NFL 2012 Draft

[JamesSavik]

2012 NFL Draft Grades for Each Team

 

Athlon Sports

 

by Nathan Rush

 

http://www.athlonspo...-draft-grades-0

 

 

It's never too early to grade the 2012 NFL Draft, which saw Commissioner Roger Goodell hugging and high-fiving future Pro Bowlers and potential busts. Here's a team-by-team look at the winners and losers from this year:

 

Arizona Cardinals

Grade: C+

Pick. Player, Pos., School

13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

80. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

112. Bobby Massie, T, Ole Miss

151. Senio Kelemete, T, Washington

177. Justin Bethel, CB, Presbyterian

185. Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State

221. Nate Potter, T, Boise State

Twin Cities product Michael Floyd joins fellow Purple Rain fan Larry Fitzgerald, who practiced with Vikings' soon-to-be Hall of Famers Randy Moss and Cris Carter once upon a time. Reminds me of Nick Fairley teaming up with Ndamukong Suh in Detroit last year; even if he would've busted under different circumstances, he should be at least above-average with an All-Pro to mimic. O-line, as always, was an issue for the Cards, who brought in a trio led by fast-rising raw tackle prospect Bobby Massie.

 

Atlanta Falcons

Grade: C

Pick. Player, Pos., School

55. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

91. Lamar Holmes, T, Southern Miss

157. Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin

164. Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy

192. Charles Mitchell, S, Mississippi State

249. Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina

Julio Jones has to be factored into the 2012 draft for the Dirty Birds, who traded their first- and fourth-rounders this year (along with their first-, second- and fourth-round picks in 2011) to move up from No. 27 overall to the Browns' No. 6 overall last year in order to acquire the soft-J wideout who throws hard blocks, goes over the middle and provides another deep threat across from Roddy White. Hit rewind, a vanilla draft is spiced up by a game-breaking option such as Jones.

 

Baltimore Ravens

Grade: B

Pick. Player, Pos., School

35. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

60. Kelechi Osemele, T, Iowa State

84. Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple

98. Gino Gradkowski, G, Delaware

130. Christian Thompson, S, South Carolina State

169. Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly

198. Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami

236. Deangelo Tyson, DE, Georgia

Bama's Courtney Upshaw was ready to be the fifth member of the Crimson Tide drafted in the first round on Thursday. Instead, the edge rusher had to stay the night in New York before being drafted by Alabama Hall of Fame tight end and Baltimore draft guru Ozzie Newsome. Upshaw will learn from and play next to Ray Lewis, and be protected by Haloti Ngata up front. Who needs the first round if that's your fate? As usual, Ozzie got his guy and collected picks for later; he's one of the best.

 

Buffalo Bills

Grade: C

Pick. Player, Pos., School

10. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

41. Cordy Glenn, T, Georgia

69. T.J. Graham, WR, NC State

105. Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State

124. Ron Brooks, CB, LSU

144. Zebrie Sanders, T, Florida State

147. Tank Carder, LB, TCU

178. Mark Asper, G, Oregon

251. John Potter, K, Western Michigan

Stephon Gilmore's stock soared northbound all the way to Toronto, or at least upstate New York, in the weeks leading up to the draft. But the corner with fewer red flags than Dre Kirkpatrick and Janoris Jenkins didn't look too happy to be roaming with the Bills to Canada, or Ralph Wilson's temporary Buffalo home. FSU's Nigel Bradham and TCU's Tank Carder are underrated linebackers who should make plays in the domed Rogers Centre sooner rather than later. Seriously, the Bills are moving to Toronto, or else they wouldn't be playing ANY games there, right?

 

Carolina Panthers

Grade: B+

Pick. Player, Pos., School

9. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

40. Amini Silatolu, T, Midwestern State

103. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma

104. Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas

143. Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina

207. Brad Nortman, P, Wisconsin

216. D.J. Campbell, S, California

If Luke Kuechly is Dan Morgan without the concussions, Carolina's front office will feel like Cam Newton must every day since he enrolled at Auburn. (Cam won the BCS national title and Heisman Trophy before being the NFL's No. 1 overall pick and Offensive Rookie of the Year, as well as Under Armour's face of the franchise, for those who haven't followed the "icon and entertainer.") Kuechly is now the quarterback of the Cats' defense. Amini Silatolu was a fringe-first-rounder who adds beef on the O-line.

 

Chicago Bears

Grade: C–

Pick. Player, Pos., School

19. Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State

45. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

79. Brandon Hardin, S, Oregon State

111. Evan Rodriguez, TE, Temple

184. Isaiah Frey, CB, Nevada

220. Greg McCoy, CB, TCU

Sorry, Jay Cutler. No offensive line help for you. Keep proving how tough you are. Stare down Brandon Marshall until Alshon Jeffery gets open. What do you mean he can't separate from defenders and isn't as big as he was listed during his career at South Carolina? Get that look off your face, we traded for your buddy Brandon. That's one more receiver than you've had since coming to Chicago.

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: A

Pick. Player, Pos., School

17. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

27. Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

53. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

83. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

93. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

116. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

156. Shaun Prater, CB, Iowa

166. Marvin Jones, WR, California

167. George Iloka, S, Boise State

191. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State

Mohamed Sanu was prank called prior to the No. 27 overall pick by the Bengals in the first round. Someone pulled off a cruel joke by convincing Sanu that he had been drafted by Cincy; his agent confirmed via Twitter. I wouldn't blame Sanu if he hung up on the call from Cincinnati at No. 83 overall. I also wouldn't be shocked if the Bengals discovered who Sanu was by reading a story on Deadspin about his unfortunately well-executed crank-yank.

 

Cleveland Browns

Grade: B

Pick. Player, Pos., School

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

22. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

37. Mitchell Schwartz, T, California

87. John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati

100. Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami

120. James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada

160. Ryan Miller, G, Colorado

204. Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas

205. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State

245. Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona

247. Brad Smelley, TE, Alabama

Plan A was trading the Nos. 4 and 22 picks (and whatever else it took) to move up and acquire Robert Griffin III. After that fell through, Plan B was Trent Richardson, the second first-round back (along with Mark Ingram) from Alabama's 2009 BCS national title team. There was no Plan C. So, when rumors started swirling around that the Jets were looking to trade up to No. 3 for T-Town's top runner, the Browns were forced to trade up one spot. It was the right call. Brandon Weeden, who is nearly 15 months older than LeBron James, was not the right move, however. But hey, Cleveland just added the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson, no matter what an angry Jim Brown thinks. Take the Browns' paper bags off your head, Cleveland. It's okay. When Weeden grows up, he wants to be just like Colt McCoy.

 

Dallas Cowboys

Grade: A

Pick. Player, Pos., School

6. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

81. Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State

113. Kyle Wilber, LB, Wake Forest

135. Matt Johnson, S, Eastern Washington

152. Danny Coale, WR, Virginia Tech

186. James Hanna, TE, Oklahoma

222. Caleb McSurdy, LB, Montana

Jerry Jones might as well turn the "Palace in Dallas" (or "Jerry's House") into a year-round Scouting Combine. He did, after all, witness Morris Claiborne hurdling Ducks and shutting down Oregon receivers first-hand during the season opening 40-27 LSU win over UO in Arlington last year. Needing secondary help on their Big D, the Cowboys made a Texas-sized move up the board to get their cover man. The only question was whether it would be Claiborne or Alabama safety Mark Barron, who went one pick later to the Buccaneers. Either would have been a grade-A move.

 

Denver Broncos

Grade: D

Pick. Player, Pos., School

36. Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati

57. Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

67. Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State

101. Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State

108. Philip Blake, C, Baylor

137. Malik Jackson, DT, Tennessee

188. Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky

The Tim Tebow trade has brought out the worst in everyone, especially NFL Network's Rich Eisen and Mike Mayock, who got in a Day Three verbal slap-fest over super-agent Jimmy Sexton's favorite client and super-petty John Elway's least favorite person. Mayock, who refused to say the name "Tim Tebow," came crashing down after his three-day bender of Red Bull with a splash of 5-Hour Energy Drink cocktails. Eisen was more than happy to bring up as many Tebow references as possible, whenever the Broncos or Jets picked. Mayock exploded in a much-ado-about-nothing turn of events; Eisen basked in the meltdown. Turns out, Tebow wins again.

 

Detroit Lions

Grade: B

Pick. Player, Pos., School

23. Riley Reiff, T, Iowa

54. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

85. Dwight Bentley, CB, UL Lafayette

125. Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

138. Tahir Whitehead, LB, Temple

148. Chris Greenwood, CB, Albion

196. Jonte Green, CB, New Mexico State

223. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

The short arms of Riley Reiff pushed him down the board on draft night, after the latest Iowa tackle was presumed to be a top-15 pick earlier in the draft evaluation process. Ryan Broyles' 4,500 yards and 45 receiving TDs at Oklahoma meant something after all. U-La-La's Dwight Bentley looked so good on tape and at the Combine, the Lions only needed to draft an Albion and New Mexico State corner to sleep well at night. One of Oklahoma's Lewis linebackers better pan out.

 

Green Bay Packers

Grade: C

Pick. Player, Pos., School

28. Nick Perry, DE, USC

51. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

62. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

132. Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa

133. Jerron McMillan, S, Maine

163. Terrell Manning, LB, NC State

241. Andrew Datko, T, Florida State

243. B.J. Coleman, QB, UT Chattanooga

Brett Favre's best friend (and agent Bus Cook's client) B.J. Coleman stole the headlines for no legit good reason. Favre has a better chance of starting in Green Bay than Coleman. USC end Nick Perry and Michigan State tackle Jerel Worthy were overrated, but being surrounded with Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji may help mask their deficiencies. Vandy's Casey Hayward is a ball-hawk corner with upside. Ted Thompson took a few chances but did just fine, as usual.

 

Houston Texans

Grade: B+

Pick. Player, Pos., School

26. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

68. DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State

76. Brandon Brooks, G, Miami (Ohio)

99. Ben Jones, C, Georgia

121. Keshawn Martin, WR, Michigan State

126. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska

161. Randy Bullock, K, Texas A&M

195. Nick Mondek, T, Purdue

After making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, the Texans did what they could to replace free-agent export Mario Williams (with the bizarro-initialled Whitney Mercilus) and help protect oft-injured Andre Johnson (by selecting DeVier Posey). Nebraska D-tackle Jared Crick could be the steal, after having his draft stock plummet due to a torn pectoral injury earlier in the season.

 

Indianapolis Colts

Grade: A

Pick. Player, Pos., School

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

34. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

64. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

92. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International

136. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

170. Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State

206. LaVon Brazill, WR, Ohio

208. Justin Anderson, T, Georgia

214. Tim Fugger, DE, Vanderbilt

253. Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois

Stanford's Andrew Luck (2012) follows in the horseshoes of Tennessee's Peyton Manning (1998), Illinois' Jeff George (1990), Stanford's John Elway (1983) and Oregon's George Shaw (1955) as quarterbacks picked No. 1 overall in Colts history. Oliver's son, Jim Harbaugh's recruit and David Shaw's security blanket is one of the better prepared players to enter the league in some time. Surrounding Luck with his Stanford teammate, tight end Coby Fleener, was brilliant. Adding another tight end, Dwayne Allen, was a move of genius. Indy acquired the top two tight ends in the draft, giving Luck a Tom Brady-style offense with wanna-be Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez comfort zone options. That said, the Colts should still battle the Jaguars for worst team in the NFL in 2013.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade: D

Pick. Player, Pos., School

5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

38. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

70. Bryan Anger, P, California

142. Brandon Marshall, LB, Nevada

176. Mike Harris, CB, Florida State

228. Jeris Pendleton, DT, Ashland

This grade is based on Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert being a clear-cut bust who is afraid to hold on to the football long enough to look downfield. It may not be Justin Blackmon's fault, but if he catches 30 passes for 400 yards, he'll catch unfair heat due to Gabbert (and who?) not being able to get him the ball. Andre Branch is a boom-or-bust. The punter pick of Bryan Anger speaks to the mindset of the organization right now. They punted this draft. And shanked it.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Grade: D

Pick. Player, Pos., School

11. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

44. Jeff Allen, T, Illinois

74. Donald Stephenson, T, Oklahoma

107. Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno State

146. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

182. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

218. Jerome Long, DT, San Diego State

238. Junior Hemingway, WR, Michigan

If Memphis' Dontari Poe is not at least a non-BCS version of Patriots All-Pro nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who went No. 21 to the Patriots in the epic 2004 draft, than the ex-Patriots running the Chiefs (namely Scott Pioli) will be very disappointed. At 6'4", 346 pounds, Poe ran a 4.98 in the 40 and ripped off 44 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the Combine. That will play. Or will it? He played piss-Poe against mediocre competition at Memphis. Still, the Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells coaching tree has branched out to KC; there are only so many men on Earth with Poe's measurable size, strength and speed.

 

Miami Dolphins

Grade: D

Pick. Player, Pos., School

8. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

42. Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford

72. Oliver Vernon, DE, Miami

78. Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri

97. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

155. Josh Kaddu, LB, Oregon

183. B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State

215. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas

227. Rishard Matthews, WR, Nevada

There's another beautiful woman moving to Miami. Ryan Tannehill's wife, Lauren (not pictured), lit up the green room at Radio City Music Hall. This pick was essentially made by first-year Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who hired Joe Philbin (his new boss in Miami) with the Packers way back in 2003 and coached Tannehill at Texas A&M just yesterday (or last year, 2011). Anyone who thinks this is the "next Dan Marino" must have only watched the first half of Aggie games this year. Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin played next to guard David DeCastro and blocked for quarterback Andrew Luck, but he is a notch below both in terms of both toughness and talent.

 

Minnesota Vikings

Grade: A

Pick. Player, Pos., School

4. Matt Kalil, T, USC

29. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

66. Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida

118. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

128. Rhett Ellison, FB, USC

134. Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas

139. Robert Blanton, CB, Notre Dame

175. Blair Walsh, K, Georgia

210. Audie Cole, LB, NC State

219. Trevor Guyton, DE, California

Matt Kalil is a left tackle prodigy carrying on a rich USC tradition that includes Anthony Munoz and Tony Boselli. He also has an older brother, Ryan Kalil, who is a Pro Bowl center for the Panthers. His father, Frank, played ball in the USFL and is a big talking NFL breeder at this point. But it was the ladies of the Kalil family, mom in a red dress and sister in an orange skirt who took home top prospect honors. High jumping back into the first round and taking underrated, athletic Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith was a savvy movve.

 

New England Patriots

Grade: A

Pick. Player, Pos., School

21. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

25. Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama

48. Tavon Wilson, S, Illinois

90. Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas

197. Nate Ebner, S, Ohio State

224. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

235. Jeremy Ebert, WR, Northwestern

Bill Belichick bounced around early to get both Alabama middle linebacker and part-time sledgehammer Dont'a Hightower and Syracuse edge rusher Chandler Jones (brother of MMA champ light heavyweight champ Jon "Bones" Jones). New England also added a fringe second-third-round-type in the seventh round in Nebraska corner Alfonzo Dennard. Make your Jeremy Ebert, Wes Welker comparisons in the privacy of your own home, lest ye be judged.

 

New Orleans Saints

Grade: IR

Pick. Player, Pos., School

89. Akiem Hicks, DE, Regina

122. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

162. Corey White, S, Samford

179. Andrew Tiller, G, Syracuse

234. Marcel Jones, T, Nebraska

This is what Commissioner Roger Goodell's death penalty (lost second round) plus trading up to take Alabama back Mark Ingram last year (traded first round) looks like. Also, Gregg Williams may have told the Saints to "kill the head"; after all, the draft did die. That's not a funny joke to everyone who is familiar with Al Toon's concussion history.

 

New York Giants

Grade: B

Pick. Player, Pos., School

32. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

63. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

94. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

127. Adrien Robinson, TE, Cincinnati

131. Brandon Mosley, T, Auburn

201. Matt McCants, T, UAB

239. Markus Kuhn, DT, NC State

The defending Super Bowl champs made up for Eli Manning being the third most talked about quarterback in his own city. Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez got nothing on Eli, who has two Super Bowl rings to go along with his new fast running back (Virginia Tech's David Wilson) and new big receiver (LSU's Rueben Randle). Jerry Reese has Big Blue well under control.

 

New York Jets

Grade: D

Pick. Player, Pos., School

16. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

43. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

77. Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State

187. Josh Bush, S, Wake Forest

202. Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor

203. Robert T. Griffin, G, Baylor

242. Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina

244. Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan

Vernon Ghoston Jr., a.k.a. Quinton Coples, is not the safest bet after showing "very indifferent tape" yet "Julius Peppers type ability" according to NFL Network's Mike Mayock. Stephen Hill is fast, and drafting behind Georgia Tech products Demaryius Thomas and Calvin Johnson, but he's not the prospect either Rambin' Wreck wideouts were. Baylor's Robert T. Griffin has a name grade fit for a king, but his socks don't match.

 

Oakland Raiders

Grade: RIP

Pick. Player, Pos., School

95. Tony Bergstrom, T, Utah

129. Miles Burris, LB, San Diego State

158. Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

168. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

189. Christo Bilukidi, DE, Georgia State

230. Nathan Stupar, LB, Penn State

The first draft since the late, great Al Davis (July 4, 1929 - Oct. 8, 2011). "Just win, baby," was a motto that set the tone for an organization that won three Super Bowls under Al Davis, the draft day architect for 50 years in Oakland and Los Angeles, in the AFL and NFL. The Raiders have not yet properly replaced Mr. Davis, and it showed in this year's draft results.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Grade: B–

Pick. Player, Pos., School

12. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

46. Mychal Kendricks, LB, California

59. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

88. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

123. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

153. Dennis Kelly, T, Purdue

194. Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

200. Brandon Washington, G, Miami

229. Bryce Brown, RB, Kansas State

Philly fans boo Andy Reid for being too predictable on game day. Well, it's just as easy to guess what Reid will do on draft day. The Eagles took D-line early (Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox, Marshall's Vinny Curry) and a project quarterback (Arizona's Nick Foles) for the QB professor, and a linebacker (California's Mychal Kendricks) to keep the faithful from rioting.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade: A+

Pick. Player, Pos., School

24. David DeCastro, G, Stanford

56. Mike Adams, T, Ohio State

86. Sean Spence, LB, Miami

109. Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington

159. Chris Rainey, RB, Florida

231. Toney Clemons, WR, Colorado

240. David Paulson, TE, Oregon

246. Terrence Frederick, CB, Texas A&M

248. Kelvin Beachum, T, SMU

The best overall draft of 2012. Pittsburgh added two plug-and-play offensive linemen, with Stanford's "can't miss" guard David DeCastro in the first round and Ohio State's "problem child" tackle Mike Adams in the second round. Both were value picks, at Nos. 24 and 56, respectively. Then, Blitz-burgh added a sideline-to-sideline linebacker in Miami's Sean Spence, a zero-technique nose tackle in Washington's Alameda Ta'amu and a triple-threat track star in Florida's Chris Rainey, who new offensive coordinator (and former Chiefs coach) Todd Haley sees in a Dexter McCluster-type role.

 

San Diego Chargers

Grade: B–

Pick. Player, Pos., School

18. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

49. Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

73. Brandon Taylor, S, LSU

110. Ladarius Green, TE, UL Lafayette

149. Johnnie Troutman, G, Penn State

226. David Molk, C, Michigan

250. Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State

The best high-five of Thursday night, South Carolina tweener Melvin Ingram hyped upped Commissioner Roger Goodell's perceived street cred with a choreographed greeting on stage, shortly after Ingram was drafted much later than he intended. The Commish hugs and has special handshakes on draft night. It's impressive. Meanwhile, the "Lord of No Rings" A.J. Smith did a solid though not spectacular job. It's doubtful that Smith or coach Norv Turner had a special high-five planned the first time they met Ingram.

 

San Francisco 49ers

Grade: C–

Pick. Player, Pos., School

30. A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

61. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

117. Joe Looney, G, Wake Forest

165. Darius Fleming, LB, Notre Dame

180. Trent Robinson, S, Michigan State

199. Jason Slowey, C, Western Oregon

237. Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia

Why didn't Jim Harbaugh just draft his old Stanford players? Everyone in the Bay Area would have been happier. Illinois wideout A.J. Jenkins and Oregon running back LaMichael James add much-needed speed to the Niners offense. But both were over-drafted and are likely candidates to under-perform.

 

Seattle Seahawks

Grade: D

Pick. Player, Pos., School

15. Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia

47. Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State

75. Russell Wilson, QB, NC State

106. Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State

114. Jaye Howard, DT, Florida

154. Korey Toomer, LB, Idaho

172. Jeremy Lane, CB, Northwestern State

181. Winston Guy, S, Kentucky

225. JR Sweezy, DE, NC State

232. Greg Scruggs, DE, Louisville

Speaking of former Pac-10, BCS bowl-winning coaches who over-drafted prospects likely to under-perform, former USC beach boy Pete Carroll recruited a junior college pass rusher in Bruce Irvin. A couch-burner from West Virginia, Irvin has plenty of red flags waving but enough strip-sack potential to roll the dice on. NC State and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson (along with his very-TV-aware blonde fiance and her purse dog) had more face time on day two of ESPN's draft coverage than Seattle's second-round pick, Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner, did during his entire college career.

 

St. Louis Rams

Grade: A

Pick. Player, Pos., School

14. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

33. Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

39. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

50. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

65. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

96. Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest

150. Rokevious Watkins, T, South Carolina

171. Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western

209. Aaron Brown, LB, Hawaii

252. Daryl Richardson, RB, Abilene Christian

Jeff Fisher impression starts now: The Rams got the Redskins 2012, 2013 and 2014 first-rounders in the RG3 trade; beast LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers, who has a LeBron James beard; Pacman Jones 2.0 in Florida and North Alabama corner-returner Janoris Jenkins; and Montana product Trumaine Johnson. FYI, Johnson, Fisher's son and Fisher's son's friend, Titans Pro Bowl return specialist Marc Mariani, all played ball at Montana and were drafted by Fisher in some capacity. The RG3 trade riches will buy the Rams high-priced talent over the next couple drafts. It's up to Fisher and Co. to make those picks continue to count.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade: B+

Pick. Player, Pos., School

7. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

31. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

58. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

140. Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia

174. Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia

212. Michael Smith, RB, Utah State

233. Drake Dunsmore, TE, Northwestern

Team Tampa 2 played press coverage in the first round, moving down to pick Alabama safety Mark Barron and moving up to grab Boise State running back Doug Martin. Both players should make an immediate impact. Barron was a two-time national champ and defensive leader for Nick Saban's Crimson Tide. Nebraska blackshirt backer Lavonte David and the West Virginia duo of linebacker Najee Goode and corner Keith Tandy rounded out a solid defensive draft for first-year coach Greg Schiano.

 

Tennessee Titans

Grade: C

Pick. Player, Pos., School

20. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

52. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

82. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

115. Coty Sensabaugh, CB, Clemson

145. Taylor Thompson, TE, SMU

190. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

211. Scott Solomon, DE, Rice

The Zach Brown Band is playing Music City. Problem is, NFL Network's Mike Mayock called the North Carolina linebacker "allergic to contact," to which Rich Eisen cracked, "can't you take Claritin for that?" Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin and Clemson cornerback Coty Sensabaugh are excellent value picks. The surprise selection of Baylor receiver Kendall Wright may say more about the organization's lack of trust in Kenny Britt, whose injuries and off-field issues continue to mount.

 

Washington Redskins

Grade: A

Pick. Player, Pos., School

2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

71. Josh LeRibeus, G, SMU

102. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

119. Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas

141. Adam Gettis, G, Iowa

173. Alfred Morris, RB, Florida Atlantic

193. Tom Compton, T, South Dakota

213. Richard Crawford, CB, SMU

217. Jordan Bernstine, CB, Iowa

Robert Griffin III's old school Redskins color scheme "Go Catch Your Dreams" socks were a nice touch for the adidas spokesman who wore Superman socks to his victorious Heisman Trophy ceremony. A true dual-threat, RG3 is a seemingly a perfect fit for Mike Shanahan's version of the West Coast offense, which Steve Young, John Elway and Jay Cutler all thrived in since the early 1990s. The selection of Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins is a fascinating but logical one. RG3 and Cousins can compete and grow together, while giving Washington two potential leaders for the future.

[Mark92]

My teams are the Bucc's and the Pats Thanks for that.

[PrivateTim]

I would have to know who Nathan Rush is to make a judgment and know how is grading from years past is before commenting too much, but I didn't like some of his smarmy comments.

[W_L]

Pats made the best draft pick choices this year, so there A+

 

(Steeler did make great picks too, but I'd rank it A, not A+, the Pats should have focused on our Defensive line last year, but alas, Pride before the fall).

[Bill W]

Here's a little different perspective from Chris Burke at Sports Illustrated.

 

http://nfl.si.com/2012/04/29/2012-nfl-draft-grades/?xid=si_nfl

[JamesSavik]

Athlon Sports publishes a pro football preview every year in July. It is one of the better ones out there and has been uncannily accurate for a number of years.

 

They predicted the downfall of the Colts and the surge of the Texans last year when all the rest were predicting yet another division title for Peyton Manning and the Colts.

[PrivateTim]

Athlon Sports publishes a pro football preview every year in July. It is one of the better ones out there and has been uncannily accurate for a number of years.

 

They predicted the downfall of the Colts and the surge of the Texans last year when all the rest were predicting yet another division title for Peyton Manning and the Colts.

 

I like Athlon a lot, at least for their college football previews. Pro football bores me to tears compared to college football, but what else IS there on a Sunday?

 

But without a bio on Rush, his opinion is no more relevant to me than anyone online at GA. If I could see where he gets his expertise from, I might give him more credibility.

[JamesSavik]

My draft grades

 

---------------------------------------------

 

Arizona Cardinals

Pick. Player, Pos., School

13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

80. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

112. Bobby Massie, T, Ole Miss

151. Senio Kelemete, T, Washington

177. Justin Bethel, CB, Presbyterian

185. Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State

221. Nate Potter, T, Boise State

 

The Cards appear to need pretty much everything and are at least 2 years away from becoming competetive inside their division. They appear to have done OK going for firepower early and meat & potatoes late. I give this draft a B and expect the Cards to improve with the addition of a deep threat, a solid corner and several promising linemen.

 

 

 

 

Atlanta Falcons

Pick. Player, Pos., School

55. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

91. Lamar Holmes, T, Southern Miss

157. Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin

164. Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy

192. Charles Mitchell, S, Mississippi State

249. Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina

 

This may be a better draft for the dirty birds than it appears at first glance. Without a first round pick, the birds did a good job finding talent and depth. Over the last few years the Falcons have been a competetive team but they have been missing something on defense that this draft may provide. Charles Mitchell was a steal and will help immediatly in a secondary that gets burned too often. The other picks provide needed depth. A very utilitarian draft, that will not add flash but strength to a defense that needs it. My grade: C+

 

 

 

Baltimore Ravens

Pick. Player, Pos., School

35. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

60. Kelechi Osemele, T, Iowa State

84. Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple

98. Gino Gradkowski, G, Delaware

130. Christian Thompson, S, South Carolina State

169. Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly

198. Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami

236. Deangelo Tyson, DE, Georgia

 

Apparently the fans weren't the only ones to notice the aging Ravens defense last year. Taking Upshaw with their first pick was a very loud statement that the Ravens plan on keeping their defense among the NFLs elite. The Ravens used four of six picks on their picks on defense. Now if they can figure out how to score a few points. My grade: A-

 

 

Buffalo Bills

Pick. Player, Pos., School

10. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

41. Cordy Glenn, T, Georgia

69. T.J. Graham, WR, NC State

105. Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State

124. Ron Brooks, CB, LSU

144. Zebrie Sanders, T, Florida State

147. Tank Carder, LB, TCU

178. Mark Asper, G, Oregon

251. John Potter, K, Western Michigan

 

Buffalo made huge strides towards respectability last year. It looks like they will be trying to pick up where they left off. They got the best shut-down corner in the draft and added depth in the lower rounds. They look like a team positioned to move up and give their divisional opponents a run for their money. My grade: A+

 

 

Carolina Panthers

Pick. Player, Pos., School

9. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

40. Amini Silatolu, T, Midwestern State

103. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma

104. Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas

143. Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina

207. Brad Nortman, P, Wisconsin

216. D.J. Campbell, S, California

 

Carolina is still rebuilding and this draft addresses needs on both sides of the ball. Look for their number 1 pick Luke Kuechly to be a pro-bowler, Frank Alexander will push the starters for playing time on the d-line and the Arkansas WR Joe Adams to be a big surprise and instant target for Cam Newton. My grade: A

 

 

 

Chicago Bears

Pick. Player, Pos., School

19. Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State

45. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

79. Brandon Hardin, S, Oregon State

111. Evan Rodriguez, TE, Temple

184. Isaiah Frey, CB, Nevada

220. Greg McCoy, CB, TCU

 

Tell me why a team that is deep and powerful on defense and can't score spent four of six pick on defense and their number one? Jeffery and Rodriguez are welcome targets for Jay Cutler but the Bears badly needed to upgrade their ground game and o-line. My grade: C-

 

 

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Pick. Player, Pos., School

17. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

27. Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

53. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

83. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

93. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

116. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

156. Shaun Prater, CB, Iowa

166. Marvin Jones, WR, California

167. George Iloka, S, Boise State

191. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State

 

The Cats have been hoarding draft picks. They were much improved last season and have added enough firepower to make them a contender for the division crown. The AFC Central will be a lot of fun to watch this year. My grade: A+

 

 

Cleveland Browns

Pick. Player, Pos., School

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

22. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

37. Mitchell Schwartz, T, California

87. John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati

100. Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami

120. James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada

160. Ryan Miller, G, Colorado

204. Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas

205. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State

245. Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona

247. Brad Smelley, TE, Alabama

 

Cleveland was horrible last year but should be much improved with this draft which gives them the core of a good offense in Richardson(RB), Weeden(QB), Schwartz(T) and Benjamin(WR) and does a good job finding value in the lower rounds. Even their last pick Smelley(TE) can play. This team still has a long way to go before they can hang with Pittsburg and Baltimore but they are taking the right steps. My grade: A+

 

 

Dallas Cowboys

Pick. Player, Pos., School

6. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

81. Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State

113. Kyle Wilber, LB, Wake Forest

135. Matt Johnson, S, Eastern Washington

152. Danny Coale, WR, Virginia Tech

186. James Hanna, TE, Oklahoma

222. Caleb McSurdy, LB, Montana

 

Jerry Jones make a strong bid to shore up the perennially underacheiving Dallas defense. He added speed and power to the secondary, linebackers and d-line. Now if they would just ditch the consistently inconsistent Tony Romo, they might just get somewhere. My grade: B+

 

 

Denver Broncos

Pick. Player, Pos., School

36. Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati

57. Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

67. Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State

101. Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State

108. Philip Blake, C, Baylor

137. Malik Jackson, DT, Tennessee

188. Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky

 

Save us Peyton Manning you're our only hope. A very plain vanilla draft. Not at all what might have been expected for a team on the cusp of respectability which just acquired an aging the-future-is-now quarterback. I'm not at all sure what they were planning. It will be interesting to see what they do in the free agency market. Manning still needs a deep threat and a running back and I don't see any of that here. They did fill some depth needs. My grade: D+

 

 

Detroit Lions

Pick. Player, Pos., School

23. Riley Reiff, T, Iowa

54. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

85. Dwight Bentley, CB, UL Lafayette

125. Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

138. Tahir Whitehead, LB, Temple

148. Chris Greenwood, CB, Albion

196. Jonte Green, CB, New Mexico State

223. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

 

After making a statement last year, Detroit is back looking for beef. At the top of the draft they picked a body-guard for Stafford and a WR. Then they picked 3 corners and 3 linebackers. Looks like they are serious about improving their defenses 3rd down performance. I like it. My grade: A+

 

 

Green Bay Packers

Pick. Player, Pos., School

28. Nick Perry, DE, USC

51. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

62. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

132. Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa

133. Jerron McMillan, S, Maine

163. Terrell Manning, LB, NC State

241. Andrew Datko, T, Florida State

243. B.J. Coleman, QB, UT Chattanooga

 

So- what do you draft when you appear to be one of the most complete teams in the league? Depth. Meat & potatoes. It's not going to excite anybody but it wins games. They added strength to their d-line and Casey Hayward (CB, Vanderbilt) is a smart corner that will surprise people. My grade: B-

 

 

 

Houston Texans

Pick. Player, Pos., School

26. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

68. DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State

76. Brandon Brooks, G, Miami (Ohio)

99. Ben Jones, C, Georgia

121. Keshawn Martin, WR, Michigan State

126. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska

161. Randy Bullock, K, Texas A&M

195. Nick Mondek, T, Purdue

 

How do you follow up your first division title and playoff appearence? You try to add the firepower to get past the first round of the playoffs. The Texans added a pass-riusher and an upgrade to their o-line at the top of the draft and added some skill payers late. Not a flashy draft but a solid one. My grade: B

 

 

Indianapolis Colts

Pick. Player, Pos., School

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

34. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

64. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

92. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International

136. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

170. Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State

206. LaVon Brazill, WR, Ohio

208. Justin Anderson, T, Georgia

214. Tim Fugger, DE, Vanderbilt

253. Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois

 

Oh how the mighty have fallen. The Colts folded last year in the absence of Peyton Manning. They won the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. Thyey used the rest of the draft exceptionally well giving Luck a number of talented reciever and a power-back in Vick Ballard. It will be years before the Colts are a dominate team again but they should be fun to watch as this team comes together. My grade: A+

 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick. Player, Pos., School

5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

38. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

70. Bryan Anger, P, California

142. Brandon Marshall, LB, Nevada

176. Mike Harris, CB, Florida State

228. Jeris Pendleton, DT, Ashland

 

The Jags were horrible last year and it all centered around poor QB play and this draft failed to address any of the core issues that made last year such a nightmare. They added a great reciever and improved their defense but the key question remains unresolved: who will run the offense? My Grade: C-

 

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Pick. Player, Pos., School

11. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

44. Jeff Allen, T, Illinois

74. Donald Stephenson, T, Oklahoma

107. Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno State

146. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

182. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

218. Jerome Long, DT, San Diego State

238. Junior Hemingway, WR, Michigan

 

The Chiefs are a very bad team. They are still working on their decades long rebuilding program with no end in sight. No established QB. No particular strengths at any position. Just deaft a lot of guys and hope for the best. They should get a decent offensive line out of this draft. My grade: C+

 

 

 

Miami Dolphins

Pick. Player, Pos., School

8. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

42. Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford

72. Oliver Vernon, DE, Miami

78. Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri

97. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

155. Josh Kaddu, LB, Oregon

183. B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State

215. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas

227. Rishard Matthews, WR, Nevada

 

Ryan Tannehill isn't going to make anybody forget Dan Marino but it's been a long time since the Dolphins have had an elite QB. Let's just start with competent: Tannehill can do that. That alone would make this a good draft for the fish but they added speed and firepower on both sides of the ball. Look for the Dolphins to be a much improved team this year. My grade: B+

 

 

Minnesota Vikings

Pick. Player, Pos., School

4. Matt Kalil, T, USC

29. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

66. Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida

118. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

128. Rhett Ellison, FB, USC

134. Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas

139. Robert Blanton, CB, Notre Dame

175. Blair Walsh, K, Georgia

210. Audie Cole, LB, NC State

219. Trevor Guyton, DE, California

 

What do you get for a team that needs everything? Start with a monster of an O-line tackle, one of the best safeties available and an under-rated cornerback. The Vikings drafted very well. Expect them to be a much improved and much more physical team. My Grade: A

 

 

New England Patriots

Pick. Player, Pos., School

21. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

25. Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama

48. Tavon Wilson, S, Illinois

90. Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas

197. Nate Ebner, S, Ohio State

224. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

235. Jeremy Ebert, WR, Northwestern

 

The evil empire went whole hog after defense and got some real players. All four of their first four picks could start. This should give the Patriots the kind a defense that we expect from a Belichick coached team. My grade: B+

 

 

New Orleans Saints

Pick. Player, Pos., School

89. Akiem Hicks, DE, Regina

122. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

162. Corey White, S, Samford

179. Andrew Tiller, G, Syracuse

234. Marcel Jones, T, Nebraska

 

Horrible. Sad. Disgusting. The Saints first pick was in the 3rd round after trading up to get Mark Ingram last year and the Commissioners penelty removing their 2nd round pick. All of these guys are long shots. My grade: F

 

 

New York Giants

Pick. Player, Pos., School

32. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

63. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

94. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

127. Adrien Robinson, TE, Cincinnati

131. Brandon Mosley, T, Auburn

201. Matt McCants, T, UAB

239. Markus Kuhn, DT, NC State

 

Looks like a good draft for Eli. He gets a running back, WR and TE in the first four picks. He needs the help and a consistent runner would definitly take some of the pressure off Eli's arm. Further down the draft are a pair of huge tackles that will help protect Manning. I'm surprised that the Giants didn't take much defensively and they needed to. My Grade: B-

 

 

New York Jets

Pick. Player, Pos., School

16. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

43. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

77. Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State

187. Josh Bush, S, Wake Forest

202. Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor

203. Robert T. Griffin, G, Baylor

242. Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina

244. Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan

 

On paper this is an impressive group of players but the Jets problem isn't talent. It appears to be chemistry. The Jets added Tim Tebow in the off season making for one of the strangest combinations in football. The loud, profain Rex Ryan, Mr. Clean Tim Tebow, an underacheiving Mark Sanchez- something has got to give. I think it'll be Rex Ryan. If the Jets are not a much improved team, expect a new coach.

My grade: B-

 

 

Oakland Raiders

Pick. Player, Pos., School

95. Tony Bergstrom, T, Utah

129. Miles Burris, LB, San Diego State

158. Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

168. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

189. Christo Bilukidi, DE, Georgia State

230. Nathan Stupar, LB, Penn State

 

Last year was the first in many years that the Raiders have approached respectability. It looks like they drafted for need. Expect them to start where they left off when their starting QB went down for the season last year. My grade: C

 

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Pick. Player, Pos., School

12. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

46. Mychal Kendricks, LB, California

59. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

88. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

123. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

153. Dennis Kelly, T, Purdue

194. Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

200. Brandon Washington, G, Miami

229. Bryce Brown, RB, Kansas State

 

The Eagles drafted extremely well. Their defense was aging in spots and needed new blood. I like what they have done putting talented rookies in key spots. Look for the Eagles to rebound from last years dissapointing season. My grade: A-

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick. Player, Pos., School

24. David DeCastro, G, Stanford

56. Mike Adams, T, Ohio State

86. Sean Spence, LB, Miami

109. Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington

159. Chris Rainey, RB, Florida

231. Toney Clemons, WR, Colorado

240. David Paulson, TE, Oregon

246. Terrence Frederick, CB, Texas A&M

248. Kelvin Beachum, T, SMU

 

Excellent draft addressing team needs. The Pittsburg O-line was aging and needed strength and Decastro and Adams are just what the doctor ordered. Elsewhere the team added depth and picked up a lot of players who are talented and come from programs with winning traditions. Expect Pittsburg to rebound from a sub-par year (by their standards) and to be the team to beat in the AFC Central.

 

 

San Diego Chargers

Pick. Player, Pos., School

18. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

49. Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

73. Brandon Taylor, S, LSU

110. Ladarius Green, TE, UL Lafayette

149. Johnnie Troutman, G, Penn State

226. David Molk, C, Michigan

250. Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State

 

The Chargers are one of those teams that always drafts well but have yet been able to translate their talent to wins on Sunday. Once again their front office has given them an excellent draft class. It's up to Norv Turner to put it together on the field. They should win their division- KC is horrible, the Raiders are still coming together and the Broncos are in flux with the Manning deal. If the Chargers don't make a run for the division title, look for a change in the front office. My grade: B+

 

 

San Francisco 49ers

Pick. Player, Pos., School

30. A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

61. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

117. Joe Looney, G, Wake Forest

165. Darius Fleming, LB, Notre Dame

180. Trent Robinson, S, Michigan State

199. Jason Slowey, C, Western Oregon

237. Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia

 

The 49ers have to be considered the most improved team in the league last year and are on an upward trajectory under Jim Harbaugh. Their draft class looks solid and adds offensive firepower at the top. I expect them to win their division handily and for happy days to return to 'Frisco. My grade: B

 

 

Seattle Seahawks

Pick. Player, Pos., School

15. Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia

47. Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State

75. Russell Wilson, QB, NC State

106. Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State

114. Jaye Howard, DT, Florida

154. Korey Toomer, LB, Idaho

172. Jeremy Lane, CB, Northwestern State

181. Winston Guy, S, Kentucky

225. JR Sweezy, DE, NC State

232. Greg Scruggs, DE, Louisville

 

This looks like the kind of defensive upgrade that Pete Carroll needs to get Seattle competetive. My Grade: B-

 

 

 

St. Louis Rams

Pick. Player, Pos., School

14. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

33. Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

39. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

50. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

65. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

96. Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest

150. Rokevious Watkins, T, South Carolina

171. Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western

209. Aaron Brown, LB, Hawaii

252. Daryl Richardson, RB, Abilene Christian

 

The Rams drafted like they wanted a defense and still managed to get Sam Bradford some help. They may well be the most improved team next season if Bradford can stay healthy. Look for the Rams to make great stides under Jeff Fisher. My grade: A+

 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick. Player, Pos., School

7. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

31. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

58. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

140. Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia

174. Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia

212. Michael Smith, RB, Utah State

233. Drake Dunsmore, TE, Northwestern

 

Last season's collapse was a horrible disappoint to the Bucs who have addressed their defensive problems in the draft and managed to add some much needed offensive firepower.

My grade: B

 

 

Tennessee Titans

Pick. Player, Pos., School

20. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

52. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

82. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

115. Coty Sensabaugh, CB, Clemson

145. Taylor Thompson, TE, SMU

190. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

211. Scott Solomon, DE, Rice

 

Mike Munchak's first draft as head coach of the Titans looks like a winner. They have added key players on both sides of the ball that should be able to play and contribute in the near term.

My grade: B-

 

Washington Redskins

Pick. Player, Pos., School

2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

71. Josh LeRibeus, G, SMU

102. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

119. Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas

141. Adam Gettis, G, Iowa

173. Alfred Morris, RB, Florida Atlantic

193. Tom Compton, T, South Dakota

213. Richard Crawford, CB, SMU

217. Jordan Bernstine, CB, Iowa

 

The Redskins may have turned in their most effective draft in history netting RG3, the o-linemen necessary to protect him and the core of a new offense. Mike Shanahan has the oppertunity to build a new dynasty in DC as long as Snyder stays in the owners box and doesn't meddle in front office too much. My grade: A+