dbair1967
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We draft two of his highest rated players much later than where he has them, and he poo-poo's our grade again. He always doss this. As usual, his grades dont make any sense. I have no problem with him giving us a C if thats what he believes, but the fact he gave some teams that had poor or mediocre drafts much better grades is a problem.
Rick Gosselin's NFL Draft grades: Cowboys get a ...?
01:22 AM CDT on Sunday, April 25, 2010
Rick Gosselin breaks down the entire NFL draft, with team grades, comments, and team draft picks:
ARIZONA CARDINALS GRADE: C
Williams was a gift – a top-10 pick who slid deep into the first round. TCU's Washington walks in as a starter, replacing free agent Karlos Dansby. But Schofield may not play this season and Skelton is a developmental project.
1 (26) Dan Williams DT Tennessee 5 (155) John Skelton QB Fordham
2 (47) Daryl Washington LB TCU 6 (201) Jorrick Calvin DB Troy
3 (88) Andre Roberts WR The Citadel 7 (233) Jim Dray TE Stanford
4 (130) O'Brien Schofield LB Wisconsin
ATLANTA FALCONS GRADE: C
The Falcons started fast with Weatherspoon and Peters for the defense but finished slow. Franks provides some depth in coverage, but Hawley and Johnson were reaches to fill needs on the offensive front.
1 (19) Sean Weatherspoon LB Missouri 5 (135) Dominque Franks DB Oklahoma
3 (83) Corey Peters DT Kentucky 5 (165) Kerry Meier WR Kansas
3 (98) Mike Johnson G Alabama 6 (171) Shann Schillinger DB Montana
4 (117) Joe Hawley C UNLV
BALTIMORE RAVENS GRADE: B
The Ravens lost two players when teams traded up directly in front of them – Dez Bryant to the Cowboys and Rob Gronkowski to the Patriots. But GM Ozzie Newsome always seems to make it work. Kindle and Cody were steals.
2 (43) Sergio Kindle LB Texas 5 (156) David Reed WR Utah
2 (57) Terrence Cody DT Alabama 5 (157) Arthur Jones DT Syracuse
3 (70) Ed Dixon TE Oregon 6 (194) Ramon Harewood OT Morehouse
4 (114) Dennis Pitta TE BYU
BUFFALO BILLS GRADE: B
The Bills claimed the draft's most dynamic offensive weapon in Spiller, then went to work retooling the defensive front. Troup (314 pounds) and Carrington (285) give the Bills size, and sixth-rounders Moats and Batten give them speed.
1 (9) C.J. Spiller RB Clemson 6 (178) Arthur Moats LB James Madison
2 (41) Torell Troup DT UCF 6 (192) Danny Batten LB S. Dakota St.
3 (72) Alex Carrington DE Arkansas St. 7 (209) Levi Brown QB Troy
4 (107) Marcus Easley WR Connecticut 7 (216) Kyle Calloway G Iowa
5 (140) Ed Wang OT Va. Tech
CAROLINA PANTHERS GRADE: C
The Panthers did quite well considering they didn't have a first-rounder. A team with quarterback problems no longer has any with the arrivals of Clausen and Pike. Carolina had the best sixth round of this draft.
2 (48) Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame 6 (198) David Gettis WR Baylor
3 (78) Brandon LaFell WR LSU 6 (202) Jordan Pugh DB Texas A&M
3 (89) Armanti Edwards WR Appalach. St. 6 (204) Tony Pike QB Cincinnati
4 (124) Eric Norwood DE S. Carolina 7 (223) R.J. Stanford DB Utah
6 (175) Greg Hardy DE Mississippi 7 (249) Robert McClain DB Connecticut
CHICAGO BEARS GRADE: C
The Bears didn't have a pick in the first two rounds, but GM Jerry Angelo was on his game in the third day, landing Wootton, Moore and LeFevour. Wright gives the Bears a playmaker in a division suddenly flush with quarterbacks.
3 (75) Major Wright DB Florida 6 (181) Dan LeFevour QB C. Michigan
4 (109) Corey Wootton DE Northwestern 7 (218) J'Marcus Webb OT W. Texas A&M
5 (141) Joshua Moore DB Kansas St.
CINCINNATI BENGALS GRADE: C
Anyone remember the last time the Bengals made a draft day deal? They stay put and take whoever falls to them. Tight end was a top priority, and Gresham fell to them in the first. Longhorns Shipley and Muckelroy also were sliders.
1 (21) Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma 4 (131) Roddrick Muckelroy LB Texas
2 (54) Carlos Dunlap DE Florida 5 (152) Otis Hudson G Eastern Illinois
3 (84) Jordan Shipley WR Texas 6 (191) Dezmon Briscoe WR Kansas
3 (96) Brandon Ghee DB Wake Forest 7 (228) Reggie Stephens C Iowa St.
4 (120) Geno Atkins DT Georgia
CLEVELAND BROWNS GRADE: B
If Mike Holmgren is right about McCoy, the Browns are finally headed in the right direction after years of floundering with Tim Couch, Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. Haden, Ward and Hardesty all should start as rookies.
1 (7) Joe Haden DB Florida 3 (92) Shawn Lauvao G Arizona St.
2 (38) T.J. Ward DB Oregon 5 (160) Larry Asante DE Nebraska
2 (59) Montario Hardesty RB Tennessee 6 (177) Carlton Mitchell WR S. Florida
3 (85) Colt McCoy QB Texas 6 (186) Clifton Geathers DE S. Carolina
DALLAS COWBOYS GRADE: C
The Cowboys drafted the NFL offensive rookie of the year in Bryant. But one pick does not a draft make. Sean Lee is the only other draft pick likely to have an impact from this class. Owusu-Ansah is an interesting developmental project.
1 (24) Dez Bryant WR Okla. St. 6 (179) Sam Young OT Notre Dame
2 (55) Sean Lee LB Penn St. 6 (196) Jamar Wall DB Texas Tech
4 (126) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah DB Indiana, Pa 7 (234) Sean Lissemore DT William & Mary
DENVER BRONCOS GRADE: A
The Broncos had the best third round of this draft. Walton can do at center for Josh McDaniels' Broncos what Tom Nalen did for Mike Shanahan's Broncos, and Decker will remind the Denver faithful of Ed McCaffrey.
1 (22) Demaryius Thomas WR Ga. Tech 5 (137) Perrish Cox DB Okla. St.
1 (25) Tim Tebow QB Florida 6 (183) Eric Olsen G Notre Dame
2 (45) Zane Beadles OT Utah 7 (225) Syd'Quan Thompson DB California
3 (80) J.D. Walton C Baylor 7 (232) Jammie Kirlew LB Indiana
3 (87) Eric Decker WR Minnesota
DETROIT LIONS GRADE: B
The Lions had the best first round of the draft. The best player (Suh) fell into their laps at 2, then Detroit traded up to get a speedy offensive playmaker in Best. He'll make Matthew Stafford a better quarterback.
1 (2) Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska 4 (128) Jason Fox OT Miami
1 (30) Jahvid Best RB California 7 (213) Willie Young DE N.C. St.
3 (66) Amari Spievey DB Iowa 7 (255) Tim Toone WR Weber St.
GREEN BAY PACKERS GRADE: C
The Packers needed to get younger at offensive tackle and did so with the Bulaga selection. Neal provides some bulk for the run defense, and Burnett is a ball hawk at the back end. He intercepted 14 passes at Georgia Tech.
1 (23) Brian Bulaga OT Iowa 5 (169) Marshall Newhouse OT TCU
2 (56) Mike Neal DE Purdue 6 (193) James Starks RB Buffalo
2 (71) Morgan Burnett DB Ga. Tech 7 (230) C.J. Wilson DE E. Carolina
5 (154) Andrew Quarless TE Penn St.
HOUSTON TEXANS GRADE: C
Jackson was the most physical cornerback in the draft, and Tate was the last of the four top-shelf running backs available. That was a definite need pick. Dickerson and Graham offer similar skills at the H-back position.
1 (20) Kareem Jackson DB Alabama 5 (144) Sherrick McManis DB Northwestern
2 (58) Ben Tate RB Auburn 6 (187) Shelley Smith G Colorado St.
3 (81) Earl Mitchell DT Arizona 6 (197) Trindon Holliday KR LSU
4 (102) Darryl Sharpton LB Miami 7 (227) Dorin Dickerson WR Pittsburgh
4 (118) Garrett Graham TE Wisconsin
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS GRADE: C
Hughes is a perfect fit in Indy's undersized speed pass-rush scheme, and he inexplicably fell to them at the end of the first round. Eldridge was the best-blocking tight end in this draft, and Angerer plays with anger against the run.
1 (31) Jerry Hughes DE TCU 5 (162) Brody Eldridge TE Oklahoma
2 (63) Pat Angerer LB Iowa 7 (238) Ricardo Mathews DE Cincinnati
3 (94) Kevin Thomas DB USC 7 (240) Kavell Conner LB Clemson
4 (129) Jacques McClendon G Tennessee 7 (246) Ray Fisher DB Indiana
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS GRADE: D
The Jaguars wanted to get bigger and more aggressive in the defensive front seven and used the first four picks on linemen and linebackers. Alualu was a reach in the first, and that slowed the draft down for Jacksonville.
1 (10) Tyson Alualu DT California 5 (153) Austen Lane DE Murray St.
3 (74) D'Anthony Smith DT La. Tech 6 (180) Deji Karim RB So. Illinois
5 (143) Larry Hart DE C. Arkansas 6 (203) Scotty McGee KR James Madison
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GRADE: A+
The Chiefs drafted the NFL defensive rookie of the year in Berry – and a slew of other good players. Arenas was the best returner in the draft, and McCluster will give the AFC matchup problems at both running back and receiver.
1 (5) Eric Berry DB Tennessee 3 (93) Tony Moeaki TE Iowa
2 (36) Dexter McCluster RB Mississippi 5 (136) Kendrick Lewis DB Mississippi
2 (50) Javier Arenas DB Alabama 5 (142) Cameron Sheffield LB Troy
3 (68) Jon Asamoah G Illinois
MIAMI DOLPHINS GRADE: B
A typical Bill Parcells draft – even if he stays in the background and lets GM Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano speak for the franchise. It's apparent Parcells believes championships are won in the defensive front seven.
3 (93) Tony Moeaki TE Iowa 5 (145) Nolan Carroll DE Maryland
5 (136) Kendrick Lewis DB Mississippi 5 (163) Reshad Jones DB Georgia
5 (142) Cameron Sheffield LB Troy 7 (212) Chris McCoy LB Mid. Tennessee
4 (119) A.J. Edds LB Iowa 7 (252) Austin Spitler LB Ohio St.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS GRADE: C
The Vikings didn't have a first-rounder but rallied in the second with the biggest cornerback in the draft and college football's best running back in 2009. Walker Award winner Gerhart will ease some of the pressure on Adrian Peterson.
2 (34) Chris Cook DB Virginia 5 (167) Nate Triplett LB Minnesota
2 (51) Toby Gerhart RB Stanford 6 (199) Joe Webb WR UAB
4 (100) Everson Griffen DE USC 7 (214) Mickey Shuler TE Penn St.
5 (161) Chris DeGeare G Wake Forest 7 (237) Ryan D'Imperio RB Rutgers
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS GRADE: A
The Patriots had the best second round in this draft. Gronkowski is a walk-in starter at tight end, and Spikes provides a run-support presence next to Jerod Mayo. New England also took the best punter in the draft.
1 (27) Devin McCourty DB Rutgers 5 (150) Zoltan Mesko P Michigan
2 (42) Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona 6 (205) Ted Larsen C N.C. St.
2 (53) Jermaine Cunningham DE Florida 7 (208) Thomas Welch OT Vanderbilt
2 (62) Brandon Spikes LB Florida 7 (247) Brandon Deaderick DE Alabama
3 (90) Taylor Price WR Ohio 7 (248) Kade Weston DT Georgia
4 (113) Aaron Hernandez TE Florida 7 (250) Zac Robinson QB Okla. St.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS GRADE: A
Graham could be the home run of this draft. He played football only one season in college and has a huge upside. Robinson, Brown and Woods were multiyear starters for perennial bowl teams. Tennant could be a 10-year starter.
1 (32) Patrick Robinson DB Florida St. 4 (123) Al Woods DT LSU
2 (64) Charles Brown OT USC 5 (158) Matt Tennant C Boston College
3 (95) Jimmy Graham TE Miami 7 (239) Sean Canfield QB Oregon St.
NEW YORK GIANTS GRADE: B
The Giants like to draft giants. Pierre-Paul goes 270 at end and Joseph 328 at tackle. Pierre-Paul has the best upside of any player in this draft. He started only seven college games but is a pass-rush terror.
1 (15) Jason Pierre-Paul DE S. Florida 5 (147) Nick Petrus G Arkansas
2 (46) Linval Joseph DT E. Carolina 6 (184) Adrian Tracy LB William & Mary
3 (76) Chad Jones DB LSU 7 (221) Matt Dodge P E. Carolina
4 (115) Phillip Dillard LB Nebraska
NEW YORK JETS GRADE: C
The Jets have spent the off-season focusing on adding vets (Jason Taylor, Santonio Holmes, LaDainian Tomlinson). The draft has been an afterthought; the Jets only had four picks. Conner was the best fullback in the draft.
1 (29) Kyle Wilson DB Boise St. 4 (112) Joe McKnight RB USC
2 (61) Vladimir Ducasse OT UMass 5 (139) John Conner RB Kentucky
OAKLAND RAIDERS GRADE: B
The Raiders hit home runs in their draft slots in the first and second round, toughening themselves up on defense with the additions of McClain and Houston. Campbell (size) and Ford (speed) were typical Raider picks in the fourth.
1 (8) Rolando McClain LB Alabama 5 (138) Walter McFadden DB Auburn
2 (44) Lamarr Houston DT Texas 6 (190) Travis Goethel LB Arizona St.
3 (69) Jared Veldheer OT Hillsdale 7 (215) Jeremy Ware DB Michigan St.
4 (106) Bruce Campbell DT Maryland 7 (251) Stevie Brown DB Michigan
4 (108) Jacoby Ford WR Clemson
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES GRADE: C
Graham was the most polished pass rusher in this draft. The Eagles also had the best fourth round. Harbor gives QB Kevin Kolb a move tight end in the Dallas Clark mold, and Kafka gives Andy Reid insurance at quarterback.
1 (13) Brandon Graham DE Michigan 5 (134) Ricky Sapp DE Clemson
2 (37) Nate Allen DB S. Florida 5 (159) Riley Cooper WR Florida
2 (86) Daniel Te'o-Nesheim DE Washington 6 (200) Charles Scott RB LSU
4 (105) Trevard Lindley DB Kentucky 7 (220) Jamar Chaney LB Mississippi St.
4 (121) Keenan Clayton LB Oklahoma 7 (243) Jeff Owens DT Georgia
4 (122) Mike Kafka QB Northwestern 7 (244) Kurt Coleman DB Ohio St.
4 (125) Clay Harbor TE Missouri St.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS GRADE: C
Pouncey is a huge upgrade on an offensive line that was more blue collar than talented. Worilds will sit for two years figuring out the Dick LeBeau defense, then become a Pro Bowl pass rusher in a 2012.
1 (18) Maurkice Pouncey C Florida 5 (164) Crezdon Butler DB Clemson
2 (52) Jason Worilds LB Va. Tech 5 (166) Stevenson Sylvester LB Utah
3 (82) Emmanuel Sanders WR SMU 6 (188) Jonathan Dwyer RB Ga. Tech
4 (116) Thaddeus Gibson LB Ohio St. 6 (195) Antonio Brown WR C. Michigan
5 (151) Chris Scott OT Tennessee 7 (242) Doug Worthington DE Ohio St.
ST. LOUIS RAMS GRADE: C
The Rams finally have a franchise quarterback, and their long-suffering fans finally have hope. Saffold was one of the most underrated players in this draft, and Gilyard will upgrade the return game on special teams.
1 (1) Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma 6 (170) Fendi Onobun TE Houston
2 (33) Rodger Saffold OT Indiana 6 (189) Eugene Sims DE W. Texas A&M
3 (65) Jerome Murphy DB S. Florida 7 (211) Marquis Johnson DB Alabama
4 (99) Mardy Gilyard WR Cincinnati 7 (226) George Selvie DE S. Florida
5 (132) Michael Hoomanawanui TE Illinois 7 (254) Josh Hull LB Penn St.
5 (149) Hall Davis DE La.-Lafayette
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS GRADE: C
The Chargers had one pressing need in this draft – a running back – and traded high into the first round to get him in Mathews. So kudos to GM A.J. Smith. Butler, Thomas and Epps make San Diego more physical up front.
1 (12) Ryan Mathews RB Fresno St. 5 (146) Cam Thomas DT N. Carolina
3 (79) Donald Butler LB Washington 5 (168) Jonathan Crompton QB Tennessee
4 (110) Darrell Stuckey DB Kansas 7 (235) Dedrick Epps TE Miami
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS GRADE: B
The 49ers made Frank Gore and Alex Smith better players by drafting a left side of the offensive line in Davis and Iupati. They will help San Francisco win the physical battles up front, and Mays will help win them on defense.
1 (11) Anthony Davis OT Rutgers 6 (173) Anthony Dixon RB Mississippi St.
1 (17) Mike Iupati G Idaho 6 (182) Nate Byham TE Pittsburgh
2 (49) Taylor Mays DB USC 6 (206) Kyle Williams WR Arizona St.
3 (91) Navorro Bowman LB Penn St. 7 (224) Phillip Adams DB S. Carolina St.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS GRADE: A
Having coached at Southern Cal all those years, Pete Carroll gave the Seahawks the same edge at the draft table that a young Jimmy Johnson once gave the Cowboys. Surprisingly, he took only one of his former Trojans.
1 (6) Russell Okung OT Okla. St. 5 (133) Kam Chancellor DB Va. Tech
1 (14) Earl Thomas DB Texas 6 (185) Anthony McCoy TE USC
2 (60) Golden Tate WR Notre Dame 7 (236) Dexter Davis LB Arizona St.
4 (111) Walter Thurmond DB Oregon 7 (245) Jameson Konz WR Kent St.
4 (127) E.J. Wilson DE N. Carolina
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS GRADE: C
The Bucs had the best seventh round with two special teams demons in Grimm and Watson and a potential steal in Lorig if he can shake a lingering groin injury. Lorig, McCoy and Price could comprise a dominating front.
1 (3) Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma 6 (172) Brent Bowden P Va. Tech
2 (35) Brian Price DT UCLA 7 (210) Cody Grimm DB Va. Tech
2 (39) Arrelious Benn WR Illinois 7 (217) Dekoda Watson LB Florida St.
3 (67) Myron Lewis DB Vanderbilt 7 (253) Eric Lorig DE Stanford
4 (101) Mike Williams WR Syracuse
TENNESSEE TITANS GRADE: C
The pass rush will get better with the arrival of Morgan, and Curran will give the Titans' run defense additional backbone. Verner and Johnson are playmakers. Verner scored five college TDs and Johnson picked off 13 passes.
1 (16) Derrick Morgan DE Ga. Tech 6 (176) Rusty Smith QB Florida Atlantic
3 (77) Damian Williams WR USC 6 (207) Myron Rolle DB Florida St.
3 (97) Rennie Curran LB Georgia 7 (222) Marc Mariani WR Montana
4 (104) Alterraun Verner DB UCLA 7 (241) David Howard DT Brown
5 (148) Robert Johnson DB Utah
WASHINGTON Commanders GRADE: D
One pick in the first three rounds is the prescription for disaster on draft day. The Commanders got a good one in OT Williams but were left to pick up everyone else's scraps when they returned to the fray in the fourth round.
1 (4) Trent Williams OT Oklahoma 7 (219) Terrence Austin WR UCLA
4 (103) Perry Riley LB LSU 7 (229) Erik Cook C New Mexico
6 (174) Dennis Morris TE La. Tech 7 (231) Selvish Capers OT W. Virginia
Rick Gosselin's NFL Draft grades: Cowboys get a ...?
01:22 AM CDT on Sunday, April 25, 2010
Rick Gosselin breaks down the entire NFL draft, with team grades, comments, and team draft picks:
ARIZONA CARDINALS GRADE: C
Williams was a gift – a top-10 pick who slid deep into the first round. TCU's Washington walks in as a starter, replacing free agent Karlos Dansby. But Schofield may not play this season and Skelton is a developmental project.
1 (26) Dan Williams DT Tennessee 5 (155) John Skelton QB Fordham
2 (47) Daryl Washington LB TCU 6 (201) Jorrick Calvin DB Troy
3 (88) Andre Roberts WR The Citadel 7 (233) Jim Dray TE Stanford
4 (130) O'Brien Schofield LB Wisconsin
ATLANTA FALCONS GRADE: C
The Falcons started fast with Weatherspoon and Peters for the defense but finished slow. Franks provides some depth in coverage, but Hawley and Johnson were reaches to fill needs on the offensive front.
1 (19) Sean Weatherspoon LB Missouri 5 (135) Dominque Franks DB Oklahoma
3 (83) Corey Peters DT Kentucky 5 (165) Kerry Meier WR Kansas
3 (98) Mike Johnson G Alabama 6 (171) Shann Schillinger DB Montana
4 (117) Joe Hawley C UNLV
BALTIMORE RAVENS GRADE: B
The Ravens lost two players when teams traded up directly in front of them – Dez Bryant to the Cowboys and Rob Gronkowski to the Patriots. But GM Ozzie Newsome always seems to make it work. Kindle and Cody were steals.
2 (43) Sergio Kindle LB Texas 5 (156) David Reed WR Utah
2 (57) Terrence Cody DT Alabama 5 (157) Arthur Jones DT Syracuse
3 (70) Ed Dixon TE Oregon 6 (194) Ramon Harewood OT Morehouse
4 (114) Dennis Pitta TE BYU
BUFFALO BILLS GRADE: B
The Bills claimed the draft's most dynamic offensive weapon in Spiller, then went to work retooling the defensive front. Troup (314 pounds) and Carrington (285) give the Bills size, and sixth-rounders Moats and Batten give them speed.
1 (9) C.J. Spiller RB Clemson 6 (178) Arthur Moats LB James Madison
2 (41) Torell Troup DT UCF 6 (192) Danny Batten LB S. Dakota St.
3 (72) Alex Carrington DE Arkansas St. 7 (209) Levi Brown QB Troy
4 (107) Marcus Easley WR Connecticut 7 (216) Kyle Calloway G Iowa
5 (140) Ed Wang OT Va. Tech
CAROLINA PANTHERS GRADE: C
The Panthers did quite well considering they didn't have a first-rounder. A team with quarterback problems no longer has any with the arrivals of Clausen and Pike. Carolina had the best sixth round of this draft.
2 (48) Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame 6 (198) David Gettis WR Baylor
3 (78) Brandon LaFell WR LSU 6 (202) Jordan Pugh DB Texas A&M
3 (89) Armanti Edwards WR Appalach. St. 6 (204) Tony Pike QB Cincinnati
4 (124) Eric Norwood DE S. Carolina 7 (223) R.J. Stanford DB Utah
6 (175) Greg Hardy DE Mississippi 7 (249) Robert McClain DB Connecticut
CHICAGO BEARS GRADE: C
The Bears didn't have a pick in the first two rounds, but GM Jerry Angelo was on his game in the third day, landing Wootton, Moore and LeFevour. Wright gives the Bears a playmaker in a division suddenly flush with quarterbacks.
3 (75) Major Wright DB Florida 6 (181) Dan LeFevour QB C. Michigan
4 (109) Corey Wootton DE Northwestern 7 (218) J'Marcus Webb OT W. Texas A&M
5 (141) Joshua Moore DB Kansas St.
CINCINNATI BENGALS GRADE: C
Anyone remember the last time the Bengals made a draft day deal? They stay put and take whoever falls to them. Tight end was a top priority, and Gresham fell to them in the first. Longhorns Shipley and Muckelroy also were sliders.
1 (21) Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma 4 (131) Roddrick Muckelroy LB Texas
2 (54) Carlos Dunlap DE Florida 5 (152) Otis Hudson G Eastern Illinois
3 (84) Jordan Shipley WR Texas 6 (191) Dezmon Briscoe WR Kansas
3 (96) Brandon Ghee DB Wake Forest 7 (228) Reggie Stephens C Iowa St.
4 (120) Geno Atkins DT Georgia
CLEVELAND BROWNS GRADE: B
If Mike Holmgren is right about McCoy, the Browns are finally headed in the right direction after years of floundering with Tim Couch, Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. Haden, Ward and Hardesty all should start as rookies.
1 (7) Joe Haden DB Florida 3 (92) Shawn Lauvao G Arizona St.
2 (38) T.J. Ward DB Oregon 5 (160) Larry Asante DE Nebraska
2 (59) Montario Hardesty RB Tennessee 6 (177) Carlton Mitchell WR S. Florida
3 (85) Colt McCoy QB Texas 6 (186) Clifton Geathers DE S. Carolina
DALLAS COWBOYS GRADE: C
The Cowboys drafted the NFL offensive rookie of the year in Bryant. But one pick does not a draft make. Sean Lee is the only other draft pick likely to have an impact from this class. Owusu-Ansah is an interesting developmental project.
1 (24) Dez Bryant WR Okla. St. 6 (179) Sam Young OT Notre Dame
2 (55) Sean Lee LB Penn St. 6 (196) Jamar Wall DB Texas Tech
4 (126) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah DB Indiana, Pa 7 (234) Sean Lissemore DT William & Mary
DENVER BRONCOS GRADE: A
The Broncos had the best third round of this draft. Walton can do at center for Josh McDaniels' Broncos what Tom Nalen did for Mike Shanahan's Broncos, and Decker will remind the Denver faithful of Ed McCaffrey.
1 (22) Demaryius Thomas WR Ga. Tech 5 (137) Perrish Cox DB Okla. St.
1 (25) Tim Tebow QB Florida 6 (183) Eric Olsen G Notre Dame
2 (45) Zane Beadles OT Utah 7 (225) Syd'Quan Thompson DB California
3 (80) J.D. Walton C Baylor 7 (232) Jammie Kirlew LB Indiana
3 (87) Eric Decker WR Minnesota
DETROIT LIONS GRADE: B
The Lions had the best first round of the draft. The best player (Suh) fell into their laps at 2, then Detroit traded up to get a speedy offensive playmaker in Best. He'll make Matthew Stafford a better quarterback.
1 (2) Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska 4 (128) Jason Fox OT Miami
1 (30) Jahvid Best RB California 7 (213) Willie Young DE N.C. St.
3 (66) Amari Spievey DB Iowa 7 (255) Tim Toone WR Weber St.
GREEN BAY PACKERS GRADE: C
The Packers needed to get younger at offensive tackle and did so with the Bulaga selection. Neal provides some bulk for the run defense, and Burnett is a ball hawk at the back end. He intercepted 14 passes at Georgia Tech.
1 (23) Brian Bulaga OT Iowa 5 (169) Marshall Newhouse OT TCU
2 (56) Mike Neal DE Purdue 6 (193) James Starks RB Buffalo
2 (71) Morgan Burnett DB Ga. Tech 7 (230) C.J. Wilson DE E. Carolina
5 (154) Andrew Quarless TE Penn St.
HOUSTON TEXANS GRADE: C
Jackson was the most physical cornerback in the draft, and Tate was the last of the four top-shelf running backs available. That was a definite need pick. Dickerson and Graham offer similar skills at the H-back position.
1 (20) Kareem Jackson DB Alabama 5 (144) Sherrick McManis DB Northwestern
2 (58) Ben Tate RB Auburn 6 (187) Shelley Smith G Colorado St.
3 (81) Earl Mitchell DT Arizona 6 (197) Trindon Holliday KR LSU
4 (102) Darryl Sharpton LB Miami 7 (227) Dorin Dickerson WR Pittsburgh
4 (118) Garrett Graham TE Wisconsin
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS GRADE: C
Hughes is a perfect fit in Indy's undersized speed pass-rush scheme, and he inexplicably fell to them at the end of the first round. Eldridge was the best-blocking tight end in this draft, and Angerer plays with anger against the run.
1 (31) Jerry Hughes DE TCU 5 (162) Brody Eldridge TE Oklahoma
2 (63) Pat Angerer LB Iowa 7 (238) Ricardo Mathews DE Cincinnati
3 (94) Kevin Thomas DB USC 7 (240) Kavell Conner LB Clemson
4 (129) Jacques McClendon G Tennessee 7 (246) Ray Fisher DB Indiana
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS GRADE: D
The Jaguars wanted to get bigger and more aggressive in the defensive front seven and used the first four picks on linemen and linebackers. Alualu was a reach in the first, and that slowed the draft down for Jacksonville.
1 (10) Tyson Alualu DT California 5 (153) Austen Lane DE Murray St.
3 (74) D'Anthony Smith DT La. Tech 6 (180) Deji Karim RB So. Illinois
5 (143) Larry Hart DE C. Arkansas 6 (203) Scotty McGee KR James Madison
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GRADE: A+
The Chiefs drafted the NFL defensive rookie of the year in Berry – and a slew of other good players. Arenas was the best returner in the draft, and McCluster will give the AFC matchup problems at both running back and receiver.
1 (5) Eric Berry DB Tennessee 3 (93) Tony Moeaki TE Iowa
2 (36) Dexter McCluster RB Mississippi 5 (136) Kendrick Lewis DB Mississippi
2 (50) Javier Arenas DB Alabama 5 (142) Cameron Sheffield LB Troy
3 (68) Jon Asamoah G Illinois
MIAMI DOLPHINS GRADE: B
A typical Bill Parcells draft – even if he stays in the background and lets GM Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano speak for the franchise. It's apparent Parcells believes championships are won in the defensive front seven.
3 (93) Tony Moeaki TE Iowa 5 (145) Nolan Carroll DE Maryland
5 (136) Kendrick Lewis DB Mississippi 5 (163) Reshad Jones DB Georgia
5 (142) Cameron Sheffield LB Troy 7 (212) Chris McCoy LB Mid. Tennessee
4 (119) A.J. Edds LB Iowa 7 (252) Austin Spitler LB Ohio St.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS GRADE: C
The Vikings didn't have a first-rounder but rallied in the second with the biggest cornerback in the draft and college football's best running back in 2009. Walker Award winner Gerhart will ease some of the pressure on Adrian Peterson.
2 (34) Chris Cook DB Virginia 5 (167) Nate Triplett LB Minnesota
2 (51) Toby Gerhart RB Stanford 6 (199) Joe Webb WR UAB
4 (100) Everson Griffen DE USC 7 (214) Mickey Shuler TE Penn St.
5 (161) Chris DeGeare G Wake Forest 7 (237) Ryan D'Imperio RB Rutgers
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS GRADE: A
The Patriots had the best second round in this draft. Gronkowski is a walk-in starter at tight end, and Spikes provides a run-support presence next to Jerod Mayo. New England also took the best punter in the draft.
1 (27) Devin McCourty DB Rutgers 5 (150) Zoltan Mesko P Michigan
2 (42) Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona 6 (205) Ted Larsen C N.C. St.
2 (53) Jermaine Cunningham DE Florida 7 (208) Thomas Welch OT Vanderbilt
2 (62) Brandon Spikes LB Florida 7 (247) Brandon Deaderick DE Alabama
3 (90) Taylor Price WR Ohio 7 (248) Kade Weston DT Georgia
4 (113) Aaron Hernandez TE Florida 7 (250) Zac Robinson QB Okla. St.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS GRADE: A
Graham could be the home run of this draft. He played football only one season in college and has a huge upside. Robinson, Brown and Woods were multiyear starters for perennial bowl teams. Tennant could be a 10-year starter.
1 (32) Patrick Robinson DB Florida St. 4 (123) Al Woods DT LSU
2 (64) Charles Brown OT USC 5 (158) Matt Tennant C Boston College
3 (95) Jimmy Graham TE Miami 7 (239) Sean Canfield QB Oregon St.
NEW YORK GIANTS GRADE: B
The Giants like to draft giants. Pierre-Paul goes 270 at end and Joseph 328 at tackle. Pierre-Paul has the best upside of any player in this draft. He started only seven college games but is a pass-rush terror.
1 (15) Jason Pierre-Paul DE S. Florida 5 (147) Nick Petrus G Arkansas
2 (46) Linval Joseph DT E. Carolina 6 (184) Adrian Tracy LB William & Mary
3 (76) Chad Jones DB LSU 7 (221) Matt Dodge P E. Carolina
4 (115) Phillip Dillard LB Nebraska
NEW YORK JETS GRADE: C
The Jets have spent the off-season focusing on adding vets (Jason Taylor, Santonio Holmes, LaDainian Tomlinson). The draft has been an afterthought; the Jets only had four picks. Conner was the best fullback in the draft.
1 (29) Kyle Wilson DB Boise St. 4 (112) Joe McKnight RB USC
2 (61) Vladimir Ducasse OT UMass 5 (139) John Conner RB Kentucky
OAKLAND RAIDERS GRADE: B
The Raiders hit home runs in their draft slots in the first and second round, toughening themselves up on defense with the additions of McClain and Houston. Campbell (size) and Ford (speed) were typical Raider picks in the fourth.
1 (8) Rolando McClain LB Alabama 5 (138) Walter McFadden DB Auburn
2 (44) Lamarr Houston DT Texas 6 (190) Travis Goethel LB Arizona St.
3 (69) Jared Veldheer OT Hillsdale 7 (215) Jeremy Ware DB Michigan St.
4 (106) Bruce Campbell DT Maryland 7 (251) Stevie Brown DB Michigan
4 (108) Jacoby Ford WR Clemson
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES GRADE: C
Graham was the most polished pass rusher in this draft. The Eagles also had the best fourth round. Harbor gives QB Kevin Kolb a move tight end in the Dallas Clark mold, and Kafka gives Andy Reid insurance at quarterback.
1 (13) Brandon Graham DE Michigan 5 (134) Ricky Sapp DE Clemson
2 (37) Nate Allen DB S. Florida 5 (159) Riley Cooper WR Florida
2 (86) Daniel Te'o-Nesheim DE Washington 6 (200) Charles Scott RB LSU
4 (105) Trevard Lindley DB Kentucky 7 (220) Jamar Chaney LB Mississippi St.
4 (121) Keenan Clayton LB Oklahoma 7 (243) Jeff Owens DT Georgia
4 (122) Mike Kafka QB Northwestern 7 (244) Kurt Coleman DB Ohio St.
4 (125) Clay Harbor TE Missouri St.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS GRADE: C
Pouncey is a huge upgrade on an offensive line that was more blue collar than talented. Worilds will sit for two years figuring out the Dick LeBeau defense, then become a Pro Bowl pass rusher in a 2012.
1 (18) Maurkice Pouncey C Florida 5 (164) Crezdon Butler DB Clemson
2 (52) Jason Worilds LB Va. Tech 5 (166) Stevenson Sylvester LB Utah
3 (82) Emmanuel Sanders WR SMU 6 (188) Jonathan Dwyer RB Ga. Tech
4 (116) Thaddeus Gibson LB Ohio St. 6 (195) Antonio Brown WR C. Michigan
5 (151) Chris Scott OT Tennessee 7 (242) Doug Worthington DE Ohio St.
ST. LOUIS RAMS GRADE: C
The Rams finally have a franchise quarterback, and their long-suffering fans finally have hope. Saffold was one of the most underrated players in this draft, and Gilyard will upgrade the return game on special teams.
1 (1) Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma 6 (170) Fendi Onobun TE Houston
2 (33) Rodger Saffold OT Indiana 6 (189) Eugene Sims DE W. Texas A&M
3 (65) Jerome Murphy DB S. Florida 7 (211) Marquis Johnson DB Alabama
4 (99) Mardy Gilyard WR Cincinnati 7 (226) George Selvie DE S. Florida
5 (132) Michael Hoomanawanui TE Illinois 7 (254) Josh Hull LB Penn St.
5 (149) Hall Davis DE La.-Lafayette
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS GRADE: C
The Chargers had one pressing need in this draft – a running back – and traded high into the first round to get him in Mathews. So kudos to GM A.J. Smith. Butler, Thomas and Epps make San Diego more physical up front.
1 (12) Ryan Mathews RB Fresno St. 5 (146) Cam Thomas DT N. Carolina
3 (79) Donald Butler LB Washington 5 (168) Jonathan Crompton QB Tennessee
4 (110) Darrell Stuckey DB Kansas 7 (235) Dedrick Epps TE Miami
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS GRADE: B
The 49ers made Frank Gore and Alex Smith better players by drafting a left side of the offensive line in Davis and Iupati. They will help San Francisco win the physical battles up front, and Mays will help win them on defense.
1 (11) Anthony Davis OT Rutgers 6 (173) Anthony Dixon RB Mississippi St.
1 (17) Mike Iupati G Idaho 6 (182) Nate Byham TE Pittsburgh
2 (49) Taylor Mays DB USC 6 (206) Kyle Williams WR Arizona St.
3 (91) Navorro Bowman LB Penn St. 7 (224) Phillip Adams DB S. Carolina St.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS GRADE: A
Having coached at Southern Cal all those years, Pete Carroll gave the Seahawks the same edge at the draft table that a young Jimmy Johnson once gave the Cowboys. Surprisingly, he took only one of his former Trojans.
1 (6) Russell Okung OT Okla. St. 5 (133) Kam Chancellor DB Va. Tech
1 (14) Earl Thomas DB Texas 6 (185) Anthony McCoy TE USC
2 (60) Golden Tate WR Notre Dame 7 (236) Dexter Davis LB Arizona St.
4 (111) Walter Thurmond DB Oregon 7 (245) Jameson Konz WR Kent St.
4 (127) E.J. Wilson DE N. Carolina
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS GRADE: C
The Bucs had the best seventh round with two special teams demons in Grimm and Watson and a potential steal in Lorig if he can shake a lingering groin injury. Lorig, McCoy and Price could comprise a dominating front.
1 (3) Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma 6 (172) Brent Bowden P Va. Tech
2 (35) Brian Price DT UCLA 7 (210) Cody Grimm DB Va. Tech
2 (39) Arrelious Benn WR Illinois 7 (217) Dekoda Watson LB Florida St.
3 (67) Myron Lewis DB Vanderbilt 7 (253) Eric Lorig DE Stanford
4 (101) Mike Williams WR Syracuse
TENNESSEE TITANS GRADE: C
The pass rush will get better with the arrival of Morgan, and Curran will give the Titans' run defense additional backbone. Verner and Johnson are playmakers. Verner scored five college TDs and Johnson picked off 13 passes.
1 (16) Derrick Morgan DE Ga. Tech 6 (176) Rusty Smith QB Florida Atlantic
3 (77) Damian Williams WR USC 6 (207) Myron Rolle DB Florida St.
3 (97) Rennie Curran LB Georgia 7 (222) Marc Mariani WR Montana
4 (104) Alterraun Verner DB UCLA 7 (241) David Howard DT Brown
5 (148) Robert Johnson DB Utah
WASHINGTON Commanders GRADE: D
One pick in the first three rounds is the prescription for disaster on draft day. The Commanders got a good one in OT Williams but were left to pick up everyone else's scraps when they returned to the fray in the fourth round.
1 (4) Trent Williams OT Oklahoma 7 (219) Terrence Austin WR UCLA
4 (103) Perry Riley LB LSU 7 (229) Erik Cook C New Mexico
6 (174) Dennis Morris TE La. Tech 7 (231) Selvish Capers OT W. Virginia
