Joseph D'Amico

NFL Draft Report Cards — AFC edition by The Sports Network

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) – The doors may remain closed to NFL facilities, but class is now in session for the decision-makers of the league’s 32 franchises.

It’s time once again for the obligatory assignment of team grades for the NFL draft, a process that’s strikingly different and a bit more complex than in years past due to the work stoppage that remains in effect. In reality, everyone should be getting a mark of incomplete, as contrary to previous drafts, clubs will have more of an opportunity to fill needs that weren’t addressed during this past weekend’s event once free agency finally kicks into effect either through a new collective bargaining agreement (don’t hold your breath) or if the lockout is lifted following the latest appeal to the court system (a slightly more plausible outcome).

In the meantime, let’s review how each team fared in restocking its roster for the upcoming season and beyond through this draft, with this particular article critiquing the AFC members:

AFC EAST

Buffalo

1 – Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama (6-3, 319); 2- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas (6-0, 204); 3- Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU (6-2, 250); 4 – Da’Norris Searcy, S, North Carolina (5-11, 223); 4 – Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson (6-6, 326); 5 – Johnny White, RB, North Carolina (5-10, 209); 6 – Chris White, ILB, Mississippi State (6-3, 240); 7 – Justin Rogers, CB, Richmond (6-0, 180); 7 – Michael Jasper, NT, Bethel-Tennessee (6-4, 394)

Top Picks Analysis: Dareus was absolutely what the Bills needed for a defense that was the worst in the NFL against the run last season. The 21-year-old is both exceptionally strong and assignment-sound, having starred as a base end in a similar 3-4 system at Alabama that he’ll play in the pros, and his first- step quickness is rare for such a big man. Most of Buffalo’s other picks went towards bolstering that side of the ball as well, with GM Buddy Nix plucking a safety-sized corner with starter’s skills in Williams, a highly-athletic inside linebacker who can also aid in run support in Sheppard and a possible successor to the likely departed Donte Whitner at strong safety in Searcy, who showed impressive coverage ability during his time at North Carolina.

Best Value Pick: Searcy is a very fluid player despite his size and if he can learn to become more physical against the run, has a chance to develop into a quality strong safety.

We Question Why: Nix passed on taking a quarterback in the second round with Colin Kaepernick, Andy Dalton and Ryan Mallett on the board in favor of Williams, whom some scouts feel may be better suited to safety but isn’t a great tackler. Though the Bills have an opening at right tackle, Hairston may have been a reach and isn’t ready to contribute right away.

Summary: Credit Nix for making an effort to get the Bills more competitive on defense, and Dareus is a perfect pick for the team and should make an instant impact. Williams, Sheppard and Searcy will also get opportunities for playing time, but it remains to be seen whether any of them can be part of the solution.

FINAL GRADE: C

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Miami

1 – Mike Pouncey, C, Florida (6-5, 303); 2 – Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State (6-0, 230); 4 – Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian (6-0, 192); 6 – Charles Clay, TE, Tulsa (6-3, 245); 7 – Frank Kearse, DE, Alabama A&M (6-4, 315); 7 – Jimmy Wilson, CB, Montana (5-11, 193)

Top Pick Analysis: After getting inconsistent play out of the interior of the offensive line last season, the Dolphins made one of the safest selections in the draft in grabbing Pouncey, the twin brother of Steelers Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, with the 15th overall pick. Like his brother, he’s very nimble and can explode out of his stance and should start right away. Miami was without its original second-round choice due to last year’s trade for Brandon Marshall, but moved up from the third to No. 62 to take the powerful Thomas, who stands to become the team’s feature back with both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams headed to free agency. Gates is a blazer who burst onto the scene by running a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, but is extremely raw and will need time to develop.

Best Value Pick: Clay had nearly 200 catches during his collegiate career and is very versatile, having lined up at tight end, H-back and even tailback at Tulsa. He could surprise as a seam-stretching tight end to complement blocking specialist Anthony Fasano.

We Question Why: The Dolphins didn’t at least find some competition for inconsistent quarterback Chad Henne in the draft, though signing a veteran free agent isn’t out of the question.

Summary: With an outstanding defense already in place, Miami was smart to focus on giving Henne a better supporting cast. Sure, a franchise quarterback would have been nice, but GM Jeff Ireland should get some credit for staying true to the board and obtaining two good prospects in Pouncey and Thomas instead of reaching for one.

FINAL GRADE: B-

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New England

1 – Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (6-8, 319); 2 – Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia (6-1, 198); 2 – Shane Vereen, RB, California (5-10, 202); 3 – Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU (5-11, 225); 3 – Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas (6-7, 253); 5 – Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU (6-5, 358); 5 – Lee Smith, TE, Marshall (6-6, 266); 6 – Markell Carter, OLB, Central Arkansas (6-4, 252); 7 – Malcolm Williams, S, TCU (5-10, 204)

Top Pick Analysis: Solder, a converted tight end at Colorado with excellent length and agility, could very well be a Week 1 starter at left tackle if he gains a little strength. His addition likely means the end of free-agent Matt Light’s stay in Foxborough. Dowling had injury issues during his senior season in college, but with his combination of size, 4.4 speed and impressive instincts, it can be argued that’s he’s an even better prospect than new teammate Devin McCourty, a first-rounder last year who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. The two running backs offer contrasting styles, with Vereen a dangerous open-field runner and receiver in the Kevin Faulk mold and Ridley a physical north-south runner who could wind up as a short-yardage specialist. The Pats ended the second day with the surprise selection of the polarizing Mallett, who owns a big-time arm and is well-versed in a pro-style offense, but slid into the third round because of maturity questions.

Best Value Pick: Getting Mallett with the 74th overall selection was a worthwhile move, but Cannon could turn out to be the biggest steal in the draft. The massive tackle was a consensus second-round talent before being diagnosed with lymphoma shortly before the draft, though he’s expected to make a full recovery.

We Question Why: The Patriots used two early-round picks to add to a crowded running-back cast. Pressuring the quarterback was a problem last year, yet New England didn’t take a pass rusher until nabbing small-school project Carter in the sixth round.

Summary: A tough one to grade. New England did bring in two possible high-end starters in Solder and Dowling, while Mallett and Cannon were both outstanding picks. However, finding reinforcements to the front seven of the defense may have been a better avenue to take than going back-to-back on complementary running backs on the second day.

Final Grade: B

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N.Y. Jets

1 – Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple (6-4, 315); 3 – Kenrick Ellis (6-5, 346); 4- Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville (5-10, 207); 5 – Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU (5-9, 189); 7 – Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama (6-2, 220); 7 – Scotty McKnight, WR, Colorado (5-10, 182)

Top Picks Analysis: The Jets viewed upgrading the defensive line the top priority in this draft and used their first two selections to nab potential starters for their 3-4 front. Wilkerson has terrific length and is surprisingly agile for a man his size, making him an enticing prospect as a five-technique end. His addition could signal the end of free agent Shaun Ellis’ long tenure with the team. Kenrick Ellis’ upside as a space-eating nose tackle is also considerable, as he can get off the ball quickly and is tough for opposing linemen to move. The South Carolina transfer’s main issues come off the field, having been dismissed from the Gamecocks’ program for a number of rules violations. Powell is a powerful inside runner who put himself on scouts’ radar with an outstanding senior season, but needs to show he’s not a one-year wonder.

Best Value Pick: McElroy doesn’t have the size or arm strength teams look for in a starting quarterback, but he’s incredibly smart, experienced and a proven winner. He’ll have a long career in the league as a capable backup.

We Question Why: The Jets spent a pick on Powell, a less talented version of Shonn Greene. Have they already given up on last year’s fourth-rounder, Joe McKnight?

Summary: Both defensive linemen are promising players and McElroy could be a valued understudy to Mark Sanchez, but two other prime needs — finding an impact edge rusher and adding depth to the offensive line — were ignored.

FINAL GRADE: C

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AFC NORTH

Baltimore

1 – Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado (6-2, 211); 2- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland (6-1, 204); 3- Jah Reid, OT, Central Florida (6-7, 327); 4 – Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana (6-2, 201); 5 – Chykie Brown, CB, Texas (5-11, 190); 5 – Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State (6-3, 278); 6 – Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech (6-1, 217); 7 – Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech (6-0, 228)

Top Pick Analysis: The Ravens could have a legitimate shutdown corner on their hands in Jimmy Smith, whose size and athletic ability rivals that of Arizona rookie Patrick Peterson, the fifth overall choice in this year’s draft. Smith went 22 spots later because of a litany of character issues that included multiple failed drug tests, but Baltimore believes it has the right support system in place to keep him in line. The Ravens added a needed dose of youth and speed to the receiving corps with the second-round selection of local product Torrey Smith, who should see the field immediately as a No. 3 wideout and return man. Reid has the skill set to develop into an eventual starter at right tackle, but it’ll take time.

Best Value Pick: Cornerbacks with Jimmy Smith’s tools are hard to find, and he’ll be well worth the initial headaches that Ravens fans experienced with his selection if he’s able to stay out of trouble.

We Wonder Why: The Ravens used most of their mid-round picks on raw players that are a long away from contributing consistently, a somewhat surprising tactic for a team that believes it’s close to reaching the Super Bowl.

Summary: The true measure of this class will be revealed down the road, as Reid, Doss and Brown are project players that probably won’t see much time as rookies, but the Ravens did pretty well by landing the two Smiths.

FINAL GRADE: B-

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Cincinnati

1 – A.J. Green, WR, Georgia (6-4, 211); 2 – Andy Dalton, QB, TCU (6-2, 215); 3 – Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada (6-1, 248); 4 – Clint Boling, OG, Georgia (6-5, 308); 5 – Robert Sands, S, West Virginia (6-4, 217); 6 – Ryan Whalen, WR, Stanford (6-1, 202); 7 – Korey Lindsey, CB, Southern Illinois (5-10, 194); 7 – Jay Finley, RB, Baylor (5-11, 203)

Top Pick Analysis: The Bengals may be bidding adieu to Chad Ochocinco — and possibly Carson Palmer as well — after finding potential replacements with their first two picks. Green is as close as a sure thing you’ll find in this draft, a receiver with size, deep speed, strong route-running skills and exceptional hands, and should have no problem becoming a game-changer early in his career. He could be hauling in passes from Dalton in the very near future with Palmer at odds with the organization, and the red-headed rookie may be up to the task following a highly successful career as a four-year starter at TCU. Though not blessed with great physical gifts, Dalton is intelligent, competitive and accurate and is considered a natural fit for the West Coast system being installed under new coordinator Jay Gruden. Moch, on the other hand, is a freakish athlete who will convert from a collegiate defensive end to outside linebacker due to size limitations. Extremely raw, his best chance to contribute early on is as a situational pass rusher.

Best Value Pick: Considering Christian Ponder, a quarterback with a similar skill set and traits to Dalton, was taken by Minnesota 12th overall, the Bengals did well by staying pat and getting their man at No. 35. Lindsey, a 2010 Buck Buchanan Award finalist with very good ball skills, may have went a lot higher in the draft if not for hamstring injuries during the scouting period.

We Question Why: The Bengals didn’t take a running back until the seventh round. Cedric Benson is an unrestricted free agent and could be on the verge of wearing down after back-to-back 300-carry seasons.

Summary: Cincinnati obtained a premier receiver in Green and protected itself somewhat in the Palmer saga by landing a quick study in Dalton, which is enough to warrant a solid score. There doesn’t appear to be any surefire starters among the remainder of the group, however, which brings the grade down a bit.

FINAL GRADE: B-

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Cleveland

1 – Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor (6-3, 334); 2 – Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh (6-3, 264); 2 – Greg Little, WR, North Carolina (6-2, 231); 4 – Jordan Cameron, TE, USC (6-5, 254); 4 – Owen Marecic, FB, Stanford (6-0, 248); 5 – Buster Skrine, CB, Tennessee-Chattanooga (5-9, 186); 5 – Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh (6-3, 317); 7 – Eric Hagg, S, Nebraska (6-1, 209)

Top Picks Analysis: The decision-making tandem of president Mike Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert quickly addressed the Browns’ two greatest needs through this draft. A defensive line that was devoid of starting-caliber talent added two likely Day One regulars in the beefy Taylor, who perfectly fits the profile new coordinator Dick Jauron wants in a tackle, and Sheard, a skilled pass rusher and high-energy player who went a bit overlooked due to the outstanding depth of this year’s end class. Little will need some coaching up after sitting out the entire 2010 season for his involvement in North Carolina’s well-publicized agent scandal, but he’s a physical specimen with strong hands and the potential to eventually emerge as the No. 1 receiver Cleveland is seeking for its West Coast offense. The best move the Browns made, however, was trading down from the No. 6 overall spot and collecting four high picks from Atlanta that included the Falcons’ first-round choice in 2012.

Best Value Pick: Sheard would have been a first-rounder in most drafts but was a victim of a well-stocked assortment of talent at his position. His teammate at Pittsburgh, Pinkston, was a two-time All-Big East honoree at left tackle, but the Browns believe he can eventually become a starter at guard.

We Question Why: The Browns used a fourth-round pick on Marecic, a blocking specialist and possible special-teams ace who probably won’t have much of a role in the offense.

Summary: By filling glaring voids on the defensive line and wide receiver with worthwhile prospects and picking up an extra No. 1 pick for next year, the Browns come out as one of the big winners in this draft.

FINAL GRADE: A

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Pittsburgh

1 – Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State (6-5, 294); 2 – Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida (6-6, 330); 3 – Curtis Brown, CB, Texas (6-0, 185); 4 – Cortez Allen, CB, Citadel (6-1, 197); 5 – Chris Carter, OLB, Fresno State (6-1, 248); 6 – Keith Williams, OG, Nebraska (6-4, 318); 7 – Baron Batch, RB, Texas Tech (5-10, 207)

Top Picks Analysis: Age and injuries created some problems for the Steelers along the defensive line during last season’s Super Bowl run, so personnel director Kevin Colbert took advantage of this year’s deep crop of end prospects to pluck Heyward, the son of former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, near the end of round 1. The ex-Buckeye is stout at the point of attack and disciplined in his assignments and should be an eventual starter. Gilbert sports impressive athleticism considering his large size and will likely be groomed as the future successor to 36-year-old Flozell Adams at right tackle. Cornerback was probably the biggest sore spot on the roster, so Colbert went out and got two big ones with upside in Brown and Allen. The former is the more polished of the pair and may have an opportunity to push for playing time right away.

Best Value Pick: Carter was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year as a defensive end in 2010 and has an advanced array of pass-rush moves for an incoming player, making the Fresno State product a nice get in the fifth round.

We Question Why: The Steelers waited until the middle rounds to address the cornerback situation, as neither Brown nor Allen are ready to start right away. That’s nit-picking, however, especially when factoring in that defensive and offensive linemen were going off the board early in the draft.

Summary: Not a lot of sizzle, but enough good solid prospects that will replenish depth and give the Steelers a sound base for the future.

FINAL GRADE: B

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AFC SOUTH

Houston

1 – J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin (6-5, 290); 2 – Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona (6-4, 261); 2 – Brandon Harris, CB (5-9, 191); 4 – Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech (5-10, 192); 5 – Shiloh Keo, S, Idaho (5-11, 219); 5 – T.J. Yates, QB, North Carolina (6-3, 219); 7 – Derek Newton, OT, Arkansas State (6-5, 311); 7 – Cheta Ozougwu, OLB, Rice (6-2, 247)

Top Picks Analysis: Determined to improve one of the NFL’s most abysmal defenses from last season, the Texans used their first five selections on that side of the ball and may have come up with three rookie starters in Watt, Reed and Harris. It’s a group that also won’t lack energy, as both Watt and Reed are accomplished pass rushers with motors that never stop. The former is also strong in run support and has the perfect build for a five-technique end in new coordinator Wade Phillips’ scheme, while Reed eased concerns that he may not be athletic enough to transition from a down lineman to outside linebacker with an impressive showing at the combine. Harris is a short but feisty cover man whose best fit may be as a nickel back assigned to the slot.

Best Value Pick: Harris was a projected first-round pick before measuring under 5-foot-10 at the combine and experienced enough to play right away, giving him good value in the late second round (No. 60). Yates was worth a flier in the fifth for a team that doesn’t have much behind Matt Schaub at quarterback.

We Question Why: Watt was chosen over Nebraska corner Prince Amukamara with the 11th overall pick. The two were similarly-rated talents and cornerback was a much greater need than defensive end, where the Texans already have two capable starters in Mario Williams and Antonio Smith.

Summary: It’s no secret the Texans have to get better on defense in order to compete for a playoff spot, and the additions of the top three picks do indeed give Phillips a few more chips to utilize. Watt’s the lone member of the group that probably has a chance to become an above-average regular, though.

FINAL GRADE: B-

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Indianapolis

1 – Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College (6-7, 311); 2 – Benjamin Ijalana, OG, Villanova (6-4, 317); 3 – Drake Nevis, DT, LSU (6-1, 294); 4 – Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse (5-9, 222); 6 – Chris L. Rucker, CB, Michigan State (6-0, 195)

Top Pick Analysis: The Colts weren’t happy with the play of last year’s offensive line, especially in pass protection, and quickly took initiative to address that area with their first two selections. Castonzo, the most polished tackle in this class, was a steal with the 22nd overall pick and will be immediately inserted in as Peyton Manning’s blind-side protector at left tackle. Ijalana, the premier lineman in the FCS ranks, could be a long-term answer at right guard and provides a needed physical presence up front. Nevis is an undersized penetrator who fits the mold of a prototypical Colts’ defensive tackle, and his production as a senior at LSU was comparable to that of his more highly-regarded SEC counterpart, Auburn’s Nick Fairley.

Best Value Pick: GM Bill Polian had to be ecstatic to have Castonzo, a player he can plug in right away at arguably the Colts’ weakest position, fall into his lap at No. 22. Rucker is a big corner and good tackler who’s adept in zone coverage, which Indianapolis plays a lot of.

We Question Why: The Colts didn’t add a safety with one of their five picks. Bob Sanders is gone and valued reserve Melvin Bullitt could be an unrestricted free agent, plus he’s coming off shoulder surgery.

Summary: Not much to nit-pick about another fine haul by Polian, who accomplished his main goal of finding players who can help keep Manning upright and brought in a potential difference-maker on the defensive line.

FINAL GRADE: A-

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Jacksonville

1 – Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (6-4, 234); 3 – Will Rackley, OG, Lehigh (6-3, 309); 4 – Cecil Shorts, WR, Mount Union (6-0, 205); 4 – Chris Prosinski, S, Wyoming (6-1, 201); 5 – Rod Issac, CB, Middle Tennessee State (5-11, 196)

Top Picks Analysis: Jaguars relinquished their second-round pick (No. 49) to move up six spots to select Gabbert, who has the size, arm strength, intelligence and leadership skills to become a top-flight quarterback but will need time to adjust from a pure spread offense in college. Rackley was an All- America left tackle at the FCS level but will likely kick inside in the pro game because of a lack of height, though he’s technically sound and exceptionally strong. Shorts’ draft slot was the highest for a Division III product in history, two rounds ahead of former teammate and current Colts wideout Pierre Garcon. He’s got good hands and may have an opportunity for playing time in an ordinary Jacksonville receiving corps.

Best Value Pick: Rackley has the strength and ability to become a solid starter early in his career, and the Jaguars think he’s athletic enough to possibly handle center.

We Wonder Why: Jaguars ranked 28th in total defense last season, yet their first three choices were devoted to the offensive side of the ball.

Summary: Getting Gabbert, who could turn out to be the best quarterback in this draft, was a nice call, but the absence of any noteworthy additions to the defense doesn’t bode well for a team that plays in the same division as the Colts.

FINAL GRADE: C-

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Tennessee

1 – Jake Locker, QB, Washington (6-2, 231); 2 – Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA (6-2, 254); 3 – Jurrell Casey, DT, USC (6-1, 300); 4 – Colin McCarthy, ILB, Miami- Florida (6-1, 238); 4 – Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson (5-11, 233); 5 – Karl Klug, DE, Iowa (6-3, 275); 6 – Byron Stingily, OT, Louisville (6-5, 313); 7 – Zach Clayton, DT, Auburn (6-2, 299); 7 – Tommie Campbell, S, California-PA (6-3, 203)

Top Picks Analysis: A Tennessee team that was desperate for a quarterback as any wasted little time in grabbing one, taking the highly-athletic Locker with the eighth overall selection. It’s a choice that has triggered a wide range of opinions, however, with some insiders raving about the former Husky’s arm strength, mobility and terrific intangibles while others wonder if he’ll be able to overcome the erratic accuracy and decision making he displayed in college. The Titans also went with high-risk, high-reward players from the Pac-10 with their next two picks, snaring the inconsistent Ayers with pick No. 39 and tabbing the somewhat-undersized Casey in the third round. Ayers is a great talent with the skills to be an asset both in coverage and a pass rusher, but his on-field production hasn’t always matched his potential because of questionable instincts. Casey is shorter than ideal for an interior lineman, but is strong and competitive and actually adds some beef to a defensive tackle corps that’s relied on smaller, quicker players in recent years.

Best Value Pick: In contrast to Ayers, McCarthy isn’t a premium athlete but is regarded as one of the most instinctive and best tackling linebackers in this class. With possible free agent Stephen Tulloch’s status in limbo, the Miami product may get a shot to start as a rookie.

We Question Why: The Titans preferred Locker over Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert, who went to fellow AFC South member Jacksonville two spots after Tennessee’s pick. Quarterbacks with a completion rate of under 55 percent in college (i.e. Kyle Boller) often struggle in the NFL, and Locker didn’t have a particularly strong senior season after showing promising progress as a junior.

Summary: GM Mike Reinfeldt showed he wasn’t afraid to roll the dice in this draft, but it’s reasonable to wonder whether those gambles will pay off. Ayers could flame out just as easily as break out, while there isn’t a whole lot of upside to speak of among most of the mid-to-late picks. Locker is the key to this class, however, and the grade obviously changes if in fact he makes the grade in the NFL. But as previously mentioned, there are plausible reasons to believe that he won’t.

FINAL GRADE: C-

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AFC WEST

Denver

1 – Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (6-3, 246); 2 – Rahim Moore, S (6-0, 202); 2 – Orlando Franklin, OT (6-5, 316); 3 – Nate Irving, ILB (6-1, 240); 4 – Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma (6-1, 208); 4 – Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State (6-5, 246); 6 – Mike Mohamed, OLB, California (6-3, 239); 7 – Virgil Green, TE, Nevada (6-3, 249); 7 – Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma (6-2, 262)

Top Picks Analysis: The Broncos entered this offseason with the intent of overhauling a defense that was one of the NFL’s most porous units in 2010 and began the rebuilding process with the selection of Miller with the second overall choice. A devastating pass rusher with the athleticism to be effective in coverage as well, the Texas A&M senior will serve as a strongside linebacker in Denver’s new-look 4-3 alignment while also deployed as an end in nickel situations. The next step was to find replacements for the two aging safeties presently atop the Broncos’ depth chart, hence the choices of Moore in the second round and Carter in the fourth. The former is a proven ball-hawk who led the NCAA with 10 interceptions as a sophomore in 2009, while Carter is an aggressive run stopper and strong leader who could be the future at strong safety. Franklin is a good-looking athlete with questions about his football IQ, but still figures to get an early opportunity to start at right tackle with incumbent Ryan Harris not expected to be retained.

Best Value Pick: Green is a premier athlete and one of the stars of this year’s combine who should have gone much higher based on potential, but a previous microfracture procedure on his knee scared off teams until the seventh round. If healthy, he’s got a real chance to contribute at a position where the Broncos are woefully thin.

We Question Why: The Broncos neglected to take a defensive tackle with any of their nine picks. Though the team had holes to fill on several spots of the defense, the interior line was probably the greatest need area. Choosing Miller over Alabama tackle Marcell Dareus at No. 2 was understandable, but not targeting the position at all was hard to fathom.

Summary: A mixed bag in the first draft overseen by franchise legend John Elway. Miller could be a star and third-round grab Irving is an underrated player who could emerge as an every-down middle linebacker, but there are questions about Moore’s tackling ability and Franklin is a boom-or-bust project. Plus the absence of a defensive tackle was a curious decision.

FINAL GRADE: C+

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Kansas City

1 – Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh (6-4, 228); 2 – Rodney Hudson, C, Florida State (6-2, 299); 3 – Justin Houston, OLB (6-3, 270); 3 – Allen Bailey, DE, Miami-Florida (6-3, 285); 4 – Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado (6-1, 204); 5 – Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa (6-4, 223); 5- Gabe Miller, OLB, Oregon State (6-3, 250); 6 – Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi (6-2, 335); 7 – Shane Bannon, FB, Yale (6-1, 265)

Top Pick Analysis: The Chiefs’ greatest weakness heading into the draft was the absence of a pass-catching threat to pair with Pro Bowler Dwayne Bowe, hence the selection of the gifted Baldwin with the 26th overall pick. There’s some risk involved with the choice, however, as the former Panther had the label of an underachiever in college, but his skills are undeniable and he’s in a good landing spot, as head coach Todd Haley is renowned for his work with receivers. Hudson was a two-time All-American as a guard at Florida State but has the smarts and flexibility to play center in the pros. He could push 37- year-old Casey Wiegmann out of a job if up to the task. Houston had 10 sacks as a junior last season and wowed at the combine with his measurables, but his motor is known to run hot-and-cold and he failed a drug test in February, causing his stock to slip. Bailey is athletic, hard-working and versatile, having played both end and tackle for the Hurricanes, but may lack the bulk to hold up as a five-technique end in a 3-4.

Best Value Pick: Powe has the strength and mass to be an effective run stopper and could develop into a possible starter at nose tackle. If Houston plays up to his talent, he would be a steal in the third round.

We Question Why: GM Scott Pioli preaches high character and leadership in his players, but the Chiefs took two character risks with their first three picks.

Summary: A good haul with the potential to be great, provided Baldwin and Hudson can make immediate impacts as rookies and Houston doesn’t turn into the second coming of Vernon Gholston.

FINAL GRADE: B

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Oakland

2 – Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State (6-3, 313); 3 – DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami-Florida (6-0, 176); 3 – Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU (6-4, 325); 4 – Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State (6-0, 191); 4 – Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington (6-0, 194); 5- Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee (5-11, 194); 6 – Richard Gordon, TE, Miami-Florida (6-3, 265); 7 – David Ausberry, WR, USC (6-3, 243)

Top Pick Analysis: The Raiders were without a first-round choice, having dealt that pick away to New England in the 2009 trade for veteran defensive lineman Richard Seymour, but did take steps to rebuild a problematic offensive front with two of their first three selections. Wisniewski, the nephew of former Raiders great Steve Wisniewski, is hard-nosed and a sound technician who will push for a starting job at either center or guard in camp, while Barksdale is a right tackle prospect who’s more athlete than football player at this stage. It’s a well-known fact Al Davis craves speed in his players, and the longtime owner stayed true to his roots by snaring Van Dyke, the fastest player at the combine (4.28 in the 40) in the third round and bringing in three other burners in Chekwa, Jones and Moore later on.

Best Value Pick: Moore showed good hands in college and is rather polished for a rookie, which gives him a chance to crack an inconsistent Oakland receiving corps right off the bat.

We Question Why: The third-round selection of Van Dyke, although we understand the rationale behind it. Corners with his slight build often have trouble holding up at the NFL level, and he lost his starting job as a senior with the Hurricanes because of a lack of discipline in his assignments.

Summary: Another typical Raiders draft in which speed and athleticism are emphasized over on-field production. Wisniewski’s a good player, but there are too many hit-or-miss guys to make this a class to feel comfortable about.

DRAFT GRADE: C

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San Diego

1 – Corey Liuget, DE, Illinois (6-2, 298); 2 – Marcus Gilchrist, CB, Clemson (5-10, 195); 2 – Jonas Mouton, ILB, Michigan (6-1, 239); 3 – Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State (5-11, 187); 3 – Shareece Wright, CB, USC (5-11, 185); 6- Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut (5-9, 203); 6 – Stephen Schilling, OG, Michigan (6-4, 308); 7 – Andrew Gachkar, ILB, Missouri (6-2, 233)

Top Picks Analysis: The Chargers may have landed an immediate starter in Liuget, a quick and active disrupter as a 4-3 tackle with the Illini who will be used as a base end in the team’s three-man front and should have the natural strength to make the switch. Gilchrist was a nice find as well, a tough and physical corner who could play a lot in nickel situations as a rookie. He’s also a competent return man who could assume those duties if Darren Sproles isn’t retained. Scouts differ greatly in their opinions of Mouton, with some teams viewing him as a late-round prospect because he doesn’t have great timed speed or change-of-direction ability. The Chargers love his instincts and toughness, however, and will give him a chance to earn a starting job inside during camp. Brown also won’t blow anyone away with his feet, running a pedestrian 4.71 in the 40 at the combine, but the local product is a savvy route runner with reliable hands.

Best Value Pick: Todman was a key part of Connecticut’s surprise Big East championship squad last season and has the speed to possibly take over Sproles’ role as a third-down back and kick returner.

We Question Why: Mouton and Brown both have some positive qualities, but the Chargers may have been able to get each on the third day.

Summary: There are things to like about this class, as Liuget is a terrific talent and each of the first six picks have a chance to make contributions right away. However, there’s too many selections that have limited ceilings to give anything above an average grade.

FINAL GRADE: C

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