Complete In-Depth 2008 NFL Draft Recap with Grades
April 30, 2008
Complete In-Depth 2008 NFL Draft Recap with Grades
Arizona Cardinals
Grade: B –
This draft class could be a desert mirage, with three boom-or-bust prospects headlining. But just like picking the Cardinals to make the playoffs in the preseason, this incoming rookie class could be a major disappointment despite having more than enough talent.
Needing to upgrade their pass defense, the Cards snagged arguably the second best corner on the board, with Tennessee State’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the first round. Then, Arizona proceeded to select three defensive ends in its next five picks — led by Miami free-faller and freakish physical specimen (6’8”, 282) Calais Campbell, whose stock has been on a steady decline since the end of last season.
There is great upside potential with this group, but the chance of multiple high-round busts makes this Phoenix bunch probably the greatest risk-reward class of 2008.
1st (16) – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
2nd (50) – Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
3rd (81) – Early Doucet, WR, LSU
4th (116) – Kenny Iwebema, DE, Iowa
5th (149) – Tim Hightower, RB, Richmond
6th (185) – Chris Harrington, DE, Texas A&M
7th (225) – Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa
Atlanta Falcons
Grade: C +
NFL Network commentator Deion Sanders pointed out to recently drafted BC quarterback Matt Ryan that replacing Mike Vick and, more importantly, “fulfilling those shoes” would be a difficult challenge in the city of Atlanta, where Prime Time once played and Vick was once beloved.
But that miscue wasn’t nearly as funny as ESPN’s list of the Falcons team leaders, which consisted of quarterback Joey Harrington, running back Jerious Norwood and receiver Roddy White.
The state of the franchise depends on Ryan, who is the highest drafted Boston College player ever. Luckily, the franchise quarterback and his dad got a sweet deal on matching suits for Draft Day.
Meanwhile, Ryan’s new red-bearded bodyguard Sam Baker was one of four USC players and eight offensive tackles selected in the first round. Local Georgia product Thomas Brown could evolved into a Warrick Dunn replacement and fan favorite.
1st (3) – Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
1st (21) – Sam Baker, OT, USC
2nd (37) – Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma
3rd (68) – Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU
3rd (84) – Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville
3rd (98) – Thomas DeCoud, S, California
5th (138) – Robert James, LB, Arizona State
5th (154) – Kroy Biermann, LB, Montana
6th (172) – Thomas Brown, RB, Georgia
7th (212) – Wilrey Fontenot, CB, Arizona
7th (232) – Keith Zinger, TE, LSU
Baltimore Ravens
Grade: B –
Resident draft guru Ozzie Newsome traded out of the No. 8 overall pick down to the Jaguars’ No. 26, then traded up with the Texans to acquire the No. 18 selection and Delaware gunslinger Joe Flacco. The 6’7”, 236-pound Flacco will have a chance to win the starting quarterback job but the I-AA to NFL adjustment may take some time.
The Ravens also added a productive but undersized running back in Rutgers’ Ray Rice, an underproductive understudy for Ray Lewis in Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden and an amateur prize-fighter in golden glove Golden Domer safety-slash-special teamer Tom Zbikowski.
1st (18) – Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
2nd (55) – Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
3rd (71) – Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami
3rd (86) – Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
3rd (99) – Oniel Cousins, OG, UTEP
4th (106) – Marcus Smith, WR, New Mexico
4th (133) – David Hale, OT, Weber State
6th (206) – Haruki Nakamura, S, Cincinnati
7th (215) – Justin Harper, WR, Virginia Tech
7th (240) – Allen Patrick, RB, Oklahoma
Buffalo Bills
Grade: C
A poor confused Lee Evans jersey-wearing Bills fan looked disappointed after it was announced that Troy corner and return man Leodis McKelvin was Buffalo’s top pick. Somewhere along the way in the “drive for five” (Super Bowl appearances) no one told that guy McKelvin was the consensus top rated cornerback.
But if fans wanted a sizable threat to line up opposite the speedy Evans at wide receiver, Indiana’s 6’6”, 220-pound pass-catcher James Hardy should provide just that.
The most interesting story, however, is offensive tackle Demetrius Bell out of Northwestern (La.) State. Bell is the son of former NBA star Karl Malone. Sadly, according to NFL notes, an 18-year-old Bell contacted Malone several years ago only to be told by the Mailman that it was “too late” and to go “earn his money on his own.”
1st (11) – Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
2nd (41) – James Hardy, WR, Indiana
3rd (72) – Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
4th (114) – Reggie Corner, CB, Akron
4th (132) – Derek Fine, TE, Kansas
5th (147) – Alvin Bowen, LB, Iowa State
6th (179) – Xavier Omon, RB, Northwestern Missouri State
7th (219) – Demetrius Bell, OT, Northwestern (La.) State
7th (224) – Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
7th (251) – Kennard Cox, S, Pittsburgh
Carolina Panthers
Grade: B
Turf toe couldn’t slow down Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart, who was the first of the Panthers’ two picks inside the Top-20. Stewart and third-year tailback DeAngelo Williams should combine to help Carolina regain its identity as a team with a physical ground game.
The latest out of Linebacker U, versatile Dan Connor has been compared to former Panther backer Dan Morgan. Aside from being a hard-nosed white linebacker with the same first name, Connor is less athletic but more dependable than the injury-prone Morgan was during his concussion-filled stay in Charlotte.
Overall, the Panthers got tougher on both sides of the football and appear to have made strides towards contending for the NFC South title once again.
1st (13) – Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
1st (19) – Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
3rd (67) – Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
3rd (74) – Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
5th (141) – Gary Barnidge, TE, Louisville
6th (181) – Nick Hayden, DT, Wisconsin
7th (221) – Hilee Taylor, LB, North Carolina
7th (241) – Geoff Schwartz, OG, Oregon
7th (250) – Mackenzy Bernadeau, OG, Bentley
Chicago Bears
Grade: C +
Solid but not spectacular, Chicago added dancing bear Chris Williams to beef up a thin offensive line. Then, two rounds later, the team brought in Williams’ college teammate, wide receiver Earl Bennett, who was Jay Cutler’s go-to guy as a freshman and continued to be the SEC’s most productive pass-catcher even after Cutler left Nashville.
The team took one step toward admitting defeat with running back Cedric Benson, who was the No. 4 overall pick in 2005, by selecting Tulane tailback Matt Forte in the second round. Forte is a 6’2”, 222-pound bruiser who should light a fire under Benson or eventually replace the former University of Texas star who is on his way to joining Rashaan Salaam and Curtis Enis on the scrap heap of Bears’ first-round runners.
In later rounds, Arkansas defensive tackle Marcus Harrison, LSU safety Craig Steltz and Michigan State tight end Kellen Davis were picks who should contribute early on.
1st (14) – Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
2nd (44) – Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
3rd (70) – Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
3rd (90) – Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
4th (120) – Craig Steltz, S, LSU
5th (142) – Zackary Bowman, CB, Nebraska
5th (158) – Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
7th (208) – Ervin Baldwin, DE, Michigan State
7th (222) – Chester Adams, OG, Georgia
7th (243) – Joey LaRocque, LB, Oregon State
7th (247) – Kirk Barton, OT, Ohio State
7th (248) – Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: C –
USC’s Keith Rivers became the fourth Trojan linebacker wearing the No. 55 jersey to be drafted in the first round, joining Junior Seau, Willie McGinest and Chris Claiborne.
Wearing a Bo Jackson throwback style black “NIKE Football” shirt, Rivers seemed to be the cool, calm and collected eye of the storm at his draft party, which included an older white guy in a bandana who repeatedly took photos (with a red-light flashing camera) of the in-house ESPN cameraman.
At one point, someone in the room threw Rivers a Kansas City Chiefs hat which he played hot potato with by immediately throwing it to someone else on the other side of the room.
In the end, it seemed as if Ocho Cinco stole the Cincy show yet again. Whether or not the Bengals trade Chad Johnson has yet to be determined, but the team did draft three wide receivers just in case.
1st (9) – Keith Rivers, LB, USC
2nd (46) – Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina
3rd (77) – Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
3rd (97) – Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
4th (112) – Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
5th (145) – Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State
6th (177) – Corey Lynch, S, Appalachian State
7th (244) – Angelo Craig, DE, Cincinnati
7th (246) – Mario Urrutia, WR, Louisville
Cleveland Browns
Grade: F
Granted, the Browns used their picks to acquire players such as backup quarterback Brady Quinn and overweight underachieving defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. But in terms of grading Cleveland’s five-player college haul, this isn’t the first failing grade for the Draft Day mistakes by the lake.
4th (104) – Beau Bell, LB, UNLV
4th (111) – Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
6th (190) – Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
6th (191) – Paul Hubbard, WR, Wisconsin
7th (231) – Alex Hall, DE, St. Augustine
Dallas Cowboys
Grade: A
Along with adding suspended cornerback and punt returner Pacman Jones to the mix by trading a fourth-rounder, Jerry Jones also added a handful of other impact players to his Super Bowl contending Cowboys.
Arkansas speed back Felix Jones should replace Julius Jones as the counter punch to Marion Barber in the backfield, while also bringing receiving and return skills to Big D. He’s no Darren McFadden, but Jones is a Razorback with big play ability. Another runner, Georgia Tech’s Tashard Choice is an all-around threat who provides fresh legs and additional depth.
Jones traded up to secure South Florida cover corner Mike Jenkins, who the team felt had the best ball-hawking skills of any cornerback in the draft. Jenkins, like Jones, also brings dynamic return ability on special teams.
Finally, Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett is a raw, highly athletic player with tremendous upside. Bennett takes pride in blocking and has jump ball red zone skills for two tight end sets.
1st (22) – Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
1st (25) – Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
2nd (61) – Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
4th (122) – Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
5th (143) – Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise State
6th (167) – Erik Walden, DE, Middle Tennessee
Denver Broncos
Grade: C +
Mike Shanahan’s club spent four of its first five picks to protect franchise quarterback Jay Cutler — from the blindside, through the air and on the ground. But the Broncos did not do much to address the terrible run defense, aside from a trade with the Jets for disappointing former first round defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson.
Boise State’s Ryan Clady may have more upside than any tackle in the draft, including Michigan’s Jake Long. With long arms and quick feet, Clady must add muscle to his frame but will be on the fast track to becoming Denver’s franchise left tackle.
One player to keep an eye on is Arizona State running back Ryan Torain, who has landed in just the right place. Injuries sidelined Torain for nearly the entire 2007 season, but the former junior college transfer has the skills to be another 1,000-yard Broncos back. Also, Arkansas fullback Peyton Hillis could become a contributor on special teams and as a lead blocker with receiving skills.
1st (12) – Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
2nd (42) – Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
4th (108) – Kory Lichtensteiger, OG, Bowling Green
4th (119) – Jack Williams, CB, Kent State
5th (139) – Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State
5th (148) – Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech
6th (183) – Spencer Larsen, LB, Arizona
7th (220) – Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
7th (227) – Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas
Detroit Lions
Grade: D
Matt Millen had a chance to take the best available wide receiver in the first round, but instead chose Boston College right tackle Gosder Cherilus with the Lions’ top pick. Cherilus will be counted on to start as a rookie.
A former non-stop hustle linebacker for the Raiders, Millen may have seen some of himself in Colorado’s Jordon Dizon. And it couldn’t hurt that arguably the best pick Millen has made since taking over in the Motor City was backer Ernie Sims.
Two Florida products — UCF tailback Kevin Smith and FSU defensive tackle Andre Fluellen — will determine the overall strength of this year’s draft class. But the most popular pick of Day Two was Army safety Caleb Campbell, who is the highest drafted cadet of the modern era. Campbell’s tour in Iraq will be postponed indefinitely depending on his NFL career.
1st (17) – Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
2nd (45) – Jordon Dizon, LB, Colorado
3rd (64) – Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
3rd (87) – Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida State
3rd (92) – Cliff Avril, LB, Purdue
5th (136) – Kenneth Moore, WR, Wake Forest
5th (146) – Jerome Felton, FB, Furman
7th (216) – Landon Cohen, DT, Ohio
7th (218) – Caleb Campbell, S, Army
Green Bay Packers
Grade: C –
The Aaron Rodgers era hasn’t even technically started and the Packers are already drafting a quarterback in the second round.
Louisville’s Brian Brohm was considered a sure-thing first-rounder entering his senior year. But a losing season led to a fall in draft stock for the U of L signal-caller who already had an injury history “buyer beware” red flag attached to his draft profile. Now, one young injury-prone passer will back up another, following in the footsteps of an all-time ironman.
K-State wideout Jordy Nelson and Texas tight end Jermichael Finley should be decent options in the passing game in a few years. Later picks were used to add offensive line depth and, you guessed it, another quarterback in LSU national champ Matt Flynn.
2nd (36) – Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
2nd (56) – Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
2nd (60) – Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
3rd (91) – Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas
4th (102) – Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest
4th (135) – Josh Sitton, OT, Central Florida
5th (150) – Breno Giacomini, OT, Louisville
7th (209) – Matt Flynn, QB, LSU
7th (217) – Brett Swain, WR, San Diego State
Houston Texans
Grade: D
Went after their guy, Virginia Tech tackle Duane Brown, even though he wasn’t expected to be selected in the first round. Offensive line has been an annual need for the Texans, so no one should discourage the franchise from drafting a lineman, any lineman.
Eastern Kentucky corner Antwaun Molden could be an overachiever on the small school scale, while West Virginia tailback Steve Slaton and Texas defensive tackle Frank Okam are chronic underachievers. Slaton may have put up numbers with the Mountaineers, but often disappeared in big games and was last seen running away from an open competition with rising sophomore Noel Devine in Morgantown — as in “Slaton’s fine, but Noel’s Devine.”
Houston’s second trip to the Virginia Tech well brought linebacker Xavier Adibi, who was a tremendous fourth-round value and could contribute right away.
1st (26) – Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
3rd (79) – Antwaun Molden, CB, Eastern Kentucky
3rd (89) – Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
4th (118) – Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
5th (151) – Frank Okam, DT, Texas
6th (173) – Dominique Barber, S, Minnesota
7th (223) – Alex Brink, QB, Washington State
Indianapolis Colts
Grade: C
Although the Colts’ draft class doesn’t necessarily jump off the page, Bill Polian and Tony Dungy have added several players who are a perfect fit in Indy.
After trading away this year’s first round pick in order to move up for left tackle Tony Ugoh last year, the Colts added another tackle in Mike Pollak with their first pick this year.
But the scariest addition may be Georgia Tech linebacker Philip Wheeler, who is the type of undersized, speedy, big-hitting madman Dungy’s defense thrives on. Wheeler was one of the most feared physical backers in the college game over the past several seasons and could become a Bob Sanders-light situational enforcer.
Late round Michigan running back Mike Hart is the biggest name of the group and could thrive with Indianapolis, a franchise with a knack for drafting players who are a perfect fit for the team.
2nd (59) – Mike Pollak, OT, Arizona State
3rd (93) – Philip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech
4th (127) – Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky
5th (161) – Marcus Howard, LB, Georgia
6th (196) – Tom Santi, TE, Virginia
6th (202) – Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
6th (205) – Pierre Garcon, WR, Mount Union
7th (236) – Jamey Richard, OG, Buffalo
Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: A
After adding defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the Jaguars went out and acquired two of the top pass rushers in this year’s draft. Although it cost Jacksonville nearly the rest of its draft picks, the bold maneuvering was well worth it. Only time will tell, but this influx of pass rushers could be the type of “all-in” move that is the difference between winning and losing a championship.
The Jags are a team on the edge of Super Bowl contention. But in order to get over the hump, the team must get past Tom Brady’s Patriots and Peyton Manning’s Colts in the AFC. The best way to do that is to apply constant pressure on the two All-Pro passers.
Florida’s Derrick Harvey and Auburn’s Quentin Groves should provide instant edge rush while big John Henderson continues to stuff the run from his defensive tackle spot. If coach Jack Del Rio’s team was not already one of the toughest in the league, it is now.
1st (8) – Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
1st (21) – Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
5th (155) – Thomas Williams, LB, USC
5th (159) – Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
7th (213) – Chauncey Washington, RB, USC
Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: A
In terms of both depth and immediate impact, the Chiefs’ draft class could be the best haul in the NFL this year.
If LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is healthy, he can provide the type of anchor in the middle that causes a ripple effect throughout the entire defense, making 10 other players better by creating a disruptive force up front.
Dorsey is a champion, plain and simple. The emotional leader of the BCS title squad in Baton Rouge, the 6’2”, 310-pounder couldn’t help but get emotional on Draft Day after fielding the call he’d been waiting for from the Radio City Music Hall green room. A powerful and humble force, Dorsey could be a defensive cornerstone in K.C.
Meanwhile, Virginia combo guard-tackle Branden Albert was sweating it out from his home. After being a late riser in nearly every mock draft — many having him going to Kansas City at No. 5 overall — Albert had a longer wait than expected. But after answering his tiny Zoolander cell phone with his huge mitts, no one looked more relieved than Albert did after getting drafted.
If those two linemen weren’t already enough, the Chiefs added the best player available with their next two picks and continued to add depth until the end.
1st (5) – Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
1st (15) – Branden Albert, OG-OT, Virginia
2nd (35) – Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
3rd (73) – Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
3rd (76) – Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
3rd (82) – DaJuan Morgan, S, NC State
4th (105) – Will Franklin, WR, Missouri
5th (140) – Brandon Carr, CB, Grand Valley State
6th (170) – Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson
6th (182) – Kevin Robinson, WR, Utah State
7th (210) – Brian Johnson, DE, Gardner-Webb
7th (239) – Mike Merritt, TE, Central Florida
Miami Dolphins
Grade: B +
Bill Parcells’ first draft as the decider in Miami was solid, sensible and under control. There were no rash moves to turn around the 1–15 Dolphins in one offseason.
In fact, it could be argued that the Big Tuna treated the marine mammals like an expansion team, not as the only franchise in NFL history to cap an undefeated season with a Super Bowl win.
The most interesting twist is that Michigan left tackle Jake Long could be protecting his Wolverine signal-caller Chad Henne early on this year. Last year’s second-round pick John Beck is not a Parcells guy, whereas Henne is.
A pair of defensive linemen, Clemson end Phillip Merling and Hampton tackle Kendall Langford, could be counted on early depending on Merling’s ability to recover from a sports hernia and Langford’s adjustment to NFL competition.
1st (1) – Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2nd (32) – Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
2nd (57) – Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
3rd (66) – Kendall Langford, DT, Hampton
4th (110) – Shawn Murphy, OT, Utah State
6th (176) – Jalen Parmele, RB, Toledo
6th (195) – Donald Thomas, OG, Connecticut
6th (204) – Lex Hilliard, RB, Montana
7th (245) – Lionel Dotson, DE, Arizona
Minnesota Vikings
Grade: C –
Factoring in All Pro defensive end Jared Allen — who Minnesota traded its first-round pick to the Chiefs for — is the only way to save this class, which doesn’t appear to have any major contributors other than Arkansas State safety Tyrell Johnson.
That, however, could change in a hurry if USC quarterback John David Booty is able to beat out maligned incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson, who is being blamed for every problem in the Twin Cities just short of gas prices and the housing crisis.
The fans will want to see some Booty no matter how well Jackson plays early on. It may be true everywhere, but the back-up quarterback really will be the most popular player on the team in Minnesota until further notice.
Giving this crew a middle of the road grade is generous, since Allen broke the bank, Johnson is no sure thing and Booty may not even see the field. This is a boom-or-bust class for a team trying to take the next step towards playoff contention.
2nd (43) – Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
5th (137) – John David Booty, QB, USC
5th (152) – Letroy Guion, DT, Florida State
6th (187) – John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
6th (193) – Jaymar Johnson, WR, Jackson State
New England Patriots
Grade: B
The Patriots went after weaknesses at linebacker and cornerback with five of their seven total picks.
After trading out of the No. 7 spot down to the Saints’ No. 10 overall pick, New England surprised many by selecting Tennessee backer Jerod Mayo, who has the versatility, intelligence and playmaking ability to slide right in as an immediate contributor on a veteran Pats defense. Whether it’s outside, inside or both, Mayo will be on the field early and often.
The most curious selection was San Diego State quarterback Kevin O’Connell, who was drafted 105 picks higher than Tom Brady was (No. 199 overall) way back when. Current back-up Matt Cassel’s contract expires at the end of this season and O’Connell appears to be a long-term solution as the No. 2 quarterback. As usual, New England has its eye on the future while also building for this year.
1st (10) – Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
2nd (62) – Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado
3rd (78) – Shawn Crable, LB, Michigan
3rd (94) – Kevin O’Connell, QB, San Diego State
4th (129) – Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
5th (153) – Matt Slater, WR, UCLA
6th (197) – Bo Ruud, LB, Nebraska
New Orleans Saints
Grade: C +
It’s hard not to respect the Saints for being decisive in successfully going after USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, trading up to the No. 7 spot with the Patriots. New Orleans was able to acquire one of the big two, as Ellis ran neck-and-neck with LSU’s Glenn Dorsey throughout the draft evaluation process.
The Trojans defense relied on Ellis as its centerpiece and the Saints will do the same as soon as the man in the middle arrives to camp. With any semblance of depth, this class would have a much better grade. But being nearly a one-man class is not something to brag about.
The good news is that, much like the Ellis trade, New Orleans attacked its areas of need head-on, adding Indiana corner Tracy Porter and NC State d-tackle DeMario Pressley. Michigan seventh-round receiver Adrian Arrington may prove to be a late steal.
1st (7) – Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
2nd (40) – Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
5th (144) – DeMario Pressley, DT, NC State
5th (164) – Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
6th (178) – Taylor Mehlhaff, K, Wisconsin
7th (237) – Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan
New York Giants
Grade: B
The reigning Super Bowl champs did it again. After capitalizing on a strong rookie class during last year’s playoff run, the Giants appear to have added another group of impact first-year players to the roster.
Second-year general manager Jerry Reese found a way to get the best player available while also filling New York’s primary needs.
In the secondary, the G-Men added Miami safety Kenny Phillips and USC cornerback Terrell Thomas. Both are talented players from football factories. At linebacker, the Big Blue Wrecking Crew defense has sure-tacklers in BYU’s Bryan Kehl and Vanderbilt’s Jonathan Goff.
The wild cards of the class are Michigan receiver Mario Manningham and Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson. Manningham showed flashes of greatness in Ann Arbor but ran slow and had character concerns upon closer inspection, while Woodson has an unorthodox delivery. Both were thought to be first-round talents at one point or another before falling in the weeks leading up to the draft.
1st (31) – Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
2nd (63) – Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
3rd (95) – Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
4th (123) – Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU
5th (165) – Jonathan Goff, LB, Vanderbilt
6th (198) – Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
6th (199) – Robert Henderson, DE, Southern Miss
New York Jets
Grade: C +
Jets fans love to boo, no matter who the pick is. But Ohio State hybrid Vernon Gholston may have fooled the crowd. Gholston seems like the perfect 3-4 rush linebacker who can double as an end. Still, the workout warrior was not the most consistent playmaker with the Buckeyes, seeming to turn it on against Michigan and then again at the Combine.
It’s obviously too soon to tell, but the old “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” may apply to Gholston. If not, the size-speed combo was a steal at No. 6 overall.
Another Combine hero was Purdue tight end Dustin Keller, who also put up big numbers in a pass-happy Boilermakers offense. The Jets thought enough of Keller to trade back into the first round for him — the second time in three drafts that coach Eric Mangini has jumped back into Round One for a prospect.
The perpetual quarterback controversy in New York also got a little more exciting with Tennessee’s Erik Ainge being added to the Kellen Clemens vs. Chad Pennington debate.
1st (6) – Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
1st (30) – Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
4th (113) – Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
5th (162) – Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
6th (171) – Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas
7th (211) – Nate Garner, OT, Arkansas
Oakland Raiders
Grade: C –
It’s a good thing Al Davis drafted Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. Without Run DMC, this class would fail with flying colors. But with McFadden, who was arguably the most talented player in the class, the Silver-and-Black faithful can view this year’s haul as a success.
McFadden will immediately upgrade a Raiders offense that will presumably be led by second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell. The two former SEC rivals represent the future of the once proud franchise that has fallen on hard times recently.
Once again, Davis relied mainly on 40-yard dash times and various other measurables when selecting cornerbacks and receivers. The strategy has not worked well lately, but that hasn’t stopped the cycle.
What is it they say about doing the same thing and expecting different results?
1st (4) – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
4th (100) – Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut
4th (125) – Arman Shields, WR, Richmond
6th (169) – Trevor Scott, DE, Buffalo
7th (226) – Chaz Schilens, WR, San Diego State
Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: B –
Andy Reid has drafted well during his time in Philly and this year continued the trend. After trading out of the first round, the Eagles capitalized on two fringe first-rounders — defensive tackle Trevor Laws and California receiver-return man DeSean Jackson.
Laws has a non-stop motor and could find the field sooner than expected. Meanwhile, Jackson was considered to be one of the favorites for Philadelphia’s first-round choice, so it was a relative no-brainer to pull the trigger at No. 49 overall. Best case scenario, Jackson provides the Eagles with an elite punt returner, an occasional deep threat and an emerging talent at slot receiver.
Later on, Philly added a pair of underrated players — UTEP safety Quintin Demps and Wisconsin corner Jack Ikegwuonu — to its thin, aging and disgruntled secondary. Linebacker and offensive line also saw the attention those positions deserved. Overall, a deep and quality class for a retooling Eagles team.
2nd (47) – Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
2nd (49) – DeSean Jackson, WR, California
3rd (80) – Bryan Smith, LB, McNeese State
4th (109) – Mike McGlynn, OT, Pittsburgh
4th (117) – Quintin Demps, S, UTEP
4th (131) – Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
6th (184) – Mike Gibson, OT, California
6th (200) – Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
6th (203) – Andy Studebaker, LB, Wheaton
7th (230) – King Dunlap, OT, Auburn
Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: A
The Steelers were already a Super Bowl contender before adding a loaded rookie class to the fold. Now, second-year coach Mike Tomlin has even more talent to work with on both sides of the ball.
Pittsburgh was more than happy to catch a falling Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall, following an injury-marred year from “Fast” Willie Parker. Now, the run-oriented club has two potential feature backs, a luxury most teams do not have.
Thought to be a consideration at No. 23, the Steelers found Texas receiver Limas Sweed still on the board at No. 53 overall. The physically imposing Sweed saw his draft stock slip through his injured hand. Longhorn teammate Tony Hills should provide depth at tackle.
Two West Coast prospects, UCLA defensive end Bruce Davis and Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon could be surprisingly good picks. Davis was tremendous value in the third round, while Dixon is coming off of a knee injury but could be used as a change-of-pace spark off the bench — some might say as a “Slash” sequel.
1st (23) – Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
2nd (53) – Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
3rd (88) – Bruce Davis, DE, UCLA
4th (130) – Tony Hills, OT, Texas
5th (156) – Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
6th (188) – Mike Humpal, LB, Iowa
6th (194) – Ryan Mundy, S, West Virginia
San Diego Chargers
Grade: C +
With no glaring weaknesses, the Bolts were able to add depth to their secondary with Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason and Boston College corner DeJuan Tribble. As a first-round pick, Cason will be expected to contribute — first as a nickel back before developing into a starter down the road.
Cason could be considered a poor man’s Antonio Cromartie, with the size, speed and ball-hawk skills to warrant such praise. As opposing receivers get bigger, so do the Chargers’ cornerbacks.
After losing running back Michael “Burner” Turner to the Falcons in the offseason, San Diego brought in LSU power back Jacob Hester and UTEP tailback Marcus Thomas. Between the two incoming rookies and Darren Sproles in the backfield, LaDainian Tomlinson should be able to take a few plays off every now and then.
1st (27) – Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
3rd (69) – Jacob Hester, FB, LSU
5th (166) – Marcus Thomas, RB, UTEP
6th (192) – DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
7th (234) – Corey Clark, OT, Texas A&M
San Francisco 49ers
Grade: C –
The 49ers traded away their first round pick (No. 7 overall) to the Patriots last year in order to move up to draft Central Michigan offensive tackle Joe Staley. But the Niners did acquire the Colts’ first-rounder, which was 22 spots later but a first round pick all the same.
San Francisco added UNC’s big Kentwan Balmer to the middle of its 3-4 scheme, to protect reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl middle linebacker Patrick Willis from blockers while also stuffing the run.
In the second round, USC offensive guard Chilo Rachal should be able to transition from college to the NFL as smooth as anyone. Odds are, Rachal will end up starting as a rookie and being the quickest contributor from this year’s draft class.
Oklahoma safety Reggie Smith may or may not be able to play corner at the next level, but is a rangy defensive back who can hit and catch no matter what position he lines up at.
1st (29) – Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
2nd (39) – Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
3rd (75) – Reggie Smith, CB-S, Oklahoma
4th (107) – Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
6th (174) – Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech
7th (214) – Larry Grant, LB, Ohio State
Seattle Seahawks
Grade: A
In Mike Holmgren’s last year at the helm, the Hawks brought in a draft class that should contribute immediately.
USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson and Texas A&M defensive tackle Red Bryant will likely find themselves in the defensive line rotation right away. Jackson was overshadowed on the Trojans’ stop-unit, but was a big game player who always found a way into the opponent’s backfield. Pressuring the quarterback is what Jackson does best.
Notre Dame tight end John Carlson ran slower than expected at the Combine but that may turn out to be a good thing. Carlson should thrive in Holmgren’s tight end friendly West Coast offense.
Two other players should be able find their niche, with WVU fullback Owen Schmitt and Cal third-down back Justin Forsett providing the type of unique abilities perfect for Seattle. Special teamers like San Diego State long snapper Tyler Schmitt and Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu are also great finds.
1st (28) – Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
2nd (38) – John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
4th (121) – Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
5th (163) – Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
6th (189) – Tyler Schmitt, LS-C, San Diego State
7th (233) – Justin Forsett, RB, California
7th (235) – Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia
St. Louis Rams
Grade: C
Virginia defensive end Chris Long became the fifth son of a Hall of Famer to be drafted — as the Longs joined the Dorsetts, Grieses, Shulas and Winslows. Howie’s son could be a rich man’s version of former Ram star Grant Wistrom, who also had a knack for sacking the quarterback.
Besides Long, the rest of the class is a mystery. Houston receiver Donnie Avery was surprisingly the first receiver drafted, as the second pick of the second round. With artificial turf speed, Avery will have every opportunity to succeed in St. Louis. He will be joined by Kentucky’s Keenan Burton, who had a productive college career playing with Andre Woodson.
Toledo lineman John Greco will likely kick inside from tackle to guard at the next level. Meanwhile, Penn State cornerback Justin King was a good value at a position of need for the Rams.
1st (2) – Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2nd (33) – Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
3rd (65) – John Greco, OT, Toledo
4th (101) – Justin King, CB, Penn State
4th (128) – Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
5th (157) – Roy Schuening, OG, Oregon State
7th (228) – Chris Chamberlain, S, Tulsa
7th (252) – David Vobora, LB, Idaho
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: C –
Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib saw his draft stock take a roller coaster ride, but ultimately land in the mid-to-late first round as originally thought. The versatile Talib was a cornerback, return man and wide receiver at KU last year. But with the Buccaneers, Talib will be groomed as Ronde Barber’s replacement.
The original Dexter Jackson in Tampa Bay was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII. This time around, the Appalachian State receiver-return man by the same name brings the legend of a big game win at the Big House in Ann Arbor with him. Jackson is undersized but lightning quick.
Building depth along both lines, Rutgers offensive guard Jeremy Zuttah and Maryland defensive tackle Dre Moore were solid picks. Local FSU linebacker Geno Hayes wore Derrick Brooks’ old No. 10 for the Seminoles and could be a sixth-round steal.
San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson should have fun working with quarterback collector Jon Gruden.
1st (20) – Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
2nd (58) – Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
3rd (83) – Jeremy Zuttah, OG, Rutgers
4th (115) – Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
5th (160) – Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
6th (175) – Geno Hayes, LB, Florida State
7th (238) – Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Tennessee Titans
Grade: C –
Mike Reinfeldt raided the small schools in his second draft since taking over for longtime Oilers-Titans general manager Floyd Reese.
Although the Titans did not draft a receiver until the fourth-round — where Cal’s Lavelle Hawkins was an excellent pick — the team did add the home run threat it desperately needed. East Carolina runner-receiver-return man Chris Johnson ran a 4.24 in the 40 at the Combine and has been compared to Reggie Bush by many.
Outside of big-time small-school talent Johnson, Tennessee drafted players out of Eastern Michigan, Winston-Salem State and Washburn. One or two diamonds in the rough makes sense, but a draft class whose backbone is based on inferior competition and measurables is risky business.
1st (24) – Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
2nd (54) – Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
3rd (85) – Craig Stevens, TE, California
4th (103) – William Hayes, DE, Winston-Salem State
4th (126) – Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
4th (134) – Stanford Keglar, LB, Purdue
7th (229) – Cary Williams, CB, Washburn
Washington Redskins
Grade: D
Really, coach Jim Zorn? Really? Is that what this team is built on? Receivers, a tight end, a few defensive backs and a project quarterback.
On other teams and in more balanced draft classes, these players would not be bad at all. But as a unit, the Skins’ incoming rookie class makes no sense unless there’s a flag football league starting up somewhere in the D.C. area.
Refusing to build from the inside out — in a draft deep at offensive tackle and defensive end — may have set this franchise back several years. Coach Zorn may want to throw the ball, but you also have to protect a recently injured quarterback and stop the other team from scoring.
2nd (34) – Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
2nd (48) – Fred Davis, TE, USC
2nd (51) – Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
3rd (96) – Chad Rinehart, OT, Northern Iowa
4th (124) – Justin Tryon, CB, Arizona State
6th (168) – Durant Brooks, P, Georgia Tech
6th (180) – Kareem Moore, S, Nicholls State
6th (186) – Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii
7th (242) – Rob Jackson, DE, Kansas State
7th (249) – Chris Horton, S, UCLA
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