Consensus Draft Grades are in

[MikesVikes]

I'm a little surprised that they didn't like some of the same drafts that I did.

 

Not 2009

 

Edit: Last year's consensus. Note to self...do not google a link first thing in the morning.

 

2009

Edited April 27, 2009 by MikesVikes

[Savage Beatings]

I think we can safely chuck this in the trash bin... Oakland has the 3rd highest score.

[kcmast]

That article was last updated:

 

Updated: May. 8, 2007, 2:49 PM

[T_bone65]

That article was last updated:

 

Updated: May. 8, 2007, 2:49 PM

 

The picture of Brady Quinn clued me in Besides how in the HELL does Dallas have a great draft after the mess they had yesterday

[Eagle2003]

Not to mention the Eagles getting one of the lowest ratings, when I think they had one of the better.

[irish]

I'm a little surprised that they didn't like some of the same drafts that I did.

 

link

 

No wonder why MikesVikes was surprised about this write-up not liking some of the drafts that he did.

Edited April 27, 2009 by irish

[loaf]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9501382...#39;s-NFL-Draft

[Flypaste]

here are mel's grades. had no idea that you had to have insider access to view this.

 

Monday, April 27, 2009

Packers, Jets get top grades

By Mel Kiper

ESPN.com

 

It took two days, but the NFL draft is over and now is the fun part, as every team's fans get to see their new players try on the jersey and hopefully report to camp on time. Let's take a look at my grades for each team's draft.

 

Green Bay Packers: GRADE: A

I love what this team did to solidify its shaky defense in the first two picks alone, with the selection of two excellent players in defensive tackle B.J. Raji and outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Tackle T.J. Lang was a good pickup for the offensive line, while Quinn Johnson could be a bruising lead fullback in the league. Sixth-round pick Brandon Underwood could make this team and give the Packers depth as a backup.

 

New York Jets: GRADE: A-

The motto of the Jets' draft was quality over quantity. Mark Sanchez's selection made this team's draft because he's a franchise-maker. New coach Rex Ryan likes his defense, so the organization felt it could focus on the offense in his first draft. The Jets picked up Iowa running back Shonn Greene, who will fit into the rotation with Leon Washington and Thomas Jones. Guard Matthew Slauson was an OK pick in the sixth round, but the key to this draft is up top with Greene and Sanchez.

 

Arizona Cardinals: GRADE: B+

Chris Wells was a major acquisition for the Cardinals in the first round of this draft. He was a bargain for a team that was in dire need of a running back to rotate in with second-year back Tim Hightower. Wells gives this team the home run threat that the running game was sorely lacking last season. In addition to Wells, I liked the Cody Brown pick in the second round because he should be a good 3-4 rushing end in the Cardinals' system. Bringing in LSU offensive lineman Herman Johnson in the fifth round and Illinois defensive end Will Davis in the sixth were good pickups for this organization. While I thought Johnson was a bit overrated, he is huge and will give the line a big presence when he's on the field.

 

Buffalo Bills: GRADE: B+

Aaron Maybin was the pass-rusher this team needed to anchor the defensive line. On the other side of the line, the selections of center Eric Wood and guard Andrew Levitre in the second round were excellent picks. Wood is a very good center and Levitre very well may be the best guard in this draft. Also, Jairus Byrd's ball skills could help him become a very good nickelback in this league. They got the tight end they needed in Shawn Nelson to give this offense another weapon. The reason this team didn't receive an A is because it didn't get a right or a left tackle, which I thought was a need with the trade of offensive tackle Jason Peters.

 

Houston Texans: GRADE: B+

This was a very productive draft, as the Texans' first five picks (Brian Cushing, Connor Barwin, Antoine Caldwell, Glover Quin and Anthony Hill) will all contribute quickly. These are solid football players and I really like the Barwin pick. Look for sixth-rounder Brice McCain and seventh-round selection Troy Nolan to also compete for playing time.

 

To see the remainder of Mel's grades, including what grade your favorite teams earned, become an ESPN Insider today. Insider

 

New England Patriots: GRADE: B+

You have to give the Patriots credit for acquiring even more picks for next year's draft. Safety Patrick Chung, defensive tackle Ron Brace and cornerback Darius Butler were all good selections in the second round, although offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer was a reach. Wide receiver Brandon Tate was a decent third-round pick and I really like the sixth-round selection of Jacob Ingram, the best long snapper in the draft.

 

San Francisco 49ers: GRADE: B+

Obviously the 49ers hit the jackpot with wide receiver Michael Crabtree falling to them at No. 10. Running back Glen Coffee gives the 49ers a nice one-two punch with Frank Gore. Getting inside linebacker Scott McKillop in the fifth round was a steal. Bear Pascoe is one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft, and the two LSU kids (Curtis Taylor and Ricky Jean-Francois) were great pickups in the seventh round.

 

Atlanta Falcons: GRADE: B

The Falcons did a good job early with the Peria Jerry pick in the first round and the selection of safety William Moore in the second. I really like the Moore pick because if he is able to get healthy, he could be one of the top steals of this draft. He has a tremendous amount of talent and could be a superstar for this franchise. Overall, the Falcons did a nice job for the second year in a row.

 

Baltimore Ravens: GRADE: B

First-round selection Michael Oher gives this team great flexibility on the offensive line because he can play right or left tackle for the Ravens. Second-round pick Paul Kruger has the ability to play immediately in this league and may push for ample playing time. Also, Lardarius Webb is a little light at around 180 pounds, but with the help of an experienced safety to support him, he can definitely play cornerback in this league. I love the fifth-round selection of inside linebacker Jason Phillips. He's going to fit in very well with this talented group of linebackers.

 

Chicago Bears: GRADE: B

I think Jarron Gilbert is one of the steals of the draft. Wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias was a good pick, as were cornerback D.J. Moore and wide receiver Johnny Knox. Seventh-round pick Derek Kinder could turn out to be quite a sleeper if he's able to return to his strong level of play before his injury a couple of years ago.

 

Cincinnati Bengals: GRADE: B

The Bengals had a lot of picks and they did a good job getting good quality with their quantity. Andre Smith, Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson are great ways to start a draft for any team. These guys could fill big holes for the Bengals. The fourth-round selection of offensive lineman Jonathan Luigs was a little high, but it wasn't crazy. The late-round picks weren't anything to write home about, but they did a good job of getting strength in numbers and getting some depth for their team.

 

New York Giants: GRADE: B

The selection of first-round wide receiver Hakeem Nicks could be a good one, but he really needs to keep his weight up to make an impact in the NFL. I like the selection of offensive tackle William Beatty in the second round and wide receiver Ramses Barden in the third round. They made some good selections late in the draft with running back Andre Brown in the fourth and the two defensive backs in the sixth and seventh rounds: DeAndre Wright and Stoney Woodson.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers: GRADE: B

First-round selection Evander Hood was a good pick because he should fit in well as a defensive tackle in the Steelers' system. I love third-round wide receiver Mike Wallace's speed. Cornerback Joe Burnett and running back Frank Summers were good selections in the fifth round. Defensive tackle Ra'Shon Harris could be a steal out of the sixth round.

 

Seattle Seahawks: GRADE: B

The Seahawks passed on Sanchez to get Aaron Curry, and while I don't agree with the pick, it's not a bad pick for the Hawks, especially since Curry was the No. 1 player on my board. Max Unger is an excellent fit for this offensive line and wide receiver Deon Butler reminds me of Bobby Engram. I don't understand the Mike Teel pick in the sixth round because there were better quarterbacks out there, but the selection of safety Courtney Greene in the seventh round was a great selection.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: GRADE: B

The Bucs could've stayed where they were and still gotten Josh Freeman, so I don't understand the decision to trade up for him. He has a lot of upside, but he's a risk/reward type of player because he isn't as polished as some of the other top quarterbacks in this draft. The Bucs made some very solid picks throughout the draft, including defensive end Kyle Moore in the fourth round and wide receiver Sammie Stroughter in the final round.

 

Cleveland Browns: GRADE: B-

Alex Mack was a good pick at No. 21 and Mohamed Massaquoi was a very good pickup in the second round. I think fellow second-rounder David Veikune was a bit of a reach in that round, but not enough of one to seriously dent the Browns' grade. They didn't get a great receiver in Brian Robiskie in the second round, but he's polished enough as a rookie that he could be a solid possession guy for this franchise.

 

Detroit Lions: GRADE: B-

Matthew Stafford was what this team needed, but fellow first-rounder Brandon Pettigrew was a reach at No. 21. Third-round pick DeAndre Levy was a little bit of a reach, but a good pick. Selecting Derrick Williams in the third round was a good move. The best late-round pick for this team was seventh-rounder Zach Follett out of California. The Lions should've gotten a left tackle at some point since that is an obvious need right now, particularly with their current quarterback situation.

 

Philadelphia Eagles: GRADE: B-

Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was a good pick, but he needs to work on his route running to be a consistent threat in the NFL. Running back LeSean McCoy was a good selection in the second round and so was tight end Cornelius Ingram in the fifth round. The fifth round was a good round for the Eagles, who also picked up cornerback Victor Harris and offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou.

 

Indianapolis Colts: GRADE: C+

Donald Brown is a good player but kind of a luxury pick, which isn't a knock on it because running back Joseph Addai has had some injury issues as of late. Fili Moala and Jerraud Powers were taken a little high, though. Terrance Taylor is a good pick in the fourth round because he could jump into the Colts' rotation.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars: GRADE: C+

I understand the Jaguars felt that offensive line was a need, but I felt picking Eben Britton that early in the second round was a reach, but not nearly as big of a reach as cornerback Derek Cox in the third round. The selections of Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard in the fourth and fifth rounds were good ones and I really like the seventh-round selections of Rashad Jennings and Tiquan Underwood. Honestly, the late-round selections are what saved the Jaguars' grade.

 

Minnesota Vikings: GRADE: C+

If they can keep wide receiver Percy Harvin focused and maximize his potential, then taking him at No. 22 could end up being a good selection. The only problem is the fact that he has some character question marks surrounding him, but there's no questioning his talent. Third-round selection Asher Allen is a good pick, inside linebacker Jasper Brinkley could be a good fit and seventh-rounder Jamarca Sanford is a good player.

 

Tennessee Titans: GRADE: C+

Wide receiver Kenny Britt was a good selection in the first round. Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks was a bit overhyped, but he wasn't a bad reach at No. 62. I love the selection of tight end Jared Cook. Troy Kropog was a little bit of a reach in the fourth round, but he was a good player at Tulane.

 

Washington Redskins: GRADE: C+

Brian Orakpo fell into their laps and he gives them the pass-rushing presence they haven't had since Dexter Manley. Kevin Barnes is a decent third-round pick. Robert Henson is a decent late-round pick at linebacker.

 

Carolina Panthers: GRADE: C

They gave up next year's first-round pick to get Florida State defensive end Everette Brown, which I really don't like. Brown is a fine player and could make an impact for this team, but I believe that a first-round pick is too steep a price to pay. None of the players they selected in this draft have great potential. Sherrod Martin and Corvey Irvin have the ability to be starters in this league and running back Mike Goodson could be a situational back, but none of the Panthers' picks really stand out.

 

Denver Broncos: GRADE: C

Knowshon Moreno is a good running back and Robert Ayers has excellent ability. Alphonso Smith was one of my favorite defensive players to watch in college, but I don't agree with trading a future No. 1 pick for the rights to pick him. Richard Quinn was selected a little too high for a one-dimensional blocking tight end. David Bruton is an OK player and so is Seth Olsen.

 

New Orleans Saints: GRADE: C

First-round selection Malcolm Jenkins is a good player. Fourth-round safety Chip Vaughn is a solid player and had some great workouts. He looks great on paper, as does fellow fourth-rounder Stanley Arnoux, the inside linebacker from Wake Forest. The only player out of the four the Saints selected who will be a difference-maker is Jenkins.

 

St. Louis Rams: GRADE: C

If I were the Rams, I would have taken Mark Sanchez at the No. 2 spot, but I do like offensive tackle Jason Smith. Inside linebacker James Laurinaitis was a good selection in the second round. Cornerback Bradley Fletcher would've gone higher if he had better speed. There were better quarterbacks available in the sixth round, when they took Keith Null.

 

San Diego Chargers: GRADE: C+

The selection of linebacker Larry English at No. 16 was a little high, but he fills a potential need for them and he's a good player. Guards Louis Vasquez and Tyronne Green were good selections in the third and fourth rounds. Defensive tackle Vaughn Martin was a bit of a reach in the fourth round because he played in Canada against a lower level of competition. The late-round picks of running back Gartrell Johnson, cornerback Brandon Hughes, safety Kevin Ellison and wide receiver Demetrius Byrd were all good picks.

 

Kansas City Chiefs: GRADE: C-

Linebacker Tyson Jackson is a very good football player, but he was a reach at the No. 3 spot. This team focused on shoring up the defense early, and selecting defensive tackle Alex Magee in the third round will help. I do like the selection of offensive tackle Colin Brown in the fifth round, but the rest of the late-round picks didn't really do anything for me. I saw a couple of reaches in those late rounds that definitely didn't help the grade.

 

Miami Dolphins: GRADE: C-

Cornerback Vontae Davis is a risk/reward type of player. Pat White has to play receiver to have value where they picked him (No. 44 overall). Defensive back Sean Smith was a good second selection, but third-rounder Patrick Turner was a major reach. With the exception of safety Chris Clemons in the fifth round, the rest of the late-round picks weren't very impressive.

 

Dallas Cowboys: GRADE: D

The Big D gets a D this year. They didn't get a lot of top-end talent due in part to their not having a pick until the third round, but they then went out and reached on Jason Williams and Robert Brewster. Victor Butler is a decent pick, as is Brandon Williams, but I'm not enamored with any of their later picks. They got players that could help them in terms of depth, but no one who is going to really strengthen this football team.

 

Oakland Raiders: GRADE D

Oakland's draft was a head-scratcher. The Raiders took wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey at No. 7 even though Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin were still on the board, but the biggest reach of their draft and of the entire draft was the second-round selection of safety Michael Mitchell. This kid was thought to be a seventh-round pick at best and possibly an undrafted free agent, and the Raiders pulled the ultimate reach by taking him in the second round.

 

I just want to say that my issues with those two picks have nothing to do with those players. Congrats to them for getting picked and obviously having the talent to make it to the NFL. My issue is that these weren't good value picks for the organization. The Raiders could have gotten more value from the No. 7 pick and definitely more value from the No. 47 pick, and that's why I believe they made a mistake. The only reason Oakland didn't receive an F is because they did get some players.

Edited April 27, 2009 by Flypaste

[loaf]

you need to be an insider to read all Mel's...

[Randall]

Rotoworld AFC

 

NFC

[Delicious_bass]

Rotoworld AFC

 

NFC

Minnesota Vikings

Grade: A-

 

Percy Harvin's character concerns aside, Minnesota couldn't have done much better on the first day. The Vikes were targeting Phil Loadholt as early as No. 22, so getting him at 54 was outstanding value. He and Harvin both will make sizable first-year impacts. Georgia CB Asher Allen needed another year in school, but offers starting potential down the road. He plays with swagger and protects the team in case Antoine Winfield exits after his 2009 contract year. Jasper Brinkley might have been the hardest-hitting linebacker in the draft and will produce on special teams. S Jamarca Sanford probably won't make the roster, but the Vikings continue to draft well and appear headed for Super Bowl contention.

I wish I had this guy's optimism

[Egret]

you need to be an insider to read all Mel's...

I stopped going to ESPN awhile ago because of this. I used to get the magazine for free and got the insider stuff for free too. I won't pay for it. It's all info I can get from Yahoo or other sites.

[BearBroncos]

I wish I had this guy's optimism

 

They had Denver graded as B. Granted, Denvers picks were not bad, just not what we needed so I would have at best given Denver a C.

[BeeR]

"USC defensive tackle Fili Moala was once projected as a first-round talent. Moala, who was selected 56th overall, didn't make a lot of plays last season for the Trojans, but he fits the mold of an Indy inside defender

 

 

 

j/k I liked that pick but Brown was way stoopid. Nice grab on the punter late.

Edited April 27, 2009 by BeeR

[piratesownninjas]

I keep on getting sidetracked by the accuqoute of a little kid crying at what I assume is his parents tombstone... That's a bit harsh.

[Big John]

2009 espn consensus

[Clubfoothead]

Rick Gosselin's grades for comparison purposes:

 

Arizona A

The Cardinals addressed the worst running game in the NFL with the addition of Wells. They addressed atrocious special teams by selecting the best gunner in the draft, Johnson, and a return specialist in Stephens-Howling.

 

 

Atlanta C

The Falcons needed to improve on the NFL's 24th-ranked defense and did so, using seven of their eight selections on defensive players. Jerry will help the pass rush, and Moore will be a force in run defense.

 

 

Baltimore B

Pencil in Oher as a future Pro Bowler. Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Peter Boulware, Chris McAllister – GM Ozzie Newsome doesn't miss often in the first round. He added a pass rusher in the second and a kick returner in the third.

 

 

Buffalo B

The Bills needed to retool their offensive line to give QB Trent Edwards and RB Marshawn Lynch a chance, and they did so with Wood and Levitre. Maybin also brings speed to a pass rush that sorely needs it.

 

 

Carolina C

Irvin will bulk up the run defense, and Brown will dial up the pass rush for the Panthers. For a team that didn't have a first-round draft pick, the Panthers acquitted themselves quite well. Robinson was a solid gamble in the fifth.

 

 

Chicago C

The Bears had the best third round of this draft. Gilbert and Iglesias were second-round values who slid into the third. The Bears got a late start – their first pick was 68th overall – but they finished strong.

 

 

Cincinnati C

If the Bengals can get Smith to control his weight, Maualuga to play in control at middle linebacker and Johnson to find the on switch at end, this could be one of Cincinnati's better drafts. That's too many ifs, though.

 

 

Cleveland B

The Browns had the best sixth round of the draft. Carey and Francies will contribute this fall, and Davis is insurance against the aging Jamal Lewis. Robiskie and Massaquoi give the Browns the freedom to deal WR Braylon Edwards.

 

 

Dallas C

After inexplicably opting out of the first day, the Cowboys finished strong with some solid second-day selections. Brewster gives the Cowboys insurance at guard and tackle. Hamlin, Mickens and Smith bolster the secondary.

 

 

Denver B

After forcing half the starting lineup of an underachieving defense out the door, new coach Josh McDaniels needs Ayers, Smith and McBath to become instant starters. Moreno gives the Broncos and QB Kyle Orton a fighting chance on offense.

 

 

Detroit C

The Lions had the best start to the draft, snaring the best quarterback, tight end and safety in the first 33 picks. Hill gives the middle of the defensive line some size, and Williams gives Stafford another weapon in 2010.

 

 

Green Bay C

The Packers are implementing a 3-4 defensive scheme this season, and Raji gave them the best nose tackle in this draft. Matthews provides an outside presence in the pass rush. Johnson was the draft's best blocking fullback.

 

 

Houston A+

Quality from top to bottom. Top: Cushing was an All-Pac 10 linebacker and leader of the Southern Cal defense. Bottom: Nolan started only two seasons but intercepted 10 passes. Barwin and Casey bring versatility, and Brice has 4.33 speed.

 

 

Indianapolis C

RB Brown represents a huge upgrade over Dominic Rhodes. With coach Tony Dungy gone, GM Bill Polian wanted to build a bigger defense, and he has done so with tackles Moala (305 pounds) and Taylor (306).

 

 

Jacksonville C

The Jaguars needed to address the OL and wound up with two of the five best tackles in the draft. Thomas, Dillard and Underwood on the flank and Jennings in the backfield have the talent to make David Garrard a better quarterback.

 

 

Kansas City D

New GM Scott Pioli, wanting to craft a defensive line like the one he had in New England, grabbed some size in Jackson and Magee. But too many reaches in the second day slowed his rebuilding process.

 

 

Miami B

With Tom Brady back in the AFC East this season, the Dolphins drafted cornerbacks to stand up to his aerial assault. Smith has the size to match up with Randy Moss, and Davis has the physical game to check Welker.

 

 

Minnesota C

Pencil it in – Harvin will be the rookie of the year. Adrian Peterson slid to the Vikings in 2007 and won the award; now it's Harvin's turn. Minnesota also got bigger on offense (Loadholt) and tougher on defense (Brinkley).

 

 

New England C

The Patriots had the best second round of the draft. Brace can spell Vince Wilfork at the nose, and Butler and Chung will one day be starters on a Super Bowl contender. Tate could be the grand slam pick of this draft.

 

 

New Orleans C

With only four choices, the Saints couldn't muster much draft-day momentum. They needed to address the defense, though, and did so with their first three picks. Jenkins and Vaughn will make the Saints bigger at the back end.

 

 

N.Y. Giants B

The best team in the NFC just got better. Barden gives the Giants the size on the flank to replace Plaxico Burress, and Nicks provides the playmaking ability. Brown will step into the running back rotation for Derrick Ward.

 

 

N.Y. Jets D

The Jets boldly traded into the top five to land their quarterback of the future. But that was the one high point of the weekend. Greene slid deep into the second day because he's a non-contributor in the passing game.

 

 

Oakland D

Heyward-Bey was a reach that high in the first, and so was Mitchell anywhere in the second. But Al Davis is consistent – he loves speed, and those two players were among the fastest at their positions. This draft was all about speed.

 

 

Philadelphia B

Andy Reid has his offense of the future locked into place with QB Kevin Kolb, McCoy, WR DeSean Jackson, Maclin and Ingram. The Eagles had the best fifth round of this draft with Ingram, Harris and Tupou.

 

 

Pittsburgh D

Urbik may be the most important selection because he addresses Pittsburgh's most pressing need. Wallace can provide the deep speed that departed with Nate Washington. But there was too much reaching in the second day.

 

 

San Diego C

The Chargers had the best fourth round of the draft. Martin and Green give San Diego more size up front, and Johnson is a secure-handed tailback. But English was a reach in the first. He's an undersized pass rusher that lacks speed.

 

 

San Francisco C

Getting Crabtree at 10 was a gift. He'll make the San Francisco quarterback better no matter who it is. The 49ers rolled the dice on Davis and Jean-Francois, hoping they can point both players' sliding draft stock in the other direction.

 

 

Seattle C

The Seahawks had the best seventh round of the draft. With all the reaching that was going on late in the draft, GM Tim Ruskell was able to pluck three big-time producers at big-time schools. Reed could be the steal of the round.

 

 

St. Louis C

The Rams passed up Matt Ryan in 2008 and missed out on Matthew Stafford in 2009. Marc Bulger had better return to his Pro Bowl form, or all of St. Louis will have regrets. Smith steps in for Orlando Pace, and Laurinaitis gives the defense a leader.

 

 

Tampa Bay C

A solid draft that's unlikely to make the Bucs appreciably better in 2009. That's OK. New coach Raheem Morris has time to develop his franchise quarterback in Josh Freeman. Think Ben Roethlisberger.

 

 

Tennessee C

Albert Haynesworth left a huge hole in the defensive front seven when he left in free agency. The Titans drafted Marks and McRath to try to plug that hole. Britt and Cook give QB Kerry Collins some weapons to open up the offense.

 

 

Washington D

Not enough picks and too many reaches doomed the Redskins in this draft. Washington will be more competitive on defense in 2009 with Orakpo and Barnes, but the Redskins needed to do more to keep pace with the Giants and Eagles.