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Draft Day at Radio City Music Hall
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Grades cannot be fairly assigned to a team for at least three years, and it’s not fair assigning grades to teams who are at a natural disadvantage to land impact players based on how successful they were a year ago, having to pick late in every round. Nevertheless, there is an art involved with recognizing a player’s true value, being able to work the phones for trades and making good decisions on the clock. The following grades are based upon how well each team was able to recognize value, work the draft and come away with players who will upgrade its team, now or in the future.
Arizona
The Cardinals' first two picks, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and DE Calais Campbell, are loaded with upside but have boom-or-bust potential and played too soft in their final seasons. Both filled pressing concerns on defense. Iowa DE Kenny Iwebema might see more action early than Campbell and was a solid value pick in the fourth round, especially given that the Hawkeyes’ former defensive line coach is on the staff and should mesh well with him early. The Cardinals' four final Round 4-7 selections are all tough and physical and embody what Ken Whisenhunt desires.
Grade: B+
Atlanta
With 11 picks, including more (six) in the top 100 than any other team, first-year GM Thomas Dimitroff had the platform to revitalize his roster with youth. He worked the board like a seasoned vet, trading up to land Sam Baker to protect the investment he made in QB Matt Ryan, both of whom could serve as franchise cornerstones for a long time. The Falcons found a new leader of their defense in the second round in LB Curtis Lofton. Dimitroff sacrificed some size and speed to land good football players. Louisville WR Harry Douglas and Georgia RB Thomas Brown were off some teams’ draft boards because of size limitations, but they are both solid players who could earn jobs. LSU CB Chevis Jackson, Cal S Thomas DeCoud and Arizona State LB Robert James could all see action early.
Grade: A
Baltimore
The Ravens would have been better-served finding a potential replacement for Jonathan Ogden, with the chance to select the second-best OT prospect in the draft at No. 8, than sliding back to reach on a quarterback. They wasted third- and sixth-round picks by moving back up eight slots to draft Joe Flacco when he would have fallen to them in the second round. The rest of the draft was solid, however, as RB Ray Rice should complement Willis McGahee well, LB Tavares Gooden will benefit greatly from the presence of Ray Lewis, S Tom Zbikowski will bring toughness to the defense. O-linemen Oniel Cousins and David Hale are developmental prospects with upside. Landing WRs Marcus Smith and Justin Harper in the final four rounds brought solid value. FS Haruki Nakamura and RB Allen Patrick could make it on special teams. If Flacco develops into a solid starter, this draft could be great, but they still reached mightily on their quarterback of the future and appear to have fallen into the same trap they did with Kyle Boller, overvaluing arm strength over decision making.
Grade: B-
Buffalo
The Bills significantly upgraded their defense and return game and found a pair of big receivers to open up the offense for QB Trent Edwards and WR Lee Evans. CB Leodis McKelvin could be an impact player in two areas, and CB Reggie Corner is a great scheme fit. The Bills took more chances on character than they did when Marv Levy was in the building, with the selections of WR James Hardy and DE Chris Ellis. LB Alvin Bowen and S Kennard Cox both have developmental potential and could help on special teams. The key to this draft will be whether Hardy and Ellis can stay in line.
Grade: C
Carolina
The Panthers came away with the best back in the draft (Jonathan Stewart) and arguably the best run blocker (OT Jeff Otah), both of whom should help add punch to their power running game immediately. CB Charles Godfrey and LB Dan Connor were both solid value picks in the third round and could earn starting jobs. Gary Barnidge should find a role, with little depth on the roster at tight end. O-linemen Geoff Schwartz and Mackenzy Bernadeau could turn out to be seventh-round steals. The biggest downside of the Panthers’ draft was how much they sacrificed to land Otah, giving up second- and fourth-round picks in addition to a first-rounder next year. If Otah starts from Day One at left tackle, becomes a solid pro and helps John Fox keep his job, as it appears he is on track to do with a very solid draft, the decision will be justified.
Grade: A
Chicago
With a number of holes on the offensive line, the Bears passed on a more versatile OL prospect (Branden Albert) for a short-armed, injury-risk player (OT Chris Williams) who does not fit their power ground game as well, which was surprising. Matt Forté could prove to be a solid addition if he can control his fumbling issues, although he was a bit of a reach early in the second round. Earl Bennett fits Ron Turner’s offense well as a “Z” receiver and could ease the adjustment for Vanderbilt teammate Williams. DT Marcus Harrison could turn out to be a bargain in the third round if he can stay healthy and out of trouble — two huge “ifs” that should have been more alarming after the failed Tank Johnson experiment. This draft was marked by far too many injury and character concerns to be excited about it, with S Craig Steltz, CB Zackary Bowman and WR Marcus Monk bringing value if they can stay healthy. DE Ervin Baldwin and LB Joey LaRocque could have been landed after the draft. OG Chester Adams better fits the Bears’ smashmouth style than Chris Williams, and OT Kirk Barton could be a solid seventh-round pick. The Bears did wisely address both lines, especially on offense.
Grade: C
Cincinnati
The Bengals reverted to form, mightily ignoring character concerns again with the selections of Jerome Simpson, Pat Sims, Jason Shirley and Mario Urrutia. Keith Rivers should start from Day One and brings needed depth at linebacker. The Bengals added size, speed and playmaking ability to a troubled receiving corps, even if they reached on Simpson. Andre Caldwell could turn out to be a solid value in the third round. FS Corey Lynch (sixth round) could make the team and develop into a fine pro, and Villanova TE Matt Sherry and Cincinnati DE Angelo Craig have upside. OT Anthony Collins should benefit from a rich learning environment and can be molded. Undervaluing character once again is concerning, but the Bengals upgraded their talent level at several keys areas of need.
Grade: C
Cleveland
Considering that a future franchise quarterback (Brady Quinn), Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams were added in place of draft picks in the first three rounds, this draft is much more solid than it would appear on paper. ILB Beau Bell and NT Ahtyba Rubin fit the Browns’ defense well and bring great size. TE Martin Rucker and WR Paul Hubbard bring depth at their positions and could turn out to be worthy of the picks the Browns sacrificed in next year’s draft to acquire them. Given the extra research the Browns were allowed to do on the second day of the draft, it made sense to mortgage several more picks. Alex Hall is a developmental rush linebacker with upside. Overall, the players gained through this draft could wind up making as much of an impact as any, especially on what was an average defensive line. The Browns’ decision to go the veteran route in a draft short on defensive linemen was wise.
Grade: B+
Dallas
With Bill Parcells out of the way, Jerry Jones reverted to his philosophy of drafting immensely talented players with character flaws, with the exception of RB Tashard Choice, who could prove to be the best value of this draft class. CBs Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick upgrade the talent at the position in a major way, but both could struggle to stay in line, especially when paired with Pacman Jones. RB Felix Jones and TE Martellus Bennett bring some playmaking ability for Tony Romo. Coming away with additional third- and fourth-round picks from Cleveland and Detroit, respectively, is a plus. The Cowboys benefited from last year’s great draft, having picked up an additional first-rounder this year, and they could land as many as four starters from the 2008 crop.
Grade: A
Denver
The Broncos filled a major need at left tackle and added some weapons for Jay Cutler in WR Eddie Royal and RB Ryan Torain, who fits the Broncos’ ground game well. Little concern, however, was paid to injuries, as OG Kory Lichtensteiger, CB Jack Williams and Torain all carried durability issues. LB Spencer Larsen, S Josh Barrett and FB Peyton Hillis could all earn time on special teams. Generally undervaluing picks and character in the past, having traded away their third-round pick in a deal for Marcus Thomas in 2007, did not help their cause.
Grade: C
Detroit
The Lions’ first two picks were very solid and addressed pressing concerns. Both OT Gosder Cherilus and LB Jordon Dizon possess the toughness Rod Marinelli desires and could contribute immediately. RB Kevin Smith may be pressed into action early. However, character and toughness questions were overlooked. While DT Andre Fluellen was a good scheme fit for Marinelli’s defense, he has been too injury-prone. LB Cliff Avril and WR Kenny Moore could prove to be solid middle-round values, but the Lions’ last three picks, which included the popular selection of Army S Caleb Campbell, a former teammate of Matt Millen’s son, were throwaways.
Grade: B
Green Bay
The Packers did a very good job identifying scheme fits and clearly made an effort to upgrade the offense. Big, reliable WR Jordy Nelson should make Aaron Rodgers’ job easier. QBs Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn both have upside to develop. Some teams had removed Brohm from their draft boards for injury concerns, but he could provide insurance to play right away behind Rodgers. TE Jermichael Finley has upside. CB Patrick Lee and DE Jeremy Thompson were solid value picks and could develop into solid pros if they can stay focused. O-linemen Josh Sitton and Breno Giacomini both fit the Packers’ zone ground game well. Having traded down and been without a first-round pick, there is nothing flashy about this draft, and it may not provide a lot of immediate return, but it could eventually return as many as five starters.
Grade: B+
Houston
The Texans mightily reached on Virginia Tech OT Duane Brown. He has all the traits desired in an Alex Gibbs offensive lineman, but he is a developmental project who will demand great attention. Measurables clearly impressed the Texans a great deal, as CB Antwaun Molden, RB Steve Slaton and DT Frank Okam had much better workout numbers than tape. LB Xavier Adibi could turn out to be a solid value in the fourth round. FS Dominique Barber and QB Alex Brink both have developmental potential. Having given up their second-round pick as part of the deal for Matt Schaub limited some pop from this draft.
Grade: C-
Indianapolis
Having given up their first-round pick last year to land OLT Tony Ugoh detracted from the overall quality of this draft. Ugoh did start last season, but known competitiveness and durability concerns kept him from playing a good part of the season and leave the jury out on how good he will be. OG Mike Pollak provides strength and versatility and C Steve Justice was a solid value pick in the sixth round and could eventually replace Jeff Saturday. LB Philip Wheeler is a terrific athlete but does not fit the Colts’ character profile and was a questionable selection. Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi both could factor into the Colts’ TE rotation and should be solid additions. LB Marcus Howard has similar physical traits to the Colts’ freakish upfield rushers but will need time to develop. RB Mike Hart and WR Pierre Garcon could earn roles on special teams. C Jamey Richard has the innate toughness that cannot be taught and could blossom under Howard Mudd. With a very talented roster, the Colts filled a lot of holes with role players who could contribute and did a solid job overall of adding rising talent, despite the cost of adding Ugoh a year ago.
Grade: B+
Jacksonville
The Jaguars gave up quite a bit to fit into the top 10 and land DE Derrick Harvey, but with their first two picks, they clearly added speed and upgraded their pass rush. DE Quentin Groves has bust potential, but if the game is kept simple and he is turned loose, he could make a solid contribution. LB Thomas Williams and CB Trae Williams were both solid additions in the fifth round and should be able to make the roster on special teams. Chauncey Washington could compete for a job and was the lone offensive selection.
Grade: B
Kansas City
With 12 picks, the Chiefs had the chance to do as much damage as any team in the draft and they took full advantage of their opportunities, plucking the top defensive tackle (Glenn Dorsey) in the draft and wisely moving up to land the top offensive guard in Branden Albert. Coupled with the selection of CB Brandon Flowers in the second round, the Chiefs came away with more value on Day One than any other team. And they continued to swing for the fences on Day Two, finding solid value throughout the third round with the additions of RB Jamaal Charles, TE Brad Cottam and S DaJuan Morgan, all of whom could make considerable contributions. WR William Franklin has big-play ability if he can adapt to Chad Gailey’s offense. The final five picks add some size and developmental potential but could struggle to make the roster.
Grade: A
Miami
The Dolphins went the safe route and landed the draft’s top tackle (Jake Long), who should prove to be a very good selection. They continued to get bigger on both lines with the selections of DEs Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford and added a pair of versatile guards in Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas, who should earn jobs and develop. RBs Jalen Parmele and Lex Hilliard bring size and more power to the backfield. Overall, Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland accomplished their goal of getting bigger and added some key pieces for their 3-4 defense. They were also able to land QB Chad Henne late in the second round after choosing not to address the QB position early, and the pick could prove to be a very solid value. A draft filled with linemen may not look sexy, but it will make the Dolphins a much better football team.
Grade: A
Minnesota
The Vikings finished with only five picks after trading away much of their draft for Jared Allen, who should considerably upgrade their biggest void at end, although they did pay a very steep price for him. S Tyrell Johnson could develop into a solid pro and eventually replace Darren Sharper. QB John David Booty was a solid fifth-round addition and could be a functional backup. DT Letroy Guion and C John Sullivan both have the size and strength the Vikings desire up front. WR Jaymar Johnson could benefit from the presence of, and rapport he had with, former college teammate Tarvaris Jackson.
Grade: B
New England
The Patriots' last two losses were as much related to their old legs on defense as anything, and they clearly got bigger, younger and faster with the selections of LB Jerod Mayo, CB Terrence Wheatley and LB Shawn Crable with their first three picks. QB Kevin O’Connell has all the physical tools to develop into a great pro and should receive the same first-class instruction that helped Tom Brady develop. With the importance of finding a replacement for Matt Cassel, who is sure to draw interest as a free agent next season, the decision was wise to begin developing O’Connell now. CB Jonathan Wilhite was a solid value pick in the fourth round and could compete for a niche role, as could UCLA WR Matt Slater as a kickoff returner and LB Bo Ruud on special-teams coverage. Acquiring the Chargers’ second-round pick next year only bolsters the Patriots’ solid draft.
Grade: A
New Orleans
The Saints addressed their two most pressing needs on defense with the selections of DT Sedrick Ellis and CB Tracy Porter. DT DeMario Pressley should further help inside with little depth there, and he could be solid if used in a rotational role. Carl Nicks could bring tremendous value in the fifth round, especially given that the Saints did not have to invest heavily and will be able to dangle the carrot of a big-time contract in front of him. He has the physical attributes to start at guard or tackle immediately. Taylor Mehlhaff has the leg strength to earn the PK job, and WR Adrian Arrington was worth a late-round pick next year. The Saints took some calculated risks on character but have a strong veteran coaching staff that should be able to maximize their picks.
Grade: A-
New York Giants
The Giants filled their biggest needs in the secondary with their first two picks, adding size and versatility to their secondary with the additions of Kenny Phillips and Terrell Thomas. WR Mario Manningham could turn out to be a steal in the third round and should benefit from the presence of former Michigan WR Amani Toomer. Bryan Kehl and Jonathan Goff bring size to the LB position and could help on special teams. QB Andre Woodson and DE Robert Henderson are solid developmental prospects.
Grade: B+
New York Jets
The Jets landed the most physically impressive pass rusher in the draft (Vernon Gholston) and should be able to mold him to play hard all the time with good coaching. Moving into the back end of the first round to land TE Dustin Keller was a surprise, but Keller has the speed, athletic ability and competitiveness to improve their QB play in the Meadowlands. Their last four picks — CB Dwight Lowery, QB Erik Ainge, WR Marcus Henry and OT Nate Garner — all have good size, solid character and should be able to provide depth on the roster. Gholston and Keller could make a considerable impact early.
Grade: B
Oakland
No player in this draft embodied the boom-or-bust label more than RB Darren McFadden, and Al Davis kept to his form, overlooking the bust potential to land what could be the biggest boom on his roster. McFadden will add an explosive element to the Raiders’ offense. Landing veteran CB DeAngelo Hall for a second-round pick upgrades team speed, as well, but Hall’s lack of discipline, not to mention the monster contract he was given, invites failure. Tyvon Branch has terrific measurables and toughness and brings instant special-teams value and versatility to play corner or safety. He is a great fit for the Raiders’ defense. Davis took a chance on a pair of unheralded receivers, Armand Shields and Chaz Schilens, with great measurables and might get more out of Trevor Scott as a tight end than as a defensive end. The decision to give boatloads of money to players with suspect character during the offseason could cost the Raiders’ franchise in the long term.
Grade: C
Philadelphia
Not having a first-round pick detracts from the quality of the Eagles’ overall draft, but coming away with the Panthers’ first-round pick next year well positions the Eagles for future success. DT Trevor Laws fits the Eagles’ defense well and should provide instant value in rotational duty. WR DeSean Jackson could be a difference maker as a returner, and the Eagles will have to hope a strong veteran locker room can keep him in check and that he can stay healthy. OLB Bryan Smith brings speed and versatility as a pass rusher. O-linemen Mike McGlynn and Mike Gibson could compete for jobs inside and allow Shawn Andrews to kick to right tackle if needed. CB Jack Ikegwuonu could provide great value next year when he returns to full health. FS Quintin Demps has speed and range, but his tackling deficiencies could be frustrating. LBs Joe Mays and Andy Studebaker have special-teams value. King Dunlap is a size prospect who could provide much-needed depth at tackle. The ability to come away with another first-round pick next year greatly enhances the value of this draft.
Grade: A-
Pittsburgh
The Steelers reeled in some value in the first and second rounds with the addition of RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Limas Sweed, adding some playmakers for Ben Roethlisberger. The problem is that he could struggle to stay healthy and may be running for his life with injury-ridden OT Tony Hills, a fourth-round pick, being the only addition to a declining offensive line. Mendenhall and Sweed also were slow to develop in college and may not provide much in the way of immediate returns. LB Bruce Davis was a major reach in the third round. Prior knee injuries could hinder QB Dennis Dixon and LB Mike Humpal from reaching their potential. FS Ryan Mundy could have been signed after the draft.
Grade: C-
St. Louis
Chris Long was not the first choice of the coaching staff, but he could prove to be a very valuable addition to the defense. Making inconsistent-catching WR Donnie Avery the first receiver drafted could set back the offense, as could the selection of WR Keenan Burton in the fourth round. While both are supremely talented in physical terms, they are very inconsistent catchers. John Greco and Roy Schuening were solid additions to the offensive line and bring much-needed help. OLBs Chris Chamberlain and David Vobora could bring immediate help on special teams. The Rams found some solid linemen on both sides, but nothing great, and their selection of skill talent was very questionable.
Grade: C+
San Diego
For the second consecutive year, GM A.J. Smith gave up a lot to trade up to land a player who may have been available later. Giving up a second-round pick next year and a fifth-round pick to land RB Jacob Hester in the third round was a steep premium to pay. CB Antoine Cason was a reach in the first round. The final three picks — RB Marcus Thomas, CB DeJuan Tribble and OT Corey Clark — are all good scheme fits but could struggle to make a deep roster. A.J. Smith has proven to be one of the best evaluators of talent in football, but this draft was not inspiring.
Grade: C
San Francisco
The Niners sought to improve both lines and added great size, strength and power with the selections of DT Kentwan Balmer and USC OG Chilo Rachal, their first two picks. Neither has huge character concerns, but both come with some maturity questions that could affect their development. DB Reggie Smith and WR Josh Morgan brought solid value in the third and sixth rounds, respectively. C Cody Wallace was a reach in the fourth, but he is a smart, hardworking overachiever who could prove the Niners right. LB Larry Grant could bring special-teams value. Having come away from last year's draft with OT Joe Staley, who proved to be their best offensive lineman as a rookie, really helps their cause, although he did essentially cost them the seventh overall pick in this draft.
Grade: B
Seattle
With a very deep roster, the Seahawks sought to address a thin defensive line and were able to land DE Lawrence Jackson and DT Red Bryant, two big run stuffers who should help up front. TE John Carlson was a very safe selection in the second round. Owen Schmitt could attempt to replace FB Mack Strong. LS Tyler Schmitt and PK Brandon Coutu could be penciled in as starters and upgrade the special teams.
Grade: B
Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers took some big chances on character risks, including CB Aqib Talib, DT Dre Moore, LB Geno Hayes and RB Cory Boyd. All are physically talented and can earn jobs if they can stay focused. WR Dexter Jackson brings terrific speed and playmaking ability to the slot and return game. OG Jeremy Zuttah brings strength and versatility on the offensive line. Jon Gruden should be able to get the most out of QB Josh Johnson, who brought good value in the fifth round. Hayes is a great scheme fit. Boyd is the type of hard-charging, physical runner that generally seems to find success in Gruden’s rock-pounding offense. If this draft hits, it has a lot of potential, but there is considerable risk involved.
Grade: B
Tennessee
RB Chris Johnson was a flat-out reach in the first round. He will bring value in space and on kickoff returns, but he could always be limited by intelligence and injury concerns. DE Jason Jones could bring a solid nickel rusher to a versatile front and create problems rushing from many alignments. Craig Stevens is a solid blocker who replaces blocking TE Ben Hartsock. DE William Hayes was a reach in the fourth round. WR Lavelle Hawkins and LB Stanford Keglar could bring value on special teams. CB Cary Williams has the size and speed to develop.
Grade: D
Washington
For the first time in a long time, the Redskins appear to have shifted from a philosophy of acquiring free-agent talent to instead building with youth, as they kept most of their picks this year and traded down several times to acquire more. New head coach Jim Zorn clearly showed how displeased he was with the talent on his roster at the WR position by spending his first three picks on big receiving targets. Devin Thomas, Fred Davis and Malcolm Kelly all have upside but also carry considerable bust potential. From Rounds 3-7, the Redskins consistently reached, clearly overdrafting OT Chad Rinehart in the third round. P Durant Brooks could prove to be the best value, coming in the sixth round. S Kareem Moore could develop into a solid special-teams coverage player, but CB Justin Tryon, QB Colt Brennan, DE Rob Jackson and S Chris Horton could all struggle to make the roster.
Grade: C
Related Articles:
A team-by-team look at what each draft pick brings to his new team
By PFW staff, April 28, 2008
Index to all Draft Day coverage
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