Grading the First Day
Whew. That was a long day one - but as always, it was quite enjoyable. Here's my take on the top 3 day ones, worst 3 day ones, and some underrated and overrated day ones.
Top 3 Day Ones
Atlanta Falcons
8. Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas
39. Justin Blalock, OG Texas
41. Chris Houston, CB Arkansas
75. Laurent Robinson, WR Illinios
*Traded their 4th round pick (121) to Minnesota
In my view, Atlanta wins day one of the draft, just edging out San Francisco for the honor. Jamaal Anderson was the absolute best pick they could have made at 8 (given that LaRon Landry was off the board), and will be a force opposite John Abraham. Unlike many defensive ends, Anderson has the size to play the run as well as rush the passer. In the second, Atlanta snagged Justin Blalock, who can come in and start from day one at guard. He'll provide bulk and instant run-blocking ability. The Falcons then made a very shrewd trade-up to get Chris Houston, who figures to battle for the starting job opposite DeAngelo Hall. While undersized, Houston is very fast and physical, and Atlanta only gave up a fourth rounder to move up to get him. Laurent Robinson is more of a developmental guy out of Illinois, but Atlanta needs receivers, so he fills a need. For getting three guys who have a legitimate chance of starting in week one for a potential playoff team, I belive Atlanta had the best day one of anyone.
San Francisco 49ers
11. Patrick Willis, ILB Ole Miss
28. Joe Staley, OT Central Michigan
76. Jason Hill, WR Washington State
97. Ray McDonald, DE Florida
*Traded next year's first round pick to New England
Just love what the Niners have done these last few years. Willis, in my opinion, is the best prospect at middle linebacker since Ray Lewis. I'm just a huge fan of this guy and the energy and playmaking ability he brings to the field. Put him in the same linebacking corps as Manny Lawson, and you've got the potential for a very special group. More importantly, Willis will bring leadership to a defense that has sorely lacked it the last couple years. The Niners then traded back into the first round to get the last top-tier tackle prospect in the draft, Joe Staley. While they did give up next year's first rounder, I don't expect that selection to be super-high, so it doesn't hurt too badly. More importantly, when you consider that the Niners have a franchise quarterback (Alex Smith), franchise running back (Frank Gore), and franchise pass-catcher (Vernon Davis), the only missing ingredient from this offense was a franchise left tackle - and Staley could very well be that. Hill is a steal in the third who could legitimately be this team's #1 receiver by mid-season. He's got the size and speed to be a real weapon. Then they snag very athletic Ray McDonald at the end of the day. McDonald figures to be a 3-4 outside linebacker in this defense, and will make an immediate impact as a third down rusher. I was a huge fan of San Francisco's draft last year, and this one is shaping up to be even better.
Minnesota Vikings
7. Adrian Peterson
44. Sidney Rice
72. Marcus McCauley
*Acquired Atlanta's 4th round pick (121 overall)
I have not been a fan of Minnesota's drafts in recent years (to say the least), but I've got to take my hat off to Brad Childress and Co. so far. Note that I am not an Adrian Peterson fan, and unlike Sean Salisbury, I think his durability issues are indeed serious. However, pairing him with Chester Taylor should allow Minnesota to keep him fresh and healthy. In round two, Minny traded down to pick up an extra 4th, and still grabbed underrated Sidney Rice. Rice, who entered the draft as a redshirt sophomore, could have been a top-10 if he'd stayed another year or two. He provides desperately-needed athleticism to a horrifically awful receiving corps, and between Rice and Troy Williamson, you've got to figure one will work out. Marcus McCauley was the team's selection in the third, and while he's a developmental player, the Vikings have enough at corner to not force him to play a key role right away. I really like what Minnesota did today, and think they improved their offense in particular by leaps and bounds.
Bottom 3 Day Ones
Philadelphia Eagles
36. Kevin Kolb, QB Houston
57. Victor Abiamiri, DE Notre Dame
87. Stewart Bradley, LB Nebraska
90. Tony Hunt, RB Penn State
*Acquired a 5th round pick
I normally love Philadelphia's drafts, but this is an unmitigated disaster. And I mean DISASTER. I cannot believe they traded out of the first round to draft Kevin Kolb a full round too high. Why are they even taking him? Why not wait until the third for Trent Edwards? I know Andy Reid drunkenly denied that the pick had anything to do with Donovan McNabb, but how can it not? You don't draft a backup quarterback with an early second round pick when you're trying to win a Super Bowl! Absolutely baffling. Abiamiri is alright, but not a dynamic pass rusher. Same for Bradley, who has some potential, but he's just another face in the crowd of an average Eagles' linebacking corps. Tony Hunt is a big back who might be able to handle short-yardage situations, but that's about it. Exactly how much did this draft help the Eagles? Are ANY of these guys going to make a real impact this season? I highly doubt it. Possibly the worst day one I have ever seen from a Super Bowl contender making four picks. I cannot state how bad this draft is. I literally cannot. In fact, due to the questions created by the Kevin Kolb pick (with both Donovan McNabb and Kelly Holcomb, who might have to play early in the year), you could make the argument that Philadelphia's chances of winning a Super Bowl in 2008 would have been higher had they forfeited every single one of their picks and just stood pat.
Miami Dolphins
9. Ted Ginn, Jr., WR Ohio State
40. John Beck, QB BYU
60. Samson Satele, C Hawaii
71. Lorenzo Booker, RB Florida State
Reached nearly 15 picks for Ginn, drafted 25-year old John Beck as their quarterback of the future (though I have no real problem with that move), missed out on Ryan Kalil by two picks and settled for Satele, and reached for disappointing Lorenzo Booker. Just a bad draft overall for the Dolphins. As someone who's not a Brady Quinn fan, I don't blame them for passing on him at 9 - but Ted Ginn? He's a one-tool player who will never be a #1 receiver in the NFL. I thought we went down this road before with Troy Williamson? Beck was a pick Miami had to make, given the Culpepper situation. Still, it's questionable that he was the best QB on the board at the time. Satele isn't a bad player, but he's not ready to play right away. On the other hand, Ryan Kalil is, and when he fell to the late second Miami should have figured out a way to move up a couple spots to land him. Lorenzo Booker's chances of becoming a quality NFL back in any capacity are about 10%. When you've got the 9th pick and the best thing you can say about your draft is "we got a punt returner and quarterback that might be better than Joey Harrington," that's not good times.
Green Bay Packers
16. Justin Harrell, DT Tennessee
63. Brandon Jackson, RB Nebraska
78. James Jones, WR San Jose State
89. Aaron Rouse, S Virginia Tech
First, I like the Brandon Jackson pick, so just getting that out of the way. But at the same time, why not trade for Michael Turner, who could have almost certainly been had with the pick used on Jackson (plus maybe an additional middle rounder)? My main criticism, however, is that I don't understand the Harrell selection at all. Could the Packers use another defensive tackle? Sure. But they have about 6 positions that are clearly much more pressing issues. Harrell is the prototype of a defensive tackle who fails in the NFL (around 300 pounds, injury concerns, disappears from games...you know the drill), and he would have been much better suited as an end in a 3-4. He's probably the most likely player to be a bust in the entire 2007 first round - and the fact that the Packers reached for him at 16 and didn't even attempt to fill a real need is baffling. Sure they addressed needs in the third and fourth round, but I question the quality of the players. Sure Jones is a sleeper, but he's no better than Greg Jennings or anybody else the Packers drafted last year. He's just another guy who might have a good game or two, but won't be a consistent target for Brett Favre. Rouse has enticing size and speed, but poor lateral agility is an absolute killer for safeties, and it's what will keep Rouse from ever being a quality starter. If Jackson can be the team's every-down back, then he might single-handedly carry this draft - but barring that, it was not a good day for Green Bay.
Most Overrated Day One
Carolina Panthers
25. Jon Beason, LB Miami
45. Dwayne Jarrett, WR USC
59. Ryan Kalil, C USC
83. Charles Johnson, DE Georgia
*Picked up an extra 5th round pick.
I'd give this draft a B-, but the analysts are talking about it like an A/A+, so to me it's the most overrated. Note that I'm not high on Cleveland's flashy draft either, but I think most people understand that they gave up a lot for Quinn, so I don't think that it's particularly overrated. But the Panthers also put together a flashy draft, and I don't think it's going to help as much as most people do. Beason is undersized and not nearly as fast as you'd expect him to be. I'm not sure that he can be a leader on that defense either. I would have much rather seen Carolina pick up a weapon for the offense like Greg Olsen in the first. They tried to do that in the second with Dwayne Jarrett, but I just don't think Jarrett's skills will translate well to the NFL. He's slow, plain and simple, and not nearly strong enough to consistently beat the press or win jump balls against NFL corners. He could improve, but he won't really help Carolina win this year, because he's basically the same player as Keyshawn Johnson. Kalil was an excellent pickup in the late 2nd that I've got no issues with. But I'm not nearly as high on Charles Johnson as some, and while I like the idea of taking a pass-rushing end, I don't see him as great value even in the third. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate this draft and I think Carolina did help itself - I just don't see this as one of the top drafts of the day.
Most Underrated Day One
San Diego Chargers
30. Craig Davis, WR LSU
43. Eric Weddle, S Utah
97. Anthony Waters, ILB Clemson
*Traded next year's third round pick to Chicago
This is probably a B- draft so far, but the ESPN crew has been treating it like it's an F, so that qualifies the Chargers as the most underrated day one. Remember, this is a team trying to win a Super Bowl THIS YEAR. What do teams trying to win a Super Bowl need to do? Fill needs! Davis was a reach in the late first, but he fills a huge need for the team in the return game, and brings much-needed speed to the receiving corps. Analyst Mark May acted like it was the end of the world that San Diego traded two late third rounders and a fifth rounder for Eric Weddle, but the Chargers had a desperate need at safety, and there was a large drop-off after Weddle. The kid is an experienced playmaker who (most importantly) can contribute right away. As for Waters, he missed the entire 2006 season, but addresses the team's next biggest need at inside linebacker. So basically, San Diego found potential starters for their two biggest needs, and added depth at their third. While these aren't flashy picks, they're all logical, and they undeniably improve San Diego's chance of winning a Super Bowl next season. What's wrong with that?
Going to stop grading picks at this point, because A) Teams are reaching and taking guys just to fill needs, and B) I'm tired. Check back later tonight for day one draft grades!
66. New Orleans Saints - Usama Young, CB Kent State
Didn't have this guy graded as a first day prospect. The Saints did need a safety, but Young is a longshot. Grade: D+
65. Oakland Raiders - Quentin Moses, DE Georgia
Starting round 3 off with a big name, Oakland goes with a guy who was once considered a mid-first rounder. Moses has been very disappointing this off-season and had a bad senior season, but physically the man is a monster. He'll be a project, but could have an immediate impact as a third down rusher. Grade: B+
64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sabby Piscitelli, S Oregon State
Good size and speed, and the Bucs needed a safety. Piscitelli might not be able to play right away, but could develop into a solid player. Grade: B-
63. Green Bay - Brandon Jackson, RB Nebraska
Love this move. They couldn't get Lynch in round one, but Jackson is a guy who has the potential to start in the NFL. Very nice pick for Green Bay that addresses a need. Grade: A
62. Chicago Bears - Dan Bazuin, DE Central Michigan
Like this move. I criticized the Bears in last year's draft and they shoved it in my face, so I'm not going to say anything bad about them this time around. Bazuin is another weapon for an already loaded defense. Grade: B
61. Detroit Lions - Gerald Alexander, S Boise State
For the sake of Lions fans, I'm glad Matt Millen waited until the second round to go crazy. No clue why he'd trade up for Alexander, and I frankly don't Alexander as having the athletic ability to make a big impact. Grade: D
60. Miami Dolphins - Samson Satele, C Hawaii
Miami missed out by not trading up a few spots to secure Ryan Kalil. Satele is still a nice player, but only average value in the late 2nd. Overall I'm not a fan of Miami's draft thus far. Grade: C+
6:00 PM Question of the night: What is Andy Reid's blood-alcohol level right now? His interview was by far the best part of the draft thus far. I'm sure the Commish will have a few words with him about trying to court Keyshawn to the Eagles.
59. Carolina Panthers - Ryan Kalil, C USC
Gotta love this move, as many thought Kalil was a first-round quality player. He can play right away for the Panthers, and help out at guard as well as his natural center position. Grade: A
58. Detroit Lions - Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE Hawaii
More wheeling and dealing from the Lions, as they've moved up to this spot with the Rams. Alama-Francis is basically a shot in the dark. He has a ton of physical ability and very nice size, but he's very raw and will take a couple years to learn the game. Why the Lions felt compelled to trade up for him, I will never know. Ah, this is the Matt Millen we know and love! Grade: D
57. Philadelphia Eagles - Victor Abiamiri, DE Notre Dame
Conventional wisdom was that the Eagles would nab a pass rusher at some point on day one, and they've done just that with Abiamiri. He doesn't have the top-notch speed that you'd hope for, but he should help Philly as a situational rusher. Grade: B-
56. Denver Broncos - Tim Crowder, DE Notre
Coach Shanny finally realized that the Browns' defensive line wasn't working, and this pick provides the team with another pass rusher to go with Elvis Dumervil from last year's draft (and Jarvis Moss from this year's). Crowder has the potential to become an every-down player. Grade: B+
55. Seattle Seahawks - Josh Wilson, CB Maryland
Wilson is fast and talented, but at 5'9" I'm not 100% sold on him. This is a little high for him, in my opinion. Grade: C
54. Kansas City Chiefs - Turk McBride, DE Tennessee
Seems like a reach here - I thought McBride was more of a third round guy. I don't think he has the edge speed to be a real impact player at the NFL level. They might use him at tackle, but he can't hold up to the run from that spot. Grade: C-
53. Cleveland Browns - Eric Wright, CB UNLV
Certainly a need position for the Browns, and after the big splashes with Thomas and Quinn, they had to address the defense. Wright should see immediate playing time. They probably did have to trade up to get him, too. Grade: B
The Cowboys are on the move yet again, and so are the Browns. Cleveland is now on the clock.
52. St. Louis Rams - Brian Leonard, FB Rutgers
We'll see if St. Louis can utilize Leonard's unique skill-set, but I like the pick. It's not often you can get a true impact player at fullback. Grade: B
5:17 PM Oakland just traded for Josh McCown and Mike Williams. I don't know what Detroit got in return, but it's good that they moved both guys. From Oakland's perspective, Lane Kiffin gets a guy that he coached in collge, and a quarterback that could allow JaMarcus Russell to sit for a few weeks.
51. New York Giants - Steve Smith, WR USC
The Giants have to be a little disappointed that they didn't get one of the quality left tackles in this draft, but Smith is a nice pick here. With Toomer aging and injury prone, and Plaxico, Moss, and Shockey being inconsistent, Smith will bring some solidity to this receiving corps. Grade: B-
50. Tennessee Titans - Chris Henry, RB Arizona
I would have rather seen a receiver here, but the Titans did need to make up for the loss of Travis Henry. If you read last year's blog, you know the hatred I have for LenDale White, so I'm glad to see that the Titans aren't going to be relying on him anytime in the near future. Grade: B
49. Cincinnati Bengals - Kenny Irons, RB Auburn
Interesting pick here. Rudi Johnson is solid, and as far as I know Chris Perry is still on the team. Irons is a guy I'm not real high on in the first place, and I'm not sure how this selection really helps the team. Grade: D
5:00 PM And the coverage shifts over to ESPN2. I'm running on fumes here. I might not last through round 3.
48. Jacksonville Jaguars - Justin Durant, LB Hampton
First small-school prospect to go off the board. This is a reach, but Durant has a lot of talent, and I'm glad to see the Jags finally look for someone with athletic ability at linebacker. Grade: C+
47. New York Jets - David Harris, LB Michigan
Moved up to make this pick. It seems like David Harris and Jonathan Vilma play the same position, but I'm sure the Manginius will figure out a way to work this out. Harris is a first-round talent, so getting him here is nice value for the Jets. Grade: B+
46. Pittsburgh Steelers - Lamarr Woodley, DE Michigan
Pittsburgh needed a pass rusher, and Woodley will provide that. However, I don't think he'll ever be an every-down player, so I'm not sure if the Steelers are getting good value here. Grade: C-
45. Carolina Panthers - Dwayne Jarrett, WR USC
Hey, this pick made Keyshawn happy! I wonder if Jarrett remembers that Key said he's not ready to go pro. I'm not a big fan of him, but he's got potential and he'll be a factor in Carolina. Grade: B-
44. Minnesota Vikings - Sidney Rice, WR South Carolina
Definitely Minnesota's biggest need, and a player with major potential. He's kind of got lost in the shuffle lately, but Rice is highly talented. I like him more than Jarrett. So far, Minnesota has seriously improved their offense, and given Tarvaris a legitimate chance to succeed. Grade: B+
43. Detroit Lions - Drew Stanton, QB Michigan State
Detroit was able to move down and still get one of the second-tier QB's. I'm not a big Stanton fan, but this is about where he should've been taken, and Detroit needed a QB of the future. Grade: B
42. Indianapolis Colts - Tony Ugoh, OT Arkansas
Apparently the Colts have forgotton they have a defense. Ugoh is a nice player, but honestly, they lost a lot on defense and that unit was lousy in the first place - yet they're trading up for offense? Grade: C-
The Super Bowl champs are on the move, and are now on the clock. David Harris?
41. Atlanta Falcons - Chris Houston, CB Arkansas
Great pick, and very good value. Atlanta's CB depth chart is murky after DeAngelo Hall, and Houston has the tools to be a starter. Grade: A-
Atlanta just moved up to make their second selection in three picks!
40. Miami Dolphins - John Beck, QB BYU
Gotta like this move. As someone who's not a Brady Quinn fan (which I've mentioned roughly six dozen times), John Beck is much better value than Quinn in the high first. Still wish they didn't reach hard for Ginn, but at least they've got their QB of the future. Grade: A-
39. Atlanta Falcons - Justin Blalock, OG Texas
Solid pick by Atlanta, who could use bulk on the interior line. Blalock is big, smart, and experience - all qualities that means he could start early in his career. Grade: B+
The ESPN guys are making a big deal about how much the Chargers gave up, but is it really that much? A very late third round pick (SD had two this year), a very late fifth round pick, and a third round pick next year (which will probably be very late again). For that, the're able to move up and fill their position of biggest need. To me, this move makes sense from the perspective of both teams.
38. Oakland Raiders - Zach Miller, TE Arizona State
Oakland needed a tight end, but I'm not a Miller fan. He underachieved last year and tested horribly at the Combine. Not sure he can be in impact guy in the pros. Grade: C
37. San Diego Chargers - Eric Weddle, S Utah
This is a player that I thought the Chargers would target, and it's the right spot for him. He would've been a reach in round one (though the player they did take, Craig Davis, was a reach as well), but he wouldn't have been available at the team's original round two pick. We'll see what they gave up for him, but the team needed a safety and Weddle is a good one. Grade: B+
Could it be that the Chargers just traded Michael Turner to the Bears? SD is on the clock! Edit: Nope, didn't trade Michael Turner.
36. Philadelphia Eagles - Kevin Kolb, QB Houston
Whoa. All that we've heard is that Kolb is a 3rd round prospect, and the 5th or 6th best QB in the class. But here is he going high in round two. This doesn't reflect well on the team's confidence in Donovan McNabb, and especially not in Kelly Holcomb and A.J. Feeley. Grade: D
35. Tampa Bay Bucaneers - Arron Sears, OG Tennessee
Solid value and a player that definitely fills a need. Tampa could use him at guard or tackle. Very good pick by the Bucs. Grade: A-
34. Buffalo Bills - Paul Posluszny, LB Penn State
Great pick for Buffalo, who really needed a leader on defense. Nice job trading up to secure the last remaining top linebacking prospect. with Lynch and Poz, the Bills managed to address their two biggest needs in the first two rounds. Grade: A
33. Arizona Cardinals - Alan Branch, DT Michigan
Hey there we go! I knew he didn't die. This is a guy who a month ago you'd have thought Arizona would be looking at with the 5th pick. He'll provie this defensive line with the beef it desperately needs, but there's a reason he fell this far. I still like the pick. Grade: A
Well round two starts with a bang! Arizona has moved up and are now on the clock. No idea who they're gunning for.
32. Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Gonzalez, WR Ohio State
So much for addressing the defense. However, Gonzalez should be very good in Indy, and he fits so well into that #3 receiver role. All of Indy's remaining picks better be devoted to defense, however. Grade: B-
Finally, after 6 hours, the Oakland Raiders are on the clock again. Dwayne Jarrett is a big-time possibility here, and so is an offensive lineman.
31. Chicago Bears - Greg Olsen, TE Miami
Great pick by the Bears, and a crucial one at that. Rex Grossman needed a target to throw to, and Olsen is a pure pass catcher who can stretch the field. This is the kind of selection that immediately improves the team's chances of winning the Super Bowl. Grade: A
The Indianapolis Colts are on the clock. Basically every defensive player on the board is a possibility, but did Alan Branch die? I know there are new injury concerns, but c'mon now, it's the 32nd pick!
30. San Diego Chargers - Craig Davis, WR LSU
Bit of a reach here, but the Chargers needed a receiver and a kick returner, so Davis fills both needs. I think he's the best receiver on the board, and is a nice complement to Vincent Jackson.Grade: C+
The Chicago Bears are on the clock. Greg Olsen.
Ok, Greg Olsen is on the phone and being congratulated by his family, yet the Chargers (with Antonio Gates) are on the clock. It's got to be Chicago calling, right?
29. Baltimore Ravens - Ben Grubbs, OG Auburn
Very predictable selection, and a good one. Baltimore needed to add youth and talent to the middle of their line, and Grubbs provides that. He's a solid guy who can start right away. Grade: B+
The San Diego Chargers are on the clock. Could very well be Paul Posluszny here.
Whoa the Niners also traded their first next season. However, unlike they Browns they have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs, so they're not giving up nearly as much. Still, it lowers my pick grade to a B.
28. San Francisco 49ers - Joe Staley, OT Central Michigan
Really like this move. Staley was the last legit left tackle available, and Baltimore probably would have taken him. Between Willis and Staley, the Niners are having arguably the best draft of anyone for the second straight year. Grade: A-
The Baltimore Ravens are now on the clock. Could be Ben Grubbs.
The Niners are now on the clock! Alan Branch?
27. New Orleans Saints - Robert Meachem, WR Tennessee
Wow. You figured that the Saints would work on a disastrous pass defense with this pick, but I guess they're comfortable with just the addition of Jason David. I really like Meachem and think he'll be a fine NFL receiver, I'm just not sure the Saints needed him. Grade: B-
The New England Patriots are back on the clock. David Harris is still on the board.
26. Dallas Cowboys - Anthony Spencer, DE Purdue
Cowboys fans at the draft didn't look happy with this pick, but I really like it. Last year's first rounder Bobby Carpenter is not an impact player, and Spencer has the explosiveness to play in the Wade Phillips attacking defense. Put Spencer down for at least 9 sacks this season. When you factor in the fact that Dallas picked up a potential top-5 pick in next year's draft and still got an impact player, gotta like what they're doing so far. Grade: B+
The New Orleans Saints are on the clock. Chris Houston would make sense here.
Dallas is back on the clock! Wonder what they gave up. Could be looking at a receiver here?
25. Carolina Panthers - Jon Beason, LB Miami
Interesting pick. I think it's a little high for Beason, who's undersized and tested very poorly at the Combine. Carolina can certainly use him, but I don't know what kind of impact he'll have right away. Would've rather seen them take an impact guy like Olsen or a receiver; or if they go linebacker, then Posluszny. Grade: C-
The Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock. Since December, I've had them projected to take Paul Posluszny here, so I'm not backing off that now.
24. New England Patriots - Brandon Meriweather, S Miami
Very, very interesting. No wonder it took them 14 minutes and 53 seconds to make this pick. Meriweather has excellent athletic ability, but wasn't great this year and has pretty serious off-the-field issues. Wouldn't seem like he's a "Patriots guy." That said, if any organization could 'fix' Meriweather, it's New England. He could be an elite safety if he develops. Grade: B
The Carolina Panthers are on the clock. I thought they'd take Greg Olsen at 14, and now he's available at 25. That'd be pretty nice value, right?
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Dwayne Bowe, WR LSU
Certainly a position of need, and Bowe is a solid player that can contribute right away. They better address the offensive line in round two though. Grade: B-
The New England Patriots are on the clock. My guess: David Harris, ILB Michigan.
1:30 PM Oh, and the fact that Cleveland traded next year's #1 to move up 14 spots lowers their grade to a C+ for me. I know a lot of people are high on Quinn, and that's fine; but I'm not, and trading a potential top-5 pick plus a high second rounder is just plain too much in my book.
1:20 PM WOW Cleveland traded their #1 next season. They do understand that Quinn is not going to pay immediate dividends? If he's their franchise quarterback, then it's a good move - but if he flames out, then this is a franchise-destroying mistake, because they'll be trading a potential top-5 pick. From Dallas' perspective, great move. They can snag a quality receiver with the Browns' pick in round 2.
22. Cleveland Browns - Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame
This is a tough one for me, because I'm not a big Brady Quinn fan, but you can't really argue with the value Cleveland is getting. To get a potential franchise quarterback AND a potential franchise left tackle in the same draft...I mean, can't really criticize them. So despite my personal reservations about Quinn, I'll give them a nice grade. Grade: A-
The Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock, and probably kicking themselves for not trading up one spot to get Quinn. But Robert Meachem would look quite nice here, as would Joe Staley.
Cleveland has moved up, and we know who this pick is going to be.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars - Reggie Nelson, S Florida
An impact player who I think a lot of teams are going to regret passing on. The Jags picked up an extra third rounder and still got a guy that will have a big-time impact on the defense. Very nice selection. Grade: A
The Dallas Cowboys are on the clock. Jerry Jones loves making splashes, so don't rule Brady Quinn out. A trade-down is also possible, possibly with Cleveland.
20. New York Giants - Aaron Ross, CB Texas
Hey, pretty solid pick from the G-Men for a change! They have a lot of needs, and corner is definitely one of them. He can contribute right away and will have an opportunity to start early in his career. Nice job by the Giants. Grade: B
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock. This pick could go a lot of ways, and Brady Quinn is not out of the question. But Anthony Spencer would make sense, and they could also go with Joe Staley.
19. Tennessee Titans - Michael Griffin, S Texas
I guess Tennessee really thinks they don't need anything to go along with Vince Young. I really like Griffin, but with Meachem and Bowe on the board, this is questionable in my opinion. Grade: C
The New York Giants are on the clock. My guess: Maybe some Alan Branch action here?
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Leon Hall, CB Michigan
Great value, need position, solid player = very nice selection. Hall tested great this off-season, and while a lot of people think he doesn't play as athletic as he tests, can you really argue with picking him at 18? I mean, he was a consideration for Arizona at 5. Excellent pick for Cincinnati. Grade: A+
The Tennessee Titans are on the clock. My guess: Robert Meachem, WR Tennessee
12:34 Brady Quinn update: he's still undrafted! I'm wishing now that the Commish kept him in the main room, just so we could get the Aaron Rodgers-esque reaction shots after each pick. I guess Jacksonville really isn't looking for a QB, because he fell into their laps. Maybe they're confident he'll still be there at 21?
17. Denver Broncos - Jarvis Moss, DE Florida
Definitely a need position, and this is about where I had Moss going. I don't know if they needed to move up to get him though, and he's not an every-down player right now Grade: C
The Cincinnati Bengals are now on the clock. Leon Hall has fallen into their laps, so they've gotta take him, right?
Denver gave up a third to move up four spots, so there's obviously someone Coach Shanny has his eye on.
Alan Branch would make a lot of sense here.
Denver is now on the clock!
16. Green Bay - Justin Harrell, DT Tennseee
Wow. Highly questionable pick. Harrell definitely has the physical upside, but has injury issues and would have been a better fit as a defensive end in a 3-4. It's a position of need for Green Bay, I guess, but I don't know what kind of player Harrell is going to be. Seems like they needed more on offense. Grade: D+
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock. My guess: Jarvis Moss? Leon Hall is still there too.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Lawrence Timmons, LB Florida State
Ugh. "Overrated" is the word that comes to mind. Timmons is undersized and timed very poorly at the Combine. I think his college production was a little over-stated; he doesn't have eye-popping numbers, and the defense he led was disappointing. If he could work anywhere it would be Pittsburgh, but I'm just not sure he's the type of player that's worth the 15th pick. Grade: D+
The Green Bay Packers are on the clock. My guess: Well, Marshawn Lynch isn't there, so maybe Leon Hall?
14. New York Jets - Darrelle Revis, CB Pittsburgh
I like this pick, and I like Revis more than Hall. Though the Jets gave up a lot to move up, I think getting a potential shut-down guy like Revis makes it very much worth it. Grade: A-
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock. My guess: Boy this is a tough one. Leon Hall is a possibility, but so is someone like Anthony Spencer or Jarvis Moss.
The New York Jets are on the clock! Has to be Revis or Hall.
Huge cheer means there was a trade, and it involves New York!
13. St. Louis Rams - Adam Carriker, DE Nebraska
We're still waiting on Brady! This is a surprisingly solid pick for St. Louis, and a guy who will help them from day one. Not a particularly sexy selection, but a guy who is a sure starter. Grade: B-
The Carolina Panthers are now on the clock. My guess: Greg Olsen, TE Miami
12. Buffalo Bills - Marshawn Lynch, RB California
Hey I finally got a pick right! This is purely a need pick, as there was a gaping hole at running back due to the Willis McGahee trade. What I'm wondering is why they wouldn't trade for Michael Turner, who could have been had for probably less than the #12 pick. Grade: C+
On the clock: St. Louis Rams. Could this be the Brady Quinn spot? I think it's 50/50. If not Quinn, then Leon Hall I'd guess.
The Buffalo Bills are on the clock. I thought they would've taken Willis if he was there, but now....maybe Marshawn Lynch? What about a Michael Turner trade?
11. San Francisco 49ers - Patrick Willis, LB Ole Miss
Absolutely love this pick. Willis is the kind of guy you can build an entire defense around. He's my early pick for defensive rookie of the year. Great job by the Niners securing the player who I feel was the best remaining on the board. Grade: A+
11:16 AM Love the fact that Mort had to correct Keyshawn on who the Panthers' offensive coordinator is. I knew they had Key on the show for a reason.
11:15 AM Classy move by the Commish, letting Brady Quinn hide in his private suite. Brady better get comfortable there.
10. Houston Texans - Amobi Okoye, DT Louisville
Solid pick for Houston. They needed to continue to build that pass-rushing D-line, and Okoye fits right in. Physically, the scary thing for Texans fans is that he's similar to former first round bust Travis Johnson. But Okoye's intelligence and work ethic should separate him and allow him to succeed. Grade: B
The San Francisco 49ers are on the clock. My guess: Adam Carriker, DE Nebraska
11:00 AM The funny thing is that Brady Quinn is nowhere near the prospect that Matt Leinart was, yet the focus on Quinn right now is much more intense than it was on Leinart this time in last year's draft. I bet Brady wishes he didn't go on that PR tour right now.
10:57 AM We've officially entered the Aaron Rodgers zone, where every pick that's not Brady Quinn increases the pressure on him tenfold. After a ho-hum first 8 picks, it feels like the draft has just started! Thank you Miami, thank you.
10:55 AM Still recovering from the Ginn pick. My friend called and we were downright joyful. Who knows how far Quinn will fall. Oh and Houston is now on the clock. My guess: Darrelle Revis, CB Pittsburgh
9. Miami Dolphins - Ted Ginn, Jr., WR Ohio State
WHOA NELLY. Someone please check on Brady Quinn, he might be hanging from the rafters right now. My goodness. As someone who doesn't like Brady Quinn, this pick delights me. But if I'm a Dolphins fan, I'm thinking "what the hell?" right now. Ginn is a huge reach, coming off an injury, and won't be ready to contribute as a starter for 2 years. This is DICEY at best. Grade: F
8. Atlanta Falcons - Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas
I love Jamaal Anderson, and he should be a force in Atlanta. If John Abraham can stay healthy, then Atlanta will have the most athletic edge rush in the game. A lot of people had him sliding down the draft board, but I applaud Atlanta for taking him at 8. Grade: B+
The Miami Dolphins are on the clock. Brady Quinn has to be the pick, right?
7. Minnesota Vikings - Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma
I'm not the biggest Adrian Peterson fan, but I like this pick. He needed to go to a team that wouldn't rely on him for 20 carries a game, and with Chester Taylor on the roster, Minnesota is just that. He'll instantly provide much needed athleticism to that offense. Grade: B+
The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock. Boy I bet they wish LaRon Landry was still there. I'll go with Darrelle Revis, CB Pittsburgh here
10:23 AM Tom Condon, agent to Brady Quinn and Adrian Peterson, looks like he's about to be executed.
6. Washington Redskins - LaRon Landry, S LSU
Love this pick, and for the sake of Redskins fans, I'm glad they made it. He's a fantastic player who will have an immediate impact on the Skins' defense. Assuming Gregg Williams can figure out how to make it work, this is a big-time impact selection for Washington. Grade: A
The Minnesota Vikings are on the clock. My guess: Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma...though I had to talk myself out of projecting Brady Quinn here.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Levi Brown, OT Penn State
No, no no. I know they need an offensive line, but Levi Brown was overrated as a mid-first round pick, and now he's going at 5? I don't know where people get the idea that he's nasty, but from everything I've seen, he doesn't play with passion and his athleticism is average at best. This is, in my opinion, roughly 20 spots too high for Brown. He might turn into a solid offensive tackle, but at pick 5? Really? Grade: D
The Washington Redskins are on the clock. My guess: If they can't trade (which we know they're trying to do), then Amobi Okoye, DT Louisville.
9:57 AM Note that I'm not an easy grader, but I truly think each of the four teams has made a solid selection thus far. Nothing to complain about, really. Now, if the Lions ship Calvin Johnson to Tampa, then I'll have to do some draft grade revising...
4. Tampa Bay Bucaneers - Gaines Adams, DE Clemson
I like this pick. People talk about the 'bust factor,' but honestly, you can pencil Adams in for no less than 8 sack this year. He might not be an every-down player yet, but Tampa desperately needed an edge rusher, and Adams is just that. Grade: B
The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock. My guess: Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma. This is a tough one, and I'm going with the dark horse candidate.
9:49 AM Note to Brady Quinn: You HAD a say in where you're going in the draft. It was called the Sugar Bowl.
9:46 AM If the Bucs draft Brady Quinn, I won't be able to stop laughing for at least 10 minutes. Between Simms, Garcia, the crazy Plummer trade....I mean, wow. Poor Jeff Garcia might go postal.
3. Cleveland Browns - Joe Thomas, OT Wisconsin
VERY interesting. Now we could have ourselves an Aaron Rodgers situation. Brady Quinn looks like a Miss Universe contestant who was just notified that he's not advancing to the next round. As for the Browns, this is a solid pick. I'm not sold on Quinn, and they can bring in a QB later. Grade: B+
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock. My guess: Gaines Adams, DE Clemson
9:39 AM Here's our first published email of the day!
"As a Raider fan I’m glad we selected Jamarcus Russell, now Mr. Davis needs to go out and spend some money on a line. The best QB in the world can’t throw from his back." -- Sam
Couldn't agree more. Russell was the right pick, but if he's going to succeed, Oakland needs to bring in some competent offensive lineman.
2. Detroit Lions - Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech
Much applause to Matt Millen, and congrats to the Lions fans. It took courage to take a receiver (even if he was clearly the best player in the draft), and this is the right pick. Disregard Mel Kiper, who has become a full-on Brady Quinn apologist. Great pick by the Lions - but will they keep him? Grade: A
The Cleveland Browns are on the clock. My guess: Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame (I'm waffling on my Peterson pick)
9;24 AM Here's a REAL interesting pick. Who knows what Matt Millen will do, but for the sake of Lions' fans, I hope he doesn't trade down. There are a lot of shrewd guys like Mike Shanahan that would love to take advantage of the hapless Millen.
My guess: Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech
1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB LSU
A lot of intrigue, but no big surprise here. Russell was the best QB on the board, and the Raiders need a QB more than anybody in the NFL. He won't be ready right away, but he has a ton of potential. Grade: B
9:20 AM As usual, the Raiders are taking the full 15 minutes. And as usual, Ron Jaworski is making a fool of himself. You have to have a big arm to succeed in the NFL? Really? Drew Brees, Jeff Garcia...c'mon now, there are about a dozen more examples of guys that refute this point.
9:10 AM I've gotta say it:
The Oakland Raiders are on the clock
My guess: JaMarcus Russell, QB LSU
9:07 AM Is Troy Smith seriously attending the draft? Does he not realize that his name probably won't be called all day?
9:05 AM Gotta love how the fans at the draft can hear the commentary from the ESPN guys. Keyshawn was just booed for the first of at least three dozen times today.
9:00 AM What were the odds on Yamon Figurs being featured in the opening montage? 10,000 to 1?
8:59 AM 1 minute to go! I love the fact that we don't know who's going first. Last year the Mario Williams pick was crazy, but it was essentially made a couple days before the draft, so a lot of excitement was lost.
8:50 AM Glad they could tear Mike Vick away from his illegal backyard dog fights long enough to get booed during the Virginia Tech tribute. (Link)
8:45 There's the new Monday Night Football crew. They already look about 10x happier now that Joe Theismann is gone. I wonder if Kornheiser will be able to stay awake the entire day.
8:41 Roger Goodell. I already have full confidence in him. How is it that the NFL has had a string of extremely competent leaders (Rozelle, Tagliabue, and now Goodell), yet every other sport in America is stuck with a complete dope.
8:38 AM Look, Calvin Johnson's on the phone! That's one of my favorite parts of the draft: seeing the prospects on their cell phones and trying to figure out if it's a team calling them, or just a friend/relative.
8:32 AM Where's the first place you turn to when you want commentary on character issues? Keyshawn Johnson. Obviously.
8:29 AM We all knew the Pacman Jones story was coming at some point during this hour. Luckily Chris Mortenson's mic broke, which is making it somewhat interesting this time. He sounds like an astronaut communicating with base command at NASA.
8:24 AM When you think about draft day, you think about one thing: NBA Highlights. How is it that every year this one-hour pre-draft show somehow feels like it's longer than the entire Superbowl pregame build-up?
8:17 AM Speaking of Quinn, he looks nearly dead after his two week whirlwind PR tour of every media outlet in America. Is he trying to get drafted or running for president?
8:15 AM Is Brady Quinn really Cleveland's "hometown hero" (according to Steve Young)? I thought Troy Smith was. Someone from that area please make a ruling on this.
8:13 AM And we have our first look-in at the Joe Thomas fishing boat cam. I wonder if they'll keep checking in hours after he's off the draft board. Maybe it would appease fishing fans who are wondering where their Saturday programming has gone.
8:09 AM Filling the obligatory wide-receiver spot on ESPN's panel: Keyshawn Johnson. What happened to Torry Holt? Anyway, I wonder if Key is going to blast whatever team takes Dwayne Jarrett (seeing as he said publicly that Jarrett wasn't ready for the NFL). This could be interesting after all!
8:05 AM Mel Kiper's hair, as always: glorius. There's a rumor that this will be his last draft with ESPN. If that's the case, then it's a sad day. Say what you will about Mel, but the man is the pioneer, and he's the single biggest reason we care about the NFL draft enough to write/read ridiculous blogs about it.
8:00 AM Welcome to draft day, ladies and gentlemen! We're exactly one hour away, and Oakland is on the clock. As usual, Al Davis has been pretty secretive about his plans, but conventional wisdom is that JaMarcus Russell will be the first name called. In any case, it's going to be a fun day, so I hope you stick with us here at Draft Class through all of it! Refresh this page often for updates - the newest ones will appear on top of the old ones. If you've got something to say, email me at Hesthekyle@aol.com and I might even publish it in the blog. |
