NFL Draft Grades

The NFL Draft has come and gone and it
may be the only football talk that we will have season. As usual on
Sundays there were winners and losers. Some picks made fans applaud
while others left people to do some head scratching. Here is a team by
team breakdown fro the draft.

New England Patriots
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 1-Nate Solder-Offensive Tackle-Colorado
The Patriots are The Patriots and they did plenty of wheeling and dealing
during the draft. The Pats upgraded the offensive line with Solder and
got a steal in round three with quarterback Ryan Mallett who can be the
heir apparent to Tom Brady. The Patriots made trades with New Orleans
and Oakland and now own two first round picks in 2012 as well as in
round two. It seems like the rich just get richer.
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New York Jets
Draft Grade: A-
Best Pick: Muhammed Wilkerson-Defensive Tackle-Temple
While Jet head coach Rex Ryan is running his mouth his team did improve. The
defensive line got younger and bigger with Wilkerson and third round
pick Kendrick Ellis. Running back Bilal Powell can be a change of pace
back, while wide receiver Jeremy Kerley can immediately contribute on
special teams.
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Miami Dolphins
Draft Grade: C+
Best Pick: Mike Pouncey-Guard/Center-Florida
The Dolphins came into this draft with holes and they did not fill all of
them. Pouncey will come in immediately anchor the offensive line. The
Dolphins needed to add depth as the pass rusher position and they did
not accomplish that.
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Buffalo Bills
Draft Grade: C-
Best Pick: Marcel Dareus-Defensive Tackle-Auburn
Bills head coach Chan Gailey thinks this team can win with Ryan Fitzpatrick
can lead this team to the land of milk and honey, that’s all you need as
evidence why The Bills will be picking high next year regardless of the
labor situation.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Cameron Heyward-Defensive End-Ohio State
The son of former NFL player Craig “Iron Head”  Heyward who starred at The
University of Pittsburgh, now Cameron is a new link in the tough Steeler
defense. It was a typical draft for The Steelers as they took the best
players available for their system.
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Baltimore Ravens
Draft Grade: B+
Best Pick: Torrey Smith-Wide Receiver-Maryland
When Raven general manager Ozzie Newsome drafts a player in the first round
that player can be penciled in as a starter for the next decade. Despite
The Bears miscues with the proposed trade, The Ravens got their man in
round one with cornerback Jimmy Smith. Torrey Smith was right in their
backyard at College Park and he is fast, fast, fast. Some scouts
question his route running, but you cannot coach speed. The cornerback
position as well as wide receiver hurt them in the playoff loss to
Pittsburgh and they look to have patched it up.
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Cleveland Browns
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Phil Taylor-Defensive Tackle-Baylor
Two years ago The Browns owned the fifth overall pick and traded with The
Jets. The Jets took Mark Sanchez and gave The Browns a can of nobody’s.
The Browns then traded the first round pick they received from The Jets
to The Tampa Bay Buccaneers who took quarterback Josh Freeman.
That was Eric Mangini and that is why he is no longer coaching in
Cleveland. Mike Holmgren has taken over in the front office and by hook
or crook he will build a winner. Entering the draft, The Browns owned
the sixth overall pick and many expected them to take wide receiver
Julio Jones. They shocked everyone when they traded the pick to The
Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons took Jones but fear not Browns fans.
Holmgren got extra picks for this year as well as next year while still
pulling off a decent draft. Phil Taylor is a mountain of a man that will
anchor the defensive line for years to come. In a division with The
Ravens and Steelers who have power running games, it is imperative for
Cleveland to get a run stopper in the middle of the defensive line. In
the fourth round the took fullback/linebacker Owen Marecic who is just a
rough and rugged player. With him at fullback and Peyton Hillis at
running back pick your poison.
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Cincinnati Bengals
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: A.J. Green-Wide Receiver-Georgia
At this point Green was the best player available and he won’t have a
reality show either. The Bengals are going younger with guys that want
to be in Cincy. Speaking of Carson Palmer, The Bengals drafted his
replacement at quarterback in Andy Dalton. It may not be this year but
Dalton will ready to take the reigns for The Bengals.
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Indianapolis Colts
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Anthony Castonzo-Offensive Tackle-Boston College
If you have one of the best quarterbacks in Peyton Manning, then he better
be protected. The Colts used their first two picks on Castonzo and Ben
Ijalana. Ijalana is a guard and The Colts look to solidify the offensive
line. Manning was running from defenses that he normally shredded and
that isn’t good in Indy.
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Houston Texans
Draft Grade: A
Best Pick: J.J. Watt-Defensive End-Wisconsin, Brooks Reed-Defensive End-Arizona
The Texans achilles heel last season was the defense that gave up points as
fast as the offense scored. Enter Wade Phillips as the new defensive
coordinator who loves to run the 3-4 defense. The 3-4 depends on
flexible players that can play multiple position. Enter Watt and Reed
who are both five technique guys. The Texans also drafted cornerback
Brandon Harris in round two to solidify the secondary.
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Tennessee Titans
Draft Grade: B-
Best Pick: Jake Locker-Quarterback-Washington
Most of The Titans picks fall under the high risk high risk, high reward
category but if they work out it will be great times in Nashville.
Locker’s accuracy has been questioned but it can be repaired. He is a
good athlete and he is tough. Locker took is fair share of lumps upon
arriving to play at The University of Washington, but stuck around to
help The Huskies reach a bowl game in his senior season. He is a leader
and that is something that this team desperately needs.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Cecil Shorts-Wide Receiver-Mount Union
The Jaguars shocked many by trading up to take quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
The writing on the wall would suggest that quarterback David Garrard’s
time may be in up in Jacksonville with the first round selection of
Gabbert. In the fourth round The Jags took Cecil Shorts who knows how to
find the football and make the acrobatic catch. The selection of Shorts
will have an immediate impact.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Draft Grade: C
Best Pick: Rodney Hudson-Center-Florida State
The Chiefs really made some reaches during the draft. Wide receiver Jon
Baldwin was not expected to go in round one and it was shocking to see
Kansas City take him there when he could have been available in round
two. Rodney Hudson was taken in the second round and may have been
available in round three. In round three they took outside linebacker
Justin Houston who could give them depth at the pass rushing position
along with Tamba Hali.
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San Diego Chargers
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Jordan Todman-Running Back-Connecticut
The Chargers entered this draft without a glaring need. This team only
needed to repair the special teams that caused them to lose several
games last season. Defensive tackle Corey Liuget was taken in round one
and he has the potential to be a disruptive force up front. Jordan
Todman was taken in the sixth round and he should have gone in round
three. Todman will push Ryan Matthews for carries. Matthews was taken in
the first round last year and injuries plagued his rookie season.
Todman was a workhouse at UCONN and can pass block as well which will
help out quarterback Philip Rivers.
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Oakland Raiders
Draft Grade: B-
Best Pick: Stefen Wisniewski-Center-Penn State
It wouldn’t be The Raiders if they didn’t go for speed. Third round
selection Demarcus Van Dyke ran one the faster times at the combine.
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Denver Broncos
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Rahim Moore-Safety-UCLA
When The Broncos selected outside linebacker Von Miller in the first round
he was the best player available. I question the selection only because I
am not sure if his skills will fit into head coach John Fox’s system.
Miller would be better suited for the 3-4 defense instead on the 4-3
that The Broncos will run. Rahim Moore had first round talent as The
Broncos look for the heir apparent to Brian Dawkins.
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Philadelphia Eagles
Draft Grade: A
Best Pick: Danny Watkins-Guard-Baylor
Hands down The Eagles had one of the better drafts. Danny Watkins has pro
bowler written all over him. Fifth round selection guard Julian
Vandervelde looks to add to the legacy of Iowa Hawkeye linemen in The
NFL. The Eagles finished up their draft in round seven by taking
defensive end Greg Lloyd Jr., the son of former Pittsburgh Steeler Greg
Lloyd. In round seven they also took fullback Stanley Havili from USC
who is a good run blocker as well as a pass catcher out of the
backfield.
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New York Giants
Draft Grade: A
Best Pick: Prince Amukamara-Cornerback-Nebraska
The Giants were set on taking offensive tackle Nate Solder in the first
round. Once The Patriots selected him two slots in front of The Giants,
they then turned to Amukamara who was the best player available at that
point. Defensive tackle Marvin Austin was taken in the second round.
Austin was suspended by The NCAA for rules violations. This prevented
Austin from being a first round pick. The Giants took the best athletes
available during each round and they added depth to a team that is in
contention for another Super Bowl.
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Dallas Cowboys
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Tyron Smith-Offensive Tackle-USC
Cowboy owner/general manager/ball boy/chef knew going into the draft that he
wanted to protect quarterback Tony Romo after Romo’s season was cut
short following a collarbone injury. Smith is athletic, but played right
tackle in college and you wonder if he will be moved to left tackle. I
question the third round selection of tailback DeMarco Murray when he
has the same skill set as running backs Tashard Choice and Felix Jones.
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Washington Redskins
Draft Grade: B-
Best Pick: Ryan Kerrigan-Defensive End-Purdue
I guess The Redskins believe in Rex Grossman and John Beck at quarterback
because they did not draft a quarterback at all during the draft. By
doing this they have already clinched a spot in the top ten on next
year’s draft.
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Chicago Bears
Draft Grade: B+
Best Pick: Gabe Carimi-Offensive Tackle-Wisconsin
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler took a ton of abuse publicly last year for his
perceived lack of toughness. Cutler’s toughness should never be
questioned as he took a ton of abuse on the field playing behind a
porous offensive line. The Bears addressed this in round one by taking
Carimi. In round two they took defensive tackle Stephen Paea. Paea set a
combine record for most reps of 225 lbs. on the bench press with 49.
Besides being strong Paea can play and he will free up space for
linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs.
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Green Bay Packers
Draft Grade: B+
Best Pick: Randall Cobb-Wide Receiver-Kentucky
The defending Super Bowl Champions entered the draft without a glaring
weakness, therefore they had the ability to draft the best available in
each round. The Packers added depth to the offensive line with first
round pick Derek Sherrod. Second round pick Randall Cobb can have an
immediate impact as a kick returner as well as the wildcat quarterback
if Packer head coach Mike McCarthy chooses to install that in the
playbook.
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Detroit Lions
Draft Grade: A+
Best Pick: Nick Fairley-Defensive Tackle-Auburn
If quarterback Matthew Stafford can stay healthy this will be “the sexy
pick” for many to make noise in The NFC. Fairley will join the reigning
Defensive Rookie of The Year Ndamukong Suh at defensive end. They will
be teamed with defensive ends Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril. I will
send up a prayer for any opponent that attempts to run on them. The
Lions took wide receiver Titus Young in round and the former Boise State
Bronco is a burner. Running back Mikel had first round talent although
being selected in the second round. The Lions selected linebacker Doug
Hogue in round five and he is a coaches dream as he plays with a very
high motor. Things are starting to come together in The Motor City.
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Minnesota Vikings
Draft Grade: C+
Best Pick: None
I really question The Vikings for this draft. There wasn’t a draft expert
that thought of Ponder being a first round talent especially at twelfth
overall. The Vikings could have traded back and received some
additional picks and still picked up Ponder. The jury will be out on the
second round pick Kyle Rudolph who was injury prone for his entire
collegiate career at Notre Dame. The Leslie Frazier era has kicked off
with some question marks.
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Atlanta Falcons
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Julio Jones-Wide Receiver-Alabama
Congrats to Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff for being aggressive and
traded up to get Julio Jones. The Falcons have been trying to get that
complimentary receiver to take pressure off of Roddy White and they have
found him.
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New Orleans Saints
Draft Grade: A
Best Pick: Mark Ingram-Running Back-Alabama
If you were the son of a former NFL player there was a chance The Saints
were looking at you. They used two first round picks on sons of former
player in Cameron Jordan the son of Steve Jordan and Mark Ingram Jr.,
the son of Mark Ingram Sr. When The Saints won The Super Bowl in 2009
they had a posse of running backs and Ingram gives them plenty of depth.
This method was used on defense as well that season and Jordan has the
ability to get to the quarterback.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft Grade: A
Best Pick: Da’Quan Bowers-Defensive End-Clemson
Very quietly The Bucs are trying to build a defense similar to the one that
won the franchise a Super Bowl in 2002. Last year Tampa Bay beefed up
the interior defensive with Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, now it was
time to get some edge rushers. They took Adrian Clayborn in the first
round and got a steal when Bowers slipped to the second round. The Bucs
picked up Ahmad Black in the fifth round and he is a safety that has a
nose for the football. This was evident in this year’s Outback Bowl when
Black intercepted a pass late in the contest to seal The Florida Gators
victory over The Penn State Nittany Lions. Black may not be John Lynch,
but he will help The Bucs win some ball games.
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Carolina Panthers
Draft Grade: C-
Best Pick: None
I am not a fan of the draft that The Carolina Panthers had. They took
quarterback Cam Newton first overall and it looks as if they will give
up on Jimmy Clausen very quickly. With the looming threatening to
shorten the season, it will be bad to put Newton on the field early,
especially with questions about his mechanics.
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Seattle Seahawks
Draft Grade: F
Best Pick: None
The Seahawks draft is a bit of a head scratcher. The Seahawks traded for
Charlie Whitehurst last season to succeed quarterback Matt Hasslebeck
but Whitehurst has been shaky at best. Quarterback Andy Dalton was
staring them in the face in round one and they goofed. The Seahawks were
7-9 last season and are staring that record in the face again for 2011.
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St. Louis Rams
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Austin Pettis-Wide Receiver-Boise State
Even before free agency will officially kick off The Rams are now my
favorite to win The NFC West. If defensive end Robert Quinn can show the
potential that made him a first round pick come to life it will only
make an improving defense better. Austin Pettis is a quarterback’s dream
as he moves the chain as a possession receiver.
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San Francisco 49ers
Draft Grade: B-
Best Pick: Colin Kapernick-Quarterback-Nevada
I feel it was a reach for Aldon Smith because he went a little high, but
they struck gold in round two with Colin Kapernick. Kapernick is a
mobile quarterback and he is a skilled passer. Kapernick played out of
the pistol offense in college and it will take a little bit of time for
him to transition to the pro game. New 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh
needs some time, but this is the start of the winning formula for him in
The Bay Area.
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Arizona Cardinals
Draft Grade: B
Best Pick: Patrick Peterson-Cornerback-LSU
Von Miller would have looked great in Cardinal red, but they took the best
player available at pick five. Peterson will team with Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie to give The Cards the best cornerback tandem in the
division. The Cardinals still need a quarterback and by not taking one
in the draft I can only imagine that they will look at one via trade
such as Kevin Kolb of The Philadelphia Eagles or Carson Palmer on the
Cincinnati Bengals.

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