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Draft Grades

May 6, 2005

By Mark Mitchell

 

 

r

 

Team Needs

Arizona Cardinals

A+  

 

The Titan's loss is the Card's gain. Antrell Rolle will have an instant impact on a soft defense. Rolle was wrapped up and tied with a gold bow and given to them ― Great pick for the Cardinals. Derrick Johnson was my choice here, but you can't blame them for not snatching up Rolle immediately.  J.J. Arrington fell to them as well, saving them from having to trade for Travis Henry and pay him big money ― 2 glaring needs sewn up immediately.  Add Daryl Blackstock who was talked about in the first round for a long time and he falls to the 3rd.  The Cards had one HELL of a first day.

 

Day two:  Just when I thought they couldn't outdo day one, they draft Elton Brown and Lance Mitchell.  Not they needed another WR but they got a guy that can come in and help in 4 wide out sets in LeRon McCoy.  Still, Brown and Mitchell just added to the all-star cast they had already created on day one.  A fabulous draft for the Cards.

 

 

Team Needs

Atlanta Falcons

B-  

 

Roddy White will have an instant impact on this team.  They needed receivers and were able to capitalize on this early.  Johnathan Babineaux fills a big need on the defensive line and could have an instant impact, along with Jordan Beck at linebacker.  The Falcons’ defense made much needed big strides last year, Vick only plays offense and can only do so much…they helped themselves again.

 

Day two:  As stated from day one, more help on defense is how to help Vick, and their draft continued along those lines.  Davis and Boley are nice pickups and will help to shore up the defense. However, I still think they needed to address the offensive line earlier than they did with Omiyale.   It will also be interesting to see where Cobb fits into this offense.

 

 

Team Needs

Baltimore Ravens

B

 

 

If Boller can’t succeed with Mark Clayton in the line up, he’s done.  Receiver was an obvious pick here and they could not go wrong with Clayton.  Dan Cody was a gift as well.  I guess I’m not as good as I thought, because I didn’t see him lasting anywhere near into the middle of the 2nd round.  He will be a great addition to an already nasty defense.  If Mark Clayton can’t help Boller, maybe Adam Terry can at OT.

 

Day two:  Another solid day for the Ravens.  Although Derek Anderson might be the only recognizable name, Smith, Green and Brown all have a serious shot of making the team. Depth was a day two headline for the Ravens.  Anderson was solid for the Beavers, and will add some pressure to a struggling Boller.

 

 

Team Needs

Buffalo Bills

C-

 

 

I suppose you can’t blame the Bills for trying to help Losman improve by drafting Roscoe Parrish…or their special teams. They also add Kevin Everett at the tight end position.  They’d like to place themselves in position to be an offensive threat in the future to match their defense. I’m just sort of OK with their day one.

 

Day two:  Buffalo didn't do a whole lot to make up for not having a first rounder by being aggressive in the later rounds.  Although there is some talent in the mix of Preston, King, Geisinger, and Gates, their day two was a yawner at best.

 

 

Team Needs

Carolina Panthers

C+

 

 

Offensive line was a big concern but wasn’t addressed until the 3rd with Mathis.  Alex Barron would have been just what the Doctor ordered here. Thomas Davis is a big time safety however and their defense improved instantly. Eric Shelton will look great in this offense as well, nice pick up for the Panthers in the 2nd.  Atiyyah Ellison will definitely help to bring the defensive line alive in time.

 

Day two:  It was a busy second day.  I thought they helped themselves by drafting LeFors, a sleeper QB in this draft with a lot of upside.  They did begin to address the offensive line better with Hangartner and Berger, but was it too late?  Emanuel and Seward are productive players, as was Haye; those picks continue to bolster their defense.

 

 

Team Needs

Chicago Bears

A-

 

 

The Bears, like the Steelers, have always liked big strong RBs. They can't go wrong with Cedric Benson, he fits that mold very well...and RB was a big need for them. Then they get a great compliment for Muhammad in the 2nd with Mark Bradley, who in my opinion is just as good as Clayton.

 

Day two:  Kyle Orton was a good signing here. Grossman can't stay healthy, and the Bears backups are inadequate.  Currie and Harris were picked up to strengthen the secondary.  I really like Currie, great value in the 5th. 

 

 

Team Needs

Cincinnati Bengals

C

 

 

David Pollack may have short arms, but I feel he was a perfect fit for the Bengals and Marvin Lewis, checking off a need right away.  They must have been impressed with the Georgia defense because Odell Thurman was drafted in the 2nd, again filling a hole for the Bengals.  Chris Henry wasn’t a crucial need however.  Could have gone with OL or more defense in the 3rd.

 

Day two:  Was a big day for centers overall, and the Bengals took Eric Ghiaciuc, and OT Adam Kieft to help tighten the protection for Palmer. My favorite pick for the Bengals on day two was DE Johnathan Fanene from Utah.  Overall an average draft for the Bengals.

 

 

Team Needs

Cleveland Browns

A

 

 

Did the right thing in taking the best player available, Braylon Edwards will help this team tremendously and make some average play at QB look good. Then they get a giant bonus in Charlie Frye in the 3rd. I’m personally sold on Frye.  I think he could be one of the names in this QB class still talked about 10 years from now.  Can’t overlook the safety help the acquired from Brodney Pool in the 2nd.  It was a very good day one for  Cleveland…Excellent actually.

 

Day two:  Wow!  Amazing what sticking to your board will do. Huge difference between Crenell and Davis eras already ― Fantastic day two for the Browns.  Perkins at Corner is an unbelievable value in the 4th.  Toss in McMillan and Speegle, and the Browns are drafting solid talent in the later rounds at a great value that will contribute for them.  The McCown trade surprised me a little bit, but not enough to take away from the draft they had.

 

 

Team Needs

Dallas Cowboys

A-

 

 

I wasn’t sure what they were thinking when they took Ware before Spears, but either way they got them both and that soft Dallas D won’t be soft for too much longer.  I still believe they took Ware too early.  Of course,  when LT was drafted by the Tuna, that was frowned on at the time and we all know how that turned out.  Throw a linebacker like Kevin Burnett into the mix, and Dallas shows up with a nice effort of strong defensive additions.  However, the secondary was a big need for them, and probably wasn’t addressed early enough.

 

Day two:  Unbelievable drafting by the Cowboys on day two.  Canty and Barber in the 4th? Are you kidding me? Again the Cowboys addressed a huge problem for them last year and that was defense. They didn't let up on day two. Deriault and Ratliff along with Canty, and suddenly Dallas has a defense. Very nice pick up with Petitti in the 6th as well. Parcells and Jones have to be giddy.

 

 

Team Needs

Denver Broncos

D

 

 

Corner was a must…but three in a row? Darrent Williams was the best talent on the board for them at the time, and it appears they felt the same way about Karl Paymah.  Foxworth is a good talent also, but they could have addressed a few other needs before taking 3 CBs back-to-back-to-back.  The big surprise was jumping on Clarett so early.  Sure they lost Droughns, and Denver’s system is probably a perfect fit to show Clarett can play, but it’s still a shocker.  Besides the Clarett pick being an eye popper, I’m not overly impressed with Denver’s draft.

 

Day two:  Even with only two picks on day two, I thought it would be a better day for the Broncos.  It just wasn't.  Myers is OK and the kicker, Paul Ernster, could have easily been an undrafted free agent brought into camp. Darrent Williams and the possibilities of Clarett are the only things keeping Denver from teetering on an F in my opinion.

 

 

Team Needs

Detroit Lions

C+

 

 

Mike Williams? My first thought was ― you gotta be kidding me?!  I’m still in awe of this pick, but it does make some sense when you think about Charles Rogers not being able to ever make it through a full year, and Harrington needs confidence this year or he’s done.  Shaun Cody was a gift, plain and simple.  He could have gone earlier and defensive was a first round need, and they now have first round talent in the 2nd.  Add Stanley Wilson in the 3rd and your defense starts to take shape.

 

Day two:  If Harrington struggles, I'm not sure Orlovsky is the answer without a few years of Mooch grooming him first, and it's gonna take more than a few years of that Mooch magic the way I see it.  Swancutt was a nice addition, as was Goddard in the 6th round, but with Rogers, Roy Williams, and now Mike Williams, the Lions still take yet another receiver in Maxwell in the 7th…I'm still scratching my head here.

 

 

Team Needs

Green Bay Packers

B-

 

 

Aaron Rodgers…are you kidding me?  The consensus #1 just a matter of weeks earlier falls in their lap at 24?  Although I’m not as high on Rodgers as some may be, you can’t argue about this pick and the opportunity he will have to learn under one of the best.  You also get a solid young receiver in Terrence Murphy for him to throw to for a few years to come.  Nick Collins was an attempt to fill what amounts to a pit, more than a hole, at CB.  Still, it’s an average day one.

 

Day two:  Green Bay did some shifting and improved their day two.  Underwood, Poppinga, Hawkins, and Montgomery were desperately needed on a defense that couldn't stop people from scoring. Perhaps that attention should have been paid in earlier rounds.  Bragg at WR is a possible sleeper and worth a 6th round pick.  Campbell at S and Whitticker at G have their work cut out for them.

 

 

Team Needs

Houston Texans

C+

 

 

Travis Johnson went a little earlier than expected, but Houston needed DL badly.  Vernand Morency was big in Oklahoma, but everything is bigger in Texas.  I think he was a solid 3rd round choice by the Texans. They filled some needs, but it’s not a pump your fist and holler draft for them on the first day.

 

Day two:  WR Jerome Mathis, the top small school prospect, will have to show he can play with the big boys.  Adding to the smaller school prospects that they hope are hidden gems are Ceandris Brown and Kenneth Pettway.  Both come with potential, but are gambles.

 

 

Team Needs

Indianapolis Colts

B-

 

 

We all knew it was going to be defense…early and often.  Corner was a big sore spot for the Colts, and they addressed it early and with vigor.  Marlin Jackson was a great pick for them.  They immediately went back to corner in round 2 with Kelvin Hayden.  I like the pick, but I think they could have gone DE, or LB here and another corner in the 3rd.  They did however land Burns in the 3rd to shore up that defensive line, but I’m not sure he’s an instant impact.

 

Day two:  Gandy is the OG no one is talking about, but he is a solid pick. The Colts did what they needed to and primarily stuck with defense, adding S Matt Giordano, DE Welsh, and LB Tyjaun Hagler, but some of whom are projects at best.  It's hard to argue the Rayner pick even with Vanderjagdt on the roster, maybe they’re getting tired of that "Liquored up Kicker."  If Anthony Davis can stay healthy, what I thought this was a good pick for the Colts, is a great one.

 

 

Team Needs

Jacksonville Jaguars

C+

 

 

Matt Jones goes from 3rd or 4th round to the first…and almost overnight.  I didn’t see this one coming, fully expected defense in the first.  Love Matt Jones’s talent, just not this early.  Kalif Barnes was also talked about as a first-rounder, and the Jag’s were fortunate enough to see him fall to them in the middle of the second. Good value there.  Scott Starks, the “tiny dancer,” was one of the last “best” corners available and had to be taken.

 

Day two:  Pearman was a nice addition for the Jags, and they decided maybe Sensabaugh could help Starks see over the LBs helmets to let him know what's going on.  Owens is a sensible pick in the 6th, and coupled with Jones will give Leftwich some new outlets.  Pat Thomas and Chris Roberson as the last two picks were for depth.

 

 

Team Needs

Kansas City Chiefs

C+

 

 

They completely ignored their defensive woes at this time last year, but Derrick Johnson was a monstrous addition to this defense in the 1st. With Bell and Fujita and now Johnson, they could become one of the scariest LB units around.  Colquitt is a name everyone knows, and will for a while to come.  Still, with no second round pick, I was kind of shocked to see them take a punter in the 3rd when the defense still needs attention.

 

Day two:  Craphonso Thorpe was a value pick in the 4th and adds depth. With defense being such a sore spot, I'm just not overly impressed with names like Hodge, and Long. Grigsby might be able to produce but surprisingly they went with a lot more offense in the second day than I expected.  Svitek and Parquet are trainees at best at OT, and Kilian at QB could have been an undrafted free agent.

 

 

Team Needs

Miami Dolphins

A-

 

 

Saban did the right thing in a weak QB class, not taking Aaron Rodgers simply because he would have been the trendy pick. It wouldn't have been wrong to go with Braylon Edwards here...but their dire need was at RB. Ronnie Brown is tremendous in a struggling Miami offense. Saban is building a solid defense now also. Roth, even though he has the arms of a Tyrannosaurs Rex, is a very good addition, as is Channing Crowder in the 3rd…off the field problems or not, first round talent is a steal in the 3rd. 

 

Day two:  Travis Daniels was almost a given in the 4th, like Webster, he slid a little in his senior season, but Saban knows him as well as anyone. Alabi at OT and Vickerson at DT are simply afterthoughts, but thoughts that had to be made. Overall I think Saban had a really good draft in his first year.

 

 

Team Needs

Minnesota Vikings

A-

 

 

It's hard to go wrong with Williamson. He is a Moss replacement and should thrive in this system. I know the Vikes have been high on him for a while now...but you can't help but have an eyebrow raised at the thought of Mike Williams being passed by here.  It was probably more of a win/win situation than a catch-22 in my opinion.  Erasmus James was a need but should they have gone with Spears here? Again, either way, it would be a nice addition. Fox will be good, and will almost be forced to play immediately…I hope he’s ready.

 

Day two:  Minnesota like Denver seems to be a running back machine. Ciatrick Fason is a terrific addition in the fourth.  To keep the defense bolstered, they add young but very good talent in C.J. Mosley at DT…a steal in the 6th. Toss in the smart and speedy Adrian Ward at DB and I would say the Vikings had a very nice draft. Something they just had to have.

 

 

Team Needs

New England Patriots

C-

 

 

With Andruzzi gone, Mankins was a need, I was just shocked to see him go in the first.  Who can doubt the Patriots and their draft process however.  Ellis Hobbs fills a strong need at corner, as does Kaczur at Tackle.  Linebacker would have been something I would have looked at a little bit earlier however.  But with so many of their late-round picks showing up to play in the past, the Patriots aren’t done yet.

 

Day two:  Sanders at S will help add bodies to a hurting secondary yet I'm still surprised they didn't go after more depth here and at LB by simply adding Claridge.  The Matt Cassel pick floors me as well. What's this all about?  Matt Jones was gone, so they saw the same thing in him perhaps?  As hard as it is to question the Patriots and their draft in years past (which happens to be the only thing stopping me from giving them a D), I'm still left scratching my head here.

 

 

Team Needs

New Orleans Saints

B

 

 

Jammal Brown?  Not that it’s not a fantastic pick, it was just a shocking pick for the Saints…especially trading up to do so.  It was nice move however, and they don’t loose a whole lot to gain a great tackle.  Bullocks in the 2nd will fill in nicely, and was the best safety left on the board.

 

Day two:  Chase Lyman at WR and Adrian McPherson at QB are names that get you excited. Is it "Grade A" talent there? It remains to be seen, but still nice additions.  Jason Jefferson, the forgotten DT for Wisconsin, is a plus, as well as Jimmy Verdon at DE.

 

 

Team Needs

New York Giants

A-

 

 

I feel they scored huge with Corey Webster, a great corner with good game speed despite what his numbers say.  Although his senior year wasn’t as strong as his junior year, I feel Webster is still top-tier talent.  Justin Tuck is also a strong pick for the G-men…legitimate 1st day talent with a tremendous upside.

 

Day two:  With only 4 total picks the Giants made the best of them.  I'm absolutely elated with the Brandon Jacobs pick. He's going to be good, and I know the Giant faithful will be very surprised with his ability.  Eric Moore the DE gives them depth at an aging position, and will be an immediate help.

 

 

Team Needs

New York Jets

B

 

 

In a shocker, the Jets drafted Mike Nugent with their first over all pick.  I know Jets fans are mumbling, bumbling, and stumbling over this pick, but ask any New England fan how important it is to have a clutch kicker…or just ask Doug Brien. I think this is a very nice pick for the Jets.  To boot, they still were able to land a top corner in Justin Miller later in the second.  With Miller they fill a glaring need with solid talent.  Sione Pouha will be a force on the defensive line.  I suppose it was a quaint day one...they chose a kicker first, didn’t they?

 

Day two:  Two safeties back to back puzzled me in Rhodes and Maddox. Cedric Houston will be a nice compliment to their backfield, and Joel Dreessen was an excellent value in the 6th.  Williams, the small school WR, will have some work to do just to make the roster, but wasn't a terrible pick by any means.

 

 

Team Needs

Oakland Raiders

A

 

 

They looked immediately to the secondary and took speedy defenders in Fabian Washington and then Stanford Routt.  Although, I’m not sure I would have taken two CBs back to back.  Andrew Walter, like Charlie Frye, is one of my favorite QBs in this draft, and I think the Raiders will look back on this 3rd round pick as a steal.  Then to top off a very good first day, Kirk Morrison, the man-eating monster, was the cherry on top.  I love Morrison as well. Raider fans should be pleased with their day one.

 

Day two:  Fantastic day two as well. Are we talking about the Raiders? Even with off the field problems Hawthorne was easily day one talent and they get him in the 6th! Wow!  Throw in Ryan Riddle and Pete McMahon at OT, another Iowa bookend to go with Gallery, and the Raiders on paper are cruising right along.

 

 

Team Needs

Philadelphia Eagles

B+

 

 

I admit being surprised at the Patterson pick being this early.  However, we knew that the defensive line was a need. I’m still shocked however that his teammate Shaun Cody wasn’t first.  Reggie Brown fills a need at WR and is a great 2nd round value for the Eagles.  I also believe Ryan Moats will thrive in this system.  It’s hard to get a bead on him, and he gives a struggling backfield depth right now.

 

Day two.  The Eagles had so many picks it was almost like they were just playing.  Considine is a nice add at S but they spent most of the day beefing up the offensive line with Herremans, Young and Armstrong.  Some will make it, some won't; it’s a luxury the Eagles have.  Trent Cole at DE was a really nice addition in my opinion. I like Cole and his motor.

 

 

Team Needs

Pittsburgh Steelers

C+

 

 

It was a dreadful first day for the Steelers in my opinion. Heath Miller was just a glamour pick for them unless their offensive philosophy changes…Can anyone say Mark Bruener?  Look for the Steelers to tack on 30 more pounds on Miller and have an extra tackle. Bryant McFadden was a big name early, but will be a specialist at best in the NFL unless he gets back to form.  Trai Essex in the 3rd?  This pick completely baffles me.  He’s a project at best, could have easily been a 5th or even 6th round pick.

 

Day two: After giving them a D+ on day one, the Steelers pulled themselves out of the Essex mess with a very solid 2nd day.  Gibson at WR to compete to replace Burress, and Wallace at LB to help fill the Bell void were mid-round steals. Kemoeatu at OG, who should have easily been taken before Essex, and Nua at DE are very nice late round picks.  Noah Herron RB, who has great hands and would most likely be used more as a FB, fits right into the Steelers’ mold of larger backs.

 

 

Team Needs

San Diego Chargers

A-

 

 

With Williamson gone as an option, the Chargers went with their other obvious need right away and took Shawne Merriman, and then surprisingly took Castillo in the first.  With their D solidified they were able to grab Vincent Jackson in the 2nd. Too early for Jackson, but with all other name receivers gone, they obviously felt he was the best value on the board, especially since they didn’t have the 3rd round to wait on him.

 

Day two: I don't care what anyone says about size, Sproles was an excellent grab. Then they get Wesley Britt in the 5th at OT along with Sims at OG and Mruczkowski at center ―  a beautiful day two for the Bolts, with just about every single one of these guys having a chance to make this team and be impact players.