Joseph D'Amico

NFL Draft Report Cards — NFC 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 NFC members:

NFC EAST

Dallas

1 – Tyron Smith, OT, USC (6-5, 307); 2 – Bruce Carter, ILB, North Carolina (6-1, 241); 3 – DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma (6-0, 213); 4 – David Arkin, OG, Missouri State (6-5, 300); 5 – Josh Thomas, CB, Buffalo (5-10, 191); 6 – Dwayne Harris, WR, East Carolina; 7- Shaun Chapas, FB, Georgia (6-2, 247); 7 – Bill Nagy, C, Wisconsin (6-3, 302)

Top Picks Analysis: An offensive line that was getting a bit long in the tooth received a necessary shot of youth and athleticism with the selection of Smith, who may have the highest ceiling of any offensive lineman in this draft. Just 20 years old, he’s got the length and quick feet to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle, though he’s clearly still a work in progress. Carter has plenty of ability as well, as the ex-Tar Heel entered his senior season as a likely top 20 pick before sustaining a torn ACL in November. He figures to be brought along slowly as a rookie before eventually taking over a starting role at inside linebacker. Murray is a big back with above-average receiving skills who will likely make the high-priced Marion Barber expendable.

Best Value Pick: Carter, as long as he can retain the speed and explosive qualities that made him such a coveted prospect before his injury. Thomas is fast and tough and could have a chance for immediate playing time in a shaky Dallas secondary.

We Question Why: A secondary that still has some holes wasn’t addressed until the fifth round and the Cowboys didn’t take a defensive lineman with three of their top four ends scheduled for free agency. Murray was kind of a luxury pick at a position where Dallas was already deep.

Summary: Dallas stuck to its board and ended up with three pretty good players in the first two days, so commend Jerry Jones for showing some restraint instead of gambling for the big prize. The Cowboys still weren’t able to fill some glaring needs, but that may come in free agency.

FINAL GRADE: B-

—

N.Y. Giants

1 – Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (6-0, 206); 2 – Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina (6-2, 309); 3 – Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy (5-9, 185); 4 – James Brewer, OT, Indiana (6-6, 323); 6 – Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan State (6-0, 242); 6 – Tyler Sash, S, Iowa (6-0, 211); 6 – Jacquian Williams, OLB, South Florida (6-3, 231); 7 – Da’Rel Scott, RB, Maryland (5-11, 211)

Top Pick Analysis: The Giants received an unexpected reward when Amukamara, considered a top 10 player in many circles, fell to them with the 19th overall pick. The Nigerian descendant is solid in all phases and will be an immediate contributor as a nickel back at worst. Austin brings a similar level of talent but far more risk, as his collegiate production rarely matched his exceptional skill set and he was suspended for his entire senior season at North Carolina for interaction with an agent. Jernigan’s small size may limit him to the slot as a pro, but he possesses above-average hands and speed and is extremely elusive after the catch, making him an asset in the return game as well. His addition suggests the Giants are concerned about the long-term prognosis of Steve Smith, who underwent microfracture knee surgery in December.

Best Value Pick: Austin, if he’s willing to put the work into maximizing his considerable potential. Jernigan was a nice get in the third round, while Jones was a highly productive player in the Big 10 whose instincts compensate for his short stature and questionable strength.

We Question Why: GM Jerry Reese didn’t do more to repair an offensive line that’s aging and was ravaged by injuries last year, especially in the middle. Brewer has upside but probably not ready to contribute right away.

Summary: Though they weren’t able to solve their most pressing needs on the offensive line and at outside linebacker, the Giants brought in worthwhile prospects with just about every selection they made.

FINAL GRADE: B+

—

Philadelphia

1 – Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor (6-3, 310); 2 – Jaiquawn Jarrett, S, Temple (6-0, 198); 3 – Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State (6-1, 197); 4 – Casey Matthews, ILB, Oregon (6-1, 231); 4- Alex Henery, K, Nebraska (6-1, 177); 5 – Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh (5-7, 193); 5 – Julian Vandervelde, OG, Iowa (6-2, 301); 6 – Jason Kelce, C, Cincinnati (6-3, 280); 6 – Brian Rolle, OLB, Ohio State (5-10, 229); 7 – Greg Lloyd, ILB, Connecticut (6-1, 246); 7 – Stanley Havili, FB, USC (6-0, 227)

Top Pick Analysis: The offensive line was a weak spot for the Eagles last season, prompting the team to eschew a glaring need at cornerback and take one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects in Watkins, a 26-year-old former firefighter who’s only played organized football for four years. A two-year starter at left tackle at Baylor, he’ll have to kick inside in the pros due to his squatty build but has the strength, agility and competitiveness to make the transition. Jarrett went higher than expected in a weak safety crop, but he’s a hard hitter who excels in run support and could be the future on the strong side. Marsh ran very well at the combine but is a project, having spent his first two years at Utah State as a running back. One of the more interesting picks was Henery, a legitimate NFL kicking prospect whose addition likely spells the end of David Akers’ 12-year reign with the organization.

Best Value Pick: Havili is perfectly suited for Andy Reid’s West Coast offense as an undersized fullback with above-average receiving skills. He’s got an excellent chance to stick on the 53-man roster.

We Question Why: The Eagles didn’t take a cornerback who’s better equipped to play immediately than Marsh, unless they’ve got something up their sleeve in free agency. Not taking a defensive lineman, a place where Reid historically likes to stockpile young talent, was also a surprise.

Summary: The lockout roster freeze really hurt the Eagles, who could have parlayed backup quarterback Kevin Kolb into a premium draft choice or two had player trades been allowed, and the absence of a ready-made cornerback suggests the team may make a hard run at Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. As for the newcomers, Watkins should be a solid starter off the bat and Henery’s selection is actually justifiable, but Philadelphia reached a bit in the second and third rounds and the remainder of the lot are mostly backup types.

FINAL GRADE: C-

—

Washington

1 – Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Purdue (6-4, 267); 2 – Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Clemson (6-4, 310); 3 – Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami-Florida (6-1, 209); 4- Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska (5-11, 219); 5 – Dejon Gomes, S, Nebraska (5-11, 208); 5 – Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska (6-1, 224); 7 – Brandyn Thompson, CB, Boise State (5-9, 189); 7 – Maurice Hurt, OG, Florida (6-3, 318); 7 – Markus White, OLB, Florida State (6-3, 266); 7 – Chris Neild, NT, West Virginia (6-1, 319)

Top Picks Analysis: The quarterback-needy Redskins passed on Missouri prospect Blaine Gabbert with their original first-round pick (No. 10 overall), instead opting to trade down six spots with a possible eye on Florida State’s Christian Ponder. When Ponder surprisingly went to Minnesota at No. 12, the team switched gears and took Kerrigan, a high-motor player who racked up 13 sacks as a defensive end at Purdue last season. Though there are questions as to whether he’s fluid enough to be able to play in space as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Washington plans to start him alongside pass-rushing terror Brian Orakpo immediately. Jenkins, picked 10 spots ahead of more heralded Clemson teammate Da’Quan Bowers, should also see time as a rookie on a defensive line that needed a stout run stuffer who’s young. Hankerson gives head coach Mike Shanahan’s offense a desired big-bodied receiver, but struggled at times with drops during his college career.

Best Value Pick: Helu, the first of three consecutive Nebraska players chosen by the Redskins, is a big back with cutback skills that make him well-suited for Shanahan’s zone-block scheme. He’ll give the brittle Ryan Torain a run for his money to be the team’s feature back this fall.

We Question Why: GM Bruce Allen traded down four times in the first two rounds in an attempt to stockpile picks. While there’s no doubt the Redskins have to get younger, Allen also missed out on landing some potential impact players in his quest to add a bunch of fifth and seventh-rounders to the roster.

Summary: This was the antithesis of a typical Redskins draft, with Allen continually dealing down to acquire more young players instead of following the old regime’s lead of squandering valuable picks for veteran stopgaps. While the Redskins did bring in some rookies who can surely help, there seems to be more quantity than quality and Kerrigan’s a questionable fit as a linebacker in a 3-4. And there’s also the fact that Washington is still without a quarterback.

FINAL GRADE: C

—

NFC NORTH

Chicago

1 – Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin (6-7, 314); 2- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State (6-1, 303); 3 – Chris Conte, S, California (6-2, 197); 5 – Nathan Enderle, QB, Idaho (6-4, 240); 6 – J.T. Thomas, OLB, West Virginia (6-1, 241)

Top Picks Analysis: An offensive line that was a turnstile for much of last season got a necessary key piece in Carimi, a four-year starter for the Badgers who is expected to be the regular right tackle. Paea, who turned heads in February by setting the combine record for bench-press repetitions, could also be an instant starter on a defensive front that’s also going through a transition phase along the interior. Conte is a former cornerback at Cal with good speed but limited experience. He’ll probably begin his career as the third safety as he gains more seasoning. Chicago dealt away its fourth-rounder to move up nine spots to land Paea.

Best Value Pick: The Bears were crossing their fingers that Carimi would fall to them at No. 29 overall and had a trade agreement in place with Baltimore to vault up to the 26th pick and take him, only GM Jerry Angelo pulled out at the last minute and created a brief moment of chaos.

We Question Why: Angelo didn’t look to trading down at some point and add some picks. Chicago could have used another potential starter on the offensive line as well as a big-bodied wide receiver for quarterback Jay Cutler.

Summary: Carimi was a solid choice and Paea should emerge as a steady run stopper, but the Bears were too tied at the hands to adequately fill all their needs.

Final Grade: C

—

Detroit

1 – Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (6-4, 291); 2 – Titus Young, WR, Boise State (5-11, 174); 2- Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois (6-0, 227); 5 – Doug Hogue, OLB, Syracuse (6-2, 235); 7 – Johnny Culbreath, OT, South Carolina State (6-5, 322)

Top Pick Analysis: Though the Lions were already well set at defensive tackle, they couldn’t resist the urge to bring in one of the draft’s elite talents in Fairley, once a serious candidate for the No. 1 overall pick before questions about his maturity and a limited body of work caused a slide. Head coach Jim Schwartz has proven in the past he can get the most from his d-linemen (see Albert Haynesworth in Tennessee). Detroit also did quite well in the second round, as Young is a polished slot receiver with outstanding speed and big- play potential and Leshoure offers a powerful between-the-tackles complement to home-run threat Jahvid Best. Don’t be surprised if the Illinois early entrant leads the team in rushing this coming season.

Best Value Pick: Getting Fairley at No. 13 was a major coup for GM Martin Mayhew, and Leshoure could have easily gone higher than the late second-round slot (No. 57) the Lions traded up with Seattle to obtain.

We Question Why: The Lions didn’t do anything to bolster a shaky situation at cornerback, though it’s hard to find fault with their first and second-day choices.

Summary: Detroit is no longer a laughing stock when it comes to the draft. Only the lack of picks that could have satisfied voids at linebacker and cornerback prevents a higher grade.

FINAL GRADE: B+

—

Green Bay

1 – Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State (6-5, 321); 2 – Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky (5-10, 191); 3 – Alex Green, RB, Hawaii (6-0, 225); 4- Davon House, CB, New Mexico State (6-0, 200); 5 – D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas (6-2, 245); 6 – Caleb Schlauderaff, OG, Utah (6-4, 305); 6 – D.J. Smith, ILB, Appalachian State (5-11, 243); 6 – Ricky Elmore, OLB, Arizona (6-4, 255); 7 – Ryan Taylor, TE, North Carolina (6-3, 254); 7 – Lawrence Guy, DE, Arizona State (6-4, 305)

Top Pick Analysis: One year after snatching Iowa’s Bryan Bulaga with the 23rd overall choice, the Packers took an offensive tackle with their first-round pick. Sherrod is light on his feet and a skilled pass protector who could be the future successor to Chad Clifton on the left side. Green Bay may have also found Donald Driver’s eventual replacement in the dynamic Cobb, a one-time quarterback at Kentucky who’s one of the best route runners in this class and could make an instant contribution as a return man. Green is a strong and physical inside runner with some receiving ability as well, but is a bit unrefined from playing in a pass-heavy offense in college.

Best Value Pick: House was rated as a second-round talent on some boards due to his appealing combination of size and speed. Guy is an early entrant who would have been better off staying in school, but has the physical tools to develop into a valuable rotational piece in time.

We Question Why: GM Ted Thompson didn’t address a pressing need at outside linebacker until grabbing Elmore, a project with athletic limitations, in the sixth round. Green and House are promising prospects, but play positions where the Packers are relatively well stocked.

Summary: Thompson’s philosophy of taking the best player available held true in this draft, as none of these picks will be asked to step into important roles on a deep roster unless injuries strike. Still, guys like Sherrod, Cobb and House appear to have bright futures.

FINAL GRADE: B-

—

Minnesota

1 – Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State (6-2, 229); 2 – Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame (6-6, 259); 4 – Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa (6-4, 283); 5- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah (6-0, 190); 6 – DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas (6-4, 315); 6 – Mistral Raymond, S, South Florida (6-1, 194); 6 – Brandon Fusco, C, Slippery Rock (6-4, 306); 6 – Ross Homan, OLB, Ohio State (6-1, 240); 7 – D’Aundre Reed, DE, Arizona (6-4, 261); 7 – Stephen Burton, WR, West Texas A&M (6-1, 221)

Top Pick Analysis: Though the Vikings have been an organization that usually conducts a best-available approach in the past, their surprising selection of Ponder at No. 12 overall was a pick based strictly on need. It’s a choice that has been panned by many due to Ponder’s lack of elite arm strength and concerning medical history. But to be fair, the cerebral former Seminole was a potential target of the Redskins at No. 16, so Minnesota had to pull the trigger in the first round to snare its intended long-term answer at quarterback. Taking Rudolph, the clear-cut best tight end in this class, in the mid-second round drew far more praise from critics. He’s an outstanding receiver who can present a mismatch for opposing defense, but an inability to stay healthy in college caused his stock to drop. Ballard also saw his draft status slip after failing a drug test at the combine, but has the physical tools to develop into a starting base end in a 4-3 defense and could also be implemented as a situational pass-rushing tackle.

Best Value Pick: Ballard’s combination of size and skill is comparable to many of the defensive lineman that came off the boards in the first two rounds, and his versatility is an added plus. He could wind up replacing possible free agent Ray Edwards, perhaps as soon as this coming season.

We Question Why: The Vikings didn’t make more of an effort to land a potential playmaker at safety, a real problem area for the team in recent years. Raymond has ability and should make the roster, but isn’t a prospect of any real note. Defensive tackle could have used some shoring up as well, especially with Kevin Williams likely to begin the season on suspension.

Summary: While the Vikings would ideally liked to have taken Ponder at a later spot and were handcuffed by a missing third-rounder from the ill-fated Randy Moss trade, personnel director Rick Spielman did pretty well in getting three players who may be able to start as rookies with his first three picks. Some of the late-rounders have some upside as well.

FINAL GRADE: B-

—

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta

1 – Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (6-3, 220); 3- Akeem Dent, ILB (6-1, 242); 5 – Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State (5-6, 196); 6 – Matt Bosher, K, Miami- Florida (6-1, 208); 7 – Andrew Jackson, OG, Fresno State (6-5, 299); 7 – Cliff Matthews, DE, South Carolina (6-4, 257)

Top Picks Analysis: General manager Thomas Dimitroff swung for the fences right off the bat, shipping their No. 27 overall selection and second and fourth-round picks in addition to next year’s No. 1 to vault 21 spots and take Jones, a fast and physical target who should help draw double coverage away from All-Pro receiver Roddy White. The Falcons stayed in their own backyard with their choice of Dent, who has the speed and versatility to play both inside and outside and offers protection for middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, who underwent surgery on both knees in the offseason. The third day was highlighted by the acquisition of the diminutive Rogers, who could immediately take over injury-prone Jerious Norwood’s old role as the third-down back.

Best Value Pick: Don’t be turned off by Rogers’ small stature. He rushed for nearly 4,000 yards during a prolific career at Oregon State and is strong enough to be an effective inside runner. His vision and durability are both pluses as well.

We Question Why: After being torched by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in last season’s NFC Playoffs, more attention wasn’t paid to the defense. Dimitroff is showing a lot of confidence in his current roster by taking a kicker in spite of owning only five total picks.

Summary: Jones is an excellent football player and will be a worthwhile addition to a dangerous offense, but may be the only every-down starter the Falcons get out of this draft. Atlanta is clearly going for broke to make a run at a Super Bowl this year, as the future has been compromised somewhat with the blockbuster trade.

FINAL GRADE: C+

—

Carolina

1 – Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (6-5, 248); 3- Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida (6-2, 297); 3 – Sione Fua, DT, Stanford (6-1, 308); 4 – Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia (5-10, 192); 5 – Kealoha Pilares, WR, Hawaii (5-10, 199); 6 – Lawrence Wilson, OLB, Connecticut (6-1, 229); 6 – Zack Williams, C, Washington State (6-3, 309); 7 – Lee Ziemba, OT, Auburn (6-6, 317)

Top Picks Analysis: With a rocket and accurate arm, prototype size and an uncanny ability to elude pressure and make plays with his legs, there’s no denying that No. 1 overall pick Newton has the physical qualities to become a franchise quarterback. Though there are some well-publicized off-field concerns regarding the reigning Heisman Trophy recipient, his biggest obstacle to stardom is a lack of experience and a foreignness to a pro-style offense. Having squandered their second-round choice to trade up for former Walter Payton Award honoree Armanti Edwards last year, the Panthers used their next two picks to help fortify a barren scenario at defensive tackle. The jury’s out as to whether they succeeded, however. McClain has ability but had an inconsistent career at South Florida, while Fua is merely a try-hard type who can fill gaps but offers little playmaking potential.

Best Value Pick: Wilson is undersized but is one of the better coverage linebackers in this draft. If he can add some bulk, the Panthers may have a nice sleeper on their hands.

We Question Why: A team that absolutely needed to put together a strong draft took so many chances. Fourth-round pick Hogan is a noted character risk and tore his ACL in December, Fua may have been available a couple rounds later and even Newton’s far from a sure thing.

Summary: Newton gives Carolina fans something to get excited out, but the rest of the Panthers’ first draft for new head coach Ron Rivera is littered with either marginal prospects or guys with question marks. The success of this class will ultimately be determined by whether or not Newton’s remarkable gifts can translate into victories.

FINAL GRADE: C-

—

New Orleans

1 – Cameron Jordan, DE, California (5-9, 215); 1 – Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (5-9, 215); 3 – Martez Wilson, OLB, Illinois (6-3, 250); 3 – Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville (5-11, 191); 7 – Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh (6-5, 264); 7 – Nate Bussey, OLB, Illinois (6-1, 228)

Top Picks Analysis: The Saints went into the draft seeking a strongside defensive end who can both stuff the run and pressure the passer and got their man in Jordan, the son of former Pro Bowl tight end Steve Jordan who fell to the 24th overall pick only because of the extraordinary depth at his position in this class. GM Mickey Loomis then got aggressive, trading New Orleans’ second-round choice and next year’s first-rounder to New England to land 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Ingram, a ready-made NFL back with exceptional vision whose presence likely makes the high-priced Reggie Bush expendable. Wilson was the fastest linebacker at the combine and can fit inside or out, though he’ll need to improve his tackling skills and feel for the game to become a reliable starter.

Best Value Pick: Jordan was a great get at No. 24, but Romeus could be an absolute steal in the seventh round. The 2009 Big East Defensive Player of the Year was considered a first-round talent entering his senior season at Pitt, but missed nearly all of his final year with a bad back and torn ACL. He could be an impact pass rusher at the next level if able to regain his pre-injury form.

We Question Why: Loomis paid such a high price for Ingram with Bush, Pierre Thomas and impressive 2010 rookie Chris Ivory already under contract at running back. Patrick, a fast and promising corner, also plays at a loaded position and may encounter difficulty seeing the field early on.

Summary: The Saints made the most of their six selections and should have two instant contributors in Jordan and Ingram, while Wilson, Patrick and Romeus all have the potential to be starters in time. The only negative is the relinquishing of next year’s first-rounder.

FINAL GRADE: A

—

Tampa Bay

1 – Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (6-3, 281); 2 – Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (6-3, 280); 3 – Mason Foster, ILB, Washington (6-1, 245); 4 – Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee (6-5, 258); 5 – Ahmad Black, S, Florida (5-9, 184); 6 – Allen Bradford, RB, USC (5-11, 242); 7 – Anthony Gaitor, CB, Florida International (5-10, 177); 7 – Daniel Hardy, TE, Idaho (6-4, 249)

Top Pick Analysis: After grabbing a defensive tackle with his first two choices of the 2010 draft, GM Mark Dominik turned his attention to the end position this time around and reeled in two players with great upside in the first two rounds. Bowers is the ultimate wild card of this draft, a pass- rushing beast and early candidate to go No. 1 overall before the revelation of a degenerative knee condition caused him to tumble down the board. Clayborn can also get to the quarterback, something the Bucs didn’t do enough of last season, and is a sound run-stopper as well who should start immediately at right end. Foster was a tackling machine at Washington and gets high marks from scouts for his instincts. With Barrett Ruud to hit free agency, it’s not out of the question that Foster becomes the opening week starter at middle linebacker if he’s quick to pick up Raheem Morris’ scheme.

Best Value Pick: Bowers may not have a 10-year career in the league because of his bum knee, but players of his caliber that aren’t character risks don’t typically fall to the 51st pick. If healthy, he and Clayborn could form the best tandem of young ends in the NFL.

We Question Why: With Aqib Talib plagued by legal troubles and facing a possible suspension at Ronde Barber now 36 years old, the Buccaneers didn’t address their cornerback situation until the final round, though Gaitor’s actually a decent prospect with some value.

Summary: Bowers may be a gamble and cornerback could have been addressed earlier on, but by adding two defensive ends with Pro Bowl potential and a possible starter at middle linebacker, this has the makings of a third straight strong draft under Dominik’s direction.

FINAL GRADE: A-

—

NFC WEST

Arizona

1 – Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (6-0, 219); 2- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech (5-9, 212); 3- Rob Housler, TE, Florida Atlantic (6-5, 248); 4 – Sam Acho, OLB, Texas (6-2, 262); 5 – Anthony Sherman, FB, Connecticut (5-10, 242); 6 – David Carter, DE, UCLA (6-4, 297); 7 – DeMarco Sampson, WR, San Diego State (6-2, 204)

Top Picks Analysis: Though in the market for a young long-term answer at quarterback, the Cardinals passed on one in favor of taking possibly this draft’s best all-around player, Peterson, with the fifth overall pick. It’s hard to argue with the decision, as the ex-LSU sensation possesses a blend of size and speed (ran 4.34 in the 40-yard dash at the combine) that is almost unheard of for a cornerback and plays at a position of need to boot. Williams, a powerful back with legitimate big-play potential, was a stranger choice at No. 38 overall considering the team drafted the injury-prone Beanie Wells in the first round just two years ago, and Williams has durability issues of his own after missing much of last season with a hamstring problem. Housler made himself a second-day prospect by flashing elite athleticism at the combine and could provide the Cards a pass-catching threat at tight end the organization hasn’t had in years.

Best Value Pick: Acho was a defensive end at Texas who will be asked to convert to outside linebacker in Arizona’s 3-4 arrangement. Albeit a project, judging by his intelligence (he won the 2010 Campbell Trophy, also known as the “Academic Heisman”) and impressive performance in combine agility drills, he could very well make a successful switch in time.

We Question Why: The choice of Williams in the early second round for a team that seemed to have its backfield situation in place. Not taking an offensive lineman in spite of four 2010 starters set to be free agents of some sort was a risky proposition as well.

Summary: While this draft didn’t come that close to solving all of Arizona’s problems, the team did get good prospects in each of the first four rounds and Peterson and Williams could be special. Expect the Cardinals to target a stopgap veteran quarterback in free agency.

FINAL GRADE: B-

—

St. Louis

1 – Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (6-4, 265); 2 – Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin (6-3, 243); 3 – Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State (6-3, 209); 4 – Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii (6-1, 210); 5 – Jermale Hines, S, Ohio State (6-1, 219); 7 – Mikail Baker, CB, Baylor (5-11, 191); 7 – Jabara Williams, OLB, Stephen F. Austin (6-2, 228); 7 – Jonathan Nelson, S, Oklahoma (5-11, 198)

Top Picks Analysis: The Rams got a player with an incredibly high ceiling when they snared Quinn with the 14th overall pick. The former Tar Heel would have easily gone much higher if not for a brain tumor sustained while in high school (which hasn’t been a problem since) and a relative lack of experience. He’ll start out as a situational pass rusher for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Kendricks is a move tight end with intriguing receiving skills and could be utilized as an oversized slot receiver under new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. St. Louis made an effort to upgrade an uninspiring wideout corps later on, and both Pettis and Salas were productive college players who give Sam Bradford two good-sized targets.

Best Value Pick: Quinn has the explosive first step and athletic skills to become a premier pass rusher in the pros once he refines his game, which would make him a bargain at No. 14.

We Question Why: The Rams didn’t spend more early picks on defense. The starting tackles are 34-year-old Fred Robbins and journeyman Gary Gibson, and linebacker talent was needed to flank rising star James Laurinaitis in the middle.

Summary: Quinn could emerge as an impact player in time, but there’s not much to get excited about over the remainder of this crop. Pettis and Salas aren’t big-play threats and the late-rounders are all special-teams types.

FINAL GRADE: C

—

San Francisco

1 – Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri (6-4, 263); 2 – Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada (6-5, 233); 3 – Chris Culliver, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 199); 4 – Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State (5-7, 199); 5 – Daniel Kilgore, OG, Appalachian State (6-3, 308); 6 – Ronald Johnson, WR, USC (5-11, 199); 6 – Colin Jones, S, TCU (5-11, 201); 7 – Bruce Miller, OLB, Central Florida (6-1, 254); 7 – Michael Person, OT, Montana State (6-5, 299); 7 – Curtis Holcomb, CB, Florida A&M (5-10, 192)

Top Pick Analysis: After preferred target Patrick Peterson failed to fall to the No. 7 overall pick, the 49ers pulled off a mild surprise by taking the raw but gifted Smith at that spot. A draft-eligible sophomore who played defensive end at Missouri, he possesses tantalizing pass-rush skills and an ideal build for a 3-4 linebacker, though scouts have questioned whether he can be can effective in space and his college experience was limited. San Francisco also made a splash in the second round, trading up nine spots to snare Kaepernick and give new head coach Jim Harbaugh a quarterback to mold. The two-time WAC Player of the Year’s athletic gifts rival that of No. 1 overall choice Cam Newton and gets high marks for his leadership abilities as well, and finds himself in a good landing spot playing for a coach with a track record of developing signal-callers. Culliver has intriguing size and was one of the fastest defensive backs at the combine, but had more success as a safety at South Carolina than the cornerback position the Niners envision him playing.

Best Value Pick: Hunter is an elusive open-field runner and good receiver who could find a niche in the offense as a third-down specialist.

We Question Why: The 49ers would take a chance on Smith, a player who could struggle making the transition to linebacker and was slowed by injuries during his brief college career, with several safer and sensible alternatives at No. 7. It may have been the riskiest move of the entire first round.

Summary: Acquiring Kaepernick, who’s every bit the prospect as several other quarterbacks who went much earlier in the draft, helps take the sting out of a class with a number of curious selections, highlighted by that of Smith. There isn’t a player out of this group that you can say for certain will be a dependable starter at the next level.

FINAL GRADE: C+

—

Seattle

1 – Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri (6-4, 263); 2 – Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada (6-5, 233); 3 – Chris Culliver, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 199); 4 – Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State (5-7, 199); 5 – Daniel Kilgore, OG, Appalachian State (6-3, 308); 6 – Ronald Johnson, WR, USC (5-11, 199); 6 – Colin Jones, S, TCU (5-11, 201); 7 – Bruce Miller, OLB, Central Florida (6-1, 254); 7 – Michael Person, OT, Montana State (6-5, 299); 7 – Curtis Holcomb, CB, Florida A&M (5-10, 192)

Top Pick Analysis: After preferred target Patrick Peterson failed to fall to the No. 7 overall pick, the 49ers pulled off a mild surprise by taking the raw but gifted Smith at that spot. A draft-eligible sophomore who played defensive end at Missouri, he possesses tantalizing pass-rush skills and an ideal build for a 3-4 linebacker, though scouts have questioned whether he can be can effective in space and his college experience was limited. San Francisco also made a splash in the second round, trading up nine spots to snare Kaepernick and give new head coach Jim Harbaugh a quarterback to mold. The two-time WAC Player of the Year’s athletic gifts rival that of No. 1 overall choice Cam Newton and gets high marks for his leadership abilities as well, and finds himself in a good landing spot playing for a coach with a track record of developing signal-callers. Culliver has intriguing size and was one of the fastest defensive backs at the combine, but had more success as a safety at South Carolina than the cornerback position the Niners envision him playing.

Best Value Pick: Hunter is an elusive open-field runner and good receiver who could find a niche in the offense as a third-down specialist.

We Question Why: The 49ers would take a chance on Smith, a player who could struggle making the transition to linebacker and was slowed by injuries during his brief college career, with several safer and sensible alternatives at No. 7. It may have been the riskiest move of the entire first round.

Summary: Acquiring Kaepernick, who’s every bit the prospect as several other quarterbacks who went much earlier in the draft, helps take the sting out of a class with a number of curious selections, highlighted by that of Smith. There isn’t a player out of this group that you can say for certain will be a dependable starter at the next level.

FINAL GRADE: C+

You can get all your FREE NFL news, articles, and updates right here at www.aasiwins.com.

Copyright 2010 All American Sports, All Rights Reserved.                                                                                                                                                             
Privacy Policy: aasiwins.com will never sell, rent or share your email address.
Website Maintained by Truly Unique - Custom Website Design