an interesting pick over tackles like Winston Justice and Eric Winston, but after converting to the 4-3 defense the Texans will need multiple new front seven players and Ryans will help with the transition. The team wound up with Eric Winston in the third round, and picked fellow offensive tackle Charles Spencer just a pick before that. Spencer was projected as a guard by scouts but played left tackle in Pittsburgh in his senior year and the Texans supposedly like him there. He and Winston will likely fight for the job, or Spencer may eventually be moved to guard anyway. Either way, the Texans did a great job rebuilding their line this off-season and David Carr should be grinning ear to ear with multiple offensive weapons around him and a solid line protecting for him. Houston's final three picks were for depth purposes, and overall the team did a great job filling needs and look loaded with young talent for the upcoming season.The Grade: <span style="color:green">A</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Indianapolis Colts</span>The Picks:Joseph Addai | Running Back | L.S.U.Tim Jennings | Cornerback | GeorgiaFreddie Keiaho | Outside Linebacker | San Diego St.Michael Toudouze | Offensive Guard | Texas ChristianCharlie Johnson | Offensive Tackle | Oklahoma St.Antoine Bethea | Free Safety | HowardT.J. Rushing | Cornerback | StanfordAnalysis:I truthfully don't know a lot about many of the players Indianapolis picked, but I'll do my best here. Addai in the first round was a solid pick, and although he wasn't getting a ton of first round consideration running back is such a big need for Indy that they had to go in that direction in the first round. Tim Jennings is a name not many knew, but has the speed and athleticism the Colts love on defense. Jonathan Joseph won't be retained at the position, so it is likely that Jennings will be the nickel back who will specialize in covering the slot receiver. Freddie Keiaho is an extremely solid player who is probably one of the more underrated players in the draft, and talent wise Indy got a steal here. He wasn't exactly expected to go on the first day, but in a few years I believe people will be questioning why he went as low as he did anyway. Again I'm not very familiar with Indy's picks so guys like Toudouze and Charlie Johnson I can't give fair analysis on, but the Colts do have depth concerns on the offensive line and my assumption is that Toudouze will challenge for a spot at guard and Johnson will be Tarik Glenn's eventual replacement. Solid draft for Indy, but nothing spectacular.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Jacksonville Jaguars</span>The Picks:Marcedes Lewis | Tight End | U.C.L.A.Maurice Drew | Running Back | U.C.L.A.Clint Ingram | Outside Linebacker | OklahomaBrent Hawkins | Defensive End | Illinois St.James Wyche | Defensive End | SyracuseDemetrius Webb | Cornerback | FloridaAnalysis:I didn't see Marcedes Lewis as a first round pick, and when Jacksonville took him there I was a bit disappointed in them. While he's a solid football player, the Jags should have made every attempt to trade down and even if they did but just weren't able to complete a trade, there were possibly better options at that spot. Lewis is going to be the #2 tight end on the team because the team feels Kyle Brady's blocking ability on an every down basis is vital to success. The Jags may run a lot of two TE sets with Lewis and Brady out there, but you're not going to have a consistant passing game with that kind of offense. Maurice Drew is one of my favorite players in the draft and I think was a great pick for the Jags in the second round, as he'll help on returns and in the backfield. Ingram was taken a bit early, but outside linebacker is not as pressing of a need for Jacksonville as it was earlier. The team stole two players in the seventh round with Wyche and Webb, both who will provide depth. However, Wyche was the second defensive end Jacksonville picked in the draft and the team already has decent talent at the position. Decent draft by Jacksonville, but I'm not impressed.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Kansas City Chiefs</span>The Picks:Tamba Hali | Defensive End | Penn St.Bernard Pollard | Strong Safety | PurdueBrodie Croyle | Quarterback | AlabamaMarcus Maxey | Cornerback | Miami (FL)Tre' Stallings | Offensive Guard | MississippiJeff Webb | Wide Receiver | San Diego St.Jarrad Page | Strong Safety | U.C.L.A.Analysis:Tamba Hali saw his stock tumble after workouts, however he was still grabbed by Kansas City 20th overall and will likely start across Jarad Allen on the defensive line. I did not like this pick at all, but projected the team to take Mathias Kiwanuka, another defensive end who would have gone too high at 20. So while Hali was a bad pick in my opinion, it wasn't much of a surprise because Herman Edwards loves first round defensive linemen and the team has a need there. Bernard Pollard was supposedly a questionable first day pick, and the team took him in the middle of the second round. It's unknown how he'll be used, but I would think it'll be behind Sammy Knight until he retires in a season or two. They passed up on corners like Ashton Youboy and Richard Marshall for him, and had they gone in that direction it would have saved their grade. Brodie Croyle is one of the more overrated players in the draft but hopefully a few seasons behind Trent Green and a solid offense will help him out and allow him to overachieve. The Chiefs have a big need at wide receiver and I like the Jeff Webb pick, but they should have addressed the position earlier. Overall, Kansas City had one of the most bland drafts in the league and I don't think they did a very good job of filling their needs with good players. Herm Edwards keeps alive his history of poor drafting.The Grade: <span style="color:red">D-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Miami Dolphins</span>The Picks:Jason Allen | Cornerback | TennesseeDerek Hagan | Wide Receiver | Arizona St.Joe Toledo | Offensive Tackle | WashingtonFred Evans | Defensive Tackle | Texas St.Rodrique Wright | Defensive Tackle | TexasDevin Aromashodu | Wide Receiver | AuburnAnalysis:The Dolphins didn't have many picks in this draft, and when they selected Jason Allen 16th overall it looked like they were going to have a very long weekend. However, Nick Saban likes what he sees in Allen and may turn him into one of the first round steals of this draft. Derek Hagan in the third round was yet another steal for Miami, and he will likely be slated as the #3 receiver and long term replacement for Marty Booker at wide receiver. Joe Toledo provides depth on an offensive line that must be solid for this team to succeed, and Fred Evans gives the team a warm body at defensive tackle where age and depth is an issue. Rodrique Wright was once a surefire first round pick, but was expected to be a third rounder heading into the draft. However he fell all the way into the seventh because of a torn rotator cuff, and with reasonable depth at the position Miami will wait the season (or less) that it takes for him to get back to full strength. Devin Aromashodu was another steal in the seventh round and is a great speedy offensive weapon off the bench. With limited picks, the Dolphins did a good job stealing players that were falling too far and despite Jason Allen looking like a reach I think he will develop into a very solid NFL cornerback.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Minnesota Vikings</span>The Picks:Chad Greenway | Outside Linebacker | IowaCedric Griffin | Cornerback | TexasRyan Cook | Center | New MexicoTarvaris Jackson | Quarterback | Alabama St.Ray Edwards | Defensive End | PurdueGreg Blue | Safety | GeorgiaAnalysis:The Vikings started with two great picks, ended with two solid steals, and made two questionable picks in between. Chad Greenway will be the immediate starter on the weakside, while Cedric Griffin will replace Brian Williams as the nicel corner and likely eventually start. Ryan Cook went extremely high in the mid-second, and it's unknown (at least to me) why the Vikings picked him there. Tarvaris Jackson will likely be great for them, and Brad Childress is already comparing him to Donovan McNabb, but I don't know if it was necessary to trade up that far for him. Ray Edwards provides depth at defensive end and this may indicate that the Vikings are giving up on last year's first round pick Erasmus James early after not starting him for most of last season. Greg Blue will provide depth at safety, and may also get involved in the starting job competition at strong safety. Solid draft overall by Minnesota, but Cook in the mid-second is really puzzling to me and hurts their grade.Note: The Vikings acquired offensive lineman Artis Hicks from the Eagles in a draft day trade, and the grade below takes the trade into account.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">New England Patriots</span>The Picks:Laurence Maroney | Running Back | MinnesotaChad Jackson | Wide Receiver | FloridaDavid Thomas | Tight End | TexasGarrett Mills | Fullback | TulsaStephen Gostkowski | Kicker | MemphisRyan O'Callaghan | Offensive Guard | CaliforniaJeremy Mincey | Defensive End | FloridaDan Stevenson | Offensive Guard | Notre DameLe Kevin Smith | Defensive Tackle | NebraskaWillie Andrews | Cornerback | BaylorAnalysis:After losing valuable free agents this off-season, the Patriots knew that they had to make some noise in the draft in order to stay competitive in the weak but up and coming AFC East. Laurence Maroney in the first round surprised some, but New England never drafts the way people expect them to so taking a running back, especially Maroney over DeAngelo Williams, wasn't exactly a big shock. The Patriots moved up in the second round in order to pick Chad Jackson, who may be forced into the starting lineup immediately. David Thomas and Garrett Mills are both tight ends/halfbacks, but with Patrick Pass, Ben Watson and Daniel Graham already at both positions why New England needed two players to possibly play the same role is unknown. Stephen Gostkowski in the fourth was another surprise, and not exactly a smart pick as of right now. Ryan O'Callaghan fell into the fifth round, and the team likely sees him as a backup guard for now. Jeremy Mincey is an intruiging pick who will likely be part of a rotation as a rush OLB/DE. While New England ususally has their heads on straight in the draft and their picks look smarter 3 years later than they do when originally made, they still made a number of questionable moves and it hurts their grade badly. While I'm sure they'll prove myself and other analysts wrong down the road, a number of questionable moves really hurts their draft grade and outside of Maroney and Jackson their overall draft was average at the very best.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">New Orleans Saints</span>The Picks:Reggie Bush | Running Back | Southern Cal.Roman Harper | Free Safety | AlabamaJahri Evans | Offensive Tackle | BloomsbergRob Ninkovich | Defensive End | PurdueMichael Hass | Wide Receiver | Oregon St.Josh Lay | Cornerback | PittsburghZach Strief | Offensive Guard | NorthwesternMarques Colston | Tight End | HofstraAnalysis:While I see Mario Williams as the better pick for Houston at #1, it was also the better pick for New Orleans at #2 as Reggie Bush is a better fit for them than Mario Williams would have been (although I don't believe Bush's game translates extremely well into the pros..But more on that some other time). Charles Grant and Will Smith will now man the defensive end spots with no competition, and Reggie Bush will provide another offensive weapon for Drew Brees while keeping Deuce McAllister limited and therefore keep him healthier. Roman Harper in the second round is seemingly a reach, but the kid is everything you look for in a football when it comes to mentality and attitude and any team looking to move in the right direction wants a player like him on their squad. After losing Wayne Gandy, LeCharles Bently and Kendall Jacox from their offensive line, the Saints needed to reload on linemen and didn't do too bad by picking up Jairi Evans and Zach Strief, who is one of the draft's top sleepers at his position. Mike Hass will provide depth at a thin position for them, wide receiver, and may wind up as the #3 receiver or even starting if Donte Stallworth is traded. Josh Lay may wind up being a steal and provides depth at a fairly untalented position for New Orleans. However outside of Bush and Harper, the Saints had a below average draft, but their first two picks were enough to keep their grade above water.Note: The Saints acquired defensive tackle Hollis Thomas from the Eagles during the draft, and it is reflected in their draft grade.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">New York Giants</span>The Picks:Mathias Kiwanuka | Defensive End | Boston CollegeSinorice Moss | Wide Receiver | Miami (FL)Gerris Wilkinson | Inside Linebacker | Georgia TechBarry Cofield | Defensive Tackle | NorthwesternGuy Whimper | Offensive Tackle | East CarolinaCharlie Peprah | Strong Safety | AlabamaGerrick McPhearson | Cornerback | MarylandAnalysis:Why Mathias Kiwanuka? It was a question I asked myself as I was laughing at my hated Giants as they closed out the first round by picking him in Pittsburgh's spot, following a trade that netted them Pittsburgh's third round pick as well. After further thought, I realized just how smart of a pick it was. Kiwanuka's game translates into a situational pass rusher in the NFL, and with almost no depth at defensive tackle and both Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck (who both have the ability to move inside) on the roster, "Kiwi" can be used on passing downs to rush the quarterback with Strahan and/or Tuck inside at defensive tackle, allowing the Giants to keep all of their best players on the field. Defensive end isn't their biggest need and I would put money on the Giants targeting DT John McCargo at #32, but he was scooped up by Buffalo a pick after the Giants traded their pick to Pittsburgh. Sinorice Moss falling to them in the second was a bargain, however I think he's one of the more overrated players in the draft and won't be anything more than a speedy #2 receiver in the pros. Gerris Wilkinson in the third was a solid pick, but it's doubtful he'll crack the starting lineup anytime soon for Big Blue, if he ever does at all. The following four picks were used for depth, although Cofield may find himself as a big part of a defensive tackle rotation and Guy Whimper may be Luke Pettigout's eventual replacement at offensive tackle. Solid draft for the Giants.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">New York Jets</span>The Picks:D'Brickashaw Ferguson | Offensive Tackle | VirginiaNick Mangold | Center | Ohio St.Kellen Clemens | Quarterback | OregonAnthony Schlegal | Inside Linebacker | Ohio St.Eric Smith | Strong Safety | Michigan St.Brad Smith | Wide Receiver | MissouriLeon Washington | Running Back | Florida St.Jason Pociask | Tight End | WisconsinDrew Coleman | Cornerback | Texas ChristianTitus Adams | Defensive Tackle | NebraskaAnalysis:The Jets used their two first round picks on the offensive line, and it was the right thing to do after losing Kevin Mawae and Jason Fabini this off-season. The two veterans are replaced with young, fresh and arguably better (at least in Ferguson's case) players who will be penciled in as starters for years to come. Kellen Clemens in the second, a guy the Jets traded up for, it a bit questionable to me but I believe that they though Minnesota was interested in him and wanted to get to him first. Clemens is a bit overated to me, but is also very raw and we haven't seen the best of him so a year or two on the bench may benefit him and make him a solid starter for the Jets in 2-3 years at the most. New York's draft fell a bit from there, as they reached for Anthony Schlegal in the third round and took a widely unheard of safety in Eric Smith at the end of the round, who's role on the team is unknown althoug he may wind up starting at strong safety. Brad Smith was a solid pick in the fourth and if he can make the conversion to wide receiver smoothly he will be a productive guy out of the slot for them. I also like Leon Washington, but he may wind up splitting carries with Cedric Houston once Curtis Martin moves on..If either of them even get the job. The Jets started extremely strong and I don't love some picks they made later on, but Brick and Mangold in the first round solidifies their line and should drastically increase their offensive production, hopefully for years to come. These two picks help give the Jets one of the more solid draft grades in the league.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Oakland Raiders</span>The Picks:Michael Huff | Defensive Back | TexasThomas Howard | Outside Linebacker | U.T.E.P.Paul McQuistan | Offensive Guard | Weber St.Darnell Bing | Strong Safety | Southern Cal.Kevin Boothe | Offensive Tackle | CornellChris Morris | Center | Michigan St.Kevin McMahan | Wide Receiver | MaineAnalysis:The Raiders made a very smart move in my opinion by passing on both Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler in the first round and picking Michael Huff, someone who I think will be one of the better defensive players to come out of this draft class and easily the best safety. I know that that's easy to say now, but I seriously think that this kid has the talent to be up there with Roy Williams and Ed Reed as one of the best young safeties in the game. Huff will likely start at strong safety as Oakland is fairly deep at corner and likes Zach Schweigert at free safety. Thomas Howard should be another immediate starter at outside linebacker next to Kirk Morrison and Danny Clark, making for a solid trio of young starters at the position. Paul McQuistan was a bit questionable that high in the third, and it seems as if the team plans on moving him inside to guard where he may be an immediate starter. Darnell Bing seemed questionable after the Michael Huff pick, but Oakland is already talking about having him add at least 20 pounds of muscle and move to outside linebacker, although it's unsure where he'll fit there either. Kevin Boothe was expected to be a guard and because the team still has a need there he may stay at the position, but whether he plays offensive guard or offensive tackle he and McQuistan are two of the better sleepers when it comes to offensive linemen and they may both be starting in a few years. I don't know much about Chris Morris, but I do know that the Raiders have a hole at center and he may find himself on the field a lot in the future. I think the Raiders drafted more immediate/future starters than most teams, helping their grade. However, they failed to add a defensive tackle after losing Ted Washington and Ed Jasper and Warren Sapp is on a steady decline, making the defensive line a liability for them on that side of the ball.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Philadelphia Eagles</span>The Picks:Brodrick Bunkley | Defensive Tackle | Florida St.Winston Justice | Offensive Tackle | Southern Cal.Chris Gocong | Defensive End | Cal PolyMax Jean-Gilles | Offensive Guard | GeorgiaJason Avant | Wide Receiver | MichiganJeremy Bloom | Wide Receiver | ColoradoOmar Gaither | Outside Linebacker | TennesseeLeJuan Ramsey | Defensive Tackle | Southern Cal.Analysis:One word: Amazing. Along with the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles continued to make solid pick after solid pick and this draft brings me back to a few years ago when Philly was able to pick up Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, Michael Lewis and Brian Westbrook in the first four rounds. Philadelphia was thinking of trading up for Brodrick Bunkley in the first, but he instead fell to them and will help plug up the middle along with last year's first rounder Mike Patterson. The two will be part of a four or five man rotation as of now but are clearly the future at the position. Winston Justice was another option at #14, however he fell into the second round where Philly traded up and picked him at #39 instead. Chris Gocong in the third round was the one questionable for the Eagles, but they traded up to get him so probably not only like him but have a plan ready to go. While he's currently listed as a defensive end he'll play rush OLB for them after Trent Cole failed to fill that role as a rookie last year (although he was very productive at DE instead). Gocong will be a situational player as of now but may take over for Dhani Jones in a year or two. The Eagles traded up two times more in the fourth round, picking Max Jean-Gilles early in the round in a deal that sent DT Hollis Thomas to the Saints. Jean-Gilles is regarded as one of the better guards in the draft, and will compete for the starting job at left guard. The Eagles then traded up with Minnesota and gave up Artis Hicks (who had just been replaced by Jean-Gilles) to pick WR Jason Avant, who will probably start as the fourth or fifth receiver but may eventually fight his way all the way up to #2. Jeremy Bloom was another great pick by Philly, and his only downside is that he hasn't played football in two years. He will be used as a kick returner almost exclusively, so once he shakes off some rust the hiatus should not be a problem whatsoever. Gaither and Ramsey were picked for depth, and Gaither may be Jeremiah Trotter's eventual replacement at middle linebacker if he can move inside, but that's only speculation at this point. Overall, an amazing draft by Philly with basically no visible holes.The Grade: <span style="color:green">A+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Pittsburgh Steelers</span>The Picks:Santonio Holmes | Wide Receiver | Ohio St.Anthony Smith | Free Safety | SyracuseWillie Reid | Wide Receiver | Florida St.Willie Colon | Offensive Guard | HofstraOrien Harris | Defensive Tackle | Miami (FL)Omar Jacobs | Quarterback | Bowling GreenCharles Davis | Tight End | PurdueMarvin Philip | Center | CaliforniaCedric Humes | Running Back | Virginia TechAnalysis:The Steelers had a hole at wide receiver to fill after losing Antwaan Randle El this year and Plaxico Burress last year, so they moved up in the first round to select Santonio Holmes, someone who had fallen a bit too far and is regarded as the top receiver in the draft. He'll likely start as a rookie across from Hines Ward and is a great fit in the Pittsburgh offensve. Anthony Smith is one of my favorite players in the draft (Syracuse homerism admitted) and is likely another immediate starter on defense for Pittsburgh, although they may start Ryan Clark initially and limit Smith to special teams. Willie Reid will help make up the loss of Randle El on kick returns and should be limited to that role. Orien Harris is a possible steal in the mid fourth, and I can see him moving outside to defensive end in Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense. Omar Jacobs (my personal favorite player in the entire draft) wound up in Pittsburgh and may possibly be Ben Roethlisberger's long term backup, something that's extremely disappointing as he has first round talent and would have been a sure top 15 pick had he stayed in school. Hopefully Pittsburgh realizes that he's too valuable to use as a backup and eventually deals him to a team where he can start because I'd love to see what the kid can do. Cedric Humes in the seventh is a great pick and he will likely be an immediate factor in the revolving door Pittsburgh uses at running back. Nothing spectacular, but certainly an impressive draft for Pittsburgh.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">San Diego Chargers</span>The Picks:Antonio Cromartie | Cornerback | Florida St.Marcus McNeill | Offensive Tackle | AuburnCharlie Whitehurst | Quarterback | ClemsonTim Dobbins | Inside Linebacker | Iowa St.Jeromey Clary | Offensive Tackle | Kansas St.Kurt Smith | Kicker | VirginiaChase Page | Defensive Tackle | North CarolinaJimmy Martin | Center | Virginia TechAnalysis:The Chargers made three straight very interesting picks to start things off, first with corner Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie may be an immediate starter at the position but is extremely raw and a boom-or-bust pick, with potential to be a Champ Bailey type shutdown corner. Marcus McNeill is in the same situation at offensive tackle and he would be a top 15 pick if it weren't for back problems that are being considered a pretty big issue. Cromartie and McNeill could be the steals of the draft, but they both may flop and completely ruin the entire draft for San Diego. Charlie Whitehurst in the third is a huge headscratcher for them and the only conclusion I've come to is that they were keeping division rivals like Oakland and Kansas City from picking him. Kansas City took a QB (Brodie Croyle) just picks later, so if that was the plan it definitely worked. But again, just speculation on my part. Tim Dobbins isn't the greatest linebacker in the draft but is a good pick by San Diego who is going to need linebacker depth with Donnie Edwards unhappy and Randall Godfrey nearing retirement. Not much to really look at with San Diego's draft, although if Cromartie and McNeill weren't such questionmarks they would give San Diego at least a B+ because based on potential alone they are both amazing value picks. However if both or even one of them fizzle out, which is extremely possible, Charger fans may look back on this draft and consider it a lost cause.The Grade: <span style="color:red">D+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Seattle Seahawks</span>The Picks:Kelly Jennings | Cornerback | Miami (FL)Darryl Tapp | Defensive End | Virginia TechRob Sims | Offensive Guard | Ohio St.David Kirtman | Fullback | Southern Cal.Ryan Plackemeier | Punter | Wake ForestBen Obomanu | Wide Receiver | AuburnAnalysis:The Seahawks capped off an impressive off-season with a solid draft. Kelly Jennings in the first round is a possible steal and if this draft weren't so deep at corner he would have been a possible top 20 pick, and may be an immediate starter if he can beat out Kelly Herndon. Darryl Tapp is another possible starter, and after pursuing John Abraham the Seahawks were still able to pick up a solid defensive end who may start over Bryce Fisher. The team then traded up in the fourth round to pick up Ohio St's Rob Sims, who will help fill the hole left by Steve Hutchinson. It's doubtful Sims will start right away but he may be the long term solution at the position. With virtually no needs remaining, the Seahawks went ahead and drafted arguably a top three fullback and punter in David Kirtman and Ryan Plackemeier, respectively. Plackemeier may start right away, and Kirtman will only have to wait a year or two until Mack Strong finishes his career. The Seahawks then saw Ben Obomanu fall into their laps in the seventh round and now look almost stacked at the position with Nate Burleson, Darrell Jackson, Bobby Engram, Peter Warrick, Obomanu, and situational guys like Alex Bannister and D.J. Hackett. Surely not all of these guys will make the roster, but the Seahawks were once considered thin at the position and now seem set. Great job overall by Seattle, filling the few needs they had with solid players and only six picks.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">San Francisco 49ers</span>The Picks:Vernon Davis | Tight End | MarylandManny Lawson | Outside Linebacker | N.C. StateBrandon Williams | Wide Receiver | WisconsinMichael Robinson | Wide Receiver | Penn St.Parys Haralson | Outside Linebacker | TennesseeDelanie Walker | Wide Receiver | Central Missouri St.Marcus Hudson | Free Safety | N.C. StateMelvin Oliver | Defensive End | Louisiana St.Vickiel Vaughn | Free Safety | ArkansasAnalysis:Offensive weapons and the defensive front seven; these were the two biggest holes San Francisco had coming into this draft, and while many over exaggerated their "needs" in the defensive backfield I'm happy San Francisco stood their ground and filled what I believed were their two biggest needs. The team's first six picks, and seven of their nine overall addressed offensive skill positions or the front seven on defense. The team's first five picks ar eye opening, especially the two in the first round. Vernon Davis is an absolute stud who I think will be the best tight end for years to come, or at least has the potential to be. Niners fans should BEG for Alex Smith to progress as hoped, because the start to Davis' NFL career lies soley on his shoulders and if he can't get off on the right foot it may be hard for him to ever reach his full potential. Manny Lawson is an immediate starter at outside linebacker in San Francisco's 3-4 defense and is a great long term replacement for Julian Peterson. Brandon Williams is someone who I thought would last another half a round or so, but many scouts spoke of his talent and the kid has received a ton of praise. He and Antonio Bryant look good as the future starting receivers in San Francisco. Michael Robinson was an intruiging pick to say the least at the beginning of the second day, but he is the offensive playmaker they need and while I'm unsure what position he'll be listed as, he'll contribute at the running back and wide receiver positions. Parys Haralson fits the Manny Lawson mold and will likely start at the other outside linebacker position as a pass rusher. Marcus Hudson shouldn't have lasted until the sixth round and it was a good decision for San Francisco to take him there because while their secondary is underrated, they can use depth and Mike Adams needs to be pushed for the starting job. Don't expect a sudden playoff push, but great job by San Francisco overall.The Grade: <span style="color:green">A-</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">St. Louis Rams</span>The Picks:Tye Hill | Cornerback | ClemsonJoe Klopfenstein | Tight End | ColoradoClaude Wroten | Defensive Tackle | L.S.U.Jon Alston | Outside Linebacker | StanfordDominique Byrd | Tight End | Southern Cal.Victor Adeyanju | Defensive End | IndianaMarques Hagans | Wide Receiver | Virginia Tim McGarigle | Inside Linebacker | NorthwesternMark Setterstorm | Offensive Guard | MinnesotaTony Palmer | Offensive Guard | MissouriAnalysis:The Rams trading down in the first round may have been the key to what wound up being a very solid draft. The team traded down to #15 with Denver, where they selected cornerback Tye Hill to head a group of unimpressive players at the position. Hill is undersized and it may affect him negatively in the long haul, but as of now he looks like a solid prospect who may start for them for years to come. Joe Klopfenstein was a questionable pick in the second round over Leonard Pope, but there must be something about Pope that led to him being picked in the third round. Claude Wroten has had drug problems, but still has a ton of upside on the field if he can stay out of trouble. Needing another starter at outside linebacker, the Rams then selected Jon Alston who may not immediately start but should get a job sometime soon. The Dominique Byrd seemed laughable initially, but Scott Linehan made it known that he wanted to start new at tight end and Byrd and Klopfenstein will effectively allow that to happen. Victor Adeyanju has all the upside in the world if he's coached right, but if he isn't he will just be another bust on the defensive line for St. Louis. Like San Diego's draft, St. Louis' contains many risky boom-or-bust picks such as Hill, Alston (may get stuck at strong safety behind Corey Chavous), Wroten, Byrd, and Adeyanju, which hurts their overall grade. However, these players are not as big of risks as San Diego's so their grade isn't as heavily impacted by it.The Grade: <span style="color:yellow">C+</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</span>The Picks:Davin Joseph | Offensive Guard | OklahomaJeremy Trueblood | Offensive Tackle | Boston CollegeMaurice Stovall | Wide Receiver | Notre DameAlan Zemaitis | Cornerback | Penn St.Julian Jenkins | Defensive End | StanfordBruce Gradkowski | Quarterback | ToledoT.J. Williams | Tight End | N.C. StateJustin Phinisee | Cornerback | OregonCharles Bennett | Outside Linebacker | ClemsonTim Massaquoi | Tight End | MichiganAnalysis:The Bucs didn't have a very exciting draft, but it may have been one of the more effective in the league. Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood should be penciled in at starters on the offensive line for years to come, and Maurice Stovall will eventually push Joey Galloway for a job as a starting receiver. Alan Zemaitis may move to safety as a starter but as of now looks to be the nickel cornerback and is a great fit in the Buccaneer's defense. Julian Jenkins looks to be nothing more than a situational pass rusher but with a little luck could be Simeon Rice's long term replacement at defensive end. Bruce Gradkowski will battle to be Chris Simm's primary backup and even make the roster as the #3 QB, but should be Tim Rattay's ticket out of Tampa Bay. T.J. Williams fell into the sixth round and will likely be stuck behind Alex Smith and Anthony Becht, and I don't know where Tim Massaquoi will wind up other than the practice squad, but overall the team had a solid draft and wound up with a great group of hopeful starters.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B+</span>
Re: Draft Grades! <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Tennessee Titans</span>The Picks:Vince Young | Quarterback | TexasLenDale White | Running Back | Southern Cal.Calvin Lowry | Strong Safety | Penn St.Stephen Tullock | Inside Linebacker | N.C. StateTerna Nande | Outside Linebacker | Miami (OH)Jesse Mahelona | Defensive Tackle | TennesseeJonathan Orr | Wide Receiver | WisconsinCortland Finnegan | Free Safety | SamfordSpencer Toone | Outside Linebacker | UtahQuinton Ganther | Running Back | UtahAnalysis:Vince Young at #3 is definitely an interesting pick and will likely start his NFL career behind Billy Volek for a season before stepping in as a full time starter, however likely with a veteran behind him keeping him on thin ice. Young is an interesting prospect and hard to project, so I'll just leave that to the pros for now. However he's got the weapons and the arm to succeed if he can refine his game and delivery, something Norm Chow should help him do. LenDale White is a risk in the second round but obviously has a ton of upside and can succeed as a short yardage runner in Tennessee at the worst, starting behind two injury prone backs in Travis Henry and Chris Brown. Calvin Lowry is a solid sleeper safety who may immediately start next to free agent signing Chris Hope, and the same could be said for Stephen Tullock at middle linebacker although it may be tough for him to make such a quick transition. Terna Nande and Jesse Malehona are great picks for depth and should be part of a rotation at linebacker an defensive tackle respectively. However, their final four picks may wind up being useless as they are already deep at outside linebacker, wide receiver and running back. Overall Tennesse did a great job and after being in salary cap hell just one off-season ago, are now basically finished adding the pieces needed to right the ship.The Grade: <span style="color:green">B</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Washington Redskins</span>The Picks:Roger McIntosh | Outside Linebacker | Miami (FL)Anthony Montgomery | Defensive Tackle | MinnesotaReed Doughty | Strong Safety | Northern ColoradoKedric Killings | Defensive Tackle | GeorgiaKili Lefotu | Offensive Guard | ArizonaKevin Simon | Inside Linebacker | TennesseeAnalysis:The Redskins came into the draft with only one first day pick, but used it along with their fourth rounder to move up in the second and select Roger McIntosh, who will likely replace LaVar Arrington as the team's starting outside linebacker. Anthony Montgomery isn't a very exciting pick and looks to be the teams third defensive tackle and first big body off the bench. However he'll have to compete with sixth rounder Kedric Killings, although neither are very impressive players. Reed Doughty was selected for depth as the team lost Ryan Clark and Matt Bowen to free agency. Kevin Simon may eventually push for a job at middle linebacker, but Lemar Marshall is solid enough to retain the job if he stays healthy. The Redskins brought in a ton of players through free agency but failed to secure their long term future through the draft. Outside of McIntosh, their draft was highly unimpressive and almost served no purpose for the team at all.The Grade: <span style="color:red">D-</span>
Re: Draft Grades! <u><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%">Grade Rundown (Highest to Lowest):</u></span>Note: Teams with the same grade are arranged in ABC order, not because they have a higher grade than someone with the same letter grade as them. In other words, an A is an A, theres no high or low A unless its an A+ or A-.<span style="color:green">Green</span> = Highest Draft Grades<span style="color:red">Red</span> = Lowest Draft Grades<span style="color:green">Green Bay Packers A+Philadelphia Eagles A+Arizona Cardinals ACleveland Browns AHouston Texans A</span>Buffalo Bills A-San Francisco 49ers A-Baltimore Ravens B+New York Jets B+Pittsburgh Steelers B+Seattle Seahawks B+Tampa Bay Buccaneers B+Miami Dolphins BNew York Giants BTennessee Titans BDenver Broncos B-Detroit Lions B-Indianapolis Colts B-Minnesota Vikings B-Oakland Raiders B-Atlanta Falcons C+Carolina Panthers C+Dallas Cowboys C+St. Louis Rams C+Cincinnati Bengals CJacksonville Jaguars CNew England Patriots CNew Orleans Saints C<span style="color:red">Chicago Bears C-San Diego Chargers D+Kansas City Chiefs D-Washington Redskins D-</span>
Re: Draft Grades! Very nice, but one correction that will probably affect your draft grade..The New York Jets traded the 35th pick to Washington for the 53rd, 2006 6th Rounder, and a 2007 Second Round Pick.So you should add the 2007 Second Rounder in with the Jets haul and the overpay should be reflected in your grade on the Redskins.
Re: Draft Grades! Well that was factored into the draft grades..Washington got such a bad grade because they barely had any picks, and the Jets' extra picks helped them get the grade they got. I'm not going to change the grade based on next year's picks though, this draft is this draft and the grades are based on selections and players that moved in trades. But yeah, Washington losing yet another pick and the Jets gaining it did affect the grade in the long run, I'm sure Washington could have at least had a D if they kept that pick and picked a half decent player.
Re: Draft Grades! I think St. Louis deserves a better grade, but we all have our own opinions. Byrd is a better TE than Klopfenstein IMO, and Wroten has 1st round (if not top 10) talent, if he can keep his head on straight.
Re: Draft Grades! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Brooksie5 @ May 4 2006, 02:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I think St. Louis deserves a better grade, but we all have our own opinions. Byrd is a better TE than Klopfenstein IMO, and Wroten has 1st round (if not top 10) talent, if he can keep his head on straight.</div>The potential bust factor for Hill, Wroten, Alston and Adeyanju is a pretty big issue. Hill is undersized and may be overmatched especially going up against receivers like Boldin or Fitzgerald..Wroten obviously has the drug problems and you can't doubt his talent but anyone who's going to test positive for drugs at the combine after just having an off the field issue with drugs a couple of months before (and writing the infamous letter to every NFL team apologizing) is a big risk. Adeyanju has a ton of potential, but like I said needs proper coaching and without that will bust out. Byrd is facing a nagging injury (not sure what exactly) and that's why he fell so far, but that should be the only thing in his way (other than Klopfenstein). Alston is basically an OLB/SS tweener and if he cant produce at OLB he'll be stuck behind Chavous at strong safety for a few years, if he's retained at all..Basically Hill, Wroten, Adeyanju and Alston all have reasonable reasons to believe they may be busts..It's not a huge problem for any of them, which is why the Rams got a pretty good grade..But it's whats keeping them below an A.
Re: Draft Grades! Wow what a bad grade for the Patriots. An C! We didn't have a top RB, we got him in Maroney. We didn't have a # 2 WR, we got Jackson. We didn't have a # 3 TE, got Thomas, didn't have a # 2 FB, got Mills. Didn't have a K got Gostkowski, needed OL depth, Stevenson. And more depth picks with Le Kevin Smith and Willie Andrews. I'm sorry but when a team lands Maroney and Jackson that's atleast a B, 2 first rounders... we got.
Re: Draft Grades! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HandZ8 @ May 4 2006, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>We didn't have a # 3 TE, got Thomas, didn't have a # 2 FB, got Mills. Didn't have a K got Gostkowski,</div>In the third and fourth rounds?! I'm sorry, but you can't make excuses for a #2 FB in the fourth round.
Re: Draft Grades! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GaMeTiMe @ May 4 2006, 07:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HandZ8 @ May 4 2006, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>We didn't have a # 3 TE, got Thomas, didn't have a # 2 FB, got Mills. Didn't have a K got Gostkowski,</div>In the third and fourth rounds?! I'm sorry, but you can't make excuses for a #2 FB in the fourth round.</div>It's Belicheck. His tendency of turning crap into gold justifies at least a B minus.And im a Jets fan.
Re: Draft Grades! Trading "up" for Clemens is a stupid reason to grade down the Jets, considering we also got a 2nd round pick in 2007 in our moves.
Re: Draft Grades! Read the Summary for the Patriots: But Belicheck's history isn't going to give the team an automatic B. Who said it hurt their grade...i said "Clemens is a bit overated to me, but is also very raw and we haven't seen the best of him so a year or two on the bench may benefit him and make him a solid starter for the Jets in 2-3 years at the most. New York's draft fell a bit from there". Not only that, but I explained the possible reasoning for them trading up and it was a good one. What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Re: Draft Grades! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GaMeTiMe @ May 4 2006, 05:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well that was factored into the draft grades..Washington got such a bad grade because they barely had any picks, and the Jets' extra picks helped them get the grade they got. I'm not going to change the grade based on next year's picks though, this draft is this draft and the grades are based on selections and players that moved in trades. But yeah, Washington losing yet another pick and the Jets gaining it did affect the grade in the long run, I'm sure Washington could have at least had a D if they kept that pick and picked a half decent player.</div>Don't contradict yourself. You say the 2007 2nd round draft pick doesn't take account for this year and then you say the Skins could of had a D if they kept the pick. And the amount of picks you have has nothing to do with what your grade should be. If that is the case you just give an A+ to every team that had 9+ picks, right?Honestly I think you got about 80% of those grades wrong.
Re: Draft Grades! The B+ you gave the Seahawks isn't too far off of what I gave them, but you never noted how undersized Kelly Jennings and Darryl Tapp both are. Also, unless something happens to one of our starters, Tapp won't be able to start over Bryce Fisher or Grant Wistrom this season.I posted my pick-by-pick analysis here: http://www.sixdollarbeer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3540
Re: Draft Grades! I just want to throw something in here about the Eagles. Just because you know all the players picked doesn't make them good, they all feel for a reason..
Re: Draft Grades! B sounds right for the Fins, I must give the Pats kudos for nabbing Chad Jackson that was quite the steal
Re: Draft Grades! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HandZ8 @ May 5 2006, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I just want to throw something in here about the Eagles. Just because you know all the players picked doesn't make them good, they all feel for a reason..</div>He knows all the players picked genius he won the mock draft contest. First of all they got Bunkley who's a very good dlinemen and then they got justice who was projected to be in the early first round. After that they added a potential starting lb in chris gocong who couldnt be stop standing up or down. He was a beast in div.2. Then they added Max Saint Guillen who is one of the top guards in the league. they added wr's Jeremy Bloom who has alot to prove and a good wr in Jason Avant who is a playmaker. He has good hands and a good route runner. The Eagles solidified the postitions they lacked which is what made it a very good draft. No one is being bias. If anybody's being Bias then it has to be you. Laurence maroney is not better than deangelo williams which probably lowered the grade. The Patriots had a good draft but not better than the eagles. you just think they do because of the big names.
Re: Draft Grades! Once again, the Redskins needed one position, and that was an OLB. They got it. How is that a D?
Re: Draft Grades! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (The Punisher @ May 5 2006, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Once again, the Redskins needed one position, and that was an OLB. They got it. How is that a D?</div>Because he goes on the number of picks you have in the draft. Why do you think the Packers got an A+?
