Grades are based mostly off of where teams got the players off of my Value Board, but team needs are also taken into consideration. You can click on the team names to see their offseason pages which have impending free agents, 2010 draft overviews, and more team info.
Now that I’ve completed the draft grades, I also decided to show just how many teams had interviewed, worked out, etc. their draft picks prior to the draft. Each of those picks are labeled with an ! after the players name, position, and college. There were 75 players in all.
- Carolina Panthers – *Cam Newton QB, Auburn!
Grade: B Rated: 11
Analysis: Newton was college football’s top playmaker last year and he’ll have quite a bit of adjustments to make. When will he be ready? That’s the question right now. I like the pick, but he’s not the best player in the draft. - Denver Broncos – Von Miller OLB, Texas A&M!
Grade: A- Rated: 3
Analysis: I liked Dareus better in this spot, but Miller is a pass rush demon. - Buffalo Bills – *Marcell Dareus DT, Alabama!
Grade: A Rated: 4
Analysis: Great overall player, will help Bills stop the run better next season. - Cincinnati Bengals – *AJ Green WR, Georgia
Grade: A Rated: 2
Analysis: Perfect spot in draft order for Green. He’s the top WR this year. - Arizona Cardinals – *Patrick Peterson CB, LSU!
Grade: A+ Rated: 1
Analysis: My top rated player this year. Great value for a premium position. - Atlanta Falcons (from Browns) – *Julio Jones WR, Alabama
Grade: A- Rated: 7
Analysis: I knew that Jones would go in this slot, but I’m not too hot on the idea of trading up into top 10 to take a wide receiver. The bust rate is so high. However, I’ve had Jones rated in the top 12 for as long as I can remember. - San Francisco 49ers – *Aldon Smith OLB, Missouri
Grade: B- Rated: 20
Analysis; This pick is made on huge upside. The Niners lacked pass rush from OLBs last season, so this will help. His value isn’t this high though. - Tennessee Titans – Jake Locker QB, Washington!
Grade: C Rated: 32
Analysis: Locker will need time to work on his pocket footwork and accuracy, so a team like the Titans taking him here is a little worrisome. Upside pick. - Dallas Cowboys – *Tyron Smith OT, USC!
Grade: B+ Rated: 12
Analysis: Lots of mocks had this pick happening. The Cowboys loved him for the longest time. - Jacksonville Jaguars (from Redskins) – *Blaine Gabbert QB, Missouri
Grade: A Rated: 10
Analysis: Great trade up for Jacksonville. They get their QB of the future and it’s at the right value. Gabbert was my 10th rated player. - Houston Texans – *JJ Watt DE, Wisconsin
Grade: B Rated: 14
Analysis: I liked Cameron Jordan better, but Watt is still a great pick that was projected to go in the mid-first. - Minnesota Vikings – Christian Ponder QB, Florida State!
Grade: B Rated: 27
Analysis: The Vikings needed to get their guy, and they did. Ponder had some injury concerns, but he checked out medically and I think will be a good QB. He may be more ready than the other first round QB prospects. - Detroit Lions – *Nick Fairley DT, Auburn!
Grade: A+ Rated: 5
Analysis: Suh and Fairley in the middle are going to dominate the league for years to come. Astonishing that Fairley fell so far. - St. Louis Rams – *Robert Quinn DE, North Carolina
Grade: A+ Rated: 6
Analysis: Very good value here, although the suspension and benign brain tumor were causes for his fall. - Miami Dolphins – Mike Pouncey OG, Florida!
Grade: A- Rated: 18
Analysis: Good value, especially for a guy who’s the twin of a pro bowl rookie from last season. Is he a carbon copy? He got drafted one spot ahead of where his bro did last year. - Washington Redskins (from Jaguars) – Ryan Kerrigan DE, Purdue!
Grade: B Rated: 15
Analysis: I know I had him rated at 15, but he’s a better fit for 4-3 end. I don’t doubt that he can play OLB in 3-4 defense, but he’s not this high for a team running a 3-4. - New England Patriots (from Oakland) – Nate Solder OT, Colorado!
Grade: B Rated: 24
Analysis: I had Solder rated at 24th, and Anthony Castonzo was still on the board. - San Diego Chargers – *Corey Liuget DL, Illinois
Grade: B Rated: 22
Analysis: not bad value for the Chargers. He’ll be a young gun gunning for Jacques Cesaire’s spot. - New York Giants – Prince Amukamara CB, Nebraska
Grade: A+ Rated: 8
Analysis: I still don’t see why Prince was dropping throughout the entire draft process. He’s a top 12 talent (8 on my board). Huge steal for G-Men. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Adrian Clayborn DE, Iowa
Grade: B Rated: 23
Analysis: Bucs needed a pass rusher and they got one. The condition with his shoulder and lackluster senior season are only concerns. - Cleveland Browns (from Chiefs) – Phil Taylor DT, Baylor!
Grade: B Rated: 31
Analysis: I was expecting a 3-4 team to take Taylor, but the Browns (who are now minus Shaun Rogers) get a new plugger in the middle. - Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Castonzo OT, Boston College
Grade: A+ Rated: 13
Analysis: Great news for Peyton. He gets a legit blindside protector. Castonzo only needed to get stronger and a little better in the run game. - Philadelphia Eagles – Danny Watkins OG, Baylor
Grade: B- Rated: 34
Analysis: I’ve never been one to think that Watkins was worth taking in the first, but reluctantly put him at 34 on my value board. I have no doubt about him becoming a very solid interior lineman though. - New Orleans Saints – Cameron Jordan DE, California!
Grade: A+ Rated: 9
Analysis: Another huge faller on my board, but the Saints are the lucky ones. He’s a better prospect than Tyson Alualu last year (who made All-Rookie teams). - Seattle Seahawks – James Carpenter OT, Alabama
Grade: D Rated: 61
Analysis: My 61st rated player. He was reportedly a late riser on team’s boards, but I stayed true to what I watched during the season. Seattle said that they liked that he could play four positions along the line and will start out at right tackle. - Kansas City Chiefs (from Falcons through Browns) – Jon Baldwin WR, Pittsburgh
Grade: B- Rated: 45
Analysis: I like the pick, but it wasn’t good value. Baldwin was the last of the potential number one wide receivers on the board. - Baltimore Ravens – Jimmy Smith CB, Colorado!
Grade: A Rated: 21
Analysis: Everyone’s heard about his character concerns, but will they all disappear when he’s in a locker room with Ray Lewis and the rest of that Ravens locker room? I think so. - New Orleans Saints (from New England) – *Mark Ingram RB, Alabama!
Grade: A+ Rated: 19
Analysis: I don’t think his knee should have dropped him this far. I thought having him rated at 19 was holding him down a bit. Saints get two first round steals in my eyes and they’re no doubt the leaders for the best draft so far. - Chicago Bears – Gabe Carimi OT, Wisconsin -
Grade: A+ Rated: 16
Analysis: Great value from my board’s point of view. The Bears desperately needed to protect Jay Cutler…especially now since they’ll be facing Nick Fairley and Suh together against the Lions twice a year. - New York Jets – *Muhammad Wilkerson DL, Temple!
Grade: A Rated: 28
Analysis: Good value here and he’ll be able to step up when Shaun Ellis retires. He’s a very active defensive lineman and he’ll fit right in with the Jets stingy defense. - Pittsburgh Steelers – Cameron Heyward DE, Ohio State!
Grade: A Rated: 25
Analysis: Good pick and value, despite Heyward’s less than consistent senior season. The Steelers’ defensive line was getting older, so it was clear the Steelers were going to address it at one point in the draft. - Green Bay Packers – Derek Sherrod OT, Mississippi State
Grade: A Rated: 26
Analysis: Jeez, there are so many good values from my board in the first round, I feel like I’m being slutty with my A grades. But good value is good value.2ND ROUND
- New England Patriots (from Carolina) – Ras-I Dowling CB, Virginia – injury concerns, but if not for injuries, this pick would be very solid.
Grade: B- Rated: 60 - Buffalo Bills – *Aaron Williams DB, Texas – Williams could be moved to safety. The Bills looking like they’re taking best available player, which is the right way to draft. Very good value here.
Grade: A Rated: 33 - Cincinnati Bengals – Andy Dalton QB, TCU! – We all heard the talk prior to the draft. Dalton was going to get overdrafted, in my opinion, and he did. He is not a first round talent, not even close. I had him at 73. Sure he’s got great leadership, smarts, and decent skills, but that just doesn’t add up.
Grade: C Rated: 73 - San Francisco 49ers – Colin Kaepernick QB, Nevada! – He’s coming from the pistol offense, so I’m not sure he’ll be ready to play much, if at all, in 2011. Alex Smith must be getting another chance…or Andrew Luck to the 49ers in ’12.
Grade: C+ Rated: 67 - Cleveland Browns – Jabaal Sheard DE, Pittsburgh – Sheard took over the top DE at Pitt after Greg Romeus got injured in 2010. He launched himself up draft boards and looks to be a threat off the edge in Cleveland.
Grade: B+ Rated: 43 - Arizona Cardinals – *Ryan Williams RB, Virginia Tech! – Beanie Wells is disappointing so far.
Grade: B Rated: 48 - Tennessee Titans – *Akeem Ayers OLB, UCLA! – playmaker from UCLA, good athleticism, good in coverage, and can pick the ball off quite a bit.
Grade: A Rated: 30 - Dallas Cowboys – Bruce Carter OLB, North Carolina – Second year in a row the Cowboys take a chance on a linebacker with an injury concern (Sean Lee). Despite that, both Carter and Lee, if they can recover fully, will provide huge dividends.
Grade: B Rated: 51 - Washington Redskins – Jarvis Jenkins DL, Clemson – Jenkins is solid against the run and the pass, has good athleticism for his size.
Grade: C+ Rated: 66 - Houston Texans – Brooks Reed OLB, Arizona – I preferred to hold off on ranking him as a first rounder on my value board, but put him to Green Bay in my final mock. Reed played end at Arizona, but showed the athleticism during workouts to be able to move to linebacker in a 3-4.
Grade: A Rated: 38 - Minnesota Vikings – *Kyle Rudolph TE, Notre Dame – Hamstring injury kept him out of first round.
Grade: B+ Rated: 47 - Detroit Lions – Titus Young WR, Boise State! – I thought this was a reach, there were better receivers on the board. Lions get a receiver who can take some pressure off Megatron.
Grade: C+ Rated: 74 - Denver Broncos (from 49ers) – *Rahim Moore FS, UCLA – Moore had a disappointing junior year compared to his sophomore season. Team captain, great athleticism and ball skills.
Grade: B- Rated: 69 - Denver Broncos (from Miami) – Orlando Franklin OL, Miami (FL) – Franklin didn’t impress me often enough when I watched him during the 2010 season. He doesn’t have the athleticism to stay at tackle and will be moved inside to guard for the Broncos.
Grade: C+ Rated: 80 - St. Louis Rams – Lance Kendricks TE, Wisconsin – Kendricks is a nice playmaker and blocker, but he not quite on the level of where the Rams took him. DJ Williams and Luke Stocker I felt were more talented. Rams should’ve looked at other position at this slot. Stephen Paea would’ve been great or interior an interior lineman (Wisniewski, Ijalana, or Hudson).
Grade: C- Rated: 103 - Oakland Raiders – Stefen Wisniewski OL, Penn State – His uncle Steve played for and now coaches for the Raiders. They needed upgrades on their offensive line. Perfect fit and value.
Grade: A Rated: 49 - Indianapolis Colts (from Jaguars through Redskins) – Ben Ijalana OG, Villanova – More upgrades to the line for the Colts. Manning could be lethal behind this new, better line.
Grade: A Rated: 44 - San Diego Chargers – Marcus Gilchrist DB, Clemson – AJ Smith didn’t quite get this one right. They did need a safety though, and this seems like a need pick when there were higher rated players on the board. I know there were plenty of others on mine.
Grade: C- Rated: 108 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers – *Da’Quan Bowers DE, Clemson – I didn’t think he should have fallen this far. Although, I don’t have the doctors reports that teams have.
Grade: A+ Rated: 17 - New York Giants – Marvin Austin DT, North Carolina – Austin began to gain some traction back towards the first round after having his draft stock dropped to the late second after being suspended for the entire 2010 season at UNC. Perhaps he will have a consistent motor when he’s getting rotated in and out during games.
Grade: A Rated: 35 - Chicago Bears – Stephen Paea DT, Oregon State – the strongest player in the draft, broke the record for reps of 225 pounds at the combine (49). He’s done as many as 51 while at Oregon State.
Grade: A Rated: 37 - Philadelphia Eagles – Jaiquawn Jarrett S, Temple! – There was a little run on safeties here. Eagles get their local guy since they have some safeties that could leave for free agency, most notably Quintin Mikell. Just not good value going off my board.
Grade: C Rated: 100 - Kansas City Chiefs – Rodney Hudson OG, Florida State – smaller prospect, but this is right where I had him rated. Could move to center, Casey Wiegmann and Brian Waters are getting older.
Grade: A Rated: 52 - New England Patriots (from Saints) – *Shane Vereen RB, California – not going to say I understand this pick, as there was still Leshoure and other better running backs (according to most of us draftniks) on the board.
Grade: C Rated: 85 - Detroit Lions (from Seahawks) – *Mikel Leshoure RB, Illinois! – love this pick for the Lions. They wanted a bigger back to compliment last year’s second first rounder Javhid Best. And to get him this late is a real nice value.
Grade: A Rated: 39 - Baltimore Ravens – *Torrey Smith WR, Maryland! – Another great value. Smith has great speed, but like Derrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland a few years ago, his hands need improving.
Grade: A Rated: 42 - Cleveland Browns (from Falcons) – Greg Little WR, North Carolina! – Former running back, has great after the catch ability. Desperately needed help for Colt McCoy.
Grade: A- Rated: 62 - Houston Texans (from Patriots) – *Brandon Harris CB, Miami (FL) – listed at 5-11 by The U, but at combine he measure in at 5-9. Those two inches dropped him from being a potential first rounder. Looks most like a good nickel back now. He had a subpar bowl game against Notre Dame, too. That’s why he dropped, but in my opinion, he played bigger. He was a projected first rounder for a reason during the regular season, wasn’t he?
Grade: A Rated: 40 - San Diego Chargers (from Jets) – Jonas Mouton OLB, Michigan! – in my team interests post, there were quite a few teams that started to make his name known. However, I think the GM AJ Smith way overdrafted him. They aren’t just drafting for need, but players who are behind better prospects.
Grade: F Rated: 202 - Miami Dolphins (from Bears through Redskins) – Daniel Thomas RB, Kansas State! – Runs too upright, but is a good inside runner. JUCO transfer, went to three different JUCOs before arriving at K State, plus he’s struggled with academics according to his scouting reports. Fills an area of need as Ricky Williams and “Shy Ronnie” Brown (Lonely Island anyone?).
Grade: C+ Rated: 91 - Pittsburgh Steelers – Marcus Gilbert OT, Florida! – Upgrading the offensive line has been needed the past few years for the Steelers. Gilbert will help. He was a riser according to some reports, but I didn’t think he should be in top 100 after being ranked so lowly after watching him during the season.
Grade: C+ Rated: 115 - Green Bay Packers – *Randall Cobb WR, Kentucky – the rich get richer. Will be great for the short, quick throws on slants. Very good athleticism.
Grade: A Rated: 463RD ROUND
- Carolina Panthers – Terrell McClain DT, USF! – Doesn’t have any elite level skill, but will provide energy, run stopping ability, and pocket pressure up the middle for the Panthers. This was an area of need for Carolina.
Grade: C+ Rated: 135 - Cincinnati Bengals – Dontay Moch OLB, Nevada – Great 40 time, pass rush specialist, but weak against the run.
Grade: B Rated: 72 - Denver Broncos – Nate Irving MLB, North Carolina State – GM Brian Xanders said that Irving was the best available middle linebacker on their board. It was a weak year for middle linebackers.
Grade: B- Rated: 129 - Buffalo Bills – Kelvin Sheppard MLB, LSU! – The Bills needed another inside presence next to Paul Posluszny.
Grade: B Rated: 95 - Arizona Cardinals – Robert Housler TE, FAU – Good speed and height, but lacks the bulk teams look for in a complete tight end. Luke Stocker still on the board.
Grade: C+ Rated: 138 - Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns) – *Justin Houston OLB, Georgia! – GM Scott Pioli had one of the better drafts this year and here’s another gem. Houston will give some more pass rush capability to the KC defense and they could be losing four linebackers to free agency.
Grade: A Rated: 36 - Dallas Cowboys – Demarco Murray RB, Oklahoma! – Marion Barber had his worst season since his rookie year in 2010 (3.3 YPC). Murray is an excellent pass catching running back.
Grade: B Rated: 81 - New Orleans Saints (from Washington) – *Martez Wilson MLB, Illinois! – Another great value here for the Saints as they pick up the “trash” left behind by other teams. Wilson does have questionable instincts, and that’s why teams may have passed on him. He has good athleticism.
Grade: A Rated: 41 - New England Patriots (from Texans) – *Stevan Ridley RB, LSU – has good size and strength, punishing running style. Big back with blocking ability. Shane Vereen can provide the lightning while Ridley could be the thunder in the Pats’ new backfield.
Grade: C Rated: 152 - New England Patriots (from Vikings) – *Ryan Mallett QB, Arkansas – Surprise! Is there a better environment for Mallett to learn in than this one? Tom Brady and Bill Belichick molding Mallett into the franchise quarterback until Tom Brady’s time is up. The Packers molded players behind Brett Favre (Mark Brunell, Matt Hasselbeck, Aaron Brooks, and Aaron Rodgers) and the Pats are starting to do the same (Matt Cassel, Mallett).
Grade: A+ Rated: 29 - Seattle Seahawks (from Lions) – John Moffitt OG, Wisconsin – mauler in the run game, but too early to take him. The Seahawks definitely wanted to get stronger in the run game.
Grade: C Rated: 159 - Jacksonville Jaguars (from 49ers) – Will Rackley OG, Lehigh! – GM Gene Smith said that Rackley was rated much higher than the next person they had on their board when they traded up to get him. He’ll be kicking inside to guard after playing left tackle at Lehigh.
Grade: B+ Rated: 88 - Tennessee Titans – *Jurrell Casey DT, USC – The Titans were looking for adding to their defensive tackle stable. Casey was expected to effectively replace Sedrick Ellis at USC, but didn’t quite reach there. He’s picked right where I had him valued at, however, so this is right player, right price.
Grade: A Rated: 78 - St. Louis Rams – Austin Pettis WR, Boise State – The Rams address their biggest need here at wide receiver. Pettis doesn’t have the speed of his teammate Titus Young, but he’s got very reliable hands and route running.
Grade: B- Rated: 117 - Washington Redskins (from Dolphins) – Leonard Hankerson WR, Miami (FL) – Really like this pick for where the Redskins got him. He’s got the size and has improved his hands over the last two seasons at Miami.
Grade: A Rated: 53 - San Francisco 49ers (from Jaguars) – Chris Culliver CB, South Carolina – Culliver got injured and had his stock drop at the end of the season, but the 49ers saw him pre-injury and know he has good ability, plus return skills. He was just taken with too many other good corners left on the board, unless they plan on moving him to safety, which is where he played in 2009.
Grade: C Rated: 165 - Oakland Raiders – DeMarcus Van Dyke CB, Miami (FL)! – speed kills and Van Dyke used his speed to zoom up draft boards. Asomugha’s left for free agency and Stanford Routt could also become a free agent.
Grade: C Rated: 168 - San Diego Chargers – Vincent Brown WR, San Diego State! – AJ Smith always seems to find very good receivers and Brown is a candidate to be a sleeper. He’ll be a decent number two receiver.
Grade: C+ Rated: 153 - New York Giants – Jerrel Jernigan WR, Troy – Jernigan’s senior season began to create some buzz about him. He’s got good kick return skills and dominated small school competition despite his small frame. He’ll be used in the slot.
Grade: A Rated: 76 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mason Foster OLB, Washington – Bucs get one of the most productive tacklers in the draft. Fits a need for them as well.
Grade: A+ Rated: 57 - Baltimore Ravens – Jah Reid OT, UCF – Reid started to gain some traction according to some reports, but he certainly couldn’t have risen into the top three rounds.
Grade: C- Rated: 183 - Kansas City Chiefs – Allen Bailey DE, Miami (FL)! – Bailey has very good athleticism, but he’s a ‘tweener. I think his best fit is at 3-4 end, which is where the Chiefs will play him. He doesn’t have the explosiveness for end and lacks the bulk for inside.
Grade: A Rated: 58 - Indianapolis Colts – Drake Nevis DT, LSU – this is a very good pick for the Colts. They needed improvement at defensive tackle. Nevis is coming off a strong senior season.
Grade: A Rated: 50 - New Orleans Saints – Johnny Patrick CB, Louisville! – Another very good pick for the Saints. Good all-around corner, except for an aggravated assault arrest, but the charges were dropped.
Grade: A- Rated: 82 - San Diego Chargers (from Seattle) – Shareece Wright CB, USC – Good senior season after not playing in 08 and 09. Physical and can compete for jump balls.
Grade: B Rated: 104 - Philadelphia Eagles (from Ravens) – Curtis Marsh CB, Utah State! – They really needed a cover corner across from Asante Samuel.
Grade: A Rated: 92 - Atlanta Falcons – Akeem Dent LB, Georgia! – He was being interviewed, visited teams, and had a lot of interest from teams prior to the draft. I don’t see how he was the top linebacker for the Falcons at this point.
Grade: F Rated: 267 - Oakland Raiders (from Patriots) – Joseph Barksdale OT, LSU – The Raiders get more help that they’re desperate for along their offensive line. Barksdale has good athleticism so it’s no surprise that Al Davis took him.
Grade: B Rated: 118 - Chicago Bears – Chris Conte S, California! – Once the offseason started, Conte started his rise up draft boards. Was All-Pac 10 his senior year after a move from corner. Good size and athleticism.
Grade: B- Rated: 141 - New York Jets – Kenrick Ellis DL, Hampton! – Ellis has the potential to be the nose tackle in New York. He does have character concerns because he had to transfer from South Carolina after rules violations. Despite the character concerns, he’s a very good talent and looks to be a space eater in the middle of the Jets defense in future years.
Grade: A Rated: 54 - Pittsburgh Steelers – Curtis Brown CB, Texas! – The second of the trio of corners from Texas. Has great speed and will be able to stick on receivers well. This is a steal at the end of the third round.
Grade: A Rated: 56 - Green Bay Packers – Alex Green RB, Hawaii – Green was very successful for a running back in the pass happy offense at Hawaii. Last year GM Ted Thompson had a great find in Buffalo RB James Starks and this could be another, just a bit early
Grade: C+ Rated: 149 - Carolina Panthers – Sione Fua DT, Stanford – More help for the Panthers up the middle of their defense. It’s another solid pick and Fua plays with a good motor. He’s better against the run than he is at rushing the passer, where he needs improvement.
Grade: B- Rated: 1254TH ROUND
- Carolina Panthers – Brandon Hogan CB, West Virginia! – A torn ACL and two arrests within one year weren’t enough to prevent the Panthers from taking Hogan at this point. He could prove to be worth it if he stays out of trouble and recovers. He’s got good speed, tackling and kick return abilities.
Grade: C Rated: 150 - Seattle Seahawks (from Denver through New England) – KJ Wright LB, Mississippi State – Solid pick because of the value and the fact that Seattle has been looking for some better production from their linebackers.
Grade: B+ Rated: 111- Buffalo Bills – Da’Norris Searcy SS, North Carolina – Donte Whitner is likely to leave for free agency.
Grade: B- Rated: 148
- Buffalo Bills – Da’Norris Searcy SS, North Carolina – Donte Whitner is likely to leave for free agency.
- Cincinnati Bengals – Clint Boling OL, Georgia – The Bengals’ offensive line has some questions, most notably 2009 first rounder Andre Smith.
Grade: B Rated: 113 - Cleveland Browns – Jordan Cameron TE, USC – Great athleticism, he’s a raw route runner, but has those basketball skills that are trending right now for tight ends.
Grade: A- Rated: 107 - Arizona Cardinals – Sam Acho DE/OLB, Texas – A bit of a ‘tweener, at 6-3, 260. I liked him better as a 4-3 end. The Cardinals are looking to replenish their outside linebackers.
Grade: B+ Rated: 93 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Washington through Eagles) – Luke Stocker TE, Tennessee – There’s nothing behind Kellen Winslow at tight end on the Bucs.
Grade: A- Rated: 83 - Washington Redskins (from Texans) – Roy Helu RB, Nebraska – Showed explosion and great acceleration in his senior season with some big runs and big games. Shanahan could work some of his running back magic and turn him into a 1,000 yard back.
Grade: C+ Rated: 185 - Minnesota Vikings – Christian Ballard DL, Iowa – reports of a failed drug test at the combine dropped him from second round consideration. Vikings have shown that they’re not concerned about character with this pick and last year’s selection of USC DE Everson Griffen. Griffen has already been in trouble with the law.
Grade: B Rated: 63 - Seattle Seahawks (from Lions) – Kris Durham WR, Georgia! – Durham played well when AJ Green was suspended. I don’t think any of Seattle’s picks were good value.
Grade: F Rated: 307 - Denver Broncos (from the 49ers) – Quinton Carter FS, Oklahoma! – Brian Dawkins is getting too old. Carter is a good tackler, has some ball skills, and overall is one of the top safeties in this year’s weak class. This is a steal for the Broncos. They drafted the top two safeties this year off my board. Great job Mr. Elway.
Grade: A+ Rated: 59 - Tennessee Titans – Colin McCarthy LB, Miami (FL) – The Titans needed to upgrade all over their linebackers, so taking another backer here after they already took Ayers in the second is good. McCarthy is a little undersized, but he still has the athleticism, instincts, and physicality to be a good player for them.
Grade: A Rated: 86 - Dallas Cowboys – David Arkin OL, Missouri State – started all 44 career games at Missouri State. He’s got the size and showed that he can play with top competition at the East/West Shrine game. This is just too early for such a project. He needs to improve his pad level and pad level. Upside pick.
Grade: C Rated: 224 - Miami Dolphins – Edmund Gates WR, Abilene Christian – Gates has been talked about as a better prospect than current Chicago Bear and former ACU alum Johnny Knox.
Grade: A Rated: 70 - St. Louis Rams – Greg Salas WR, Hawaii – Many people think Salas is a sleeper. This is a solid pick for the Rams and another solid, reliable pair of hands for Sam Bradford to work with.
Grade: B+ Rated: 124 - Oakland Raiders – Chimdi Chekwa CB, Ohio State – another 40 time pick for Al Davis. This time, it’s a player with corner skills to match the pick value.
Grade: A Rated: 84 - Jacksonville Jaguars – Cecil Shorts III WR, Mount Union – GM Gene Smith continues his love for small school players. I don’t understand it, but all 15 of his draft picks since he became GM after the 2008 season are still on the roster.
Grade: B- Rated: 156 - San Francisco 49ers (from San Diego) – Kendall Hunter RB, Oklahoma State! – I like Hunter more than most. I think he’s got the vision, instincts, effort, and burst to be more than just a change of pace back.
Grade: A Rated: 64 - Philadelphia Eagles (from Buccaneers) – Casey Matthews LB, Oregon! – one of the things that popped out at me when I watched Matthews was his instincts and his ability to get into the backfield. He’s a little undersized, but I think he’s got the chance to be very good.
Grade: A Rated: 101 - New York Giants – James Brewer OT, Indiana – The Giants get the offensive lineman they were looking for in the first round, but they unexpectedly had Prince Amukamara available to them then.
Grade: A Rated: 123 - Kansas City Chiefs – Jalil Brown CB, Colorado – has the size and speed to be an NFL corner, but still needs some work before he’s ready to start. There wasn’t much behind Flowers, Carr, and Arenas at corner for the Chiefs.
Grade: B+ Rated: 133 - Indianapolis Colts – Delone Carter RB, Syracuse – The Colts running game struggled again, not that it matters though. I like this pick. Carter should have been a top 100 pick.
Grade: A Rated: 99 - Philadelphia Eagles – Alex Henery K, Nebraska – 2010 was David Akers’ contract year. I’m not a fan of taking a kicker this early.
Grade: C Rated: 199 - Jacksonville Jaguars (from New Orleans) – Chris Prosinski FS, Wyoming – had an unexpectedly great pro day. Intelligent player, good speed, and made plenty of tackles. Bad value off my board, but it fills their biggest need at safety.
Grade: C Rated: 292 - Buffalo Bills (from Seattle) – Chris Hairston OL, Clemson – The Bills offensive line needed upgrade at tackle, so this is a welcome sight for Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, he does have work to do on technique.
Grade: C+ Rated: 170 - Baltimore Ravens – Tandon Doss WR, Indiana – The Ravens’ offense has been looking to catch up with their defense for years. Doss is big target for Flacco at 6-3.
Grade: A Rated: 90 - Cleveland Browns (from Falcons) – Owen Marecic FB, Stanford – This pick makes for a powerful backfield in Cleveland with Marecic and Peyton Hillis.
Grade: A Rated: 130 - Oakland Raiders (from Patriots) – *Taiwan Jones RB, Eastern Washington! – another player with a great 40 time. His 10 yard split was one of the fastest by any prospect this year. However, injuries are a major concern with him.
Grade: A Rated: 105 - New York Jets – Bilal Powell RB, Louisville! – physical runner who broke out in his senior season.
Grade: B Rated: 157 - Houston Texans (from Bears through Redskins) – Rashad Carmichael DB, Virginia Tech – Better in zone coverage. Has very good speed and awareness.
Grade: A Rated: 139 - Pittsburgh Steelers – Cortez Allen CB, Citadel! – a little early for Allen, but more help on the way for the Steelers’ secondary, which was one of their top needs.
Grade: C+ Rated: 163 - Denver Broncos (from Packers) – Julius Thomas TE, Portland State! – another athletic tight end with a basketball background. He’ll need improvement in route running and blocking, as is the case with other former basketball players just starting their football career.
Grade: C+ Rated: 167 - Tennessee Titans – *Jamie Harper RB, Clemson – Fullback Ahmard Hall is probably leaving for free agency, so Harper could be coming in to replace him. Is good at catching the ball out of the backfield in addition to his potential as a blocker.
Grade: A Rated: 112 - Green Bay Packers – Davon House CB, New Mexico State – Ted Thompson does it for the third time out of his first four picks. Huge value coming off my board here at 131. House is at his best in man coverage.
Grade: A+ Rated: 555TH ROUND
- Carolina Panthers – Kealoha Pilares WR, Hawaii – The start of the fifth round begins the list of names that I was not aware of in my second year of analyzing and projecting the draft. He has 4.4 speed and looks to be a solid slot receiver at 5-10, 199 pounds.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Buffalo Bills – Johnny White RB, North Carolina – I missed this guy while other people have him in their top 200. Woops. He was getting big numbers before he got injured.
Grade: C+ Rated: NR - Cincinnati Bengals – *Robert Sands FS, West Virginia – big safety prospect with 4.5 speed. The Bengals were looking for an upgrade at safety.
Grade: A Rated: 94 - Kansas City Chiefs (from Denver through Tampa Bay) – Ricky Stanzi QB, Iowa – Stanzi was a favorite of mine prior to the draft. His improved numbers and decision making from his junior to senior season and his clutch performances impressed me.
Grade: A Rated: 87 - Arizona Cardinals – Anthony Sherman FB, Connecticut – Surprised Sherman was drafted ahead of Jordan Todman. With the pick of Ryan Williams in round two, the running game was focused on more in the draft. It appears the Cards will be addressing QB in free agency or trade.
Grade: C+ Rated: NR - Cleveland Browns – Buster Skrine CB, Chattanooga! – sub 4.4 speed, but technique as a corner needs work.
Grade: A Rated: 132 - New England Patriots (from Texans) – Marcus Cannon OG, TCU – Massive lineman at 350+ pounds, but cancer scare scared off teams. If it goes away, this could be a steal. The Patriots can afford to take this type of risk.
Grade: Wait and see Rated: 77 - Minnesota Vikings – *Brandon Burton CB, Utah – good size at 6-0, but only decent speed (4.50) may prevent him from making a big impact.
Grade: A Rated: 75 - Kansas City Chiefs (from Detroit) – Gabe Miller OLB, Oregon State – upside pick as he’s only played on defense since 2009.
Grade: D Rated: NR - Green Bay Packers (from 49ers through Broncos) – DJ Williams TE, Arkansas – H-back type of receiver with good elusiveness.
Grade: A Rated: 71 - Tennessee Titans – Karl Klug DL, Iowa – ‘tweener DE/DT, but if anybody can figure it out, it’s head coach Mike Munchak, defensive line extraordinaire.
Grade: D Rated: 270 - Dallas Cowboys – Josh Thomas DB, Buffalo – quick, but smallish and tends to gamble too much.
Grade: D+ Rated: 264 - Houston Texans (from Redskins) – Shiloh Keo S, Idaho – two-time team captain at Idaho. Tough player who will contribute on special teams, but will probably see action at safety for the weak Texans’ secondary.
Grade: C+ Rated: 210 - Atlanta Falcons (from Rams) – *Jacquizz Rodgers RB, Oregon State – 5-6, but a little burst of big explosion. GM Thomas Dimitroff wanted to get playmakers for the offense in this draft.
Grade: A Rated: 102 - Washington Redskins (from Dolphins) – Dejon Gomes S, Nebraska – does well against the run, but doesn’t have the athleticism coveted in a prospect.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Jacksonville Jaguars – Rod Issac DB, Middle Tennessee State – I had never heard of this guy. I youtubed him and was impressed. Lower level of competition always makes it tough to judge, however. Fills a position of need again in the defensive backfield.
Grade: D+ Rated: NR - Oakland Raiders – Denarius Moore WR, Tennessee – one of my sleeper picks. However, it doesn’t help my case that he was drafted ahead of where I had him…
Grade: B+ Rated: 158 - Philadelphia Eagles (from San Diego) – *Dion Lewis RB, Pittsburgh – smallish back who utilizes that to his advantage in between the tackles.
Grade: C+ Rated: 207 - Cleveland Browns (from Giants through Vikings) – Jason Pinkston OL, Pittsburgh – Pinkston has good feet and strength. The Browns get a really good pick here. I don’t understand why he fell so far. Head coach Pat Shurmur said he’ll play at guard.
Grade: A+ Rated: 68 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ahmad Black SS, Florida – The only thing that has held Black this far down the board is his size. He was one of those prospects who has much better game speed than his 40 speed at the combine.
Grade: A Rated: 126 - Houston Texans (from Colts through Redskins) – TJ Yates QB, North Carolina – Gary Kubiak said Yates reminded him of Matt Schaub. Yates moved himself to become a draftable player with a very good senior season.
Grade: C+ Rated: 226 - New York Jets (from Eagles) – Jeremy Kerley WR, TCU! – really quick, turned catches into big plays. Looks to best fit at slot.
Grade: B Rated: 176 - Seattle Seahawks (from Chiefs through Lions) – Richard Sherman DB, Stanford – former wide receiver has good hands, but lacks instincts.
Grade: C Rated: 244 - Washington Redskins (from New Orleans) – Niles Paul WR, Nebraska – physical receiver with good size and decent speed.
Grade: A Rated: 122 - Seattle Seahawks – Mark LeGree FS, Appalachian State! – This was a weak safety class and I’m seeing a lot of reaches. Seattle has yet another reach here. 22 career interceptions against lower competition.
Grade: C Rated: 225 - Detroit Lions (from Ravens through Seahawks) – Doug Hogue OLB, Syracuse! – athletic linebacker can help improve the competition at outside linebacker.
Grade: C+ Rated: 196 - St. Louis Rams (from Falcons) – Jermale Hines S, Ohio State – The Rams had a need at one safety, then OJ Otogwe left for the Washington Redskins.
Grade: A Rated: 155 - New England Patriots – Lee Smith TE, Marshall – blocking tight end and could be a nice long snapper.
Grade: D Rated: 260 - Chicago Bears – Nathan Enderle QB, Idaho! – disappointing senior season, but has shown that he has some tools that may be developed. But still way too early to take him.
Grade: D Rated: 262 - Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets) – Julian Vandervelde OL, Iowa = late riser, but totally off of my radar. Philly continuing to add to the offensive line to lessen the sack numbers from last year. Played in the little league world series as a kid.
Grade: D Rated: NR - Pittsburgh Steelers – Chris Carter OLB, Fresno State – Great pick. This is why Kevin Kolbert has the Steelers so successful year in and year out for the better part of his over 10 years heading the Steelers personnel department.
Grade: A+ Rated: 96 - San Francisco 49ers (from Packers) – Daniel Kilgore OL, Appalachian State – One of my favorite names in this year’s draft. Will play guard in the pros because of his short arms and lack of athleticism, but is a player with a nasty blocking attitude. Offensive line coach said he’ll be used at center mostly, a position he hasn’t played at since high school.
Grade: C Rated: 214 - Baltimore Ravens – Chykie Brown CB, Texas! – The Ravens needed some help at corner and Brown was a good value here according to my board.
Grade: A Rated: 147 - Baltimore Ravens – Pernell McPhee DE, Mississippi State – McPhee transferred to Mississippi State (with no money) after starting out at the JUCO level. He looked primed to bust out his senior season, but didn’t produce. He’s a solid pick and fills a need at DE.
Grade: A Rated: 1146TH ROUND
- Carolina Panthers – Lawrence Wilson OLB, Connecticut – Very instinctive player, has good speed, can play the pass, run, and blitz well. I’m confused why he dropped so far.
Grade: A Rated: 137 - Cincinnati Bengals – Ryan Whalen WR, Stanford – Bengals wide receivers coach James Urban said he believes that Whalen can play outside receiver or in the slot.
Grade: B Rated: 192 - Minnesota Vikings (from Broncos through Browns) – Demarcus Love OL, Arkansas – really struggled during senior bowl week. During games, he switched back and forth from left and right tackle.
Grade: B+ Rated: 144 - Buffalo Bills – Chris White LB, Mississippi State – has experience at inside and outside linebacker, but will be used inside for Buffalo.
Grade: C+ Rated: 218 - Minnesota Vikings (from Browns) – Mistral Raymond DB, USF! – team captain, had to walk on at USF. Obviously he showed enough potential and effort to get drafted in top 200. Will have to prove himself on special teams.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Arizona Cardinals – Quan Sturdivant LB, North Carolina – Good speed, but apparently teams saw him bite on play action too easily and miss too many tackles for their liking. He falls hard here.
Grade: A+ Rated: 89 - Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Fusco C, Slippery Rock – Raw player, but the mold is there for offensive line coach to shape into a good center.
Grade: A Rated: 166 - Seattle Seahawks (from Detroit) – Byron Maxwell DB, Clemson – Physical corner with good size and speed.
Grade: B- Rated: 233 - Miami Dolphins (from 49ers through Packers) – Charles Clay TE, Tulsa! – Clay will compete with Lousaka Polite for the fullback job. He offers a more viable pass option.
Grade: A Rated: 142 - Tennessee Titans – Byron Stingily OT, Louisville – late riser at pro days. He’ll provide some good depth along the line.
Grade: C- Rated: 312 - Dallas Cowboys – Dwayne Harris WR, East Carolina – has good hands, is physical, and elusive. Very nice pick here.
Grade: A Rated: 173 - Washington Redskins – Evan Royster RB, Penn State! – great production while at Happy Valley, doesn’t have that “next gear” to run away from defenders, but will be good in between the tackles pounding out runs.
Grade: C Rated: 254 - Washington Redskins (from Texans) – Aldrick Robinson WR, SMU – another skill position for the starved Redskins offense. If John Beck is going to be their starter, he’ll need a little bit of help.
Grade: C Rated: 247 - Green Bay Packers (from Dolphins) – Caleb Schlauderaff OL, Utah – his strength is his run blocking.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Baltimore Ravens (from St. Louis) – Tyrod Taylor QB, Virginia Tech – The Ravens will be losing Marc Bulger, so they needed a backup QB. Taylor is kind of underrated, but he’ll be developed by the Ravens.
Grade: B- Rated: 228 - Oakland Raiders – Richard Gordon TE, Miami (FL)! – good hands, but this is a big reach.
Grade: F Rated: NR - San Francisco 49ers (from Jaguars) – Ronald Johnson WR, USC – Injuries or something medically must have scared teams off with Johnson here. He’s got good hands and kick return skills.
Grade: A Rated: 119 - San Diego Chargers – *Jordan Todman RB, Connecticut – a little smallish, but he showed he can carry a load of carries over the course of a season. Another questionable player falling. Maybe something in interviews came up and caused him to be taken off boards. I see this as a great steal for the Chargers, who do have Darren Sproles potentially leaving for free agency.
Grade: A Rated: 79th - Arizona Cardinals (from Tampa Bay through Philadelphia) – David Carter DL, UCLA – used a great week at the Senior Bowl to raise his stock to draftable.
Grade: B Rated: 227 - New York Giants – Greg Jones LB, Michigan State – Jones dropping this far is criminal. He’s undersized, but can that really be that big a detriment to his stock?
Grade: A+ Rated: 62 - Green Bay Packers (from Philadelphia through Detroit and Denver) – DJ Smith LB, Appalachian State – small linebacker, Ted Thompson must have seen something in this small school prospect.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Kansas City) – Allen Bradford RB, USC! – big back with quick feet. More of a between the tackles runner and didn’t catch many passes at USC.
Grade: B- Rated: 238 - Indianapolis Colts – Chris Rucker CB, Michigan State – character concerns with guy, but this is good value because I had him down on my board due to those concerns. Big corner that has speed and physicality. Could surprise.
Grade: A Rated: 151 - Denver Broncos (from New Orleans through New England) – Mike Mohamed LB, California – smart, tough linebacker with good size. Can get pushed around by lineman though, but has height and speed to cover tight ends well enough.
- Grade: B- Rated: 216
- San Francisco 49ers (from Seattle) – Colin Jones DB, TCU
Strong special teams player, spent time at pro day with 49ers’ secondary coach Ed Donatell.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Philadelphia Eagles (from Ravens) – Jason Kelce C, Cincinnati! – Andy Reid loves versatile linemen. Kelce played guard and center at Cincy.
Grade: C+ Rated:250 - Atlanta Falcons – Matt Bosher K, Miami (FL) – Both K Matt Bryant and P Matt Koenen have contracts that are expiring.
Grade: D Rated: NR - Philadelphia Eagles (from Patriots) – Brian Rolle LB, Ohio State! – good speed and agility, but undersized. Looks like a good fit in Philly.
Grade: A- Rated: 197 - New England Patriots (from Jets through Eagles) – Markell Carter LB, Central Arkansas – small school prospect who was getting looks from a few teams. Pass rusher.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Chicago Bears – James Thomas LB, West Virginia – good athleticism, does well against run and the pass.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Pittsburgh Steelers – Keith Williams OG, Nebraska! – Powerful run blocker for Nebraska.
Grade: B+ Rated: 204 - Green Bay Packers – Ricky Elmore OLB, Arizona – Didn’t look like he had the potential to switch to OLB in a 3-4 defense, but maybe he has room to grow into a defensive end. It’s good value, but I can’t see him doing well in a 3-4.
Grade: A- Rated: 174 - New York Giants – *Tyler Sash S, Iowa – What is it with the Giants getting great value for their defensive backfield? Shows great instincts and takes good angles to receivers.
Grade: A+ Rated: 106 - Kansas City Chiefs – Jerrell Powe NT, Mississippi! – nose tackle prospect with work ethic concerns.
Grade: A+ Rated: 98 - Minnesota Vikings – Ross Homan LB, Ohio State – Undersized, but good value here and will provide very good special teams play.
Grade: A Rated: 178 - San Diego Chargers – Stephen Schilling OG, Michigan – one of the solid performers of the 2011 draft class on the offensive line during their time in school.
Grade: A Rated: 121 - New York Giants – Jacquian Williams LB, USF – Good speed at linebacker.
Grade: D Rated: NR - Carolina Panthers – Zachary Williams OL, Washington State – will provide some versatility inside for Carolina.
Grade: C Rated: NR7TH ROUND
- Denver Broncos (from Carolina through Green Bay) – Virgil Green TE, Nevada
Had been taken off some boards because of medical issues (microfracture surgery). He’s got the basketball tight end thing going on.
Grade: A Rated: 97
Denver Broncos – forfeit pick for Josh McDaniels’ tape (not a sex tape) - Seattle Seahawks (from Denver through Detroit) – Lazarius Levingston DL, LSU – Injuries happened a bit too often to the defensive line in Seattle. Levingston will help with depth.
Grade: D+ Rated: 295 - Buffalo Bills – Justin Rogers CB, Richmond – small school sleeper.
Grade: A Rated: 200 - Cincinnati Bengals – Korey Lindsey-Woods CB, Southern Illinois! – another small school guy who got some attention pre-draft. Jonathan Joseph potentially could leave for free agency.
Grade: A Rated: 136 - New York Jets (from Arizona) – Greg McElroy QB, Alabama – it had been reported prior to the draft that the Jets were looking for a backup QB to draft.
Grade: A Rated: 146 - Detroit Lions (from Cleveland through Seattle) – Johnny Culbreath OT, South Carolina State! – This pick gives the Lions some developmental talent behind Jeff Backus.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Atlanta Falcons (from Detroit) – Andrew Jackson OL, Fresno State – No president joke here. The Falcons have some guards that could leave for free agency, so this is insurance.
Grade: B- Rated: 246 - San Francisco 49ers – Bruce Miller OLB, UCF – very productive at UCF, with 34 career sacks.
Grade: C Rated: 304 - Tennessee Titans – Zach Clayton DT, Auburn – made his way onto draft boards with a great pro day. Big hustle player.
Grade: C Rated: NR
Dallas Cowboys – spent this pick in the Supplemental Draft last summer on Illinois DT Joshua Brent-Price - Washington Redskins – Brandyn Thompson DB, Boise State – Phillip Buchanon, Carlos Rogers, and DeAngelo Hall are all potential free agents.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Houston Texans – Derek Newton OL, Arkansas State – has the long arms and agility to potentially become a left tackle, but has to improve his strength and technique quite a bit before that’s ready to happen. Excellent value here.
Grade: A Rated: 177 - Minnesota Vikings – D’Aundre Reed DL, Arizona – good end, but played behind Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore at Arizona.
Grade: C+ Rated: NR - St. Louis Rams – Mikail Baker DB, Baylor – The Rams leave this draft without taking a running back to complement Steven Jackson. Got a medical hardship after major knee surgery in 2009. Ran a 4.3 at pro day.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Washington Redskins (from Dolphins) – Maurice Hurt OL, Florida – versatile lineman (guard and right tackle).
Grade: C Rated: NR - Green Bay Packers (from Jacksonville through Dolphins) – Ryan Taylor TE, North Carolina! – Taylor was gaining interest just before the draft and was brought in for some private workouts. The Packers were one of those teams.
Grade: C+ Rated: NR - New England Patriots (from Raiders) – Malcolm Williams DB, TCU – Will have to make team by impressing on special teams.
Grade: D Rated: NR - Dallas Cowboys (from San Diego) – Shaun Chapas FB, Georgia – team captain, stock dropped after ankle injury.
Grade: D Rated: NR - New York Giants – Da’Rel Scott RB, Maryland – Scott is a change of pace back. Good value here.
Grade: A- Rated: 213 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Anthony Gaitor CB, FIU! – insurance for when Aqib Talib is let go.
Grade: A Rated: 206 - Kansas City Chiefs – Shane Bannon FB, Yale – hard worker, will create some fullback competition.
Grade: D Rated: NR - Washington Redskins (from Indianapolis) – Markus White OLB, Florida State – has tremendous effort with good size, decent speed for linebacker.
Grade: A+ Rated: 162 - Baltimore Ravens (from Philadelphia) – Anthony Allen RB, Georgia Tech – It’s close to where I had Allen ranked at, which I like to see. Big back.
Grade: A Rated: 222 - New Orleans Saints – Greg Romeus DE, Pittsburgh – injuries ruined his senior season. He was projected to be a first rounder, but injuries obviously took that away.
Grade: A+ Rated: 134 - New York Jets (from Seattle through Philadelphia) – Scotty McKnight WR, Colorado – Mark Sanchez had something to do with this pick. Sanchez threw to McKnight at his pro day.
Grade: C- Rated: NR - St. Louis Rams (from Baltimore) – Jabara Williams OLB, “Stone Cold” Stephen F. Austin – The Rams are in need of outside linebacker help.
Grade: B+ Rated: 249 - St. Louis Rams (from Falcons) – Jonathan Nelson DB, Oklahoma – The Rams take plenty of risky picks here in the seventh. Honorable mention All-Big 12 his last two seasons, but only saw most of action his senior season.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Atlanta Falcons (from New England) – Cliff Matthews DE/OLB, South Carolina – Pass rushing defender. Falcons bringing him in to see if he can eventually become the replacement for John Abraham.
Grade: A Rated: 193
Chicago Bears – spent this pick in the Supplemental Draft last summer on BYU RB Harvey Unga - Miami Dolphins (from NYJ through Detroit, San Francisco, and Green Bay) – Frank Kearse DL, Alabama A&M – has potential to become a nose tackle.
Grade: C Rated: 305 - Pittsburgh Steelers – Baron Batch RB, Texas Tech – elusive runner but is undersized.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Green Bay Packers – *Lawrence Guy DL, Arizona State – another great value pick for GM Ted Thompson. Best available player drafting is how you win the Super Bowl.
Grade: A+ Rated: 110 - San Diego Chargers – Andrew Gachkar OLB, Missouri – very good pro day vaulted him into being a draftable prospect.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Miami Dolphins – Jimmy Wilson DB, Montana – charged with murder. Character obviously doesn’t matter with GM Jeff Ireland (remember his combine private interview question to Dez Bryant about his mother being a prostitute?).
Grade: F Rated: NR - Minnesota Vikings – Stephen Burton WR, West Texas A&M – good size, decent speed, needs to improve route running, but the mold is there.
Grade: A+ Rated: 189 - Philadelphia Eagles – Greg Lloyd LB, Connecticut – son of former NFL linebacker, very good against the run.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Daniel Hardy TE, Idaho – decent hands and size, will be competing with Luke Stocker for number two tight end.
Grade: C+ Rated: NR - San Francisco 49ers – Michael Person OT, Montana – Person will be solid depth behind an already strong offensive line for the 49ers.
Grade: B Rated: 257 - Philadelphia Eagles – Stanley Havili FB, USC – pass catching fullback.
Grade: A Rated: 164 - Oakland Raiders – David Ausberry WR, USC – great speed for a man his size.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Seattle Seahawks – Malcolm Smith OLB, USC! – struggles with tackling some, but is excellent athlete.
Grade: C+ Rated: NR - New Orleans Saints – Nathan Bussey OLB, Illinois – smallish outside linebacker but is aggressive.
Grade: C- Rated: NR - Carolina Panthers – Lee Ziemba OL, Auburn – I liked what I saw from Ziemba when I watched his games last season. His athleticism is lacking, which caused him to fall so far.
Grade: A+ Rated: 145 - Buffalo Bills – Michael Jasper DT, Bethel (TN) – transferred from Middle Tennessee State for “paying more attention to his girlfriend than his studies.” He is a massive man at 378 pounds (he was above 400 earlier in the year) and has very good athleticism for a man his size.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Cincinnati Bengals – Jay Finley RB, Baylor – Cedric Benson and Brian Leonard are potential free agents.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Denver Broncos – Jeremy Beal DE/OLB, Oklahoma – has great motor and smarts, but lacks speed.
Grade: A Rated: 143 - Cleveland Browns – Eric Hagg S, Nebraska! – needs better speed, but shows intelligence and plays centerfield well.
Grade: A Rated: 245 - Arizona Cardinals – Demarco Sampson WR, San Diego State – inconsistent catching the ball, but creates separation well.
Grade: C Rated: NR - San Francisco 49ers – Curtis Holcomb DB, Florida A&M – more help for a Niners secondary.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Tennessee Titans – Tommy Campbell DB, California (PA) – transferred from Pitt. Has good speed.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Dallas Cowboys – Bill Nagy C, Wisconsin – Andre Gurode made the Pro Bowl, but according to some, his season wasn’t Pro Bowl caliber.
Grade: C Rated: NR - Washington Redskins – Chris Neild DT, West Virginia – one of the last players in this draft that can be considered a good fit at nose tackle. Insurance for Albert Haynesworth.
Grade: A Rated: 243 - Houston Texans – Cheta Ozougwu DL, Rice – Mr. Irrelevant is another player to help the Texans convert to the 3-4 defense.
Grade: B Rated: NR
Short URL: http://su.pr/1AO3FM
Good job Jeremy. Looking forward to your continued analysis.
Thanks Jed. And I’m looking forward to Peyton Manning handing off the torch of the AFC South to Blaine Gabbert soon haha
good pick on Cowboyz!!..
Thanks! I can’t take full credit for it though. There were reports weeks before the draft that the Cowboys were taking him. I’m mostly passing on the information :)