Line of Scrimmage: NFL Draft Grades - Part II - The AFC
Posted: Sun Apr 27 11:46 PM
*** Line of Scrimmage: NFL Draft Grades - Part II - The AFC *** By Tony Moss, NFL Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Way to go, NFL.
Your never-ending quest to make the Draft must-see television for fans of the league inspired a reduction of the time between picks this season.
It worked, so bravo. In 2007, the first round took over six hours. In 2008, it took less time for the first two rounds to unfold, thus upping the entertainment value of the streamlined "first day" by leaps and bounds.
You see, contrary to ESPN's belief, the two-day event known as the "selection meeting" isn't about the network and its ability to fill 15 minutes between picks (The NFL Network's coverage and analysis is light years better than the worldwide leader's, by the way). Folks who tune in to the Draft want to watch less of Keyshawn and Mel's screaming about team needs and more actual players coming off the board.
In all, 252 selections went off that board during the Draft's two days, from Jake Long at No. 1 to Mr. Irrelevant, Idaho linebacker David Vobora, at No. 252.
Below we take a look at those selections and the 2008 draft output of the 16 teams of the NFC, highlighting the ramifications of their two-day haul and assigning grades for their efforts:
(NFC Grades can be found at:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page= nfl/news/news.aspx?id=4147073
)
AFC EAST
Buffalo
1 - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy (5-10, 190); 2 - James Hardy, WR, Indiana (6-5, 217); 3 - Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech (6-4, 263); 4 - Reggie Corner, CB, Akron (5-9, 175); 4 - Derek Fine, TE, Kansas (6-3, 251); 5 - Alvin Bowen, OLB, Iowa State (6-1, 223); 6 - Xavier Omon, RB, Northwest Missouri State (5-11, 228); 7 - Demetrius Bell, T, Northwestern State (6-5, 297); 7 - Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky (6-2, 210); 7 - Kennard Cox, DB, Pittsburgh (6-0, 190)
Analysis: Buffalo was one of many teams who thought little of this Draft's highest-rated receivers, forgoing that crying need to make McKelvin the first cornerback drafted. He'll start immediately opposite Terrence McGee. The wideout spot was addressed in the second round, where productive but troubled James Hardy was tabbed to complement Lee Evans. Ellis is a situational pass rusher with questionable work ethic. Corner, Fine, and Bowen aren't big names, but all will have a chance to contribute given the lack of team depth at their positions. Of the final four picks, the most intriguing is Omon, who rushed for 7,000 yards during his collegiate career, including 1,500+ in all four seasons.
Bottom Line: Didn't enhance the offense as much as they would have liked, but Bottom Line: Didn't enhance the offense as much as they would have liked, but drafted several potential sleepers among their 10 picks.
Grade: B-
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Miami
1 - Jake Long, T, Michigan (6-7, 313); 2 - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson (6-4, 276); 2 - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan (6-3, 232); 3 - Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton (6-5, 287); 4 - Shawn Murphy, G, Utah State (6-4, 320); 6 - Jalen Parmele, RB, Toledo (5-11, 224); 6 - Donald Thomas G, Connecticut (6-3, 303); 6 - Lex Hilliard, RB, Montana (5-11, 234); 7 - Lionel Dotson, DL, Arizona (6-4, 283)
Analysis: Long may not have been the best player on the Dolphins' board, but he was the most signable, and should do at least an adequate job at left tackle right away. The other two o-linemen taken, Murphy and Thomas, could make the team immediately as backups. Merling, a right end and good run- stopper in the mold of Chris Long, was another solid pick for the organization, and Langford and Dotson will also have a chance to help along the defensive front. Henne fell to Miami at No. 57, and how his selection impacts Josh McCown and John Beck will bear watching. It seems unlikely that both running back choices will make the roster. The needs that were left unattended were in the secondary at linebacker, two areas that remain a tad unattended were in the secondary at linebacker, two areas that remain a tad thin.
Bottom Line: Not a lot of star power here, though it was much more important for the team to get lots of capable bodies.
Grade: B+
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New England
1 - Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee (6-1, 242); 2 - Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado (5-10, 187); 3 - Shawn Crable, DE/OLB, Michigan (6-5, 245); 3 - Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State (6-5, 225); 4 - Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn (5-9, 185); 5 - Matt Slater, WR/KR, UCLA (6-0, 198); 6 - Bo Ruud, LB, Nebraska (6-3, 235)
Analysis: It's hard to question the Patriots' evaluation of players given their success, but the board says they reached for each of their first two picks. Mayo has injury issues and might not be a perfect fit in the 3-4, while Wheatley doesn't project as a guy that can solve the team's depth issues at corner any time soon. New England might have been better off staying at No. 7 and taking Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin. Crable and Ruud (the brother of Buccaneer Barrett Ruud) were both system picks, with Crable lining up at outside linebacker and Ruud potentially helping inside. The selection of O'Connell puts current backup Matt Cassel (in the final year of his contract) on notice. Wilhite might eventually develop into the next Asante Samuel (another fourth-rounder), but will serve as a nickel candidate to start off. No selection of a running back, receiver, or o-lineman means Tom Brady's supporting cast will be identical to last year's unit.
Bottom Line: Looks like they reached for a few players, but given their track record of evaluation, we'll give Pats the benefit of the doubt.
Grade: B
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N.Y. Jets
1 - Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State (6-3, 266); 1 - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue (6-2, 242); 4 - Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State (5-11, 198); 5 - Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee (6-5, 225); 6 - Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas (6-4, 207); 7 - Nate Garner, T, Arkansas (6-6, 327)
Analysis: The Jets lucked out when the Chiefs chose Glenn Dorsey and allowed Gholston, their much-needed edge pass rusher, to fall to New York at No. 6. Gholston and free agent pickup Calvin Pace will transform the team's pass rush immediately. New York traded into the late first round to take Keller, the pass-catching tight end that the club has long lacked. Lowery and Henry were high-value picks, Lowery due to his playmaking ability (26 interceptions in four years of college) and Henry his nice size. Ainge is a career backup who might make Chad Pennington expendable if he matures quickly, and Garner is a project.
Bottom Line: Still have some issues at running back and receiver, but two impact players and three more intriguing talents represents a solid Draft for a team with only six selections.
Grade: B
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AFC SOUTH
Houston
1 - Duane Brown, T, Virginia Tech (6-4, 315); 3 - Antwaun Molden, CB, Eastern Kentucky (6-1, 198); 3 - Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia (5-9, 197); 4 - Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech (6-2, 232); 5 - Frank Okam, DT, Texas (6-4, 335); 6 - Dominique Barber, S, Minnesota (6-0, 210); 7 - Alex Brink, QB, Washington State (6-2, 211)
Analysis: The Texans traded down from No. 18 to 26, picking up an extra third- round pick from the Ravens in the deal, and reached for Brown with their only pick of the first day. Brown is a converted tight end who could struggle to get on the field right away. Molden could take some time to develop, though we look forward to a future matchup between Anquan Boldin and Antwaun Molden. Though he's small, Slaton has a chance to be a starter for a team that has yet to find the right backfield formula. Adibi and Barber (the brother of Marion Barber) were both high-value picks who many expected to go earlier than they did. Okam is a big body but was seen as more of a fit for the 3-4. Brink will struggle to make a team with Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels, and Quinn Gray already on the roster.
Bottom Line: They needed an o-lineman and a corner, but Brown and Molden are not bona fide NFL starters at this stage.
Grade: C
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Indianapolis
2 - Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State (6-3, 301); 3 - Philip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech (6-2, 240); 4 - Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky (6-3, 236); 5 - Marcus Howard, OLB/DE, Georgia (6-0, 237); 6 - Tom Santi, TE, Virginia (6-3, 251); 6 - Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest (6-3, 293); 6 - Mike Hart, RB, Michigan (5-9, 206); 6 - Pierre Garcon, WR, Mount Union (6-0, 210); 7 - Jamey Richard, C, Buffalo (6-5, 294)
Analysis: The thing that jumps out about the Colts' draft is that they selected three centers, and though one of the three could be the heir apparent to 32-year-old center Jeff Saturday, all are expected to work in the guard rotation early in their careers. Tamme and Santi will work to fill the void left by free agent defection Ben Utecht (Bengals), and one or both could become household names with Peyton Manning throwing them the football. Both Wheeler and Howard are outside linebacker candidates for a club with a seemingly perpetual need in that area. The most intriguing selection of the bunch is Hart, a good college player with less-than-ideal size and speed who will nonetheless challenge for time behind Joseph Addai. If there was an area that didn't get enough attention, it was the d-line.
Bottom Line: Like the Giants, they spent two days forgoing the big splash to get stronger at their core.
Grade: A-
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Jacksonville
1 - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida (6-5, 271); 2 - Quentin Groves, OLB/DE, Auburn (6-3, 259); 5 - Thomas Williams, LB, USC (6-1, 238); 5 - Trae Williams, CB, South Florida (5-9, 193); 7 - Chauncey Washington, RB, Southern (5-11, 211)
Analysis: The Jags paid a hefty ransom to the Ravens (two third-round picks, a fourth-rounder, and the No. 26 overall selection) in order to take Harvey, who is a bit of reach due to his size but will make Jacksonville a better pass rushing team at the very least. Groves, who slipped into the late part of the second round due mostly to recent heart surgery, might have some trouble getting on the field in light of Harvey's presence. The Jaguars made only three more picks thanks largely to the deal with the Ravens. Of those, Trae Williams, who was productive as a collegian but was overshadowed by teammate Mike Jenkins, looks most likely to stick. Interior line and safety were the two need areas that went begging for Jacksonville in this Draft.
Bottom Line: Jaguars sacrificed much of their weekend to take the third-best pass rusher in the Draft. A major risk.
Grade: C-
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Tennessee
1 - Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina (5-11, 197); 2 - Jason Jones, DL, Eastern Michigan (6-5, 275); 3 - Craig Stevens, TE, California (6-3, 254); 4 - William Hayes, DE, Winston-Salem State (6-2, 272); 4 - Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California (5-11, 187); 4 - Stanford Keglar, LB, Purdue (6-2, 242); 7 - Cary Williams, CB, Washburn (6-1, 185)
Analysis: The Titans were obviously targeting a running back with their first pick, and took the speedy Johnson when Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, and Rashard Mendenhall all came off the board. Tennessee could frequently use Johnson in the slot, a la Brian Westbrook, to utilize his speed. The second- round pick, Jones, was a college tackle who looks like a right end at the next level. Tennessee took two much-needed targets (both from Cal) in Stevens and Hawkins on the second day, but Stevens is more of a blocker and Hawkins benefited from being lined up opposite DeSean Jackson as a collegian. Hayes must adapt to the NFL level right away for a team that needs his body for depth on the d-line. Elsewhere on the second day, Keglar will be a special- teamer due to his athleticism, but the raw Williams appears headed to the practice squad.
Bottom Line: Did a nice job picking up d-line bodies, but Vince Young's supporting cast didn't get much better.
Grade: C+
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AFC NORTH
Baltimore
1 - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware (6-6, 236); 2 - Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers (5-8, 199); 3 - Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami-Florida (6-1, 234); 3 - Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame (5-11, 211); 3 - Oniel Cousins, OL, UTEP (6-4, 309); 4 - Marcus Smith, WR, New Mexico (6-1, 221); 4 - Dave Hale, T, Weber State (6-6, 314); 6 - Haruki Nakamura, S, Cincinnati (5-10, 203); 7 - Justin Harper, WR, Virginia Tech (6-3, 220); 7 - Allen Patrick, RB, Oklahoma (6-1, 198)
Analysis: The Ravens moved down from No. 8 to No. 26 at the eleventh hour thanks to an enticing deal from the Jaguars (two third-round picks, a fourth- rounder, and an exchange of firsts), then moved up from No. 26 to No. 18 in order to select Delaware's Joe Flacco. Flacco was a bit of a reach and doesn't look to be game-ready, but Baltimore obviously rated him above of the likes of Brian Brohm and Chad Henne. Rice was drafted in order to take pressure off of Willis McGahee, and will have to prove he can withstand an NFL pounding. Gooden and Zbikowski are not immediate defensive starters, but will contribute on special teams and get a chance to learn from the best. Cousins and Hale offer much-needed o-line depth. In all, the team drafted five skill players in an effort to create some competition for the flagging offense, and also added ex-Raiders first-round corner Fabian Washington via a trade, but the pass rush went begging.
Bottom Line: There are some capable players here, but Flacco's ability to develop will ultimately determine the success of this Draft.
Grade: C+
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Cincinnati
1 - Keith Rivers, LB, USC (6-2, 241); 2 - Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina (6-2, 199); 3 - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn (6-2, 310); 3 - Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida (6-0, 204); 4 - Anthony Collins, T, Kansas (6-5, 310); 5 - Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State (6-5, 329); 6 - Corey Lynch, S, Appalachian State (6-0, 202); 6 - Matt Sherry, TE, Villanova (6-4, 250); 7 - Angelo Craig, DE/OLB, Cincinnati (6-4, 252); 7 - Mario Urrutia, WR, Louisville (6-5, 229)
Analysis: Whether the Bengals play a 4-3, 3-4, or some variation of both, the versatile Rivers should fit in nicely on a team that needed linebacking bodies in a big way. Cincinnati fans are probably not blown away by the selection of Simpson over several other big-name receivers, but Simpson might have had the best hands in this Draft and could prove worthy of the pick. Caldwell and Urrutia were both value picks who will also have a chance to contribute on a team with wideout concerns. A weak d-line will add Sims and Shirley to the rotation, and both look better suited to the 3-4. Collins looks like a starter at tackle, but certainly not right away. Lynch has "special teams captain" written all over him, while Sherry, who has terrific hands, might be the sleeper of Cincinnati's entire draft. Local favorite Angelo Craig might stick around as situational pass rusher.
Bottom Line: In an important draft for Marvin Lewis and company, the Bengals look to have passed with flying colors.
Grade: A-
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Cleveland
4 - Beau Bell, LB, UNLV (6-1, 244); 4 - Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri (6-5, 251 Florida (6-0, 204); 4 - Anthony Collins, T, Kansas (6-5, 310); 5 - Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State (6-5, 329); 6 - Corey Lynch, S, Appalachian State (6-0, 202); 6 - Matt Sherry, TE, Villanova (6-4, 250); 7 - Angelo Craig, DE/OLB, Cincinnati (6-4, 252); 7 - Mario Urrutia, WR, Louisville (6-5, 229)
Analysis: Whether the Bengals play a 4-3, 3-4, or some variation of both, the versatile Rivers should fit in nicely on a team that needed linebacking bodies in a big way. Cincinnati fans are probably not blown away by the selection of Simpson over several other big-name receivers, but Simpson might have had the best hands in this Draft and could prove worthy of the pick. Caldwell and Urrutia were both value picks who will also have a chance to contribute on a team with wideout concerns. A weak d-line will add Sims and Shirley to the rotation, and both look better suited to the 3-4. Collins looks like a starter at tackle, but certainly not right away. Lynch has "special teams captain" written all over him, while Sherry, who has terrific hands, might be the sleeper of Cincinnati's entire draft. Local favorite Angelo Craig might stick around as situational pass rusher.
Bottom Line: In an important draft for Marvin Lewis and company, the Bengals look to have passed with flying colors.
Grade: A-
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Cleveland
4 - Beau Bell, LB, UNLV (6-1, 244); 4 - Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri (6-5, 251); 6 - Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State (6-3, 315); 6 - Paul Hubbard, WR, Wisconsin (6-3, 221); 7 - Alex Hall, DE, St. Augustine's (6-5, 238)
Analysis: Brady Quinn, Corey Williams, and Shaun Rogers are the reasons the Browns didn't make their initial pick until No. 104, where they selected inside linebacker candidate Bell. Rucker, the brother of retired Panthers end Mike Rucker, was a bizarre pick because he is a pure pass-catching tight end in the mold of Kellen Winslow. Hubbard doesn't fit much of a need either. Rubin was a value pick in the sixth round and might have a chance to contribute, but Hall is practice squad material at best.
Bottom Line: When you have no picks in the first three rounds, no one's going to pat you on the back for your draft.
Grade: C-
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Pittsburgh
1 - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (5-10, 225); 2 - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas (6-4, 210); 3 - Bruce Davis DE/OLB, UCLA (6-3, 252); 4 - Tony Hills, T, Texas (6-5, 307); 5 - Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon (6-4, 200); 6 - Mike Humpal, LB, Iowa (6-2, 244); 6 - Ryan Mundy, DB, West Virginia (6-1, 215)
Analysis: The Steelers filled two specific needs on the first day, finding in Mendenhall the between-the-tackles rusher they have lacked since Jerome Bettis' retirement, and also picking up the tall wideout that Ben Roethlisberger covets in Sweed. It's difficult to argue with either pick, but this team needed some offensive line reinforcements and ended up with only Hills, who brings injury baggage with him to the Steel City. The selection of Davis offers more proof that Pittsburgh will not move to Mike Tomlin's favored Tampa-2 scheme. Dixon projects as the heir apparent to Charlie Batch in the backup role behind Ben Roethlisberger. Humpal and Mundy project as special- teamers. Mundy is interesting mostly for having been a starter at both Michigan and West Virginia.
Bottom Line: Steelers added a new dimension to the offense with Mendenhall and Sweed, but will have to hold their breath in regard to o-line play in 2008.
Grade: B-
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AFC WEST
Denver
1 - Ryan Clady, T, Boise State (6-6, 311); 2 - Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech (5-10, 184); 4 - Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowling Green (6-2, 298); 4 - Jack Williams, CB, Kent State (5-9, 186); 5 - Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State (6-1, 221); 5 - Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech (6-2, 288); 6 - Spencer Larsen, LB, Arizona (6-2, 234); 7 - Josh Barrett, SS, Arizona State (6-2, 223); 7 - Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas (6-1, 240)
Analysis: Denver shocked absolutely no one by taking Clady, who will immediately step into the team's left tackle hole, at No. 12. The selection of Royal was a bit more curious, since more highly-touted (and bigger) players like Malcolm Kelly and Limas Sweed were there for the taking. Lichtensteiger will make the team as a backup if he takes to the club's zone-blocking scheme, and look for Torain or even Hillis to be trotted out as the next low-round running back marvel in Denver. Williams and Barrett were good value picks for the Broncos in the secondary, Barrett was seen as a Top-3 strong safety candidate in this draft by some. The team failed to locate a top-notch linebacker, as Larsen projects as more of a special teams type.
Bottom Line: Clady looks like a stud, and there a handful of diamonds-in-the- rough among the other eight selections.
Grade: B+
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Kansas City
1 - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU (6-2, 297); 1 - Branden Albert, OL, Virginia (6-6, 309); 2 - Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech (5-10, 189); 3 - Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas (5-11, 200); 3 - Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee (6-7, 270); 3 - DaJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State (6-0, 205); 4 - Will Franklin, WR, Missouri (6-0, 214); 5 - Brandon Carr, CB, Grand Valley State (6-0, 207); 6 - Barry Richardson, T, Clemson (6-7, 319); 6 - Kevin Robinson, WR, Utah State (5-11, 202); 7 - Brian Johnston, DE, Gardner-Webb (6-5, 271); 7 - Mike Merritt, TE, Central Florida (6-3, 270)
Analysis: Kansas City announced its intention to locate several starters in this Draft, and didn't disappoint in that regard. Dorsey could be the next Warren Sapp if his health cooperates, Albert will be a starter from day one at either tackle or guard, and Flowers was viewed by some as possessing first- round talent. There were impact players on the second day, as well. Charles projects as a Michael Turner-in-San Diego type, keeping the pressure off Larry Johnson. Morgan was judged by most to be the best pure free safety in the Draft, and could start immediately. Elsewhere, the Chiefs drafted a pair of receivers and a pair of tight ends, but there are no sure things among that quartet. Richardson's stock fell during his senior year but he'll have a good chance to make this roster. Carr was the biggest cornerback reach in the entire Draft. The major need area that went unadressed until the final round was pass rusher. There's no natural heir apparent to Jared Allen on the left side.
Bottom Line: A few reaches, and there are still a few holes, but the Chiefs are a better team after a very busy week for the organization.
Grade: A-
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Oakland
1 - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (6-1, 211); 4 - Tyvon Branch, DB, Connecticut (5-11, 204); 4 - Arman Shields, WR, Richmond (6-1, 194); 6 - Trevor Scott, DE, Buffalo (6-5, 256); 7 - Chaz Schilens, WR, San Diego State (6-4, 208)
Analysis: As expected, the Raiders went for the big splash and took McFadden, which is good news for JaMarcus Russell and bad news for Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, LaMont Jordan, and Michael Bush. Look for one or a couple of those names to be dealt in the near future. Branch and Shields were both "speed" picks, since neither were overly productive as collegians. Scott's best chance of making the team might be as a tight end, and Schilens is a major long shot. Neither the o-line nor a sketchy defensive front seven were addressed.
Bottom Line: McFadden will be the only memorable player to come out of this Draft for the Raiders, who did most of their offseason damage in free agency.
Grade: C
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San Diego
1 - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona (6-0, 187); 3 - Jacob Hester, FB, LSU (5-11, 226); 5 - Marcus Thomas, RB, UTEP (6-0, 213); 6 - DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College (5-9, 196); 7 - Corey Clark, OL, Texas A&M (6-5, 315)
Analysis: With Marlon McCree and Drayton Florence having relocated in the offseason, a defensive back like Cason who can play either cornerback or safety should be a welcome addition. The selection of Hester filled another need in the wake of Michael Turner's free agent defection, though also taking Thomas looks like overkill for a club that only had five picks. Tribble had his moments as a collegian (including a couple of unfortunate ones off the field), but is probably too small to be a regular as a pro. San Diego did not locate a right tackle candidate with its five picks, as seventh-round draft pick Clark figures to be a backup guard.
Bottom Line: Cason and Hester were solid choices, but the other three picks don't look destined for long NFL futures.
Grade: C+