Thursday, July 26, 2012

2012 POST DRAFT GRADES

AFC NORTH

Ravens (2)BALTIMORE RAVENS (B +)
2
35
COURTNEY UPSHAW
OLB
ALABAMA
2
60
KELECHI OSEMELE
OG
IOWA STATE
3
86
BERNARD PIERCE
RB
TEMPLE
4
98
GENO GRADKOWSKI
OG
DELAWARE
4
130
CHRISTIAN THOMPSON
S
S.C. STATE
5
169
ASA JACKSON
CB
CAL POLY
6
198
TOMMIE STREETER
WR
MIAMI (FL)
7
236
DEANGELO TYSON
DT
GEORGIA

BEST VALUE: Tommie Streeter, WR, Miami (FL)

BIGGEST REACH: Geno Gradkowski, OG, Delaware

TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Nick Provo, TE, Syracuse

ANALYSIS: The Ravens traded out of round one after their top two targets Donta Hightower and Kevin Zeitler were off the board. They did get good value with Courtney Upshaw still there at the top of Round 2. He will be counted on heavily this year, since Terrell Suggs is out for the season. Osemele and Pierce are great depth picks, who can contribute this year. Thompson and Jackson are also solid depth guys who should contribute on special teams. The Ravens drafted Gradkowski to be the heir apparent to Center Matt Birk, but I don’t think he can be that guy. Streeter was our #79 overall ranked player, so for the Ravens to get him at pick #198 was tremendous value.

Bengals (2)CINCINNATI BENGALS (A +)
1
17
DRE KIRKPATRICK
CB
ALABAMA
1
27
KEVIN ZEITLER
OG
WISCONSIN
2
53
DEVON STILL
DT
PENN STATE
3
83
MOHAMMED SANU
WR
RUTGERS
3
93
BRANDON THOMPSON
DT
CLEMSON
4
116
ORSON CHARLES
TE
GEORGIA
5
156
SHAUN PRATER
CB
IOWA
5
166
MARVIN JONES
WR
CAL
5
167
GEORGE ILOKA
S
BOISE STATE
6
191
DAN HERRON
RB
OHIO STATE

BEST VALUE: Marvin Jones, WR, Cal

BIGGEST REACH: Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin

TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

ANALYSIS: I can view this draft as nothing but a home run for the Bengals. Kirkpatrick is an immediate starter, as is Zeitler at RG. I hesitantly put Zeitler as a reach, but only by a little bit. Still could possibly start by the end of 2012. He and Thompson will be at the very least, solid rotation guys at DT this year. Charles is a great compliment to Jermaine Gresham, and gives OC Jay Gruden another weapon to work with. Speaking of weapons, with Sanu (a great possession/red zone receiver) and Marvin Jones (great vertical threat) the Bengals add 2 solid receivers to join AJ Green and Jordan Shipley. Jones was a great value pick (our #74 overall player). Iloka (our #70 player) could end up starting at SS this year. Prater and Herron will have to contribute on special teams to make it. If Marvin Lewis can get Burfict to harness his talent, he could be a solid player at the next level.

Browns (2)CLEVELAND BROWNS (C +)
1
3
TRENT RICHARDSON
RB
ALABAMA
1
22
BRANDON WEEDEN
QB
OKLAHOMA ST.
2
37
MITCHELL SCHWARTZ
OT
CAL
3
87
JOHN HUGHES
DT
CINCINNATI
4
100
TRAVIS BENJAMIN
WR
MIAMI (FL)
4
120
JAMES-MICHAEL JOHNSON
ILB
NEVADA
5
160
RYAN MILLER
OG
COLORADO
6
204
EMMANUAL ACHO
OLB
TEXAS
6
205
BILLY WINN
DE
BOISE STATE
7
245
TREVIN WADE
CB
ARIZONA
7
247
BRAD SMELLEY
TE
ALABAMA

BEST VALUE: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

BIGGEST REACH: John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati  

TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Garth Gerhart, C, Arizona State

ANALYSIS: Richardson is a game changing play maker that will easily replace Peyton Hillis. Is Weeden any better than Colt McCoy? He probably is, but I still don’t think he is ever going to be a top 15 QB in the NFL. Schwartz is a very versatile player, who could start at RT this season. Hughes was not ranked in my top 25 DT’s and Benjamin was a 6th round value on our board. Johnson will a special teams dynamo from day one, and will provide depth at the LB position. Acho will as well. Miller, Winn, Wade, and Smelley all provide solid depth and should make the team.

Steelers (2)PITTSBURGH STEELERS (A -)
1
24
DAVID DECASTRO
OG
STANFORD
2
54
MIKE ADAMS
OT
OHIO STATE
3
86
SEAN SPENCE
ILB
MIAMI (FL)
4
109
ALAMEDA TA’AMU
DT
WASHINGTON
5
159
CHRIS RAINEY
RB
FLORIDA
7
231
TONEY CLEMONS
WR
COLORADO
7
240
DAVID PAULSON
TE
OREGON
7
246
TERRANCE FREDERICK
CB
TEXAS A&M
7
248
KEVIN BEACHUM
OG
SMU

BEST VALUE: David Decastro, OG, Stanford

BIGGEST REACH: Sean Spence, ILB, Miami (FL)

TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Brandon Lindsey, OLB, Pittsburgh

ANALYSIS: After the Bengals traded down from #21 to #27 Decastro fell right into the Steelers laps. And after failing a combine drug test, Mike Adams fell to them in the 2nd round. Both will go a long way to keeping Ben Roethlisberger upright in 2012. Ta’Amu is the heir apparent to Casey Hampton at NT, and the Steelers got great value with him (our #43 overall player). Rainey brings world class speed and provides Dexter McCluster/Darren Sproles like versatility. Paulson, Frederick, and Beachum will need special teams to make their way into the league. Spence should be a solid backup this season, with a chance to contribute much more in 2013. He was only a slight reach at pick #86.

AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS (B)
1
26
WHITNEY MERCILUS
DE
ILLINOIS
3
68
DEVIER POSEY
WR
OHIO STATE
3
76
BRANDON BROOKS
OG
MIAMI (OH)
4
99
BEN JONES
C
GEORGIA
4
121
KESHAWN MARTIN
WR
MICHIGAN ST.
4
126
JARED CRICK
DE
NEBRASKA
5
161
RANDY BULLOCK
K
TEXAS A&M
6
195
NICK MONDEK
OT
PURDUE

BEST VALUE:  Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska
BIGGEST REACH:  Devier Posey, WR, Ohio State
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Sean Louiseau, LB, Merrimack, Case Keenum, QB, Houston
ANALYSIS: Mercilus should immediately help replace some the pass rush lost by the departing Mario Williams. Posey and Martin will provide depth behind the starters at WR. I thought Posey was drafted a little too soon however. Jones can be a starting center for the Texans very soon. Getting Crick at pick #126 was tremendous value. He should start eventually opposite of JJ Watt. Keenum, if the Texans keep 3 QB’s, should make the squad. Louiseau, can make their special teams immediately better.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (A-)
1
1
ANDREW LUCK
QB
STANFORD
2
34
COBY FLEENER
TE
STANFORD
3
64
DWAYNE ALLEN
TE
CLEMSON
3
92
T.Y. HILTON
WR
FIU
5
136
JOSH CHAPMAN
DT
ALABAMA
6
178
VICK BALLARD
RB
MISSISSIPPI ST.
6
206
LAVON BRAZILL
WR
OHIO
7
208
JUSTIN ANDERSON
OT
GEORGIA
7
214
TIM FUGGER
DE
PURDUE
7
253
CHANDLER HARNISH
QB
N. ILLINOIS

BEST VALUE: Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
BIGGEST REACH: TY Hilton, WR, FIU
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Micah Pellerin, CB, Hampton; Antonio Fenelus, CB, Wisconsin
ANALYSIS: The Colts are on the way to rebuilding the franchise. With the top pick, they chose their new franchise QB in Luck. And it what has to be the first time in Draft history, the same team bookended the draft with QB’s. Harnish should be fine in the Jim Sorgi role. In the next two rounds they chose two security blankets for Luck, with TE’s Fleener and Allen. Fleener especially should have great camaraderie with Luck already. Hilton, if healthy, is a great playmaker. He is very frail however, and was a very slight reach. Chapman, who played most of his senior season with a torn ACL, could start from day one at the nose.Ballard and Brazzill are nice depth selections. I think Pellerin and Fenelus can make the team as reserve CB’s.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (C -)
1
5
JUSTIN BLACKMON
WR
OKLAHOMA ST.
2
38
ANDRE BRANCH
DE
CLEMSON
3
70
BRYAN ANGER
P
CAL
5
142
BRANDON MARSHALL
OLB
NEVADA
6
176
MIKE HARRIS
CB
FLORIDA STATE
7
228
JERIS PENDELTON
DT
ASHLAND

BEST VALUE: None
BIGGEST REACH: Bryan Anger, P, Cal
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State
ANALYSIS: I like the aggressiveness in trading up for Blackmon. WR has been a sore subject for this franchise, since Jimmy Smith left. Blackmon helps immediately. Branch can also provide some sorely needed pass rush. I like Harris in the 6th round; however he will have trouble earning playing time in their deep CB group. Drafting a punter before the 6th round is inexcusable. It is especially inexcusable, when you have so many needs on your team that a 3rd rounder could have helped with.
TENNESSEE TITANS (B -)
1
20
KENDALL WRIGHT
WR
BAYLOR
2
52
ZACH BROWN
OLB
N. CAROLINA
3
82
MIKE MARTIN
DT
MICHIGAN
4
115
COTY SENSABAUGH
CB
CLEMSON
5
145
TAYLOR THOMPSON
TE
SMU
6
190
MARKELLE MARTIN
S
OKLAHOMA ST.
7
211
SCOTT SOLOMON
DE
RICE

BEST VALUE: Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State
BIGGEST REACH: Coty Sensabaugh, CB, Clemson
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: William Vlachos, C, Alabama
ANALYSIS: This wasn’t a sexy draft, but the Titans filled needs, and added some contributors. Wright was a very productive receiver in college, and that should transfer over. Brown has the size and speed to be a dominant OLB, but is his motor always running? Mike Martin is a solid rotational DT. Thompson hasn’t played TE since high school, but his athleticism is off the charts. Sensabaugh was a slight reach in the 4th, but can be a nickel CB. Markelle Martin is a good safety/special teams pickup in the 6th.

AFC WEST
 DENVER BRONCOS (C -)
2
36
DEREK WOLFE
DT
CINCINNATI
2
57
BROCK OSWEILER
QB
ARIZONA STATE
3
67
RONNIE HILLMAN
RB
SAN DIEGO ST.
4
101
OMAR BOLDEN
CB
ARIZONA STATE
4
108
PHILLIP BLAKE
C
BAYLOR
5
137
MALIK JACKSON
DE
TENNESSEE
6
188
DANNY TREVATHAN
ILB
KENTUCKY

BEST VALUE: Malik Jackson, DE, Tennessee
BIGGEST REACH:  Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M; Duke Ihenacho, S, Duke
ANALYSIS: A lot of reaches in this draft. A lot of draft analysts were much higher on Wolfe than I was. I had a 5th round grade on him. They needed a QB in waiting, and I guess Osweiler fits that bill. However just like their 3rd rounder Hillman, I thought Osweiler was drafted a round early. Bolden was at the least a 2nd rounder prior to 2011, however a injury sidelined him, and lowered draft stock. He could be a starter in the future. Jackson was a 3rd round pick on our board and good value in the 5th round. Blake should be the eventual starter at center. Trevathan was a tackling maniac at Kentucky, and should provide solid depth, and an immediate upgrade on special teams.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (C)
1
11
DONTARI POE
DT
MEMPHIS
2
44
JEFF ALLEN
OT
ILLINOIS
3
74
DONALD STEPHENSON
OT
OKLAHOMA
4
107
DEVON WYLIE
WR
FRESNO STATE
5
146
DEQUAN MENZIE
CB
ALABAMA
6
182
CYRUS GRAY
RB
TEXAS A&M
7
218
JEROME LONG
DT
SAN DIEGO ST.
7
238
JUNIOR HEMINGWAY
WR
MICHIGAN

BEST VALUE: Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M
BIGGEST REACH:  Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Dexter Heyman, LB, Louisville
ANALYSIS:  Poe in the first round is the ultimate boom or bust pick. His size and athleticism, tells a tale of a player who should have dominated the college level. However, he didn’t even dominate in Conference USA. Allen will be a solid starter at guard or tackle. Stephenson carried a sixth round grade on our board so we obviously think this was a big time reach. Wylie could be a play maker on offense, and Gray could be a solid reserve RB. Menzie day one helps your nickel/dime defense, as he can play CB/FS hybrid. 
OAKLAND RAIDERS (D +)
3
95
TONY BERGSTROM
OG
UTAH
4
129
MILES BURRIS
OLB
SAN DIEGO ST.
5
158
JACK CRAWFORD
DE
PENN STATE
5
168
JURON CRINER
WR
ARIZONA
6
189
CHRISTO BILUKIDI
DE
GEORGIA STATE
7
230
NATHAN STUPAR
OLB
PENN STATE

BEST VALUE: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
BIGGEST REACH:  Tony Bergstrom, OG, Utah
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Lucas Nix, OG, Pittsburgh; Derek Carrier, TE, Beloit
ANALYSIS: There wasn’t a whole lot to work with coming into the draft. Bergstrom was drafted about 2 rounds too high, but he should be a solid depth guy. Burris and Stupar should provide solid depth at the LB position. No pick signified a changing of the guard more in Oakland than Juron Criner. Criner is a 4.6 40 WR, that security would have never allowed in the building if Al Davis were still alive. Carrier as an undrafted TE can make it.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (B +)
1
18
MELVIN INGRAM
DE
S. CAROLINA
2
49
KENDALL REYES
DT
UCONN
3
73
BRANDON TAYLOR
S
LSU
4
110
LADARIUS GREEN
TE
LA-LAFAYETTE
5
149
JOHNNIE TROUTMAN
OG
PENN STATE
7
226
DAVID MOLK
C
MICHIGAN
7
250
EDWIN BAKER
RB
MICHIGAN ST.

BEST VALUE: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
BIGGEST REACH: Johnnie Troutman, OG, Penn State
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Christian Tupou, DT, Southern Cal
ANALYSIS: Ingram fell right into their laps at pick #18, and he immediately upgrades their pass rush. Reyes should pair with last year’s 1st rounder Cory Liuget to give them solid starters at the DE position in their 3-4 defense. Taylor should be starting at SS by the end of 2012. Green gives their offense another weapon at TE to go with Antonio Gates. Molk and Baker are solid depth guys in the 7th round. Troutman, a player we didn’t even have on our OG board, is already out for the season after an injury.

AFC EAST


 BUFFALO BILLS (B +)

1 10 STEPHON GILMORE CB S. CAROLINA  
2 41 CORDY GLENN OT GEORGIA  
3 69 TJ GRAHAM WR NC STATE  
4 105 NIGEL BRADHAM OLB FLORIDA ST.  
4 124 RON BROOKS CB LSU  
5 144 ZEBRIE SANDERS OT FLORIDA ST.  
5 147 TANK CARDER ILB TCU  
6 178 MARK ASPER OG OREGON  
7 251 JOHN POTTER K W. MICHIGAN
BEST VALUE: Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State
BIGGEST REACH: TJ Graham, WR, NC State
TOP UNDRAFTED SIGNING: Aaron Corp, QB, Richmond
ANALYSIS: While CB wasn’t the most pressing need, Stephon Gilmore couldn’t be passed up. This time next year, I think both Cordy Glenn and Zebrie Sanders will be starting for the Bills on the O-Line. Bradham and Carder will contribute immediately on special teams, with Bradham contributing on defense farely early as well. Brooks and Asper will provide solid depth. TJ Graham is a vertical threat, but was picked about 2 rounds too high.
 MIAMI DOLPHINS (C +)

1 8 RYAN TANNEHILL QB TEXAS A&M  
2 42 JONATHAN MARTIN OT STANFORD  
3 72 OLIVIER VERNON DE MIAMI (FL)  
3 78 MICHAEL EGNEW TE MISSOURI  
4 97 LAMAR MILLER RB MIAMI (FL)  
5 155 JOSH KADDU OLB OREGON  
6 183 BJ CUNNINGHAM WR MICHIGAN ST.  
7 215 KHEESTON RANDALL DT TEXAS  
7 227 RISHARD MATTHEWS WR NEVADA
BEST VALUE: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)
BIGGEST REACH: Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami (FL)
TOP UNDRAFTED SIGNING: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
ANALYSIS: This whole draft revolves around Ryan Tannehill. If he succeeds, the Dolphins draft succeeds, if he fails so does their draft. With Matt Moore and David Garrard in place he shouldn’t have to play this year. Getting day one starter at Right Tackle Jonathan Martin in the second round was great value. Our #29 overall player, RB Lamar Miller, was an absolute steal in Round 4. Egnew should also help in the pass game from day one. I wasn’t the biggest Olivier Vernon fan, and thought he went way too early. The Dolphins lack anything near a great WR after trading Brandon Marshall. BJ Cunningham, Rishard Matthews, and undrafted signing (and former WR of Ryan Tannehill) Jeff Fuller all have a chance to contribute early.
 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (B-)

1 21 CHANDLER JONES DE SYRACUSE  
1 25 DONTA HIGHTOWER ILB ALABAMA  
2 48 TAVON WILSON S ILLINOIS  
3 90 JAKE BEQUETTE DE ARKANSAS  
6 197 NATE EBNER CB OHIO STATE  
7 224 ALFONZO DENNARD CB NEBRASKA  
7 235 JEREMY EBERT WR NORTHWESTERN
BEST VALUE: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
BIGGEST REACH:  Tavon Wilson, S, Illinois
TOP UNDRAFTED SIGNING: Marcus Forston, DT, Miami (FL)
ANALYSIS: Reversing their normal trends, the Patriots actually traded up in this year’s first round instead of back. They moved up for fast rising pass rusher Chandler Jones. They also got ahead of Baltimore to get Donta Hightower. Both players should be starting soon in their rookie seasons. I also like high motor Jake Bequette in the 3rd round. Dennard probably wouldn’t have been available in the 7th round, had he not punched a cop, a week before the draft. He has the man coverage ability to contribute in the NFL, but probably not a starter. Tavon Wilson was not on our radar, and Mel Kiper had him rated as his 26th best safety. So that was a reach to say the least. They drafted a former rugby player in Nate Ebner in the 6th. I don’t think Ebert has a chance either.
 NEW YORK JETS (C +)

1 16 QUENTIN COPLES DE N. CAROLINA  
2 43 STEPHEN HILL WR GEORGIA TECH  
3 77 DEMARIO DAVIS OLB ARKANSAS ST.  
6 187 JOSH BUSH S WAKE FOREST  
6 202 TERRANCE GANNAWAY RB BAYLOR  
6 203 ROBERT T. GRIFFIN OG BAYLOR  
7 242 ANTONIO ALLEN S S. CAROLINA  
7 244 JORDAN WHITE WR W. MICHIGAN
BEST VALUE: Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina
BIGGEST REACH:  Josh Bush, S, Wake Forest
TOP UNDRAFTED SIGNING: Brian Linthicum, TE, Michigan State; Ryan Steed, CB, Furman
ANALYSIS: This is definitely a boom or bust draft for the Jets. Time will tell if the Jets made the right decision in taking Coples over Melvin Ingram. Trading up for Stephen Hill gives them a potential home run hitter. I have no doubt that Antonio Allen can be the starting strong safety of the Jets by the 2013 opener, if not sooner. Davis can contribute right away on special teams, and a potential starter at some point. Gannaway needs to beat out Bilal Powell to make it.


NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS (C-)
1
6
MORRIS CLAIBORNE
CB
LSU
3
81
TYRONE CRAWFORD
DE
BOISE STATE
4
113
KYLE WILBUR
OLB
WAKE FOREST
5
135
MATT JOHNSON
S
E. WASHINGTON
5
152
DANNY COALE
WR
VIRGINIA TECH
6
186
JAMES HANNA
TE
OKLAHOMA
7
222
CALEB MCSURDY
ILB
MONTANA

BEST VALUE: None
BIGGEST REACH:  Kyle Wilbur, OLB, Wake Forest
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State; Jeff Adams, OT, Columbia
ANALYSIS: The Cowboys made a bold move, trading up to draft Claiborne. Claiborne was widely considered to be the #1 CB prospect. Crawford and Wilbur are nice depth guys, but each was drafted about two rounds too early. Coale is a decent WR prospect, who has a chance to be a solid #2 WR at the next level. I am intrigued by the size and speed of Hanna at TE, just wondering if he can put it all together. McSurdy is a solid depth player. Adcock and Adams should both make the team as reserve offensive linemen.
NEW YORK GIANTS (C+)
1
32
DAVID WILSON
RB
VIRGINIA TECH
2
63
RUEBEN RANDLE
WR
LSU
3
94
JAYRON HOSLEY
CB
VIRGINIA TECH
4
127
ADRIAN ROBINSON
TE
CINCINNATI
4
131
BRANDON MOSLEY
OT
AUBURN
6
201
MATT MCCANTS
OT
UAB
7
239
MARKUS KUHN
DT
NC STATE

BEST VALUE: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
BIGGEST REACH:  David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Janzen Jackson, S, McNeese State
ANALYSIS: Wilson should be a nice compliment to Ahmad Bradshaw, and since the Giants didn’t have many needs, they could afford a luxury pick. Randle should replace Mario Manningham as the #2 WR. Hosley was great value at the bottom of round 3. Robinson is the type of TE prospect the Giants love to groom. Mosley and McCants are solid OT depth players. I really am intrigued by McCants, who has only played football for like 4 years. I don’t think he has even scratched the surface of what he can be as a football player.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (A)
1
12
FLETCHER COX
DT
MISSISSIPPI ST.
2
46
MYCHAL KENDRICKS
ILB
CAL
2
59
VINNY CURRY
DE
MARSHALL
3
88
NICK FOLES
QB
ARIZONA
4
123
BRANDON BOYKIN
CB
GEORGIA
5
153
DENNIS KELLY
OT
PURDUE
6
194
MARVIN MCNUTT
WR
IOWA
6
200
BRANDON WASHINGTON
OG
MIAMI (FL)
7
229
BRYCE BROWN
RB
KANSAS STATE

BEST VALUE: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
BIGGEST REACH:  Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Chris Polk, RB, Washington; Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon; Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse;
ANALYSIS: Cox should be a tremendous DT for the Eagles. We had him as the #6 overall player in the draft. Kendricks is the kind of athletic LB that should thrive in Philly. Curry is another motor-always-running pass rusher that should be very productive on 3rd down this season. Boykin was an all-purpose phenom in the SEC. He can replace Asante Samuel in the nickel, and also boost their return teams. McNutt is a sure handed WR that can make this team as a #4 receiver. Washington is a very good OG prospect that can develop into a starting option down the road. Polk was our #21 overall player, but because of injury concerns by most teams, he went undrafted. I am going on record here to say that he will be the Eagles #2 RB by mid-season, and in 3 years may replace Lesean McCoy as their starter. Cliff and Phil Harris should both make the roster as special teams players, with both having the ability to make contributions on defense.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (C+)
1
2
ROBERT GRIFFIN, III
QB
BAYLOR
3
71
JOSH LERIBEUS
OG
SMU
4
102
KIRK COUSINS
QB
MICHIGAN STATE
4
119
KEENAN ROBINSON
OLB
TEXAS
5
141
ADAM GETTIS
OG
IOWA
6
173
ALFRED MORRIS
RB
FLORIDA ATLANTIC
6
193
TOM COMPTON
OT
S. DAKOTA
7
213
RICHARD CRAWFORD
CB
SMU
7
217
JORDAN BERSTINE
S
IOWA

BEST VALUE: None
BIGGEST REACH:  Josh LeRibeus, OG, SMU
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
ANALYSIS: The Redskins draft grade would have been lower, if not for the drafting of game changing franchise QB RGIII. LeRibeus was rated as a 6th rounder on our boards, but he does fit the Washington zone blocking scheme. Gettis also fits that mold. Robinson will provide depth for the defense. I like Compton as a reserve/spot starting tackle. The drafting of Cousins was a head scratcher. You already drafted RGIII and you have so many other needs, why not draft another player that can be beneficial to your team now?

NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS (C +)
2
55
PETER KONZ
C
WISCONSIN
3
91
LAMAR HOLMES
OT
SOUTHERN MISS
5
157
BRADIE EWING
FB
WISCONSIN
5
164
JONATHAN MASSAQUOI
DE
TROY
6
192
CHARLES MITCHELL
S
MISSISSIPPI STATE
7
249
TRAVIAN ROBERTSON
DT
SOUTH CAROLINA

BEST VALUE: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy
BIGGEST REACH:  Lamar Holmes, OT, Southern Miss
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Cory Pearcy, WR, Huntington; Josh Harris, LS, Auburn
ANALYSIS: Konz can play some guard this year, as he learns from veteran Todd McClure before replacing him in 2013. Holmes is a good depth player, but was about 3 rounds over-drafted. Ewing will now be the starting FB, because yesterday the Falcons released Ovie Mughelli. Massaquoi is an excellent pass rusher, who could eventually replace John Abraham. Mitchell and Robertson are good depth selections, and should make the team. Pearcy and Harris could both make the team as UDFA’s.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (B -)
1
9
LUKE KUECHLY
ILB
BOSTON COLLEGE
2
40
AMINI SILATOLU
OG
MIDWESTERN STATE
4
103
FRANK ALEXANDER
DE
OKLAHOMA
4
104
JOE ADAMS
WR
ARKANSAS
5
143
JOSH NORMAN
CB
COASTAL CAROLINA
6
207
BRAD NORTMAN
P
WISCONSIN
7
216
DJ CAMPBELL
S
CAL

BEST VALUE:  Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina
BIGGEST REACH:  Brad Nortman, P, Wisconsin
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee
ANALYSIS: Kuechly was a tackling machine at BC, and should transition to the NFL as either a MLB, or a WLB. Silatolu is a road grader, and will upgrade their guard position day one. Alexander is a decent player at DE, and should provide solid rotation help. Adams is like a slower version of Steve Smith as a WR, but will upgrade the return game immediately.  Norman is a very good value in the 5th round, and could be a starter at CB soon.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (D)
3
89
AKIEM HICKS
DT
REGINA
4
122
NICK TOON
WR
WISCONSIN
5
162
COREY WHITE
S
SAMFORD
6
179
ANDREW TILLER
OG
SYRACUSE
7
234
MARCEL JONES
OT
NEBRASKA

BEST VALUE: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
BIGGEST REACH:  Akiem Hicks, DT, Regina
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Kadarron Anderson, ILB, Furman
ANALYSIS: After the Mark Ingram trade and lying to the NFL, the Saints were only left with 5 draft picks. Hicks is a project player. He is probably 2 years away from making an impact, but the potential is there. I really like Toon. We had a 2nd round grade on him, and he gives Drew Brees (at least Saints fans hope) another sure handed target to throw to. Tiller and Jones should be an upgrade for the Saints at their backup offensive line spots, but they are nothing special. White should help on special teams, and could help in the dime package.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (B-)
1
7
MARK BARRON
S
ALABAMA
1
31
DOUG MARTIN
RB
BOISE STATE
2
58
LAVONTE DAVID
OLB
NEBRASKA
5
140
NAJEE GOODE
ILB
WEST VIRGINIA
6
174
KEITH TANDY
CB
WEST VIRGINIA
7
212
MICHAEL SMITH
RB
UTAH STATE
7
233
DRAKE DUNSMORE
TE
NORTHWESTERN

BEST VALUE: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
BIGGEST REACH:  Najee Goode, ILB, West Virginia
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State
ANALYSIS: Barron was coveted by many teams, and after the Cowboys traded ahead of them to nab Morris Claiborne, they took the best safety in the draft. I love Doug Martin, we had him as the #2 RB in the draft, and he is a definite upgrade over LeGarrette Blount. Martin is skilled in all three phases of the running game (rushing, receiving, and pass blocking) and should never have to leave the field. David reminded many of the great Derrick Brooks. I would not go that far, but he should be a day one starter. Goode, Tandy, and Smith should all be solid backups and special teams players. Dunsmore is an H-back type that should help in the passing game. Leonard Johnson is a good CB prospect that went undrafted because of concerns about his speed.

NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS (B-)
1
19
SHEA MCCLELLIN
DE
BOISE STATE
2
45
ALSHON JEFFERY
WR
S. CAROLINA
3
79
BRANDON HARDIN
S
OREGON STATE
4
111
EVAN RODRIGUEZ
TE
TEMPLE
6
184
ISAIAH FREY
CB
NEVADA
7
220
GREG MCCOY
CB
TCU

BEST VALUE: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
BIGGEST REACH:  Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: James Brown, OG, Troy
ANALYSIS: Getting Jeffery in the 2nd round to pair with Brandon Marshall is akin to stealing. Jeffery immediately becomes their best possession receiver, and gives QB Jay Cutler another redzone weapon. McClellin is a high motor player, who should have multiple 1-on-1 opportunities, opposite of Julius Peppers. I just think he was drafted a round too high. Hardin was a fast riser in the draft process, but he has tremendous size, and can be a hybrid CB/S for Chicago. Rodriguez is an H-back type that can help in the passing game. Brown should definitely make the team as a reserve offensive lineman.
DETROIT LIONS (B+)
1
23
RILEY REIFF
OT
IOWA
2
54
RYAN BROYLES
WR
OKLAHOMA
3
85
DWIGHT BENTLEY
CB
LA-LAFAYETTE
4
125
RONNELL LEWIS
OLB
OKLAHOMA
5
138
TAHIR WHITEHEAD
OLB
TEMPLE
5
148
CHRIS GREENWOOD
CB
ALBION
6
196
JONTA GREEN
CB
NEW MEXICO STATE
7
223
TRAVIS LEWIS
OLB
OKLAHOMA

BEST VALUE: Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
BIGGEST REACH:  Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State; Alex Gottlieb, TE, William & Mary
ANALYSIS: Reiff is an immediate starter at RT, and was a good value in the 1st. If Broyles hadn’t torn his ACL in November, he was easily a 1st rounder. If he returns healthy, he is a great player for the Lions offense. Bentley has tremendous instincts and should be the nickel corner day one. I also like the small school CB Greenwood to make an impact soon. The Oklahoma Lewis’, Ronnell and Travis, should both make special teams impacts right away. Whitehead is also a good depth/special teams selection. NCAA all time wins leader Kellen Moore should make the team if Detroit elects to carry 3 QB’s.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (A-)
1
28
NICK PERRY
DE
SOUTHERN CAL
2
51
JEREL WORTHY
DT
MICHIGAN STATE
2
62
CASEY HAYWARD
CB
VANDERBILT
5
132
MIKE DANIELS
DT
IOWA
5
133
JERRON MCMILLIAN
S
MAINE
5
163
TERRELL MANNING
OLB
NC STATE
7
241
ANDREW DATKO
OT
FLORIDA STATE
7
243
BJ COLEMAN
QB
CHATTANOOGA

BEST VALUE: Terrell Manning, OLB, NC State
BIGGEST REACH:  None
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT:  Dale Moss, WR, South Dakota St; Sean Richardson, S, Vanderbilt
ANALYSIS: Perry should take some of the pressure off Casey Matthews, by bringing pressure from the other side. Worthy should start day one at DE. Hayward should play in the nickel right away, and eventually replace Charles Woodson. Manning was a great value pick in the 5th round, he should provide depth. Daniels was also a good depth pick. McMillian should be great for special teams day one, and has the skill set to start down the road. Datko had a shoulder injury and missed the final 9 games this year. He was thought of at one point as a first rounder. He could eventually be a starter in a few years. Coleman now becomes their new Matt Flynn/Matt Hasselback. The QB they pick late, develop, and trade away for draft picks after development. Moss is an intriguing UDFA. He only played one year of college football, after playing 4 years of hoops for the Jackrabbits.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (B)
1
4
MATT KALIL
OT
SOUTHERN CAL
1
29
HARRISON SMITH
S
NOTRE DAME
3
66
JOSH ROBINSON
CB
UCF
4
118
JARIUS WRIGHT
WR
ARKANSAS
4
128
RHETT ELLISON
TE
SOUTHERN CAL
4
134
GREG CHILDS
WR
ARKANSAS
5
139
ROBERT BLANTON
CB
NOTRE DAME
6
175
BLAIR WALSH
K
GEORGIA
7
210
AUDIE COLE
ILB
NC STATE
7
219
TREVOR GUYTON
DE
CAL

BEST VALUE: Josh Robinson, CB, UCF
BIGGEST REACH:  Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Quentin Saulsberry, C, Miss. State; Tydreke Powell, DT, N. Carolina
ANALYSIS: I love the trade down of one spot in the first, and still getting the guy you were going to pick anyway. Kalil is now Christian Ponder’s best friend and blindside protector. I thought Smith was a reach, but teams are getting desperate for safeties in this age of free roaming TE’s. Robinson has excellent speed, and good cover skills. He should start eventually. Ellison is a FB/TE/H-back that can be their new Jim Kleinsasser. I actually like Greg Childs more than the other 2 Razorback WR’s that came out in this draft. Now the Vikings have 2 of the 3. Blanton and Cole should both upgrade the Viking special teams, and provide solid depth. Walsh is now the starting kicker after Minnesota released veteran Ryan Longwell. I also think Saulsberry and Powell should both make the team as UDFA’s.

NFC WEST
 ARIZONA CARDINALS (A -)
1
13
MICHAEL FLOYD
WR
NOTRE DAME
3
80
JAMELL FLEMING
CB
OKLAHOMA
4
112
BOBBIE MASSIE
OT
MISSISSIPPI
5
151
SENIO KELEMETE
OG
WASHINGTON
6
177
JUSTIN BETHEL
CB
PRESBYTERIAN
6
185
RYAN LINDLEY
QB
SAN DIEGO STATE
7
221
NATE POTTER
OT
BOISE STATE

BEST VALUE: Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego St.
BIGGEST REACH:  Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
ANALYSIS: Larry Fitzgerald pleaded for some help, so the Cardinals obliged him. Floyd is a solid WR and should help ease the pressure off of Fitzgerald. Fleming is a solid CB, who could start opposite of Patrick Peterson soon. I also think Massie and Kelemete have potential to start in the future, and worst case scenario they are solid depth guys. Bethel can develop into a solid nickel CB, and help on special teams. Potter can make the team as a reserve lineman. Ryan Lindley is the pick that intrigues me. Lindley struggled with accuracy, but that is something I think that working with professional WR’s and coaching can fix. I also like that he played in a pro system in college. The Cardinals QB situation is not great. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are not exactly setting the world on fire. I would not be surprised if Lindley was starting before the end of the 2012 season.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (B -)
1
14
MICHAEL BROCKERS
DT
LSU
2
33
BRIAN QUICK
WR
APPALACHIAN STATE
2
39
JANORIS JENKINS
CB
NORTH ALABAMA
2
50
ISAIAH PEAD
RB
CINCINNATI
3
65
TRUMAINE JOHNSON
CB
MONTANA
4
96
CHRIS GIVENS
WR
WAKE FOREST
5
150
ROKEVIUS WATKINS
OG
S. CAROLINA
6
171
GREG ZUERLEIN
K
MO. WESTERN STATE
7
209
AARON BROWN
OLB
HAWAII
7
252
DARYL RICHARDSON
RB
ABILENE CHRISTIAN

BEST VALUE: None
BIGGEST REACH:  Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian St.; Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: DeAngelo Peterson, TE, LSU; Austin Davis, QB, Southern Miss
ANALYSIS: The Rams traded back in round one twice, and landed Michael Brockers. Brockers has the potential to be a great DT, and will help immediately in the run game. He just needs to work on his pass rush skills. Quick should be a solid WR, but I just liked several other WR’s better. Jenkins on pure talent was at worst the 2nd best CB in this draft. However, his off the field issues make his selection a huge risk. Unlike most other draft analysts, I was not a huge fan of Pead. I just don’t see star NFL back in him. Trumaine Johnson at worst is a nickel corner for the Rams, and could develop into a starting free safety down he road. Givens could be a solid #3 WR. Watkins should be a solid backup guard. The Rams have already released Josh Brown, to make room Zuerlein to take the starting kicker spot. Zuerlein was an astonishing 9-9 on field goals beyond 50 yards last year.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (D)
1
30
AJ JENKINS
WR
ILLINOIS
2
61
LAMICHAEL JAMES
RB
OREGON
4
117
JOE LOONEY
OG
WAKE FOREST
5
165
DARIUS FLEMING
OLB
NOTRE DAME
6
180
TRENTON ROBINSON
S
MICHIGAN STATE
6
199
JASON SLOWEY
C
W. OREGON
7
237
CAM JOHNSON
DE
VIRGINIA

BEST VALUE: Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
BIGGEST REACH:  AJ Jenkins, WR, Illinois
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT: Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford
ANALYSIS: I think Jenkins can be a solid #3 WR, but I also think he was drafted about 2 rounds too high. The selection of James also baffled me because the Niners already had 4 RB’s on the roster. Looney, Fleming, and Robinson should all be solid depth guys. I really liked the selection of Cam Johnson in the 7th. Rumors floated that he has the trait for sickle cell anemia. But if he can play with it at the same level that Steeler’s safety Ryan Clark does, he could have a productive NFL career. If Owusu can keep his concussion issues in check (doubtful the way he plays the game) he could be a solid player in former coach Jim Harbaugh’s system.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (D)
1
15
BRUCE IRVIN
OLB
WEST VIRGINIA
2
47
BOBBY WAGNER
ILB
UTAH STATE
3
75
RUSSELL WILSON
QB
NC STATE
4
106
ROBERT TURBIN
RB
UTAH STATE
4
114
JAYE HOWARD
DT
FLORIDA
5
154
KOREY TOOMER
OLB
IDAHO
6
172
JEREMY LANE
CB
NW STATE (LA)
6
181
WINSTON GUY
S
KENTUCKY
7
225
JR SWEEZY
DT
NC STATE
7
232
GREG SCRUGGS
DE
LOUISVILLE

BEST VALUE: None
BIGGEST REACH:  Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia
TOP UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT:  Rishaw Johnson, G, California (PA)
ANALYSIS: The Seahawks surprised everyone with their selection of Bruce Irvin in the first round. He is a one trick pony that has no redeeming qualities in the run game. Wagner is a solid LB, that should be a good player for a long time. I also like Turbin to be a backup to Marshawn Lynch. Howard, Lane, and Guy should be solid depth guys. I don’t mind the selection of Russell Wilson. He should be a solid backup in the NFL. He is the kind of QB capable of going 2-2 if your starter is out for 4 games. I just think he was selected a round too soon. 
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)