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2010 NFL Draft Grades
By
Vincent

With the 2010 NFL draft officially over, we take a quick look at the draft selections made on a team-by-team basis. Let me reiterate that last point though, this is only an initial look. As any good football fanatic will tell you, these draft things can’t truly be evaluated until at least 3 years down the line. In fact, I would just ignore whatever we say after we list the players taken by each team.

St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford QB (1), Rodger Saffold OT (2), Jerome Murphy CB (3), Mardy Gilyard WR (4), Mike Hoomanawanul TE (5), Hall Davis DE (5), Fendi Onobun OG (6), Eugene Sims DE (6), Marquis Johnson CB (7), George Selvie DE (7)

The Rams got their quarterback of the future in Sam Bradford. They also got him a weapon to throw to in Mardy Gilyard with their fourth-round pick. Gilyard should also be a huge bonus in the return game. Rodger Saffold is a project player at best as of now, but could become an All-Pro player.. Jerome Murphy should be able to step in right away and contribute on passing downs. Grade: B-

Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh DT (1), Jahvid Best RB (1), Amari Spievey CB (3), Jason Fox OT (4), Willie Young DE (7), Josh Hull ILB (7), Timothy Toone WR (7)

The trade up for Jahvid Best is questionable at best, but there’s no denying Best’s talent and ability to make plays in the open field. Jason Fox in the fourth-round is a great value pick that should help the development of Matt Stafford if Fox can stay healthy. Amari Spievey is an active defender that should see some early playing time in nickel situations. And then Ndamukong Suh has the chance to be the best player this draft produces. Grade: C+

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy DT (1), Brian Price DT (2), Arrelious Benn WR (2), Myron Lewis CB (3), Mike Williams WR (4), Brett Bowden P (6), Cody Grimm S (7), Dekoda Watson OLB (7), Erik Lorig DE (7)

I love the Bucs picking Gerald McCoy and Brian Price with their first two picks. Both players should be able to contribute immediately to a defense that needs all the help it can get. Arrelious Benn amd Mike Williams should be able to come in and contribute early. Benn is a big target that should help fuel the development of second-year quarterback Josh Freeman, although, Golden Tate was still available when Benn was picked. Grade: B-

Washington Redskins: Trent Williams OT (1), Perry Riley OLB (4), Dennis Morris TE (6), Terrence Austin WR (7), Eric Cook OG (7), Selvish Capers OT (7)

The Redskins got an excellent tackle in Trent Williams, that much is clear. Selvish Capers is an excellent value pick in the seventh-round. Perry Riley should be an excellent special-teamer. Again, not a lot of picks here as has been typical of Washington Redskins’ drafts this decade. Grade: C

Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry S (1), Dexter McCluster RB (2), Javier Arenas CB (2), Jon Asomoah OG (3), Kendrick Lewis S (5)

Eric Berry and Javier Arenas should be day 1 starters. Both players are that good. Jon Asomoah is a road-grader that should be able to clear some running lanes for Jamaal Charles. Dexter McCluster is a slight reach pick in the second round, but nonetheless he should be an effective change of pace back. Grade: C+

Seattle Seahawks: Russell Okung OT (1), Earl Thomas S (1), Golden Tate WR (2), Walter Thurmond CB (4), EJ Wilson DE (4), Kam Chancellor S (5), Anthony McCoy TE (6), Dexter Davis OLB (7), Jameson Konz FB (7)

Russell Okung should be able to step in, start right away, and be a fixture for the next decade. Earl Thomas is a playmaking safety that beefs up a secondary that has to play Larry Fitzgerald twice per year. Golden Tate is a solid possession receiver with some run-after-the-catch ability. USC’s Anthony McCoy is a great value in the sixth-round. There are some questions about his maturity, but there’s no denying his talent. Grade: B

Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden CB (1), TJ Ward S (2), Montario Hardesty RB (2), Colt McCoy QB (3), Shawn Lauvao OG (3), Larry Asante S (5), Carlton Mitchell S (6), Clifton Geathers DE (6)

I don’t like it, but I can’t knock it either. Colt McCoy in the third-round is a boom or bust pick, but everyone else is a low floor pick. While TJ Ward might have been a reach, he should still be a solid player in a weak secondary. Montario Hardesty should be able to bring a hard-running presence and change of pace to Jerome Harrison. Grade: C+

Oakland Raiders: Rolando McClain LB (1), Lamarr Houston DT (2), Edwin Veldheer OT (3), Bruce Campbell (4), Jacoby Ford (4), Walter McFadden CB (5), Travis Goethel ILB (6), Jeremy Ware CB (7), Steven Brown S (7)

For the first-time this decade, I actually like what Al Davis is doing here. Rolando McClain is a special player that should be able to play effectively right away. Lamarr Houston and Veldheer are solid players in their own right. And what’s this? Bruce Campbell in the fourth-round. I actually think this is a great slot for a project player such as Campbell. Jacoby Ford should be able to contribute early as a return man and on special teams. Grade: C+

Buffalo Bills: CJ Spiller RB (1), Torell Troup DT (2), Alex Carrington DE (3), Marcus Easley WR (4), Ed ... OT (5), Arthur Moats OLB (6), Dan Batten DE (6), Levi Brown QB (7), Kyle Calloway OT (7)

Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyson Alualu DT (1), D’Anthony Smith DT (3), Austen Lane DE (5), Deji Karim RB (6)

The pick of Tyson Alualu is controversial, but there’s no reason why Alualu shouldn’t be able to step in right away and produce. D’Anthony Smith in the third-round is a big body that should be able to plug some holes. Trading a fourth-round choice for Kirk Morrison is by far the steal of the draft. Grade: C

Chicago Bears: Major Right S (3), Corey Wootton DE (4), Joshua Moore CB (5), Dan LeFevour QB (6), J’marcus Webb OT (7)

For not having a first or second-round pick, the Bears have done very well for themselves. Major Right should be able to come in right away and help solidify a secondary that has been in nebulous the past few seasons. Corey Wootton is a talented pass-rusher that Chicago is elated fell to the fourth-round. Dan LeFevour comes in as the quarterback more likely to be cut than to make the squad. Don’t get too excited about that pic. Grade: C+

Miami Dolphins: Jared Odrick DE/DT (1), Koa Misi OLB (2), John Jerry G (3), AJ Edds OLB (4), Reshad Jones S (5), Chris McCoy OLB (7), Austin Spitler OLB (7)

Jared Odrick and Koa Misi are both hard-hitting balls-to-the-walls players. They inject some youth into a fast-aging defense. AJ Edds and Reshad Jones are solid backups right now but could develop into solid contributors down the line. Grade: B

San Francisco 49ers: Anthony Davis OT (1), Mike Iupati OG (1), Taylor Mays S (2), Navarro Bowman OLB (3), Anthony Dixon RB (6), Nate Byham TE (6), Kyle Williams WR (6), Phillip Adams CB (7)

Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati are two highly skilled, but somewhat raw players. Taylor Mays is a hard-hitting safety with questions about his coverage skills. Navarro Bowman could have gone higher, but there are questions about his maturity. Anthony Dixon isn’t a burner, but he’s the size of a linebacker. Think of a diet version of Brandon Jacobs with him. Grade: B+

Denver Broncos: Demaryius Thomas WR (1), Tim Tebow QB (1), Zane Beadles OG (2), JD Walton C (3), Eric Decker WR (3), Perrish Cox CB (5), Eric Olsen C (6), Syd’Quan Thompson CB (7), Jammie Kirlew DE (7)

The Denver Broncos possibly got five legitimate starters with this draft. Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker are both high-talent receivers that I’m sure Josh McDaniels will find a way to use. Tim Tebow is a project player as of now. Zane Beadles and JD Walton should see a good chunk of playing time this upcoming season. Grade: B+

New York Giants: Jason Pierre-Paul DE (1), Lindval Joseph DT (2), Chad Jones S (3), Phillip Dillard LB (4), Mitch Petrus OG (5), Adrian Tracy OLB (6), Matt Dodge P (7)

Jason Pierre-Paul is the biggest boom bust player this draft has to offer. Chad Jones and Lindval Joseph should be solid contributors throughout this season. Jones is an incredible athlete that could eventually replace Kenny Phillips if Phillips’ knee doesn’t heal properly as some are speculating. Grade: C

Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan DE (1), Damian Williams WR (3), Rennie Curran OLB (3), Alterraun Verner CB (4), Robert Johnson S (5), Rusty Smith QB (6), Myron Rolle S (6), Marc Mariani WR (7), David Howard DT (7)

Derrick Morgan was the best pure pass-rusher available in this draft. Tennessee wanted Pierre-Paul, but Morgan isn’t a bad alternative. Damian Williams is another big, possession receiver that should help Vince Young and company move the chains next season. Rennie Curran could, but should, be the eventual replacement for Keith Bulluck. Myron Rolle falling to the sixth-round is a nice pick based on personality, but Rolle probably is a sixth-round talent. Grade: B-

Carolina Panthers: Jimmy Clausen QB (2), Brandon LaFell WR (3), Armanti Edwards WR (3), Eric Norwood OLB (4), Greg Hardy DE (6), David Gettis WR (6), Tony Pike QB (6), RJ Standford CB (7), Robert McClain CB (7)

Like Chicago, Carolina didn’t have much to work with, but certainly made the most of things. Jimmy Clausen fell into Carolina’s lap in the second-round and should push for playing time right away. My favorite pick here though is Greg Hardy. In the sixth-round, Hardy is a steal that could end up being the long term replacement for Julius Peppers. Grade: C+

Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey C (1), Jason Worilds OLB (2), Emmanuel Sanders WR (3), Thaddeus Gibson OLB (4), Chris Scott OG (5), Crezdon Butler CB (5), Stevenson Sylvester OLB (5), Jonathan Dwyer RB (6), Antonio Brown WR (6), Doug Worthington DE (7)

Thaddeus Gibson and Jason Worilds are two talented pass-rushers that should be able to add some depth to a position that doesn’t have much behind James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley. Maurkice Pouncey should be able to step in as a day 1 starter and the long term replacement for Justin Hartwig. Jonathan Dwyer also brings some physicality to a running game that has been relying on Willie Parker the past few seasons. Grade: C++; solid, but nothing spectacular. I would expect nothing less from Pittsburgh.

Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon OLB (1), Corey Peters DT (3), Mike Johnson OG (3), Joseph Hawley OG (4), Dominique Franks CB (5), Kerry Meier WR (5), Shann Schillinger S (6)

Sean Weatherspoon is a high-skill, high-athleticism player with questions about his maturity. The Falcon better hope that he mellows out the same way a dog does when it gets older. Dominique Franks is a solid fifth-round pick that should be able to play in the nickel and dime roles while learning behind Dunta Robinson. Grade: C-

Houston Texans: Kareem Jackson CB (1), Ben Tate RB (2), Earl Mitchell DT (3), Tony Moeaki TE (3), Darryl Sharpton LB (4), Garrett Graham TE (4), Sherrick McManis CB (5), Shelley Smith OG (6), Trindon Holliday RB (6), Dorin Dickerson TE (7)

The Texans got who I thought was the best cornerback in the draft in Kareem Jackson. Ben Tate is a shifty back, but is definitely not a number one option in the running game. Tony Moeaki is another high-talent player who could thrive in Houston’s zone-blocking scheme as both a blocker and a receiver. Trindon Holliday is a diminutive, albeit shifty, running back who brings an immense amount of explosiveness to an offense that already has Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Grade: B-

Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham TE (1), Carlos Dunlap DE (2), Jordan Shipley WR (3), Brandon Ghee CB (3), Geno Atkins DT (4), Roddrick Muckelroy LB (4), Otis Hudson OT (5), Dezmon Briscoe WR (6), Reginald Stephens OG (7)

The Bengals got three extremely talented with their first three picks. Gersham and Dunlap both have some question marks, but there’s no doubt that Marvin Lewis should be able to get the most out of both players. Jordan Shipley brings some pop back to the Bengals’ punt return game, and Brandon Ghee has the ability to be a shutdown corner behind Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph. Grade: B-

New England Patriots: Devin McCourty CB (1), Rob Gronkowski TE (2), Jermaine Cunningham OLB (2), Brandon Spikes ILB (2), Taylor Price WR (3), Aaron Hernandez TE (4), Zoltan Mesko P (5), Ted Larsen C (6), Thomas Welch OT (7), Brandon Deaderick DE (7), Kade Watson DT (7), Zac Robinson QB (7)

The Patriots spent their first-round pick on a borderline first-round talent in cornerback Devin McCourty. However, after that, Gronkowski and Hernandez could team to be two of the best receiving tight ends in the league. Cunningham and Spikes should also develop into two solid starters fairly quickly under Darth Hoodie’s tutelage. Grade: B+

Green Bay Packers: Brian Bulaga OT (1), Michael Neal DT (2), Morgan Burnett S (3), Andrew Quarless TE (5), Marshall Newhouse OG (5), James Starks RB (6), CJ Wilson DE (7)

Brian Bulaga could be a solid player, but will never be anything special. Michael Neal helps to shore up a defensive line that is already solid. Morgan Burnett makes Atari Bibgy, who is the biggest crybaby in the league, expendable. Marshall Newhouse also adds some depth along the offensive line, but is nothing spectacular. Grade: C-

Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Graham DE (1), Nate Allen S (2), Daniel Te’o-Neshelm DE (3), Trevard Lindley CB (4), Keenan Clayton OLB (4), Mike Kafka QB (4), Clay Harbor TE (5), Ricky Sapp DE (5), Riley Cooper WR (5), Charles Scott (6), Jamar Chaney ILB (7), Jeffrey Owens DT (7), Kurt Coleman S (7)

When the Eagles moved up to take Brandon Graham, they set a tone for their draft. Graham is a high-motor, undersized pass-rusher that many teams coveted higher than the 13th pick. Nate Allen should help ease the sting that the Eagles are still feeling from the loss of Brian Dawkins. Keenan Clayton, Riley Cooper, and Ricky Sapp all should be solid contributors right away. Great draft for the Eagles. Grade: A-

Baltimore Ravens: Sergio Kindle DE/OLB (2), Terrence Cody NT (2), Ed Dickson TE (3), Dennis Pitta TE (4), David Reed WR (5), Arthur Jones DT (5), Ramon Harewood OT (6)

Despite trading out of the first round, the Ravens were still able to come away with two elite talents in this draft. Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody both have a chance to be day 1 starters. Beyond that though, Ozzie Newsome found some quality, but nothing spectacular. Grade: C+

Arizona Cardinals: Dan Williams NT (1), Daryl Washington OLB (2), Andre Roberts WR (3), O’Brien Schofield OLB (4), John Skelton QB (5), Jorrick Calvin CB (6), Jim Dray DE (7)

Dan Williams, Daryl Washington, and O’Brien Schofield are all excellent players that should contribute in their first year. Washington was a first-round talent that fell into Arizona’s lap in the second round. Dan Williams was also a projected top 15 talent that fell all the way to Arizona. It will be interesting to see if both players use their respective draft day tumbles as motivation. John Skelton is also a big-arm quarterback that could be a dark-horse candidate for the starting job in Arizona. Grade: B-

Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant WR (1), Sean Lee ILB (2), Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB (4), Sam Young OT (6), Jamar Wall CB (6), Sean Lissemore DT (7)

The Cowboys snatched the tumbling Dez Bryant in round one to grab perhaps one of the top 10 talents in this draft. If Sean Lee can come back successfully from knee surgery, he can be a great player in the middle of the Dallas defense. Grades: C+

San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews (1), Donald Butler ILB (3), Darrell Stuckey S (4), Cam Thomas NT (5), Jonathan Crompton QB (5), Dedrick Epps TE (7)

The Chargers perhaps paid too high a price to move up to take running back Ryan Mathews, but Mathews is still a great fit in San Diego and should contend for Offensive Rookie of the Year Honors. Darrell Stuckey is a great depth player, and Cam Thomas could be a force at NT for years to come if he’s properly motivated. Grade: C+

New York Jets: Kyle Wilson CB (1), Vladimir Ducasse OG (2), Joe McKnight RB (4), John Conner FB (5)

After liquidating much of this draft in moving up to take Joe McKnight and John Conner and acquiring Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, the Jets really did make the most of what they had here. Wilson and Ducasse should be able to step in on day one and make an impact. Ducasse is expected to start right away given the release of Alan Faneca. Wilson is expected to play in the nickel role behind Antonio Cromartie and Darelle Revis. McKnight should prove to be an effective change of pace back behind LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Green. Grade: C+

Minnesota Vikings: Chris Cook CB (2), Toby Gerhart RB (2), Everson Griffen DE (4), Chris DeGeare OG (5), Nate Triplett ILB (5), Joe Webb QB (6), Mickey Schuler TE (7), Ryan D’Imperio OLB (7)

After trading out of round one after Kyle Wilson went to the Jets, the Vikings had to settle for Chris Cook. If Cook can learn to be a little more physical, he could become a solid starter for the Vikings. I can’t agree with Minnesota’s decision to move up to draft Toby Gerhart, but he’s a good player nonetheless. Everson Griffen is a boom bust player in the fourth-round that could end up being the replacement for Ray Edwards. Nate Triplett is a hometown player that has a real chance to contribute on special teams. Grade: C+

Indianapolis Colts: Jerry Hughes DE (1), Pat Angerer LB (2), Kevin Thomas CB (3), Jacques McClendon OG (4), Brody Eldridge TE (5), Ricardo Matthews DT (7), Kavell Connor OLB (7), Ray Fisher CB (7)

Jerry Hughes and Pat Angerer are two excellent, Bill Polian-type players that could turn into two defensive leaders down the road. Kevin Thomas helps to shore up a secondary that has been riddled with injuries the past few years. And Brody Eldridge is a great blocking tight end that wasn’t given much of a chance to shine behind star tight end Jermaine Gersham. Grade: C

New Orleans Saints: Patrick Robinson CB (1), Charles Brown OT (2), Jimmy Graham TE (3), Al Woods DT (4), Matt Tennant C (5), Sean Canfield QB (7)

Pat Robinson is a solid corner with great coverage skills that has a chance to play right away in passing situations. Charles Brown is a little bit more of a project, but if he can bulk up and maintain his quickness, he could be the next Jason Peters. Al Woods adds another big body to the center of New Orlean’s defensive line and allow Sedrick Ellis to play a little more freelance. Grade: B-


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Colt McCoy in the third-round is a boom or bust pick

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not to put too fine a point on it, but so is Sam Bradford in the 1st round...LOL

I don't know who wrote that, but he's quite awful. I mean, he gave the Ravens a C+.

There's some variance in there from what you're hearing them say on ESPN and NFLN.

It's all opinion really, and you really don't know what you have- all you can grade is the filling of needs and the amount of talent as their projected to on the NFL level from various sources. These guys haven't played a down yet, so it's really hard to do.

We should save this for 2 years, bring it back, and see how accurate it was.

It's still fun to do it now, though. Like we know it all.

I like the Browns grade. Every time we graded high the results are bad.

Oh come on now, it can't be all that bad for a knee-jerk reaction. I thought you Browns people would appreciate a lower grade to the Ravens

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Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden CB (1), TJ Ward S (2), Montario Hardesty RB (2), Colt McCoy QB (3), Shawn Lauvao OG (3), Larry Asante S (5), Carlton Mitchell S (6), Clifton Geathers DE (6)

I don’t like it, but I can’t knock it either. Colt McCoy in the third-round is a boom or bust pick, but everyone else is a low floor pick. While TJ Ward might have been a reach, he should still be a solid player in a weak secondary. Montario Hardesty should be able to bring a hard-running presence and change of pace to Jerome Harrison. Grade: C+

Oakland Raiders: Rolando McClain LB (1), Lamarr Houston DT (2), Edwin Veldheer OT (3), Bruce Campbell (4), Jacoby Ford (4), Walter McFadden CB (5), Travis Goethel ILB (6), Jeremy Ware CB (7), Steven Brown S (7)

For the first-time this decade, I actually like what Al Davis is doing here. Rolando McClain is a special player that should be able to play effectively right away. Lamarr Houston and Veldheer are solid players in their own right. And what’s this? Bruce Campbell in the fourth-round. I actually think this is a great slot for a project player such as Campbell. Jacoby Ford should be able to contribute early as a return man and on special teams. Grade: C+

Buffalo Bills: CJ Spiller RB (1), Torell Troup DT (2), Alex Carrington DE (3), Marcus Easley WR (4), Ed ... OT (5), Arthur Moats OLB (6), Dan Batten DE (6), Levi Brown QB (7), Kyle Calloway OT (7)

Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyson Alualu DT (1), D’Anthony Smith DT (3), Austen Lane DE (5), Deji Karim RB (6)

The pick of Tyson Alualu is controversial, but there’s no reason why Alualu shouldn’t be able to step in right away and produce. D’Anthony Smith in the third-round is a big body that should be able to plug some holes. Trading a fourth-round choice for Kirk Morrison is by far the steal of the draft. Grade: C

Chicago Bears: Major Right S (3), Corey Wootton DE (4), Joshua Moore CB (5), Dan LeFevour QB (6), J’marcus Webb OT (7)

For not having a first or second-round pick, the Bears have done very well for themselves. Major Right should be able to come in right away and help solidify a secondary that has been in nebulous the past few seasons. Corey Wootton is a talented pass-rusher that Chicago is elated fell to the fourth-round. Dan LeFevour comes in as the quarterback more likely to be cut than to make the squad. Don’t get too excited about that pic. Grade: C+

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Apparently no one cares about Buffalo.

In the post draft Presser yesterday, Holmgren talked about the first draft he was involved in in Green Bay (as coach of course)..

One Media type gave it a grade of "D"..

He then mentioned that 5 of the players taken in that draft were contributors on the Superbowl winning GB Team....

I guess he kinda confronted the reporter at some dinner after winning the SB... made him stand up in a room of 800 folks., I'm guessing he had some fun with the guy.... seemed like it was some good natured ribbing.

Anyway, the point Holmgren was trying to drive home is that you can't tell what a draft should grade out at until at least 3 or more years goes by. So most of this grading stuff is premature, meaningless dribble..

Without a single snap in the Bigs, "Vincent's" opine is good as anyone's. Some seem overly harsh, which iss the eye candy for this. But who would you draft to move up two or more letters in a grade? We need to see somebody able to do so; ours are not awful. We will see down the road; still an interesting exercise.

FoxSports
April 25, 2010

2010 NFL Draft Grades

How'd your team do in the draft?


Arizona: Some thought the Cardinals would pursue a quarterback in this draft, but they passed on some big names and ended up taking strong-armed John Skeleton of Fordham in the fifth round. Tennessee DT Dan Williams fell into their lap in the first round and he should be the nose tackle this 3-4 defense needs. They traded with the Patriots to take TCU OLB Darrell Washington, who had 39 reps of 225 pounds at the Combine and was once considered a possible first-round pick by the Jets. Washington had a super senior season at TCU and maybe he replaces Karlos Dansby as a playmaker -- great value with the 47th overall pick in Washington. Wisconsin pass rusher O'Brien Schofield will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his ACL at the Senior Bowl, but he has tremendous upside when healthy. Not a need position, but Schofield, who was the MVP of the East-West game, was good value. Grade: B

Atlanta: The Falcons concentrated on filling needs with Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon, possibly the most complete linebacker in the draft. He can cover and also rush the passer. To beef up the defensive line, Kentucky DT Corey Peters was taken with the 83rd overall pick and he should be a run stuffer. Alabama guard Mike Johnson is a physical run blocker and gives the Falcons some much needed depth at the position. Johnson started 41 consecutive games and played in a school-record 54 games. You have to remember, too, that the Falcons used a second-round pick on Tony Gonzalez, who paid huge dividends last season to Matt Ryan and the offense. Weatherspoon should be a starter. Guard Joe Hawley provided much-need depth. Oklahoma CB Dominique Franks knows how to play, but does he possess NFL speed and quickness? Grade: B

Baltimore: GM Ozzie Newsome made all the right moves on the first two days of the draft, trading out of the first round and getting two quality defensive players with first-round grades in Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle of Texas and massive Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody with the 57th overall pick. Kindle was downgraded by some teams out of the first round because of a knee injury, but he's a fast, explosive outside linebacker and should fit well in Baltimore's defensive scheme. Cody has struggled with his weight (he's listed at 350 pounds), but Newsome feels that he has a relationship with the fellow Alabama grad and can get this guy under control. The addition of Cody means that few teams will be able to move the Baltimore middle. Syracuse DE Arthur Jones was a super value pick. Baltimore added to their receiving corps with Utah's David Reed, who has excellent hands and is quick out of the break. Grade: B+

Buffalo: The Bills passed on their quarterback needs (maybe Trent Edwards is better than we think?), but they took the draft's best running back, Clemson's C.J. Spiller, who is a home-run hitter. To shore up their porous run defense, they grabbed 318-pound nose tackle Torrell Troup of Central Florida about 20 spots too high. Troup was a three-year starter and a team captain and ran a spectacular 5.1 40-yard dash. Arkansas State DE Alex Carrington should fit ideally into the 3-4 scheme. Surprisingly, the trade rumors were false on Marshawn Lynch, meaning that he and Spiller could be in the same backfield, which should pose problems for opposing defenses. Troy QB Levi Brown was an interesting pick late, but Coach Chan Gailey apparently likes ex-Packer Brian Brohm, too. Grade: C

Panthers: On paper, if this is GM Marty Hurney's final draft with the Panthers, it has a chance to be his best. Hurney didn't have a first-round pick and he tried to trade up with the Rams in order to select Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, but got him anyway with the 48th overall pick in the second round. Clausen should give Matt Moore a run for his money sometime this season as the starter. With Carolina's great running game, Clausen has excellent deep-ball accuracy. Remember, the Panthers traded away their first-round pick last year to San Francisco in order to draft Everette Brown, who had 15 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks last season. To help Moore and Claussen, the Panthers got two potential playmakers in Armanti Edwards and Brandon LaFell. Edwards was the quarterback at Appalachian State where he won two national titles, but he projects as a receiver and maybe even a wildcat quarterback. LaFell had a rough senior season at LSU and ran a poor 4.62 at the Combine, but he finished with 175 receptions for 25 TDs. The only bad thing was that Hurney traded away next year's second-round pick to the Patriots to get this done. OLB Eric Norwood was also good value in the fourth round. Cincinnati QB Tony Pike was an interesting pick. Grade: A+

Chicago: The Bears did pretty well, considering they didn't select until the 75th pick when they got tremendous value in safety Major Wright. The former Florida Gator draws immediate comparisons to the once-great Mike Brown, who suffered too many injuries in his short Chicago career. The Bears have had 21 different safeties since Lovie Smith took over and the hope is that Wright will be a mainstay. Northwestern's Corey Wooten had a chance to be a high pick this year until he had knee surgery, but he should develop into a great edge rusher. Considering their limited draft location, the Bears did well but GM Jerry Angelo made a critical mistake in not trading into the top of the round for an offensive tackle. Remember, the Bears have made so many personnel moves this off-season (Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor) to win this season. Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour has the smarts and feet to develop into a backup quarterback. He needs to improve his throwing accuracy. Grade: C

Cincinnati: Bengals QB Carson Palmer will be excited with Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham who can stretch the field and has been given a clean bill of health after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Most mock drafts had Gresham landing here. The Bengals typically select some risky players, but they claim that Carlos Dunlap's DUI conviction prior to the SEC championship game was an aberration. Dunlap was a great pass rusher at Florida and he has drawn comparisons to Julius Peppers because he's 6-6 and 277 pounds and very athletic. His nickname was "Baby Freak" because he drew comparisons to former Gator Jevon Kearse. Dunlap had 26 tackles for losses and 19 1/2 sacks in his three-year career. Texas WR Jordan Shipley was very productive in college with at least six games with 10 or more catches. He's a physical, deep-threat receiver. Wake Forest CB Brandon Ghee has been compared favorably to current Bengals starter Johnathan Joseph. Ghee started 33 games, but came up with only one interception. The steal of their draft could be WR Dezmon Briscoe of Kansas who ran poorly at the Combine and has some off-the-field issues but once was considered just a step behind Dez Bryant in the Big 12 Conference. Grade: B.

Cleveland: For an offensive president, Mike Holmgren listened to his coaches and scouts and picked two secondary players with his first two picks. Cornerback Joe Haden started 40 games for Florida and finished with 157 tackles and 8 interceptions. They didn't reach on him. T.J. Ward of Oregon is a hitter, but he didn't have many interceptions in college and some had him rated as a fourth-round pick. Montario Hardesty was a great north-south runner at Tennessee, but can he juke and change direction in the lane? Hardesty is a banger and Holmgren thinks his running style will prove valuable in bad winter weather. But the key to the draft was the selection of Texas QB Colt McCoy with the 85th overall pick. McCoy won 45 games in 53 college starts. McCoy made perfect sense in the third round and he will be given every opportunity to be the future quarterback of this struggling franchise. Holmgren did say that he won't be coaching McCoy, nor will the rookie play this season. It's Jake Delhomme's job in 2010. Grade: B+

Dallas: With the uneven play of Roy Williams, owner Jerry Jones wanted a playmaker opposite Miles Austin and he moved up in the draft to get Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant, who will wear Michael Irvin's No. 88 jersey. Bryant's upbringing and the fact that he lied to NCAA investigators about his involvement with Deion Sanders got him suspended troubled some teams, but not the Cowboys, who will build a support system around him. Jones claims that he won't trade Williams or Patrick Crayton to make Bryant's transition easier. Penn State's Sean Lee was the most instinctive linebacker in college football last season and the only concern about him is if he can keep himself healthy. Several teams wanted Lee, but the Eagles traded a pick with Jones in order for him to become a Cowboy. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is a big, athletic cornerback from tiny Indiana (Pa.) State. He's coming off an injury, but he's expected to be ready for training camp. The Cowboys didn't address their needs on the offensive line, but there are big hopes that either Doug Free or Robert Brewster, a third-round pick last year, will fill Flozell Adams' spot at left tackle. Grade: B

Denver: Yes, there have been many snickers around the NFL about coach Josh McDaniels being immature (Chargers incident last season) and still learning on game days. But he's turned into one trading Jessie on draft day. He and GM Brian Xander left the first round with two selections and the two players they wanted in WR Demaryius Thomas and QB Tim Tebow, who should compete with Kyle Orton for the starting job. Unlike Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler, these two players are saints and definitely hard-workers. Zane Beadles played left tackle at Utah, but is projected inside as a guard and was a solid pick in the middle of the second round. Minnesota receiver Eric Decker was a one-man show in college and a lot of teams loved him in the second round until a foot injury sidelined him. Decker played all four seasons at Minnesota and finished with 227 catches for 3,119 yards and 24 TDs. Cal CB Syd'quan Thompson projects to be a physical, tough zone player and should make the team despite being a seventh-rounder. McDaniels eventually took a risky pick in Oklahoma State CB Perrish Cox, who was suspended at the end of the season, but he could turn into a top-flight player and returner. Grade: B+

Detroit: GM Martin Mayhew learned under former boss Matt Millen and he's responded by being more aggressive and also selecting quality. The Lions wanted Cal running back Jahvid Best in the second round, but got fearful and traded into the bottom of the first round to make sure they grabbed the complimentary runner to Kevin Smith. DT Ndamukong Suh was the top-rated player in the draft and he went second overall simply because the Rams had to take a quarterback. Iowa CB Amari Spievey was a ballhawk in college and the Lions need him to produce. Miami OT Jason Fox will be given every opportunity to make the lineup. Nate Burleson was a quality addition in the offseason, too, but he won't have to contend with Mr. Irrelevant, Weber State receiver Tim Toone, the last player taken in the draft. Toone is 5-11 with 4.55 speed. Grade: B

Green Bay: The Packers got great value with their first pick, Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga, who has a chance to start as a rookie at right tackle. Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett gives the Packers some depth at safety where Atari Bigby has had injury concerns. Mike Neal is really strong and spent five years at Purdue, starting as a defensive end and then switching to defensive tackle. His first love was basketball, but he will play end in the 3-4 defense. He had 26 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks at Purdue. The best news about the team's top three picks is that all are solid citizens with no injury history. TE Andrew Quarless spent a lot of time in Joe Paterno's doghouse at Penn State, but he did have 41 catches last season and could be a deep threat for Aaron Rodgers. RB James Stark missed his entire senior season at Buffalo, but if he plays to his old level could prove to be a valuable addition. Grade: C

Houston: The Texans shocked most scouts by taking Alabama CB Kareem Jackson over Kyle Wilson, but they believe Jackson is more versatile and can play press and also fill the nickel role. Auburn RB Ben Tate (5-11, 220 pounds) is a powerful back with no durability issues, plus he ran 4.34 and had a spectacular workout at the Combine. They took a high motor defensive lineman in Earl Mitchell of Arizona who lacks size and may be a situational defender. Wisconsin TE Garrett Graham is solid insurance, considering Owen Daniels' injury history. Miami (Fla.) LB Darryl Sharpton is an instinctive player and he should help on special teams right away and could force his way into the lineup. They added another tight end in Pitt's Dorin Dickerson, who caught 10 touchdowns last season. Dickerson was ranked as a top-100 player, but he fell to the 227th pick for some reason. Maybe it's because he's not a good blocker and more of a receiver than a tight end? Grade: C

Indianapolis: Bill Polian said he wanted defense in this draft and he went out and did exactly that. TCU pass rusher Jerry Hughes fits the Dwight Freeney mold and should help immediately in the rotation. Iowa MLB Pat Angerer has the right name for a football player and should back up Gary Brackett. He's a very instinctive player and was highly productive in college. USC's Kevin Thomas has played against some of the best in the Pac-10 and fits the Indy mold. Oklahoma's Brody Elridge (6-5, 261) was the best blocking tight end in the draft and fills a short-yardage need. Tennessee OG Jacques McClendon gives the team some depth on what is a questionable offensive line. Grade: B

Jacksonville: The Jaguars had only 14 sacks last season and that's why they focused on defensive linemen and pass rushers in this draft. However, they should have traded down to get Cal's Tyson Alualu instead of picking him with the 10th overall selection. Maybe the 49ers would have made that trade for their 17th overall pick? The draft consensus is that Alualu ranked between 25 and 40 on the majority of team's draft boards. The Jaguars must be faulted for not knowing the value of their first pick. Larry Hart, a defensive end from Central Arkansas, has a chance to be special. Austen Lee and D'Anthony Smith are rangy, athletic pass rushers. Scotty McGee of Murray State has 4.37 speed and should upgrade the return game. One good move was adding linebacker Kirk Morrison, who has led the Raiders in tackles for five straight seasons. Grade: C-

Kansas City: Former NFL coach Monte Kiffin says that Tennessee safety Eric Berry is ready to play right away on the pro level and destined to be a star. Berry likes to think of himself as the next Ronnie Lott. Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss, could be the slot receiver that Matt Cassel had in Wes Welker when with the Patriots. Many compare McCluster to Darren Sproles or former Giants Dave Meggett when gauging his versatility. And with the pick for Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs took Javier Arenas of Alabama, who may be the best returner in the draft. He's only 5-8, but he made a lot of plays for the Tide off the edge. The first three picks all came from the SEC. Free safety Kendrick Lewis plays better than he ran at the Combine and is a classic overachiever and high character player. Grade: B

Miami: The Dolphins took advantage of their work at the Senior Bowl by drafting a lot of players they coached there, plus they moved down in the first round, saving some money in order to pay new receiver Brandon Marshall. First pick Jared Odrick of Penn State fits their defensive scheme in the 3-4 and Utah outside linebacker Koa Misi is a pass-rush specialist and a hard-nosed player. The Dolphins have already said that DE Randy Starks will be moved to nose tackle in order to make room for Odrick and Misi on the outside. Ole Miss OT John Jerry, whose brother Peria plays for the Falcons, will slide down to guard where his powerful leverage and quickness should be better suited. Grade: A

Minnesota: The Vikings tried to trade back into the first round for Boise State CB Kyle Wilson because cornerback was a need. They ended up with Virginia's Chris Cook, who ran a 4.49 at the combine. This position was a need because the Vikings probably won't have Cedric Griffin for the start of the season, plus veteran Antoine Winfield missed six games last season and will be 33 this season. In a trade with the Texans, the Vikings took Stanford RB Toby Gearhart, who rushed for 1,871 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. He was Jimmy Johnson's favorite college player. Gearhart should be able to spell Adrian Peterson and keep the offense moving. USC pass rusher Everson Griffin was a top-25 talent in the fourth round while Minnesota LB Nathan Triplett gives them some insurance in case E.J. Henderson doesn't fully recover. Grade: C+

New England: No one understands the NFL trading game better than Bill Belichick, who moved around in this draft and left it with two first-round and two second-round picks for 2011. This is great news because those picks could be extremely valuable if the league institutes a rookie salary cap. New England's first two picks, Rutgers CB Devin McCourty, and Arizona TE Rob Gronkowski, were need picks. The Pats really don't have a tight end after losing Ben Watson. Gronkowski missed the entire 2009 season with a back injury, but Tom Brady should find him down the seam because he is 6-6, 265 pounds. He averaged 18.1 yards a catch. Florida LB Brandon Spikes is an old-school middle linebacker who has superior instincts and probably is a better all-around player than DE Jermaine Cunningham who was taken nine picks ahead of him. In the fifth round, the Pats took punter Zoltan Mesko of Michigan and he figures to make the team. Grade: B+

New Orleans: Starting offensive tackle Jamaal Brown, who will be an unrestricted free-agent in 2011, wasn't happy with the selection of USC Charles Brown in the second round. Brown is a left tackle and he was value pickup late in the second round because he appeared in the first round on some mock drafts. LSU defensive tackle Al Woods needs to work his double-team moves, but he did have a 37-inch vertical jump for a huge man. Woods fills a defensive need. Miami TE Jimmy Graham is the perfect Sean Payton pick because he's a project after playing only one season of college ball. First pick Patrick Robinson of Florida State suits the Saints' style of defense; he can play zone coverage or press coverage on the outside. Robinson gives this team necessary depth, considering how much they love to blitz. Boston College center Matt Tennant adds depth while Oregon State QB Sean Canfield may push aging Mark Brunell. Grade: C

New York Giants: The Giants wanted Alabama MLB Rolando McClain, but they might have lucked out with Phillip Dillard with the 115th pick. Dillard was a solid middle linebacker at Nebraska and played super at the end of the season for the Cornhuskers. Before that, the Giants risked their first-round pick on South Florida pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, who is physically gifted but short on football experience. NT Linval Joseph battled weight issues (up to 370 pounds) at East Carolina, but he's a powerful player who has a chance to anchor the defensive line. LSU safety Chad Jones played in the outfield for the Tigers' national championship team and the Giants love his hands and 6-2, 220-pound frame. With 44-year-old Jeff Feagles entering his 23rd NFL season, the Giants took East Carolina punter Matt Dodge in the fifth round. Grade: B-

New York Jets: They fell into one of the draft's best cover cornerbacks in Kyle Wilson of Boise State at the bottom of the first round. Wilson could end up teaming with Darrelle Revis. OT Vladimir Ducasse moved here in 2002 from Haiti and only played two years of high school football, but he started three years at Massachusetts and was all-league twice. Ducasse is a great project because he's 6-4, 332 pounds with 35-inch arms. USC running back Joe McKnight was great value in the fourth round. His style suits the pro game because he can catch and also return kicks. The key is whether McKnight is as productive as Leon Washington, who was traded to Seattle. They added a solid fullback blocker in Kentucky's John Conner, a 246-pounder. They also unloaded veteran guard John Faneca because he was guaranteed more than $5 million this season. Grade: B

Oakland: Owner Al Davis lit a bonfire under JaMarcus Russell with the acquisition of Redskins QB Jason Campbell for a 2012 fourth-round pick. Campbell is a deep-ball thrower that Davis has always loved. Russell is due over $9 million this season and I can see the Raiders asking him to take a $7 million pay reduction; if they release him, who would take him? Davis finally went against his size and speed measurements and simply took a quality football player in MLB Rolando McClain, the defensive leader of Alabama's national championship team. Lamarr Houston was a high school running back who ballooned into a very good defensive tackle at Texas. He should be a great one-gap penetrator. Finally, the Raiders took Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, the athletic phenom (4.84 for 314-pounder) at the Combine, who simply needs to listen to head coach Tom Cable to learn how to play a little tougher and stronger. Campbell had a low second-round grade, so it was a great selection. Clemson WR Jacoby Ford has 4.28 speed and should be a playmaker. To get Ford, Davis traded starting MLB Kirk Morrison to the Jaguars, opening up the position for McClain. Grade: A+

Philadelphia: The Eagles gave up a lot to move up in the first round to take Michigan pass rusher Brandon Graham, who was a dominant performer in the Big Ten. Andy Reid is hoping that second-round pick Nate Allen of South Florida can shore up the safety position, but he's not an intimidator like Brian Dawkins was for this franchise. Allen is also going to be remembered as the Donovan McNabb selection, too. A lot of pressure on this kid to produce. For all their ammunition prior to the draft, the Eagles kind of struck out. With the 122nd pick, the Eagles surprised many by taking Northwestern QB Mike Kafka over Tony Pike and Dan LeFevour. Obviously, Kafka is smart but his arm seemed limited. The Eagles did a lot better in the later rounds on value, getting Clemson OLB Ricky Sapp, who had second-round grades, Florida receiver Riley Cooper who should be a big target in the red zone and H-back Clay Harbor of Missouri State. Ohio State safety Kurt Coleman was a playmaker and has a shot to make the team from the seventh round. Grade: B-

Pittsburgh: There were phony rumors out there that Ben Roethlisberger was on the trading block, so the Steelers focused on shoring up the offensive line with Florida center Maurkice Pouncey, who was their target from the outset. Virgina Tech OLB Jason Worilds ideally suits the Steelers' 3-4 scheme as an edge rusher and may remind some of James Harrison. Former Ohio State standout Thaddeus Gibson is a great athlete who was only a one-year starter and he was something of tweener at OLB and defensive end. He's a project. SMU WR Emmanuel Sanders will try to fill Santonio Holmes' shoes. RB Johnathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech was considered a second-round pick, but fell to the sixth round because of a failed drug test for amphetamines for medical reasons at the Combine. Dwyer was off some teams' draft boards. Grade: B+

San Diego: The entire draft for the Chargers will be based on what kind of impact Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews makes this season. The Chargers gave up their 40th pick to move up in the first round and take Mathews, who was considered the draft's best all-around runner. Coach Norv Turner now has the big back to work with Darren Sproles. Washington linebacker Donald Butler can play inside and outside and is super smart. North Carolina's Cam Thomas (330 pounds) will be given every chance to win the starting nose tackle spot while the Chargers actually took a quarterback in Jonathan Compton, who passed for 27 touchdowns and 13 INTs last season with Tennessee. Grade: C

San Francisco: The 49ers bolstered their offensive line and didn't take a quarterback, meaning they will stick with Alex Smith this season. Anthony Davis of Rutgers will be given every chance to start at right tackle this season while Idaho guard Mike Iupati is a tremendous run blocker with a nasty streak. These two players will allow the 49ers to pound the ball while also providing Smith with better pocket protection. Free safety Taylor Mays of USC was considered a top ten pick a year ago, but he slipped this season because he didn't track the deep ball very well and missed so many interception opportunities. But Mays can run and tackle and should be a good fit. He is motivated to prove his worth, too. Mississippi State RB Anthony Dixon was a one-man offense in college and is a good fit behind Frank Gore. LB Navorro Bowman played well at Penn State, but his draft stock fell because of some off-the-field issues. Grade: A

Seattle: Despite former player Taylor Mays taking a personal shot at his former coach, Pete Carroll, the former USC coach had a great three-day draft. The Seahawks got a great playmaker in Texas safety Earl Thomas, who was coveted by coordinator Gus Bradley. And OT Russell Okung was the top-rated tackle on the majority of teams' boards and was available because the Redskins prefer a zone-blocking scheme and wanted a more athletic tackle in Trent Williams. They spent the 40th pick on Chargers QB Charlie Whitehurst. They needed a receiver and got Golden Tate, who had a great final season at Notre Dame with 93 catches for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns before going to play center field for the baseball team. They tried to trade for Marshawn Lynch, but ended up with ex-Trojan in LenDale White in a deal with the Titans. White gives them a power running back to go with Justin Forsett, considering how disappointing Julius Jones has been. But the best news was the acquisition of Leon Washington from the Jets, meaning that Jones might be an afterthought as a starter. Tate should be a return man. Carroll took a chance on his former player, Anthony McCoy, who tested positive for marijuana at the Combine. McCoy was hampered by an ankle injury last season. Grade: A+

St. Louis: This team, regardless of who the owner is, had no other choice but to draft a quarterback and hope that Sam Bradford does become the successful new face of the franchise. There should be no threat of a holdout because CEO Kevin Demoff has done four big contracts with agents Tom Condon/Ben Dogra over the past six seasons. Indiana OT Rodger Saffold, a three-year starter, had first-round grades by at least a dozen teams and this was another huge need. Marty Gilyard was an explosive receiver at Cincinnati and he should be the starting kick returner, too. DE George Selvie lost his starting job at South Florida to the Giants' first-round pick, Pierre-Paul, but he did have an awesome sophomore season and Penn State linebacker Josh Hull was a solid pick in the seventh round. There seemed to be 30 tight ends taken in this draft and the Rams took two of them in Michael Hoomanawanui of Illinois (the blocker) and Fendi Onobun of Arizona (the vertical threat). Grade: B

Tampa Bay: Maybe they had Ndamukong Suh rated higher than Gerald McCoy, but this Oklahoma tackle will be an instant starter and bring energy and pass-rush ability. The Bucs followed that with another DT in UCLA's Brian Price, a great three-technique rusher while ignoring a chance to take a receiver. But they got quality at that position with Arrelious Benn of Illinois because he entered the 2009 season as a top ten pick but suffered an ankle injury and struggled because of the horrible Illinois quarterback situation. Syracuse WR Mike Williams got suspended last season, but most teams had a second-round grade on him, so he was a bargain in the fourth round. I don't know if Cody Grimm can hold up in the NFL, but the Virginia Tech safety forced eight fumbles last season and is a high-energy guy. Grade: A

Tennessee: Having lost Kyle Vanden Bosch to the Lions in free-agency, the Titans fell into one of the draft's most complete defensive ends in Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan in the first round. Most teams had Morgan as a top ten pick. USC receiver Damian Williams returned two punts for touchdowns last season and the Titans have a definite need in that area. Williams was also a productive receiver with 70 catches for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns. He finished is career with 17 TDs. Rennie Curran was a tackling machine at Georgia with 130 tackles in his senior season. The only knock on the 235-pound Curran is that he's only 5-10. Curran was also a team captain and started 25 games in his last two seasons. The Titans took the smartest player in the draft in former Florida State safety Myron Rolle, who spent last season as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. Rolle hopes to one day to become a surgeon. Grade: B

Washington: The only way to look at their draft is that Mike Shanahan gave up a second-round pick for Donovan McNabb, a veteran QB that he loves. OT Trent Williams will be an instant starter and his athletic style suits Washington's zone-blocking run scheme. LSU linebacker Perry Riley fills a need. The only bad thing is that the Redskins couldn't get better compensation (2011 fourth-round pick) for Jason Campbell in the trade with the Raiders. Grade: C

FOX News Network, LLC.

Somebody like our draft...

From Wes Bunting at the National Football Post

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Cleveland Browns

I’m not a huge Joe Haden fan, but from top to bottom, this was my favorite draft class of 2010. The Browns got a bunch of solid football players toward the top end who can come in and contribute immediately as well as two at the end of the draft (WR Carlton Mitchell and DE Clifton Geathers) who have only started to scratch the surface of their potential.

Grade: A

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just clicking...

I was watching ESPN this afternoon and one of their people rated the Browns draft as the best of all teams....I was shocked, the Browns getting some love from ESPN.

We shall see over time if this ESPN fella was right...

http://www.youtube.com/v/sn5oH0W6xO4

Good Morning DawgTalkers.net! Here's My take on the Browns draft!

Thanks for your support and Enjoy!

Emory

Ok, I primarily grade a draft ahead of time based on 4 factors: filling needs, taking BPA, intelligent trading, and taking a few guys I liked a lot (because let’s face it, we’re all biased).

Filling Needs – well, our needs before the draft seemed to be roughly in priority: S, OL, DL, CB, S, OLB, OL, WR, QB, RB (yes, S and OL appear twice on purpose)

We drafted in order of our draft: CB, S, RB, QB, OL, S, WR, DL

Taking anything outside the top3 rounds as less than 50% success rate, we likely have not filled our full need on DL, OL, WR (and the second safety). We also completely ignored our need at OLB. However, given the talent that was available and the picks we had at our disposal, I thought we did a decent job at filling needs though I am going to ding us a grade for not getting a DL earlier.

Need grade = B+


taking BPA – obviously subjective and it runs with the 4th category a tad, but I’ll try to make this one more of a ‘mock draft consensus’ category. This category could also be called ‘avoiding reaches’ which is more closely what I view it as.

Haden – BPA and the obvious pick with Berry and Suh gone.
Ward – serious issues with his knees made his draft stock lower than what we picked on most sites.
Hardesty – seemed right in line with most sites I read. Again, health concerns, but most had him as a late 2nd rounder.
Colt McCoy – going purely by the standards of this category, he seems like a steal as most had him as a 2nd rounder (I feel he went about where he should but that’s category 4).
Shawn Lauvao – a bit of a reach as most interior OL get downgraded on mock draft sites. I did find a few that had him rated as OT and by that he went where he should. So, if he is RT, then it’s right in line, but I’m grading him as a reach for now.
Larry Asante – he ranged anywhere from a 3rd to 5th round pick. A slight steal by our part there.
Carlton Mitchell – he rated anywhere from 5th to 7th. So, again a wash.
Clifton Geathers – he rated anywhere from 4th to UDFA. So, let’s call it a wash.


Final Tally:
“steals” = 2
“reaches” = 2
“wash” = 4

BPA Grade = C+ (downgraded due to Ward being considered a reach and that being the highest non-wash pick)

intelligent trading – only draft day trades count here. So, Quinn/Seneca/Shelden+Gocung trades that had picks involved are not included.

We get: #59
For: #71 + #134 + #146

Draft value chart says: Browns get: 310 points Browns give: 235 + 39 + 33 = 307

Factor in we were getting a position (RB) that we at least had lower on our ‘need’ chart. However, we did get a player that had rated well and that would not seem to have a chance of lasting until #71 (so, odds are if we wanted him we had to pay for him). And, we didn’t get a steal on the draft chart, so I’ll just go with a modest grade.

Trade Grade = B

preferred player list – completely subjective to the guys I liked and wanted to draft. Suh, Berry, Haden, Ghee, Kindle, Hughes, Nate Allen, Damian Williams, etc. And avoiding guys I didn’t like: Tate, Claussen, Spikes, Kyle Wilson, etc.

To be honest, I hadn’t really considered Lauvao, Mitchell or Geathers much before the draft one way or another. I liked Asante quite a bit as a late round guy so bonus points there. If we had to draft a QB in this weak-QB class, I am happy it was Colt (and happier it was in the 3rd). I didn’t like Hardesty all that much because I don’t like RBs who have injury concerns (more than most positions even). I liked Nate Allen, so Ward was initially a disappointment considering my pre-draft thoughts (though I see where we wanted the better tackling guy instead). And, I love Haden, very happy with that pick.

From pre-draft thoughts:

Love – 1 (Haden)
Like – 2 (Colt, Asante)
Mixed Feelings – 1 (Ward)
Didn’t Like – 1 (Hardesty)
Didn’t care one way or another – 3 (Lauvao, Mitchell, Geathers)

Preferred Grade = C+



Overall Grade = B-

Man No Logo,, you are THE man...

Seems like a heck of a lot of effort for something that is guess work at it's very best.. But I love the effort..

effort now for laziness in the future. now i can just go to one post to show my thoughts on the draft rather than searching through a ton of different ones if i need it

So your grade is a B- then?

draftinsider.net

Highlighted the Ward part, as some points are made here people might like to read.

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Only two teams throughout the National Football League finished last season with a four game winning streak. Many whom do not follow the downtrodden Browns would be surprised Cleveland made up half of said equation. Earlier in the season, Coach Mangini was attempting to lay the foundation for the type of football and players he prefers. As the season came to a close, an identity began to emerge…run the football and play overly aggressive defense. Now under the supervision of proven commodities such as President Mike Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert, the team has attempted to cement said identity throughout the team’s latest off season.

Sitting at number seven overall, the Cleveland Browns appeared to be in an unenviable position. By most accounts, the “elite” talents would all be off the board by the sixth selection. It eventually played out exactly as many predicted. With no concrete offers to trade down, the team chose Florida cornerback Joe Haden. Ironically, Haden was the most popular name attached at this particular selection throughout most of the process. He also showed enough on tape to warrant same aforementioned status. But the Combine came and went, and the cornerback severely disappointed many onlookers with a horrific forty yard dash time. It came to light later the former Gator was suffering from a strained back. A malady he informed all personnel evaluators prior to running in the event. He redeemed himself with a high 4.3/low 4.4 effort at his pro day. Also, the team acquired a solid starting cornerback from Philadelphia in Sheldon Brown. So the obvious need seemed to lessen. Still, Haden’s skill set projects nicely in Cleveland’s system which greatly needed improved athleticism and toughness in their secondary. Despite potentially lacking elite top end speed, his ability to open his hips; and an overall toughness making plays coming up in support proved too much to pass over as the team also liked Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson greatly. Now the Browns possess three legitimate starting cover men, a growing requirement in a pass happy league.

Early turnaround of the team’s top second round selection, Oregon safety T.J. Ward, marked the choice as one of the biggest “reaches” early in the new day two format. A distinction must automatically be made in regards to these claims. Most had slighted Ward as a prospect based on a long injury history, not on-the-field performance. In fact, this safety played very well when on the field in 2009 and may have been the biggest hitting prospect in the nation from his position. Blessed with explosive hips, a reckless abandon on the field, and enough athleticism to warrant consideration as a starting cornerback in his career with the Ducks; Ward has all the tools physically to start from day one for the Cleveland Browns. Unlike the team’s previous starting safety, Brodney Pool, this prospect’s injuries do not appear chronic. As one researches his past a bit more thoroughly, the situation may have even been overblown slightly. This leader in the secondary has not suffered major injury since 2007. Over two years has passed to heal a knee injury. During his senior campaign, some time was missed due to a high ankle sprain but nothing of major consequence. Obviously, there should still be concern but not to the degree of which it has been played out. Terrell Ray Ward is exactly the type of presence needed in Cleveland’s secondary to improve attitude, tackling, and versatility in Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan’s aggressive scheming. Once the doctor’s thoroughly inspected, and the team was comfortable with what they saw; it became the natural choice at thirty eight overall.

As TFY prepared its 2010 NFL Combine coverage, this site spoke with a source within the Browns organization which identified a primary team focus on drafting a “pro ready running back”. By trading back into the second round, the Browns were able to claim such a prospect in Tennessee’s Montario Hardesty who fits said description to a tee. Very few prospects in this class present the three down capability as this Lane Kiffin prepared runner. At a hair under six feet and weighing 225 pounds, Hardesty has ideal size, accompanied by strong interior running, decisive, and even explosive one cut ability to carry the load on first and second down. What many overlook is this back’s ability as a check down option on third down. The former Volunteer finished second, only behind top ten overall selection C.J. Spiller, among their contemporaries with 25 receptions in 2009. Once again, concerns are raised because of past injury issues. Hardesty did suffer an ACL tear as a freshman. Subsequently, he was not able to find the field full time until his senior season. As the Browns look to become one of the top run dominant teams in the National Football League, Hardesty will add to a stable currently including Jerome Harrison, Peyton Hillis, James Davis, and Chris Jennings. In the end this second round selection may eventually become the bell cow of the offense.

Expectations will likely be overwhelming for the team’s initial selection in the third round, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. Cleveland fans have long clamored for any potential pulse of talent behind center since Bernie Kosar was forced out of town. Many believe this gunslinger would be the team’s object of affection much earlier in the process. Yet the team stood firm on their evaluation and waited. The gamble paid off. Now Cleveland has the luxury of sitting this signal caller for a period of time as he develops both mentally and physically to the NFL game. Ideally, the quarterback will get to sit and learn behind two legitimate and capable veterans in Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace for at least one full season. Obviously, there is a need for development in both aforementioned areas for McCoy and became primary reasons as to his sliding on actual draft day. Looking past being the NCAA’s all time winningest quarterback [NOTE: Mike Holmgren selected the previous record holder, David Greene, in the same exact slot five years prior]. Not being completely blinded by his impressive career numbers which include a completion percentage of 70.33%, 13, 252 yards passing, and 112 touchdown throws; McCoy’s lack of top end arm strength as well as playing in a spread offense hurt his draft stock. Given time in an NFL weight room, while learning proper technique, and gaining repetitions making legitimate reads from under center in practice; he will likely get his opportunity to become this team’s starter in the future. There are tools to his game which give him the chance to be successful when the time does arrive. Those include his amazing touch in the short game, intelligence on the field, toughness about his game, and athleticism which belie his size. Despite the perceived overwhelming value of this selection, the question becomes…will this team make the internal decision Colt McCoy is their future and subsequently stick to said evaluation when next year’s quarterback crop looks so intriguing? President Mike Holmgren has displayed a tendency to stick to his guns over the years.


One prospect which generally received praise around these parts, but never seemed to garner much attention nationally was the Cleveland Browns’ selection of offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao late in the third installment. Starting thirty three straight games for Arizona State, his final sixteen were spent at left tackle. A position he will not play at the NFL level. Instead, the native Hawaiian will slide back inside to guard, where he competed earlier in his career as well as at the Senior Bowl. The interior blocker fits the same mold as many of this team’s draft selections: smart (almost finished with his graduate studies), tough, and experienced. Powerful in the weight room, Lauvao’s playing strength does not always translate and can be overwhelmed despite solid overall technique. Expectations for Lauvao are continuing to development and potentially even compete for a starting guard spot as early as this season. His best option may be to “redshirt” this year before being placed in the team’s opening lineup at guard during next year’s schedule.

Safety Larry Asante of Nebraska became the choice in round five. Asante’s game is very similar to the earlier selection of T.J. Ward. Both are potential intimidators with a big presence against the run, field generals of their respective defenses, and very intelligent diagnosing plays. As a result, many scouts were high on a prospect such as this former Cornhusker. The difference lies in Asante’s limited abilities against the pass. He is clearly more effective moving forward in a straight line than dropping back in coverage. Again, those previously mentioned attributes make him attractive as a prospect; but his biggest overall contribution is providing potential quality depth to a position which had to start a converted wide receiver at safety the final half of last season.

Two selections in the sixth round finalized this particular daft class. Both come with high potential return. South Florida wide receiver Carlton Mitchell was generally regarded as an early to mid round selection but fell to a degree. At times, the wide receiver struggled with inconsistency in both his play and was deprived of solid quarterbacking to help highlight his talents. But at 6-feet-3-inches tall, 217 pounds, and capable of low 4.4 speed; Mitchell has ideal physical traits to develop. Much like the latter selection of South Carolina defensive end Clifton Geathers. Physically, there are very few who are in the same realm as this lineman. Standing almost 6-feet-8-inches tall, near 300 pounds, sub five flat speed, freakishly long arms, gigantic hands, and possessing great NFL bloodlines; Geathers never lived up to his potential while playing under Coach Spurrier. His junior campaign was his best before jumping ship early, and even then he only netted 8.5 tackles for loss including 3.5 quarterback sacks. With a lack of burst off the edge, considering his physical tools, Geathers may ideally be suited as a developmental five technique in Cleveland’s 34 defense. As many may have noticed, the usage of terms such as “physical”, “tools”, “development”, and “potential” have been used liberally describing these two particular prospects. The final reward could be tremendous. They could also find themselves on the outs quite quickly at the game’s highest level.

Grade: B

After finishing thirty-second in the league offensively and thirty-first defensively, there is but only way for the Browns to go. The presence of both Holmgren and Heckert, who have run draft war rooms previously, clearly brought a streamlined approach to this year’s class. Nothing about this particular group will skyrocket fans’ team expectations, yet the instant impact could be tremendous. With the potential of landing three to four immediate starters, a long term franchise quarterback prospect, and high end late additions; the Cleveland Browns quietly went about their business acquiring talent which fit well within their burgeoning identity.

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Really enjoyed that read, thought it was one of the best most complete analysis I have read regarding our draft.

How do you get T.J. Ward out of Terrell Ray Ward? I supposed the J is for Junior?

Eh... maybe he just liked the sound of it. I mean, T.R. Ward sounds more like a tax accountant than a football player, right?

I still think that giving a grade to a draft before the players actually show up for training camp is like giving a kid a report card before he has his 1st day of kindergarten.

"OK kid, you're gonna be a doctor. Sorry kid, you're gonna be scrubbing toilets for the rest of your life."


"But I'm only 5!"

I've seen a few kids I could have made that call on.....