Draft Grades: NFC
by Chris Brophy
30/4/2008
 
Philadelphia Eagles: A
 
Trading out of round 1 got them extra picks this year and next. They then traded down again in round 2 before finally adding Trevor Laws (DT, Notre Dame) who should be able to get into the DL rotation early on. Cal WR DeSean Jackson should aid a woeful return game at the very least but the Eagles will also hope he can make an impact as a receiver in his rookie year. He's small and shifty and will get deep.
 
Lower down, I like the selection of Quintin Demps (S, Texas El-Paso) who can be brought in behind Brian Dawkins and overall, the Eagles spread their picks about and drafted something for all their needs. Getting a first rounder in '09 and Lorenzo Booker for a 4th round pick (he was a 2nd rd pick a year ago) make this draft all the smarter. The Eagles had the best day of any NFC team in my opinion.
 
Arizona Cardinals: A-
 
The only team in this year's draft not to trade any of its picks, just picking with its original choices all the way through. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie made a lot of sense in round 1 where the team are moving Antrel Rolle to safety. In round two, Miami DE Calais Campbell looks a good fit for the 3-4 defense they plan to go with. LSU WR Early Doucet will get a chance to step into the playing time vacated by Bryant Johnson's departure and RB Tim Hightower could get some shared time with Edge James and anyone drawing comparisons to Marion Barber sounds a good back.
 
I do think they should have gotten a linebacker somewhere but otherwise this is a very solid draft with four possible quick contributors and deserves a good grade.
 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A-
 
I was convinced the Buccaneers would be the first team to take a WR but they went for a corner in Aqib Talib from Kansas. This boy has skills but his (yes, it's that word again) character has been brought into question. Given the age of Ronde Barber and the loss of Brian Kelly, it's a move that makes sense but carries a fair bit of risk. Not content with finally scoring on a kick return last season, the Bucs go for this draft's version of Devin Hester in Dexter Jackson but they'll also want him to get involved as a receiver. Rutgers Jeremy Zuttah is an offensive lineman who might be able to provide depth at nearly every spot and this was followed by the smart selection of Dre Moore in round 4. Defensively, I also like the addition of linebacker Geno Hayes from Florida State. He looks a perfect fit for the Cover-2 defense.
 
Josh Johnson might be a real keeper at QB but that makes it 7 QBs on the Bucs roster currently (including Jake Plummer who hasn't filed his retirement papers). Otherwise, this was a real good draft with at least three players who help right away and some useful depth. The only thing missing was a slightly better prospect as a pure receiver.
 
Atlanta Falcons: B+
 
Glenn Dorsey probably got considered but Matt Ryan always looked the right choice. I think he is starting by mid season. They then traded up to get protection for Ryan in the form of USC's Sam Baker. He looks a talented player but has had some injury issues and it's a slight reach, but OT got attacked early in this draft. The Falcons had plenty of picks to play with so a trade up can be understood and with their remaining second round pick they added LB Curtis Lofton who has a nose for the ball and maybe able to start from day one. Cornerback and wide receiver also got attention and I like the sound of Harry Douglas, who breaks out of his routes quickly. In the late rounds, I like the addition of linebacker Kroy Biermann who may need some seasoning but could be a starter a few years down the line.
 
Holding the grade back is the lack of a DT. The defensive back seven got plenty of help but the front four, especially inside, needs bodies and the Falcons got nothing.
 
Green Bay Packers: B+
 
No one stood out in round 1 for the Pack so they traded down a little and got another target for Aaron Rodgers in Jordy Nelson of Kansas State. He looks a good fit for their style of offense but the Packers aren't exactly crying out for receivers. Lousville's Brian Brohm came on board later in round 2 to hedge their bets on the aforementioned Rodgers. They added LSU's Mike Flynn later on as well! Lots of trading down by the Pack, who seem to love getting more and more picks.
 
They spent most of their draft addressing depth across the roster, Jermichael Finley (TE, Texas) could get involved in their two TE sets early and Auburn cornerback Patrick Lee can learn behind the vets making this a solid and very typical draft by Green Bay.
 
Minnesota Vikings: B+
 
The Vikings work was done before the draft started when they acquired Jared Allen from the Chiefs for multiple choices. With what was left, they at least got a player in Tyrell Johnson (S, Arkansas State) who should compete for a starting spot straight away but had to trade up a few spots for him. He could even end up at corner. Whatever position he does play, his and Allen's addition improves the pass defense greatly.
 
John David Booty is a nice fit for the WCO and could move up the depth chart in time and Letroy Guion (DT, Florida State) might be able to fight his way into the rotation but I would like to have seen a pick at OT and possibly at TE. The draft itself is nothing to write home about but the fact they effectively got Allen from it as well might make the Vikings one of the biggest winners of this past week. I nearly gave it an A but it's a bit of a one player draft (Allen) so held back from really high marks.
 
New York Giants: B+
 
The Giants needed secondary help and they got it. Kenny Phillips should be a starter in Week 1 and cornerback Terrell Thomas should be able to get involved early doors too. Mario Manningham has talent but that old line about character concerns gets a mention again. He could be Amani Toomer's eventual replacement and worth a chance in the 3rd. He has the talent to be as good as any receiver in this draft.
 
A couple of linebackers followed meaning their back seven needs got addressed but a pick somewhere for the OL would have made sense. Given they got something out of all their picks last year, who am I to question their choices?
 
Chicago Bears: B
 
They needed offense and spent their first three picks on it. I'd have taken Branden Albert over Chris Williams for the OL but RB Matt Forte is a guy capable of having attention poured on him and still producing. I think he pushes Cedric Benson down the depth chart by mid-season. Earl Bennett joins the receiving corps but the knock on him is he can't produce against good corners. Corners in the NFL are better than college. Attention then went to the defense and Marcus Harrison (DT, Arkansas) is a good value pick. Craig Seltz at safety and Zack Bowman at cornerback could both get into the rotation in the secondary.
 
The rest of the draft saw depth additions for many spots. Overall, I like the needs addressed but worry that only one of the three offensive additions will prove to be of real quality.
 
Dallas Cowboys: B
 
Felix Jones is a perfect fit for their backfield to go along with Marion Barber and he can also help improve their return game. Mike Jenkins is not only insurance for Pac Man Jones but Terence Newman is a free agent next year. Jenkins was excellent value for where he was picked. The Cowboys then spent time moving around and moving around again which included adding a 3rd and 4th round pick in 2009. Mainly safe picks were made for depth but surprisingly, they added nothing at WR.
 
The players they got will help and Jones could be explosive but this was a draft more about addressing depth than making a difference.
 
New Orleans Saints: B
 
Come what may, the Saints were getting a DT. They offered a bunch to move up to #5 for Glenn Dorsey but were rebuked in their efforts so settled for a trade up with the Patriots to get Ellis. They had to do it, as Ellis was never getting past the Bengals the pick before #10. Indiana CB Tracey Porter should get involved in the defensive packages early and may develop into a starter. Carl Nicks (OT, Nebraska) dropped due to character concerns but has talent and could be a bargain down the line. He was worth the risk where they took him.
 
No TE came on board, the rumoured trade for Jeremy Shockey not coming off, and no additions were made at OLB so Sedrick Ellis impact might not filter through to the back seven. Smart trade up, but not everything addressed.
 
Washington Redskins: B
 
After trying to trade for Chad Johnson, the Redskins showed they really did want to upgrade their receiving corps. A trade down left them with three 2nd round picks and they spent them all on targets for Jason Campbell. Devin Thomas was fine value at #34 and Malcolm Kelly at #51 is pretty decent too. The Skins now have depth and options in their receiving corps. Fred Davis at #48 was a surprise and maybe a case of overkill. Yes, they need someone behind Cooley who if he got injured would be badly missed, but given the needs on both sets of lines, could it be afforded? Chad Rinehart looks a reach in round 3 but he projects nicely from tackle to guard and was dominant at a lower level. He might be Pete Kendall's replacement in a year or two. Lower down saw depth for the secondary and the interesting choice of Colt Brennan who is now Jim Zorn's pet project. Durrant Brooks was the only punter drafted (I think) but looks likely to win that job from the very average Derrick Frost.
 
No real key additions for the DL and a LB would have being useful too, but a massive upgrade for the Skins' receiving corps.
 
Detroit Lions: B-
 
Gosder Cherilus came on board after they managed to move down a few spots and the Lions may have well been responsible for the OT rush that followed. Gosder should upgrade the tackle position which is below average. Jordon Dizon is an undersized OLB from Colorado who looks like a reach for need based on their Cover-2 system. Kevin Smith, the Central Florida RB was traded up for in round 3 and maybe the team's best pick, he should get playing time from the get go.
 
More help came for the defense with a DT and LB soon following. I like the addition of Jerome Felton at FB who can help make their running game more power based. I'd have liked to see another OL addition but otherwise, a reasonably solid draft from Matt Millen who managed to avoid going WR in round 1.
 
Carolina Panthers: C+
 
Jonathan Stewart will see plenty of playing time from the off, sharing carries with DeAngelo Williams. Health is a concern but the Panthers' team doctor was also Stewart's surgeon so they had the inside knowledge of how well his recent op went. They then addressed their OL by trading up for Jeff Otah. I like the player but they paid a heavy price including next year's first rounder. Charles Godfrey (CB) and Dan Connor (LB) are great value in round 3 and can be involved early in their careers.
 
The story of this draft is what the Panthers missed though. No QB is understandable, because if the Panthers flop this year, Fox and Co are likely gone and a new staff may want their own guy, but not addressing the DL with anything but a 6th rounder is not as forgivable and could be a serious problem for the Panthers in '08. That and trading away their first next year holds back the grade.
 
Seattle Seahawks: C+
 
Dropping down a few spots the Hawks still got an impact DL player in Lawrence Jackson and best for him is that he can be worked in at a reasonable pace rather than expected to start and play a lot of downs straight away. They filled their TE need in round 2 with John Carlson but surprisingly they passed on Fred Davis, who is a better pass catcher. I love the addition of DT Red Bryant and with some losses in the off-season at the position, he can be involved straight away. Then came the Schmitt's. First, Owen at FB which is interesting because I felt Leonard Weaver looked good in Mack Strong's place, and then a long snapper!! Maybe they want Ethan Albright's Madden title?
 
Adding a kicker late on made sense considering they lost the excellent Josh Brown. Overall, an ok draft but a few choices that filled the need in a way not expected or were just not needs.
 
St Louis Rams: C
 
Glenn Dorsey might be the better player, but Chris Long is a much better fit and his non-stop motor and drive can inspire those around him. Donnie Avery was the first wide receiver off the board and although I'm sure the Rams have their reasons, with the whole receiver crop to pick from, I'm not sure what that reason is. Two picks came for the OL which was a mess last year but both look unlikely to be able to make an immediate impact but in the 4th round, Cornerback Justin King was a nice addition. Mr Irrelevant, David Vobora, an OLB from Idaho has a decent chance of making the roster.
 
Overall, Long saves this grade but Avery is a reach and the rest of it looks like it will struggle to make any significant impact.
 
San Francisco 49ers: C
 
Considering they had dealt away their first to the Patriots last year and that in turn ended up as the #7 overall, the Niners still managed to walk away from this draft addressing all their needs. DT Kentwan Balmer should make an impact quickly but his inconsistent motor is a worry and 2nd round pick Chilo Rachal makes a lot of sense with Justin Smiley and Larry Allen gone as well as David Baas struggling to be ready for the '08 season. A WR was a need and they did get one but can Josh Morgan add much in his rookie year? It's a massive ask.
 
With only six picks, the Niners hit on a lot of needs but may not get the impact they need at areas like WR and OLB. At least they kept hold of future picks.
 
Overview
 
Maybe I am too kind, I graded no one lower than C but in general, I feel all teams did a great job scouting and no one in the NFC made any real strange or wild choices early on. Some teams could certainly have done better and I also feel the Rams had a bit of a one player draft but this was a deep draft class that perhaps lacked high end quality outside of the top 6 or so picks.