Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins hit a home run with their first 3 picks of the draft. They also made a great deal before the draft started when they acquired Akin Ayodele and Anthony Fasano for a 4th round pick. It was a very good first year for Parcells and company, but it is a bit of a head scratcher why the drafted two running backs late.
FINAL GRADE: B+
St. Louis Rams
The Rams made the right call by taking Chris Long at no. 2 overall, as Carriker is better suited to play inside. They reached badly when they made Donnie Avery the first receiver off the board. They rebounded nicely with two day 2 steals; Justin King in the 4th and Roy Schuening in the 5th.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Atlanta Falcons
They took Matt Ryan over Glenn Dorsey which will be a move that will be closely monitored over the years. They got the offensive lineman they need in Sam Baker, and Curtis Lofton was a solid second round choice. They nailed the 3rd round with 3 solid picks of Chevis Jackson, Harry Douglas, and Thomas DeCoud. They also landed a big time sleeper running back Thomas Brown in the 6th.
FINAL GRADE: B
Oakland Raiders
It looks like Al Davis got his way with the selection of Darren McFadden. Dorsey made more sense and would have had a huge impact on a defense that couldn't stop the run. Their best pick came in round 4 when they took CB, Tyvon Branch. the rest of their draft was a total misery.
FINAL GRADE: C-
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs had one of the best drafts of the weekend. Glenn Dorsey, Branden Albert, and Brandon Flowers will all be starters in their rookie seasons and each has the potential to be amazing. Jamaal Charles, Brad Cottam, and DaJuan Morgan were all great values in the 3rd, and 6th round pick Brian Johnston is someone to keep an eye on. Overall a very excellent draft by the Chiefs, even though they ignored upgrading the quarterback position.
FINAL GRADE: A+
New York Jets
Vernon Gholston was a great pick as he and Pace will form one heck of a pass rushing combination. They got a nice play maker when they traded up and got Dustin Keller at the end of round 1. Erik Ainge was a nice pick up in the 5th, but the rest of their draft was unspectacular at best.
FINAL GRADE: B
San Francisco 49ers
The 9ers were focused to get better in the trenches as 4 of their first 5 picks were offensive or defensive lineman. Reggie Smith was a great value in the third, but it's a bit perplexing why they waited until round 6 to draft a wide receiver.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Baltimore Ravens
It's debatable whether or not they took him too high, but Joe Flacco was a good choice as their signal caller of the future. Their next 4 picks were excellent as Rice, Gooden, Zbikowski, and Cousins should all contribute very early in their rookie seasons. The Ravens first draft under the John Harbaugh regime was a huge success.
FINAL GRADE: B
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were wise to use their first pick on the defensive side of the ball with OLB Keith Rivers. He will give that defense a much needed spark. The Bengals then were maybe preparing for life without 85 as they landed a couple of nice receivers in Simpson and Caldwell. Pat Sims was a great pick in the third, and Anthony Collins was a steal in the 4th. The only question mark was why they would take a guy like Jason Shirley who has some serious character concerns, when they are already known for having a lot of dysfunctional players.
FINAL GRADE: B
New Orleans Saints
The Saints were wise to trade up and get Sedrick Ellis. He gives them the penetrating defensive tackle they have craved for years. Tracy Porter was an excellent 2nd round pick who could have gone in the end of round 1. The rest of their draft was very solid with the highlights being Carl Nicks in the 5th, and WR Adrian Arrington in the 7th.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Buffalo Bills
The Bills nailed their first two picks with McKelvin and Hardy, who both fill major needs on this team. The rest of their draft was a little hit or miss, as Ellis, Omon, and Bowen were excellent picks, while Corner and Fine were head scratchers. The Bills still have a big hole at the tight end spot.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Denver Broncos
Ryan Clady was a great round 1 pick, but WR Eddie Royal was a huge reach in round 2. The rest of their draft was pretty solid though, with guys who should contribute early, with the highlights being Hillis, Williams, Torain, and Barrett.
FINAL GRADE: B
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are neck and neck with the Chiefs in the running for best draft of 2008. Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah were great picks in the first, even if they had to give up next year's first in order to get him. Godfrey and Connor were outstanding value picks in round 3, while Gary Barnidge could develop into a star at tight end. From top to bottom this was an exceptional draft class for the Panthers.
FINAL GRADE: A
Chicago Bears
Chris Williams was the right choice in round 1 as he can add some youth to an aging offensive line. Forte and Earl Bennett were solid additions to their offense as well. They found value throughout the entire draft but it's almost shocking that they didn't address the quarterback position.
FINAL GRADE: B
Detroit Lions
Millen made another interesting pick when he took Gosder Cherilus over Jeff Otah, only time will tell how that works out. The Lions then reached for Jordan Dizon in round 2, and made another iffy pick when they took Kevin Smith over Jamaal Charles. They got a nice pass rusher in Cliff Avril in the 3rd, and the rest of their draft was suspect.
FINAL GRADE: D+
Arizona Cardinals
Cards got one of the most exciting players in the draft in corner Rodgers-Cromartie. Pass rusher Campbell also slid right into Arizona's hands in round 2. Early Doucet will step in and take the job of the 3rd wideout along with Fitzgerald and Boldin. Fifth rounder Tim Hightower will be a nice complement to Edge.
FINAL GRADE: B
Minnesota Vikings
When you add Jared Allen their already solid draft it was a great 2 days for the Vikings. Tyrell Johnson was rated by many as the top safety in the draft. USC quarterback John David booty will be very interesting to watch compete with Jackson in training camp.
FINAL GRADE: A-
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Houston Texans
Although Brown is solid was a reach to take him as early as they did. Got a steal in Frank Okam in round 5, he can contribute immediately. My favorite pick for the Texans was running back Steve Slaton, who could push for significant time if he can adjust to the speed of the NFL.
FINAL GRADE: C+
Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles added play making wideout DeSean Jackson. Was a bit supervised they waited so long to get an offensive tackle although Mike McGlynn was great value at pick #109. First rounder defensive tackle Trevor Laws will be a great body to throw in the middle of the defensive line.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Not a big fan of the Bucs draft. Talibs' stock has dropped considerably with all his off field issues. Second rounder Dexter Jackson was a big reach although should be a very good special teamer. Bucs also didn't hesitate to add to an already very crowded group of quarterbacks with Josh Johnson who will be a great project.
FINAL GRADE: C-
Washington Redskins
Unbelievable that Devin Thomas, Fred Davis and Malcolm Kelly ended up on the same squad. Jason Campbell should be ex static with the playmakers Dan Snyder added. Northern Iowa tackle Chad Rinehart also has a chance to win a starting spot as a rookie.
FINAL GRADE: A
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers had a few players fall in their lap. Mendenhall was just too good to pass up at #23 and fits perfectly in the Steelers tough running style of play. Limas Sweed and Bruce Davis were also players that weren't expected to slide as far as they did and will help the Steelers immensly. Round 5 pick Dennis Dixon will also be fun to watch how he progresses.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Tennessee Titans
One of the grossest draft classes of '08. Waited way to long to grab a wideout. Reached on their first 3 picks and William Hayes was a head scratcher. On a good note Lavelle Hawkins was a very quality pick in round 4.
FINAL GRADE: D
Seattle Seahawks
Concentrated on the defensive line with the additions of playmakers Lawrence Jackson and Red Bryant. Also got a much needed tight end with John Carlson who is one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft. Seahawks also grabbed Josh Browns replacement with big legged Brandon Coutu.
FINAL GRADE: C+
Jacksonville Jaguars
Traded up in round one to get a much needed pass rusher in Derrick Harvey. Then surprisingly took Quentin Groves in round 2 turning defensive end into one of the Jags strengths. Chauncey Washington will be a good back who could turn into a quality special teamer.
FINAL GRADE: B
San Diego Chargers
Added 2 very good cornerbacks in Antoine Cason and DeJuan Tribble. Cason is as NFL ready as a cornerback can get. 3rd rounder Jacob Hester will fit in perfectly as running back / fullback. Big bodied Corey Clark will be a project but could add great depth along the offensive line.
FINAL GRADE: C+
Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys took advantage of 2 first round picks by adding Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins who will play immediately. Orlando Scandrick was a quality pick in the fifth round and could surprise alot of people. Tashard Choice is a great back but a bit of a surprise.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Green Bay Packers
Packers didn't waste any time giving Aaron Rodgers some competition by adding 2 quality quarterbacks in Brohm and Flynn. Jermichael Finley was a great pick in round 3 and could be one of the steals of the draft.
FINAL GRADE: B
New England Patriots
Patriots made a couple of reaches in Terrence Wheatley and Shawn Crable. Jerod Mayo will fit perfectly into the veteran linebacking core. Not much more than possible depth was added throughout draft weekend for the Pats.
FINAL GRADE: C
New York Giants
Love the Giants grabbing Andre Woodson in round 6. He will enter a great situation with no pressure. Filled a big hole at safety with Miami's Kenny Phillips and took a chance on stud wideout Mario Manningham.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts didn't pick until round 2, but they had a very solid draft. Mike Pollak is a versatile offensive lineman who can play center or guard. They got good value with Wheeler in the 3rd, and Tamme in the 4th. Pass rushing OLB Marcus Howard was a great pick in the 5th, and Mike Hart was a good pick in the 6th as he is a high character guy who will fit in well with this club.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Cleveland Browns
The Browns already had a solid draft before they even made a pick as they acquired Brady Quinn, Shaun Rogers, and CoreY Williams with their first 3 picks. The guys they took on Sunday were excellent as well. Beau Bell can be a dominating linebacker when healthy, and they got the steal of the draft with pass catching tight end Martin Rucker in the 4th. DT Ahtyba Rubin was a good value in the 6th, as was WR Paul Hubbard.
FINAL GRADE: B
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