Grade: B+
I love the picks that San Francisco Made. If I was them, I would have looked to pick up a second wide receiver, but I can think of worse pairs than Isaac Bruce and Michael Crabtree, and I can't think of a much better tutor for Crabtree. I expect every one of these picks to make the team and enter the rotation at their position immediately. I really like the chance on Francois in the seventh round. He took over in the some big games, and if Singletary can get that level of effort more often out of him, they will have a real weapon on the front line of their defense.
Picks
1(10) Michael Crabtree-WR
3(74) Glen Coffee-RB
5(146) Scott Mckillop-MLB
5(171) Nate Davis-QB
6(184) Bear Pascoe-TE Former QB
9(219) Curtis Taylor-S
7(244) Ricky-Jean Francois-DT
CHICAGO BEARS Grade: B
You have to include Cutler, and with him the bears draft is amazingly solid for having no other first day picks. They made some very nice picks to solidify their defense. Expect Gilbert to get some playing time as a rookie. Melton is more raw, but he has the potential to cause some damage in the NFC North before he is done. They made some need picks at WR and Iglesias should be a sure handed option as a rookie with the later two more likely to be projects. Both Kinder and Knox are intriguing athletes, if one of them pans out this will be a successful draft overall.
Picks
1. Traded for Jay Cutler-QB
3(68) Jarron Gilbert-DE
3(99) Juaquin Iglesias-WR
4(105) Henry Melton-DE Former RB
4(119) D.J. Moore-CB
5(140) Johnny Knox-WR
5(154) Marcus Freeman-OLB
6(190) Al Afalava-S
7(246) Lance Louis-G
7(251) Derek Kinder-WR
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Grade: A
You have to love the first 5 picks of this draft for the Bengals. Everyone of them will fight for a starting position as a rookie and should be a quality player in the league. Johnson has some question marks, but even if he is a little inconsistent, he brings more talent than any DE currently on their front line. The second half of the draft has some interesting potential, with the name jumping out being Bernard Scott. This kid can really fly and if he can stay on the field, he will be a serious threat. Even with the questions, I have to grade them high for the top half of their draft.
Picks1(6) Andre Smith-OT
2(38) Rey Maualaga-MLB
3(70) Michael Johnson-DE
3(98) Chase Coffman-TE
4(106) Jonathan Luigs-C
5(142) Kevin Huber-P
6(179) Morgan Trent-CB
6(209) Bernard Scott-RB
7(215) Taufui Vakapuna-RB
7(249) Clinton Mcdonald-DT
7(252) Freddie Brown-WR
BUFFALO BILLS
Grade: C
The first round went very well for the Bills. After that, there were a lot of questionable picks by the Bills. They have a couple of projects who will have to start on special teams, and Shawn Nelson has a chance to add to a offense that has the potential to be very dynamic. One glaring issue. They needed a tackle after trading Jason Peters, and unless Levitre is better than he is expected to be, they didn't get one. Maybe a veteran will get released following spring minicamps that can fill in for a year.
Picks
1(11) Aaron Maybin-DE
1(28) Eric Wood-C Can play up and down the line
2(42) Jairus Byrd-CB
2(51) Andrew Levitre-OL
4(121) Shawn Nelson-TE
5(147) Nic Harris-S
6(183) Cary Harris-CB
7(220) Ellis Lankster-DB
DENVER BRONCOS Grade: C
They made a couple of nice picks. I like Moreno and Ayers right now. I like McBath, Bruton, and Brandstater down the line I cannot beleive that they did not take more players for the front 7 of their defense for the transition to the Broncos new 3-4. It is going to be a rough year on defense, but they do have talent at linebacker.
Picks
1(12) Knowshon Moreno-RB
1(18) Robert Ayers-DE
2(48) Darcel McBath-FS
2(64) Richard Quinn-TE
4(114) David Bruton-S
4(132) Seth Olsen-OT
5(141) Kenny McKinley-WR
6(174) Tom Brandstater-QB
7(225) Blake Schlueter-C
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Grade: B
The Browns gained picks and gained players in the draft, which is exactly what they needed to do. Alex Mack will start for them immediately, at Guard if not Center. Robiskie was one of the most pro-ready receivers in the draft, and Massaquoi is not fair behind. There are some questions regarding how high their ceilings are, but they have decent speed, good hands, and they are tough. They picked up a couple of projects on the edge, one of whom is going to have to play right away. I LOVE James Davis in the 6th round. He will be a weapon returning kicks right away and will be a great change of pace down for Jamal Lewis. It's not a world beater draft, but they will be a better team because of it.
Picks
1(21) Alex Mack-C
2(36) Brian Robiskie-WR
2(50) Mohamed Massaquoi-WR
2(52) David Vekuine-OLB
4(104) Kaluka Maiava-OLB
6(177) Don Carey-CB
6(191) Coye Francies-CB
6(195) James Davis-RB
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Grade: C+
Not a great draft, but it could prove me wrong down the line. I really like Freeman, IF they let him learn. The rest of the draft is projects. A few of which may see the field a little bit this year. Miller and Moore are both potential players on the DL.
1(17) Josh Freeman-QB
3(81) Roy Miller-DT
4(117) Kyle Moore-DE
5(155) Xavier Fulton-OT
7(217) E.J. Biggers-CB
7(233) Sammie Stroughter-WR
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Grade: B
The Cardinals made some very nice picks, partially due to come good luck. Beanie Wells will be a feature back in the desert. He is huge, and runs and cuts as well as nearly any other back in the draft. Oh, and he can catch the ball. Brown will need to move to Outside Linebacker, but having a speed rushing OLB who can play with a hand on the ground will work on 3rd down. Johnson is a player, and Wells running behind monstrous Herman Johnson is a pretty picture for down the road. There are couple of projects tossed in there who get to learn on a good team. Yeah, it is going to take some getting used, talking about the Cardinals like that.
1(31) Chris 'Beanie' Wells-RB
2(63) Cody Brown-OLB/DE
3(95) Rashad Johnson-S
4(131) Gregory Toler-CB
5(167) Herman Johnson-G
6(204) Will Davis-DE
7(240) LaRod Stephens-Howland-RB
7(254) Trevor Canfield-G
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Grade: C-
I think the Chargers reached on some need picks. If those picks work out, this will be a good draft, but seriously, am I the only one who didn't know that Canadians had college footballl? The reach on Byrd at the end was more than a gift to a bad luck case. If this kid comes back, he will be like having another 1st round pick.
1(16) Larry English-OLB/DE
3(78) Louis Vasquez-G
4(113) Vaughn Martin-DT
4(133) Tyronne Green-G
4(134) Gartrell Johnson-RB
5(148) Brandon Hughes-CB
6(189) Kevin Ellison-S
7(224) Demetrius Byrd-WR
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Grade: D+
Two defensive lineman who will be in the rotation to start, a corner who will be on the field early. This is the draft that will show if Pioli really is a wunderkind, because right now, he has us all confused.
Picks
1(3) Tysen Jackson-DE
3(67) Alex Magee-DT/DE
4(102) Donald Washington-CB
5(139) Colin Brown-OT
6(175) Quinten Lawrence-WR
7(212) Javarris Williams-RB
7(237) Jake O'Connell-TE
7(256) Ryan Succup-K
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Grade: B
A very small number of draft picks. The Colts did make a couple of nice picks for their defense and got a value pick in the first round like they do every year. Austin Collie will be a good fit for their offense. All in all, I can't complain about any of the picks. They draft well, and I think they improved at several positions, including their glaring need at DT.
Picks
1(27) Donald Brown-RB
2(56) File Moala-DT
3(92) Jerraud Powers-CB
4(127) Austin Collie-WR
4(136) Terrance Taylor-DT
6(201) Curtis Painter-QB
7(236) Jamie Thomas-G
DALLAS COWBOYS
Grade: C-
The cowboys had a lot of picks this year, but none of them are terribly exciting. This was a draft to add depth to a good team, and it could have done that. If Hamlin or Hodge can become a solid SS, the draft will give what they needed. Also, Mickens was a genius pick, he was an All-American candidate and I expect him to show us why. Outside of those, there are a lot of projects and one trick ponies.
Picks
3(69) Jason Williams-OLB
3(75) Robert Brewster-OT
4(101) Stephen McGee-QB
4(110) Victor Butler-OLB
4(120) Brandon Williams-DE
5(143) Deangelo Smith-CB
5(166) Michael Hamlin-S
5(172) David Buehler-K
6(197) Stephen Hodge-OLB
6(208) John Phillips-TE
7(227) Mike Mickens-CB
7(229) Manuel Johnson-WR
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Grade: A-
This is a great draft for the Fins. Davis and Smith will start at corner and have the potential to be a dynamic pair of shut down corners. That is something that the dolphins haven't had in a while. Mind you, they won't have it this year, but Davis may be ready to go in a hurry. Smith will likely be more of a nickel or dime guy this year. I was praying that the Fins would take Pat White, it is just too perfect for what they do. They took flyers on a couple of wideouts, but both have potential. A lot of people called Turner a reach, but his heighth will give a red zone threat that noone else has been able to provide. Chris Clemons could be their safety down the line. He is a big time athlete, but needs some coaching. All in all, this is a good draft for the Fins.
Picks
1(25) Vontae Davis-CB
2(44) Patrick White-QB/WR
2(61) Sean Smith-CB
3(87) Patrick Turner-WR
4(108) Brian Hartline-WR
5(161) Johnathan Nalbone-TE
5(165) Chris Clemons-S
6(181) Andrew Gardner-OT
7(214) J.D. Folsom-OLB
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Grade: A
Maclin and McCoy are perfect for what the Eagles do. If Ingram can come back healthy, that offense just became devistating. Later in the draft was less exciting, but McAfee is looking like a need with Aker losing leg strength as he goes. Macho will play immediately on special teams and maybe in a nickel or dime, but he will not be a premier corner. Good thing is, they don't need him to. All in all, it comes down to, they needed a tight end, they needed a wide receiver to pair with Jackson, and they needed a battery mate for Westbrook. They got them all. This is exactly what they needed to do, and they hit one out to dead center this year. Oh, and they got Jason Peters.
Picks
1 Traded for Jason Peters-OT
1(19) Jeremy Maclin-WR
2(53) LeSean McCoy-RB
5(153) Cornelius Ingram-TE
5(157) Victor Harris-CB
5(159) Fenuki Tupou-OT
6(194) Brandon Gibson-WR
7(213) Paul Fanaika-G
7(222) Pat McAfee-K
7(230) Moise Fokou-LB
ATLANTA FALCONS
Grade: B+
The Falcons came into the draft needing quality depth on their DL and help in the secondary. Oh, and an Outside Linebacker. They got an all-SEC defensive tackle, the player of the year in Division 1AA at DE, and the best FS in the draft. It will have to be seen if Adkins can give them the linebacker that they need. They need one of their CB projects to work out. Middleton in more likely to make it as a safety, and Owens is a little smaller than one would like. All in all a good draft that met most of their needs. Their DL just went from a weakness to a strength. That should help hide the inexperience that will be roaming around the back of their defense.
Picks
1(24) Peria Jerry-DT
2(55) William Moore-FS
3(90) Chris Owens-CB
4(125) Lawrence Sidbury-DE
5(138) William Middleton-CB
5(156) Garrett Reynolds-OT
6(176) Spencer Adkins-LB
7(210) Vance Walker-DT
NEW YORK GIANTS
Grade: A
The Giants have succeeded again in the draft. They didn't have glaring needs, no matter how much the prognosticators liked to pick them apart looking for one. Nicks, Sintim, Beatty, Barden, Brown, and Bomar are all players I expect to see around the league for a long time. BTW, being an Eagles fan, it pisses me off to see the Giants do smart things.
Picks
1(29) Hakeem Nicks-WR
2(45) Clint Sintim-OLB
2(60) William Beatty-OT
3(85) Ramses Barden-WR
3(100) Travis Beckum-TE
4(129) Andre Brown-RB
5(151) Rhett Bomar-QB
6(200) Deandre Wright-CB
7(238) Stoney Woodson-CB
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Grade: A
The Jags love to run the ball first and foremost. They just drafted their starting tackles for the next generation of the franchise. They got 2 of the most productive receivers in the country late in the draft and a nice power back for a change of pace to platoon with MJD. Oh, and Tiquan Underwood is not going to easily drop out of the competition for the wideout spots. Their defensive picks were reaches, but they are good athletes and could work out.
Picks
1(8) Eugene Monroe-OT
2(39) Eben Britton-OT
3(72) Terrance Knighton-DT
3(73) Derek Cox-CB
4(107) Mike Thomas-WR
5(144) Jarett Dillard-WR
6(180) Zach Miller-QB good athlete, may play some wildcat QB or move to TE
7(250) Rashad Jennings-RB
7(253) Tiquan Underwood-WR
NEW YORK JETS
Grade: D+
This is just about the smallest draft class I have ever seen. Sanchez may start this year, Green will start when Thomas Jones is done, and Slauson will give depth up and down the line. The problem is, if Sanchez is not a franchise Quarterback in the short term, this draft was wasted. I wonder where Leon Johnson fits in now, he is a dynamic weaspon at running back who has proven himself over and over for the Jets. Green was an odd pick to me with their need at Wide Receiver.
Picks
1(5) Mark Sanchez-QB
3(65) Shonn Green-RB
6(193) Matthew Slauson-OL
DETROIT LIONS
Grade: C
Wow did they screw this up. Even if they wanted Stafford to build around, there is no way they should have left this draft without a premier Left Tackle. Pettigrew is a nice player, and he will be a weapon for both the passing and rushing attacks in this offense, but he was not the right pick for the Lions. The rest of the players will get a chance, a few may start, but overall this is very dissapointing for a team who had the picks that they had.
Picks
1(1) Matthew Stafford-QB
1(20) Brandon Pettigrew-TE
2(33) Louis Delmas-S
3(76) Deandre Levy-OLB
3(82) Derrick Williams-WR
4(115) Sammie Lee Hill-DT
6(192) Aaron Brown-RB
7(228) Lydon Murtha-OT
7(235) Zach Follett-MLB
7(255) Dan Gronkowski-TE
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Grade: B+
The Packers needed players to facilitate their switch the 3-4 and they needed a prospect at Offensive Tackle. They got the best 3-4 DT and a Linebacker who can play all 4 spots in that defense and prospects at both Tackle spots. Jamon Meredith has the chance to be special and Lang will be a solid right tackle.
Picks
1(9) B.J. Raji-DT
1(26) Clay Matthews-OLB
4(109) T.J. Lang-OT
5(145) Quinn Johnson-FB
5(162) Jamon Meredith-OT
6(182) Jarius Wynn-DE
6(187) Brandon Underwood-CB
7(218) Brad Jones-LB
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Grade: B-
I hate the trade they made to get Everette Brown, but he was a first round talent which gives them depth at a position that they value highly. Goodson gives them more depth at running back and a weapon as a returner, Fiametta and Robinson are perfect for the power game that the Panthers are committed to and thrive on. Myers and Irvin are projects.
Picks
2(43) Everette Brown-DE
2(59) Sherrod Martin-CB
3(93) Corey Irvin-DT
4(111) Mike Goodson-RB
4(128) Tony Fiametta-FB
5(163) Duke Robinson-G
6(202) Brandon Myers-TE
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Grade: B
Brace fits their defense perfectly, Butler, Tate, and McKenzie were steals. They took flyers on a lot of projects. Not a great draft, but they should get a couple of players and they get some credit for the picks that they got for next year's draft
which is expected to be stronger.
Picks
2(34) Patrick Chung-S
2(40) Ron Brace-DT
2(41) Darius Butler-CB
2(58) Sebastian Vollmer-OT
3(83) Brandon Tate-WR
3(97) Tyrone McKenzie-OLB
4(123) Richard Ohrnberger-G
5(170) George Bussey-OT
6(198) Jacob Ingram-OL Why on earth did they draft a long snapper? Seriously, that's all he does.
6(207) Myron Pryor-OL
7(232) Julian Edelman-WR
7(234) Darryl Richard-DT
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Grade: C-
Well yeah. I will admit that I like the potential of Jamarcus throwing deep to Heyward-Bay and Murphy, but they could have traded down and gotten more picks. Mitchell may be a heck of player down the line, and safety was a need area, but they could have gotten him cheaper too. The players are not bad, but the management of the draft was brutal. And in a draft that was deep in tackles, a team that needs a right tackle to solidify a good OL, didn't pick one up. You toss Jamon Meredith or Beatty in for Mitchell or Shaughnessy and this draft looks a lot better. No matter how much they are going to overpay for Heyward-Bay. And just to get it on the record, I seriously think people are underestimating how scary he is with the ball in his hands. All the same, what the hell were they thinking those first two rounds. For those of you in the Black Hole, you better pray that Javon Walker plays like Javon Walker, because there is no way that either of those guys is a #1 this year.
Picks
1(7) Darius Heyward-Bay-WR
2(47) Michael Mitchell-S
3(71) Matt Shaughnessy-DE
4(124) Louis Murphy-WR
4(126) Slade Norris-OLB
6(199) Stryker Sulak-DE
9(216) Captain Munnerlyn-CB
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Grade: B+
The Rams had a lot of needs and this draft manages to address those with quality players. Expect the first 4 players to start right away. Null as a QB project was interesting as they likely could have brought him in as a FA. I also have to question the Ogbannaya pick. He is a good athlete and a team player, but the one place they didn't need help was running back. A WR project would have made more sense, or just about any other position, but he will help on special teams. The Rams would have been best suited by trading down and adding one or two more quality picks, but a starting LT, OLB, CB, and DT is a good draft.
Picks
1(2) Jason Smith-OT
2(35) James Laurinitis-LB
3(66) Bradley Fletcher-CB
4(103) Dorell Scott-DT
5(160) Brooks Foster-WR
6(196) Keith Null-QB
7(211) Chris Ogbannaya-RB
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Grade: B+
Getting Michael Oher was a steal, so was Peerman in the 7th. Very nice ways to start and finish the draft, but that is not surprising from Ozzie. Right now this is a decent draft, but if Webb can stay out of trouble and develop like he should, this will be a very good draft. No big reaches, all the players should hit.
Picks
1(23) Michael Oher-OT
2(57) Paul Kruger-DE
3(88) Ladarius Webb-CB
5(137) Jason Phillips-MLB
5(149) Davon Drew-TE
6(185) Cedric Peerman-RB
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Grade: C
Orakpo falling to them was beautiful, outside of that they took a lot of risks. Every one of these players could make it, but none of them are sure bets. All the same, you have to call the offseason a success when you are putting Orakpo beside Albert Haynesworth turning DL from a weakness to a strength.
Picks
1(13) Brian Orakpo-DE
3(80)Kevin Barnes-CB
5(158) Cody Glenn-OLB
6(186) Robert Henson-MLB
7(221) Eddie Williams-TE
7(243) Marko Mitchell-WR
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Grade: C
Apparently Wake Forest is popular in the south. Noone will fault them for drafting studs off that defense though. Neither is quite ready to be premier players, but both of them should see the field for the Saints sooner rather than later. Oh, and the Malcolm Jenkins pick was genius. Good for Saints for resisting adding to their offense again. But, they needed more players out of this draft if they really wanted to turn that defense around.
Picks
1(14) Malcolm Jenkins-CB
4(116) Chip Vaughn-S
4(118) Stanley Arnoux-MLB
5(164) Thomas Morstead-P
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Grade: A
Well, let's see. Curry will start immediately giving the Seahawks arguable the best linebacker corp in the NFL. Smith will step in to play Nickel, and may get some snaps at corner. Max Unger is instantly the best center in the Northwest since Shawn Kemp was on Coke. Deon Butler will step in for Engram, giving them a potentially potent 3rd receiver. Mike Teel is their future QB, and fits their scheme. Courtney Green is a first round talent at Saftey who had a rough senior year but can really play. Yeah, they did good.
Picks
1(4) Aaron Curry-LB
2(37) Alphonso Smith-CB
2(49) Max Unger-C
3(91) Deon Butler-WR
6(178) Mike Teel-QB
7(245) Courtney Greene-S
7(247) Nick Reed-DE
7(248) Cameron Morrah-TE
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Grade: D
It's hard to question the Steelers with their history, but I really am not excited about anyone in their draft class. Ziggy was 2nd, maybe 3rd round. Shipley was a great pickup in the 7th.
Picks
1(32) Evander Wood-DT
3(79) Kraig Urbik-G
3(84) Mike Wallace-WR
3(96) Keenan Lewis-CB
5(168) Joe Burnett-CB
5(169) Frank Summers-RB
6(205) Ra'shon Harris-DT
7(226) A.Q. Shipley-C
7(241) David Johnson-TE
HOUSTON TEXANS
Grade: B
Another draft that didn't have sexy picks, but for a team that wanted to focus on their defense, again, this was a nice draft. Barwin and Cushing can both play 4 positions on their defense. If you count Barwin, they draft 3 quality TE's which was an area of weakness on the offense, and they could a couple of athletes to develop in the secondary. I really don't like their secondary picks for short term success, but the picks they made to improve their front 7, and therefore pass rush, will help the secondary as a unit. James Casey will be dangerous in the passing game with the safeties having to respect their wideouts deep.
Picks
1(15) Brian Cushing-OLB/DE
2(46) Connor Barwin-DE/OLB/TE Think Vrabel but more athletic
3(77) Antoine Caldwell-C
4(112) Glover Quin-S
4(122) Anthony Hill-TE
5(152) James Casey-TE
6(188) Brice McCain-CB
7(223) Troy Nolan-S
TENNESSEE TITANS
Grade: B-
They really didn't get a 1st round type of guy. Britt has the measurables and was scary good the second half of the year, but the first half......well.....not so much. He was a solid 2nd or 3rd however, and there was a big group of solid players who should stick. Marks will play in the league, at least as a situational pass rusher. He could use more size, but is a good athlete who can dominate at times. Cook is instantly one of the best athletes at TE in the league and will give Kerry a solid underneath target. Mouton is a Fisher kind of player and McGrath, Kropog, and Ringer should all stick as well. Not a great draft, but it does give them depth at a lot of positions. They had one glaring need, people who can catch the ball. They reached on a couple, but they can both run, and Nelson will help. Another team that it is hard to question after their history.
Picks
1(30) Kenny Britt-WR
2(62) Sen'Derrick Marks-DT
3(89) Jared Cook-TE
3(94) Ryan Mouton-CB
4(130) Gerald McGrath-MLB
4(135) Troy Kropog-OT
5(173) Javon Ringer-RB
6(203) Jason McCourty-CB
6(206) Dominique Edison-WR
7(239) Ryan Durand-G
7(242) Nicholas Schommer-S
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Grade: B+
This was a small draft, but I love the players they got, at least for what they do on the field. Harvin is a weapon like few teams in the league have, Mount Loadholt finishes off a monster OL, though I was suprised they didn't get a Center after losing their starter in the offseason. Asher Allen can play and fits their scheme extremely well. Jasper Brinkley was a flyer, but it was a flyer on a player will All-American talent and a bad attitude. Bad as in he is going to try to break anyone wearing the wrong jersey in half, which is just such a beautiful thing in a linebacker. For the number of picks they have, they did well, as long as Harvin and Sanford can stay on the field
Picks
1(22) Percy Harvin-WR/RB
2(54) Phil Loadholt-OT
3(86) Asher Allen-CB
5(150) Jasper Brinkley-MLB
7(231) Jamarca Sanford-S
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