grade

Washington Redskins

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:12:17 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

2.51 David Amerson, CB, NC State

I love this pick. Amerson is a ball hawk that just couldn't match his production from a few years ago. Some will say that it was a lack of focus, while I believe it was an improvement on teams scouting. Amerson isn't a top-10 pick, but he has a lot of potential to have a pro bowl caliber career either at corner or safety. He also fills their biggest of needs, but this may be a bit early.

B

3.85 Jordan Reed, TE, Florida

I don't quite see it here. In a draft with other tight ends, I just don't get what the need was to jump on one with bigger needs out there. It also is another pick that went a little early.

C-

4.19 Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno State

I love this pick. Phillip Thomas is too good of a ball hawk to still be here, and he could easily be the day one starter.

5.154 Chris Thompson, RB, FSU

5.162 Brandon Jenkins, DE/LB, FSU

Watch out for Jenkins in a few years when he is a 10-sack a season guy.

6.191 Baccari Rambo, S, Georgia

Rambo is another guy that should not have been here.

7.228 Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers

OVERALL GRADE: A

I really like this draft. The team got value with all but two of their picks (Reed and Thompson), and they got incredible value with almost every one of their other picks. I see two instant starters with potentially five down the road.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

Picks

1.2 Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

I love RG3 and I think that he will have a better career than Luck, but I think the Skins gave up just a little bit too much to allow the team to compete with Griffin for awhile. They do have some talent though now which actually might let them take a big step forward.

B+

3.71: Josh LeRibeus, OG SMU

I don't mind the team going for some protection for their new weapon, but the team severely reached on a guy that probably would have been there in the 5th. There was better value out there, and the team could have traded back a little more and gotten value if they loved LeRibeus that much.

C-

4.102 Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

Cousin's draft range is fine here, but why the hell would you draft another QB. The team is essentially getting an insurance option in case their new stud QB gets hurt or sucks. That's fine in the 7th round, but don't do it in the 4th round with so many other good guys on the board.

D

4.119 Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas

The Skins got a 6th rounder to move back a bit to grab Robinson who at worst is a great insurance option inside. Good pick.

B+

5.141 Addam Gettis, OG, Iowa

The team gets a guard that I think is actually better than their 3rd round pick. Look for Gettis to get some good playing time.

B

6.173 Alfred Morris, OT, FAU

There were a few better options on the board, but Morris is still and ok runner. I trust Shanny, but getting a big, slow runner that fumbles a lot scares me.

B

6.193 Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota

This is a good value, it was a free pick, and it fills a need to help their two QB's.

A

7.213 Richard Crawford, CB, SMU

7.217 Jordan Bernsttine, CB, Iowa

OVERALL GRADE: B+

I like most of the picks that the Skins made, and they got the QB that they really needed. The fact that they drafted a backup QB with so few picks (including no 1st rounder for two years) gives me the feeling that the Skins will always be a few young tools away from success.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

Picks

1.16 Ryan Kerrigan, DE/LB, Purdue

The team had 307 needs going into the draft, so I loved them trading back here. I don't think this fixes the QB problem, but I can't hate a pass rush.

A-

2.41 Jarvis Jenkins, DE/DT, Clemson

I like the position addressed, but Jenkins went way too early to love this pick.

C+

3.79 Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami

Fantastic pick. The team really needed some receiver help for whichever QB starts, and Hankerson is a very good prospect that should have gone sooner.

A

4.105 Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska

I'm not going to give the spiel about Shanny picking runningbacks, because Helu went too early here.

C

5.146 Dejon Gomes, S, Nebraska

A good pick, but again it was a reach.

C+

5.155 Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska

Ok, what Husker broke into the draft room and said "overdraft three Huskers in a row!" Paul is an ok receiver, but is a tad early given the rest of the value, and three Huskers raises questions.

C+

6.177 Evan Royster, RB, Penn State

Better pick than Helu and a much better value.

B+

6.178 Alderick Robinson, WR, SMU

I don't mind the team taking three receivers as much as others, but why no QB?

B-

7.213 Brandyn Thompson, CB, Boise State

Adding CB depth does wonders for teams. Can't complain here.

B

7.217 Maurice Hurt, OT, Florida

Hurt isn't the best guy available, was he should add good depth on the team.

B+

7.224 Markus White, DE/LB, Florida State

More great depth at the end of the draft.

A

7.253 Chris Neild, NT, West Virginia

A final addition to the defense, and a backup plan if they cut Albert Haynesworth.

A

Draft Grade: C-

Remember a few years ago when the team had the best defense in the league and it just needed a few tools on offense to instantly be a great team. Well with a new coach came a 3-4 defense that ruined the existing defense and ruined the 100-million dollar man. The offense declined a ton with the new aging QB as well. So going into this draft where the team had few picks, no offense and no defense the team starts out by collecting picks. The team ended up with 12 picks, but maybe only three starters which is awful. The team is essentially destined now to have Rex Grossman lead the team to the Andrew Luck contest next year. There is no reason that with 12 picks in this draft that the team neglected a QB with every single one of them.

NEW GRADE: C+

I do still hate what the organization is doing. The team ruined the best defense in football while trying to change the nastiest inside pass rusher in the league. They then top it off by giving up on a potential top-10 QB. I can't give the team a good grade because they blatantly ignored the QB spot, but I do love the five skills guys they got to plug in on offense.

Tennessee Titans

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:37:35 +0100

**********2013 NFL DRAFT GRADE*************

1.10 Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

Warmack was the number one talent in the draft, and he will instantly improve the entire line for the team. But picking one in the top-10 is a luxury, even with the evolution of the game valuing defensive tackles.

B-

2.34 Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

Justin Hunter was the best value receiver in the draft, and I think teams will regret passing on him. He did have some drops due to a fear of getting hit, but he is an AJ Green clone (body not skillset) with too much potential. It did cost them a 3rd rounder next year, but they got a potential stud receiver to plug in for Jake Locker.

B+

3.70 Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, UConn

How the hell was he the 2nd corner taken from UConn? Wreh-Wilson was maybe the 5th best corner in this draft, and should not have fallen this far. He is a steal and a half here.

A

3.97 Zavier Gooden, OLB, Mizzou

It fills a need, and it is ok value (although I don't really value him this high personally)

B

4.107 Brian Schwenke, OC, California

Good solid pick here. This team is scary on the interior now.

5.142 Lavar Edwards, DE, LSU

6.202 Khalid Wooten, CB, Nevada

7.248 Daimion Stafford, S, Nebraska

OVERALL GRADE: B

This is an up and down draft that has a lot of potential. The team completely has reshaped its offensive line to not only open up the gaps for CJ2K, but it will also give Jake Locker extra time in the pocket. I also was really impressed with the Justin Hunter pick and also the Blidi Wreh-Wilson pick as well. 2-4 starters with one impact player.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.20 Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Titans needed some depth at receiver, but very few had one mocked there. I would have much rather had the team take one of the stud offensive linemen that were left on the board, but I do like the pick overall.

B

2.52 Zach Brown, OLB, UNC

I have some mixed feelings on this pick, but overall it's not a bad one at all. The Titans needed some linebacker depth, and they ended up with a pretty good outside guy. He wasn't a top notch pick from value, but not bad at all.

B-

3.82 Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

Martin is a guy that could really do some damage for a decent defense like the Titans. He has a knack for getting through linemen, and he made a lot of Big Ten offensive lines look bad.

B+

4.115 Coty Sensabaugh, CB, Clemson

Besides the fact that this was early for him, he is all potential when the team needs someone that can contribute right away.

C

5.110 Taylor Thompson, TE, SMU

I'm ok with this pick. The team needed some help at tight end, and Thompson is an ok enough value here.

B

6.190 Markelle Martin, S, OK State

I expected Martin to fall a little bit in the draft, but he is a steal here. He should be able to get some time in and contribute.

A

7.211 Scott Soloman, DE, Rice

Overall Grade: B

I liked how the Titans started the draft, and they may end up with three starters from the draft, but I feel like the team missed out on getting some much needed offensive line help for both CJ2K and for Jake Locker.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

Picks

1.8 Jake Locker, QB, Washington

I always find it hard to hate a team that drafts the most important position on a team, but I have to here. I actually mocked Gabbert going after Locker in my final mock, so I don't hate a team for taking Locker's heart over his talent, but I never thought the Titans would draft Locker. Locker is Vince Young with more heart, but that will lose more games. He is a major project, and I'm not sold that the team will use him as one. For a team that is essentially a QB ready to win now, I don't know why they got a 1-2 year project with this pick.

C

2.39 Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Ayers has gotten burned from this pick because he is a much better fit for a 3-4, but he does have upside in the 4-3. In the 4-3 though he really doesn't have a great value even with this pick.

C

3.77 Jurrell Casey, DT, USC

Casey is a guy that could have gone a tad earlier, and he does fill a need.

B+

4.109 Colin McCarthy, MLB, Miami

Some think that this pick is a great value and a steal, but because of injury I had actually heard that McCarthy had been taken off a number of boards. Either way he could be a huge steal.

B+

4.130 Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson

Awful pick. Harper is maybe the most overrated runner I may have ever seen. If you take away two 40+ yard runs, Harper averaged 2.8 YPC this year. He had six games this year where he had fewer than 50 yards rushing, two games with less than 2 YPC in a game, and two games with less than 10 yards. I understand some potential, but he did nothing that deserved being drafted.

F

5.142 Karl Klug, Front-7, Iowa

I have no idea where Klug where end up in the league. He likely will be put at DE, but he might be able to fill the cracks just about anywhere in the front-7 if his size gets tweaked.

B

6.175 Byron Stingly, OT, Louisville

I like this pick. Late round depth that can help Locker.

B

7.212 Zach Clayton, DT, Auburn

More defensive line depth for a team that needs some.

B+

7.251 Tommie Campbell, S, Cal-PA

Talent with character issues. I don't care what issue a guy has with character in the very late 7th round.

B+

Draft Grade: B-

Here is another draft that has some potential despite me not loving the picks. The team addressed a lot of their needs, but the team is one that could contend right now with good QB play. They draft a project QB, so maybe the team is rebuilding.

NEW GRADE: C

I think I gave the Titans a pass in my original grade because I had Locker before Gabbert in my final mock projection. But it just doesn't make the right sense. Locker is a less talented version of Vince Young, and the Titans cannot afford to have a project with Chris Johnson's Titans ready to win now. The team reached a ton, but addressed some needs, but I actually think they have hurt themselves with this draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:52:02 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

2.43 Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

I don't understand why Banks went after Darius Slay. It was the classic case of a good 2nd corner (slay) looking good while the other corner got ignored (Banks). I know that this isn't quite the right case, but it isn't too far off. Either way the Bucs get a great player that solidifies their passing defense.

A

3.73 Mike Glennon, QB, NC State

Apparently the Bucs think that they are Super Bowl ready, because they have started to take luxury picks. Ignoring the fact that Bucs missed out on addressing much bigger needs, I hate this pick. Glennon is way too raw of a player to be taking when the team might need a guy to step in soon for Josh Freeman.

C

4.100 Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois

4.126 William Gholston, DE, MSU

5.147 Steven Means, OLB, Buffalo

6.189 Mike James, RB, Miami

OVERALL GRADE: B/D

I'm leaning on this being a bad draft. You have to factor in the fact that they got potentially the best corner in the draft from it which makes it a potential B. The first pick of Johnthan Banks was a great value, but the team followed that up by creating a potential QB controversy, and a bunch of other guys that likely won't make a splash.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1:7 Mark Barron, S, Alabama

I don't mind the Bucs trading back a few picks to get a 4th rounder, but when you pass on the best corner of the draft (maybe your biggest need) to do so then you won't make me happy. The team still needs two solid/young corners.

C

1:31 Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

When the smoke cleared the Bucs moved back in the first two picks for a very late 4th rounder and the ability to move up to get Martin. I wasn't in love with the pick, and would have given it a B if the Giants didn't counter by reaching for a rusher. The Bucs had to trade up for Martin, and it ends up a great move.

A

2:52 Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

It's sort of strange, but Lavonte David seems like a Buccaneers pick. The team had to swap a 4th rounder with a 7th to get him, but he was one of the best left on the board.

B+

5. Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia

Goode is a little early here, but he should be a solid special teams guy right away.

C+

6.174 Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia

Again it's a little bit early for a guy like Tandy, but he should be able to actually get a little playing time in that terrible backfield.

B

7.212 Michael Smith, RB, Utah State

7.233 Drake Dunsmore, TE/FB, Northwestern

Overall Grade: C+

Overall the team got three starters which is great, but they lost out on their biggest need by trading down out of the potential Morris Claiborne pick. The team got Mark Barron who is great, and moving down helped them end up with Doug Martin, but I'm not sold. They would have been better with Claiborne and David Wilson in the 2nd than with Barron and Martin in my opinion. Had they gotten a corner on day two then it may have changed it a lot.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

Picks

1.20 Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

The team reportedly has loved Clayborn for months, but I don't quite think they watched the draft to see if he was really he best pick available. Turning your card in at the start of the draft can kill a team, and while I think Clayborn was a fine pick this time, it could have been interesting to see what happened if Robert Quinn or Ryan Kerrigan had fallen to them.

B

2.51 DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson

I think Bowers was bound to fall even before the knee injury because he just had too many questions on the field. With that said, getting him in the 2nd was a steal for the team, and the team needed two ends anyways.

A+

3.84 Mason Foster, OLB, Washington

Foster here was another steal, and he becomes the third possible starter for day one.

A

4.104 Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee

This is one of those picks that you like the more you think about it. Stocker at worst becomes a top notch backup for Kellen Winslow Jr, and his value in the 4th is outstanding. But this move allows the team to possibly try to restructure (or cut loose) Winslow if they want to. Winslow is owed 8.3 million in 2011, and an average of 5.5 million for the next four seasons. He might be willing to restructure for a little less to stay on the blooming Bucs.

A

5.151 Ahmad Black, S, Florida

Black should not have lasted this long, and he does help a general need,

B+

6.187 Allen Bradford, RB, USC

I'm ok with this move as long as it doesn't distract LaGarrette Blount from showing up this year. Definitely a good value though.

B+

7.222 Anthony Gaitor, CB, FIU

The team needed a young corner to plug in, but from most accounts the CB is the biggest need on the team.

B+

7.238 Daniel Hardy, TE, Idaho

I try not to hate 7th round picks, but Hardy doesn't fill a need much.

C-

Draft Grade:B+

I really do like this Bucs draft. They found three starters on defense, three or four guys that will see playing time. I don't know if this is "the draft" that will put the team over the top, but it is hard to complain about their draft strategy too much. I do really wish the team would have found some CB support because it seems that it will be an upcoming problem.

NEW GRADE: B+

I can see why a lot of people loved the Bucs draft, and I have to admit that I was one of them until I went back. I loved just about every pick the team made, and just about every pick was a great value. My problem however is that Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, and Cam Newton will have a field day throwing at the receiver that isn't being guarded by Ronde Barber. If the team can stay on track on offense, and if they can find a good back seven then they could be legit contenders.

St. Louis Rams

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:01:34 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.8 Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

The Rams loved a guy and they jumped up to make sure that they got him. The pick cost them essentially a second and a seventh rounder to do so, but the team is getting a major threat and a huge upgrade.

A-

1.30 Alec Ogletree, MLB/OLB, Georgia

The Rams lost a 2nd rounder earlier, but they got a 3rd and a 6th back to move back. They are getting a guy that I mocked to them about 10 picks earlier, and while I think there were a couple better guys, they are getting a major threat in the center of their defense.

A

3.71 T.J. McDonald, S, USC

Well.... Well McDonald may have been the best defensive player for USC last year, but that isn't saying much. He has potential, but there were 5+ other guys better and safer than him on the board.

C

3.92 Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia

I think it is safe to say that Sam Bradford will be ok with this draft. I would love to see the Rams have one big nasty receiver, but they have a ton of awesome weapons now.

B

4.113 Barrett Jones, RT/OG/C

Great versatile depth here.

5.149 Brandon McGee, CB, Miami

5.160 Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt

OVERALL GRADE: A-

This is one of those drafts that I can get behind. I don't agree with every pick, and I do wish that they had gone after a runner, but this is a draft that helped the team on every part of the team. Two guys should splash immediately, and I see up to 5 starters.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1:14 Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

When it is all said and done the Rams went from the 2nd overall pick to the 14th overall pick for two 2012 2nd round picks, a 2013 1st rounder and a 2014 1st rounder. Great move. In all reality I'm not in love with the Brockers pick, but the trade value for it all was amazing.

A

2:33 Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

I really wish that there was a bigger trade market for the 1st pick in the 2nd round, but there just never seems to be a blockbuster trade that happens. With that said, I love that the team got a receiver for Bradford, but the Quick was about 4 receivers too early.

B-

2:39 Janoris Jenkins, CB, N. Alabama

Fisher got his Pac Man! Janoris Jenkins would have been the first corner off the board if he could behave. I hated him as a 1st round pick, but he is a steal here in the 2nd round, especially when you got him for trading with the Skins.

A

2: 50 Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

The Rams picked up a 5th rounder to move down which definitely is awesome, but the team reached on Pead. Pead was at best the 6th best runner in the draft, and the team should have found away to keep trading down.

C+

3: 65 Trumaine Johnson, S, Montana

I marked Johnson down as a safety because he will likely end up there or as a nickel. He has good potential and is a good value here.

B+

4.96 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest

A lot of people are treating this pick like Givens is guaranteed to splash, but those people probably thought that when the Rams drafted Mardy Gilyard with the 96th pick in 2010. I actually am happy with the Givens pick, but the team won't succeed until they get a real, solid option.

A

5.150 Rokevious Watkins, OG, South Carolina

I love that the team is getting some help, but this is a huge reach. Jeff Fisher hates drafting offensive lineman, which might explain why his teams never did well with pocket quarterbacks. This is one reason that I hated the Fisher hiring, because it might kill Sam Bradford.

C+

6.171 Greg Zuerlin, K, Missouri Western

I actually like drafting kickers, and Zuerlin sounds like an intriguing kicker to plug in.

B

7.209 Aaron Brown, OLB, Hawaii

7.252, Daryl Richardson, RB, Abiline Christian

OVERALL GRADE: A-

This is the all-potential draft of the year. Brockers, Jenkins and Quick should all get starting time, but who knows if they will be as good as their potential. The team got ok depth throughout (except on their OL), but they did walk out with extra first round picks for awhile

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

Picks

1.14 Robert Quinn, DE, UNC

Robert Quinn fell because he had one year of production in college and had some major character issues. After a year off he also didn't impress at the combine. With that said, this was the perfect pick for the Rams who had few picks sitting there for them.

A-

2.47 Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin

There were so many wide receivers that fell to the team with this pick that I don't quite love the tight end pick, but it does fill a need and add a weapon.

B

3.78 Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State

Pettis is a little bit of a reach here, but he is a huge asset for the team. Again, I'd rather the team went WR in the 2nd and TE here, but can't hate them for filling a big need.

B

4.112 Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii

Another very good pick. The team needed a slot to add to the mix, and Salas is possibly the best in the draft.

A

5.158 Jermale Hines, S, Ohio State

This is a bit of a reach for Hines, but it was a position that could use some support.

C+

7.216 Mikail Baker, CB, Baylor

A 7th round sleeper at corner. I say that because I've never heard of him.

C

7.228 Jabara Williams, OLB, Stephen A. Austin

A few friends in the community had Jabara as a huge sleeper, so a decent overall pick.

B

7.229 Jonathon Nelson, CB, Oklahoma

More good DB depth. No complaints here.

B+

Draft Grade: A-

I really like this Rams draft class. The team really knows what is going on right now in the league. Last year the team got a franchise QB, and built some protection around him. This year the team made sure to find that quarterback weapons while adding some late round defensive depth. Next year I expect the team to unload on defense, but that's a different story. In a division where Derek Anderson, Charlie Whitehurst, and Alex Smith are the other current starters I think the Rams have the right idea.

NEW GRADE: A

The more that I look through the picks, the more I love the Ram's draft. The team did more than any other team in the division to improve, and could easily be coached to win the division this year. But they are setting themselves up to need just a few more tools to contend. The team needs just a few more tools to be a major contender and if you evaluate this draft as the second of the three, then you have to be very happy.

Seattle Seahawks

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:09:24 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

2.62 Christine Michael, RB, TAMU

I have started to hate grading the Seahawks because looking at the draft they don't understand value. They don't understand drafting for need, and they pick players to prove that they are 'right.' They are essentially the 2002-2012 Raiders if they got lucky. Sure you can point out Richard Sherman and Russell Wilson, but they didn't see all-pros in them when drafting them.

This pick is just the same. They don't need a running back, and it was a littler early, but I'm sure he will have 10 touchdowns next year.

C+

3.87 Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State

Hill went about 70 picks too soon with this pick, and he doesn't really fit in perfectly anywhere.

D

4.123 Chris Harper, WR, KSU

5.137 Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama

Despite injuries Williams should have gone much sooner than this.

5.138 Tharold Simon, CB, LSU

5.158 Luke Willson, TE, Rice

6.194 Spencer Ware, RB, LSU

7.220 Ryan Seymour, G, Vandy

7.231 Ty Powell, LB, Harding

7.241 Jared Smith, DT, New Hampshire

7.242 Michael Bowie, OT, Northeastern State

OVERALL GRADE: C-

I mentioned it earlier, but the more I hate the Seahawks drafting the better their drafts luck out. But I hate this draft. The team had 11 picks, and none of them really made a splash. This team needed quality over quantity, and they came nowhere close to delivering.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1:15 Bruce Irvin, DE (LB), West Virginia

First off, I like that the Seahawks were able to trade back and get a 4th and a 6th rounder from the Eagles. With that said the Seahawks are STUPID. The team took a guy that most thought at best might sneak into the first round. He is a troublesome guy off the field, and he is a pure athlete that was maybe the 8th best pass rusher in the draft. The team could have taken anything (maybe a similar trade that the Pats gave) to move back and make this a just ok pick. But taking him as the first pass rusher in the draft was dumb. Even if he comes out and becomes a sack specialist this pick wouldn't be a great one because of the bad value.

D

2:47 Bobby Wagner, MLB, Utah State

The Seahawks got a 5th and a 7th to move back a few spots, so that's awesome. A lot of people hate this pick, and while it is a slight reach, it isn't as bad as the Bruce Irvin pick. I don't love it, but I don't hate it.

B

3.75 Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

As a big fan of Kellen Moore, I absolutely hate this pick. Russell Wilson is a 5'10 athletic quarterback with a lot of potential, but he translates essentially to a prettier Pat White. Could he become a starter down the road? Sure, but I just don't trust him as a long term option. I just don't get what he adds to a team that needs a lot of help when they already have Tavaris Jackson and Matt Flynn.

D

4.106 Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State

I like this pick actually. Turbin is a solid rusher that can take some pressure off of captain Skittles and keep him healthy. Turbin doesn't have the upside to do everything, but he is actually a solid 4th round pick.

B+

4.114 Jaye Howard, DT, Florida

I like the Seahawks going after some DL help, but Howard was a reach here. There were better options that they could have gone with, and I'm not sure what Howard did to impress the Seahawks who didn't look at too many SEC type guys.

C

5.154 Korey Toomer, LB, Idaho

Another guy that is a bit early, but adds good depth to the team.

C

6.172 Jeremy Lane, CB, Northwestern State

6.181 Winston Guy, S, Kentucky

7.225 J.R Sweezy, DT, NC State

7.232 Greg Scruggs, DT, Louisville

OVERALL GRADE: C-

I'm not sure why anyone would like this draft. The team reached on every single pick except one (Turbin), and they mostly got a bunch of situational guys that won't be able to do much next year.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************
Picks

1.25 James Carpenter, OT/G, Alabama

I do understand that the team wanted to fix their OL, but Carpenter was way wrong. Gabe Carimi and Derek Sherrod were much better picks at tackle, and there were two or three guys better at guard if the team wanted to fail that way. I don't want to hear "The Packers wanted Carpenter" because the Packers got the guy that should have gone here. Right idea, but a terrible value

C-

3.75 John Moffitt, OG, Wisconsin

I again like the team going after OL here, but this is a classic example of a team fixing a problem the wrong way. More on that in the overall grade.

C+

4.99 K.J Wright, OLB, Mississippi State

The team got an ok value here, but unless the team wanted to play Wright at corner or DE I don't quite get it.

C+

4.107 Kris Durham, WR, Georgia

What? Durham wasn't one of my top-35 receivers, and he wasn't high to many people. He wasn't productive across from AJ Green which questions me, and he doesn't score touchdowns. Just like the Carpenter pick, I don't want hate mail about the Chiefs calling the team about Durham. If it were actually true, the Chiefs would have groomed him as a different player (because he likely would have been the WR4). The Seahawks would have groomed him for the Redzone or as a Mike Williams back up which is still too early for a 4th round pick on a team that has so many other needs.

This sort of "team called team" or "team X also looked at that guy in that round" jabber comes out, and is always over analyzed.

Fail

5.154 Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford

Can't complain here. The team needs DB depth badly and Sherman is a great value.

A

5.156 Mark LeGree, S, Appalachian State

Another good pick. LeGree's value is fair here (other guys I would have gone with, but not far off).

B+

6.173 Byron Maxwell, CB, Clemson

Another pick not to complain much about. You wish the team had addressed the secondary earlier, but three very good picks in a row.

B

7.205 Pep Livingston, DE, LSU

I have tried to learn more about the Seattle LEO (or Elephant or a number of other names) defense this offseason, and it would make sense that Pep is a guy that fills the role there.

A

7.242 Malcolm Smith, OLB, USC

I'm not in love with the pick, but I try not to ding much on 7th rounders.

C+

Draft Grade: D

Every single year there seems to be a team or two that go out and draft offensive linemen early because the thought is that the crappy quarterback play and crappy run game is the offensive line's fault. This is the plan that I think the Seahawks used this year for the draft. Instead of finding a new QB to replace Hass, they are sticking with their guns on the Whitehurst experiment. That's fine (although I still don't get it or agree), but the team is also sticking with its awful crop of runners (take away one Marshawn play). Outside of that, the team reached on a tackle with their first pick, took luxury picks with their next three picks, and then focussed on needs at the end. It almost feels like the team wanted to draft as if they were an obvious playoff team, and not a team with a ton of needs.

NEW GRADE: F+

The more that I have sat on the Seahawks draft the more that I dislike it. At best the team found two starters on their OL, but the team still has no quarterback, nobody good at RB (again you have to take the Marshawn playoff play as a glitch more than a rebirth), and a crop of ok receivers. The defense still has a few tools, but this draft did little to help them out.

San Francisco 49ers

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:20:46 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.18 Eric Reid, S, LSU

I don't love the pick, but they only gave up a 3rd rounder to move up and get a guy that they love. It is a pick that fills a need too.

B

2.40 Tank Carradine, DE/DT/LB, FSU

I'm not quite sure where they will put Carradine, but I love the value here. He should have been a first round pick, and he is a great value here.

A

2.55 Vance McDonald, TE, Rice

I was high on McDonald as a sleeper... not as a 2nd rounder. Great pick, but they didn't have to move up to get him.

C

3.88 Corey Lemonier, DE/LB Auburn

This is a good value on Lemonier who could have gone in the middle of the 2nd round. Sure the team might be loading up on pass rushers, but last I checked it was a luxury that many great teams follow. I hope that they bolster their defensive backs a little more though.

B+

4.128 Quinton Patton, WR, LA Tech

It was just stupid that Patton was still there for them.

4.131 Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

I'm glad the kid got drafted. With that said, he was a fair value here given his potential v injury risk.

5.157 Quinton Dial, DE/DT, Alabama

6.180 Nick Moody, LB, FSU

7.237 B.J. Daniels, QB, USF

7.246 Carter Bykowski, OT, Iowa State

7.252 Marcus Cooper, CB, Rutgers

OVERALL GRADE: B

I don't hate this draft like I hate the Seahawks draft, because this one had some good value guys that will play. I see one stater and four other guys that will get good playing time. I do wish that they could have parlayed some of the picks into better value, but it was an ok draft.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1:30 AJ Jenkins, WR, Illinois

Wow. The 49ers could have taken about 40 other guys and gotten a better value with the pick. Hell, there may be 10 other receivers better than Jenkins (who was a late 2nd rounder at best). The team gave Alex Smith a threat to compete for a starting spot with Crabtree, Moss and Manningham, and at best he will be receiving wicked 13 yard deep bombs from Alex F***ING smith.

F

2: 61 LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

I absolutely nailed this one and have had LaMichael going there for 3 months now. As I said in my mock "Harbaugh's last collegiate loss was to Oregon in 2012 when LaMichael James ran 257 yards and three scores. He is the perfect change of pace for the team."

A

4.117 Joe Looney, OG, Wake Forest

I like that the team got some guard help, but they reached a bit for Looney here when other guys were out there.

B-

5.165: Darius Fleming, DE/LB, Notre Dame

6.180 Trent Robinson, S, Michigan State

6.199 Jason Slowey, C, Western Oregon

7.237 Cam Johnson, DE/DT/LB, Virginia

I'm not sold that Johnson is a perfect fit for the team, but they got a guy that very well could have gone in the 3rd or 4th according to talent.

A-

OVERALL GRADE: C+

One thing I liked about the 49ers draft was that they moved around and ended up with a 3rd and a 5th rounder in 2013. With that said, I don't love the draft outside of the LaMichael James pick. I don't care how many OLmen, runners and receivers you add for Alex Smith, because at the end of the day he won't know what to do with it all. He has Randy Moss in his crew which is great, but do we really want to see him throw a deep 14-yard checkdown to Moss and AJ Jenkins.

The team reached on value, and got maybe a single starter from the draft.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************
Picks

1.7 Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri

The team needed a new pass rusher and Smith was very high on some teams boards. It was also obvious that Robert Quinn, Blaine Gabbert and Prince Amukumara were overrated a little bit by the major media sources.

B+

2.36 Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada

I personally didn't believe that Kaepernick was a top-40 pick, but the team needed a quarterback, and got a very good project. The team also only spend a 2nd round pick for him so he doesn't have to be the 'face of the franchise' like Locker, Ponder, Gabbert and Newton.

B+

3.80 Chris Culliver, CB, South Carolina

Culliver was a 5th rounder by most reports, so this is a reach, but the team has needed a corner for awhile.

C+

4.115 Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State

It seems like every year the team drafts a guy to support Frank Gore, and every year I am happy for the pick.

B+

5.163 Daniel Kilgore, OG, Appalachian State

It is hard to criticize a team for adding offensive OL depth late in a draft, but it could have been a better value.

B-

6.182 Ronald Johnson, WR, USC

The team needed some weapons on offense and getting someone that I thought could go in round 4 here is a good value.

A

6.190 Colin Jones, S, TCU

I think the team could have found a pure safety a little bit earlier, and I think there were other talents out there, but an ok pick nonetheless.

C+

7.211 Bruce Miller, DE/LB, UCF

Miller is too small to play in the NFL. He was also too small to play in college, and did nothing but prove people wrong. I love prospects like this, and I hope he becomes a star.

A

7.239 Mike Person, OT, Montana State

Very late draft offensive line depth is something to love.

B+

7.250 Curtis Holcomb, CB, FAMU

Last year the 49ers signed UDFA LeRoy Vann (although I believe he was later released) from FAMU, and the team might really like what they are seeing from the program.

B

Draft Grade: B

Overall I really like that the team touched on high potential guys that also fit team needs. I'm not sure that any of their picks will end up as starters in 2011, but if the team thinks that it is a year from competing that this is a top notch draft.

NEW GRADE: C+

The team addressed a couple of their biggest needs, but did they really get better? The team picked a QB in the 2nd round, but was it a way for them to touch on it without committing to a 1st round guy? Could Colin Kaepernick be the next Jimmy Clausen? Who knows. The team added a few pieces, but I still am not sold that they found a starter for 2011.

San Diego Chargers

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:27:58 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.11 D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

The Chargers need a lot of help on their offensive line, and Fluker was the last guy worth picking early as a sure thing tackle. It is a little early for Fluker, but he fills a huge need.

B-

2.38 Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

The Chargers are getting a steal of a player, and they probably had to lose a pick to get him, but I just don't know if this was the team he needed. Either way, I think it was great pick.

B+

3.76 Keenan Allen, WR, California

Wow. Keenan Allen could have been a great value at the end of the first, and he is a steal and a half in the 3rd. Think Anquan Boldin with a few more basic question marks.

A+

5.145 Steve Williams, CB, Cal

6.179 Tourek Williams, DE, FIU

7.221 Brad Sorensen, QB, S. Utah

OVERALL GRADE: C+

I do not like this draft as much as anyone else does. The team did land a great receiver in Keenan Allen, but they drafted a right tackle 11th overall, and a media whored MLB in the 2nd. They may have 3 starters out of it, but not the starters they needed.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1:18 Melvin Ingram, DE/LB, So. Carolina

I actually have to give it up the Chargers. The team too often reaches on talent, but they got a steal here. I think an offensive linemen would have been better for the team overall, but other than that they got the best possible pick here.

A

2.49 Kendall Reyes, DE/DT, UConn

This is a classic Charger pick. They slightly reached on a guy when there were other guys out there to find their steal. Not a terrible pick, but not great.

B-

3.73 Brandon Taylor, S, LSU

The Chargers gave a 5th rounder to move up a bit here, but it wasn't a bad move at all. The team got arguably the 2nd or 3rd best safety in the draft, and he was a good value where he went.

B

4.110 Ladarius Green, TE, LA-Laff

Another solid pick here. Green is a poor mans Gates, and he is a guy that can really do some damage in the future.

B+

5.114 Johnnie Troutman, OG, Penn State

7.226 David Molk, C, Michigan

7.250 Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State

OVERALL GRADE: A-

This is one of the best Chargers drafts that I remember in recent memory. They got 3-4 guys that could start next year including one impact guy in Melvin Ingram. They got a potential future stud at TE who will at worst be there in case of injury next year, and then ended with some very good depth on the offensive line. I wish the team would build a little more on offense, but not a bad draft at all.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************
Picks

1.18 Corey Liuget, DE/DT, Illinois

A lot of people didn't see Liuget going to a 3-4 team because of his height, but he really did visit with a lot of 3-4 teams. I personally didn't see him as a 3-4 end because the value to take him wasn't worth it and going after other guys (like a Cam Jordan) would have been better.

B-

2.50 Marcus Gilchrist, CB/S, Clemson

Another strange pick. The team needed another corner, but my many accounts Gilchrist can't even fit in well enough to play nickel, and is rather a safety. I'm not buying the "special teams help" as a reason to reach here either.

C

2.61 Jonas Mouton, LB, Michigan

And the worst overall pick in the draft was? This pick makes me wonder if Al Davis made the pick because he heard the Bears wanted to reach on this 6th or 7th round prospect in a couple of picks. You don't take a special teams player in the 2nd round.

Millen

3.82 Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State

I can't complain too much about this pick, although I do think there were better receivers out there. Also a slight reach.

B+

3.89 Shareece Wright, CB, USC

Well there is the nickel corner. So why Marcus Gilchrist? Also another slight reach.

B

6.183 Jordan Todman, RB, UConn

And the best pick for the team was? The team probably could have taken Todman in the 2nd and Mouton here and the draft would makes some sense.

A+

6.201 Steve Schilling, OG, Michigan

Another great pick for the team. Maybe the team should have just traded all their picks for a bunch of day 3 picks.

A

7.324 Andrew Gachkar, LB, Missouri

Another reach, but for a 7th round pick it's hard to complain too much.

B-

Draft Grade: C+

The team reached on essentially every single pick they made, and they overvalued special teams talents and it showed. But given the fact that the team did touch on a lot of their needs, I can't throw away this draft completely. I would hate being the defensive coordinator because nearly every single pick needs to be coached up.

NEW GRADE: D

It isn't often that I see a draft this interestingly bad. The team reached on nearly every single pick, they focused on positions of need, but the team didn't do much to help out Phillip Rivers. I see maybe one starter from the pack, and while they found some depth, I still have no idea why this organization hasn't been given the kick in the butt that they have needed for years.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:38:46 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.16 Jarvis Jones, DE/LB, Georgia

Without fail the Steelers do it again. They don't have to move and they have a stud fall right in their laps. Jones is the best pass rusher in the draft according to his game tape, and he is a great value here.

A

2.48 Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State

I'm a little Biased because Bell is my favorite runner in the draft, but I like the pick. He is a hard nosed runner that instantly adds an element that has been missing for awhile. Start drafting him for your fantasy team now.

B

3.79 Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

I don't love Wheaton, but he fills a need and is in good value.

B+

4.111 Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse

4.115 Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

5.150 Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois

6.186 Justin Brown, WR, Oklahoma

6.206 Vince Williams, LB, FSU

7.233 Nicholas Williams, DT, Samford

OVERALL GRADE: A

When a team that is already pretty good gets quite a bit better then it is hard to complain. They got potentially four starters, and they have improved on both sides of the ball.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.24 David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

DeCastro arguably is the best guard prospect to come out in the last ten years, and somehow he fell in the draft to a team that will be perfect for him. The Steelers fill a big need, make their offense better in every way, and got the best player on the board. Best pick of the draft so far without a doubt.

A+++

2.56 Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Before his positive test Mike Adams was a top-25 pick. So for the Steelers to sit back and get him and all of his potential at 56 was fantastic. He is a risk off the field, and he is actually a guy that is raw on the field, but the Steelers stole him here.

A

3.86 Sean Spence, LB, Miami

I was hoping that the Steelers would snatch up another steal, but they instead slightly reached on a guy that doesn't really fit their scheme that well.

C

4.109 Alameda Ta'Amu, NT, Washington

If Ta'Amu had been taken in the 2nd or the 3rd round then few would have complained, so to get him in the 4th round is robbery. Luckily the Steelers did a lot of that in this draft.

A

5.159 Chris Rainey, SPEC, Florida

To call Rainey a running back doesn't do justice. He can run in space, can receive the ball, and do some returns. But why I love Rainey is because he blocked six punts/kicks in college which is an elite asset for a team.

A

7.231 Toney Clemons, WR, Colorado

7.240 David Paulson, TE, Oregon

7.246 Terrence Frederick, CB, TAMU

7.248 Kelvin Beachum, OG, SMU

OVERALL GRADE: A+

This is how teams are supposed to draft. The Steelers three biggest needs in the draft were at tackle, guard and nose tackle. They sat back and had the best guard in maybe the last ten years to come out fall right to them, They then sat back again and had a first round quality tackle fall to them in the 2nd. And then in the 4th round they did it once again and ended up with a nosetackle that they could have gotten in the 2nd or 3rd without question. Add in extra quality depth of need and you have one of the best drafts on paper that I've ever seen.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

Picks

1.31 Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State

I have never been in love with Heyward, but he (like a commenter mentioned after the 1st round) was possibly the last top 3-4 end in the draft.

B+

2.63 Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida

Another guy I didn't love, but his value and need are both great here. Gilbert could also play guard too.

B+

3.95 Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

I actually would have given Curtis Brown a B+ grade if he had been taken with the 63rd overall pick, so to steal him at the end of round three was great.

A+

4.128 Cortez Allen, CB, The Citadel

This may have been a slight reach, but the team either grabbing a nickel or a backup plan for Curtis Brown is a good idea.

B+

5.162 Chris Carter, DE/LB, Fresno State

Wow. Carter is a guy many thought would go in the 2nd round based on potential, so for the team to steal him with here is bad for the other 31 teams.

A++

5.196 Keith Williams, OG, Nebraska

I think some fans would have rather had the team go after a pure guard a little earlier, but great to address it here.

B+

7.232 Baron Batch, RB, Texas Tech

Rushing depth here is plenty good.

B

Draft Grade: A

What a great draft. The team touched essentially on their three biggest needs with their first four picks, got a major steal with Chris Carter and finished up with some extra depth.

NEW GRADE: A+

The Steelers needed a ton of corner depth, a defensive end, and some OL depth. They knocked it out of the park with their first four picks, and I really think we could hear the "how did Chris Carter fall to the 5th round" speech from the media in a few years. Sure there are a few more tools the team could add, but the team that lost the Super Bowl is so much better after this draft.

Philadelphia Eagles

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:47:35 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.4 Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

I know Eagle fans will disagree, but I hate this pick. Chip Kelly's offenses always relied more on blocking support of the interior and the skills players rather than having to need an elite left tackle. This pick will definitely help the team, but I just think that they would be better off with getting players with more impact. With that said, many scouts like Johnson enough to warrant the value of the pick.

C+

2.35 Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford

This is a pick I like. Chip Kelly dealt with Ertz in college, and he knows that he is a great receiver with good blocking potential.

B+

3.67 Bennie Logan, DT/NT, LSU

This pick doesn't make much sense. It isn't a great value, and he doesn't have a great fit. The best explanation is that he is a developmental nose tackle.

C-

4.98 Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Someone had to draft him. Sure he isn't a huge athlete, but he is worth a 4th round pick to any team out there.

5.136 Eric Wolff, S, NC State

7.212 Joe Kruger, DE, Utah

7.218 Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

Poyer at worst should have been a 4th round pick. Huge steal.

7.239 David King, DE, Oklahoma

OVERALL GRADE: C+

If this was the draft that the Eagles thought would push them back into the playoffs then it was a failure. But if it was the first steps into building an offense to create fear in the league, then I'm ok with it. The team got a lot better in the blocking game, but there are definitely some major steps to build.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.12 Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Eagles had to trade up a little bit to get Cox, but he was the guy that they wanted the most in the draft. I can't say I love it to death, but I can't say I hate it much either.

B

2.46 Mychal Kendricks, MLB, Cal

Kendricks is a guy with a ton of athletic potential, and he adds a certain dimension to both sides of the defense. His value isn't too awfully bad either.

B

2.59 Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

The Eagles got a violent pass rusher with a ton of experience about 15 picks later than he should have gone. Oh, and they picked up a 4th by trading back too. Awesome pick.

A

3.88 Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

The team reportedly wanted a backup QB, and the value is fair enough here for Foles.

B

4.123 Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Boykin could have gone in the late second, so getting him in the late 4th is a steal. He also fills a need.

A

5.153 Dennis Kelly, OT, Purdue

Kelly is a name most haven't heard much of, but he's a solid late round pick coming from a coach (Danny Hope) that could be the next Kirk Ferentz in terms of OL development.

6.194 Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

Wow. McNutt is essentially the most accomplished receiver to come from Iowa, and he fell in the draft for no major reason. After looking at the Eagles roster, I'm not sold that he isn't one of the top-4 receivers going into camp.

A+

6.200 Brandon Washington, OG, Miami

I wasn't the biggest fan of Washington, but no way should he have been the 200th pick. Another steal.

A

7.229 Bryce Brown, RB, Kansas State

OVERALL GRADE: A-

The Eagles played around a bit in the draft, but they ended up with at least two starters and 3-4 other guys that I think will get solid playing time. Not too bad for a very good team.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************
Picks

1.23 Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

Watkins was supposed to go in about this area, and he fills a need. More on this pick though on the final grade.

B

2.54 Jaiquawn Jarrett, S, Temple

I was going to talk about how this was early for Jarrett, but ESPN actually had him moved up to the 2nd best safety. I personally didn't like him until day three, but no points off for that.

B

3.90 Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State

The team really needed a corner and perhaps should have gotten one sooner, but an ok pick. There were other guys worth taking over him, but again fills a need.

B

4.116 Casey Matthews, LB, Oregon

If the team took Matthews for the middle it would have been a reach here, but getting a high character, high impact guy that could possibly play SLB is a fine value here.

B

4.120 Alex Henery, K/P, Nebraska

I don't get why so many people have so much hate for this pick. Kickers get a bad rep when they get drafted this early, but when it is all said and done they are maybe the 4th or 5th most valuable assets on a team. Defense wins championships, but kickers often decide playoff games, and Henery is the most accurate kicker in college history. Henery is accurate, has distance, and actually might be the best punter in the draft too.

More on Henery

More on Kickers, etc.

Was it a little early? Maybe, but if the Vikings can overdraft a quarterback like Christian Ponder, then a team reaching on a franchise kicker in the late 4th round shouldn't get much hate.

B+

5.149 Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh

I understand the team getting a talented guy with a lot of potential, but I don't quite know how much Lewis adds to the mix. I personally would have rather seen the team take a change of pace type of guy for LeSean McCoy, but the value and need was touched on.

B-

5.161 Julian Vandervelde, OG, Iowa

I am fine with the team taking a safe pick at guard for a good OL program, but maybe an OT?

B-

6.191 Jason Kelce, C, Cincinnati

Another pick that I don't quite get because OT was a bigger need, but OC was a need and more protection is great.

B-

6.193 Brian Rolle, OLB, Ohio State

Good value, good need. Good pick

B+

7.237 Greg Lloyd Jr, OLB, UConn

Another decent pick. Project for a need and a late 7th.

B

7.240 Stanley Havili, FB, USC

I've heard from some that Havili was the best FB in the class, so no complaints in the late 7th.

A

Draft Grade C+

I just don't love this draft. The team walked in needing an OT, 2 CB's, S, a DT, interior linemen, and LB support. They walked away with good interior support, a 4th round caliber CB, LB support and a a safety.

First with the Watkins pick. It fills a need, which is good. But if you read my analysis on the Dolphins you will see that I don't believe you should take a guard in the top-25, because it is too much of a luxury. Well Watkins was the second guard taken, he is 26 1/2 years old, and there were other guys that fill needs. Also, the OG depth in this draft was insane (maybe deepest overall spot), so the abundant need to take a guard here wasn't needed. During the draft I also saw numerous analysts from the Philly area mention that the Eagles rarely re-sign guys in their 30's so the team essentially is guaranteeing that Watkins is a one and done rookie. There is no reason why the team skipped Gabe Carimi, Jimmy Smith, or a number of other guys that fill a bigger need. The second pick was a slight reach, and should have been a corner (or maybe OT).

Again, I can't hate this draft too much because the team found a number of guys that can protect Mike Vick, but the team had better trade Kolb ASAP because a number of teams want him badly.

NEW GRADE: B/D

After looking back at the picks I really cannot love this draft for the long term. The team found a ton of guys that could get some playing time now, and the team should be fine on the interior now. But the team completely ignored the fact that they needed two offensive tackles, and two quality corners from the draft. They didn't address a lot of their major needs, but they did get some weapons going forward. I do still hate the first three picks though. Danny Watkins was projected in that range, but in such a deep draft class the team needed to go OT or CB when quality guys were there. The Jaiquawn Jarrett pick was a reach and it should have been a guy like Marcus Gilbert or Brandon Harris.

Oakland Raiders

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:01:34 +0100

*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.12 D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston

The good thing is that the Raiders were able to get back an early 2nd round pick to move back. They also cut the estimated salary cap of the 3rd pick by about 2.5 million dollars per year just by getting down to the 12th pick. With that said, the Raiders bit in to a player that wasn't going to go in the top-12 before his major life threatening injury. I don't love Hayden, but his stock and value is fair enough compared to a lot of scouts grades.

A-

2.42 Menelik Watson, OT, FSU

Watson was a free pick which is the icing on the cake for the fact that the team got a perfect player to plug into their offensive line.

A

3.66 Sio Moore, OLB, UConn

I don't love Moore myself, but he was a steal here and he could start next season.

B+

4.112 Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

6.172 Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado

6.181 Latavius Murray, RB, UCF

6.184 Mychal Rivera, TE, Tennessee

6.205 Stacy McGee, DT, Oklahoma

7.209 Brice Butler, WR, SD State

7.233 David Bass, DE, Missouri Western

OVERALL GRADE: B

If the Raiders had taken someone else in the first round then this would have been a top-5 draft. The team got their starting RT for free by trading back with the Dolphins, and ended up with four instant starters. Ultimately though, you have to wonder how the team would look if they had taken Star Lotulelei or Sharrif Floyd with the 12th pick while grabbing Johnthan Banks with their 2nd round pick.

*************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

3.95: Tony Bergstrom, OG, Utah

Ugh. My girlfriend asked me who I wanted (my) Raiders to pick, and I said Bobby Massie or Lamar Miller. She then asked who I thought they would take. I replied, "Probably some crappy guard like Tony Bergstrom from Utah." Well Raider fans, you are welcome...

D

4.129 Mile Burris, LB, San Diego State

This is actually a pick that I'm ok with. There were much better values out there, but Burris is a great character with one of the best ball visions that I've ever seen.

5.158 Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

5.168 Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

This pick I actually like. He isn't a typical Raider guy, but he is a perfect addition (and value)...

A

6.189 Chris Bilukidi, DT, Georgia State

7.230 Nathan Stupar, LB, Penn State

OVERALL GRADE: D

It sucks that the Raiders only had one pick in the top-100, and it is a big reason that they may not have walked away with a single starter. With that said though, the team had a terrible draft. The team reached on every single pick (except one), they didn't address the problem at defensive back at all, and they didn't walk away giving Raider fans a new hope.

*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

Picks

2.48 Stefen Wisniewski, OG/C, Penn State

It fits a need, but the interior class was good enough to skip a family man. I don't think the team should be taking luxury picks here.

C

3.81 DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami

The team needed some corner depth, but taking DVD here is essentially the team's way of saying goodbye to Nnamdi Asomugha.

B for the pick, F for the loss

3.92 Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU

More on this pick in a minute, but I'm ok with it overall given need and potential.

B

4.113 Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State

A second athletic corner pretty much guarantees Nnamdi is gone. Even with that the team has a ton of overrated athletic corners, including the one they overpaid 20 million for earlier in the offseason.

D- / Omega F for giving up on Nnamdi

4.125 Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington

Why? Jones will compete to be the 3rd RB on the team, and doesn't offer much that is new.

D-

5.148 Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee

I like this pick. Moore is a guy that could end up getting some very good playing time.

A

6.181 Richard Gordon, TE, Miami

Because I don't like the team taking a blocking tight end here, I will make a joke about how they must have meant to take Robby Gordon, a NASCAR driver that goes fast.

D

7.241 David Ausberry, WR/TE, USC

Puts head in oven...

D

Draft Grade: Better off not drafting (F)

As a Raider fan, let me just start by saying that it is REEEEEAAAAAAALLLLLLLLY HARD being a Raider fan some times. After last years fluke great draft the team made up for it with a terrible one. First off the team doesn't have a 1st round pick because they gave too much to get Richard Seymour. Seymour is a great leader for the defensive line, but was never worth a 1st round pick. Al Davis is essentially Dr. Andre from "The League" when it comes to trading with the Patriots.

Second, the team showed in this draft they essentially won't even try to retain Nnadmi Asomugha, the best corner in the league. The team would rather draft two speedsters in the draft and then give Stanford Routt 25 million more than he is worth. I'm pretty sure cutting Routt and giving Asomugha 25 million extra would have been a better plan, but that's just me. The team also drafted two tight ends, so I'm not sold that Zach Miller is back either.

On to the draft though. Stefen Wisniewski fills a need, but a team with so many issues cannot use a 2nd round luxury pick on an interior lineman, especially in a deep interior class. The team's 3rd and 4th picks were both speedy corners. But don't forget that Dr. Andre decided to trade the 2nd round pick next year (ten picks before they actually got to use their pick) to the Pats for a 3rd and 4th rounder. Those picks were for Joseph Barksdale, an athletic tackle that has little upside over the rest of the guys drafted last year, and also Taiwan Jones who has no purpose on the team. Finish it off with a good pick at receiver, and two bad ones at tight end (Virgil Green was there and they passed!) and you have one of the worst drafts I have ever seen.

Without Nnadmi the entire defense will likely crumble, and the pass rushing pressure will falter. The offense still is average at best (unless the receivers pick up) and the Raiders could be in trouble. Some saw this as the draft for a team that was a few steps away from the playoffs. I honestly think that this team could get the 1st overall pick next year, but we'd probably trade it for Ryan Mallett.

Sorry for the rant, but Fidel Dr. Andre Castro running the team just isn't working.

NEW GRADE: Worse than better off not drafting

It is hard to even look at this page and my original rant because I have had three months to let it sink in and rot. The team found at best one starter at center, and a bunch of reasons for Nnamdi Asomugha to leave. The Chargers, Broncos and Chiefs all got better from the draft, and the Raiders will end up taking about ten steps back by the time the season starts. I really do think that anything good the defense had going last year will crumble when teams are able to throw against the Raiders again, and I really do think that the Raiders will have a very good chance to get the golden ticket in the Andrew Luck Lottery.