Draft Grades

[THE SIX KINGS]

By John Czarnecki

 

Cardinals: Grade: A

Picks: 40, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 14, Pro Bowlers: 2 Believe it or not, the Cardinals have done a decent job in drafting since 2003 and maybe that explains their Super Bowl appearance. Linebacker Calvin Pace, now with the Jets, and receiver Anquan Boldin (54th pick overall) were taken that year. They have made good selections in the first round ever since, the only question mark being quarterback Matt Leinart in 2006. Even if Leinart doesn't pan out, the Cardinals did get three starters in '06. The '04 draft started with Larry Fitzgerald, but also produced defensive gems in Karlos Dansby and Darnell Dockett. In '07, they grabbed offensive tackle Levi Brown and Alan Branch and third receiver Steve Breaston

 

Falcons: Grade: B+

Picks: 48, First round picks: 5, Starters: 12, Pro Bowlers: 1 The Falcons have had some wipeout drafts like 2003 and then again in 2004 when cornerback DeAngelo Hall was the first pick; he's now a Redskin via the Raiders. But they have picked up three starters in each of the last two drafts, including their franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan last year. The 2004 draft was productive, considering they eventually traded Matt Schaub to Houston to acquire some extra choices. Those picks allowed them to add two starters in 2007 in Jamaal Anderson and guard Justin Blalock. And don't forget that receiver Roddy White was the first pick in 2005 and he's turned out great now that he has a quarterback

 

Ravens: Grade: C-

Picks: 53, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 5, Pro Bowlers: 1 For all the praise given to GM Ozzie Newsome, his drafts have produced few stars in recent years. Yes, quarterback Joe Flacco might become one, but the only Pro Bowler in the last six drafts is pass rusher Terrell Suggs from 2003. Yes, there are some decent starters in guard Ben Grubbs and fullback Le'Ron McClain. But they busted out with quarterback Kyle Boller and first-round receiver Mark Clayton in 2005. Running back Ray Rice was a solid choice last season and nine rookies did make the final 53-man roster in 2008

 

Bills: Grade: B

Picks: 46, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 11, Pro Bowlers: 1 The Bills typify how ever-changing the NFL has become since full-blown free agency and the big money paid to top draft choices. In the last six years, the Bills have drafted two starting running backs and two starting quarterbacks. They were praised for risking a pick on Willis McGahee, who was eventually traded to Baltimore. They struck out with J.P. Losman in 2004, but may have recovered with Stanford QB Trent Edwards, the third player taken in their 2007 draft. They have hit with their first-round picks and have six starters from the 2006-7 drafts. Starting linebacker Keith Ellison was taken 178th overall in 2006.

 

Panthers: Grade: B

Picks: 49, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 11, Pro Bowlers: 2 The Panthers don't mess up in the first round and just gave their 2003 No. 1 pick Jordan Gross over $9 million a season. Yes, they missed on some receivers, but they still have hope for Dwayne Jarrett. It may be hard to find the right playmaker opposite Steve Smith, but John Fox knows his defensive players and he's grabbed three great young defensive players in linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis and cornerback Chris Gamble in recent drafts. The Panthers drafted their running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the past two drafts, plus shored up with the offensive line with Ryan Kalil and Jeff Otah.

 

Bears: Grade: B-

Picks: 53, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 11, Pro Bowlers: 4 It made sense to GM Jerry Angelo to trade his first-round picks this year and next for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler because he's had first-round busts in Michael Haynes and Cedric Benson, plus the last two first-rounders Greg Olsen and Chris Williams haven't become stars. Williams (bad back) couldn't get on the field last season. The two best players taken in the last three drafts were Devin Hester with the 57th overall pick in 2006 and running back Matt Forte with the 44th pick last year. The 2003 and 2004 drafts produced Peanut Tillman, Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris, Nate Vasher and departed receivers Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade. Give Angelo credit for drafting Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton, who was critical to the Cutler trade.

 

Bengals: Grade: C-

Picks: 53, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 8, Pro Bowlers: 1 The last six drafts will look OK if quarterback Carson Palmer, the first player in 2003, returns to a high-level form this season. Basically, the Bengals have had some bad luck while mixing in some risky picks in recent years. Consider the 2005 draft when linebacker Odell Thurman showed so much promise but couldn't keep his drinking under control, plus the career-ending neck injury to David Pollack. The Bengals have drafted some good offensive linemen in Eric Steinbach, Stacy Andrews and Eric Ghiaciuc, the 119th pick in 2005. The same year, they took LDE Jonathan Fanene with the 233rd selection. The last two drafts have brought two defensive starters in CB Leon Hall and linebacker Keith Rivers in the first round.

 

Browns: Grade: C-

Picks: 43, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 8, Pro Bowlers: 2 Funny how drafts turn out. Two of Cleveland's top picks in 2003-04 are now highly paid stars with the Tampa Bay Bucs: center Jeff Faine and tight end Kellen Winslow. The Bucs even have another former Browns draftee in QB Luke McCown. Two of their so-called better draft picks, receiver Braylon Edwards and quarterback Brady Quinn, are on the trading block, meaning much of the drafts have been washouts. The Browns' two best players were high picks Joe Thomas and linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. Remember, quarterback Derek Anderson was a Ravens draft choice.

 

Cowboys: Grade: A

Picks: 45, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 11, Pro Bowlers: 6 Bill Parcells, now running the show with the Dolphins, had a great 2005 draft that produced six starters and the team's two best players in OLB DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber. Tight end Jason Witten was the 69th pick in 2003 and NT Jay Ratliff was the 224th pick in 2005. Clutch kicker Nick Folk was the 178th pick in 2007 and the top four picks last year give Dallas tremendous depth. No question the talent is here, now it's up to Tony Romo and Wade Phillips.

 

Broncos: Grade: C-

Picks: 46, First-round picks: 5, Starters: 10, Pro Bowlers: 1 Basically, the drafts were Mike Shanahan's undoing with the Broncos. He was never able to build much depth, especially when counting the 2003 through 2005 drafts. Jay Cutler was taken in the 2006 draft and then talked his way out of Denver. The Broncos did hit with two talented young starters in LT Ryan Clady and WR Eddie Royal last season. There is good young offensive talent, but a question mark on offense with Kyle Orton and new coach Josh McDaniels.

 

Lions: Grade: D

Picks: 47, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 9, Pro Bowlers: 1 Well, Matt Millen is long gone but he hired Martin Mayhew, his replacement, although team finance man Tom Lewand will have some influence in future drafts. Millen did draft three talented receivers in Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. But Rogers broke his shoulder blade in consecutive seasons, ending his career, while Roy Williams is now a Cowboy. USC receiver Mike Williams was a total bust in 2005 and Ernie Sims is simply a nice little linebacker. The Lions were 0-16 last season because the coaching and talent were substandard.

 

Packers: Grade: C

Picks: 58, First-round picks: 5, Starters: 10, Pro Bowlers: 0 The last two drafts have been ho-hum, producing some decent backup receivers and kicker Mason Crosby. The 2004 draft cost coach Mike Sherman his job because of failed top selections in Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas, plus a third-round pick used on punter B.J. Sander. GM Ted Thompson's best draft was his first with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, safety Nick Collins and linebacker Brady Poppinga. Greg Jennings was a great pick at No. 52 in 2006.

 

Texans: Grade: C

Picks: 48, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 12, Pro Bowlers: 2 The Texans have been doing a better job in the draft, getting four starters last season with offensive linemen Duane Brown and Mike Brisiel, running back Steve Slaton and linebacker Xavier Adibi. They have made solid top picks with receiver Andre Johnson, DE Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans might even be a better player than Williams out of the 2006 draft. It's up to Matt Schaub and coach Gary Kubiak to take Houston to the next level.

 

Colts: Grade: A-

Picks: 52, First-round picks: 4, Starters: 15, Pro Bowlers: 6 GM Bill Polian did a great job at picking the type of players that Tony Dungy wanted. The entire Indy secondary was drafted by Polian and Bob Sanders was the 44th player taken in 2004. Polian has hit on all four of his first-round picks in the last six years: Dallas Clark, Marlin Jackson, Joseph Addai and Anthony Gonzalez, who will replace Marvin Harrison. However, the beauty of Polian's genius is picks like Robert Mathis at 138 in 2003 and Antoine Bethea at 207th overall in 2006.

 

Jaguars: Grade: D

Picks: 49, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 8, Pro Bowlers: 1 The Jaguars have really struggled in this area, considering they took quarterback Byron Leftwich in 2003 only to cut him loose three years later. Receivers Matt Jones and Reggie Williams must be considered first-round flops. The best picks have been Rashean Mathis (39th player in 2003) and second-rounder Mo Jones-Drew in 2006. Kicker Josh Scobee was the 137th pick in 2004.

 

Chiefs: Grade: C

Picks: 50, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 11, Pro Bowlers: 3 The last two years have produced eight starters, a credit to Billy Kuharich -- who had tons of influence over former GM Carl Peterson. The entire secondary was taken during this span, meaning that Kansas City has a chance if it can get an offense. Yes, they have issues with RB Larry Johnson, but he has been productive when committed. Linebacker Derrick Johnson, pass rusher Tamba Hali and receiver Dwayne Bowe are very good young players, all first-round selections.

 

Dolphins: Grade: C-

Picks: 47, First-round picks: 5, Starters: 9, Pro Bowlers: 1 The Dolphins have been struggling because their last six drafts have produced only two playmakers, receiver Ted Ginn and running back Ronnie Brown, and both of them were slow to develop. The cupboard was pretty bare when Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland showed up. The 2006 draft was a complete washout and Ginn was the only starter from the 2007 draft. The Dolphins started three rookies last season, but offensive tackle Jake Long was the lone standout.

 

Vikings: Grade: B-

Picks: 41, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 13, Pro Bowlers: 2 The Vikings have had some busts like receiver Troy Williamson and some bad luck like cancer-stricken Kenechi Udeze. But they have struck gold with running back Adrian Peterson and defensive tackle Kevin Williams, two of the best players at their position in the NFL. Last year's draft was pretty much a bust, but there are also some good young players like linebacker Chad Greenway and receiver Sidney Rice.

 

Patriots: Grade: A+

Picks: 51, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 17, Pro Bowlers: 5 Yes, 2007 was a lean year, but the 2003-2005 drafts produced 12 players who became starters, including 230th pick Matt Cassel, who ably replaced Tom Brady last season. Three of the team's best offensive linemen were selected during this run while the 2006 draft produced kicker Stephen Gostkowski when Adam Vinatieri left town via free agency. The last two drafts have produced two defensive stars in Brandon Merriweather and Jerod Mayo. The Patriots also drafted cornerback Asante Samuel with the 120th overall pick in 2003 and today he's the game's second-highest-paid corner in the league, but with the Eagles.

 

Saints: Grade: C-

Picks: 41, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 10, Pro Bowlers: 1 The highlight of the last six drafts has to be Reggie Bush and taking Hofstra receiver Marques Colston with the 252nd overall pick in the same 2006 draft. There might be two first-round busts in defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan and 2007 receiver Robert Meachem. DE Will Smith and Devery Henderson were solid picks in 2004.

 

Giants: Grade: A

Picks: 44, First-round picks: 5, Starters: 14, Pro Bowlers: 4 New GM Jerry Reese had a great draft in 2007 that produced four starters and two solid part-time starters. But his predecessor, Ernie Accorsi, deserves high marks for the 2004-5 drafts that brought Eli Manning, Chris Snee, Gibril Wilson, Corey Webster, Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs to the starting lineup. Only Wilson is gone and Tuck and Jacobs have become stars. Defensive backs Kenny Phillips and Terrell Thomas came out of last year's draft. The heart of New York's defense is draft choices, the biggest exception being MBL Antonio Pierce.

 

Jets: Grade: C-

Picks: 45, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 10, Pro Bowlers: 1 The best the Jets have to show for the 2003-2005 drafts is kicker Mike Nugent and safety Kerry Rhodes. Jonathan Vilma was a former first pick and he's long gone. The best players taken in the last three drafts are D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Leon Washington (117th overall in 2006), Darrelle Revis and tight end Dustin Keller last year. Vernon Gholston was a risky choice last year at sixth overall.

 

Raiders: Grade: C-

Picks: 48, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 8, Pro Bowlers: 1 The unusual aspect of the Oakland drafts has been the selection of three different running backs, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush and Darren McFadden, considering all were productive last season. McFadden may be the best talent, but Bush and Fargas had better games. The best player taken in the last six drafts has to be CB Nnamdi Asomugha, who will earn $14 million this season. The whole key is whether QB JaMarcus Russell, the first overall pick in 2007, can come close to becoming another Kenny Stabler.

 

Eagles: Grade: C

Picks: 53, First-round picks: 4, Starters: 9, Pro Bowlers: 2 The Eagles' best players over the last six drafts haven't come in the first round other than guard Shawn Andrews. Three of their best linebackers — Chris Gocong, Omar Gaither and Stewart Bradley — were taken in the middle rounds. The best picks for value were DE Trent Cole, the 146th overall pick in 2005, and receiver DeSean Jackson, the 49th overall pick last year. The Eagles have a penchant for taking flyers on players like Jeremy Bloom and Winston Justice.

 

Steelers: Grade: A

Picks: 45, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 9, Pro Bowlers: 2 If you skip last year's draft, the Steelers have taken the following players over the previous five drafts: Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes and LaMarr Woodley. There were others, but those picks include a two-time Super Bowl quarterback in Big Ben, one of the game's best safeties, two playmakers and one of the game's best young pass rushers. Three starting offensive linemen also came out of those drafts. All Pittsburgh needs is for runner Rashard Mendenhall, last year's top pick, to get healthy.

 

Chargers: Grade: A

Picks: 46, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 15, Pro Bowlers: 6 A.J. Smith's first draft in 2004 was a blockbuster, considering quarterback Phillip Rivers, center Nick Hardwick, linebacker Shaun Phillips and running back Michael Turner, who cashed in big last season in Atlanta, were taken. Turner was the 154th overall pick. The 2005 draft found Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles. Smith might have had the two best years back-to-back of any general manager in league history. Punter Mike Scifres was the 149th pick in 2003 and the 2006-7 drafts produced four starters, including safety Eric Weddle and RT Marcus McNeill.

 

49ers: Grade: C

Picks: 52, First-round picks: 8, Starters: 11, Pro Bowlers: 1 The 49ers might have struck out with four consecutive No. 1 picks, including Alex Smith, Rashuan Woods and Kwame Harris. Tight end Vernon Davis remains a toss-up with me. He still may become productive. The best pick is linebacker Patrick Willis, with Frank Gore in the third round of 2005 a close second. Manny Lawson and Joe Staley have been solid top-round selections.

 

Seahawks: Grade: B

Picks: 46, First-round picks: 5, Starters: 14, Pro Bowlers: 2 The starting numbers are a tad escalated because they include players like Ken Hamlin, Michael Boulware, D.J. Hackett and Josh Brown, who have moved on after playing well for the Seahawks. Marcus Truffant was taken No. 1 six years ago and probably battles Lofa Tatupu as the best player taken in the last six drafts. The Seahawks nailed two starters last year in Lawrence Jackson and tight end John Carlson.

 

Rams: Grade: C

Picks: 55, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 9, Pro Bowlers: 1 The Rams have had three shaky drafts in a six-year period and should have shown more production with 55 selections over that span. Yes, they drafted players like Kevin Curtis, Shaun McDonald and Scott Shanle, who all had better seasons elsewhere. Steven Jackson is the best player taken during this time, and the jury is still out on how Adam Carriker and Chris Long will end up. The hope is that a new head coach will focus more attention on these young defensive players. Piso Tinoisamoa and Oshiomogho Atogwe are solid defenders.

 

Bucs: Grade: B-

Picks: 53, First-round picks: 5, Starters: 10, Pro Bowlers: 1 The Bucs starting doing a better job drafting beginning with the 2005 season with Cadillac Williams and linebacker Barrett Ruud. They grabbed five starters in the 2006-7 drafts with three offensive linemen and defensive end Gaines Adams, one of the best young players at his position. Safety Tanard Jackson was a great pick in 2007. The Bucs had five rookies make their roster last season, although kick returner Clifton Smith was an undrafted free agent.

 

Titans: Grade: C-

Picks: 57, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 9, Pro Bowlers: 1 The Titans really struck out at the top of the draft between 2003 and 2005, picks that included cornerbacks Pacman Jones and Andre Woolfolk. However, the 2005 draft did bring offensive tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart and Bo Scaife. CB Cortland Finnegan, a star last season, was the 215th pick in 2006. The Titans found two more secondary starters in the 2006-'07 drafts, one that also included Vince Young, who still has a ways to go to be a starting NFL quarterback. RB Chris Johnson was a great pick last season.

 

Redskins: Grade: B

Picks: 33, First-round picks: 4, Starters: 8, Pro Bowlers: 2 The Redskins did a lot with only 23 picks between 2003-07, although they were devastated by the loss of All-Pro safety Sean Taylor, who was murdered during a home invasion. The 2005 draft produced CB Carlos Rogers and QB Jason Campbell. The next two drafts produced starters Kedric Golston, Rocky McIntosh and free safety LaRon Landry. The key to the Redskins will be if last season's top three picks, all receivers, display some maturity and toughness. If they do, Campbell will have a chance to succeed.

Edited April 23, 2009 by THE SIX KINGS

[Randall]

"The 2004 draft cost coach Mike Sherman his job because of failed top selections in Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas, plus a third-round pick used on punter B.J. Sander."

 

 

It went a lot deeper than that.

[Delicious_bass]

Vikings: Grade: B-

Picks: 41, First-round picks: 6, Starters: 13, Pro Bowlers: 2 The Vikings have had some busts like receiver Troy Williamson and some bad luck like cancer-stricken Kenechi Udeze. But they have struck gold with running back Adrian Peterson and defensive tackle Kevin Williams, two of the best players at their position in the NFL. Last year's draft was pretty much a bust, but there are also some good young players like linebacker Chad Greenway and receiver Sidney Rice.

I dont think I can give them anything more than a C(and that's pushing it) considering just how bad they really whiffed in 05. Two first round picks(#7 & #18) that both ended up being complete busts(Williamstone and Erasmus James) and out of 7 picks that year, ZERO that are currently with the organization. Players in their 4th year should really be coming into their prime and key parts of the team, and the Vikes got nada. Its not really fair for me to play armchair GM now with the benefit of hindsight, but there were some really good players taken that year after the Vikes took TW and EJ

 

Dont get me started on 06, either, and the reaches for TJack and Cook

[Ziachild007]

Texans: Grade: C

Picks: 48, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 12, Pro Bowlers: 2 The Texans have been doing a better job in the draft, getting four starters last season with offensive linemen Duane Brown and Mike Brisiel, running back Steve Slaton and linebacker Xavier Adibi. They have made solid top picks with receiver Andre Johnson, DE Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans might even be a better player than Williams out of the 2006 draft. It's up to Matt Schaub and coach Gary Kubiak to take Houston to the next level.

 

2008: (1) Duane Brown T (3) Antwaun Molden CB, Steve Slaton RB (4) Xavier Adibi LB (5) Frank Okam DT (6) Dominique Barber S (7) Alex Brink QB

2007: (1) Amobi Okoye DT (3) Jacoby Jones WR (4) Fred Bennett CB (5) Brandon Harrison SS, Brandon Frye OT (6) Kasey Studdard G (7) Zach Diles ILB

2006: (1) Mario Williams DE (2) DeMeco Ryans LB (3) Charles Spencer T (3) Eric Winston T (4) Owen Daniels TE (6) Wali Lundy RB (7) David Anderson WR

2005: (1) Travis Johnson DT (3) Vernand Morency RB (4) Jerome Mathis WR (5) Drew Hodgdon C (6) C.C. Brown S (7) Kenneth Pettway LB

2004: (1) Dunta Robinson CB (1) Jason Babin DE (4) Glenn Earl S (6) Vontez Duff CB (6) Jammal Lord RB (7) Raheem Orr LB (7) Sloan Thomas WR (7) B.J. Symons QB

 

Only 7 teams have more starters, yet 15 have better grades.

[Riffraff]

Chargers: Grade: A

Picks: 46, First-round picks: 7, Starters: 15, Pro Bowlers: 6 A.J. Smith's first draft in 2004 was a blockbuster, considering quarterback Phillip Rivers, center Nick Hardwick, linebacker Shaun Phillips and running back Michael Turner, who cashed in big last season in Atlanta, were taken. Turner was the 154th overall pick. The 2005 draft found Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles. Smith might have had the two best years back-to-back of any general manager in league history. Punter Mike Scifres was the 149th pick in 2003 and the 2006-7 drafts produced four starters, including safety Eric Weddle and RT Marcus McNeill.

Subtract Philip Rivers and insert Eli Manning (and his Super Bowl trophy?).

 

Regardless, a great 5 year run.

[Swiss Cheezhead]

Colts deserve an A+.

[Puddy]

Want to know how bad the Lions are at evaluating talent. A local radio host (Mike Valenti) looked at the drafts from 2002 - 2005. These players should be in the prime of their career. There are exactly ZERO players from those 4 years on the roster. Only 2 players from 2006 are still on the roster (Sims and Daniel Bullocks). I think it is 2 out of 37 players from 2002-2006 still on team. F'n Matt Millen.

[bushwacked]

Seahawks: Grade: B

Picks: 46, First-round picks: 5, Starters: 14, Pro Bowlers: 2 The starting numbers are a tad escalated because they include players like Ken Hamlin, Michael Boulware, D.J. Hackett and Josh Brown, who have moved on after playing well for the Seahawks. Marcus Truffant was taken No. 1 six years ago and probably battles Lofa Tatupu as the best player taken in the last six drafts. The Seahawks nailed two starters last year in Lawrence Jackson and tight end John Carlson.

 

Pretty favorable write-up that didn't seem to really encapsulate what I'm seeing. 2007 1st round pick Kelly Herndon disappointed last year and lost his starting job. 2008 pick Lawrence Jackson underwhelmed last year and was/is far from a lock down starter. Beyond Tatupu and Hill (both from 2005) there really isn't anything presently to grade favorably other than Carlson (2008).

[CaptainHook]

Colts deserve an A+.

Yeah, I'm trying to figure out where the minus came from. It's hard to blame those drafts for the Colts playoff woes . . .

[cdrudge]

Only 7 teams have more starters, yet 15 have better grades.

16 teams have just as many (9) or more (7) pro bowlers. That puts them kind of in the middle of the pack. Add in that during that time they had 3 top 10 picks including a #1 overall and they still have yet to make it to the playoffs or even a winning season.

 

I'm not one to assign letter grades really, but if you just step back a little and look at the whole picture, their have some individual standout performances in some games but as net result, they are just average.