Ranking Your Team's Draft (Day 1) (1 Viewer)

[fasteddie_21]

Dallas - C-

I guess time will tell if Felix Jones >> Mendenhall, but I just don't see why you go w/ a situational back in Jones vs an every down guy like Mendenhall, esp. w/ MBIII turning down the $30M contract. But I guess they know more than I do, so I'll take the wait & see approach.

Love the Jenkins pick. A need position that was filled nicely w/ Adam Jones being a HUGE ???

As for the TE...I don't get it. We had Fasano and traded him for a 4th rounder, then go pick a TE in the 2nd round? What am I missing here?!?

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Packers B+

Was a little bit skittish about Jordy Nelson at 36 until I saw his stats this year in the Big 12.

Look at these stats:

Date Opp Cmp Att Yds Pct TDs Int Long Car Yds Avg TDs Long Rec Yds Avg TDs Long

9/1/2007 @ Auburn 1 1 21 100.0 1 0 21 1 1 1.0 0 1 9 90 10.0 0 26

9/8/2007 SJSU 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 6 82 13.7 0 27

9/15/2007 MoStU 1 1 24 100.0 1 0 24 0 0 - 0 - 15 209 13.9 1 61

9/29/2007 @ Tex 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 1 1 1.0 0 1 12 116 9.7 1 20

10/6/2007 Kansas 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 10 137 13.7 1 68

10/13/2007 Colo 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 4 93 23.3 0 43

10/20/2007 @ OkSt 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 12 176 14.7 3 46

10/27/2007 Baylor 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 8 105 13.1 1 31

11/3/2007 @ IaSt 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 - 1 -9 -9.0 0 0 14 214 15.3 1 58

11/10/2007 @ Neb 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 9 125 13.9 1 21

11/17/2007 Missou 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 8 94 11.8 1 20

11/24/2007 @ Fres 0 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 - 15 165 11.0 1 21

Ted Thompson obviously didn't need a WR, but drafted Nelson anyway. He must have felt he was an exceptional value. Those numbers are unbelievable at a D1 Level, much less in the Big 12.

He then took Brian Brohm at 56. Some had him higher than Brady Quinn a year ago, and the Packers needed someone ready to play behind Rodgers. Brohm is the best of both scenarios with youth plus the ability to play now.

Patrick Lee at 60 is a bump and run CB. Exactly what the Packers were looking for to replace either Harris or Woodson. A bump and run guy with talent to develop. He'll be starting in 09.

 

[twistd]

I'd give the Bears a C-.

I'm glad they took a LT in the first round, but I think I would have preferred Albert over Williams. The problem is they took Forte with a second round pick when Brohm and Henne were on the board. And I think Forte would have been available in third round. So they took the wrong player at one and reached at two.

 

[(unwelcomed)GUEST]

Baltimore Ravens: D-

Trade down from 8th spot was okay but two 3rds instead of a second was tough.

The trade up in the first was awful considering they went with Flacco who would have surely been there later in the first, possibly even the second. They essentially gave away the extra 3rd rounder or devalued the trade for the 8th overall pick.

I also don't like the drop in the second round or the selection of a back-up running back back in the second round. Baltimore needed DBs badly. Geesh, I'd have rather see them take Brian Brohm or Chad Henne with the second round pick instead of a RB.

Really appears to be a mismanaged draft, should have gone DB or quality Oline/Dlinemen first then gone with one of the second tier QBs in the second. Flacco may have been there, if not Brohm or Henne. I hope they make some of those 3rds really count.

 

[twistd]

I really like the Steelers draft. I think they got very good value with Mendenhall when they got him, and I thought Sweed was a steal that late in the second.

 

[FTRWRTR]

Atlanta Falcons: B-

1st round:

I'm not happy that they passed up dorsey for matt ryan but as the consensus #1 qb in the draft he was the safe pick and it makes sense that after the vick fiasco they'd want to play it safe. I'm fine with the sam baker pick at #22. Some posters in the NFL Draft thread acted as if they had commited a sin in drafting/trading for him but I've seen plenty of mocks that him going in the late first or early second and IMO he was the best o-lineman available and fills a big need.

2nd round:

I was surpised the Falcons chose curtis lofton over dan cooner but lofton is better built to be an ILB than conner and the comments I've read in the NFL Draft thread about lofton were all positive. I especially loved that someone called him a "thumper"

 

[Spartans Rule]

I'd give the Lions a C. I think the rest of you are being a little tough.

They got two guys with good intangibles that fit very well and filled big needs. I don't think they got very good value with either player, but it was hardly a disaster.

 

[GregR_2]

Texans B-

Picked up 2 extra picks in trading down which are sorely needed for other positions. It would have been nice if they could have traded down a little further a second time before taking Brown, but he was the next tackle on most people's boards, and Gibbs considered him one of the 3 best tackles in the class for his scheme. With a big drop off there, it probably was safer to just make the pick.

 

[ClownDogs]

I really like the Steelers draft. I think they got very good value with Mendenhall when they got him, and I thought Sweed was a steal that late in the second.

I do agree that i love both players they got, but OLine was their most glaring need and to not address that early on was somewhat disappointing. Still need someone to block for the RB's and QB so he can get it to the WR's. DLine is a need also, hopefully they address the OLine and DLine next.But for value picks, i thought they did great.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Giants - B+/A-

Did exactly what they had to do in the first round, and didn't blink in the second and give Shockey away, and finished up the day with a solid pick at a need. If the secondary is better this year with new blood, and the D-line does its thing, it will be another good year for Big Blue.

 

[gianmarco]

Texans B-Picked up 2 extra picks in trading down which are sorely needed for other positions. It would have been nice if they could have traded down a little further a second time before taking Brown, but he was the next tackle on most people's boards, and Gibbs considered him one of the 3 best tackles in the class for his scheme. With a big drop off there, it probably was safer to just make the pick.

Are you serious? Taking Brown in the 1st round when he wasn't even a top 100 pick is horrible. That alone drops the grade to at least a C.

 

[GregR_2]

Texans B-Picked up 2 extra picks in trading down which are sorely needed for other positions. It would have been nice if they could have traded down a little further a second time before taking Brown, but he was the next tackle on most people's boards, and Gibbs considered him one of the 3 best tackles in the class for his scheme. With a big drop off there, it probably was safer to just make the pick.

Are you serious? Taking Brown in the 1st round when he wasn't even a top 100 pick is horrible. That alone drops the grade to at least a C.

I've seen him show up in mocks anywhere from a 1st to a 3rd rounder. Andy Dufresne even called the pick before it was made. Scouts Inc had him as a second rounder. He's shown up in Kiper mocks as a second rounder. I don't know where you're getting that he isn't even a top 100 pick. Obviously he ended up being a 1st round pick. One of the broadcasts (I was flipping between them) said he was the highest tackle on their board at the time of the pick.Which is all moot. I'll take Alex Gibbs opinion over any of them, and he had him as the 3rd best tackle in the class for the Texans. The guy has only built the O-lines that then led the NFL in rushing on two consecutive teams. As I said, if they could have traded back further and still got him it would have been better. And I waffled between B- and C+, but the fact it was a position of great need and that he can play more than one position on the line if needed, I went with B-.

 

[Psychopav]

I'd give the Bears a C-.I'm glad they took a LT in the first round, but I think I would have preferred Albert over Williams. The problem is they took Forte with a second round pick when Brohm and Henne were on the board. And I think Forte would have been available in third round. So they took the wrong player at one and reached at two.

Well, unless they needed a RB (which they did). There had been a pretty good run at RB, and they are in need of one. The other AP is about the slowest running back I've ever seen. Plus, Forte is a good special teams guy as well.They don't need to draft a QB. Ever again. Chicago kills young quarterbacks. It just is. It's time for the Bears to accept that and move forward with a different strategy. I thing the Bears get a B+ for what they got, and maybe even an A- for what they made of their opportunities today. Good choices by Angelo imo.

 

[geoff8695]

I'd give the Bears a C-.I'm glad they took a LT in the first round, but I think I would have preferred Albert over Williams. The problem is they took Forte with a second round pick when Brohm and Henne were on the board. And I think Forte would have been available in third round. So they took the wrong player at one and reached at two.

Well, unless they needed a RB (which they did). There had been a pretty good run at RB, and they are in need of one. The other AP is about the slowest running back I've ever seen. Plus, Forte is a good special teams guy as well.They don't need to draft a QB. Ever again. Chicago kills young quarterbacks. It just is. It's time for the Bears to accept that and move forward with a different strategy. I thing the Bears get a B+ for what they got, and maybe even an A- for what they made of their opportunities today. Good choices by Angelo imo.

QB coming tomorrow in the 3rd only question will be whether it is Andre Woodson, John David Booty, or Josh Johnson. I sincerely hope it is Johnson. His critics will say that Johnson didn't face stiff enough competition in college but was MVP of the Shrine Game, which is an all star game with some of the toughest competition the NCAA has to offer.

 

[Psychopav]

I'd give the Bears a C-.I'm glad they took a LT in the first round, but I think I would have preferred Albert over Williams. The problem is they took Forte with a second round pick when Brohm and Henne were on the board. And I think Forte would have been available in third round. So they took the wrong player at one and reached at two.

Well, unless they needed a RB (which they did). There had been a pretty good run at RB, and they are in need of one. The other AP is about the slowest running back I've ever seen. Plus, Forte is a good special teams guy as well.They don't need to draft a QB. Ever again. Chicago kills young quarterbacks. It just is. It's time for the Bears to accept that and move forward with a different strategy. I thing the Bears get a B+ for what they got, and maybe even an A- for what they made of their opportunities today. Good choices by Angelo imo.

QB coming tomorrow in the 3rd only question will be whether it is Andre Woodson, John David Booty, or Josh Johnson. I sincerely hope it is Johnson. His critics will say that Johnson didn't face stiff enough competition in college but was MVP of the Shrine Game, which is an all star game with some of the toughest competition the NCAA has to offer.

Honestly, that approach wouldn't bother me. We know they have Orton to be the solid but unspectacular QB who can "manage" games, so picking a 3rd round QB hoping to hit paydirt is a lot better than wasting a first round pick when your dire need is clearly on the O line. Hey, if he doesn't pan out, we're no worse off than we otherwise would have been.And here's to Mike Brown coming back! (no I haven't heard a word...just hoping...)

 

[Godsbrother]

I really like the Steelers draft. I think they got very good value with Mendenhall when they got him, and I thought Sweed was a steal that late in the second.

Obviously I was hoping for some help on the offensive and defensive lines but I think the players they did get are terrific. I think the Steelers needed a quality RB to complement FWP and Mendenhall most certainly fits the bill. I think the addition of Sweed make the Steelers WR corps among the better ones in the AFC.Now they have 4 more picks to get some depth at OL, DL, DB and OLB.

 

[TheBaylorKid]

Dallas - C-I guess time will tell if Felix Jones >> Mendenhall, but I just don't see why you go w/ a situational back in Jones vs an every down guy like Mendenhall, esp. w/ MBIII turning down the $30M contract. But I guess they know more than I do, so I'll take the wait & see approach.Love the Jenkins pick. A need position that was filled nicely w/ Adam Jones being a HUGE ???As for the TE...I don't get it. We had Fasano and traded him for a 4th rounder, then go pick a TE in the 2nd round? What am I missing here?!?

Cowboys replaced Fasono with a basketball player TE, got back into the 4th round and 24 odd spots higher than the pick sent to the Titans. Many drafts had the Boys taking Jones in the first, but I never saw a scenerio in which Mendenhal fell so far. Jones is a win now pick b/c he will better compliment Barber this year. For the long haul, I think Mendenhal would have been the better pick. If Barber gets out of Dallas next year, the Cowboys will be looking for a feature back in the draft next year. I give them a B.

 

[twistd]

I really like the Steelers draft. I think they got very good value with Mendenhall when they got him, and I thought Sweed was a steal that late in the second.

I do agree that i love both players they got, but OLine was their most glaring need and to not address that early on was somewhat disappointing. Still need someone to block for the RB's and QB so he can get it to the WR's. DLine is a need also, hopefully they address the OLine and DLine next.But for value picks, i thought they did great.

The Steelers might need O-line, but better to take the value presented than to reach for players. Both players were good value where they were picked. I'd imagine they will find some value at the O-line spots a little later. It is funny when you see teams force things like the Ravens did with Flacco. Most sources had Flacco, Brohm, and Henne graded fairly closely. To spend picks to move up to get Flacco and have both Henne and Brohm drop so far would make that appear to be a really stupid move.

 

[The Captain]

Lions - F

Worst run franchise in sports. Just pathetic.

 

[iSnitch]

Redskins - A+Thomas and Kelly: #1 and #2 WR's Davis - #1 TE Gotta love it!!

Really? I didn't think the Skins had a huge need for wr's or te's. My Niners didn't get much in the way of flash but they didn't take anybody that left me scratching my head.B-

 

[Enforcer]

Instead of wasting all this time throwing around A and F letter grades for these two rounds... wouldn't it be better to go back and find a draft thread from three years ago so you could give a much more accurate grade?

Hell, I'll even start with Seattle from 2005.

2005 1 1 26 26 Chris Spencer C Mississippi 2 2 13 45 Lofa Tatupu LB USC 3 3 21 85 David Greene QB Georgia 4 3 34 98 Leroy Hill LB Clemson 5 4 4 105 Ray Willis T Florida State 6 5 23 159 Jeb Huckeba LB Arkansas 7 6 22 196 Tony Jackson TE Iowa 8 7 21 235 Cornelius Wortham LB AlabamaTatupu and Hill have been gold at LB. Spencer struggled last year in his first full year starting at C. Willis keeps challenging for a chance to play, but nothing has materialized. Greene was a waste of a pick. Seattle actually signed two TEs with the intent of turning one into a FB. Leonard Weaver (FA) has evolved into just that.Grade? I don't know. Four starters. One three time pro-bowler. I guess I give it a B or B-.

 

[Tecmo]

Vikings

Jared Allen

Tyrell Johnson

A+

I felt pretty good about the Jared Allen trade when I saw the Jax trade for 1.8. they gave 1.26, two 3rds, and a 4th for Harvey. Might as well gotten into the Jared Allen sweepstakes if you wanted impact so bad! I was happy with the Tyrell Johnson pick too as he was considered tops at his position by many. No 3rd or 4ths, but we got arguably the best DE in football if he stays focused. lovin it

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Vikings

Jared Allen

Tyrell Johnson

A+

I felt pretty good about the Jared Allen trade when I saw the Jax trade for 1.8. they gave 1.26, two 3rds, and a 4th for Harvey. Might as well gotten into the Jared Allen sweepstakes if you wanted impact so bad! I was happy with the Tyrell Johnson pick too as he was considered tops at his position by many. No 3rd or 4ths, but we got arguably the best DE in football if he stays focused. lovin it

The Jared Allen Trade simply can't be compared to an in draft trade. Too many different factors involved between the two.

 

[Cookiemonster]

I really like the Steelers draft. I think they got very good value with Mendenhall when they got him, and I thought Sweed was a steal that late in the second.

Obviously I was hoping for some help on the offensive and defensive lines but I think the players they did get are terrific. I think the Steelers needed a quality RB to complement FWP and Mendenhall most certainly fits the bill. I think the addition of Sweed make the Steelers WR corps among the better ones in the AFC.Now they have 4 more picks to get some depth at OL, DL, DB and OLB.

After that draft, my #### is the size of a 40oz.

 

[mad sweeney]

Seahawks - meh

I'll give them a B+, maybe even an A-. They got a great character guy who started 51 of 52 college games for a pro factory college. Knows Tatupu and therefore has a great amount of insight for the mgmnt to go on plus a friend in the defensive qb stud LB. They got their guy all along plus a 5th and 7th to boot. A solid, if not pro bowl caliber, TE to fill a need that's been inconsistent at best for years and was clearly Homlgren's favorite TE. I think both guys are good, clean Ruskell types that aren't as flashy as the other names around them but turn into the Tatupus, Hills, Tapps etc... After trading for Lofa, I'm not willing to say meh or boo or poo poo to any of their draft picks (especially a Trojan) unless they are major reaches and although a 3rd given up for Carlson might seem high, offset it with the extra 5th and 7th (can draft a kicker without losing out on a good project) for LoJack and it's a pretty good draft day. Didin't knock anyone's socks off but added some quality players that will step in and help immediately.

 

[LBH]

Jets A-

RD1- I really wanted Gholston and I was glad the Raiders took Mcfadden so the Jets didnt have to make a tough decision. Our pass rush was terrible, and adding a player who set a single season sack record at Ohio State seems like a good fit to me. B.Thomas didnt do anything to inspire confidance last year imo. Gholston should be pushing him for playing time right away. Grade A

RD2- Ill admit when I first heard Keller was the pick I said Huh?? Since then though Ive been reading a lot about him and have watched some videos. Wow, Ive come around on this pick. I wanted a WR or CB here for the Jets so when I heard we went TE I was dissapointed. After seeing the videos, Keller is more of a very big WR than he is a TE, and he gives the offense more versatility than a WR would have. I think the Jets know what theyre doing here. Recieving depth behind Coles and Cotchery is weak. I hope to see the Jets use him the way the Colts use Dallas Clark.

Grade B+

 

[Wadsworth]

Jaguars- B

Harvey and Groves are two pretty amazing prospects in a major position of need and at least Groves was good value. I don't think anyone would have been shocked if both were gone by 26, the Jags original first round pick. But as nice as the 2 DEs are, the Jags still could use depth at S, OL, RB and QB at the least and only have 2 5th rounders left. The Jags have a strong roster but I don't think it's so strong that only adding 4 players from 3 positions is warranted.

 

[Lobo237]

My Niners didn't get much in the way of flash but they didn't take anybody that left me scratching my head.B-

I can agree with this rating. Both seem to be slight projects, but neither pick was out of left field.

 

[GregR_2]

Texans B-

Picked up 2 extra picks in trading down which are sorely needed for other positions. It would have been nice if they could have traded down a little further a second time before taking Brown, but he was the next tackle on most people's boards, and Gibbs considered him one of the 3 best tackles in the class for his scheme. With a big drop off there, it probably was safer to just make the pick.

Are you serious? Taking Brown in the 1st round when he wasn't even a top 100 pick is horrible. That alone drops the grade to at least a C.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24313748/?pg..._reportcard2008

Houston Texans

A lot of people will kill the Texans for “reaching” for tackle Duane Brown, but they are looking for different qualities in offensive line. The Godfather of zone blocking, Alex Gibbs, was recently hired and fell in love with the athletic upside of the kid. Still, we give Houston credit for picking up a third and sixth-round pick by moving down and selecting the guy they wanted all along.

Grade: B-

Media giving them the same exact grade I gave them.

 

[gianmarco]

That's cute picking one site to show how well you did. How about John Clayton naming them one of the top 5 losers here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/colu...&id=3369696

 

[renesauz]

Instead of wasting all this time throwing around A and F letter grades for these two rounds... wouldn't it be better to go back and find a draft thread from three years ago so you could give a much more accurate grade?Hell, I'll even start with Seattle from 2005.

2005	1	1	26	26	Chris Spencer	 C	Mississippi 	2	2	13	45	Lofa Tatupu	LB	USC 	3	3	21	85	David Greene	QB	Georgia 	4	3	34	98	Leroy Hill	LB	Clemson 	5	4	4	105	Ray Willis	 T	Florida State 	6	5	23	159	Jeb Huckeba	LB	Arkansas 	7	6	22	196	Tony Jackson	TE	Iowa 	8	7	21	235	Cornelius Wortham	LB	Alabama

Tatupu and Hill have been gold at LB. Spencer struggled last year in his first full year starting at C. Willis keeps challenging for a chance to play, but nothing has materialized. Greene was a waste of a pick. Seattle actually signed two TEs with the intent of turning one into a FB. Leonard Weaver (FA) has evolved into just that.Grade? I don't know. Four starters. One three time pro-bowler. I guess I give it a B or B-.

Way too harsh. Four starters, one a pro-bowler, is an A+++, and a draft that any team would love to have in any given year. (And I'm an eagles fan)

 

[GregR_2]

That's cute picking one site to show how well you did. How about John Clayton naming them one of the top 5 losers here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/colu...&id=3369696

That's cute picking one site to show they did poor. See, it cuts both ways.Most of his critique is based on the fact that their pick came after players that would have been a good fit were gone. The Texans can't help that. They didn't have the firepower to trade up this year, and trying to do so would have been a mistake. Yes, they lost out because of how the draft unfolded vs if Albert or Williams had slid to them, but that isn't something the team did that was a failing. In fact they correctly handled it by moving down and getting the same guy that was best on their board at 18.

Then he mentions Jenkins, who it turns out was never on the Texans board that high because he doesn't fit their scheme.

The only area he mentions that would affect the Texans grade is if they reached too much to take Brown. Something that was already taken into account in my grade, and in the only site I found that gave grades to all the teams.

Regardless, you acted with utter disbelief at my grade, yet I'm obviously not the only one to think that's how they did. That's the point. Just because Kiper and Mayock rate the tackles based on other team's offensive schemes doesn't mean the Texans and others who use the zone blocking scheme are going to draft that way.

 

[jurb26]

I really like the Steelers draft. I think they got very good value with Mendenhall when they got him, and I thought Sweed was a steal that late in the second.

Obviously I was hoping for some help on the offensive and defensive lines but I think the players they did get are terrific. I think the Steelers needed a quality RB to complement FWP and Mendenhall most certainly fits the bill. I think the addition of Sweed make the Steelers WR corps among the better ones in the AFC.Now they have 4 more picks to get some depth at OL, DL, DB and OLB.

Like most Steeler fans, I love the value Pitt got with their picks (1st, 2nd and 3rd). I think Pitt simply drafted BPA after seeing all of the quality Olinemen come off the board in a flurry early on. Unfortunately, Pitt really needed to address the Oline early in this draft IMO.

 

[twistd]

I'd give the Bears a C-.I'm glad they took a LT in the first round, but I think I would have preferred Albert over Williams. The problem is they took Forte with a second round pick when Brohm and Henne were on the board. And I think Forte would have been available in third round. So they took the wrong player at one and reached at two.

Well, unless they needed a RB (which they did). There had been a pretty good run at RB, and they are in need of one. The other AP is about the slowest running back I've ever seen. Plus, Forte is a good special teams guy as well.They don't need to draft a QB. Ever again. Chicago kills young quarterbacks. It just is. It's time for the Bears to accept that and move forward with a different strategy. I thing the Bears get a B+ for what they got, and maybe even an A- for what they made of their opportunities today. Good choices by Angelo imo.

QB coming tomorrow in the 3rd only question will be whether it is Andre Woodson, John David Booty, or Josh Johnson. I sincerely hope it is Johnson. His critics will say that Johnson didn't face stiff enough competition in college but was MVP of the Shrine Game, which is an all star game with some of the toughest competition the NCAA has to offer.

It appears that the Bears don't believe they need a QB. Still waiting for a QB, and it looks like they won't select one. So we can hope sometime, maybe the next draft, they will address that.

 

[gianmarco]

That's cute picking one site to show how well you did. How about John Clayton naming them one of the top 5 losers here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/colu...&id=3369696

That's cute picking one site to show they did poor. See, it cuts both ways.Most of his critique is based on the fact that their pick came after players that would have been a good fit were gone. The Texans can't help that. They didn't have the firepower to trade up this year, and trying to do so would have been a mistake. Yes, they lost out because of how the draft unfolded vs if Albert or Williams had slid to them, but that isn't something the team did that was a failing. In fact they correctly handled it by moving down and getting the same guy that was best on their board at 18.

Then he mentions Jenkins, who it turns out was never on the Texans board that high because he doesn't fit their scheme.

The only area he mentions that would affect the Texans grade is if they reached too much to take Brown. Something that was already taken into account in my grade, and in the only site I found that gave grades to all the teams.

Regardless, you acted with utter disbelief at my grade, yet I'm obviously not the only one to think that's how they did. That's the point. Just because Kiper and Mayock rate the tackles based on other team's offensive schemes doesn't mean the Texans and others who use the zone blocking scheme are going to draft that way.

I know it goes both ways. I was showing you how easy it is to find a "media person" to agree with your position as I could with mine. Finding one person that agrees with you doesn't make your grade any better or worse same as it doesn't for mine. You want to give them a B, then go ahead. A "B" grade is an above-average grade and the Texans did not have an above average draft. It's true they couldn't help it if the players they wanted went before them and, under those circumstances, it may not have been possible to have a good draft. Not every team can get an A or a B grade and have a successful draft. But, in terms of how other teams did as well as just their overall picks looking at them alone, they were not above average. The Brown pick was a very big reach, even if it's who they wanted. With all the trading that went on yesterday, surely they could have moved down and picked up something and still gotten the guy they wanted yet they didn't. When you use a mid 1st round pick on a 2nd round talent (or lower on some boards), then I don't see how you can get an above average grade. I do think they did better as the draft went along, but that one pick alone doesn't warrant anything with an A or a B. Even if you have a media guy agreeing with you. You don't have to agree with me. That's just my opinion.

 

[bcr8f]

Eagles D-The Eagles could have stayed right where they started and got OT Jeff Otah (19th) and WR DeSean Jackson (49th). Both major needs.I believe that if Reid had his way the Eagles would have McNabb, Westbrook, and 50 DTs on the team.Von

You're nuts. The Eagles have played this draft masterfully:1. Jackson fills a huge need at WR/KR/PR2. The Booker trade was a steal3. They got what could likely be a top 10 pick from Carolina in '094. Trevor Laws will be a beast in that D-line rotation5. That Jamaal Brown/Lito trade that everyone is talking about would give the Eagles a NFL proven LT. If they don't trade Lito, they can extend his contract with the cash they saved from not having to sign a first round pick.You gotta look at the whole picture here....

A D from an Eagles fan is like a B from anyone else. They expect everything to go wrong.

 

[FTRWRTR]

Redskins - A+Thomas and Kelly: #1 and #2 WR's Davis - #1 TE Gotta love it!!

Really? I didn't think the Skins had a huge need for wr's or te's.

The only receiving options the skins had were cooley and s. moss and S.moss has trouble staying healthy. It made perfect sense to add the wrs and with fred davis they took the BPA in their opinion

 

[ScottyFargo]

Vikings

Jared Allen

Tyrell Johnson

A+ :(

I felt pretty good about the Jared Allen trade when I saw the Jax trade for 1.8. they gave 1.26, two 3rds, and a 4th for Harvey. Might as well gotten into the Jared Allen sweepstakes if you wanted impact so bad! I was happy with the Tyrell Johnson pick too as he was considered tops at his position by many. No 3rd or 4ths, but we got arguably the best DE in football if he stays focused. lovin it

The Jared Allen Trade simply can't be compared to an in draft trade. Too many different factors involved between the two.

I don't know why that would be. The Jag's targetted Harvey and gave up a ton in picks, the Vikings targetted Allen and gave up a ton in picks. The Jags have to bank on Harvey achieving Pro-Bowl numbers to compensate for that, the Vikings need Allen to maintain that which he's already been capable of. This situation could have been reversed had Jax found a way to sweeten the deal a bit more for K.C. as the 1.26 is obviously less desirable than the 1.17, but in the end we are discussing two trades for DE's that cost teams a lot in the way of extra picks. I am very comfortable with what the Vikings gave up for Allen in light of what Jacksonville paid for the opportunity to draft Harvey.

 

[SPM]

I know I'm late but Dallas - A

 

[Wadsworth]

Vikings

Jared Allen

Tyrell Johnson

A+

I felt pretty good about the Jared Allen trade when I saw the Jax trade for 1.8. they gave 1.26, two 3rds, and a 4th for Harvey. Might as well gotten into the Jared Allen sweepstakes if you wanted impact so bad! I was happy with the Tyrell Johnson pick too as he was considered tops at his position by many. No 3rd or 4ths, but we got arguably the best DE in football if he stays focused. lovin it

The Jared Allen Trade simply can't be compared to an in draft trade. Too many different factors involved between the two.

I don't know why that would be. The Jag's targetted Harvey and gave up a ton in picks, the Vikings targetted Allen and gave up a ton in picks. The Jags have to bank on Harvey achieving Pro-Bowl numbers to compensate for that, the Vikings need Allen to maintain that which he's already been capable of. This situation could have been reversed had Jax found a way to sweeten the deal a bit more for K.C. as the 1.26 is obviously less desirable than the 1.17, but in the end we are discussing two trades for DE's that cost teams a lot in the way of extra picks. I am very comfortable with what the Vikings gave up for Allen in light of what Jacksonville paid for the opportunity to draft Harvey.

The major problem with Allen in Jax was the 2 DUIs. The Jags have had a couple guys get DUIs and Jack basically told them to straighten up or they are gone, that the Jags are not going to put up with that behavior. So how can he then bring in a guy with 2 DUIs and make him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL? What kind of message does that send the team? Allen's past might not be an issue some places, but it would not work here in Jax.

 

[Master of Past and Present]

Atlanta Falcons: B-

1st round:

I'm not happy that they passed up dorsey for matt ryan but as the consensus #1 qb in the draft he was the safe pick and it makes sense that after the vick fiasco they'd want to play it safe. I'm fine with the sam baker pick at #22. Some posters in the NFL Draft thread acted as if they had commited a sin in drafting/trading for him but I've seen plenty of mocks that him going in the late first or early second and IMO he was the best o-lineman available and fills a big need.

2nd round:

I was surpised the Falcons chose curtis lofton over dan cooner but lofton is better built to be an ILB than conner and the comments I've read in the NFL Draft thread about lofton were all positive. I especially loved that someone called him a "thumper"

I'd give them a C, maybe C+. They addressed needs but I feel they didn't get as much value as they could have.

 

[GregR_2]

That's cute picking one site to show how well you did. How about John Clayton naming them one of the top 5 losers here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/colu...&id=3369696

That's cute picking one site to show they did poor. See, it cuts both ways.Most of his critique is based on the fact that their pick came after players that would have been a good fit were gone. The Texans can't help that. They didn't have the firepower to trade up this year, and trying to do so would have been a mistake. Yes, they lost out because of how the draft unfolded vs if Albert or Williams had slid to them, but that isn't something the team did that was a failing. In fact they correctly handled it by moving down and getting the same guy that was best on their board at 18.

Then he mentions Jenkins, who it turns out was never on the Texans board that high because he doesn't fit their scheme.

The only area he mentions that would affect the Texans grade is if they reached too much to take Brown. Something that was already taken into account in my grade, and in the only site I found that gave grades to all the teams.

Regardless, you acted with utter disbelief at my grade, yet I'm obviously not the only one to think that's how they did. That's the point. Just because Kiper and Mayock rate the tackles based on other team's offensive schemes doesn't mean the Texans and others who use the zone blocking scheme are going to draft that way.

I know it goes both ways. I was showing you how easy it is to find a "media person" to agree with your position as I could with mine. Finding one person that agrees with you doesn't make your grade any better or worse same as it doesn't for mine. You want to give them a B, then go ahead. A "B" grade is an above-average grade and the Texans did not have an above average draft. It's true they couldn't help it if the players they wanted went before them and, under those circumstances, it may not have been possible to have a good draft. Not every team can get an A or a B grade and have a successful draft. But, in terms of how other teams did as well as just their overall picks looking at them alone, they were not above average. The Brown pick was a very big reach, even if it's who they wanted. With all the trading that went on yesterday, surely they could have moved down and picked up something and still gotten the guy they wanted yet they didn't. When you use a mid 1st round pick on a 2nd round talent (or lower on some boards), then I don't see how you can get an above average grade. I do think they did better as the draft went along, but that one pick alone doesn't warrant anything with an A or a B. Even if you have a media guy agreeing with you. You don't have to agree with me. That's just my opinion.

I didn't give them a B, I gave them a B-, and as I already said to you, I waffled between a B- and a C+ but gave the B- because he can play LT, RT, or be moved inside to guard which is a boon when you are dealing with O-line problems including lack of depth.So you see a tackle who was rated late first to early 2nd go at pick 17. You trade back anyway to pick 26, and then see a tackle who was rated as a pure 2nd rounder go at pick 21, leaving your guy the next on most people's draft boards at the position. And for your scheme, he's the last guy in your tier after which there is a huge drop off, at a position which has caused your team a lot of problems for lack of a quality player there. And the impact players at your other positions of need that fit your scheme are gone already. You think erring on the safe side and taking the player turns the draft into a below average one?

I don't. I think people are focused too much on the pre-draft predictions and ignoring the fact that 2 tackles already went who were late first to outright 2nd rounders according to a lot of the same guys who called Brown a 2nd rounder. And I don't think you're putting yourself in the team's shoes of looking at the consequences if they miss out on him by trading back a second time. I imagine they'd have ended up with one of the safeties if that happened. If that was the best impact player they got out of the draft, with the holes they had to fill, they'd have deserved an F-. A given individual may have been willing to take that risk, but I don't agree that the Texans made even a poor choice by deciding it wasn't worth risking Schaub's health again to try to pick up another 3rd or 4th.

They got their guy and they got an extra pick out of it as well. We do not know if it was a reach, but there was plenty of reason for them to question if Brown would have been available based on what they actually saw happen in the draft. B- is a very valid grade for their first day. I'll bump it up to a B when you include the 2nd day as I think they got a real steal at cornerback.

 

[kingmalaki]

That's cute picking one site to show how well you did. How about John Clayton naming them one of the top 5 losers here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/colu...&id=3369696

That's cute picking one site to show they did poor. See, it cuts both ways.Most of his critique is based on the fact that their pick came after players that would have been a good fit were gone. The Texans can't help that. They didn't have the firepower to trade up this year, and trying to do so would have been a mistake. Yes, they lost out because of how the draft unfolded vs if Albert or Williams had slid to them, but that isn't something the team did that was a failing. In fact they correctly handled it by moving down and getting the same guy that was best on their board at 18.

Then he mentions Jenkins, who it turns out was never on the Texans board that high because he doesn't fit their scheme.

The only area he mentions that would affect the Texans grade is if they reached too much to take Brown. Something that was already taken into account in my grade, and in the only site I found that gave grades to all the teams.

Regardless, you acted with utter disbelief at my grade, yet I'm obviously not the only one to think that's how they did. That's the point. Just because Kiper and Mayock rate the tackles based on other team's offensive schemes doesn't mean the Texans and others who use the zone blocking scheme are going to draft that way.

I know it goes both ways. I was showing you how easy it is to find a "media person" to agree with your position as I could with mine. Finding one person that agrees with you doesn't make your grade any better or worse same as it doesn't for mine. You want to give them a B, then go ahead. A "B" grade is an above-average grade and the Texans did not have an above average draft. It's true they couldn't help it if the players they wanted went before them and, under those circumstances, it may not have been possible to have a good draft. Not every team can get an A or a B grade and have a successful draft. But, in terms of how other teams did as well as just their overall picks looking at them alone, they were not above average. The Brown pick was a very big reach, even if it's who they wanted. With all the trading that went on yesterday, surely they could have moved down and picked up something and still gotten the guy they wanted yet they didn't. When you use a mid 1st round pick on a 2nd round talent (or lower on some boards), then I don't see how you can get an above average grade. I do think they did better as the draft went along, but that one pick alone doesn't warrant anything with an A or a B. Even if you have a media guy agreeing with you. You don't have to agree with me. That's just my opinion.

How was it a big reach, if some had him rated as the next best available lineman?They did trade down and get the guy they wanted, and two extra picks. Considering that he was one of the top lineman left, there is no guarentee that he would have still been available from trading down again. Every time you move down you take a risk. After doing it once successfully, isn't it smart to stop jerking around and take the guy you want?

 

[Donnybrook]

Dallas - C-I guess time will tell if Felix Jones >> Mendenhall, but I just don't see why you go w/ a situational back in Jones vs an every down guy like Mendenhall, esp. w/ MBIII turning down the $30M contract. But I guess they know more than I do, so I'll take the wait & see approach.Love the Jenkins pick. A need position that was filled nicely w/ Adam Jones being a HUGE ???As for the TE...I don't get it. We had Fasano and traded him for a 4th rounder, then go pick a TE in the 2nd round? What am I missing here?!?

Cowboys replaced Fasono with a basketball player TE, got back into the 4th round and 24 odd spots higher than the pick sent to the Titans. Many drafts had the Boys taking Jones in the first, but I never saw a scenerio in which Mendenhal fell so far. Jones is a win now pick b/c he will better compliment Barber this year. For the long haul, I think Mendenhal would have been the better pick. If Barber gets out of Dallas next year, the Cowboys will be looking for a feature back in the draft next year. I give them a B.

If they took Mendendhal, couldn't they have saved themselves a 4th round pick on Choice? As well, they could have saved themselves some money and a roster spot come September. No?

 

[Donnybrook]

Eagles D-

The Eagles could have stayed right where they started and got OT Jeff Otah (19th) and WR DeSean Jackson (49th). Both major needs.

I believe that if Reid had his way the Eagles would have McNabb, Westbrook, and 50 DTs on the team.

Von

You're nuts. The Eagles have played this draft masterfully:1. Jackson fills a huge need at WR/KR/PR

2. The Booker trade was a steal

3. They got what could likely be a top 10 pick from Carolina in '09

4. Trevor Laws will be a beast in that D-line rotation

5. That Jamaal Brown/Lito trade that everyone is talking about would give the Eagles a NFL proven LT. If they don't trade Lito, they can extend his contract with the cash they saved from not having to sign a first round pick.

You gotta look at the whole picture here....

Based on this fact alone they deserve a passing grade.

 

[Bob Magaw]

rams - B-/C+ (long is a rock, but grade could go up or down depending on how avery pans out)

1.2 - chris long should be a great addition... i saw the case for dorsey here, but they have two pretty good young DTs & two old DEs... STL thinks UT is carriker's best position, one reason they didn't get dorsey... long reminds me of kersey a lot, which could be his upside... good things i heard scouts say... casserly said he had best hands & was most technically proficient DE he had scouted... ever... todd mcshay said when you put film on, you could never tell what point in the game it was, because he always plays the same speed... top speed... mayock said he has the best motor he has ever seen in college... he also said that while he carries label of being overachiever, he is an achiever, & is a freakish athlete... he should be a big upgrade over james & hall & start immediately... could give haslett some flexibility to mix in some 3-4 looks with 4-3 base... long can play 4-3 DE & 3-4 OLB... carriker can be a good 4-3 UT and has prototype size & skill set to play 3-4 DE... long adds much needed two way ability against run & pass, character, toughness, intelligence, passion, athleticism, work ethic, the on-field & locker room intangibles to raise the level of play of his teammates... he should be a cornerstone player the rams can build around for next decade... in an interview about what he felt he needed to improve on, he said EVERYTHING... he said when he looked at film of previous seasons, he was DISGUSTED with his play, and he was constantly looking to improve... given his HoF pedigree & tutelage, i don't think it is an act, but he is the real deal...

2.2 - donnie avery... wow... WOW... i could see why some draftniks called this the biggest reach of the draft... i have to admit, i was stunned, disappointed & a little angry initially... than i realized i didn't know much about him ... the rams homer board BLEW UP after this pick (true story, i couldn't get on for a while)... the rams may have been, & probably were, the only team in the NFL that had avery as the #1 WR on the board... i really wanted devin thomas (or limas sweed, or malcolm kelly)... i also wondered initially if they had to have the guy, couldn't they have traded down & gotten him later? once i came to my senses, i did some research, & saw the blurb in sporting news by russ lande that bloom alluded to... that avery was surging, one of the fastest late-rising prospects, & once scouts looked more closely at him, he could finish as a high second rounder (proved prescient) or even low 1st rounder (gosselin for instance, had him at #43 overall)... maybe some of the WRs i was high on, weren't as good as i thought (EVERY team passed once & many twice on guys like sweed & kelly)... while avery was out of top 10 WR by some scouts i respect such as mayock & coyle, maybe this was a case where there wasn't a lot of separation from top 1-12... unlike say, safety, where value fell of a cliff after 2-3 guys... as to the argument by some rams fans that they could have gotten him much later, i wasn't as sure after seeing how the draft broke... just a few picks later, guys like jordy nelson to GB & eddie royal to DEN went sooner than i thought (i actually thought nelson might go in 2nd, but not ahead of all the other WRs he did)... shoot, even jerome simpson went in the 2nd... avery arguably has similar upside to likes of nelson & royal, who were drafted in similar spots by other teams, also ahead of "consensus" higher graded WRs, yet i didn't hear anybody say GB or DEN indulged in massive reaches... this was seemingly an al saunders pick... he supposedly reminds them of isaac bruce... scouts are divided, and some don't think he is physical or likes to go over the middle, has questionable hands, but others say he reminds them somewhat of joey galloway & santana moss (who also aren't thought of as physical, but are game breakers & legit WR1 for their respective teams)... he has decent size at listed 5'11" 192, reportedly is a high character type (new personnel hondo devaney emphasized that this was an important trait they would prioritize throughout the draft)... it seemed like there were a lot of flawed prospects at WR position that may have spooked rams... thomas, hardy, kelly, jackson & others all had potential physical &/or off-field issues (& rams weren't only team that passed on them, as noted above)... holt & bennett don't possess elite speed, & avery was one of the 3-4 fastest WRs in the draft (ran sub-4.4 at pro day)... defenses will have to respect his speed in the slot, & that could open things up for the whole offense (bulger, holt, bennett, mcmichael, jackson)... he can contribute in the kick game... he was a productive starter for four years, i think... and some scouts really liked the fact that he took to instruction extremely well at the senior bowl, and he could still have upside with coaching up... a few sites say he is a career WR3 & slot, situational, sub-package guy... after further research, i now think, that at least the rams think, he could go outside and be a starter at some point...

 

[TLEF316]

I'll give the Jets a B. Gholston was who i wanted all along. However, it was pretty much a no-brainer consider the other option (Mcfadden) was off the board. There was really nobody else to pick.

I think Keller might be a good player. However, you have to question the pick. The jets have NEVER used their TE in the last 5 years or so. I've always thought that Baker could be a nice option, and he has been a non-factor (despite the fact that we have had a QB that relies on play action and dump offs) They signed Franks and still have Baker under contract (although he's #####ing for more $$ right now)

If Keller turns out to be Dallas Clark, its a great pick. But based on how infrequently the jets have used the TE in the past, i have to wonder how great of an impact he'll make. Add in the fact that they felt they had to trade up to get him and i don't think this one is all that great. We'll see. I would have rather taken a WR (I was a big Hardy fan)

 

[kethnaab]

Day 1 rating for the Steelers

Value = A++++++

Filling needs = B-

We "need" a tall WR and we "need" a new RB, granted, but we NEED more OL and especially DL help.

I'm not arguing with the picks. If the Steelers had chosen anyone else in the 1st or 2nd, they definitely would've been reaching because Sweed and Mendy were ABSOLUTELY the best players left on the board.

Now we just gotta figure out a way to keep our DL healthy and get our OL to function as a unit. I'm hoping the C pickup will stabilize the OL and allow players back into more natural positions so they can get the job done, because I don't think they did all that great last year.