Posts tagged NFLDraftGrades08 at FanHouse

Kansas City Chiefs 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (5): Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Round 1 (15): Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
Round 2 (35): Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (73): Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
Round 3 (76): Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
Round 3 (82): DaJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State
Round 4 (105): Will Franklin, WR, Missouri
Round 5 (140): Brandon Carr, CB, Grand Valley State
Round 6 (170): Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
Round 6 (182): Kevin Robinson, WR, Utah State
Round 7 (210): Brian Johnston, DE, Gardner-Webb
Round 7 (239): Mike Merritt, TE, Central Florida

The Good: See all 12 picks above -- that's the good. Kansas City added value with every single selection they made, and addressed nearly every need they had. Glenn Dorsey was considered by some to be the number one player available, while Albert, Flowers, Cottam and Robinson (special teams) all add significant talent to positions in need. And what about the other nine players selected? They all have tremendous upside as well and each represented solid value at the position they were taken.

The Bad: Is there any? The Chiefs made 12 picks this past weekend and on paper, it looks like they made every single one of them count. If there's one knock on anyone, it's that Braden Albert will be a "work in progress." Still, that's hardly a negative for someone who figures to be a quality NFL starter for a very long time. Beyond that, the only other negative that presents itself was the failure to draft another quarterback.

The Grade: A. In comparison to the other 31 teams, Kansas City left Radio City Music Hall on top. They had a fantastic draft and appear to have secured a bright future. Although they may not make it to the playoffs this coming season, they've certainly given their fans something to be excited about.

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Buffalo Bills 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (11): Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Round 2 (41): James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Round 3 (72): Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
Round 4 (114): Reggie Corner, CB, Akron
Round 4 (132): Derek Fine, TE, Kansas
Round 5 (147): Alvin Bowen, OLB, Iowa State
Round 6 (179): Xavier Omon, RB, Northern Missouri State
Round 7 (219): Demetrius Bell, OT, Northwestern State (LA)
Round 7 (224): Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
Round 7 (251): Kennard Cox, CB, Pittsburgh

The Good: Not only was Buffalo able to land the cornerback they so desperately needed, they were also able to land the big-time wide receiver they coveted as well. Both Leodis McKelvin and James Hardy will come in and have an immediate impact for the Bills, giving them two dimensions they were lacking last year. Additionally, Derek Fine was a tremendous value pick in round four and will likely add some quality depth to Buffalo's currently shallow tight end position.

The Bad: Outside of McKelvin and Hardy, many of the players Buffalo drafted have several question marks. Can Ellis become a more consistent player at the next level? Is Corner's size (or lack thereof) a major concern? Is Bowen big enough to play every down? And does Bell have enough game experience to offer any significant value? Those are some rather concerning questions ...

The Grade: B-. At the very least, Buffalo got two solid starters out of the draft and a lot of depth. Some of the other players will most likely realize their talent and reward the Bills, while the rest will eventually fade away into nothing. It wasn't an outstanding draft by any means, but it certainly wasn't a poor one either.

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Arizona Cardinals 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (16): Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
Round 2 (50): Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Round 3 (81): Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Round 4 (116): Kenny Iwebema, DE, Iowa
Round 5 (149): Tim Hightower, RB, Richmond
Round 6 (185): Chris Harrington, DE, Texas A&M
Round 7 (225): Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa

The Good: Going into the draft, Arizona had quite a few needs to fill. There were several defensive positions that needed someone who could come in and start immediately, while others were lacking quality depth. And with the first two selections, coupled with the late-round pick of Chris Harrington (rotational pass rusher), they were able to fill all of those needs.

The Bad: The Cardinals weren't able to secure the big time running back most analysts believed they needed, but they were able to lock down Tim Hightower in round five. And while he may not be a Darren McFadden or even a Ray Rice, he's a Marion Barber-like running back who could give Arizona exactly what they need anyway. In addition to their failure to land a game-breaking back, Arizona missed out on a solid safety and additional depth at linebacker.

The Grade: B+. People may not be very high on Tim Hightower right now, nor very high on the 2007 version of Calais Campbell, but both of those players have a tremendous upside. I'm not a scout by any means, but I fully expect Campbell to return to his 2006 form, with Hightower providing all the help Arizona could possibly need behind Edgerrin James.

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New York Giants 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (31): Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Round 2 (63): Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
Round 3 (95): Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Round 4 (123): Bryan Kehl, OLB, BYU
Round 5 (165): Jonathan Goff, LB, Vanderbilt
Round 6 (198): Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Round 6 (199): Robert Henderson, DE, Southern Miss

The Good: What can you say? On paper, it looks like Jerry Reese has done it again. The Giants needed a safety, so they selected the best one in the draft. They needed a cornerback, so they snatched up the very talented Terrell Thomas in round three. They also needed help at linebacker, so they grabbed two very capable ones in rounds four and five. And with several questions about their backup quarterback situation and the long-term problems they may face there, they went out and hauled in Andre Woodson in round six. All in all, New York did a very good job improving an already talented team.

The Bad: Unlike most questionable selections, the Giants decision to draft Mario Manningham in round three could have a tremendous upside. At the same time, if "Super Mario" doesn't turn his act around, it will ultimately end up being a wasted pick. The 21-year-old has battled many questions about his character over the last few years, and coupled with a score of six on his Wonderlic test, it resulted in him falling down most teams draft charts.

The Grade: B/B+. The actual grade really depends on Manningham. If the Giants get the player - and only the player - they saw at Michigan, their paper grade is easily a B+. However, if they get the same person who scored a six on his Wonderlic and repeatedly failed drug tests, their paper grade is a B ... at best.

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Dallas Cowboys 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (22): Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Round 1 (25): Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Round 2 (61): Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
Round 4 (122): Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
Round 5 (143): Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise State
Round 6 (167): Erik Walden, DE, Middle Tennessee State

The Good: You gotta give props to the Cowboys for getting Mike Jenkins at #25. Even though they made the deal for Pacman Jones, they still needed talent there ... especially if Pacman isn't reinstated by the league. Bennett will be Anthony Fasano's replacement after they dealt him to Miami. Choice and Scandrick could end up being diamonds in the rough.

The Bad: I do understand the concern about drafting Jones over someone like Rashard Mendenhall and that will be one of those things to watch in the coming years. Dallas better pray that they are indeed locking in Marion Barber. Drafting another RB and CB shows they are concerned about Barber and Pacman's futures. Oh, and wasn't receiver an area of concern? Yet they drafted none.

The Grade: B-. Unlike many other people, I do like drafting Felix Jones. If they continue with the dual-backs then Jones should do alright in that role. Jenkins was a nice haul later in the round who can help out immediately. The problem is that no one else that they drafted can. The other four rookies are semi-projects who have legit concerns in their games. Good thing they were drafting for depth.

Miami Dolphins 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (1): Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Round 2 (32): Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Round 2 (57): Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Round 3 (66): Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Round 4 (110): Shawn Murphy, G, Utah State
Round 6 (176): Jalen Parmele, RB, Toledo
Round 6 (195): Donald Thomas, G, UConn
Round 6 (204): Lex Hilliard, RB, Montana
Round 7 (245): Lionel Dotson, DT, Arizona

The Good: Jake Long was the smart/safe pick. He should anchor that line for the next decade and enable them to develop their offense (whenever they get that). Passing on Chris Long, Miami still was able to get Merling at the top of the second round. Henne may not be a stud QB ... but he was a nice value pick that gives Miami another option if they think Beck doesn't work out. Hmmm. Michigan QB and Michigan OT? Murphy seems to be a project, but one that could really pay off. Hilliard could be their fullback.

The Bad: Not much. Sure, the late round picks all seem to be projects ... but aren't they all? Also, Miami needs some receivers and secondary help yet drafted none. There is also the lingering anxiety over the Jason Taylor situation since rumors swirled that he had been dealt to Tampa (he wasn't). I think the worst thing about this draft was that it slammed last year's draft. Dealing Lorenzo Booker and drafting (seemingly) Beck's replacement shows little confidence of the Cam Cameron era decisions.

The Grade: A-. This team needed everything and they drafted a little bit of everything. I haven't even mentioned that they used a fourth round pick in a deal for Anthony Fasano and Akin Ayodele. That is probably two starters off of one mid round pick. Not bad at all.

Indianapolis Colts 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 2 (59): Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State
Round 3 (93): Philip Wheeler, ILB, Georgia Tech
Round 4 (127): Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky
Round 5 (161): Marcus Howard, OLB, Georgia
Round 6 (196): Tom Santi, TE, Virginia
Round 6 (201): Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
Round 6 (202): Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
Round 6 (205): Pierre Garcon ,WR, Mount Union
Round 7 (236): Jamey Richard, C, Buffalo

The Good: Effectively, this year's first-round pick was left tackle Tony Ugoh, which given how offensive linemen were flying off the board, was a solid selection 12 months early. The Colts are also well prepared for the eventuality that Jeff Saturday won't play forever; Arizona St. coach Dennis Erickson described Mike Pollak as the smartest player he ever coached. Mike Hart's slow 40-time and lack of burst crippled his draft stock, but if he's willing to block and can catch the ball coming out of the backfield, he'll be well worth the late-round flier.

The Bad: We get it, the Colts lacked depth at center. To be fair, Pollak could move to guard, and the draft's second-best center, Wake Forest's Steve Justice could eventually replace Saturday. Jacob Tamme's an egghead who can't block, but in Indy's scheme that's not such a big deal, particularly if he's split wide in the formation. He'll replace Ben Utecht, who no doubt already regrets his decision to sign with the Bengals.

The Grade: C+: If we include Ugoh, it's probably a B, but if it makes you feel better, I'll give them an A. Ultimately, we'll have to wait a few years to really have an idea how the '08 class compares, but the Colts did add depth at center and tight end, and potentially found a rush linebacker in Philip Wheeler.

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San Francisco 49ers 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (29): Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Round 2 (39): Chilo Racal, OG, Southern Cal.
Round 3 (75): Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
Round 4 (107): Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
Round 6 (174): Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech
Round 7 (214): Larry Grant, OLB, Ohio State

The Good: Every pick was spent on a position of need, though I can nitpick a little. Racal was the draft's second-best guard and the 49ers desperately need some help there. Smith at one point was a solid first-round selection. He's talented and his versatility will allow the 49ers to let him roam the secondary. Balmer, if motivated, seriously addresses their need for a standout defensive end in the 3-4

The Bad: I'm not one of those people who has a lot of faith in Balmer. Some see him as an emerging player, I'm skeptical of a one-year star who was playing for a contract, but the jury remains out. I preferred Johnathan Sullivan over Wallace, though there's nothing wrong with that pick (plus, I'm an idiot). I don't think receiver was as big of a need as others were making it out to be, but I still think they should have addressed that and outside linebacker higher than they did. The team could have also stood to come out of the draft with a developmental offensive tackle.

The Grade: B+. Even though I feel like they really only nailed one pick -- Smith -- out of the park, their first five picks should all make the team and at least the first four will contribute. They did address their needs and improved them across the board. This isn't a flashy draft, but it's one that makes teams better.

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Detroit Lions 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (17): Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Round 2 (45): Jordan Dizon, OLB, Colorado
Round 3 (64): Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
Round 3 (87): Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida St.
Round 3 (92): Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Round 5 (136): Kenneth Moore, WR, Wake Forest
Round 5 (146): Jerome Felton, FB, Furman
Round 7 (216): Landon Cohen, DE, Ohio
Round 7 (218): Caleb Campbell, S, Army

The Good: I don't care what anyone thinks, I like the Cherilus pick. Most wanted a running back in that spot, but the Lions needed one of those first-round tackles and the only other viable option, Jeff Otah, is overrated to me. And the Lions got a very good running back anyway in Smith, who never got the recognition he deserved while being incredibly productive in college. He's the perfect big back for the Lions' new zone scheme and will surprise people with his NFL-ready talent.

The divisive story of Campbell is feel-good to some and has been good fodder for talk radio today, but forget about that. He's simply a very good player. He's smart, talented, and has the personality Rod Marinelli likes. Campbell will begin his career as a special teams demon but with steady development can get time in the secondary either this year or next.

New Orleans Saints 2008 Draft Picks:

Round 1 (7): Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Round 2 (40): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Round 5 (144): DeMario Pressley, DT, North Carolina St.
Round 5 (164): Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
Round 6 (178): Taylor Mehlhaff, K, Wisconsin
Round 7 (237): Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan

The Good: The Saints needed to come out of the draft with either Glenn Dorsey or Ellis, and got Ellis at a great price. He's going to make an immediate impact for a defense which has long lacked a playmaker. Porter is an underrated corner who didn't get much exposure, but he's great at man coverage which plays right into the Saints' defensive scheme. Defensive tackle and cornerback were the team's biggest needs, and they addressed them well right away.

Arrington is already being saddled with Marques Colston comparisons -- he's got the size Colston has and a reputation for making tough catches and being reliable in the redzone, though overshadowed by Mario Manningham. The Saints targeted him as a free agent, but sensing he'd be selected before that traded a '09 sixth-rounder to get back into the seventh for him.

The Bad: While the Saints seemed to get great value in the fifth with Pressley (a projected second-rounder) and Nicks (third), they uncharacteristically went against their personnel philosophy. Both Nicks and Arrington had trouble with the law in college, and Pressley is known as talented but inconsistent with a questionable work ethic. The team has never drafted talent at the expense of character, but they took that risk here. They also could have afforded to add a linebacker with one of those late picks, but many teams shied away from that position, possibly indicating a simple lack of talent.