Grade Your Team's Draft

Saints

7. Sedrick Ellis - DT - Filled the biggest need. He was one that I wanted the Saints to get, they did so with a reasonable trade. Very pleased.
40. Tracy Porter - CB - Speedy corner, needs to bulk up some, but he should provide some good depth.
144. DeMario Pressley - DT - More depth, should be good to go as long as he stays healthy.
164. Carl Nicks - OT - Most had him as a 2nd rounder, no idea how he dropped to the 5th. Great value, and should become a starter eventually.
178. Taylor Mehlhaff - K - I don't like the idea of drafting a kicker, but hopefully he can turn out like Nick Folk, etc.
237. Adrian Arrington - WR - I was surprised to see them trade back into the draft, but Arrington can make some plays.

Overall Grade: B+

If they would have taken a linebacker somewhere in there, I would tempt to give them an A.

Aqib Talib: A- Great playermaker will be a cornerstone of the secondary for years to come. He failed a drug test but it was over two years ago people! At least he was truthful about it.

Dexter Jackson: C+ Speed WR, if hes a bust he can return kicks

Dre Moore: B dont know much about but i hear he is fast

Josh Johnson: B, fastest QB in the draft and threw 42 td to 1 int

Geno Hayes: B+ as gruden said: fast LB and likes 2 hit

Jeremy Zuttah: B+:i like him a lot because bucs drafted him for depth and in his college career he played every o-line position, so thats what he is going to do on the bucs: if ANY of the o-linemen get hurt regardless of their poistion he will come in and take over 4 them

overall: B

1. Felix Jones RB, Arkansas - Mendenhall>Jones. However if Barber is extended Jones will probally be a better 2nd guy than Mendenhall, plus Mendenhall at 2 is a crime and he would probally demand some money after a few years.....PITT!
1. Mike Jenkins CB, South Florida - Obvious pick, good job of trading ahead of Houston and SD to grab him.
2. Martellus Benett TE, Texas A&M - I love this pick, but its for the future. The next Antonio Gates is what they called him here in Texas.....lawl, but he will be good. He gets minus points for picking A&M over UT on signing day.
4. Tashard Choice RB, Georgia Tech - I guess. Not bad considering we let go Jones and Thompson too, so it fills in a need.
5. Orlando Scandrick CB, Boise State - Fast guy, depth.....a reach.
6. Erik Walden DE, Middle Tennessee State - Probally put him at LB. That's all I know from the kid.

Overall Grade - C+. Got the 2 biggest need is a plus Not a big fan of last 3 picks. No wr's taken. Passed on Mendenhall. No "wow" factor that Jerry promised.

This is what I posted in the draft thread:

Cowboys
-Felix Jones RB- I still question passing on Mendenhall, but I can see the logic in thinking that Felix Jones is better for the team. They probably could have traded down just a little bit, or waited for the next pick, but there was no guarentee that Houston wouldn't have taken him.
-Mike Jenkins CB- Needed a CB, took a CB. I'm perfectly fine with this pick.
-Martellus Bennett TE- Not sure about taking a TE here. Would have prefered going WR, or maybe taking a WR in the 1st and going Kevin Smith or Jamaal Charles here. Given the circumstances at the time, with no viable WRs at that spot, I guess Bennett was the best option. Espurs likes him apparently, so I'll trust his judgement.
-Tashard Choice RB- Another RB. There were a couple of WRs taken soon after this pick, but no one that could really help this year, I assume that's why the 'Boys went for Choice, and if that's the case, I support the pick.
-Orlando Scandrick CB- More depth at CB, which is okay. I might have gone for one of the DTs that were taken immediately after.
-Erik Walden DE- Fine by me.

Overview- Good enough. Jones is questionable, but he does provide a nice compliment to Barber. Filled the need at CB. The rest of the draft was depth chart filler. They didn't get a WR like they should have, but they don't need one right away. Either take one high next year or make a trade in '09.
Initial Grade- C+/B-

Texans
-Duane Brown OT- By trading down in the 1st, they grabbed an extra 3rd Rounder, which is very good considering they didn't have a 2nd. Duane Brown was a reach, but they felt that this was their only chance to get a decent OT, and filled a need. Might could have traded down, but there was no telling who would have taken him. Seattle maybe.
-Antwaun Molden CB- Same thing I said for the Cowboys: Needed a CB, got a CB. Would have liked a higher rated guy, but I'm content to let Molden compete with Fred Bennett and D-F@g to be the #2 CB.
-Steve Slaton RB- Certainly won't be the #1 guy, but he brings something to the RB group that the others don't have, and may take Mathis' spot returning kicks. Alright by me.
-Xavier Adibi LB- I thought Adibi would be long gone by this point, so I'm excited about this pick. Texans only had 2 good LBs, this should add some nice depth at the very least.
-Frank Okam DT- He was very highly rated going into the '07 season, correct? Apparently he fell off, but could be really good if he can recapture what had him up there in the first place. If he ever starts, he and Okoye could make an interesting duo.
-Dominique Barber S- Hmm, Marion's little brother. Kinda like that. Houston needed a Safety, and while Barber more than likely won't be a major player, he adds depth to the secondary, which is better than nothing.
-Alex Brink QB- There were only 2 QBs on the roster last year. This makes 3.

Overview- Every pick filled a need, and every need got a pick to address it at least a little. Brown was a reach, but the Texans did manage to get an extra 3rd Rounder while settling for him. Houston drafted for all the right things, it's just up to the players to fulfill potential.
Initial Grade- B-/B

Aqib Talib: A- Great playermaker will be a cornerstone of the secondary for years to come. He failed a drug test but it was over two years ago people! At least he was truthful about it.

Ryder004

No it wasen't just 2 years ago. During his time at Kansas he failed 3 drug tests. Imagine all the other times he didn't get caught.

• Derrick Harvey, Florida, DE
• Quentin Groves, Auburn, DE
• Thomas Williams, USC, LB
• Trae Williams, USF, CB
• Chauncey Washington, USC, RB

I give the Jaguars a B-. A pass rushing defensive end has been the biggest need for Jacksonville and they clearly addressed it. Mel Kiper's stupid rants about Jason Taylor clearly showed that he doesn't know jack s*** about the Jaguars. The Jaguars only need much more depth. They need long term DEs not a 34 year that will only contribute for 2 years. Anyways, I was thrilled when they were able to get both Harvey and Groves. Now I would have been angry as hell if the Jags gave up their entire draft and 1st and 2nd for next year, to get Harvey. But it didn't happen and thats what made me so thrilled about the move. Harvey will boost ticket sales as well considering the large amount of Gator fans in town. Philip Merling might have been available if the Jaguars stayed put, but he isn't a pass rusher. He would have just simply been another Paul Spicer and the Jags didn't need that. They need someone to pressure Manning. When Jacksonville made the trade up for both Harvey and Groves, me and my friends all guessed and hoped for them. And it happened. You can't make a fan more happy.

As for the other picks, I really don't know much about Thomas Williams. I kind of wanted Goff more. I was disappointed that the Jags let Houston take Frank Okam. That was someone I wouldn't have minded drafting for the Jags. Trae Williams made me happy because I liked what he was able to do in USF. Sure he isn't a Mike Jenkins, but he adds some nice depth to our secondary. Chauncey Williams caught me off guard, don't know what to think about him. He is only going to be camp fodder most likely. I might have been intrigued if they took Caleb Campbell. There is still a need at Safety and the Jags didn't address that. Though then again the Safeties in this draft were weak. Overall I'm happy with what the Jaguars did this year.

[QUOTE="Ryder004"]

Aqib Talib: A- Great playermaker will be a cornerstone of the secondary for years to come. He failed a drug test but it was over two years ago people! At least he was truthful about it.

Espurs117

No it wasen't just 2 years ago. During his time at Kansas he failed 3 drug tests. Imagine all the other times he didn't get caught.

LOL

1.4 Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

4.100 Tyvon Branch CB Conn

4.125 Arman Shields WR Richmond\

6.169 Trevor Scott DE Buffalo

7.226 Chaz Schilens WR San Diego State

Grade: B

Getting McFadden was a great move. He's a game-changin type of player and well worth the 4th pick. I never heard of any of the other picks, but each of them are very fast (as Al so prefers). They are physically gifted, but lack polish. All in all, not a bad draft. My only gripe is that the OL was not addressed. It was one of the glaring problems last season and remains as such. Other than that, pretty good draft.

1(10) Jerod Mayo, LB- TEN(Great that we traded back, but would have rather had DRC)

2(62) Terrence Wheatley, CB- COL(Doesn't really seem to be a starter)

3(78) Shawn Crable, LB- MICH(Good speed and will be great on the outside in the 3-4)

3(94) Kevin O'Connell, QB- SDSU(Good developmental guy)

4(129) Jonathan Wilhite, CB- AUB(Dont know anthing about him)

5(153) Matt Slater, WR- UCLA(Good SP teams guy and he can play both sides of the ball)

6(197) Bo Ruud, LB- NEB(Super steal, may end up him and Mayo starting in the middle in a couple of years)

Grade: B- We picked up the linebackers we needed, got a pretty good backup QB but I'm not happy with either CB we got and Slater should be good somewhere on the field.

1. Felix Jones RB, Arkansas - Mendenhall>Jones.
1. Mike Jenkins CB, South Florida -
2. Martellus Benett TE, Texas A&M
4. Tashard Choice RB, Georgia Tech
5. Orlando Scandrick CB, Boise State
6. Erik Walden DE, Middle Tennessee State

Overall Grade - C+. Got the 2 biggest need is a plus Not a big fan of last 3 picks. No wr's taken. Passed on Mendenhall. No "wow" factor that Jerry promised.

Espurs117

every NFL team does this when putting a spin on their 'draft grade'... so, with that in mind, add to list:
4. Adam Jones, CB

1.4 Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

4.100 Tyvon Branch CB Conn

4.125 Arman Shields WR Richmond\

6.169 Trevor Scott DE Buffalo

7.226 Chaz Schilens WR San Diego State

Grade: B +

I love how they picked up McFadden even though they already had a lot of RB's on the roster but McFadden is better than all them. Also I like the pick up of Branch he could develop into a good corner. Wish they would have gotten some O Line help though

My favorite aspect of the 2008 Draft -- no team 'wasted' a first round pick, (AND financial commitment ) for any of 08's WRs -- each of whom possessed a "yeah but..." attached to their scouting reports.

Was this WR cIass that weak, or have GMs finallyopened their eyes to thefailure rates of 1st-rd WRs?

My favorite aspect of the 2008 Draft -- no team 'wasted' a first round pick, (AND financial commitment ) for any of 08's WRs -- each of whom possessed a "yeah but..." attached to their scouting reports.

Was this WR cIass that weak, or have GMs finallyopened their eyes to thefailure rates of 1st-rd WRs?

JackBurton

It was just a weak class. Next year, will probally be back to normal.

Vernon Gholston-A great pass-rusher with a lot of upside, Gholston is what the Jets wanted and he's what they got. A

Dustin Keller-Mixed emotions. Another weapon for the offense, but New York needed a big, possesion reciever and the Jets had the lot of them to choose from. Plus I like Chris Baker. B-

Dwight Lowry-He was projected as a 1st round pick a year ago. He fell after a bad 40, but he is a solid talent and fills a need. B+

Erik Ainge-Why not Andre Wodson? Could be a solid backup.C+

Marcus Henry-Better WR available, but this guy could fill that big, possesion reciever thing I said since he's 6-4.B-

Nate Garner-Backup with a chance at playing if Damien Woody goes down.C

Overall, this draft seems solid, not great but solid.The Jets filled some needs and got the guys they wanted.B

[QUOTE="JackBurton"]

My favorite aspect of the 2008 Draft -- no team 'wasted' a first round pick, (AND financial commitment ) for any of 08's WRs -- each of whom possessed a "yeah but..." attached to their scouting reports.

Was this WR cIass that weak, or have GMs finallyopened their eyes to thefailure rates of 1st-rd WRs?

Espurs117

It was just a weak class. Next year, will probally be back to normal.

If Sweed had played he woulda gone in the first most likley, next year we may see some good players. I wonder if Michael Crabtree comes out after another stellar year?

1. (17th overall) Gosder Cherilus-A reach here, as his pass blocking, apparently, wasn't the best out there. But, is a pretty good run blocker, and the Lions could use him well, as new O Coordinator Jim Colleto emphasizes the run.

2. (45 overall) Jordan Dizon-A real nice, speedy tackling machine. We'll see how his tininess affects him, but the rest of him is real promising. Had he had a bigger frame, I think he could have gone quite high, as his 13 tackles per game commands your attention.

3. (64 overall) Kevin Smith-Will have many oppurtunities as a rookie, as his only opposition is probably going to be Tatum Bell, and Bell doesn't have the greatest endurance, so he is really likely to share carries. He will be a late-bloomer, I think.

4. (87 overall) Andre Fluellen-A relatively good run stuffer, but is a little short. After Shaun Rogers' departure, he may find many oppurtunities, too.

5. (92overall) Cliff Avril-Fast as an OLB, and should find some playing time, after Boss Bailey's departure left another huge hit to the Lions' front 7 in the off season.

6. (136 overall) Kenneth Moore-Traded up to 5th round 1st pick to get him. Could be a steal later on. very versatile, is only 5'11" to hurt his value. Could be a good role player later on.

7. (146 overall) Jerome Felton-A good fullback, scored 63 touchdowns at Furman. Could start at fullback in the future.

8. (216 overall) Landon Cohen-Dominated his conference as a run stopper, but his MAC stuff probably won't be NFL star stuff. Role player at best in the future.

9. (218 overall) Caleb Campbell-Will be one of the first to test the NFL's new clause that military academic players may choose not to serve in military activity. Is a celebrity of Army football, and was a great safety. Could be a good role player later on. He made Roy Williams safety plays, yet covered well.

B- overall. Could have done much better in choices early on. Late drafting was pretty good, but 1st/2nd rounders are your definite future, and the Lions fumbled a bit on this picks. I can tell where they were going with those picks, but I just think there were better options.

[QUOTE="Espurs117"][QUOTE="JackBurton"]

My favorite aspect of the 2008 Draft -- no team 'wasted' a first round pick, (AND financial commitment ) for any of 08's WRs -- each of whom possessed a "yeah but..." attached to their scouting reports.

Was this WR cIass that weak, or have GMs finallyopened their eyes to thefailure rates of 1st-rd WRs?

WhiteSamurai209

It was just a weak class. Next year, will probally be back to normal.

If Sweed had played he woulda gone in the first most likley, next year we may see some good players. I wonder if Michael Crabtree comes out after another stellar year?

[QUOTE="WhiteSamurai209"][QUOTE="Espurs117"][QUOTE="JackBurton"]

My favorite aspect of the 2008 Draft -- no team 'wasted' a first round pick, (AND financial commitment ) for any of 08's WRs -- each of whom possessed a "yeah but..." attached to their scouting reports.

Was this WR cIass that weak, or have GMs finallyopened their eyes to thefailure rates of 1st-rd WRs?

CommanderShiro

It was just a weak class. Next year, will probally be back to normal.

If Sweed had played he woulda gone in the first most likley, next year we may see some good players. I wonder if Michael Crabtree comes out after another stellar year?

He was redshirted, so he is eligible next year.

[QUOTE="CommanderShiro"][QUOTE="WhiteSamurai209"][QUOTE="Espurs117"][QUOTE="JackBurton"]

My favorite aspect of the 2008 Draft -- no team 'wasted' a first round pick, (AND financial commitment ) for any of 08's WRs -- each of whom possessed a "yeah but..." attached to their scouting reports.

Was this WR cIass that weak, or have GMs finallyopened their eyes to thefailure rates of 1st-rd WRs?

geaux321

It was just a weak class. Next year, will probally be back to normal.

If Sweed had played he woulda gone in the first most likley, next year we may see some good players. I wonder if Michael Crabtree comes out after another stellar year?

He was redshirted, so he is eligible next year.

[QUOTE="geaux321"][QUOTE="CommanderShiro"][QUOTE="WhiteSamurai209"][QUOTE="Espurs117"][QUOTE="JackBurton"]

My favorite aspect of the 2008 Draft -- no team 'wasted' a first round pick, (AND financial commitment ) for any of 08's WRs -- each of whom possessed a "yeah but..." attached to their scouting reports.

Was this WR cIass that weak, or have GMs finallyopened their eyes to thefailure rates of 1st-rd WRs?

CommanderShiro

It was just a weak class. Next year, will probally be back to normal.

If Sweed had played he woulda gone in the first most likley, next year we may see some good players. I wonder if Michael Crabtree comes out after another stellar year?

He was redshirted, so he is eligible next year.

He is gone after this year.

Carolina Panthers

As for Day 1 when drafting Stewart and Otah, I'll give them a B.

Day 2 was a better day getting Connor, G.Branidge, Godrey, Schwartz, and the other players, I'll give them an A-.

After the draft, I give them a B+

Overall I'll give the Fins a B+, we got a solid LT in Jake Long, a stud DE in Phil Merling and we made the QB situation a little more intresting with the Chad Henne pick up. It wa s typical Parcells type draft, nothing flashy but he got lots of talented big guys to beuild this team around.

first pick- kenny phillips fs mami (needed)

second pick- terrell thomas cb southern california (needed)

third pick- mario manningham wr michigan (needed)

fourth pick- bryan kehl olb byu (needed)

fith pick- johnathan goff lb vanderbilt (needed)

sixth pick- andre' woodson qb kentucky (not needed)

seventh pick- robert henderson de southern mississippi (needed)

trades- jeremy shocky te for second and fith round picks in 2009! (good choice) shockey did not play in the playoffs n championship game so that beign said, they don't need him!

NY giants over all i rate them B!