A+
Cincinnati Bengals:
I strongly feel that the Bengals had the best draft in 2009. People try and claim Andre Smith wasn’t the right tackle to take at number six, but there is no denying he is a monster of a football player and is better than anyone they have right now. Rey Maualuga was a steal in the second round, and could be a future pro-bowler at middle linebacker. The Bengals took a gamble on defensive end Michael Johnson in third, but his ceiling his too hard to ignore. Experts are comparing him to Julius Peppers, and if that’s so they grabbed a top five talent in the third. Other third round pick Chase Coffman finally gives Carson Palmer a legit target at tight end. The Bengals finally found themselves a solid center in the fourth with the selection of Jonathan Luigs. In the fifth they grabbed a legit punter in Kevin Huber, and in the sixth they took a possible starter at corner in Morgan Trent. The rest of the draft was filled with possible great backups. Running backs Bernard Scott and Fui Vakapuna will be options behind Cedric Benson, defensive end/ defensive tackle Clinton McDonald is great value in the seventh for the defensive line, and Freddie Brown is a receiver in the wings incase Chad Ocho Cinco is traded or Laveranues Coles is a bust. It’s hard to argue that this isn’t an A+ draft by the Bengals.
New England Patriots:
Even without a first round pick, the Patriots still came away with a ton of talent, many of which can contribute in the 2009 season. None of their four second round picks were reaches, and all were considered to be great options at that point in the draft. Safety Patrick Chung, nose tackle Ron Brace, cornerback Darius Butler, and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer are all solid football players and will benefit from having a lot of talent behind them. After the second round, they were able to take a big risk on wide receiver Brandon Tate, the North Carolina prospect that would have been a top pick if not for tearing his ACL. After Tate, they were able to take the best player on the board in Tyrone McKenzie, who will bring youth to the linebacker position. Mid round picks Rich Ohrnberger and George Bussey will bring some depth to an already great offensive line. With so many picks, they were able to replace their long snapper with Jake Ingram in the sixth round. To top off the draft, the Patriots focused on depth on the defensive line with the selections of Myron Pryor and Darryl Richard, while replacing quarterback Matt Cassel with Julian Edelman. Edelman can also play in the wildcat formation. After reading this, you would know I’m in love with the Patriots 2009 class, and feel they deserve an A+.
New York Giants:
When you have so many picks and so little needs, you can afford to take the best player route. First round pick Hakeem Nicks will fill the huge need at wide receiver that Plaxico Burress left. He many never have the impact Plaxico had, but he’ll at least be a tall target in the red-zone for Eli. Second round pick Clint Sintim will fill a need at linebacker, and provide some of a pass rush. Also in the second, a pick was spent on offensive tackle William Beatty who was great value at that point. Beatty was targeted many times as a first round talent. Wide receiver Ramses Barden and tight end Travis Beckum provide more targets for a dangerous Giants offense. The replacement for Derek Ward was found in the fourth with the draft pick of Andre Brown. In the late rounds, the Giants grabbed value with quarterback Rhett Bomar who is thought to be the fourth best quarterback in the draft, and provided depth in the defensive backfield with DeAndre Wright and Stoney Woodson. An overall great draft for the Giants who will be reloading for another run at the Super Bowl.
Philadelphia Eagles:
Andy Reid and the Eagles filled every need and them some with their 2009 draft class. They added more fire power to the offense with their first three picks. First, they moved up two spots to select Jeremy Maclin, a DeSean Jackson clone who will make the passing game more dangerous. In the second they selected LeSean McCoy, who will be the perfect second running back behind Brian Westbrook. The run game will finally be up to par with the passing game. Their fifth round choice was made on tight end Cornelius Ingram, a perfect red-zone target for Donovan McNabb. Their second fifth round choice went to Victor Harris, a cornerback who’s a steal at where they got him, and who will be the perfect replacement for Lito Sheppard. Later in the draft Andy Reid went back to his roots of selecting linemen with choosing offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou and guard Paul Fanaika, two large bodies who add depth to an already great crew. Their other picks were made on wide receiver Brandon Gibson, another steal in that spot who could see some playing time this year and linebacker Moise Fokou, a speedy linebacker. All in all, a great draft by the Eagles.
A
Indianapolis Colts:
Bill Polian knows how to put together a great draft. There is no way Joseph Addai can carry the whole load, so the Colts made sure they landed a top running back in Donald Brown. He’ll quietly move the chains and most likely take over the lead role in the backfield. They then addressed their biggest need in defensive tackle in the second round with the selection of Fili Moala, a huge run stuffer that will make the Colts defense much better. Cornerback Jerraud Powers may have been a reach in the third, but they made up for it in the fourth with the selections of wide receiver Austin Collie and defensive tackle Terrence Taylor, two players who could be seeing a lot of time in 2009. The rest of the draft was solid, adding depth in places of need. Quarterback Curtis Painter should be a pre-season hero, punter Pat McAfee will take over Hunter Smith’s job, and Jamie Thomas adds depth on the offensive line to help the run game.
Seattle Seahawks:
It is going to be scary watching Aaron Curry, Lofa Tatupu, and Leroy Hill operate on the field on Sundays. Seattle grabbed the best player in the draft at number four, and there is no way they could pass him up at that point. The Seahawks then robbed the Broncos by trading their second rounder for a first next year. They could be picking top five next year the way the Broncos are heading. They then traded back into the second to take Max Unger, a very versatile offensive lineman who will help wherever he plays. They then traded up again into the third to take wide receiver Deon Butler, a player being compared to former Seahawk Bobby Engram. Still though, it may have been a round early for Butler, but we’ll see. A sixth round pick was used on a quarterback to develop in Mike Teel who they’ll try to make the second quarterback so Seneca Wallace can play wide receiver. In the seventh, they took best player available in safety Courtney Green, defensive end Nick Reed, and tight end Cameron Morrah. I would have liked to see them take a safety earlier, but Green in capable of hitting the starting lineup. I like the way the Seahawks grabbed some players who could help them win now, other than taking the other “rebuilding” route.
A-
Chicago Bears:
Even without having a first day pick, the Bears did an excellent job of addressing their needs, getting first round talent and helping out new quarterback Jay Cutler in the passing game. Third round choice Jarron Gilbert is an amazing athlete and will be a threat to opposing quarterbacks at defensive end. Other third rounder, a late one at that, was Juaquin Iglesias who has second round talent and will be Jay Cutler’s new number one option. Fourth round picks defensive end Henry Melton and cornerback D.J Moore were also great choices for where they were picked .In the fifth, they grabbed Johnnie Knox, who is another speed option who will give the Bears more of a dynamic passing game. Also in the fifth, linebacker Marcus Freeman was grabbed, who also has second round talent. He should be starting next to Brian Urlacher in no time. Later picks free safety Al Alfalava, guard Lance Louis, and receiver Derek Kinder were solid choices as well. I find it hard to see any flaws in the Bears draft.
Cleveland Browns:
When you trade down three times, you better grab some talent in the later rounds. The Browns however, did just that. Cleveland traded with the Jets first moving down to the 17th pick, then with the Buccaneers moving down two spots, and then moving down again two spots with Eagles. The biggest trade though, was with the Jets, grabbing their first, second, and three players in the process (safety Abram Elam, defensive end Kenyon Coleman, and quarterback Bret Ratliff). With the 22nd pick the Browns picked maybe the best center prospect of the best decade Alex Mack. Afterwards, they made sure they would have insurance if they trade Braylon Edwards with the selection of receivers Brian Robiskie and Mohammad Massaquoi. Round two through round six, the Browns moved to the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end David Veikune, linebacker Kaluka Maiava, and corner backs Don Carey and Coye Francies will all compete for jobs and have potential to be starters. Their last selection came in the sixth round with the choice of James Davis, who I feel can take Jamal Lewis’s job this season.
B+
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals got really lucky that the best running back fell to them at number 30. Chris Wells will immediately help the Cardinals run game to be up to par with the passing game. Cody Brown was a solid selection in the second and will improve the pass rush. Safety Rashad Johnson was a steal in round third. Johnson’s a playmaker and may turn out to be a pro-bowler down the road. Mid to late round picks Herman Johnson and Trevor Canfield will provide some much needed depth on the offensive line and hopefully become starters down the road. Other selections include cornerback Greg Toler, defensive end Will Davis, and running back LaRod Stephens- Howling. They probably will never see the field though.
Atlanta Falcons:
General manager Thomas Dimitroff did a great job of addressing all of the Falcons needs in the draft. Defensive Tackle Peria Jerry taken in the first round is a big run stuffing tackle that will start from day one. William Moore who was picked in the second was once thought to be a first round talent, and could become an eventual playmaker for them. Cornerback Christopher Owens in the third was a possible reach, but they were just adding depth, just as they did in the fifth with William Middleton. Lawrence Sidbury was a great pick in the fourth and could replace 2007 first round pick Jamaal Anderson soon. Offensive tackle Garret Reynolds provides depth in the fifth, just as Spencer Adkins does in the sixth at linebacker. To finish off the draft, they selected another big body at defensive tackle in Vance Walker, who will challenge to make the team.
Buffalo Bills:
My only major beef with the Bills draft was that they didn’t select Brian Orakpo at the number eleven pick. Not that Aaron Maybin is a bad pick, but if they want to win now Orakpo would have been a better choice. Maybin is very raw and will take time to develop. The rest of the draft grabbed many starters for years to come. Other first round pick Eric Wood may play guard opening week, along with second round pick Andy Levitre. Other second round pick Jarius Byrd can play both cornerback and safety, and will probably be the replacement for Jabari Greer. Fourth round pick Shawn Nelson is a much better target than Robert Royal was and will help out Trent Edwards in the passing game. Fifth round pick Nic Harris can play linebacker if needed to. It was questionable why two corners, Cary Harris and Ellis Lankster, were picked in the last two rounds, but they’ll still compete for a roster spot.
Miami Dolphins:
Pill Parcells once again did a great job of getting players who can contribute right away and make an impact on this team. Two of the Dolphins first three picks will add some much needed talent to the secondary. First round pick Vontae Davis, younger brother of 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, will bring a physical presence, and second round pick Sean Smith is versatile since he can play corner and safety. Other second round pick wide receiver/ quarterback Pat White will excel in the Wild cat offense. Mid way through the draft the Dolphins grabbed more weapons on offense with receivers Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline along with tight end John Nalbone. The end of the draft ended with two possible sleepers in safety Chris Clemons and offensive tackle Andrew Garner, along with linebacker J.D Folsom for depth. With this draft, the Dolphins have the depth needed to go farther in the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers:
Mike Singletary is off to a great start in his first full year as 49ers head coach. They better thank their lucky stars that Michael Crabtree fell to them at number ten. He is better than any 49ers receiver in the past five years already. They then were able to grab the Panthers first round pick in 2010 by trading their second away; a great bargain in my mind. Running back Glen Coffee was a bit of a reach in the third, and they could have filled a bigger hole. Linebacker Scott McKillop was a great pick in the fifth and will most likely replace Takeo Spikes when he retires. Nate Davis was a risky pick in the fifth as well. Do they expect him to start any time? It could pay off though; quarterback is a need for them. Tight end Bear Pascoe makes sense in the sixth; he’ll do the blocking duties as Vernon Davis will take care of receiving duties. In the seventh they finished off the draft with safety Curtis Taylor and defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois, both who fill needs. An overall solid draft, but the Coffee pick confused me. It also helped getting a first round pick for 2010.
St. Louis Rams:
Finally, it seems the Rams have come away with a very solid draft class. Offensive tackle Jason Smith was the right choice number two overall, and will be the replacement for the great Orlando Pace. He will start his career at right tackle, but ease his way to the left spot. They chose a middle linebacker in the second round, but the jury is still out if it was the right one. James Laurinaitis was a good choice, but would Rey Maualuga have been better? We’ll know in three years. They chose a very underrated cornerback in the third in Bradley Fletcher. He should be an immediate help to a poor secondary. Mid way through the draft they chose defensive tackle Dorell Scott and wide receiver Brooks Foster, two players who will probably see a lot of action in 2009. Two solid choices indeed. To finish off the draft they chose quarterback Keith Null and running back Chris Ogbonnaya who will probably never see the field.
Tennessee Titans:
I was shocked to see the Titans take a wide receiver at number 30 overall. They never seem to take a wide out that high, but it wasn’t a bad pick at all. Kenny Britt will be a play maker for them. Second round defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks fills the hole left by Albert Haynesworth so that’s good. Tight end Jared Cook in the third will replace Alge Crumpler, which is great news for Titan fans. Their biggest need was filled in the third with cornerback Ryan Mouton, but it seems like a bit of a reach at that point. Mid way through the draft the Titans got great value with linebacker Gerald McRath, offensive tackle Troy Kropog, and running back Javon Ringer, all players who should have been selected earlier than they were. Cornerback Jason McCourty selected in the sixth may turn out to be better than Mouton. Wide receiver was addressed again in the sixth with the very fast Dominique Edison. He could very well see special team duties. To finish off the draft in the seventh round they took guard Ryan Durand and safety Nick Schommer to fill their practice squad.
B
Baltimore Ravens:
It seemed as if the Ravens kept taking the best player available strategy. Even though that’s not a bad thing, I still feel they could have grabbed a receiver for Joe Flacco, or came away with more safety depth. They should thank their lucky stars Michael Oher fell to them in the first (they only had to trade up three spots). He’ll be a man on a mission on the line. Defensive end Paul Krueger will be an eventual starter grabbing him in the second. In the third they grabbed cornerback Lardarius Webb who has great speed and ball skills. He’ll be an instant shot of youth in the defensive backfield. Late round picks such as linebacker Jason Phillips, tight end Davon Drew, and running back Cedric Peerman will be great backups who could eventually make their way into the starting lineup.
Detroit Lions:
The only reason the Lions don’t receive an A is because they didn’t draft a true left tackle of the future. However, they did come away with great pieces to hopefully end some of taunts that have been shouted at them. First pick Matthew Stafford was a given. They need a new face of the franchise, and he should be a solid starter for them. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew was a shocker in the first, but he should help out Stafford in the passing game and the line with blocking. He is one of the better tight end prospects the draft has seen in a while. I feel the Lions best player to come out of this draft will be second round pick Louis Delmas, the hard hitting safety out of Western Michigan. He will be a Bob Sanders type of player, and bring some attitude to the defense. Their first bad pick was outside linebacker DeAndre Levy in the third, when they could addressed bigger needs. Third rounder wide receiver Derek Williams and fourth rounder defensive tackle Sammie Lee Hill were great picks though, and could easily start for the desperate Lions. The rest of their picks included running back Aaron Brown, offensive tackle Lydon Murtha, outside linebacker Zack Follett (who I feel was a great pick that late), and tight end Dan Gronkowski , all which will battle to see playing time.
Green Bay Packers:
The Packers made sure that their new 3-4 defensive scheme would have great players. B.J Raji at the number nine pick is a future stud, and a perfect fit for their nose tackle spot. They then traded back up into the first to select Clay Matthews, who in my opinion benefited from other great linebackers at USC. However, he still fits a need so I can’t argue. They desperately needed an offensive tackle and got one in the fourth with T.J Lang, who will probably be a solid starter for them. They then selected best player available in the fifth round by selecting the best full back in the draft in Quinn Johnson, and a second round talent in offensive tackle Jamon Meredith, a possible future starter. The rest of the draft presented nothing too pretty in defensive end Jarius Wynn, cornerback Brandon Underwood, and outside linebacker Brad Jones.
New York Jets:
This draft grade basically comes down to how you feel about Mark Sanchez. I for one think it was a great move for them to move up and get him, but it may hurt them for this year. The wide receiver position wasn’t addressed, and they didn’t grab any pass rushers. With only three picks though, it’s impossible to do so. However, the eventual value of Sanchez may surpass the need of all these positions. This is why this is a B grade though. It may pay off, it may not, so for now I’ll stick them at a solid B. Shonn Green was a good pick to start off the second day. They traded up to pick the eventual replacement of Thomas Jones, and he surely has the potential to be that power back they need along with the speedy Leon Washington. Their last pick was in the sixth round used on guard Matt Slauson who will provide some depth on the offensive line.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
I don’t disagree with the selection of Josh Freeman. They only had to move up two spots to get him, but what are they going to do with all these quarterbacks? It’s starting to look just like last year’s debacle. The rest of the draft was just filling in some holes throughout the roster with role players. Round three and four saw some aid towards the defensive line with tackle Roy Miller and end Kyle Moore. Depth was needed, and they got what they wanted so you can’t argue. Fifth round offensive tackle Xaiver Fulton brings more depth to the offensive line, something they also needed. Seventh round selections included cornerback E.J Biggers and wide receiver Sammie Stroughter, two developing players who fill needs as well. Raheem Morris got exactly what he wanted out of this draft, and if Josh Freeman works out it was perfectly executed.
B-
Carolina Panthers:
I didn’t like how the Panthers sent away a first round pick next year for defensive end Everette Brown, a player who doesn’t even fit their scheme, but they made up for it later with some great picks. Sherrod Martin will improve the secondary, but it’s debatable if he was worth a second round pick. Corey Irvin is a big run stuffer and may just be the guy they need to replace Kris Jenkins from last year’s off-season. Fourth round picks Mike Goodson and Tony Fiammeta are solid players, but they could have addressed bigger needs. Fifth round pick Duke Robinson and seventh round pick Captain Munnerlyn were great late round selections and will be eventual starters.
New Orleans Saints:
With only one pick in the first three rounds, the Saints made good use of it with the selection of Malcolm Jenkins. Thought to be the best overall corner in the draft, Jenkins will make an immediate impact on a Saints defensive backfield that has suffered in recent years. In the fourth round, they continued to rebuild the defense with the selections of safety Chip Vaughn and linebacker Stanley Arnoux. Both could play a role on the Saints defense in the future. Their last pick came in the fifth round, and they used it on punter Thomas Morstead who will become the eventual starter. Obviously with not many picks they couldn’t fill every hole (like running back and depth on the offensive line), but they did the best they could with what they had.
San Diego Chargers:
Two problems I had with the Chargers draft is that I feel they reached in the first round with defensive end Larry English, and the fact they didn’t draft a right tackle. Otherwise, you can argue it was above average afterwards. After the English pick they selected Louis Vasquez in the second; a perfect replacement for Mike Goff at guard. Vaughn Martin was picked in the third, a possible future nose tackle option for them. Another guard was chosen in the fourth in Tyronne Green. He’ll provide some much needed depth on the line. Also in the fourth they picked Gartrell Johnson, a monster of a runner who will put all of the run game worries away for Charger fans. A.J Smith may have struck gold in the fifth with corner Brandon Hughes; someone I feel should have been drafted a lot higher than advertised. To finish off the draft they picked safety Kevin Ellison and wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, a player who was recently in a car accident. I’m not crazy about any of those two players, and I felt they should have addressed safety much earlier.
C+
Houston Texans:
There is no doubt the Texans came away with some starters, but I feel they didn’t address their biggest need high enough; the safety position. Outside linebacker Brian Cushing in the first, defensive end Connor Barwin in the second, and guard/center Antoine Caldwell will be eventual starters, but like I said one of those picks should have been used on a safety, most likely their third on Rashad Johnson. Cornerback Glover Quin was a bit of a reach in the fourth, and then the Texans used their next two picks in the fourth and fifth on tight ends Anthony Hill (for blocking) and James Casey (for receiving). I don’t mind one there, but did they forget they had Owen Daniels? To finish off the draft they selected cornerback Brice McCain who could do wonders for the special teams, and safety Troy Nolan. I like Nolan as a player, but it was just too late to depend on their seventh to become a star at safety.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
It’s always great to take the best player available, but did they really need to select offensive tackle Eben Britton when they already selected Eugene Munroe at number eight overall? They at least could have taken a guard at that spot. Terrence Knighton fills a huge need at defensive tackle in the third round and it was a solid choice at that. Cornerback was a huge need also, but you could say they reached in the third with the selection of Derek Cox. They could have gotten him much later. The rest of the draft was making sure they get as many offensive weapons as possible. Out of wide receivers Mike Thomas, Jarrett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood, tight end Zach Miller (not the Raiders one), and running back Rashad Jennings, I really could see at least two to three starters in the short future for them. Thomas, Dillard, and Jennings were great value at where they got them. Still though, the draft grade goes down with the questionable pick in the second, and the reach to solve the cornerback problems.
Minnesota Vikings:
Brad Childress and the Vikings didn’t have many picks to deal with, so their first round pick was a crucial one. Although they are in love with him already, I still feel Percy Harvin was a reach at number 22. They most likely could have gotten him later, and probably a better receiver at that point. Their second round pick was great. Offensive tackle Phil Loadholt fills a desperate need at right tackle. Asher Allen was a solid choice in the third, and will probably play nickel corner this season. Jasper Brinkley was also a great choice in the fifth. I’m a big fan of Brinkley and think he has the tools to emerge as a great player in the NFL. Their last pick, free safety Jamarca Sanford, could possibly make the roster and provide depth now that Darren Sharper is gone. Overall I like most of the Vikings picks, but their first rounder moves their grade down.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
I really would have loved to see the Steelers draft more linemen in this draft, but with their recent history I’m sure they know what they’re doing and will be prepared for the future. Never the less that is why their grade is this low. Defensive tackle Evander Hood was chosen in the first round, and even though he may evolve into a great player, he may not see the field for a few years. I loved the choice of Kraig Urbik in the second, a big body to help the offensive line. Wide Receiver Mike Wallace in the third was a decent choice, but a guard or tackle would have been better. Mid way through the draft the Steelers addressed cornerback with the selections of Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett, two corners that still have work to do at the pro level. Running back Frank Summers was a head scratcher in the fifth; how are they going to run with no linemen? Defensive tackle Ra’Shon Harris was another curious selection in the sixth. I liked the last two picks though. Center A.Q Shipley and tight end David Johnson will probably make a roster spot and have the possibility of doing damage on offense.
C
Dallas Cowboys:
America’s team had so many picks to deal with, but barely made any moves. Even some of the picks they mad were questionable. Their first pick in the third linebacker Jason Williams is a solid option, and he was drafted just about where he should have been. Offensive Tackle Robert Brewster was somewhat of a reach in the third. Two of the Cowboys fourth round picks were solid. Defensive end’s Victor Butler and Brandon Williams are good pass rushers, but the first fourth round pick spent on Stephen McGee was questionable. Why take a quarterback so early? They already signed Jon Kitna to fill the second spot, and could have filled a bigger need. In the fifth the Cowboys addressed the defensive backfield, and Michael Hamlin and DeAngelo Smith should do just that. The other fifth round pick was used on a muscle man kicker named David Buehler. Why draft a kicker when they have Nick Folk? Out of their last four picks of safety Stephen Hodge, tight end John Phillips, cornerback Mike Mickens, and wide receiver Manuel Johnson, I really like the value of Phillips and Mickens, who could have went much earlier. However, there are too many question marks in this draft for me to rank them higher.
Washington Redskins:
Even with landing one of the top defensive ends in the draft, I didn’t get a good vibe from the Redskins draft. Defensive end Brian Orakpo, their first round selection, will be great with Albert Haynesworth on the line, but after that they didn’t attack the draft like I thought they would. Cornerback Kevin Barnes is a decent pick in the third, but they really should have addressed the offensive line. It appears Barnes is already running his mouth, mocking fellow teammate Fred Smoot. Mid way through the draft the linebacker position was addressed with the additions of Cody Glenn and Robert Henson, but all it appears they’ll do is play special teams. They need more of an impact player. Seventh rounder Eddie Williams doesn’t make much sense after choosing Fred Davis last year in the second and still having Chris Cooley, and other seventh rounder wide receiver Marko Mitchell will be in the list of Redskin receivers who will never make an impact (cough Malcolm Kelly).
C-
Denver Broncos:
Nothing against Knowshon Moreno, but I really feel the Broncos should have used this pick on defense. The defensive unit was so putrid last season that it must have been more addressed in the draft. With their other first round pick, they took Robert Ayers, a defensive end who really doesn’t fit their scheme, so it’s a bit of a head scratcher. The Broncos staff really had me confused when they traded a first round pick next year to the Seahawks for their second, which they spent on Alphonso Smith. That may end up costing them if they play bad this season, trading a top ten talent away for a nickel corner. Safety Darcel McBath is a decent choice in the second, but he could have been picked later. They then traded up into the second on the last pick to draft a blocking tight end, Richard Quinn. Yet again, it was a head scratcher. Other than the selection of safety David Bruton in the fourth who I feel will be a great starter in this league, the rest of the Broncos draft was pretty dull. Guard Seth Olsen, receiver Kevin McKinley, quarterback Tom Brandstater, and center Blake Schlueter will probably never start. The only reason I don’t rank this draft lower is because the players that they chose over the people that I believe they should have drafted have a great chance of becoming stars in this league (Moreno, Ayers, Smith).
Kansas City Chiefs:
In about five seasons, the Chiefs will highly regret passing on Aaron Curry. Sure, Tyson Jackson fits their scheme, but there is no way he should have gone that high. Linebacker was a need, and they had the best player in the draft on the board. No doubt in my mind they should have selected Curry, therefore their draft grade goes down. Alex Magee was a solid choice in the second round, and will be great for their 3-4 scheme. In the third round, they selected cornerback Donald Washington, a player who has first round talent, but he may have come out a year early. The rest of the Chiefs draft consisted of players who were reaches and who will probably not start any time soon in offensive linemen Colin Brown, wide receivers Quinten Lawrence and Jake O’Connell, and running back Javarris Williams. Their last pick (Mr. Irrelevant) though was spent on kicker Ryan Succop who will probably win the kicking job.
D-
Oakland Raiders:
Yikes. This is the clear cut favorite option for “losers of the draft”. Choosing receiver Darrius Heyward- Bey over Michael Crabtree with the seventh overall pick based on speed will cost them in the long run. It only got worse. Al Davis chose safety Mike Mitchell in the second, again based on speed. Mitchell went undrafted in most mock drafts, so you know they could have gotten him much later. Draft analysis Todd McShay didn’t even know who he was. Third round pick Matt Shaughnessy is a decent defensive end, but a reach at where they got him. The Raiders best choice was probably in the third round when they selected receiver Louis Murphy. Hopefully for their sake he and Bey will give JaMarcus Russell the legit targets he needs to be successful in this league. They then decided to pick two more defensive ends in Slade Norris and Styker Sulak, two guys who have potential but who may not contribute right away. Their last pick was Brandon Myers who will simply be a blocking tight end for them. This draft may be a wakeup call to NFL fans that if he wasn’t before; Al Davis is officially out of his mind. I don’t like to give failing grades, but this is as close as it gets.