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Browns, Raiders Are Draft's Big Winners
Lions Make Right Choice With No. 2 Pick Johnson
By IRA MILLER
AOL
Sports Commentary
We are about to embark on one of the silliest exercises in sports or journalism. An instant analysis of the draft is like grading a test based on the questions rather than the answers, because the draft leaves more questions than answers.
2007 NFL Draft
Nonetheless, we’ll go ahead here because the bosses demand it and the readers seem to want it. So here’s a look at the 2007 draft, with this one caveat - we really won’t know a thing for a couple of years:
Arizona : Grade B - They weren’t glamorous picks but the Cardinals filled two significant needs in drafting offensive tackle Levi Brown and defensive tackle Alan Branch. With young QB Matt Leinart and their stable of receivers, the Cardinals needed blocking help and Brown was rated right behind Joe Thomas, who already was gone. Branch was a first-round talent, at one time considered a possible top-10 choice, who slid because of some medical issues and a perception that he did not play consistently. The Cardinals thought he was worth the risk at the start of the second round and the payoff could be big. I also like the fifth-round pickup, returner Steve Breaston.
Atlanta : Grade B-plus – Defensive end Jamaal Anderson, the Falcons’ first round pick, is plugged in to replace Patrick Kerney , who left as a free agent. In the second round, Atlanta grabbed offensive tackle Justin Blalock, who helps fill new coach Bobby Petrino's demand for a more physical team. Atlanta needs depth just about everywhere on a thin roster, and the Falcons always seem to need wide receivers, although they have been acquiring them for years. Two later first-day picks could be the keys to making it a successful draft, though – Chris Houston , the fastest cornerback on the board, and wideout Laurent Robinson, a lower-level gem.
Baltimore : Grade C-plus – The Ravens reportedly had their eyes on offensive tackle Joe Staley, and former Baltimore assistant Mike Nolan , now coaching the 49ers , swooped in with a trade and grabbed Staley one spot ahead of Baltimore's pick. With Jonathan Ogden returning for another year, tackle is not an immediate need for the Ravens. But guard is, and they drafted a pair on the first day. First-round guard Ben Grubbs, top-rated at his position, should be able to step right in and provide a nice mix of toughness and athleticism. Third-rounder Marshall Yanda still is considered somewhat raw but could be groomed as an eventual replacement for Ogden. Keep an eye on Yamon Figurs, too, because he has the speed to become an elite returner.
Buffalo : Grade B-plus – Need met value on the Bills’ draft chart. They needed a running back to replace Willis McGahee , and there was Marshawn Lynch, who is not only a good runner, but an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Then they needed an inside linebacker and who falls to them but Paul Posluszny, once considered a likely top-10 pick before his knee injury in the 2006 Orange Bowl. Posluszny may have lost a step but he's still a great athlete with terrific instincts who has the potential to be a long-term star and a steal in the second round. Buffalo scooped up another value late in the third round, choosing quarterback Trent Edwards, who fell because of an injury history and unsettled college coaching. Edwards could be developed.
Carolina : Grade A-minus – After trading down in the first round, the Panthers still were able to select linebacker Jon Beason, who can play inside or outside and provides the team with an alternative to concussion-prone Dan Morgan. But the real value of the Panthers' draft came later. First, they got wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, a highly productive college player who slid because of poor workout times; he figures as the long-term successor to Keyshawn Johnson and a great complement to speedy Steve Smith . Ryan Kalil, the best center in the draft, and developmental pass rusher Charles Johnson were good value picks later.
Chicago : Grade C-plus – With all their key players except Lance Briggs locked up, the NFC champs didn't have holes to fill. Tight end Greg Olsen, their first-round selection, has the size and speed to exploit defenses down the field as a receiver and create some running lanes. He's largely a one-dimensional player who is not adept at blocking, which limits his value, but the Bears will be able to utilize double tight end formations and Olsen's presence in the middle should mean more opportunities for Muhsin Muhammad and more help for quarterback Rex Grossman . Chicago also got some depth that should help its already potent defense.
Cincinnati : Grade B-minus – No team in the NFL allowed more yards passing than the Bengals last year, which is why they were grateful to find cornerback Leon Hall still there when they made their first pick. It helped, of course, that Hall came with a clean off-field slate because Cincinnati, of all teams, could least afford to take a character risk in this draft. For a team with as many defensive deficiencies as Cincinnati, perhaps it was surprising that the Bengals took running back Kenny Irons in the second round, but his speed adds a dimension that is missing on their offense and he has the potential to develop into an eventual starter.
Cleveland : Grade A – With general manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel entering their third season after two straight last-place finishes, the Browns felt the need to make a splash. Although the cost was high, they did exactly that, getting the draft's top-rated offensive lineman, Joe Thomas, with the third overall pick, and then trading to grab quarterback Brady Quinn with the 22nd pick. The downside is that Cleveland won't have a first-round selection in 2008, but unless Savage and Crennel can get the team to begin to show some significant improvement, that might not be their problem. Under those circumstances, that situation makes the price reasonable and potentially, if Quinn works out, cheap.
Dallas : Grade C-plus - The Cowboys felt they addressed their most significant needs in free agency, which gave them maneuverability for the draft, and they were able to take advantage of that position when Cleveland came calling. To drop down just 14 spots from their first pick late in the first round, the Cowboys picked up an extra first-round selection from the Browns in the 2008 draft, and it would be surprising if that pick were not in the top 10. That's an enviable position for Dallas, which has improved to the point it was able to use its first two selections on players who will take time to develop – defensive end Anthony Spencer, who must make the move to 3-4 outside linebacker, and offensive tackle James Marton, who needs to bulk up. Dallas, which almost always takes the cheapest route to a kicker, actually spent a draft choice on one this time, with its sixth-round selection of Nick Folk.
Denver : Grade B-minus – You can't accuse Mike Shananan of playing it safe. Once more, Shanahan went for the home run in the first round, dealing a pair of picks to move up just four spots and grab pass-rush specialist Jarvis Moss. The question about Moss is whether his quickness will be enough to hold up against the big tackles he'll face in the NFL, but if he succeeds it will be a big payoff for the Broncos , who need help in the pass rush. Denver continued its run on linemen with defensive end Tim Crowder and offensive tackle Ryan Harris. Clearly, the Broncos believed the pass rush to be their biggest deficiency and, along with Elvis Dumervil, the team's sacks leader as a rookie last year, they believe they have addressed it.
Detroit : Grade A-minus – The Lions wisely avoided worrying about their past failures with wide receivers and chose Calvin Johnson, generally considered the draft's best talent, with the second overall selection. You have to believe that Mike Martz will figure out a way to make the tandem of Johnson and Roy Williams productive, although quarterback remains a big question with Jon Kitna . In second-round pick Drew Stanton, the Lions have a popular local quarterback with a big upside if they can develop him. They used several picks to upgrade on defense and selected another of the big linemen, guard Manuel Ramirez, that club president Matt Millen favors. But the key to this draft will be Johnson, and it appears the Lions got this one right.
Green Bay : Grade D – Top pick Justin Harrell is better against the run than the pass, and that's important for the Packers because of their competition with Chicago in the NFC North. But Harrell had a major injury to his biceps last year and, as much as the Packers need to upgrade on defense, they might have been better served finding a weapon to help Brett Favre before it's too late. It's hard to understand the second-round move, when the Packers passed over a durable runner like Tony Hunt, who'd be a perfect fit for their offense and their climate, and instead chose Brandon Jackson who, among other things, has a history of shoulder problems.
Houston: Grade C-plus – In their history as an expansion team, the Texans have been one of the worst teams in the league at rushing the passer; they have averaged fewer than two sacks a game for five years. So it was no surprise that Houston chose 19-year-old defensive lineman Amobi Okoye with its first pick. His youth and potential are exciting for the Texans, and his biggest impact could be on Mario Williams, last year's first-round pick, by giving opponents another defensive linemen who can concern them. Small college receiver Jacoby Jones, who came to football late, was an intriguing pick because of his speed and athleticism; he is still a work in progress but the payoff could be big.
Indianapolis : Grade B-minus – The Colts have suffered some hits to their defense during the off-season and need help there. But long ago it became clear that it's foolish to second-guess Bill Polian's draft-day decisions, so no second-guessing of the choice to take receiver Anthony Gonzalez. He'll slide right into the No. 3 role that is so significant in the Indianapolis offense. The Colts, however, went out of character in the second round when they traded away next year's first-round pick to get another offensive player, tackle Tony Ugoh, who seemed to be something of a reach. Indy began to address its defensive issues in the third round with cornerback Daymeion Hughes, who has projected much higher until a slow time in off-season workouts.
Jacksonville : Grade C-minus – The Jaguars clearly were one of the teams that had severe reservations about Brady Quinn. They passed on him not once, but twice, even though incumbent QB Bryan Leftwich is near the end of his contract and has missed 15 of the last 21 games due to injuries, and his backup, David Garrard, has been less than spectacular. Jacksonville had targeted free safety Reggie Nelson to shore up a problem in the secondary, and got him plus extra picks from a trade-down with Denver. It's hard to argue with the logic here; Jacksonville has to defend Peyton Manning and now Vince Young twice a year, and needs to keep its defense strong. Of course, if Leftwich keeps getting hurt and Quinn becomes a star, this will be looked back on, and not fondly, as a turning point for the franchise.
Kansas City : Grade B-minus – Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs hope, will give them something they have been missing - a true, go-to wide receiver. The defensive players Kansas City had targeted all were gone when they picked in the first round, but the Chiefs still added a pair of defensive tackles after the first round, getting both quickness (Turk McBride) and bulk (DeMarcus Tyler). Bowe should be a good fit in Kansas City, diverting attention from tight end Tony Gonzalez and also opening some running room for Larry Johnson .
Miami: Grade D – This was hard to figure. The Dolphins have plenty of needs yet they used their first pick on an undersized receiver, Ted Ginn, Jr. Ginn, we know, is a superlative return man, but the ninth spot in the draft seems a luxury for a player whose biggest contributions figure to come on special teams – especially for a team with a quarterback problem and an aging defense like Miami has. The obvious conclusion is that the Dolphins liked BYU's John Beck, their second-round choice, a lot better than they liked Brady Quinn, and maybe they'll eventually be proven right. Of course, in Beck, the Dolphins are getting a player who will be 26 as a rookie. But that's what's great about the draft. Right now, Miami looks bad. Two or three years from now? Who knows?
Minnesota : Grade C-minus – Adrian Peterson 's collarbone issue did not concern the Vikings , who took the long-range view. This is a team that's rebuilding and, by passing on Brady Quinn, sent a signal they really believe Tarvaris Jackson will be their quarterback of the future. The Vikings will give Peterson a thorough exam this week and have conceded it's not out of the question he might require surgery but they believe that, ultimately, he will give their offense a much-needed shot of energy with a terrific combination of power and speed. Minnesota had other needs, but Peterson was the smart pick at No. 7 overall. The Vikings also added a pair of wide receivers later but they might not have done enough to address defensive shortcomings.
New England : Grade B – The offseason has been a whirlwind of positive energy for the Patriots but what was most interesting about the draft weekend was they abandoned their long-held beliefs about the importance of character by taking a chance on two guys with checkered pasts, Miami (Fla.) safety Brandon Meriweather and veteran receiver Randy Moss , acquired for a fourth-round pick from the Raiders . The Patriots probably will have a short leash on both players, but the financial risk is big in the salary cap era. Bill Belichick figured the gamble was worth it because he believes there's enough veteran leadership on the team to keep the players in line and because he has succeeded in the past with other teams' malcontents, like Corey Dillon . Because of the Patriots' recent history, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt.
New Orleans : Grade C-plus – In first-round wide receiver Robert Meacham and fourth-round running back Antonio Pittman, the Saints got value for their picks. But they had more pressing needs at other positions, particularly in the first round when they could have had speedy cornerback Chris Houston or linebacker David Harris. In choosing instead to go with offense, the Saints seemed to be following the lead of Indianapolis , which hasn't hesitated to keep adding players to its dynamic offense even while the defense struggled through the years. The strategy finally paid off for the Colts with a Super Bowl title. The Saints led the NFL in total offense last year and seem to be positioning themselves to do it again. In the weak NFC, one dimension may be all a team needs.
N.Y. Giants : Grade C – There is an interesting dynamic at work here. A first-year general manager, Jerry Reese, is trying to rebuild an aging roster, while the coach, Tom Coughlin , was given a one-year contract extension with, essentially, a win-now mandate. That's a tough combination. The Giants addressed each area of their defense with three of the first four picks, starting with cornerback Aaron Ross. The only so-called glamour choice was USC wideout Steve Smith , who at least provides insurance against Amani Toomer 's slow return from a 2006 injury.
N.Y. Jets : Grade B-minus – Give them credit for aggressiveness. The Jets need help on defense and they traded up to get cornerback Darrelle Revis and inside linebacker David Harris, making deals that left them without another pick until the sixth round. It had to pain Eric Mangini , a defensive coach, that the Jets made the playoffs last year even while ranking 20th in the league on defense. He probably figured it wouldn't have taken much of a jump on defense to make his team a serious title contender in his first season. Of course, even with the rookies developing, the Jets still have to solve a pass-rush problem.
Oakland : Grade A - For a change, the Raiders did the smart thing. They went for both value and need with the first pick, choosing quarterback JaMarcus Russell. They did some trade maneuvering and got a receiving tight end, Zach Miller. They traded a fourth-round pick for Josh McCown, who can hold the spot at quarterback while Russell develops, and wideout Mike Williams, a failure in Detroit who could salvage his career with coach Lane Kiffin, who worked with him at USC. I also like the fourth-round gamble on running back Michael Bush, who could prove a steal if he gets healthy and recaptures his youthful form; at that point in the draft, taking him was a worthwhile risk. But perhaps the most significant move was an addition by subtraction, getting rid of Randy Moss at any price. Al Davis hates to admit his mistakes, but Moss was clearly one of them, and he clearly would have been a problem for Kiffin had he been allowed to hang around. And, besides Moss' personality and off-field issues, let us not forget he has done nothing for three consecutive years. Maybe the guy is just done.
Philadelphia : Grade C – The selection of quarterback Kevin Kolb with the Eagles ' first pick, No. 36 overall, was one of the most intriguing choices of the weekend. Kolb had been rising up draft boards in recent weeks so it was hardly shocking that he was the third quarterback chosen, but the surprise was where he went. On the other hand, Donovan McNabb , while he won't turn 31 until late November, has had significant injuries in three of the last five seasons. His performance level remains high but the injury toll rightly has the Eagles worried about his future, and they felt the need to protect themselves with a quarterback they see as a future starter. But when will that future be? And will the move reverberate with McNabb to the point where it begins to affect his performance, as clearly happened in Denver last year with Jake Plummer ?
Pittsburgh : Grade C – The Steelers were believed to have their eyes on Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis until the Jets jumped ahead of them with a trade and took him away. First-year coach Mike Tomlin, who was thought to be transitioning the team to a 4-3 defense from its long-held 3-4, surprised people by taking outside linebackers with the first two selections, both of whom might be better suited for the 4-3. Only time, of course, will tell about about the defensive strategy and the players, Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley.
St. Louis: Grade B-minus – Their deal for Dante Hall solved one significant problem for the Rams , and they hoped they solved another with Adam Carriker, the second-rated defensive end in the draf and a guy who looks ready to play now. He'll be a good complement to Leonard Little , and he's the rare young player who is at least adequate at rushing the passer. The Rams plan to move him inside, likely lining up next to Little to relieve some of the double-teaming pressure. Second-round running back Brian Leonard was something of a reach, although Leonard had compiled very good numbers before moving to fullback last year to make room for Ray Rice at Rutgers. In the third round, the Rams got good value with speedy cornerback Jonathan Wade, who figured to go higher.
San Diego : Grade C – After re-upping backup running back Michael Turner for another year, the Chargers went into the draft in a most enviable position because they needed next to nothing and could draft simply to add depth to the roster. The nearest thing to an area of need would be wide receiver, where Craig Davis was the first-round selection. With his speed, he could become a valuable target on a team that forces defenses to concentrate against Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson . In the second round, the Chargers traded up to get strong safety Eric Waddle, who doesn't fit the computer profile but seems to make plays.
San Francisco : Grade A-minus – A suddenly aggressive team that has had a productive off-season, the 49ers got a significant player for their 3-4 defense with linebacker Patrick Willis, then traded away next year's first-round pick for offensive tackle Joe Staley. Mike Nolan , the 49ers' coach, values offensive linemen highly, and this is his third try in three years (after Adam Snyder and Jonas Jennings) to make a splash at tackle. Jennings' lack of durability makes his future problematic, and Staley's quick feet (he's a converted tight end) figures to help him make an impact as a left tackle. In another deal, the 49ers reclaimed the first-round pick they dealt away (although almost surely a later first-rounder, since it came from the Colts) which protects their future, too. The deal for Seattle wideout Darrell Jackson came at a reasonable cost, a fourth-rounder, and wideout Jason Hill, a third-rounder, has big play speed.
Seattle: Grade C – Without a first-round pick, traded away last year for Deion Branch , the Seahawks were reduced to spectators for the first part of the draft. When they finally got to pick, however, they did the logical thing, addressing defensive deficiences by choosing cornerback Josh Wilson and two defensive linemen, Baraka Atkins and Brandon Mebane.
Tampa Bay : Grade B-plus – Face it. Were you thinking the Bucs might choose Brady Quinn when he was available on the fourth overall pick to add to their growing stable of quarterbacks? You have to wonder if Jon Gruden at least thought about it. Fortunately, sense prevailed because the Bucs need to begin finding new parts for their aging defense, which last season ranked an uncharacteristic 17th in the league. They used six of their first seven picks on defense, starting with defensive end Gaines Adams, considered the best at his position in the draft. Adams is an explosive pass-rusher who can get upfield and harass the passer, which is just what Monte Kiffin wants in his defense.
Tennessee : Grade D – Considering the Titans ' other needs, their choice of safety Michael Griffin in the first round was a surprise. They seemed to address other needs later, with the striking exception of cornerback, a position where they need a replacement for Pacman Jones. The second-round choice of running back Chris Henry was interesting, considering who else was available, but Henry has a terrific upside and could pay big dividends if the Titans are right about him. Third-rounder Paul Williams also was something of a reach with the Titans gambling on development.
Washington : Grade D-plus – With only one pick in the first four rounds, the Redskins weren't really players in this draft. At least they didn't mess it up, choosing free safety LaRon Landry, who figures to step right in. If Washington can keep Sean Taylor on the field, too, the Redskins should have a pair of safeties for the long term who can give their defense options in terms of how they attack opposing teams and mix their coverages. It remains to be seen, however, how well Landry can develop his pass coverage ability.
Browns, Raiders Are Draft's Big Winners
Lions Make Right Choice With No. 2 Pick Johnson
By IRA MILLER
AOL
Sports Commentary
We are about to embark on one of the silliest exercises in sports or journalism. An instant analysis of the draft is like grading a test based on the questions rather than the answers, because the draft leaves more questions than answers.
2007 NFL Draft
Nonetheless, we’ll go ahead here because the bosses demand it and the readers seem to want it. So here’s a look at the 2007 draft, with this one caveat - we really won’t know a thing for a couple of years:
Arizona : Grade B - They weren’t glamorous picks but the Cardinals filled two significant needs in drafting offensive tackle Levi Brown and defensive tackle Alan Branch. With young QB Matt Leinart and their stable of receivers, the Cardinals needed blocking help and Brown was rated right behind Joe Thomas, who already was gone. Branch was a first-round talent, at one time considered a possible top-10 choice, who slid because of some medical issues and a perception that he did not play consistently. The Cardinals thought he was worth the risk at the start of the second round and the payoff could be big. I also like the fifth-round pickup, returner Steve Breaston.
Atlanta : Grade B-plus – Defensive end Jamaal Anderson, the Falcons’ first round pick, is plugged in to replace Patrick Kerney , who left as a free agent. In the second round, Atlanta grabbed offensive tackle Justin Blalock, who helps fill new coach Bobby Petrino's demand for a more physical team. Atlanta needs depth just about everywhere on a thin roster, and the Falcons always seem to need wide receivers, although they have been acquiring them for years. Two later first-day picks could be the keys to making it a successful draft, though – Chris Houston , the fastest cornerback on the board, and wideout Laurent Robinson, a lower-level gem.
Baltimore : Grade C-plus – The Ravens reportedly had their eyes on offensive tackle Joe Staley, and former Baltimore assistant Mike Nolan , now coaching the 49ers , swooped in with a trade and grabbed Staley one spot ahead of Baltimore's pick. With Jonathan Ogden returning for another year, tackle is not an immediate need for the Ravens. But guard is, and they drafted a pair on the first day. First-round guard Ben Grubbs, top-rated at his position, should be able to step right in and provide a nice mix of toughness and athleticism. Third-rounder Marshall Yanda still is considered somewhat raw but could be groomed as an eventual replacement for Ogden. Keep an eye on Yamon Figurs, too, because he has the speed to become an elite returner.
Buffalo : Grade B-plus – Need met value on the Bills’ draft chart. They needed a running back to replace Willis McGahee , and there was Marshawn Lynch, who is not only a good runner, but an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Then they needed an inside linebacker and who falls to them but Paul Posluszny, once considered a likely top-10 pick before his knee injury in the 2006 Orange Bowl. Posluszny may have lost a step but he's still a great athlete with terrific instincts who has the potential to be a long-term star and a steal in the second round. Buffalo scooped up another value late in the third round, choosing quarterback Trent Edwards, who fell because of an injury history and unsettled college coaching. Edwards could be developed.
Carolina : Grade A-minus – After trading down in the first round, the Panthers still were able to select linebacker Jon Beason, who can play inside or outside and provides the team with an alternative to concussion-prone Dan Morgan. But the real value of the Panthers' draft came later. First, they got wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, a highly productive college player who slid because of poor workout times; he figures as the long-term successor to Keyshawn Johnson and a great complement to speedy Steve Smith . Ryan Kalil, the best center in the draft, and developmental pass rusher Charles Johnson were good value picks later.
Chicago : Grade C-plus – With all their key players except Lance Briggs locked up, the NFC champs didn't have holes to fill. Tight end Greg Olsen, their first-round selection, has the size and speed to exploit defenses down the field as a receiver and create some running lanes. He's largely a one-dimensional player who is not adept at blocking, which limits his value, but the Bears will be able to utilize double tight end formations and Olsen's presence in the middle should mean more opportunities for Muhsin Muhammad and more help for quarterback Rex Grossman . Chicago also got some depth that should help its already potent defense.
Cincinnati : Grade B-minus – No team in the NFL allowed more yards passing than the Bengals last year, which is why they were grateful to find cornerback Leon Hall still there when they made their first pick. It helped, of course, that Hall came with a clean off-field slate because Cincinnati, of all teams, could least afford to take a character risk in this draft. For a team with as many defensive deficiencies as Cincinnati, perhaps it was surprising that the Bengals took running back Kenny Irons in the second round, but his speed adds a dimension that is missing on their offense and he has the potential to develop into an eventual starter.
Cleveland : Grade A – With general manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel entering their third season after two straight last-place finishes, the Browns felt the need to make a splash. Although the cost was high, they did exactly that, getting the draft's top-rated offensive lineman, Joe Thomas, with the third overall pick, and then trading to grab quarterback Brady Quinn with the 22nd pick. The downside is that Cleveland won't have a first-round selection in 2008, but unless Savage and Crennel can get the team to begin to show some significant improvement, that might not be their problem. Under those circumstances, that situation makes the price reasonable and potentially, if Quinn works out, cheap.
Dallas : Grade C-plus - The Cowboys felt they addressed their most significant needs in free agency, which gave them maneuverability for the draft, and they were able to take advantage of that position when Cleveland came calling. To drop down just 14 spots from their first pick late in the first round, the Cowboys picked up an extra first-round selection from the Browns in the 2008 draft, and it would be surprising if that pick were not in the top 10. That's an enviable position for Dallas, which has improved to the point it was able to use its first two selections on players who will take time to develop – defensive end Anthony Spencer, who must make the move to 3-4 outside linebacker, and offensive tackle James Marton, who needs to bulk up. Dallas, which almost always takes the cheapest route to a kicker, actually spent a draft choice on one this time, with its sixth-round selection of Nick Folk.
Denver : Grade B-minus – You can't accuse Mike Shananan of playing it safe. Once more, Shanahan went for the home run in the first round, dealing a pair of picks to move up just four spots and grab pass-rush specialist Jarvis Moss. The question about Moss is whether his quickness will be enough to hold up against the big tackles he'll face in the NFL, but if he succeeds it will be a big payoff for the Broncos , who need help in the pass rush. Denver continued its run on linemen with defensive end Tim Crowder and offensive tackle Ryan Harris. Clearly, the Broncos believed the pass rush to be their biggest deficiency and, along with Elvis Dumervil, the team's sacks leader as a rookie last year, they believe they have addressed it.
Detroit : Grade A-minus – The Lions wisely avoided worrying about their past failures with wide receivers and chose Calvin Johnson, generally considered the draft's best talent, with the second overall selection. You have to believe that Mike Martz will figure out a way to make the tandem of Johnson and Roy Williams productive, although quarterback remains a big question with Jon Kitna . In second-round pick Drew Stanton, the Lions have a popular local quarterback with a big upside if they can develop him. They used several picks to upgrade on defense and selected another of the big linemen, guard Manuel Ramirez, that club president Matt Millen favors. But the key to this draft will be Johnson, and it appears the Lions got this one right.
Green Bay : Grade D – Top pick Justin Harrell is better against the run than the pass, and that's important for the Packers because of their competition with Chicago in the NFC North. But Harrell had a major injury to his biceps last year and, as much as the Packers need to upgrade on defense, they might have been better served finding a weapon to help Brett Favre before it's too late. It's hard to understand the second-round move, when the Packers passed over a durable runner like Tony Hunt, who'd be a perfect fit for their offense and their climate, and instead chose Brandon Jackson who, among other things, has a history of shoulder problems.
Houston: Grade C-plus – In their history as an expansion team, the Texans have been one of the worst teams in the league at rushing the passer; they have averaged fewer than two sacks a game for five years. So it was no surprise that Houston chose 19-year-old defensive lineman Amobi Okoye with its first pick. His youth and potential are exciting for the Texans, and his biggest impact could be on Mario Williams, last year's first-round pick, by giving opponents another defensive linemen who can concern them. Small college receiver Jacoby Jones, who came to football late, was an intriguing pick because of his speed and athleticism; he is still a work in progress but the payoff could be big.
Indianapolis : Grade B-minus – The Colts have suffered some hits to their defense during the off-season and need help there. But long ago it became clear that it's foolish to second-guess Bill Polian's draft-day decisions, so no second-guessing of the choice to take receiver Anthony Gonzalez. He'll slide right into the No. 3 role that is so significant in the Indianapolis offense. The Colts, however, went out of character in the second round when they traded away next year's first-round pick to get another offensive player, tackle Tony Ugoh, who seemed to be something of a reach. Indy began to address its defensive issues in the third round with cornerback Daymeion Hughes, who has projected much higher until a slow time in off-season workouts.
Jacksonville : Grade C-minus – The Jaguars clearly were one of the teams that had severe reservations about Brady Quinn. They passed on him not once, but twice, even though incumbent QB Bryan Leftwich is near the end of his contract and has missed 15 of the last 21 games due to injuries, and his backup, David Garrard, has been less than spectacular. Jacksonville had targeted free safety Reggie Nelson to shore up a problem in the secondary, and got him plus extra picks from a trade-down with Denver. It's hard to argue with the logic here; Jacksonville has to defend Peyton Manning and now Vince Young twice a year, and needs to keep its defense strong. Of course, if Leftwich keeps getting hurt and Quinn becomes a star, this will be looked back on, and not fondly, as a turning point for the franchise.
Kansas City : Grade B-minus – Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs hope, will give them something they have been missing - a true, go-to wide receiver. The defensive players Kansas City had targeted all were gone when they picked in the first round, but the Chiefs still added a pair of defensive tackles after the first round, getting both quickness (Turk McBride) and bulk (DeMarcus Tyler). Bowe should be a good fit in Kansas City, diverting attention from tight end Tony Gonzalez and also opening some running room for Larry Johnson .
Miami: Grade D – This was hard to figure. The Dolphins have plenty of needs yet they used their first pick on an undersized receiver, Ted Ginn, Jr. Ginn, we know, is a superlative return man, but the ninth spot in the draft seems a luxury for a player whose biggest contributions figure to come on special teams – especially for a team with a quarterback problem and an aging defense like Miami has. The obvious conclusion is that the Dolphins liked BYU's John Beck, their second-round choice, a lot better than they liked Brady Quinn, and maybe they'll eventually be proven right. Of course, in Beck, the Dolphins are getting a player who will be 26 as a rookie. But that's what's great about the draft. Right now, Miami looks bad. Two or three years from now? Who knows?
Minnesota : Grade C-minus – Adrian Peterson 's collarbone issue did not concern the Vikings , who took the long-range view. This is a team that's rebuilding and, by passing on Brady Quinn, sent a signal they really believe Tarvaris Jackson will be their quarterback of the future. The Vikings will give Peterson a thorough exam this week and have conceded it's not out of the question he might require surgery but they believe that, ultimately, he will give their offense a much-needed shot of energy with a terrific combination of power and speed. Minnesota had other needs, but Peterson was the smart pick at No. 7 overall. The Vikings also added a pair of wide receivers later but they might not have done enough to address defensive shortcomings.
New England : Grade B – The offseason has been a whirlwind of positive energy for the Patriots but what was most interesting about the draft weekend was they abandoned their long-held beliefs about the importance of character by taking a chance on two guys with checkered pasts, Miami (Fla.) safety Brandon Meriweather and veteran receiver Randy Moss , acquired for a fourth-round pick from the Raiders . The Patriots probably will have a short leash on both players, but the financial risk is big in the salary cap era. Bill Belichick figured the gamble was worth it because he believes there's enough veteran leadership on the team to keep the players in line and because he has succeeded in the past with other teams' malcontents, like Corey Dillon . Because of the Patriots' recent history, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt.
New Orleans : Grade C-plus – In first-round wide receiver Robert Meacham and fourth-round running back Antonio Pittman, the Saints got value for their picks. But they had more pressing needs at other positions, particularly in the first round when they could have had speedy cornerback Chris Houston or linebacker David Harris. In choosing instead to go with offense, the Saints seemed to be following the lead of Indianapolis , which hasn't hesitated to keep adding players to its dynamic offense even while the defense struggled through the years. The strategy finally paid off for the Colts with a Super Bowl title. The Saints led the NFL in total offense last year and seem to be positioning themselves to do it again. In the weak NFC, one dimension may be all a team needs.
N.Y. Giants : Grade C – There is an interesting dynamic at work here. A first-year general manager, Jerry Reese, is trying to rebuild an aging roster, while the coach, Tom Coughlin , was given a one-year contract extension with, essentially, a win-now mandate. That's a tough combination. The Giants addressed each area of their defense with three of the first four picks, starting with cornerback Aaron Ross. The only so-called glamour choice was USC wideout Steve Smith , who at least provides insurance against Amani Toomer 's slow return from a 2006 injury.
N.Y. Jets : Grade B-minus – Give them credit for aggressiveness. The Jets need help on defense and they traded up to get cornerback Darrelle Revis and inside linebacker David Harris, making deals that left them without another pick until the sixth round. It had to pain Eric Mangini , a defensive coach, that the Jets made the playoffs last year even while ranking 20th in the league on defense. He probably figured it wouldn't have taken much of a jump on defense to make his team a serious title contender in his first season. Of course, even with the rookies developing, the Jets still have to solve a pass-rush problem.
Oakland : Grade A - For a change, the Raiders did the smart thing. They went for both value and need with the first pick, choosing quarterback JaMarcus Russell. They did some trade maneuvering and got a receiving tight end, Zach Miller. They traded a fourth-round pick for Josh McCown, who can hold the spot at quarterback while Russell develops, and wideout Mike Williams, a failure in Detroit who could salvage his career with coach Lane Kiffin, who worked with him at USC. I also like the fourth-round gamble on running back Michael Bush, who could prove a steal if he gets healthy and recaptures his youthful form; at that point in the draft, taking him was a worthwhile risk. But perhaps the most significant move was an addition by subtraction, getting rid of Randy Moss at any price. Al Davis hates to admit his mistakes, but Moss was clearly one of them, and he clearly would have been a problem for Kiffin had he been allowed to hang around. And, besides Moss' personality and off-field issues, let us not forget he has done nothing for three consecutive years. Maybe the guy is just done.
Philadelphia : Grade C – The selection of quarterback Kevin Kolb with the Eagles ' first pick, No. 36 overall, was one of the most intriguing choices of the weekend. Kolb had been rising up draft boards in recent weeks so it was hardly shocking that he was the third quarterback chosen, but the surprise was where he went. On the other hand, Donovan McNabb , while he won't turn 31 until late November, has had significant injuries in three of the last five seasons. His performance level remains high but the injury toll rightly has the Eagles worried about his future, and they felt the need to protect themselves with a quarterback they see as a future starter. But when will that future be? And will the move reverberate with McNabb to the point where it begins to affect his performance, as clearly happened in Denver last year with Jake Plummer ?
Pittsburgh : Grade C – The Steelers were believed to have their eyes on Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis until the Jets jumped ahead of them with a trade and took him away. First-year coach Mike Tomlin, who was thought to be transitioning the team to a 4-3 defense from its long-held 3-4, surprised people by taking outside linebackers with the first two selections, both of whom might be better suited for the 4-3. Only time, of course, will tell about about the defensive strategy and the players, Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley.
St. Louis: Grade B-minus – Their deal for Dante Hall solved one significant problem for the Rams , and they hoped they solved another with Adam Carriker, the second-rated defensive end in the draf and a guy who looks ready to play now. He'll be a good complement to Leonard Little , and he's the rare young player who is at least adequate at rushing the passer. The Rams plan to move him inside, likely lining up next to Little to relieve some of the double-teaming pressure. Second-round running back Brian Leonard was something of a reach, although Leonard had compiled very good numbers before moving to fullback last year to make room for Ray Rice at Rutgers. In the third round, the Rams got good value with speedy cornerback Jonathan Wade, who figured to go higher.
San Diego : Grade C – After re-upping backup running back Michael Turner for another year, the Chargers went into the draft in a most enviable position because they needed next to nothing and could draft simply to add depth to the roster. The nearest thing to an area of need would be wide receiver, where Craig Davis was the first-round selection. With his speed, he could become a valuable target on a team that forces defenses to concentrate against Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson . In the second round, the Chargers traded up to get strong safety Eric Waddle, who doesn't fit the computer profile but seems to make plays.
San Francisco : Grade A-minus – A suddenly aggressive team that has had a productive off-season, the 49ers got a significant player for their 3-4 defense with linebacker Patrick Willis, then traded away next year's first-round pick for offensive tackle Joe Staley. Mike Nolan , the 49ers' coach, values offensive linemen highly, and this is his third try in three years (after Adam Snyder and Jonas Jennings) to make a splash at tackle. Jennings' lack of durability makes his future problematic, and Staley's quick feet (he's a converted tight end) figures to help him make an impact as a left tackle. In another deal, the 49ers reclaimed the first-round pick they dealt away (although almost surely a later first-rounder, since it came from the Colts) which protects their future, too. The deal for Seattle wideout Darrell Jackson came at a reasonable cost, a fourth-rounder, and wideout Jason Hill, a third-rounder, has big play speed.
Seattle: Grade C – Without a first-round pick, traded away last year for Deion Branch , the Seahawks were reduced to spectators for the first part of the draft. When they finally got to pick, however, they did the logical thing, addressing defensive deficiences by choosing cornerback Josh Wilson and two defensive linemen, Baraka Atkins and Brandon Mebane.
Tampa Bay : Grade B-plus – Face it. Were you thinking the Bucs might choose Brady Quinn when he was available on the fourth overall pick to add to their growing stable of quarterbacks? You have to wonder if Jon Gruden at least thought about it. Fortunately, sense prevailed because the Bucs need to begin finding new parts for their aging defense, which last season ranked an uncharacteristic 17th in the league. They used six of their first seven picks on defense, starting with defensive end Gaines Adams, considered the best at his position in the draft. Adams is an explosive pass-rusher who can get upfield and harass the passer, which is just what Monte Kiffin wants in his defense.
Tennessee : Grade D – Considering the Titans ' other needs, their choice of safety Michael Griffin in the first round was a surprise. They seemed to address other needs later, with the striking exception of cornerback, a position where they need a replacement for Pacman Jones. The second-round choice of running back Chris Henry was interesting, considering who else was available, but Henry has a terrific upside and could pay big dividends if the Titans are right about him. Third-rounder Paul Williams also was something of a reach with the Titans gambling on development.
Washington : Grade D-plus – With only one pick in the first four rounds, the Redskins weren't really players in this draft. At least they didn't mess it up, choosing free safety LaRon Landry, who figures to step right in. If Washington can keep Sean Taylor on the field, too, the Redskins should have a pair of safeties for the long term who can give their defense options in terms of how they attack opposing teams and mix their coverages. It remains to be seen, however, how well Landry can develop his pass coverage ability.
