2009 NFL Draft Revisited
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
Before prospects even take the field, most of us are guilty of “grading” each team on how they did in the draft. While there is nothing wrong with immediately evaluating each team's draft class, a more practical exercise is to give prospects two or three seasons to prove themselves in the NFL.
In retrospect looking back at the 2009 NFL Draft, a few “hits” are now “misses” and vice versa with some players underachieving while others surpassing expectations. For example, over 20 running backs were drafted in the 2009 class, but, for various reasons, Arian Foster went undrafted. But if teams could go back three years, knowing what they know now, Foster wouldn't get out of the top-five picks. Hindsight is a powerful perspective and while it's interesting to grade the draft directly after it happens, it makes more sense to look back after a few years have passed to get a more accurate depiction of how each team did on draft weekend.
With that said, let's look back at the 2009 NFL Draft and grade each team, three years later.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (31) RB Beanie Wells, Ohio State; 2 (63) DE Cody Brown, Connecticut; 3 (95) S Rashad Johnson, Alabama; 4 (131) CB Greg Toler, St. Paul's College; 5 (167) G Herman Johnson, LSU; 6 (204) DE Will Davis, Illinois; 7 (240) RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, Pittsburgh; 7 (254) G Trevor Canfield, Cincinnati
THE GOOD: After two injury-filled seasons, running back Beanie Wells surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2011 with a career-best 10 touchdowns over 14 starts, setting a new franchise-best for single game rush yards
THE BAD: Defensive end Cody Brown, who the Cardinals drafted in the second round, never played in Arizona after he was placed on injured reserved (wrist) in 2009 before being cut prior to the 2010 season
JURY STILL OUT: After spending most of his playing time on special teams in 2009 and 2010, safety Rashad Johnson saw more time at safety last season (nine starts) and recently re-signed a one-year deal with Arizona
Re-Grade: C+
ATLANTA FALCONS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (24) DT Peria Jerry, Mississippi; 2 (55) S William Moore, Missouri; 3 (90) Christopher Owens, San Jose State; 4 (125) DE Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond; 5 (138) CB William Middleton, Furman; 5 (156) OT Garrett Reynolds, North Carolina; 6 (176) LB Spencer Adkins, Miami (Fla.); 7 (210) DT Vance Walker, Georgia Tech
THE GOOD: The Falcons' starting strong safety the past two seasons, William Moore has battled several injuries, but has been productive when on the field and is the only consistent starter from this draft class
THE BAD: Cornerback William Middleton has been a solid developmental project with nine career starts the past three years, but those starts have been for the Jaguars, not the Falcons who released him only months after they drafted him
JURY STILL OUT: Defensive tackle Peria Jerry became a rookie starter in 2009, but suffered a bad knee injury early in the season and has struggled to regain his starting job, recording only 20 tackles the past three seasons
Re-Grade: C-
BALTIMORE RAVENS (6 Draft Picks)
1 (23) OT Michael Oher, Mississippi; 2 (57) DE Paul Kruger, Utah; 3 (88) CB Lardarius Webb, Nicholls State; 5 (137) LB Jason Phillips, TCU; 5 (149) TE Davon Drew, East Carolina; 6 (185) RB Cedric Peerman, Virginia
THE GOOD: After an impressive NFL Combine, the Ravens drafted the “small school” cornerback Lardarius Webb and he has developed into one of the league's top youngsters at the position, recently signing a lucrative extension
THE BAD: With the first pick in the fifth round, Baltimore selected linebacker Jason Phillips who struggled to see the field for the Ravens and was released early in the 2011 season (claimed by the Panthers)
JURY STILL OUT: Deciding to go pro after his sophomore season, defensive end Paul Kruger moved to linebacker before moving back to defensive line because of lack of playing time, but is expected to go back to linebacker in 2012 (26 career tackles)
Re-Grade: B+
BUFFALO BILLS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (11) DE Aaron Maybin, Penn State; 1 (28) C Eric Wood, Louisville; 2 (42) S Jairus Byrd, Oregon; 2 (51) G Andy Levitre, Oregon State; 4 (121) TE Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss; 5 (147) S Nic Harris, Oklahoma; 6 (183) CB Cary Harris, Southern Cal; CB Ellis Lankster, West Virginia
THE GOOD: Free safety Jairus Byrd made an instant impact when he stepped in as a starter in 2009 and tied for the league lead in interceptions with 9, becoming the first Bills rookie to earn a Pro Bowl selection in almost 20 years
THE BAD: A candidate for the biggest first round bust of 2009, Aaron Maybin was a one-year wonder at defensive end in college and struggled to transition to pass rush linebacker in the Bills 3-4 scheme (was released prior to the 2011 season)
JURY STILL OUT: The second of two first round draft choices, Eric Wood proved to be a valuable starter at both center and guard, but has struggled to stay on the field, missing time each of the last three years with injuries
Re-Grade: C+
CAROLINA PANTHERS (7 Draft Picks)
2 (43) DE Everette Brown, Florida State; 2 (59) CB Sherrod Martin, Troy; 3 (93) DT Corvey Irvin, Georgia; 4 (111) RB Mike Goodson, Texas A&M; 4 (128) FB Tony Fiammetta, Syracuse; 5 (163) G Duke Robinson, Oklahoma; 7 (216) CB Captain Munnerlyn, South Carolina
THE GOOD: The Panthers final pick of the draft in the seventh round, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn has steadily improved the past three years, becoming a full-time starter in 2011 with 14 starts and 58 total tackles
THE BAD: Projected as a first round pick, defensive end Everette Brown fell to the second round and started only three games his first two seasons before he was cut prior to the 2011 season – recently signed with the Lions
JURY STILL OUT: Safety Sherrod Martin has started 36 games over his first three seasons with solid production (176 tackles, 7 interceptions), but has been inconsistent and Carolina was reportedly set to draft Mark Barron in April
Re-Grade: C
CHICAGO BEARS (9 Draft Picks)
3 (68) DT Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State; 3 (99) WR Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma; 4 (105) DE Henry Melton, Texas; 4 (119) CB DJ Moore, Vanderbilt; 5 (140) WR Johnny Knox, Abilene Christian; 5 (154) LB Marcus Freeman, Ohio State; 6 (190) S Al Afalava, Oregon State; 7 (246) G Lance Louis, San Diego State; 7 (251) WR Derek Kinder, Pittsburgh
THE GOOD: A former running back in college, defensive lineman Henry Melton has provided depth inside and outside for the Bears' defensive front, starting 15 games in 2011 at defensive tackle with 7.0 sacks
THE BAD: A late riser up draft boards with his pre-draft workouts, defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert was Chicago's top draft choice in 2009 but lasted only one season with the Bears and has recorded just one career tackle
JURY STILL OUT: Wide receiver Johnny Knox has been productive over his first three seasons, especially for a fifth round pick with 133 career catches in the NFL, but a serious back injury puts his future in doubt
Re-Grade: C+
CINCINNATI BENGALS (10 Draft Picks)
1 (6) OT Andre Smith, Alabama; 2 (38) LB Rey Maualuga, Southern Cal; 3 (70) DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech; 3 (98) TE Chase Coffman, Missouri; 4 (106) C Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas; 5 (142) P Kevin Huber, Cincinnati; 6 (179) CB Morgan Trent, Michigan; 6 (209) RB Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian; 7 (215) RB Fui Vakapuna, BYU; 7 (249) DE Clinton McDonald, Memphis
THE GOOD: Although he hasn't been a consistent starter, defensive end Michael Johnson has provided quality depth off the edge, recording 10.5 sacks the last three seasons, and could become a regular starter in 2012
THE BAD: After selecting him in the third round, tight end Chase Coffman was inactive for almost all of his rookie season and moved to the practice squad in 2010 – now with Tampa Bay, he has only three career catches in the NFL
JURY STILL OUT: Despite an underwhelming pre-draft process and injury-filled first two seasons, Andre Smith appeared to commit himself and settle in at right tackle in 2011, but will be a free agent after the 2012 season
Re-Grade: C
CLEVELAND BROWNS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (21) C Alex Mack, California; 2 (36) WR Brian Robiskie, Ohio State; 2 (50) WR Mohamed Massaquoi, Georgia; 2 (52) DE David Veikune, Hawai'I; 4 (104) LB Kaluka Maiava, Southern Cal; 6 (177) CB Don Carey, Norfolk State; 6 (191) CB Coye Francies, San Jose State; 6 (195) RB James Davis, Clemson
THE GOOD: The Browns traded back three times in the first round and ended up with their scrappy, tough-minded center Alex Mack who has started every game in his three-year NFL career, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2010
THE BAD: Maybe the worst pick in the first two rounds of the entire draft, linebacker David Veikune, who played defensive end in college, finished his NFL career with only five tackles, lasting only one season with the Browns (currently in the CFL)
JURY STILL OUT: Wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi has had underwhelming production so far as a pro, averaging only 33 catches per season, but is holding on to his starting job by a thread and the Browns aren't giving up on him yet
Re-Grade: D
DALLAS COWBOYS (12 Draft Picks)
3 (69) LB Jason Williams, Western Illinois; 3 (75) OT Robert Brewster, Miami (Ohio); 4 (101) QB Stephen McGee, Texas A&M; 4 (110) LB Victor Butler, Oregon State; 4 (120) DE Brandon Williams, Texas Tech; 5 (143) CB DeAngelo Smith, Cincinnati; 5 (166) S Michael Hamlin, Clemson; 5 (172) K David Buehler, Southern Cal; 6 (197) S Stephen Hodge, TCU; 6 (208) TE John Phillips, Virginia; 7 (227) CB Mike Mickens, Cincinnati; 7 (229) WR Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma
THE GOOD: Despite only one career start, hybrid linebacker Victor Butler quickly became a favorite among the coaches in his first training camp because of his relentless attitude and Dallas still has plans for him
THE BAD: Without a pick in the first two rounds, the Cowboys had to hit on their two third round picks, but neither is still with the team, including often injured offensive lineman Robert Brewster who is now out of the NFL
JURY STILL OUT: With the departure of Martellus Bennett, tight end John Phillips is expected to take over the No. 2 role on the depth chart behind Jason Witten and improve upon his 22 career receptions
Re-Grade: D
DENVER BRONCOS (10 Draft Picks)
1 (12) RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia; 1 (18) DE Robert Ayers, Tennessee; 2 (37) CB Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest; 2 (48) S Darcel McBath, Texas Tech; 2 (64) TE Richard Quinn, North Carolina; 4 (114) S David Bruton, Notre Dame; 4 (132) OT Seth Olsen, Iowa; 5 (141) WR Kenny McKinley, South Carolina; 6 (174) QB Tom Brandstater, Fresno State; 7 (225) C Blake Schlueter, TCU
THE GOOD: This is a stretch, but safety David Bruton has provided quality depth in the Broncos' secondary the last three seasons with a handful of starts and could see more playing time with the retirement of Brian Dawkins
THE BAD: A late riser of draft boards, defensive end Robert Ayers barely saw the field as a rookie before becoming more of a regular starter the past two seasons, but has combined for only 4.5 sacks as a pro
JURY STILL OUT: Running back Knowshon Moreno has shown flashes over his first three seasons, but has battled injuries with his 200-pound frame and has yet to produce a 1,000-yard season on the ground
Re-Grade: D
DETROIT LIONS (10 Draft Picks)
1 (1) QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia; 1 (20) Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State; 2 (33) S Louis Delmas, Western Michigan; 3 (76) LB DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin; 3 (82) WR Derrick Williams, Penn State; 4 (115) DT Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman; 6 (192) RB Aaron Brown, TCU; 7 (228) OT Lydon Murtha, Nebraska; 7 (235) LB Zack Follett, California; 7 (255) TE Dan Gronkowski, Maryland
THE GOOD: The No.1 overall pick of his class, quarterback Matthew Stafford battled injuries early in his career, but was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2011 with 5,038 passing yards and 41 touchdowns
THE BAD: A former top high school recruit, wide receiver Derrick Williams was drafted in the third round, but struggled as a pass-catcher (9 career catches) and proved to be unreliable on as a return man – was cut prior to 2011
JURY STILL OUT: Safety Louis Delmas has missed parts of his first three seasons with injuries, including a torn MCL in 2011 that forced him out of five games, but he is expected to return healthy in 2012
Re-Grade: A-
GREEN BAY PACKERS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (9) DT BJ Raji, Boston College; 1 (26) LB Clay Matthews, Southern Cal; 4 (109) OT TJ Lang, Eastern Michigan; 5 (145) FB Quinn Johnson, LSU; 5 (162) OT Jamon Meredith, South Carolina; 6 (182) DE Jarius Wynn, Georgia; 6 (187) CB Brandon Underwood, Cincinnati; 7 (218) LB Brad Jones, Colorado
THE GOOD: Although his 2011 season was a bit of a disappointment, linebacker Clay Matthews produced double-digit sacks over his first two seasons, giving him 29.5 over his career with three Pro Bowl selections
THE BAD: One of the top fullbacks drafted, Quinn Johnson started four games for the Packers in his first two seasons, but was traded to the Titans before the 2011 season and later released a few weeks later
JURY STILL OUT: Versatile offensive lineman TJ Lang started three games over his two seasons, but didn't miss a start in 2011, seeing time at tackle, guard and is considered an option at center if needed
Re-Grade: B+
HOUSTON TEXANS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (15) LB Brian Cushing, Southern Cal; 2 (46) LB Connor Barwin, Cincinnati; 3 (77) G Antoine Caldwell, Alabama; 4 (112) S Glover Quin, New Mexico; 4 (122) TE Anthony Hill, NC State; 5 (152) TE James Casey, Rice; 6 (188) CB Brice McCain, Utah; 7 (223) S Troy Nolan, Arizona State
THE GOOD: Despite a four-game suspension for substance abuse, linebacker Brian Cushing has been the heart and soul of the Texans' defense the past three seasons (strong Honorable Mention honors to safety Glover Quin)
THE BAD: In the fourth round, Houston drafted hometown product Anthony Hill who was expected to contribute at tight end, but he recorded only one career catch with the Texans before he was cut prior to the 2011 season
JURY STILL OUT: Interior lineman Antoine Caldwell has only started a dozen games as a three-year pro, but is considered the favorite to take over as the starting right guard, replacing Mike Brisiel, who left in free agency
Re-Grade: B+
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (27) RB Donald Brown, Connecticut; 2 (56) DT Fili Moala, Southern Cal; 3 (92) CB Jerraud Powers, Auburn; 4 (127) WR Austin Collie, BYU; 4 (136) DT Terrance Taylor, Michigan; 6 (201) QB Curtis Painter, Purdue; 7 (222) P Pat McAfree, West Virginia; 7 (236) OT Jaimie Thomas, Maryland
THE GOOD: After a record-breaking 2008 season at BYU, receiver Austin Collie quickly developed a bond with Peyton Manning and has been consistently productive despite battling concussion issues
THE BAD: Defensive tackle Fili Moala was the Colts' second round draft choice, but has struggled in run defense and hasn't done enough as a pass rusher (2.0 career sacks) to warrant a consistent starting job
JURY STILL OUT: The Colts' made running back Donald Brown their first round pick and he has done little to live up to expectations, setting career-bests in 2011 with 645 rushing yards on 134 carries and five touchdowns
Re-Grade: C
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (9 Draft Picks)
1 (8) OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia; 2 (39) OT Eben Britton, Arizona; 3 (72) DT Terrance Knighton, Temple; 3 (73) CB Derek Cox, William & Mary; 4 (107) WR Mike Thomas, Arizona; 5 (144) WR Jarett Dillard, Rice; 6 (180) TE Zach Miller, Nebraska-Omaha; 7 (250) RB Rashad Jennings, Liberty; 7 (253) WR Tiquan Underwood, Rutgers
THE GOOD: The Jaguars filled a strong need this draft with the selection of offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, who has started 42 games at left tackle and shown steady improvement the last three seasons
THE BAD: After an All-American career in college, receiver Jarett Dillard has had underwhelming production as a pro with 29 of his 35 career catches coming last season, recording his lone career touchdown
JURY STILL OUT: Eben Britton was drafted in the second round to create a book-end at right tackle opposite Monroe, but several back issues have kept him out of the starting line-up and created long-term doubt
Re-Grade: B
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (3) DE Tyson Jackson, LSU; 3 (67) DT Alex Magee, Purdue; 4 (102) CB Donald Washington, Ohio State; 5 (139) OT Colin Brown, Missouri; 6 (175) WR Quinten Lawrence, McNeese State; 7 (212) RB Javarris Williams, Tennessee State; 7 (237) TE Jake O'Connell, Miami (Ohio); 7 (256) K Ryan Succop, South Carolina
THE GOOD: As the last pick of the draft, the Chiefs made kicker Ryan Succop Mr. Irrelevant, but he has been anything but as a pro with a 82.1 conversion rate on field goals, recently signing a $14 million contract extension
THE BAD: Although he hasn't been a complete bust, defensive end Tyson Jackson hasn't produced like a top-three draft choice (or the $31 million guaranteed) with only 2.0 career sacks, making a very average impact on the field
JURY STILL OUT: The Chiefs drafted defensive back Donald Washington in the fourth round and while the talent is there, he has been too inconsistent and has struggled to stay healthy with only five career starts
Re-Grade: C-
MIAMI DOLPHINS (9 Draft Picks)
1 (25) CB Vontae Davis, Illinois; 2 (44) QB Pat White, West Virginia; 2 (61) DB Sean Smith, Utah; 3 (87) WR Patrick Turner, Southern Cal; 4 (108) WR Brian Hartline, Ohio State; 5 (161) TE John Nalbone, Monmouth; 5 (165) S Chris Clemons, Clemson; 6 (181) OT Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech; 7 (214) LB JD Folsom, Weber State
THE GOOD: While he hasn't been the All-Pro cornerback the Dolphins thought when they drafted him in the late first round, Vontae Davis has been a quality and normally reliable player the last three seasons
THE BAD: After an All-American college career, Pat White was considered more of an “athlete” but wanted to stay at quarterback, lasting only one season in the league and finishing his NFL career with zero completions
JURY STILL OUT: With the recent signing of Richard Marshall, cornerback Sean Smith might be forced to the bench this season as he proved to be unreliable last year (only three career interceptions)
Re-Grade: C-
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5 Draft Picks)
1 (22) WR Percy Harvin, Florida; 2 (54) Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma; 3 (86) CB Asher Allen, Georgia; 5 (150) LB Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina; 7 (231) S Jamarca Sanford, Mississippi
THE GOOD: Despite several injury issues, wide receiver Percy Harvin has consistently produced, including career-bests in 2011 with 87 catches for 967 receiving yards for 6 scores, adding 2 rushing and 1 return touchdowns
THE BAD: Although he has provided solid depth with 20 starts the past two years, cornerback Asher Allen has been very up-and-down over his career and faces an uphill battle in 2012 (also taken two picks before Ladarius Webb)
JURY STILL OUT: After three starts over his first two years, safety Jamarca Sanford started 15 games in 2011 with 75 tackles and a pair of interceptions, but he is far from a lock to be a starter next season
Re-Grade: B
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12 Draft Picks)
2 (34) S Patrick Chung, Oregon; 2 (40) DT Ron Brace, Boston College; 2 (41) CB Darius Butler, Connecticut; 2 (58) OT Sebastian Vollmer, Houston; 3 (83) WR Brandon Tate, North Carolina; 3 (97) LB Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida; 4 (123) G Rich Ohrnberger, Penn State; 5 (170) G George Bussey, Louisville; 6 (198) LS Jake Ingram, Hawai'i; 6 (207) DT Myron Pryor, Kentucky; 7 (232) WR Julian Edelman, Kent State; 7 (234) DT Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech
THE GOOD: Although snubbed from the NFL Combine, tackle Sebastian Vollmer was a second rounder and looks like the long-term starter at right tackle opposite Nate Solder (strong Honorable Mention honors to Julian Edelman)
THE BAD: After he was selected 41st overall, cornerback Darius Butler became a part-time starter as a rookie, but struggled in 2010 and was waived prior to the 2011 season – currently a back-up with the Carolina Panthers
JURY STILL OUT: After trading out of the first round, Patrick Chung became the Patriots' first pick of the entire draft and despite his up-and-down career thus far, New England appears committed to Chung at strong safety
Re-Grade: C+
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4 Draft Picks)
1 (14) DB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State; 4 (116) S Chip Vaughn, Wake Forest; 4 (118) LB Stanley Arnoux, Wake Forest; 5 (164) P Thomas Morstead, SMU
THE GOOD: A cornerback turned safety, Malcolm Jenkins has started 30 games the past two years at free safety, filling the shoes of Darren Sharper with 196 tackles and 3 interceptions over his three-year NFL career
THE BAD: The Saints drafted safety Chip Vaughn in the fourth round, but he never played in New Orleans after he missed all of 2009 with injury and was released prior to the 2010 season, struggling to stick on a roster ever since
JURY STILL OUT: Punter Thomas Morstead has steadily improved over the past three seasons, finishing the 2011 season second in the NFL in net punt average (43.1) and is on his way to being one of the league's best
Re-Grade: B-
NEW YORK GIANTS (9 Draft Picks)
1 (29) WR Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina; 2 (45) LB Clint Sintim, Virginia; 2 (60) OT William Beatty, Connecticut; 3 (85) WR Ramses Barden, Cal Poly; 3 (100) TE Travis Beckum, Wisconsin; 4 (129) RB Andre Brown, NC State; 5 (151) QB Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State; 6 (200) CB DeAndre Wright, New Mexico; 7 (238) CB Stoney Woodson, South Carolina
THE GOOD: Although four receivers were drafted before him, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has been one of the top producers at his position from this draft class with 202 career catches for 3,034 receiving yards and 24 scores
THE BAD: After a record-breaking collegiate career, wide receiver Ramses Barden was a third round pick, but has produced only 15 career catches and zero starts as a three-year pro and is in jeopardy of losing his roster spot
JURY STILL OUT: Offensive tackle Will Beatty has had a roller coaster career thus far, missing the final 10 games of the Giants Super Bowl run because of a detached retina, but is expected to return healthy in 2012
Re-Grade: B
NEW YORK JETS (3 Draft Picks)
1 (5) QB Mark Sanchez, Southern Cal; 3 (65) RB Shonn Greene, Iowa; 6 (193) G Matt Slauson, Nebraska
THE GOOD: With only three draft picks in the entire draft, the Jets had to hit on their later round pick and they did with guard Matt Slauson, who has started 28 games at guard and center, out-playing higher draft picks on the roster
THE BAD: Although he hasn't been a complete bust, running back Shonn Greene is averaging only 52.4 rushing yards per game as a three-year pro and the Jets had to trade up to the first pick in the third round to get him
JURY STILL OUT: Despite a pair of AFC Championship Game appearances and a recent contract extension, quarterback Mark Sanchez hasn't done enough to convince he's the long-term answer and now he has Tim Tebow on his heels
Re-Grade: C+
OAKLAND RAIDERS (7 Draft Picks)
1 (7) WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland; 2 (47) S Michael Mitchell, Ohio; 3 (71) DE Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin; 4 (124) WR Louis Murphy, Florida; 4 (126) DE Slade Norris, Oregon State; 6 (199) DE Stryker Sulak, Missouri; 6 (202) TE Brandon Myers, Iowa
THE GOOD: Despite only 15 catches in 2011, wideout Louis Murphy combined for 75 receptions and 1,130 receiving yards over his first two seasons (18 starts) and proved to be an excellent value in the fourth round
THE BAD: After recording the best 40-yard dash (4.30) at the NFL Combine, the Raiders selected wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey seventh overall and while he improved in 2011, he still wasn't worth a top-10 draft choice
JURY STILL OUT: The Raiders turned heads with their second round pick of safety Michael Mitchell, but he has provided quality depth in the secondary as a part-time starter and some in Oakland feel the best is yet to come
Re-Grade: C
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8 Draft Picks)
1 (19) WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri; 2 (53) RB LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh; 5 (153) TE Cornelius Ingram, Florida; 5 (157) CB Macho Harris, Virginia Tech; 5 (159) OT Fenuki Tupou, Oregon; 6 (194) WR Brandon Gibson, Washington State; 7 (213) G Paul Fanaika, Arizona State; 7 (230) LB Moise Fokou, Maryland
THE GOOD: Running back LeSean McCoy was the fourth back drafted in 2009, but has consistently produced when healthy with better numbers each season, including 1,309 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2011
THE BAD: After missing his senior year at Florida with a knee injury, tight end Cornelius Ingram was drafted in the fifth round, but again tore his ACL in training camp and was cut the next season – no career statistics in the NFL
JURY STILL OUT: Although he was a seventh round pick, linebacker Moise Fokou has started 22 games the past three years with 112 career tackles, but several injuries currently have him lost on the depth chart
Re-Grade: B+
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (9 Draft Picks)
1 (32) DT Ziggy Hood, Missouri; 3 (79) G Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin; 3 (84) WR Mike Wallace, Mississippi; 3 (96) CB Keenan Lewis, Oregon State; 5 (168) CB Joe Burnett, Central Florida; 5 (169) RB Frank Summers, UNLV; 6 (205) DT Ra'Shon Harris, Oregon; 7 (226) C AQ Shipley, Penn State; 7 (241) TE David Johnson, Arkansas State
THE GOOD: As the 11th wide receiver drafted in the 2009 draft, Mike Wallace has proved to be one of the top steals from this class with a combined 171 catches and 24 scores the past three years, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2011
THE BAD: Just a few picks before Wallace was drafted, the Steelers selected guard Kraig Urbik in the mid-third round, but he stayed inactive most of his rookie campaign and was eventually cut prior to the 2010 season
JURY STILL OUT: The third of three draft picks in the third round, cornerback Keenan Lewis has only one career start on his NFL résumé, but could be the favorite to replace William Gay as a starting cornerback in 2012
Re-Grade: B
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (8 Draft Picks)
1 (16) DE Larry English, Northern Illinois; 3 (78) G Louis Vasquez, Texas Tech; 4 (113) DT Vaughn Martin, Western Ontario; 4 (133) G Tyronne Green, Auburn; 4 (134) RB Gartrell Johnson, Colorado State; 5 (148) CB Brandon Hughes, Oregon State; 6 (189) S Kevin Ellison, Southern Cal; 7 (224) WR Demetrius Byrd, LSU
THE GOOD: Despite not earning an invite to the NFL Combine, defensive lineman Vaughn Martin was a fourth round pick and has progressively developed into a quality player at both end and nose tackle in San Diego's three-man front
THE BAD: Considered a late first or early second round pick, the Chargers drafted pass rusher Larry English 16th overall and he has failed to live up to the hype with only 7.0 sacks over three injury-riddled seasons
JURY STILL OUT: Guard Tyronne Green has been an off-and-on starter the past three years, filling in when needed, but is expected to take over the left guard duties after the retirement of Kris Dielman
Re-Grade: C-
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (7 Draft Picks)
1 (10) WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech; 3 (74) RB Glen Coffee, Alabama; 5 (146) LB Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh; 5 (171) QB Nate Davis, Ball State; 6 (184) TE Bear Pascoe, Fresno State; 7 (219) S Curtis Taylor, LSU; 7 (244) DT Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU
THE GOOD: For a seventh round draft pick, defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois has provided excellent depth along the 49ers three-man front, playing in every game the past two years, starting two of them.
THE BAD: Running back Glen Coffee showed promise as a rookie back-up in 2009, but caught most off-guard when he decided to announce his retirement prior to the 2010 season, citing his heart was never in football
JURY STILL OUT: Widely believed to be the best wide receiver in this draft class, Michael Crabtree was the longest holdout in team history and has struggled to live up to the hype, despite career-bests in 2011 with 72 grabs
Re-Grade: C
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7 Draft Picks)
1 (4) LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest; 2 (49) C Max Unger, Oregon; 3 (91) WR Deon Butler, Penn State; 6 (178) QB Mike Teel, Rutgers; 7 (245) S Courtney Greene, Rutgers; 7 (247) DE Nick Reed, Arizona; 7 (248) TE Cameron Morrah, California
THE GOOD: A versatile offensive lineman, Max Unger has started 32 games the past three years, seeing time at tackle, guard and center and is expected to be the starting center entering the 2012 season
THE BAD: Despite being labeled as a “safe” pick, linebacker Aaron Curry was anything but that after the Seahawks drafted him top-five overall, starting 30 games for Seattle before he was traded to the Raiders in 2011
JURY STILL OUT: Wide receiver Deon Butler recorded 51 catches over his first two seasons with eight starts in 2010, but suffered a broken leg and tallied only six grabs last season, pushing him down the depth chart
Re-Grade: C-
ST. LOUIS RAMS (7 Draft Picks)
1 (2) OT Jason Smith, Baylor; 2 (35) LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State; 3 (66) CB Bradley Fletcher, Iowa; 4 (103) DT Darell Scott, Clemson; 5 (160) WR Brooks Foster, North Carolina; 6 (196) QB Keith Null, West Texas A&M; 7 (211) RB Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas
THE GOOD: James Laurinaitis, who earned the starting middle linebacker job as a rookie and has started every game since, has led the Rams in tackles each of his three NFL seasons, including a franchise-best 142 stops last year
THE BAD: With the second pick in the draft, the Rams selected offensive tackle Jason Smith who has been disappointing, struggling to stay on the field and recently taking a substantial pay cut to remain on the team
JURY STILL OUT: Cornerback Bradley Fletcher started 18 games over his first two seasons, but suffered an unfortunate knee injury during the team's bye week in 2011 – is expected to make a full recovery
Re-Grade: C+
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6 Draft Picks)
1 (17) QB Josh Freeman, Kansas State; 3 (81) DT Roy Miller, Texas; 4 (117) DE Kyle Moore, Southern Cal; 5 (155) OT Xavier Fulton, Illinois; 7 (217) CB EJ Biggers, Western Michigan; 7 (233) WR Sammie Stroughter, Oregon State
THE GOOD: Despite serving as more of a back-up in 2011, defensive tackle Roy Miller has played in all but one game in his three-year NFL career with consistent production, providing quality depth along Tampa's front
THE BAD: After playing sparingly as a rookie in 2009, defensive end Kyle Moore started seven games in 2010, but struggled to produce (zero sacks) and was released prior to the 2011 season, later signing with the Bills
JURY STILL OUT: After a productive 2010 season, quarterback Josh Freeman took a step back in year three last season with 16 touchdowns (down nine from 2010) compared to 22 interceptions and a 4-12 record
Re-Grade: B-
TENNESSEE TITANS (11 Draft Picks)
1 (30) WR Kenny Britt, Rutgers; 2 (62) DT Sen'Derrick Marks, Auburn; 3 (89) TE Jared Cook, South Carolina; 3 (94) CB Ryan Mouton, Hawai'i; 4 (130) LB Gerald McRath, Southern Miss; 4 (135) OT Troy Kropog, Tulane; 5 (173) RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State; 6 (203) CB Jason McCourty, Rutgers; 6 (206) WR Dominique Edison, Stephen F. Austin; 7 (239) G Ryan Durand, Syracuse; 7 (242) S Nick Schommer, North Dakota State
THE GOOD: One of the best values of this class came in the sixth round when the Titans drafted cornerback Jason McCourty, who impressed as a rookie and is expected to be the team's top corner with the departure of Cortland Finnegan
THE BAD: Tennessee made defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks their second round pick and while he's provided quality depth, he hasn't been able to handle a starting job and could be released before the 2012 season
JURY STILL OUT: Wide receiver Kenny Britt produced quality numbers over his first two seasons with a combined 12 touchdowns and was on pace for his best year yet in 2011 before a torn ACL ended his season
Re-Grade: B
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (6 Draft Picks)
1 (13) DE Brian Orakpo, Texas; 3 (80) CB Kevin Barnes, Maryland; 5 (158) LB Cody Glenn, Nebraska; 6 (186) LB Robert Henson, TCU; 7 (221) TE Eddie Williams, Idaho; 7 (243) WR Marko Mitchell, Nevada;
THE GOOD: Pass rusher Brian Orakpo has been one of the top defensive players from this draft class with a pair of Pro Bowl appearances already, starting 47 games and recording 28.5 sacks as a professional
THE BAD: Linebacker Cody Glenn was the Redskins fifth round draft choice, but didn't make it to the regular season before he was cut, spending time as a reserve for the Colts and Ravens the past three years
JURY STILL OUT: A third round pick, cornerback Kevin Barnes hasn't been able to crack the starting line-up and struggled in the nickelback role, but provides quality depth on the roster with three career interceptions
Re-Grade: B
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