2011 Draft Grades (1 Viewer)

[daveR]

Funny. Now that it's really time to grade the preceding draft, Google only returns stuff from April & May.

For my Browns... All the picks are on the team. The top picks have performed like top picks. Passed on Julio for more picks, but the team needs playmakers.

Round 1, Pick 21 (21) (From Chiefs) Phil Taylor DT

Round 2, Pick 5 (37) Jabaal Sheard DE

Round 2, Pick 27 (59) (From Falcons) Greg Little WR

Round 4, Pick 5 (102) Jordan Cameron TE

Round 4, Pick 27 (124) (From Falcons) Owen Marecic RB

Round 5, Pick 6 (137) Buster Skrine DB

Round 5, Pick 19 (150) (From Giants through Vikings) Jason Pinkston OL

Round 7, Pick 45 (248) (Compensatory Selection) Eric Hagg DB

All in all, well done. Grade: A.

 

[cheese]

The Bengals have gotten next to nothing out of anyone drafted beyond round 2, but they hit such obvious home runs with Green and Dalton that nobody will (or should) care.

Green A+

Dalton A

Moch Hurt, D? More likely incomplete.

Boling C, It seemed like the coaches liked him and he made the first few starts, but now they've gone in another direction with Williams hurt at his position.

Sands F, Was pretty awful in the preseason and I don't even think he's been on STeams. Could really use the DB depth.

Whalen B, Decent receiver and special teamer. Works for 6th rd.

Finley C, Had a shot before Benson was brought back and Peerman is too good at STeams to beat out.

Lindsey F, Cut almost immediately IIRC and went somewhere else forcing Bengals to trade for CB depth instead.

Rounds 3-6 there has been a who's who of the Bengals inactive list the last month.

 

[Ridgelake]

I'll grade my Cowboys:

Tyron Smith, OT: A+ Should be long time pro bowler and is the youngest player in the NFL. Graded as the #6 best tackle in the entire NFL this year as a rookie.

Bruce Carter, ILB: Incomplete. Was coming off ACL in the draft. On PUP for 1st half of season. Worked in some late but too early to tell.

Demarco Murray, RB: A. Seems like an every down RB if he can stay healthy.

David Arkin, OL: Incomplete. Inactive every game. Needs time in weight room.

Josh Thomas, CB: D Was cut coming out of camp but signed on elsewhere.

Dwayne Harris WR: C- May develop into a slot guy and returner. Nothing special though. With luck, will develop into Patrick Crayton v2.0.

Shawn Chapas, FB: D On and off roster and practice squad all year. Probably won't stick around too long, lacks pop in either the run game or pass game.

Bill Nagy, OL: C+ Started the season at OG which is an accomplishment for a 7th rounder. Badly needs strength program.

Rookie FA that seem to have stuck are:

Dan Bailey, K: A Seems to be the long term answer at kicker

Kevin Kowalski: B Appears to be a versatile interior OL that can be a solid cog long term, even in a reserve role.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Bengals have gotten next to nothing out of anyone drafted beyond round 2, but they hit such obvious home runs with Green and Dalton that nobody will (or should) care.Green A+Dalton AMoch Hurt, D? More likely incomplete.Boling C, It seemed like the coaches liked him and he made the first few starts, but now they've gone in another direction with Williams hurt at his position.Sands F, Was pretty awful in the preseason and I don't even think he's been on STeams. Could really use the DB depth.Whalen B, Decent receiver and special teamer. Works for 6th rd.Finley C, Had a shot before Benson was brought back and Peerman is too good at STeams to beat out.Lindsey F, Cut almost immediately IIRC and went somewhere else forcing Bengals to trade for CB depth instead.Rounds 3-6 there has been a who's who of the Bengals inactive list the last month.

Green and Dalton would probably make the entire draft an "A"...anytime you can get 2 players in one draft to fill 2 of the most important spots on your offense you are doing pretty good.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

The Bengals have gotten next to nothing out of anyone drafted beyond round 2, but they hit such obvious home runs with Green and Dalton that nobody will (or should) care.Green A+Dalton AMoch Hurt, D? More likely incomplete.Boling C, It seemed like the coaches liked him and he made the first few starts, but now they've gone in another direction with Williams hurt at his position.Sands F, Was pretty awful in the preseason and I don't even think he's been on STeams. Could really use the DB depth.Whalen B, Decent receiver and special teamer. Works for 6th rd.Finley C, Had a shot before Benson was brought back and Peerman is too good at STeams to beat out.Lindsey F, Cut almost immediately IIRC and went somewhere else forcing Bengals to trade for CB depth instead.Rounds 3-6 there has been a who's who of the Bengals inactive list the last month.

Green and Dalton would probably make the entire draft an "A"...anytime you can get 2 players in one draft to fill 2 of the most important spots on your offense you are doing pretty good.

 

[RUSF18]

I'll let the 49er fans that aren't completely across the country address this more completely, but the Aldon Smith pick alone made the draft a success and Chris Culliver, Kendall Hunter, and Bruce Miller have been valuable players

 

[Chase Stuart]

Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Rush Rush Rush Rece Rece Rece Rnd Pick Tm Pos Yrs From To AP1 PB St CarAV G Cmp Att Yds TD Int Att Yds TD Rec Yds TD College/Univ1 30 NYJ Muhammad Wilkerson DT 1 2011 2011 0 0 0 16 Temple3 94 NYJ Kenrick Ellis DL 1 2011 2011 0 0 0 5 Hampton4 126 NYJ Bilal Powell RB 1 2011 2011 0 0 0 2 13 21 0 1 7 0 Louisville5 153 NYJ Jeremy Kerley WR 1 2011 2011 0 0 0 14 1 1 41 0 0 5 28 0 29 314 1 TCU7 208 NYJ Greg McElroy QB 1 2011 2011 0 0 0 Alabama7 227 NYJ Scotty McKnight WR 1 2011 2011 0 0 0 Colorado
Wilkerson played very well and showed signs of being a future stud. I think they got about as much as they expected out of him given the lockout.

Ellis wasn't active for most of the games this year, which stings for a 3rd rounder. He was considered a developmental/upside pick, so he's probably at least a year or two away from really grading.

Powell was a 4th string RB who barely saw the field. He did not look good in pre-season or in games, but you can't judge a RB like that.

Kerley looks like a real slot receiver, should fill that position for years. Nothing great, but exceeds the expectations you'd get from a 5th rounder.

McElroy was on IR the whole season but looked pretty good in training camp.

McKnight was a pick for Sanchez; was on IR the whole season as well, basically a throwaway last pick for the QB's bff.

The Jets didn't have a 2nd round pick thanks to Cromartie IIRC, and it showed. Two impact players in the draft but the depth of the team is lacking.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Minnesota Vikings - Overall: C-

Round 1, Pick 12 (12) Christian Ponder QB - B-

I liked the pick then and I still like it now. It remains to be seen if his decision making gets better. I believe it will if he was given even a second of time behind a better line.

Round 2, Pick 11 (43) Kyle Rudolph TE - B+

They didn't use him right, but if they had I think we'd be talking about him as one of the new dynamic performers at the TE position.

Round 4, Pick 9 (106) Christian Ballard DL - C

Didn't get a chance to show what he can do. Gave them decent depth.

Round 5, Pick 8 (139) Brandon Burton DB - D

Had a lot of buzz coming out of college but couldn't see the field even with the Vikings' woes in the defensive backfield.

Round 6, Pick 3 (168) (From Broncos through Browns) Demarcus Love - D

D is for developmental. If he had talent at all he'd have been given a shot to replace the awful Charlie Johnson.

Round 6, Pick 5 (170) (From Browns) Mistral Raymond DB - C

Played just okay when given the chance.

Round 6, Pick 7 (172) Brandon Fusco OL - C

Started a couple games when the starters went down with injury. Didn't embarass himself and showed some promise. Should at least provide some depth.

Round 6, Pick 35 (200) (Compensatory Selection) Ross Homan LB - F

Seemed worth the flier, but was released in early September.

Round 7, Pick 12 (215) D'Aundre Reed DL - D

On the roster, but never dressed.

Round 7, Pick 33 (236) (Compensatory Selection) Stephen Burton WR - F

Released in late November.

And that's how you get to be 3-13.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Skins:

1. Kerrigan--excellent pick. Didn't hit the "rookie wall", was a constant terror and playmaker.

2. Jarvis Kenkins--Was getting rave reviews before injury. IR all season.

3. Hankerson--Struggled with drops in preseason, but looked great the one start he got before getting IR'd.

4. Helu--Great pick. Another Shanahan RB success so far.

5. Dejon Gomes--played pretty well for a rookie in spot duty, decent coverage and pursuit. Got a couple starts. At least good S depth.

5. Niles Paul--Coaches love him. Developmental WR, great blocker, very physical, good ST's player.

6. Evan Royster--Two starts, two great games. Seems to be a gem for our offense.

6. Aldrick Robinson--struggled with muffing punts in PS. Practice Squad whole year until he was called up this week to avoid another team stealing him. IMO, threat to Banks' job next year. Developmental guy.

7. Chris Nield--played great the snaps he got. Future NT? Great depth pick, at least.

7. Marcus White--OLB depth, looked good in preseason, high motor. Question mark.

7. Maurice Hurt, G--Started multiple games for us. Good depth at least.

 

[marcobar11]

Chicago Bears 2011 Draft 1st Year Review:

Round 1, Pick 29: Gabe Carimi - OT Wisconsin: B. We'll get a better idea on the value of this pick in a year or two. He was lost for most of the season, so his ability to rebound from knee surgery will determine whether or not he was the right pick. I'm giving him a B, because for the short period of time he was healthy, he looked like our best lineman.

Round 2, Pick 30: Stephen Paea - DT Oregon State: B. He was inactive for the first half of the season but displayed great pass rush when given opportunities in the second half. I believe it takes defensive lineman a few years to develop into starting caliber NFL players, and Paea's contributions in 2011 exceeded expectations. His presence make DT a strength for the Bears (Melton, Okoye, Toeina, Adams).

Round 3, Pick 29: Chris Conte - S California: A. Probably the most controversial pick. Many believed that Conte could be had in the 6th or 7th round, but it was documented that many scouts knew his value and this was probably the right place for him to be picked. Some considered him the best free safety prospect in the draft, despite playing safety for only a year at Cal. Conte made an instant impact for the Bears at safety. With textbook tackling and solid coverage, he's looking like the Bears first reliable safety since Mike Brown.

Round 4, Pick 30: Pick traded to Washington in order to move up and draft Paea. This pick was originally offered to Baltimore to move up 2 spots in the first round and draft Carimi. There was a communication breakdown on the Bears end which caused the deal to fall through. While Jerry Angelo was apologetic to Baltimore, he was criticized for this inexcusable gaff. This pick was likely traded to Washington in an attempt to not feel responsible for giving Baltimore the pick after the fact. Something to keep in mind when evaluating the success of this draft.

Round 5, Pick 29: Nathan Enderle, QB Idaho: F. This was a Martz pick. Enderle looked horrendous in preseason action, and he was never considered to help the team as Hanie threw away playoff hopes. With Martz gone, Enderle likely doesn't have a role on the team next year.

Round 6, Pick 30: J.T. Thomas, OLB West Virginia: D-. Drafted for special teams, however, he was placed on IR before the season started. His injury wasn't considered serious, so it's likely that the Bears didn't see enough from him to save him a roster spot.

Round 7, Pick 29: Pick forfeited because of 7th round selection in 2010 Supplemental Draft (Harvey Unga - RB). Unga looked good in preseason, but he suddenly started missing practices for personal reasons. It turns out that football wasn't his highest priority. The Bears still hold the rights to Unga, but he is not expected to battle for a roster spot next year.

Overall grade after 1st year: C. Draft picks from rounds 1 through 3 look promising, however, picks from round 4 through 7 looks to be wasted. Draft blunders shed a negative light on Angelo's last draft for the Bears. Contributions from undrafted rookies (Sanzenbacher, DeCicco, Venable) were a plus.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Packer's choices:

RD 1 Derek Sherrod. Ended up on IR after breaking his leg. Couldn't win the job at LG in training camp. Looks like a OT only. Reports were he got much better as the season progressed until breaking his leg.

RD 2 Randall Cobb. Looks very good. Played his best WR a couple weeks ago vs KC.

RD 3 Alex Green. IR torn ACL. Was reportedly going to become a much larger part of the offense.

RD 4 Davon House. Made the roster, but is buried as the #6 CB. Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush are veterans that are quality special teams players.

RD 5 DJ Williams. Looks a bit lumbering, but has played some, and has good hands.

RD 6 Caleb Schlauderaff. Traded to Jets on cut down day.

RD 6 DJ Smith. Looks like a keeper. His play was a bit up and down, but made some eye popping plays when Bishop missed a number of games this year.

RD 6 Ricky Elmore. Bust. Never looked good.

RD 7 Ryan Taylor. Quality special teamer, and has a chance to become a solid backup type TE.

RD 7 Lawrence Guy. Stashed on IR early. Has a chance to be a backup type DE.

UDFA that made the 53.

Brandon Saine. Looks like a solid backup RB.

Vic So'oto. Limited, but plays with an edge.

Jamari Lattimore. Can't get on the field despite the struggles at OLB.

MD Jennings. Backup DB.

UDFA on practice squad.

Tori Gurley. Very likely to be the #5 WR next year. Catches everything.

Samson Genus. Best name in football.

Overall, so far it's a below average class for Thompson. I think Sherrod will become a quality LT, and Cobb will be very good too. DJ Smith could be an impact player as well. Outside of those three, its probably mostly backup type players.

 

[johnadams]

49ers. Overall, A. I saw a few analysts give them poor grades after the draft, which made no sense to me as I thought they did a great job of addressing their positions of need, namely, pass rush, CB, QB, and offensie play makers. Seems like Harbaugh and company knew a thing or two about Alex Smith that no one else did, allowing them to go with project QB (Kaepernick) rather than reach in the first round, allowing them to snag the best pass rusher in the draft.

1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A.

2 4 36 Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada B. Looks overwhelmed in the NFL, but with Harbaugh, still has a great shot at becoming an NFL QB. While Kaepernick isn't ready and by himself, gets an incomplete, the decision to wait on QB was very good considering who they got in the first.

3 16 80 Chris Culliver S/CB South Carolina B+. He has been very good as a big DB often drawing difficult coverages. Will challenge for starting role in 2012.

4 18 115 Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State B. A back-up RB with change of pace capabilities has shown flashes. Could become an "A" if he moves into starter, but for now, graded as a productive back-up, which is what you'd expect from a fourth round RB.

Rounds 5+ found mostly depth with practice squad/special teamers with all but one still on the niners roster. The pearl was Bruce Miller at 7.08, who played LB in college, but converted to FB and is now a versatile starter. For rounds 5+, I give a B, with Miller getting an A while the others are incomplete or Cs.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A.

Smith was quite highly touted coming out.

 

[Ilov80s]

1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A.

Smith was quite highly touted coming out.

Yeah, but he gained a lot of momentum during combine and pro days. For as great as he was at Mizzou, he received very little national attention.

 

[RUSF18]

1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A.

Smith was quite highly touted coming out.

Yeah, but he gained a lot of momentum during combine and pro days. For as great as he was at Mizzou, he received very little national attention.

I agree with this because I remember it as well. I'm not speaking of the typical draftnik types, and he was highly regarded by the personnel guys who break down film, but Smith seemed to be relatively unknown in the national media.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A.

Smith was quite highly touted coming out.

Yeah, but he gained a lot of momentum during combine and pro days. For as great as he was at Mizzou, he received very little national attention.

I agree with this because I remember it as well. I'm not speaking of the typical draftnik types, and he was highly regarded by the personnel guys who break down film, but Smith seemed to be relatively unknown in the national media.

Huh. Carry on then. :whoosh:

 

[Gatorman]

Miami Dolphins:

Round 1: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida

Starter from Day one and part of the reason that Bush was a 1000 yard back. The shotgun snap issue from UF ddin't really rear its ugly head.

Round 2: Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State

Had some mild ankle issues but was the yang to Bush's ying. Considering that Murray went after him and that Mallett was available I still call this a bad pick since they traded up to get him.

Round 4: Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian

While he is mainly returning kicks and seeing some spot duty at WR, the kid is fast. Coaching should help him move up to the next level.

Round 6: Charles Clay, TE/FB, Tulsa

Again, another raw speed guy, who looked good as the Hback/te for the phins. A keeper.

Round 7: Frank Kearse, NT, Alabama A&M

Do not think he made the roster or got injured.

Round 7: Jimmy Wilson, CB/S, Montana

A nice find in round 7. Played soem safety and CB and was a special teams maven. With some coaching he could be a slot CB or possibly a ball hawking safety

***All in all this was, in hindsight, an okay draft. Keeping their second and third rounder and getting murray and mallett wouold have been the better play. I hate when teams trade up for a postition that has plenty of guys out there (even with the lockout, you knew that McGahee, Brown, Williams, Deangelo williams, and a host of other RBs would be out there), and not saving the 3rd rounder for mallett is a flat out crime. Out of 6 picks however, you got 1 solid starter in pouncey, 3 soild future starters / primary backups in Gates, Clay, and Thomas, and special teams help with wilson with some upside.

Not terrible. b-

 

[The_Man]

I'll take a stab at the Ravens. Every pick made the team this year, which is pretty rare. Overall, I'll give them a B- with the chance for that grade to get much better, if #1 pick Jimmy Smith becomes a + player in the years ahead and #3 pick Jah Reid becomes a starter at RT, both of which seem pretty likely.

Round 1 (27) Jimmy Smith (CB) Colorado - tempted to give him an incomplete, since he missed so much of the season after getting injured on the opening kickoff of Week 1. But he is big and fast and very good in press coverage, though has been burned on some double moves. I'll give him a B- but expect that could rapidly become an A if he moves into the starting line-up next year. The biggest plus is that Smith plummeted on draft day because of "Character issues" and yet the guy has been a model citizen in Baltimore, which bodes well for the future.

Round 2 (58) Torrey Smith (WR) Maryland – B+. 50 catches, 841 yards, 7 TDs. Gives the Ravens the game-breaking threat they need and caught the game-winner in the final seconds vs. Pittsburgh. With Lee Evans being a total bust this year, I'm not sure where the Ravens would be without him.

Round 3 (85) Jah Reid (OT) Central Florida – C. Projects well for the future, but clearly wasn't ready for the starting RT job the Ravens thought about giving him. Instead, they signed McKinnie as a free agent.

Round 4 (123) Tandon Doss (WR) Indiana – D. Has only been active 4 or 5 times this season and has no catches. Supposedly has good hands, but looked terrible when the Boldin injury forced him into playing time in Week 16. Couldn't run routes, couldn't get past the jam at the line of scrimmage.

Round 5 (164) Chykie Brown (DB) Texas – C-. Made the team, but has contributed very little, including on special teams.

Round 5 (165) Pernell McPhee (DL) Mississippi State – B+. He's cooled down a little lately, maybe because other teams have begun to notice him, or he'd get an A. Still, 6 sacks as a designated pass rusher from the 3-4 DE position is impressive for a late 5th round pick. This guy will be a contributor for the Ravens for a long time. Other than Torrey Smith, this was their best pick of the year.

Round 6 (180) Tyrod Taylor (QB) Virginia Tech – B. Hasn't done anything in games, but apparently he's given the Ravens enough confidence to make him the only back-up QB on a 12-4 team. Pretty impressive accomplishment for a sixth-rounder.

Round 7 (225) Anthony Allen (RB) Georgia Tech – C-. Almost impossible to grade him, as he's only been active a few times and done nothing on the ground or special teams. But he's lasted all season on the roster, so I guess that's a fair grade for a 7th round pick.

 

[Ilov80s]

Detroit Lions: INC

1st Nick Fairley INC hasn't been healthy all season, but has shown enough flash to still have people excited.

2nd Titus Young: B- productive rookie season, not as explosive as DeSean Jackson, but a more polished WR, uses his body well, catches the ball away from his body, and is able to create separation even in 1-1 man coverage in the redzone. There were 6 rookie WRs to make a significant impact and he was one of them. He helped the offense and scored 6 TDs in the final 8 games (should have been a 7th in the GB game).

2nd Mikel Leshoure INC he was getting most of the 1st team reps before rupturing his Achiles. The good news is that it is pretty much <12 months before pro athletes are returning from the injury now. If he can't recover, Lions lose the pick and the picks they traded to move up for LeShoure

5th Doug Hogue LB Syracuse D he was taken as a special teams/developmental LB and that is how has played

7th Johnny Culbreath T South Carolina State INC IR the entire year

The thing that makes 2012 interesting for Detroit is that they essentially will bringing in 1.5 draft classes. There will be the players taken in 2012 and hopefully the first training camp and full seasons for LeShoure and Fairley.

 

[Donnybrook]

If I remember correctly Aldon Smith was placed in the 10-20 range of most mocks leading up to the draft while Marcell Dareus, D"Quan Bowers, Nick Fairly, and Robert Quinn were bouncing up and down in the top 10. People were a little surprised when the 49ers pick him at 7.

 

[The Hank]

Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 NFL Draft selections Draft order 	Player name 	Position 	Height 	Weight 	College 	Contract 	NotesRound 	Choice 	Overall1 	31 	31 	Cameron Heyward DE 	6'4" 	294 lbs. 	Ohio State 		        B: Mostly in a backup role, that is the standard for a 1st yr DE in LeBeau's system, good when contributing though2 	31 	63 	Marcus Gilbert 	OT 	6'6" 	330 lbs. 	Florida 		        B+: Currently starter at RT; there are some maturity issues but getting starting RT in 2nd rd not bad.3 	31 	95 	Curtis Brown 	CB 	6'0" 	184 lbs. 	Texas 		                C+: Special teams player that has potential starter skills, C+ so far but could be B+/A eventually4 	31 	128 	Cortez Allen 	CB 	6'1" 	197 lbs. 	The Citadel 		        C+: See Curtis Brown5 	31 	162 	Chris Carter 	LB 	6'1" 	248 lbs. 	Fresno State University         C-: Buried on depth chart/injured for majority of year so far		6 	31 	196 	Keith Williams 	OG 	6'5" 	310 lbs. 	University of Nebraska 		F: Was released by the Steelers on September 2, 2011.7 	29 	232 	Baron Batch 	RB 	5'11" 	205 lbs. 	Texas Tech University 		INC: Was placed on Injured Reserve (Foot)during preseason, showed promise in camp beforehand

 

[BassNBrew]

49ers. Overall, A. I saw a few analysts give them poor grades after the draft, which made no sense to me as I thought they did a great job of addressing their positions of need, namely, pass rush, CB, QB, and offensie play makers. Seems like Harbaugh and company knew a thing or two about Alex Smith that no one else did, allowing them to go with project QB (Kaepernick) rather than reach in the first round, allowing them to snag the best pass rusher in the draft.1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A. 2 4 36 Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada B. Looks overwhelmed in the NFL, but with Harbaugh, still has a great shot at becoming an NFL QB. While Kaepernick isn't ready and by himself, gets an incomplete, the decision to wait on QB was very good considering who they got in the first.3 16 80 Chris Culliver S/CB South Carolina B+. He has been very good as a big DB often drawing difficult coverages. Will challenge for starting role in 2012.4 18 115 Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State B. A back-up RB with change of pace capabilities has shown flashes. Could become an "A" if he moves into starter, but for now, graded as a productive back-up, which is what you'd expect from a fourth round RB.Rounds 5+ found mostly depth with practice squad/special teamers with all but one still on the niners roster. The pearl was Bruce Miller at 7.08, who played LB in college, but converted to FB and is now a versatile starter. For rounds 5+, I give a B, with Miller getting an A while the others are incomplete or Cs.

I can understand why you think the analysts were way off base when you give Kaepernick a B grade.

 

[wdubb]

Niners:

1.Aldon- A+

2.Kaep- N/A...cant evaluate a project QB based on garbage time and preseason. I do think we jumped the gun a bit by trading up.

3. Culliver- B-...started out well but lately has been really off in coverage, and in nickel situations now has Goldson (yes, FS Goldson) Brock and Spencer taking his time. Not sure if he's anything more than a nickel CB at this point.

4. Hunter- A...a very good RB this late in the draft is gold

5.Kilgore- C....gives us depth at guard but honestly...Snyder and Rachal are garbage and he isnt overtaking either of them...look for us to draft an interior lineman in 2012 in first or second round.

7. Bruce Miller, Central Florida- A-...great pickup this late

every other low pick has been meh, but they are really insignificant.

overall, very solid draft. A- which can become an A+ if kaep pans out or provides value.

 

[johnadams]

49ers. Overall, A. I saw a few analysts give them poor grades after the draft, which made no sense to me as I thought they did a great job of addressing their positions of need, namely, pass rush, CB, QB, and offensie play makers. Seems like Harbaugh and company knew a thing or two about Alex Smith that no one else did, allowing them to go with project QB (Kaepernick) rather than reach in the first round, allowing them to snag the best pass rusher in the draft.1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A. 2 4 36 Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada B. Looks overwhelmed in the NFL, but with Harbaugh, still has a great shot at becoming an NFL QB. While Kaepernick isn't ready and by himself, gets an incomplete, the decision to wait on QB was very good considering who they got in the first.3 16 80 Chris Culliver S/CB South Carolina B+. He has been very good as a big DB often drawing difficult coverages. Will challenge for starting role in 2012.4 18 115 Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State B. A back-up RB with change of pace capabilities has shown flashes. Could become an "A" if he moves into starter, but for now, graded as a productive back-up, which is what you'd expect from a fourth round RB.Rounds 5+ found mostly depth with practice squad/special teamers with all but one still on the niners roster. The pearl was Bruce Miller at 7.08, who played LB in college, but converted to FB and is now a versatile starter. For rounds 5+, I give a B, with Miller getting an A while the others are incomplete or Cs.

I can understand why you think the analysts were way off base when you give Kaepernick a B grade.

My grade isn't for Kaep himself, but rather how they handled the pick and their assessment of their need at QB as it relates to the draft. I clearly say that Kaep himself gets an incomplete. But I think the niners did a very good job in realizing that Harbaugh could get more out of Smith than the previous coaches and rather than using a first round pick on their biggest perceived need, they took Aldon Smith, opting for a project at QB specifically because they believed that Alex Smith could be good enough. And whether or not they actually thought Alex would be good enough is beside the point. That's how it ended up, so, yes, I think they handled it well in retrospect when many draft analysts downgraded them specifically for not addressing their QB needs in the first.

 

[wdubb]

49ers. Overall, A. I saw a few analysts give them poor grades after the draft, which made no sense to me as I thought they did a great job of addressing their positions of need, namely, pass rush, CB, QB, and offensie play makers. Seems like Harbaugh and company knew a thing or two about Alex Smith that no one else did, allowing them to go with project QB (Kaepernick) rather than reach in the first round, allowing them to snag the best pass rusher in the draft.

1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A.

2 4 36 Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada B. Looks overwhelmed in the NFL, but with Harbaugh, still has a great shot at becoming an NFL QB. While Kaepernick isn't ready and by himself, gets an incomplete, the decision to wait on QB was very good considering who they got in the first.

3 16 80 Chris Culliver S/CB South Carolina B+. He has been very good as a big DB often drawing difficult coverages. Will challenge for starting role in 2012.

4 18 115 Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State B. A back-up RB with change of pace capabilities has shown flashes. Could become an "A" if he moves into starter, but for now, graded as a productive back-up, which is what you'd expect from a fourth round RB.

Rounds 5+ found mostly depth with practice squad/special teamers with all but one still on the niners roster. The pearl was Bruce Miller at 7.08, who played LB in college, but converted to FB and is now a versatile starter. For rounds 5+, I give a B, with Miller getting an A while the others are incomplete or Cs.

I can understand why you think the analysts were way off base when you give Kaepernick a B grade.

My grade isn't for Kaep himself, but rather how they handled the pick and their assessment of their need at QB as it relates to the draft. I clearly say that Kaep himself gets an incomplete. But I think the niners did a very good job in realizing that Harbaugh could get more out of Smith than the previous coaches and rather than using a first round pick on their biggest perceived need, they took Aldon Smith, opting for a project at QB specifically because they believed that Alex Smith could be good enough. And whether or not they actually thought Alex would be good enough is beside the point. That's how it ended up, so, yes, I think they handled it well in retrospect when many draft analysts downgraded them specifically for not addressing their QB needs in the first.

I dont think analysts downgraded the draft because of not addressing QB needs. I think it was more about taking what was perceived as an upside/project player in Aldon too early knowing there are bigger holes elsewhere. Personally, I really wanted a CB in the first, and thank god we found a great cover corner in Rogers because otherwise this secondary would be much, much worse.

 

[BassNBrew]

Round Selection Player Position College

1 1 Cam Newton Quarterback Auburn

2 no pick

3 65 Terrell McClain Defensive Tackle South Florida

3 97 Sione Fua Defensive Tackle Stanford

4 98 Brandon Hogan Cornerback West Virginia

5 132 Kealoha Pilares Wide Receiver Hawaii

6 166 Lawrence Wilson Outside Linebacker Connecticut

6 203 Zachary Williams Center Washington State

7 [c]

7 244 Lee Ziemba Offensive Tackle Auburn

Basically Cam Newton and a whole lot of junk. Hogan was a 3rd stringer in a horrible unit. Pilaares returned kicks. McClain and Fua sucked before going to IR. Ziembe made third string. The rest were cut or on IR.

 

[smackdaddies]

Packer's choices:RD 1 Derek Sherrod. Ended up on IR after breaking his leg. Couldn't win the job at LG in training camp. Looks like a OT only. Reports were he got much better as the season progressed until breaking his leg. RD 2 Randall Cobb. Looks very good. Played his best WR a couple weeks ago vs KC.RD 3 Alex Green. IR torn ACL. Was reportedly going to become a much larger part of the offense. RD 4 Davon House. Made the roster, but is buried as the #6 CB. Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush are veterans that are quality special teams players. RD 5 DJ Williams. Looks a bit lumbering, but has played some, and has good hands.RD 6 Caleb Schlauderaff. Traded to Jets on cut down day.RD 6 DJ Smith. Looks like a keeper. His play was a bit up and down, but made some eye popping plays when Bishop missed a number of games this year.RD 6 Ricky Elmore. Bust. Never looked good.RD 7 Ryan Taylor. Quality special teamer, and has a chance to become a solid backup type TE.RD 7 Lawrence Guy. Stashed on IR early. Has a chance to be a backup type DE.UDFA that made the 53.Brandon Saine. Looks like a solid backup RB.Vic So'oto. Limited, but plays with an edge.Jamari Lattimore. Can't get on the field despite the struggles at OLB.MD Jennings. Backup DB.UDFA on practice squad.Tori Gurley. Very likely to be the #5 WR next year. Catches everything.Samson Genus. Best name in football.Overall, so far it's a below average class for Thompson. I think Sherrod will become a quality LT, and Cobb will be very good too. DJ Smith could be an impact player as well. Outside of those three, its probably mostly backup type players.

Cobb could be a star. Sherrod looks like a starting tackle. Thats a good draft right there - then you count the fact that six of their draft picks are on roster of a team that won the superbowl (plus Caleb is playing for the Jets, so that was a decent pick) and four UDFA made the roster of 53. I would say that is a pretty good draft, even without a "home run"Think about it - 10 players either drafted/udfa made the roster. The roster of the reining super bowl champs. That is a pretty good draft.

 

[Premier]

Tampa Bay

Adrian Clayborne: A -- 7.5 sacks and really played great the second half of the year. One of the very few defensive players who could say that. I think he has stud potential.

Daquan Bowers: C -- INC may be better since he didn't get many snaps till about game 12, but he flashed some real power and skill. Again, I think he'll be a good one, but there's a long ways to go.

Mason Foster: B -- unfair to make him the starting MLB and play-caller from day 1. He just wasn't ready for it, not should he have been. Raheem's dumbest mistake. But he too flashed a lot of talent...at least some good came out of this year. But I think he gets switched outside under a new coach.

Luke Stocker: D -- probably should be an F. Did nothing all year, was hurt a lot and never really produced when he was out there. Did look like he's going to be a good edge blocker at least.

None of the other players they drafted after this point did anything. I'm actually pretty happy with this draft, despite the horrific season. At least 3 present/future starters here.

 

[gsmayes]

2nd Titus Young: B- productive rookie season, not as explosive as DeSean Jackson, but a more polished WR, uses his body well, catches the ball away from his body, and is able to create separation even in 1-1 man coverage in the redzone. There were 6 rookie WRs to make a significant impact and he was one of them. He helped the offense and scored 6 TDs in the final 8 games (should have been a 7th in the GB game).

I think this is low. Hasn't looked like a rookie even after missing training camp.

 

[Ilov80s]

2nd Titus Young: B- productive rookie season, not as explosive as DeSean Jackson, but a more polished WR, uses his body well, catches the ball away from his body, and is able to create separation even in 1-1 man coverage in the redzone. There were 6 rookie WRs to make a significant impact and he was one of them. He helped the offense and scored 6 TDs in the final 8 games (should have been a 7th in the GB game).

I think this is low. Hasn't looked like a rookie even after missing training camp.

I guess, I think a B- is a good grade. I love Titus. People here are pretty liberal in their evaluations. Adrian Clayborn an A? I am sorry, A is for guys that are immediate Pro Bowl level. B-to me is a productive regular role on team with room to grow. He could be more, but so can every rookie. I can only grade him from what he has actually done.

 

[GregR]

Texans

1st round:

DE J.J. Watt. Pro Bowl alternate as a rookie. 56 tackles, 5.5 sacks, with 3 more I can recall off the top of my head taken away by poor calls. I believe he led the league in passes batted down at the line. Looks like a very solid pick. Grade: A

2nd round:

OLB Brooks Reed. 44 tackles and 6 sacks in 11 starts replacing Mario Williams. Provided consistent pressure early on when teams moved the double team elsewhere after Mario was out, forcing them to focus on him which opened up things for Connor Barwin again. Another solid pick. Grade: A-/B+

CB Brandon Harris. Defensive back who hasn't contributed at all. 1 tackle on the season. Could have used that 2nd round more wisely on a WR who could serve as a kick returner (Cobb was the next WR to go, oy), but then at the time it seemed like DB was a bigger need so I won't downgrade them much for that. Grade: D-

4th round:

CB Rashad Carmichael. Went on IR in September. Grade: Incomplete

5th round

S Shiloh Keo Signed to practice squad, then activated when Manning was hurt. Has been the punt returner a few times but only had 1 return. Don't know that he has a future as anything more than a special teamer. Grade: C

QB TJ Yates Has shown enough there's a good chance he can be a long term solution to back up Schaub, with at least the potential to one day develop into a starter. For a 5th round pick who already looks better than a QB that was taken top ten, very good. Grade: A

7th round:

OT/OG Derek Newton. O-line, still with the team, too early to say really. He played some week 17 but I didn't get a chance to check how he specifically did. Worth at least a C if he's still with the team as a 7th round pick. Grade: C

LB Cheta Ozougwu Mr. Irrelevant. Cut before the season started. Grade: D

UDFA:

LB Bryan Braman, WR Lestar Jean, WR Jeff Maehl. Braman looks like a guy who could end up being a solid backup LB as well as performing on special teams. Jean and Maehl have a ways to go to see playing time at WR, but are at least still with the team. Maehl was activated after Mason was cut.



Final grade: B+.

 

[eakfootball]

Patriots

1-Nate Solder: A-

2-Ras I Dowling: C-

2-Shane Vereen:C-

3-Stevan Ridley: B+

3-Ryan Mallett: N/A

5-Marcus Cannon: B

5-Lee Smith: F

6-Markell Carter: D

7-Malcolm Williams: D

Overall grade: C

I'l add comments to each player a little later.

 

[dwarfboy]

Falcons B

1.06 Julio Jones WR - A+ Considering picks traded he better be at least an A.

3.27 Akeem Dent LB - B Hasn't done much in a strong LB corps. Good against run.

5.14 Jaquizz Rogers - B Good value in 5th round, needed a speed back.

6.27 Matt Bosher K/P - C Needs to get leg stronger so kickoffs are touch backs and punts are deeper.

7.07 Andrew Jackson G - injured

7.27 Cliff Matthews DE - wait and see. Buried on depth chart behind several quality DEs

UDFA

Darrin Walls CB and special teams

Kevin Cone WR 4.4 40 and 6'3" WR and special teams prospect

traded picks

(1.26, 2.27 and 4.27 for Julio Jones at 1.06) plus 2012 1st and 4th (picks 1.21 and 4.21 or later depending on finish)

(5.27 and 7.26 for Jaquizz Rogers at 5.14)

1.26 to KC through CLE Jonathan Baldwin WR picked.

2.27 to CLE Greg Little WR picked.

4.27 to CLE Owen Marecic picked.

5.27 to Rams Jermale Hines picked.

7.26 to Rams Jonathan Nelson picked.

 

[The_Man]

Round 2 (58) Torrey Smith (WR) Maryland – B+. 50 catches, 841 yards, 7 TDs. Gives the Ravens the game-breaking threat they need and caught the game-winner in the final seconds vs. Pittsburgh. With Lee Evans being a total bust this year, I'm not sure where the Ravens would be without him.

1.06 Julio Jones WR - A+ Considering picks traded he better be at least an A.

Maybe I'm a hard grader. Jones had 4 more catches, 158 more yards, and one more TD than Smith and was picked 50 spots higher. Though I would have given Smith an A if he hadn't come up a little small in the last couple weeks when Boldin was on the shelf, so maybe Jones earned the better grade by finishing his season on such an up note.

 

[bigmarc27]

Falcons B1.06 Julio Jones WR - A+ Considering picks traded he better be at least an A.3.27 Akeem Dent LB - B Hasn't done much in a strong LB corps. Good against run.5.14 Jaquizz Rogers - B Good value in 5th round, needed a speed back. 6.27 Matt Bosher K/P - C Needs to get leg stronger so kickoffs are touch backs and punts are deeper. 7.07 Andrew Jackson G - injured7.27 Cliff Matthews DE - wait and see. Buried on depth chart behind several quality DEsUDFA Darrin Walls CB and special teamsKevin Cone WR 4.4 40 and 6'3" WR and special teams prospecttraded picks(1.26, 2.27 and 4.27 for Julio Jones at 1.06) plus 2012 1st and 4th (picks 1.21 and 4.21 or later depending on finish)(5.27 and 7.26 for Jaquizz Rogers at 5.14)1.26 to KC through CLE Jonathan Baldwin WR picked.2.27 to CLE Greg Little WR picked.4.27 to CLE Owen Marecic picked.5.27 to Rams Jermale Hines picked.7.26 to Rams Jonathan Nelson picked.

I know it was unpopular at the time and probably still is pretty unpopular, but I like the trade for Julio and I agree with your grades except I might bump Dent down a slight notch and bump Bosher up (was terrible early, but gotten much better).On the Juilio trade since this is all that will be talked about from here on out (much like what ended up being the Vick/Tomlinson trade) - 2 quick points:1. The Falcons have a window to win now. Are they as good as the Packers? No. Are they as good as the Saints? No. Other than those two, I don't see any team out there and think "they're way better than the Falcons, we need a miracle." Even the Packers and the Saints are beatable under the right conditions, so it's at the point where you don't need wholesale changes you need a few extra special plays a game and they made a move to make that happen. Greg Little or Jonathan Baldwin or whomever they might have taken could be a superstar one day, but would any of you want that person opposite Roddy White in the playoffs this Saturday? I would not, but I love our chances with Julio over there, so in my mind the trade is already paying dividends.2. Trades are about to get more expensive in the NFL - it's simple economics. The real value cost that goes along with a top pick is not nearly as high and their value is more now, so quantity/talent will have to subsidize. It seemed over the top because it was the first big trade under the new agreement, but it's about to become closer to the norm. If I only have to pay the top draft pick $22M (Cam Newton) instead of $78M (Sam Bradford) under the old agreement, you know I'm going to want more compensation to move down in the draft. The risk of missing on the pick is much less greater than it was and the opportunity cost of missing out of the next stud is too great.Trades like these will be the new norm - teams close will make the push and teams needing wholesale change will pillage and horde draft picks (like Cleveland did, and the trade made great sense for them). If for whatever reason the Colts decide to trade the top pick, it'll make the Ricky Williams trade that Ditka made look like a steal of a deal. That is all.

 

[Shermdog4444]

Round Selection Player Position College

1 1 Cam Newton Quarterback Auburn

This pick alone should make the grade for the whole draft an A

2 no pick

First pick in the second around wasted to trade up in the previous year for Armanti Edwards who has not looked good F--

3 65 Terrell McClain Defensive Tackle South Florida

played most of the year and showed flashes of being able to get penetration. Needs a full offseason to be evaluated better. For now C+

3 97 Sione Fua Defensive Tackle Stanford

started most of year and did not show much. Again, should get a full offeseason before being written off. For now C-

4 98 Brandon Hogan Cornerback West Virginia

had offseason surgery that kept him out until week 15 I think. Supposedly the coaching staff are beleivers in him and in his limited time has looked promising B

5 132 Kealoha Pilares Wide Receiver Hawaii

Was the first Panther to return a kick for a TD since 2001 I think. Has shown flashes as a KR still developing as WR. C+

6 166 Lawrence Wilson Outside Linebacker Connecticut

Havnt heard much about him F

6 203 Zachary Williams Center Washington State

Tore his ACL in training camp D-

7 [c]

7 244 Lee Ziemba Offensive Tackle Auburn

I think he showed promis as a backup RT in Training camp. Think he is now on the Practice Squad D

Basically Cam Newton and a whole lot of junk. Hogan was a 3rd stringer in a horrible unit. Pilaares returned kicks. McClain and Fua sucked before going to IR. Ziembe made third string. The rest were cut or on IR.

I dont think you can call them junk. McClain, Hogan and Pilares all showed potential and should improve greatly with a full ofseason. Even if they didn't though the draft overall would get an A soley for the drafting of Cam Newton a franchise QB for the next ten to fifteen years!

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Round 1, Pick 3 (3)

Marcell Dareus - DT - Alabama - A

A part of me wants to lower his grade because I find myself comparing him to Suh. He's not the same monster as Suh. Dareus is still going to need a little time learning to be dominant. But he has shown the ability to be just as dominant as any DL in the league. There's a good chance the Bills will switch back to the 4-3 next year and Dareus will be playing next to Kyle Williams as a DT. I think that is where Dareus belongs and where you will see him be the talent he can be.

Round 2, Pick 2 (34)

Aaron Williams - DB - Texas - B+

Williams struggled with some injuries during the year but showed he can be a succesful corner at the NFL level. A lot of people thought he would be too big or too slow to play corner but he is proving them wrong. Williams will be one of the Bills top 2 corners next year. I don't think he'll ever be a shut down pro bowl kind of DB, but he will make a very good starter for years to come.

Round 3, Pick 4 (68)

Kelvin Sheppard - LB - LSU - B

Didn't get a start until week 8 but he showed great tackling ability from the start. The Bills are going to need him to work on his coverage skills but he should continue to help us against the run. If the Bills do switch to a 4-3 I wonder where he could play. Not sure if him or Barnett would switch over to OLB, but either way, he looks like a starter on that D for years to come.

Round 4, Pick 3 (100)

Da'Norris Searcy - DB - North Carolina - C

The Bills coaching staff love this guy. I don't think the Bills planned on having in my opinion one of the best SS's in the game with Wilson, but Searcy has shown good ability. He is more of a in the box saftey. He can be a liability in the passing game and will need to work on his covering but showed promise in his rookie year.

Round 4, Pick 25 (122) (From Seahawks)

Chris Hairston - OL - Clemson - B+

Some people might not agree with me on this grade but I think the Bills see him as a full time starter on this team. He came in and started games at LT and looked good for a rookie. I would not mind the Bills still drafting a stud LT in the draft but if we pass on one I could see Hairston being a decent starter there. If not I think he could slide over to RT and be an upgrade over Pears and stick there for quite a while.

Round 5, Pick 2 (133)

Johnny White - RB - North Carolina - D

I think he has some ability and he could eventually be a decent player in the NFL. But he really disappointed me when he got a chance to play this year when Freddie went down. White had a great opportunity and he looked below average. He'll never be a starter but maybe he can continue to make the team with his special teams abilities. In the near future he'll have to be behind Freddie, Spiller and probably Choice if we bring him back.

Round 6, Pick 4 (169)

Chris White - LB - Mississippi St. - D

Before White got hurt and placed on IR I thought he was making some great plays on Specail Teams. I don't think he will ever be a starter in this league but I think he will continue to be on the Bills roster as long as he continues to make plays on ST.

Round 7, Pick 3 (206)

Justin Rogers - DB - Richmond - D+

Coming out of Richmond the Bills staff knew he was going to be a project. He didn't see the field much as a DB but really gave the return game new life later in the year. I keep hearing the Bills staff likes Rogers and his ability. Let's see if they can coach him up and get him on the field as a DB. Until then maybe he can be our primary return man and continue to make plays like he did late in the year.

Round 7, Pick 42 (245)

Michael Jasper - DT - Bethel (TN) - Incomplete

I don't like giving incompletes but with this guy you almost have to. Jasper was the guy that was drafted at 400 pounds. While playing at Bethel his wieght was up to 440. Even though the guy is as big as he is he moves like someone who is 150 lbs less. Great athletic ability for someone his size and the Bills are in love with that. We drafted him to be a plug the middle kind of NT. With his size it was intriguing. But he didn't pan out and the Bills switched him back to his normal position at guard. He was on the practice squad all year but I look for him to make an impact next year. If this guy hit he could be a stud with his size and athleticism.

 

[Multiple Scores]

1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE Missouri A++++. THE missing piece of the defense and hugely impacting already despite several "who?" when he was drafted (myself included). Niners could have drafted nothing but duds after this pick and still get an A.

Smith was quite highly touted coming out.

Everyone here is right in here. When the 49ers made the pick, the draft guys on TV ripped the pick, gave it a big thumbs down. Also when the grades came out in the following days the 49ers were getting D's and F's and the Aldon Smith pick was a "headscratcher" and a "crap pick".A big fuss was made that they screwed the pooch on Aldon and Gabbert was the right pick. Suck it draft geeks.

 

[Stewy]

UDFA:

LB Bryan Braman, WR Lestar Jean, WR Jeff Maehl. Braman looks like a guy who could end up being a solid backup LB as well as performing on special teams. Jean and Maehl have a ways to go to see playing time at WR, but are at least still with the team. Maehl was activated after Mason was cut.



Final grade: B+.

Jean would be on the roster if he hadn't gotten hurt. He looked phenomenal in the preseason.

 

[Shlon]

Round 2 (58) Torrey Smith (WR) Maryland – B+. 50 catches, 841 yards, 7 TDs. Gives the Ravens the game-breaking threat they need and caught the game-winner in the final seconds vs. Pittsburgh. With Lee Evans being a total bust this year, I'm not sure where the Ravens would be without him.

1.06 Julio Jones WR - A+ Considering picks traded he better be at least an A.

Maybe I'm a hard grader. Jones had 4 more catches, 158 more yards, and one more TD than Smith and was picked 50 spots higher. Though I would have given Smith an A if he hadn't come up a little small in the last couple weeks when Boldin was on the shelf, so maybe Jones earned the better grade by finishing his season on such an up note.

Julio had that in 3 less games (more like 4 and a half games with the time he missed leaving early in games), projected over 16 games, it wouldn't have been close.

 

[JaxBill]

Jaguars

Round 1 - QB Blaine Gabbert - C I'm sure some will say I'm being kind with this grade but frankly until we see what he can do with better receivers and a settled coaching situation I think it's too early to write him off as a bust yet. I can see the argument though for an F in the fact that they gave up a second to go up and get him when Dalton was still there, though.

Round 3 - G Will Rackley (Lehigh) - B- He was thrust into a starting spot early and looked totally overmatched. His play seemed to improve as the year went on, though so we'll see what another year experience does for him.

Round 4 - WR Cecil Shorts (Mt. Union)- D Perhaps the most disappointing of the draft picks. Given every opportunity to make a statement and he failed. Decent hands but can't get separation and his route-running wasn't great either. On a team starving for WR, this was the only one they drafted.

Round 4 - S Chris Prosinski (Wyoming) - D Due to injuries, he had plenty of playing opportunities. Looked slow and often out of position. Not the best of tacklers either.

Round 5 - CB Rod Isaac (Mid Tenn State) - C Projected as a possible nickelback, Isaac looked okay but not spectacular before going on IR.

 

[Warrior]

Loving how the 'skins traded down multiple times to take one of the best young LBs in the game, while passing multiple times on the 'franchise QB' Blaine Gabbert.

A+ just for that...awesome job Shanny.

 

[QuizGuy66]

The Bengals have gotten next to nothing out of anyone drafted beyond round 2, but they hit such obvious home runs with Green and Dalton that nobody will (or should) care.Green A+Dalton AMoch Hurt, D? More likely incomplete.Boling C, It seemed like the coaches liked him and he made the first few starts, but now they've gone in another direction with Williams hurt at his position.Sands F, Was pretty awful in the preseason and I don't even think he's been on STeams. Could really use the DB depth.Whalen B, Decent receiver and special teamer. Works for 6th rd.Finley C, Had a shot before Benson was brought back and Peerman is too good at STeams to beat out.Lindsey F, Cut almost immediately IIRC and went somewhere else forcing Bengals to trade for CB depth instead.Rounds 3-6 there has been a who's who of the Bengals inactive list the last month.

Green and Dalton would probably make the entire draft an "A"...anytime you can get 2 players in one draft to fill 2 of the most important spots on your offense you are doing pretty good.

I agree, and the book is still out on some of the others.-QG

 

[solorca]

Round Selection Player Position College

1 1 Cam Newton Quarterback Auburn

2 no pick

3 65 Terrell McClain Defensive Tackle South Florida

3 97 Sione Fua Defensive Tackle Stanford

4 98 Brandon Hogan Cornerback West Virginia

5 132 Kealoha Pilares Wide Receiver Hawaii

6 166 Lawrence Wilson Outside Linebacker Connecticut

6 203 Zachary Williams Center Washington State

7 [c]

7 244 Lee Ziemba Offensive Tackle Auburn

Basically Cam Newton and a whole lot of junk. Hogan was a 3rd stringer in a horrible unit. Pilaares returned kicks. McClain and Fua sucked before going to IR. Ziembe made third string. The rest were cut or on IR.

I think the Hogan comment is a little off. He was coming off an injury and only got a chance to play late in the season after coming off the PUP list. I think his role will grow in the next year, as he looked pretty good in his limited role this season.

Sua and McClain didn't perform great, but as rookie defensive lineman, it's going to take a little while to develop.

Pilares added a nice spark in the return game, which is exactly what he was drafted for. I am quite pleased with that pickup.

Lee Ziemba actually played pretty well in his limited opportunities as well, which is about all you can ask for with a 7th round pick. He appears to be a keeper.

Overall, I give the Panthers a solid B+, hinged mostly on Cam Newton and Pilares, but with a couple other potential bright spots as the team moves into next season.

 

[saintfool]

Chicago Bears 2011 Draft 1st Year Review:

Round 3, Pick 29: Chris Conte - S California: A. Probably the most controversial pick. Many believed that Conte could be had in the 6th or 7th round, but it was documented that many scouts knew his value and this was probably the right place for him to be picked. Some considered him the best free safety prospect in the draft, despite playing safety for only a year at Cal. Conte made an instant impact for the Bears at safety. With textbook tackling and solid coverage, he's looking like the Bears first reliable safety since Mike Brown.

To be fair, that's because he's incredibly deep in coverage. you have time to think, pick your angle of pursuit and limber up for the tackle when you're playing 20+ yards off the LoS. the way they used him, NO ONE was going over the top of the bears.

 

[qimqam]

Giants

1 Amukamara, Prince CB missed half the season with foot injury - Personally think he is a potential bust - to Short to cover today's WRs ... gets on the field so C-

2 Austin, Marvin DT missed entire season - Was getting rave reviews before injury ... think he is going to be very good- Incomplete

3 Jernigan, Jerrel WR Had huge problems fielding punts early, looked indecisive, got a little better toward the end - bad pick D+

4 Brewer, James OL Backup OL depth with Big potential (incomplete)

6 Jones, Greg LB Good pick, Good special teams, started 5 games as rookie, given great opportunity but a little disappointing. B-

6 Sash, Tyler SS Another good special teams player, good depth at S ... can hit but slow and can't cover - C

6 Williams,Jacquian LB Probably the best pick of their draft - 6th on team in tackles, very athletic, great cover guy. A

7 Scott, Da'Rel RB Real Fast ... Has showed big play potential and returns kicks - C+

All draft picks made the team ... 6 of 8 are contributing as rookies. No Superstars but a few potential starters and very good depth.

Overall C+ to B-

 

[Ilov80s]

Round 2 (58) Torrey Smith (WR) Maryland – B+. 50 catches, 841 yards, 7 TDs. Gives the Ravens the game-breaking threat they need and caught the game-winner in the final seconds vs. Pittsburgh. With Lee Evans being a total bust this year, I'm not sure where the Ravens would be without him.

1.06 Julio Jones WR - A+ Considering picks traded he better be at least an A.

Maybe I'm a hard grader. Jones had 4 more catches, 158 more yards, and one more TD than Smith and was picked 50 spots higher. Though I would have given Smith an A if he hadn't come up a little small in the last couple weeks when Boldin was on the shelf, so maybe Jones earned the better grade by finishing his season on such an up note.

Julio had that in 3 less games (more like 4 and a half games with the time he missed leaving early in games), projected over 16 games, it wouldn't have been close.

Ofcourse Julio is better than Smith, but how much better? Worth the picks they gave away to get Julio? Since they already had White, was it a smart pick to trade up for Julio instead of a pass rusher like Aldon Smith or Nick Fairley?

 

[Boston]

Patriots1-Nate Solder: A-2-Ras I Dowling: C-2-Shane Vereen:C-3-Stevan Ridley: B+3-Ryan Mallett: N/A5-Marcus Cannon: B5-Lee Smith: F6-Markell Carter: D7-Malcolm Williams: DOverall grade: CI'l add comments to each player a little later.

Solder (A-)-Looks like a high-quality LT for the next decade...Dowling (C-)-Looked good in limited play...the issue is he had an injury-prone label coming out of UVA and ended the year on the IR...Vereen (D)-This grade can go up in a big way next year because you can see a lot of talent in his brief moments...that being said they got almost nothing out of a second round pick...Ridley (B-)-I like this kid a lot...a lot of upside here but you can only grade him so high with the amount of touches they gave him...Mallett (B)-I give him this grade because I didn't hear one bad thing about him this year and attitude was the biggest knock on him...in reality it's tough to really grade him since he didn't see the field...it will be interesting to see if he moves up to the #2 role next year...Cannon (B)-Gotta give this kid a high grade...in a year where he wasn't expected to play due to a serious illness he's playing and not looking out of place at all...there's a good chance he becomes a starter in the not so distant future...Smith (F)-Looked out of place from day 1...Carter (D-)-Drafted as a project and still on practice-squad...Williams (D-)-Was cut but now on the 53 man roster...the fact he's in uniform during the playoffs (at least as of today) means he doesn't get a F...This really is a draft for the future as Solder, Cannon and Dowling could all be starting next year and it wouldn't surpise anyone if Vereen and Ridley were on top of the RB depth as well...looking at it that way this could be a very productive draft (they also obtained a 2012 #1 and #2)...the issue with this draft is it didn't help a poor D at all and since Brady isn't getting any younger it would have been nice to get a little more bang for the buck in 2011 since they had about 35 draft picks going into the draft...

 

[Shlon]

Round 2 (58) Torrey Smith (WR) Maryland – B+. 50 catches, 841 yards, 7 TDs. Gives the Ravens the game-breaking threat they need and caught the game-winner in the final seconds vs. Pittsburgh. With Lee Evans being a total bust this year, I'm not sure where the Ravens would be without him.

1.06 Julio Jones WR - A+ Considering picks traded he better be at least an A.

Maybe I'm a hard grader. Jones had 4 more catches, 158 more yards, and one more TD than Smith and was picked 50 spots higher. Though I would have given Smith an A if he hadn't come up a little small in the last couple weeks when Boldin was on the shelf, so maybe Jones earned the better grade by finishing his season on such an up note.

Julio had that in 3 less games (more like 4 and a half games with the time he missed leaving early in games), projected over 16 games, it wouldn't have been close.

Ofcourse Julio is better than Smith, but how much better? Worth the picks they gave away to get Julio? Since they already had White, was it a smart pick to trade up for Julio instead of a pass rusher like Aldon Smith or Nick Fairley?

Atlanta Falcons needed a WR to take some pressure off of Roddy White and it was well worth it. At the time it seemed like a steep price to pay but after seeing what Julio can do, I would do the trade again.

 

[southeastjerome]

Loving how the 'skins traded down multiple times to take one of the best young LBs in the game, while passing multiple times on the 'franchise QB' Blaine Gabbert.A+ just for that...awesome job Shanny.

Not to mention Jarvis Jenkins in the 2nd was looking like a steal until he tore his ACL in the preseason. Hankerson had two nice games and then landed on IR. Dejon Gomes started several games and was ok, Niles Paul probably will never be a stud WR, but he was an above average blocker in year 1 and a very good teams player. Royster and Helu both showed major flashes. All said, they should have at least 5 players in this draft that are major contributors going forward.