NFL Draft Grades
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by user Omar bajwa
Hey everybody, Im not exactly new to armchair GM since I actually wrote that mock draft article a couple of days ago before I got an account. Since I made a mock draft I thought I would do a total draft wrap-up that takes all the weekends picks into account and grades every team based on well they drafted. I'll go in draft order, and then add any teams who didn't have first round draft picks afterwards.
Oakland Raiders: B+ I thought they drafted fairly well; they took JaMarcus Russell as everyone expected and got a real nice pick up in Michael Bush in the 4th. While I'm not thrilled about Russell I think he should at least serve as a serviceable starter (think Byron Leftwich) and not a bust.
Detroit Lions: A+ Loved what they did in the draft. By keeping Calvin Johnson they nabbed themselves not only next years rookie of the year (in large part due to Roy Williams opposite him, and Mike Martz coaching him) but also an eventual superstar who has a great work ethic with an incredible skill set, something not common enough these days. Also nabbing Drew Stanton, a guy that reminds me of Brett Favre with him toughness and determination, (and lack of mechanics) should set them up at QB for years to come. Matt Millen, I can't believe I'm saying this; great job!
Cleveland Browns: A- Great draft this year, but they better hope it pans out because the price was heavy. I'm totally opposed to trading first rounders, I think that its foolish; and even though the Browns had their home-town guy sitting there at the end of the first round, I still feel that it wasn't the wisest of decisions. I hope it pans out for Phil Savage, because otherwise he is out of Cleveland thats for sure. All that being said, I still like both players and think that Brady Quinn has all the tools, the question is does he still have the confidence after his draft-day debacle?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers]: C C means average, and to me thats what Tampa's draft was: average. Did they get the best players, no; but they got players who fit needs for them. They could have done better, but given their position, they drafted pretty well.
Arizona Cardinals: A The Cardinals sent a message: they want to be physical. Levi Brown and Allan Branch dominate on their respective side of the ball, the question is are they complete players? That remains to be seen, but I think the Cardinals sent a good message to the NFL that they are tired of losing, and everybody knows to win; it all starts in the trenches.
Washington Redskins: C Honestly how good can your draft be with only one day one player? Daniel Synder needs to realize you build contenders through the draft not through free agency, something he will eventually realize. That being said, no receiver is going to want to run over the middle with LaRon Landry and Sean Taylor waiting to hit you. I think Landry will compliment Taylor nicely.
Minnesota Vikings: A I am a Packers fan so it pains me to say this; but the Vikings had a great draft. Brad Childress realized he needed big play guys so went out and got two of the best playmakers not named Ted Ginn Jr. in this draft with Adrian Peterson and Sydney Rice. People forget how productive Rice was as a freshman, sure he is raw but he will pan out much better than his South Carolina counterpart Troy Williamson. As for Adrian Peterson, if healthy the guy is insane, he has ROY potential for sure.
Atlanta Falcons: 'B+ I like Jamaal Anderson, and I like Chris Houston. So all in all, I like the Falcons' draft. They resisted trading up for Johnson, which may or may not hurt them, but still ended up with solid players at need positions. Good Draft.
Miami Dolphins: C+ Passing on Brady Quinn, not smart. Drafting Ted Ginn Jr, smart, but at 9? If he was their guy they should have traded down for sure. Had they not drafted John Beck out of BYU I would have totally ripped them, but since I think Beck should be a pretty good pro QB, I think it ended up all right for Cam Cameron in his inagaural draft.
Houston Texans: B I like Amobi Okoye, he should help Mario Williams, who despite enormous expectations, played pretty well. Yet, after that they struggled. I mean, how is Matt Schaub supposed to do anything with that supporting cast? They really should have made a move to nab a wideout or O-lineman, the fact that they didn't concerns me a little. They have had enough time to find their way as an expansion team, they need to win soon, otherwise they may find no fan base in Houston to turn to.
I will continue the rest in another article later....................
