Andy Dufresne's draft grades. Off the top of my head. (1 Viewer)

[Andy Dufresne]

Yes, I know we need to wait three years to be able to tell anything.

This is just my initial impressions based on my own predjudices and with no real guidlines other than these:

A - Franchise changing

B - Improved the team

C - Neither got better nor worse

D - Got worse

F - Ensured a top 10 pick next year

Please remember - I'm just a guy, sitting at his computer, bored at work.

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Arizona - C

Got what they needed in DRC.

Took a player that I didn't like for a 4-3 end, but may be a find for the 3-4 in Campbell

Protected themselves with Doucet if they lose Boldin sometime soon.

Atlanta - C+/B-

Closing the door on the Vick era was an "A" move.

Baker is a big question mark but has talent and they needed a lineman.

Lofton could be a stud.

Jackson and DeCoud should improve the secondary.

Just feels like they could have done better.

Baltimore - C

Not a fan of Flacco. Less of a fan of trading up for him.

Rice is good for a RBBC.

Gooden/Zbikowski/Cousins give decent depth.

Buffalo - C-

First two picks are fine and Ellis is a nice situational pass rusher in the Darryl Tapp role.

The rest is a strange collection.

Carolina - C+/B-

Got four starters with the first four picks but paid for it.

Chicago - B+

Really like the first seven picks. Barton may be a find.

Drafting a QB, ANY QB, would have made this an "A".

Cincinnati - B-

Love that they stuck to their guns and shot them at #85 with the WR selections.

Sims & Collins were value.

Boooooo! on taking another character risk.

Cleveland - B

Got more for their first two picks in trade than if they'd made them themselves.

Bell & Rubin improves their defense. Rubin was talked about going much earlier so good value.

Dallas - B-

I like the picks of Jones/Jenkins/Choice/Scandrick. Two quality CBs and a potential replacement for Barber if he wants too much money.

Is Bennett so much better than Fasano that it was worth burning a 2nd for him?

Denver - C

First two picks are solid. Barrett may be a steal in the 7th.

Even with the trade for Robertson, they could have used more for the d-line. Still trying to polish a turd with the RBs.

Detroit - C+/B-

First five picks are all justifiable even if Cherlius was a strange pick. Love the Avril selection.

Still don't seem capable of identifying late round talent.

Green Bay - B

All around solid. Seemingly drafted clones of their vets - Driver/Nelson, Rodgers/Brohm, Harris/Lee, Lee/Finley, KGB/Thompson

Houston - C+/B-

Kudos for making me a prophet with the Duane Brown pick.

Good guys to develop for a run two years from now. I think Slaton was a reach.

Indianapolis - B-

They don't rebuild, just reload. Got 2 of the 3 top centers, which adds to o-line depth.

Hart is a warrior I like and it doesn't look like they'll miss Utecht.

Jacksonville - C

Like the d-ends, don't like the price.

Still thin at DT and WR.

Kansas City - A

Hard not to improve this team, but they did it in spades.

Top 6 picks are all potential impact players. Like the late Bryan Johnston pick.

Miami - C+/B-

Typical Parcells draft meaning he got a lot of guys that I've never heard of that'll end up being pretty good.

Like the Jake Long/Chad Henne reunion.

Minnesota - A-

Have to factor in the value they got in the Allen trade.

Booty is interesting (haha) and they got depth for the d/o-lines. Mysteriously though, no OT.

New England - D+

I like Mayo, but how long can they draft reaches before they experience depth problems/

New Orleans - B+/A-

Needed to improve the defense and did. Got a possible steal with Nicks.

New York Giants - C+

I question how good Phillips and Thomas are. DAAB Manningham was unnecessary and they could have used more help at LB than they got.

New York Jets - C+/B-

Not enough picks for a team that still needs help in a lot of areas. Really scored with Gholston and Keller though.

Oakland - C-

If not for McFadden, this would be an "F". Branch is okay for a nickle back, but where's the o-line help?

I bet Al Davis played Nintendo Ice Hockey with all small/fast guys too.

Philadelphia - B-

Aside from the Bryan Smith pick, I like rounds 1-4. Jackson is electric, but he's not the type of WR they really needed.

Pittsburgh - B+

In NFL terms, I'm a big fan of the RBBC approach. Sweed is a great #3 that will develop into much more. Hills could be a steal.

More help for the trenches would have made this an "A".

San Diego - C-

Like New England, very little immediate impace and didn't seem to help themselves for the long term either. I love the Cason pick though.

San Francisco - B-

Got a little tougher along both lines. Love the Reggie Smith pick. Still need another pass rusher.

Seattle - C+

Like the d-line and TE picks, but their o-line needed more help.

St. Louis - B

All players selected in rounds 1-5 look like they have a place on the team. Chris Long along side Carriker looks really nice.

Greco was a guy I thought the Vikes may take in the 2nd.

Tampa Bay - C

Not a fan of picks 1 & 2. 3-6 are pretty good though. Josh Johnson is very interesting.

Tennessee - D-

Seriously guys. Vince Young isn't LITERALLY one of the mythological Titans. Give him a chance to succeed.

Johnson was a luxury they couln't afford. Jason Jones keeps this from an "F".

Washington - C-

Yes they changed the direction of their offense (for the better IMO) with the first three picks. But the d-line needed at least a little help.

 

[Bill Young]

Pittsburgh - B+

In NFL terms, I'm a big fan of the RBBC approach. Sweed is a great #3 that will develop into much more. Hills could be a steal.

More help for the trenches would have made this an "A".

I don't disagree with your analysis here. But I believe the Steelers are going to try a different approach to protecting Big Ben. Beat the pressure with the New England approach --- quick passes to guys just off the line of scrimmage. Also, continue utilizing the running game to shut down opponents when ahead. A kind of melding of two systems that work fairly well.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Pittsburgh - B+

In NFL terms, I'm a big fan of the RBBC approach. Sweed is a great #3 that will develop into much more. Hills could be a steal.

More help for the trenches would have made this an "A".

I don't disagree with your analysis here. But I believe the Steelers are going to try a different approach to protecting Big Ben. Beat the pressure with the New England approach --- quick passes to guys just off the line of scrimmage. Also, continue utilizing the running game to shut down opponents when ahead. A kind of melding of two systems that work fairly well.

That's what it looks like to me. Give Ben less chances to get sacked by having him drop back less. They can veryu easily get Parker 18-20 carries a game, Mendenhall 12-15, and Moore 4-5 and only have to throw the ball 20-25 times a game. Probably half of those will be play action, and with another target in Sweed, Ben can air it out more and have a guy on the other end who can go up and get the ball in coverage.

 

[FTRWRTR]

I'll agree that Atlanta should get a C+. BTW why are you so high on decloud? He's tall and has some upside I suppose but both his size and speed are very average for a safety

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Pittsburgh - B+

In NFL terms, I'm a big fan of the RBBC approach. Sweed is a great #3 that will develop into much more. Hills could be a steal.

More help for the trenches would have made this an "A".

I don't disagree with your analysis here. But I believe the Steelers are going to try a different approach to protecting Big Ben. Beat the pressure with the New England approach --- quick passes to guys just off the line of scrimmage. Also, continue utilizing the running game to shut down opponents when ahead. A kind of melding of two systems that work fairly well.

That's what it looks like to me. Give Ben less chances to get sacked by having him drop back less. They can veryu easily get Parker 18-20 carries a game, Mendenhall 12-15, and Moore 4-5 and only have to throw the ball 20-25 times a game. Probably half of those will be play action, and with another target in Sweed, Ben can air it out more and have a guy on the other end who can go up and get the ball in coverage.

I can see that. I'm even more surprised by the defensive side. I thought for sure they'd take at least one DE.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Dallas - B-

I like the picks of Jones/Jenkins/Choice/Scandrick. Two quality CBs and a potential replacement for Barber if he wants too much money.

Is Bennett so much better than Fasano that it was worth burning a 2nd for him?

You are aware Fasano is gone, right? They gave Fasano to Parcells for Miami's 4th rounder and used their second for Bennett. Wrap your mind around that and rethink that grade. I think it's one of the dumbest moves I've ever seen. Basically, they gave up a late second for an early 4th in order to get a raw underachieving TE because the 4th cost them a decent backup TE. The move for a 4th created a need for a TE they filled with a second. Then there's the whole Felix before Rashard genius.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'll agree that Atlanta should get a C+. BTW why are you so high on decloud? He's tall and has some upside I suppose but both his size and speed are very average for a safety

Not so high on DeCoud as I am down on Jimmy Williams/Lawyer Milloy. It seems he's better at run support, which is a plus in that division.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Pittsburgh - B+

In NFL terms, I'm a big fan of the RBBC approach. Sweed is a great #3 that will develop into much more. Hills could be a steal.

More help for the trenches would have made this an "A".

I don't disagree with your analysis here. But I believe the Steelers are going to try a different approach to protecting Big Ben. Beat the pressure with the New England approach --- quick passes to guys just off the line of scrimmage. Also, continue utilizing the running game to shut down opponents when ahead. A kind of melding of two systems that work fairly well.

That's what it looks like to me. Give Ben less chances to get sacked by having him drop back less. They can veryu easily get Parker 18-20 carries a game, Mendenhall 12-15, and Moore 4-5 and only have to throw the ball 20-25 times a game. Probably half of those will be play action, and with another target in Sweed, Ben can air it out more and have a guy on the other end who can go up and get the ball in coverage.

I can see that. I'm even more surprised by the defensive side. I thought for sure they'd take at least one DE.

So did I.... they haven't addressed that position at all, and I'm surprised.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Dallas - B-

I like the picks of Jones/Jenkins/Choice/Scandrick. Two quality CBs and a potential replacement for Barber if he wants too much money.

Is Bennett so much better than Fasano that it was worth burning a 2nd for him?

You are aware Fasano is gone, right? They gave Fasano to Parcells for Miami's 4th rounder and used there second for Bennett. Wrap your mind around that and rethink that grade. I think it's one of the dumbest moves I've ever seen. Basically gave up a late second for an early 4th in order to get a raw underachieving TE because the 4th cost them a decent back up TE. Then there's the whole Felix before Rashard genius.

Seems like a lot of GMs agreed about Mendenhall - that internet wonks are higher on him than NFL types. For what they're trying to do, I think Jones appears a better pick. Plus, they're not going to pay Barber what he wants, so Choice is a great depth selection. Jenkins and Scandrick should push Henry out of the lineup sooner rather than later.

Yes, it was dumb what they did with the backup TE position. But we are talking about the backup TE position. Overall, I think JJ did okay. I think he made the team better both in the short and long term. He could have done more.

 

[FTRWRTR]

Tennessee - D-Seriously guys. Vince Young isn't LITERALLY one of the mythological Titans. Give him a chance to succeed.Johnson was a luxury they couln't afford. Jason Jones keeps this from an "F".

While I agree for the most part with what you're saying I think Lavell Hawkins was a great pick for them and finally give young a legit wr to throw to

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Dallas - B-

I like the picks of Jones/Jenkins/Choice/Scandrick. Two quality CBs and a potential replacement for Barber if he wants too much money.

Is Bennett so much better than Fasano that it was worth burning a 2nd for him?

You are aware Fasano is gone, right? They gave Fasano to Parcells for Miami's 4th rounder and used their second for Bennett. Wrap your mind around that and rethink that grade. I think it's one of the dumbest moves I've ever seen. Basically, they gave up a late second for an early 4th in order to get a raw underachieving TE because the 4th cost them a decent backup TE. The move for a 4th created a need for a TE they filled with a second. Then there's the whole Felix before Rashard genius.

not to mention grabbing t.Choice later.

 

[Bill Young]

So did I.... they haven't addressed that position at all, and I'm surprised.

We better hope Aaron Smith stays healthy, and that Brett Keisel continues improvement. There's A BIG DROPOFF after those two.Do you think they'll ask Bruce Davis to bulk up and play on the end, or stay where he's at and play OLB?The former makes more sense to me. Unless, of course, Timmons is a bust.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Tennessee - D-Seriously guys. Vince Young isn't LITERALLY one of the mythological Titans. Give him a chance to succeed.Johnson was a luxury they couln't afford. Jason Jones keeps this from an "F".

While I agree for the most part with what you're saying I think Lavell Hawkins was a great pick for them and finally give young a legit wr to throw to

He was a good pick for where they got him, but he's no improvement over what they already have on the roster.

not to mention grabbing t.Choice later.

I think Choice is underrated and this selection makes me think that there's no chance JJ pays Barber what he wants next year.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Seems like a lot of GMs agreed about Mendenhall - that internet wonks are higher on him than NFL types. For what they're trying to do, I think Jones appears a better pick.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Seems like a lot of GMs agreed about Mendenhall - that internet wonks are higher on him than NFL types. For what they're trying to do, I think Jones appears a better pick.

Cowboys talk =

 

[saintfool]

New Orleans - B+/A-Needed to improve the defense and did. Got a possible steal with Nicks.

I think you're a tad higher on this draft than most. We nailed down two positions (DT/CB) with the draft. We're rolling the dice on players with some upside in Pressley, Arrington and Nicks. Most late round picks like these guys fit that description though.For all the talk about potential trades, I'm glad the Saints didn't jump on the rumored Lito or Shockey ones.

 

[bshipper]

Cincinnati - B-

Love that they stuck to their guns and shot them at #85 with the WR selections.

Sims & Collins were value.

Boooooo! on taking another character risk.

I think this is fair. At least they drafted the right positions, except for one pick. My biggest complaint is wasting their 6th round pick on a 5th TE when they could have taken the likes of Brian Johnston, Darrell Robertson, Larry Grant, Erin Henderson or Wesley Woodyard.Couldn't agree more on my surprise when I saw Shirley's name go across the screen. I had to ask myself if Marvin actually did any research on this guy before the draft. I read somewhere that when they interviewed him, part of the deal was that he would be open to some kind of monitoring by the team. I guess only time will tell if he is better than Okam or Rubin who went after him. On the positive side, they did pick 4 team captains from a year ago, so hopefully all of the good character will override Shirley's bad.

There were 2 occasions where a team moved up in front of them and took players I would have liked; DET moved up to get Avril and DAL moved up for Scandrick.

Hey, at least they didn't draft a RB!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

New Orleans - B+/A-Needed to improve the defense and did. Got a possible steal with Nicks.

I think you're a tad higher on this draft than most. We nailed down two positions (DT/CB) with the draft. We're rolling the dice on players with some upside in Pressley, Arrington and Nicks. Most late round picks like these guys fit that description though.For all the talk about potential trades, I'm glad the Saints didn't jump on the rumored Lito or Shockey ones.

Since this is a team on the verge of contending, I think the selections of Ellis and Porter improves their team in the areas most needed. I'm just glad they didn't think Randall Gay solved their problem at corner any more than Jason David did.If the top 3 rookies can play like their capable of, the Saints could have a defense that compliments their defense - which could lead to big things for the Saints.

 

[twitch]

You gotta love that New England grade.

I know theyre tough to figure - which is why you dont. But as long as it wasnt an F, I guess they werent complete failures.

 

[FTRWRTR]

Seems like a lot of GMs agreed about Mendenhall - that internet wonks are higher on him than NFL types. For what they're trying to do, I think Jones appears a better pick.

I respect you both but I agree with Andy. Mendenhall is the same type of rb that they already have in MB3 while felix jones complements him. My only problem was taking jones at 22 and not waiting until 28

 

[Andy Dufresne]

You gotta love that New England grade.

I know theyre tough to figure - which is why you dont. But as long as it wasnt an F, I guess they werent complete failures.

I'm not grading their team, I'm grading their draft. How many guys that they drafted last year made the team?Not that there's much room, but my point is it seems like they're purposefully trying to pick guys they don't have to sign.

 

[Road Warriors]

New England - D+I like Mayo, but how long can they draft reaches before they experience depth problems/

I mildly disagree with your grade, but understand the sentiment.Typically with a NE draft, I walk away underwhelmed. I like the Mayo pick, probably more after reading up on him. Adding the 3rd and turning it into a 2nd in '09 was quite nice as well. I also like the Crable pick, a fast LB that can get in the backfield and cause some havoc.It seemed like Wheatley, O'Connell, and Slater were all pretty long reaches. However, I think Wheatley will be starting before the year's out.Slater intrigues me now, though... I haven't seen him play, so I'm not sure how close the comparison is, but he's being called "their version of Devin Hester" If he has anywhere near the impact on their return game as Hester did, I love the pick. However, it is pretty likely he could have been had in the 7th. It's almost certain he could have been had 7 spots later. I don't understand moving up 7 spots to take Slater.I doubt Wilhite makes the team, Ruud could as a special teamer. I look at this crop at a C+ draft. I think they end up with 2 starters, some needed LB depth and special teams help. And maybe the backup QB of the future Thanks for the writeup, AD. Always appreciate the insight.

 

[sholditch]

Chicago - B+

Really like the first seven picks. Barton may be a find.

Drafting a QB, ANY QB, would have made this an "A".

Andy, I completely agree. I think even the QBs taken in the fourth, fifth, and sixth, would have at least pushed the QBs we have now. But I think they are going to target a QB in round 1 next draft. Tebow, Stafford, etc. Once I saw the Marcus Monk pick I liked their draft a lot better, If he can return to junior-year form, he'll be the steal of the draft.

 

[twitch]

You gotta love that New England grade.

I know theyre tough to figure - which is why you dont. But as long as it wasnt an F, I guess they werent complete failures.

I'm not grading their team, I'm grading their draft. How many guys that they drafted last year made the team?Not that there's much room, but my point is it seems like they're purposefully trying to pick guys they don't have to sign.

I know, I know. I just find it funny. And Im just mildly busting your chops for suggesting that somehow New England actually "GOT WORSE" as a result of this draft. For the record, many of their fans dont really get them either.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

You gotta love that New England grade.

I know theyre tough to figure - which is why you dont. But as long as it wasnt an F, I guess they werent complete failures. :(

I'm not grading their team, I'm grading their draft. How many guys that they drafted last year made the team?Not that there's much room, but my point is it seems like they're purposefully trying to pick guys they don't have to sign.

I know, I know. I just find it funny. And Im just mildly busting your chops for suggesting that somehow New England actually "GOT WORSE" as a result of this draft. For the record, many of their fans dont really get them either.

I get what you're saying. Thats where the arbitrary-ness of my grading comes in. They didn't get worse for this next season because they're still loaded, but they didn't do themselves any favors for the long term.

 

[twitch]

New England - D+I like Mayo, but how long can they draft reaches before they experience depth problems/

I mildly disagree with your grade, but understand the sentiment.Typically with a NE draft, I walk away underwhelmed. I like the Mayo pick, probably more after reading up on him. Adding the 3rd and turning it into a 2nd in '09 was quite nice as well. I also like the Crable pick, a fast LB that can get in the backfield and cause some havoc.It seemed like Wheatley, O'Connell, and Slater were all pretty long reaches. However, I think Wheatley will be starting before the year's out.Slater intrigues me now, though... I haven't seen him play, so I'm not sure how close the comparison is, but he's being called "their version of Devin Hester" If he has anywhere near the impact on their return game as Hester did, I love the pick. However, it is pretty likely he could have been had in the 7th. It's almost certain he could have been had 7 spots later. I don't understand moving up 7 spots to take Slater.I doubt Wilhite makes the team, Ruud could as a special teamer. I look at this crop at a C+ draft. I think they end up with 2 starters, some needed LB depth and special teams help. And maybe the backup QB of the future :(Thanks for the writeup, AD. Always appreciate the insight.

Face it, RW. We root for a team that just doesnt know what theyre doing. They drafted 3 or 4 guys that they could have picked up as Free Agents. We could seriously make a case that Ruud, Slater and Wilhite wouldnt have even been drafted. And who in their right mind drafts a QB when they already have a HOF guy at the position that just turned 30? What kindof sense does that make with all the other holes they have to fill?

 

[Road Warriors]

New England - D+I like Mayo, but how long can they draft reaches before they experience depth problems/

I mildly disagree with your grade, but understand the sentiment.Typically with a NE draft, I walk away underwhelmed. I like the Mayo pick, probably more after reading up on him. Adding the 3rd and turning it into a 2nd in '09 was quite nice as well. I also like the Crable pick, a fast LB that can get in the backfield and cause some havoc.It seemed like Wheatley, O'Connell, and Slater were all pretty long reaches. However, I think Wheatley will be starting before the year's out.Slater intrigues me now, though... I haven't seen him play, so I'm not sure how close the comparison is, but he's being called "their version of Devin Hester" If he has anywhere near the impact on their return game as Hester did, I love the pick. However, it is pretty likely he could have been had in the 7th. It's almost certain he could have been had 7 spots later. I don't understand moving up 7 spots to take Slater.I doubt Wilhite makes the team, Ruud could as a special teamer. I look at this crop at a C+ draft. I think they end up with 2 starters, some needed LB depth and special teams help. And maybe the backup QB of the future Thanks for the writeup, AD. Always appreciate the insight.

Face it, RW. We root for a team that just doesnt know what theyre doing. They drafted 3 or 4 guys that they could have picked up as Free Agents. We could seriously make a case that Ruud, Slater and Wilhite wouldnt have even been drafted. And who in their right mind drafts a QB when they already have a HOF guy at the position that just turned 30? What kindof sense does that make with all the other holes they have to fill?

Right on, twitch. Which one of these reaches becomes a pro bowl caliber player? I won't be surprised if one of them does. I'll sit back and continue to believe that these guys know a WHOLE lot more than me.

 

[Tyrion]

Dallas - B-I like the picks of Jones/Jenkins/Choice/Scandrick. Two quality CBs and a potential replacement for Barber if he wants too much money.Is Bennett so much better than Fasano that it was worth burning a 2nd for him?

Considering Fasano had 1 TD in 2 years I would safely say yes. Bennet looked like he performed very well for a very poor passing offense that tried to focus on the run. If Bennett just develops into a red zone threat with his 6'7 basketball player build then he is worth it but his ability is supposed to be much more than that. BTW that 4th also helped us to get picks for next year as well as Choice. After seeing what came of the trade I wouldn't change it.

 

[Irish]

So did I.... they haven't addressed that position at all, and I'm surprised.

We better hope Aaron Smith stays healthy, and that Brett Keisel continues improvement. There's A BIG DROPOFF after those two.Do you think they'll ask Bruce Davis to bulk up and play on the end, or stay where he's at and play OLB?The former makes more sense to me. Unless, of course, Timmons is a bust.

Davis will be an OLB for the Steelers.

 

[Irish]

You gotta love that New England grade.

I know theyre tough to figure - which is why you dont. But as long as it wasnt an F, I guess they werent complete failures.

I'm not grading their team, I'm grading their draft. How many guys that they drafted last year made the team?Not that there's much room, but my point is it seems like they're purposefully trying to pick guys they don't have to sign.

I know, I know. I just find it funny. And Im just mildly busting your chops for suggesting that somehow New England actually "GOT WORSE" as a result of this draft. For the record, many of their fans dont really get them either.

Well they are coming off a 1 game losing streak.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Pittsburgh - B+

In NFL terms, I'm a big fan of the RBBC approach. Sweed is a great #3 that will develop into much more. Hills could be a steal.

More help for the trenches would have made this an "A".

I don't disagree with your analysis here. But I believe the Steelers are going to try a different approach to protecting Big Ben. Beat the pressure with the New England approach --- quick passes to guys just off the line of scrimmage. Also, continue utilizing the running game to shut down opponents when ahead. A kind of melding of two systems that work fairly well.

That's what it looks like to me. Give Ben less chances to get sacked by having him drop back less. They can veryu easily get Parker 18-20 carries a game, Mendenhall 12-15, and Moore 4-5 and only have to throw the ball 20-25 times a game. Probably half of those will be play action, and with another target in Sweed, Ben can air it out more and have a guy on the other end who can go up and get the ball in coverage.

I can see that. I'm even more surprised by the defensive side. I thought for sure they'd take at least one DE.

So did I.... they haven't addressed that position at all, and I'm surprised.

As did I. And I really fear that they are another Aaron Smith or Casey Hampton injury away from being in a bad way vs. the run, as they were late last year.I guess they felt they liked who they had on roster better than guys available at their selections, but when we're talking Kirschke and Eason I have trouble wrapping my head around that. They did pick up a couple UDRFA that have 3-4 DE size, but I haven't had the chance to find out much about either of them yet.

 

[ThePittbully]

I think Jacksonville deserves at least a B-, those two ends could end up being huge for that team. They're a serious contender with a DC who loves to rush the passer, and they draft two ends who could both grow to be absolute studs at the position, and possibly sooner rather than later. They're first two picks of this draft will be franchise changing. And I'm not a Jags homer.

I thought the Saints had a good draft, I was happy they got Ellis, but I wish they could have gotten a better corner. The Hicks and Pressley picks I like alot, both of those guys have potential. I think Pressley will be starting beside Ellis by 2009. The Arrington pick is interesting. He definitely had upside, but Im not getting my hopes up

 

[5-ish Finkle]

We better hope Aaron Smith stays healthy, and that Brett Keisel continues improvement.

I thought Kiesel regressed a decent bit last season, both vs. the run and as a rusher. And he's never been a real monster vs. the run to begin with. Another reason I was disappointed that they ignored the DL in this draft.

 

[D_House]

Buffalo - C-

First two picks are fine and Ellis is a nice situational pass rusher in the Darryl Tapp role.

The rest is a strange collection.

First off, thanks for the read. I liked the first two picks as well. Nobody projected McKelvin to fall, so it's great that the Bills had their pick of the litter at a position of need. I don't know much about Ellis, but another pass rusher in a division with Tom Brady can't hurt. The 4th round CB was probably another response to the Patriots. I get the feeling that the rest of the draft was all about reloading on special teams. The Bills allowed several key STers to leave this offseason (Mario Haggan, Sam Aiken, Coy Wire). None of them household names, but all were important to ST coach Bobby April's schemes.Also, I think the Marcus Stroud trade (acquired for a 3rd and 5th round picks) should count for something. Getting a Pro Bowl caliber DT for those picks is a steal.

 

[Ridgelake]

Dallas - B-I like the picks of Jones/Jenkins/Choice/Scandrick. Two quality CBs and a potential replacement for Barber if he wants too much money.Is Bennett so much better than Fasano that it was worth burning a 2nd for him?

Considering Fasano had 1 TD in 2 years I would safely say yes. Bennet looked like he performed very well for a very poor passing offense that tried to focus on the run. If Bennett just develops into a red zone threat with his 6'7 basketball player build then he is worth it but his ability is supposed to be much more than that. BTW that 4th also helped us to get picks for next year as well as Choice. After seeing what came of the trade I wouldn't change it.

Dallas' second day trades amaze me. At the start of the day, Dallas had picks 92 and 100. Through a series of trades, Jerry Jones turned those picks into Tashard Choice, Orlando Scandrick, Cleveland's 2009 third rounder, and Detroits 2009 4th rounder. The pre-draft grades on Choice and Scandrick, according to Gosselin's Top 100, were #94 and #83 respectively. Based upon those rankings, it would have been hard to complain about taking those guys at 92 and 100. They each would have been higher rated than their respective picks.But Trader Jerry played the system. He kept trading down and picking up value. He basically rolled over the picks to next year and got players valued at that pick level this year. Incredible.

 

[aDingoAteMyBaby]

Good job putting these together.

A general issue I have with draft grades is that they only grade the players picked on Saturday and Sunday. They don't expand on the events that shaped the day for most teams. For example, Kansas City is being graded high by most. What isn't being addressed is that they got all those picks because they traded away their players. In this case, they traded away their BEST player and didn't bother to replace him. Sure, they picked up a lot of players who might be good, but they may also tank and we won't know for years.

On the other hand, a team like the Raiders is being graded low, but what they did with their picks isn't considered at all in their draft. They picked up DeAngelo Hall (who would have been the top CB in this draft) with their 2nd rounder, and a guy who they hope can move into the starting lineup this year at RT named Mario Henderson with their 3rd rounder via a trade in 2007. If put into this perspective, they drafted arguable the top player in this draft (McFadden- although is ripe for argument), the top CB, and a host of players who will fill out their depth.

This is no ding on Andy's rankings, only a point that in general, post draft grades should be about more than just the players drafted on Saturday/Sunday.

 

[tommyGunZ]

San Diego - C-

Like New England, very little immediate impace and didn't seem to help themselves for the long term either. I love the Cason pick though.

A lot of San Diego fans would agree with this grade based on the names selected this weekend. When you include the whole package, I think the Chargers grade out higher:Rd 1 - Antoine Cason

Rd 2 - Chris Chambers

Rd 3 - Eric Weddle

Jacob Hester

Rd 4 - Paul Oliver

Rd 5 - Marcus Thomas

Rd 6 - DeJuan Tribble

Rd 7 - Corey Clark

Weddle's the Bolts starting safety, Cason and Oliver figure to get lots of time this year, Chambers is obviously the #1 WR, and Hester fills the backup RB role with the Burner gone. Thomas, Tribble, and Clark are shots in the dark, though I really like the Tribble gamble and think he'll make the roster.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Kansas City - A

Hard not to improve this team, but they did it in spades.

Top 6 picks are all potential impact players. Like the late Bryan Johnston pick.

Does this grade include the subtraction of Allen?

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

I think Jacksonville deserves at least a B-, those two ends could end up being huge for that team. They're a serious contender with a DC who loves to rush the passer, and they draft two ends who could both grow to be absolute studs at the position, and possibly sooner rather than later. They're first two picks of this draft will be franchise changing. And I'm not a Jags homer.

That's a good posting. But, I am a homer.

 

[nerangers]

You gotta love that New England grade.

I know theyre tough to figure - which is why you dont. But as long as it wasnt an F, I guess they werent complete failures.

I'm not grading their team, I'm grading their draft. How many guys that they drafted last year made the team?Not that there's much room, but my point is it seems like they're purposefully trying to pick guys they don't have to sign.

They signed two out of nine last season...but that was also a season when they addressed many of their issues via free agency. If you think about it, Mayo and Crable fall under last years draft due to the 7th pick gained last season. That pick was traded this season for the draft picks that gained them.The Patriots do seem to get players we feel are reaches...but they do what is right by the team. The goal this year was to become fast, and the players drafted are just that. I am thinking four of these rookies will make the team this year.

By moving back from the 7th pick to the 10th pick, they also saved about $4 million.

The Patriots were going to grab Crable with the 69th pick, but ended up trading the pick to the Chargers, and still got him later, plus a second round pick.

Come on now...they saved money, got a future draft pick, and addressed the need at LB and CB...give the Pats a least a C+

By the way, Asante was a fourth round pick...and look how he turned out!

 

[Floyd The Barber]

Any draft grade for the Bengals should reflect that they -didn't- trade away Ocho Stinko for beyond good value with the Skins 1st and 3rd. Then they trun around and draft a ton of rookie wideouts.

Their grade should be more like a D+.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

A lot of San Diego fans would agree with this grade based on the names selected this weekend. When you include the whole package, I think the Chargers grade out higher:

Rd 1 - Antoine Cason

Rd 2 - Chris Chambers

Rd 3 - Eric Weddle

Jacob Hester

Rd 4 - Paul Oliver

Rd 5 - Marcus Thomas

Rd 6 - DeJuan Tribble

Rd 7 - Corey Clark

Weddle's the Bolts starting safety, Cason and Oliver figure to get lots of time this year, Chambers is obviously the #1 WR, and Hester fills the backup RB role with the Burner gone. Thomas, Tribble, and Clark are shots in the dark, though I really like the Tribble gamble and think he'll make the roster.

You know, those are good points. I didn't consider that they used this year's 3rd to get Weddle (a guy I like) last year and that they used a supplimental on Oliver. I can raise that to a B-.

Kansas City - A

Hard not to improve this team, but they did it in spades.

Top 6 picks are all potential impact players. Like the late Bryan Johnston pick.

Does this grade include the subtraction of Allen?

Sure does. I like that they recognized that they were in "start over" phase and turned Allen (a guy with whom they turned in a 4-12 record last season) into Branden Albert, Jamaal Charles, and DaJuan Morgan - three guys that could all be starting or at the least contributing heavily very soon.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Any draft grade for the Bengals should reflect that they -didn't- trade away Ocho Stinko for beyond good value with the Skins 1st and 3rd. Then they trun around and draft a ton of rookie wideouts.Their grade should be more like a D+.

Their decisions leading up to that fiasco warrant an "F". That is an obviously poorly run franchise.But in terms of doing what needs to be done (e.g. putting CJ and other such troublemakers in his place) this draft was good from the standpoint of putting the foot down. If they hadn't done so, it wouldn't matter how many first rounders they get this year or next, the ongoing disfunctionality would continue to ruin the team.I wouldn't be picking Chad Johnson in too many fantasy teams. Even if he doesn't sit out the year, he might not see the field anyway.

 

[Floyd The Barber]

Hey Andy - I see you're a Blaine boy. I spent 5 years growing up on 9100 Flanders about 3 blocks east of the airport. Played lots and lots of neighborhood baseball and football games there!

 

[BassNBrew]

Carolina - C+/B-Got four starters with the first four picks but paid for it.
More like...reach for an injury prone back with a dozen of other solutions existed. Realized their error and mortgaged the future in an attempt to cover up the error. After giving Philly virtually every pick for the forseeable future they draft a TE that couldn't block you to join their new power running game. Based on the direction of this draft you'd think we actually have a pass rush. When we finally got around to addressing the defense we draft a back-up for our only semi-position of strength.

 

[Festivus]

"Houston - C+/B-

Kudos for making me a prophet with the Duane Brown pick.

Good guys to develop for a run two years from now. I think Slaton was a reach."

Considering the Texans started the draft with no #2 (schaub deal), no #6 (myers deal), and lots of areas to improve, I think it was pretty successful.

They were going to take Brown at #18, so the trade down to pick up an additional #3 and #6 was a good move.

They have Slaton earmarked as a 3rd down back, which is probably the right expectation.

As a Texans fan, I'm happy with the positions they addressed. Hopefully, the players pan out as they hope.

 

[Wadsworth]

Jacksonville - C

Like the d-ends, don't like the price.

Still thin at DT and WR.

I don't think the Jags are that thin at WR or DT. At DT Henderson and Meier are a solid starting pair. Tony McDaniel looked like a star before his injury and Landri had a solid if not impressive rookie year. Beyond that, with the addition of Harvey and Groves, Paul Spicer can spend some time in the DT rotation as well if needed. Spicer weighs 300 pounds and has done well at DT filling in due to injury in the past. They also have Jimmy Kennedy, haven't seen him play enough to have much of an opinion but he did start 16 games in 2006.

At WR, they did their work in free agency picking up Porter and Williamson. They also get Mike Walker, the 3rd round pick from last year back from IR. They'll compete with Reggie Williams, Matt Jones, Northcutt, and Broussard. While that group might not be overly impressive, it's likely the best group of WRs the Jags have started camp with in a long time.

 

[One]

On the other hand, a team like the Raiders is being graded low, but what they did with their picks isn't considered at all in their draft. They picked up DeAngelo Hall (who would have been the top CB in this draft) with their 2nd rounder, and a guy who they hope can move into the starting lineup this year at RT named Mario Henderson with their 3rd rounder via a trade in 2007. If put into this perspective, they drafted arguable the top player in this draft (McFadden- although is ripe for argument), the top CB, and a host of players who will fill out their depth.

The Raiders never get slack.

...but KC and Minny and glorified for their moves.

The Raiders '08 Draft (compliments of Busted Knuckles )

1st round - D.McFadden HB

2nd round - D.Hall DB *trade*

3rd round - M.Henderson OT *give up this year 3rd for drafting him last year*

4th round - T.Branch DB

4th round - A.Shields WR

5th round - G.Warren DT *trade*

6th round - T.Scott DE

7th round - C.Schilens WR

...yet we got worse

 

[Desert_Power]

Carolina - C+/B-Got four starters with the first four picks but paid for it.

More like...reach for an injury prone back with a dozen of other solutions existed. Realized their error and mortgaged the future in an attempt to cover up the error. After giving Philly virtually every pick for the forseeable future they draft a TE that couldn't block you to join their new power running game. Based on the direction of this draft you'd think we actually have a pass rush. When we finally got around to addressing the defense we draft a back-up for our only semi-position of strength.

I agree. I think going RB in the fist is a bad idea anyways for the team. Draft someone to share the load a couple rounds later while letting your former first rounder show what he can do would have been the better plan. They gave up a low pick next year.

 

[Routilla]

Dallas - B-I like the picks of Jones/Jenkins/Choice/Scandrick. Two quality CBs and a potential replacement for Barber if he wants too much money.Is Bennett so much better than Fasano that it was worth burning a 2nd for him?

Considering Fasano had 1 TD in 2 years I would safely say yes. Bennet looked like he performed very well for a very poor passing offense that tried to focus on the run. If Bennett just develops into a red zone threat with his 6'7 basketball player build then he is worth it but his ability is supposed to be much more than that. BTW that 4th also helped us to get picks for next year as well as Choice. After seeing what came of the trade I wouldn't change it.

Dallas' second day trades amaze me. At the start of the day, Dallas had picks 92 and 100. Through a series of trades, Jerry Jones turned those picks into Tashard Choice, Orlando Scandrick, Cleveland's 2009 third rounder, and Detroits 2009 4th rounder. The pre-draft grades on Choice and Scandrick, according to Gosselin's Top 100, were #94 and #83 respectively. Based upon those rankings, it would have been hard to complain about taking those guys at 92 and 100. They each would have been higher rated than their respective picks.But Trader Jerry played the system. He kept trading down and picking up value. He basically rolled over the picks to next year and got players valued at that pick level this year. Incredible.

Brilliant synopsis of their trades. I don't think everyone gets this.