I need your grade on each pick

Smith = A+ (Thornton says Levi is back so thats good enough for me, Smith fills the RT spot)

Rey Rey = A+ (Bengals play catburgler on this pick)

MJohnson = A (Bengals play Texas hold on and didnt reach, last year they wouldve selected him in the 1st round)

CCoffman = B (Foot injury worries me a little)

Luigs = C (last big name center on the board, has some weaknesses, least they didnt reach for another MAC center)

Huber = B+ (love this pick, finally a legit punter)

Trent = C (my guess is Leon Hall had something to do with this)

BScott = F (they shouldve drafted Osama BinLaden)

Vakapuna = B (love the Somoans, I would reach for all Samoans)

McDonald = C (had a farm...)

FBrown = C (Mikey up from his nap, demands a WR)

overall I give it a solid B+

Not a fan of the Smith pick. Throw in a few other guys with character red flags and its about par for the course. They never learn. Going to try to get by with another 4th round pick at center. Yay.

Overall, I'd say its only an average draft. But most years Bengals fans think its the best Bengals draft ever.

(04-27-2009 06:36 AM)icehole3 Wrote:  I need your grade on each pick

Smith = A+ (Thornton says Levi is back so thats good enough for me, Smith fills the RT spot)

Rey Rey = A+ (Bengals play catburgler on this pick)

MJohnson = A (Bengals play Texas hold on and didnt reach, last year they wouldve selected him in the 1st round)

CCoffman = B (Foot injury worries me a little)

Luigs = C (last big name center on the board, has some weaknesses, least they didnt reach for another MAC center)

Huber = B+ (love this pick, finally a legit punter)

Trent = C (my guess is Leon Hall had something to do with this)

BScott = F (they shouldve drafted Osama BinLaden)

Vakapuna = B (love the Somoans, I would reach for all Samoans)

McDonald = C (had a farm...)

FBrown = C (Mikey up from his nap, demands a WR)

overall I give it a solid B+

Smith = A- Only reason he doesn't get higher is because of his stupid actions before the draft...but at least there was nothing criminal! And def needed help on the Oline...so that is great since he will probably start right away

Rey Rey = A++ I was SHOCKED he was still there...I couldn't believe it and was PRAYING we would take him! He can be the face of a nasty defense to come...Makes me think of Ray Lewis as far as intensity and passion

MJohnson = A- Love the potential...and once again I was calling for him when they were on the clock here to start day 2...He is built like a freak and hopefullllllllllllly they can coach him up and he can rush the passer...they have NO ONE that was getting pressure on the other QB

CCoffman = B- Looked good to me in the highlight...Injury is a little scarey...Also not sure about his 40 time but he looked kind of slow in this highlight reel...but he can still be a solid red zone guy and possession TE

Luigs = B- Anything is better than Girlcheck....Like Luigs size though

Huber = B Love the UC guy on the team...he has to be an upgrade over Larson...Hopefully can change some games with field position for them...still would have loved to see them address a return man SOMEWHERE in this draft

Trent = C- Now Hall has a drinking buddy!

BScott = D Shows they will never learn...hopefully he proves people wrong but i dont see him being anything special anytime soon

Vakapuna = C+ If J Johnson is still eating himself out of the league...this guy could come in and get some time....has good size and seems to be smart

McDonald = D+ Can he make the team as a DT?? Peko, Sims, Tank, Shirley

FBrown = D+ Once again...don't see him making it with Ocho, Coles, Henry, Caldwell, Simpson, Chapman etc...maybe practice squad...same with McDonald


I guess my grades are a little harder as the "talent" level goes down with the rounds....but you never know...they could hit on someone like they did with Housh or Chinny...lets hope so

Loveeee the top of the draft though...the top 3 picks are very solid and I know its a stretch...but those 3 defiantly have the potential to make it to some pro bowls in the future.

But once again...they haven't played a down yet and Mike Brown being the smart businessman...sucking fans back in!!

Rey fell because his wunderlich was beyond dismal (I believe he racked up a 15).

From what I understand one of the questions asked of him was "who is Joe Biden". Rey didn't know.

Although I have to admit, who am I to criticize Rey when I would pay a considerable sum to not know the answer to that quesion.

Packers, Jets get top grades By Mel Kiper
ESPN.com
Archive
It took two days, but the NFL draft is over and now is the fun part, as every team's fans get to see their new players try on the jersey and hopefully report to camp on time. Let's take a look at my grades for each team's draft.

Green Bay Packers: GRADE: A
I love what this team did to solidify its shaky defense in the first two picks alone, with the selection of two excellent players in defensive tackle B.J. Raji and outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Tackle T.J. Lang was a good pickup for the offensive line, while Quinn Johnson could be a bruising lead fullback in the league. Sixth-round pick Brandon Underwood could make this team and give the Packers depth as a backup.


New York Jets: GRADE: A-
The motto of the Jets' draft was quality over quantity. Mark Sanchez's selection made this team's draft because he's a franchise-maker. New coach Rex Ryan likes his defense, so the organization felt it could focus on the offense in his first draft. The Jets picked up Iowa running back Shonn Greene, who will fit into the rotation with Leon Washington and Thomas Jones. Guard Matthew Slauson was an OK pick in the sixth round, but the key to this draft is up top with Greene and Sanchez.


Arizona Cardinals: GRADE: B+
Chris Wells was a major acquisition for the Cardinals in the first round of this draft. He was a bargain for a team that was in dire need of a running back to rotate in with second-year back Tim Hightower. Wells gives this team the home run threat that the running game was sorely lacking last season. In addition to Wells, I liked the Cody Brown pick in the second round because he should be a good 3-4 rushing end in the Cardinals' system. Bringing in LSU offensive lineman Herman Johnson in the fifth round and Illinois defensive end Will Davis in the sixth were good pickups for this organization. While I thought Johnson was a bit overrated, he is huge and will give the line a big presence when he's on the field.

Buffalo Bills: GRADE: B+
Aaron Maybin was the pass-rusher this team needed to anchor the defensive line. On the other side of the line, the selections of center Eric Wood and guard Andrew Levitre in the second round were excellent picks. Wood is a very good center and Levitre very well may be the best guard in this draft. Also, Jairus Byrd's ball skills could help him become a very good nickelback in this league. They got the tight end they needed in Shawn Nelson to give this offense another weapon. The reason this team didn't receive an A is because it didn't get a right or a left tackle, which I thought was a need with the trade of offensive tackle Jason Peters.

Houston Texans: GRADE: B+
This was a very productive draft, as the Texans' first five picks (Brian Cushing, Connor Barwin, Antoine Caldwell, Glover Quin and Anthony Hill) will all contribute quickly. These are solid football players and I really like the Barwin pick. Look for sixth-rounder Brice McCain and seventh-round selection Troy Nolan to also compete for playing time.

New England Patriots: GRADE: B+
You have to give the Patriots credit for acquiring even more picks for next year's draft. Safety Patrick Chung, defensive tackle Ron Brace and cornerback Darius Butler were all good selections in the second round, although offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer was a reach. Wide receiver Brandon Tate was a decent third-round pick and I really like the sixth-round selection of Jacob Ingram, the best long snapper in the draft.

San Francisco 49ers: GRADE: B+
Obviously the 49ers hit the jackpot with wide receiver Michael Crabtree falling to them at No. 10. Running back Glen Coffee gives the 49ers a nice one-two punch with Frank Gore. Getting inside linebacker Scott McKillop in the fifth round was a steal. Bear Pascoe is one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft, and the two LSU kids (Curtis Taylor and Ricky Jean-Francois) were great pickups in the seventh round.


Atlanta Falcons: GRADE: B
The Falcons did a good job early with the Peria Jerry pick in the first round and the selection of safety William Moore in the second. I really like the Moore pick because if he is able to get healthy, he could be one of the top steals of this draft. He has a tremendous amount of talent and could be a superstar for this franchise. Overall, the Falcons did a nice job for the second year in a row.

Baltimore Ravens: GRADE: B
First-round selection Michael Oher gives this team great flexibility on the offensive line because he can play right or left tackle for the Ravens. Second-round pick Paul Kruger has the ability to play immediately in this league and may push for ample playing time. Also, Lardarius Webb is a little light at around 180 pounds, but with the help of an experienced safety to support him, he can definitely play cornerback in this league. I love the fifth-round selection of inside linebacker Jason Phillips. He's going to fit in very well with this talented group of linebackers.

Chicago Bears: GRADE: B
I think Jarron Gilbert is one of the steals of the draft. Wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias was a good pick, as were cornerback D.J. Moore and wide receiver Johnny Knox. Seventh-round pick Derek Kinder could turn out to be quite a sleeper if he's able to return to his strong level of play before his injury a couple of years ago.

Cincinnati Bengals: GRADE: B
The Bengals had a lot of picks and they did a good job getting good quality with their quantity. Andre Smith, Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson are great ways to start a draft for any team. These guys could fill big holes for the Bengals. The fourth-round selection of offensive lineman Jonathan Luigs was a little high, but it wasn't crazy. The late-round picks weren't anything to write home about, but they did a good job of getting strength in numbers and getting some depth for their team.


New York Giants: GRADE: B
The selection of first-round wide receiver Hakeem Nicks could be a good one, but he really needs to keep his weight up to make an impact in the NFL. I like the selection of offensive tackle William Beatty in the second round and wide receiver Ramses Barden in the third round. They made some good selections late in the draft with running back Andre Brown in the fourth and the two defensive backs in the sixth and seventh rounds: DeAndre Wright and Stoney Woodson.

Pittsburgh Steelers: GRADE: B
First-round selection Evander Hood was a good pick because he should fit in well as a defensive tackle in the Steelers' system. I love third-round wide receiver Mike Wallace's speed. Cornerback Joe Burnett and running back Frank Summers were good selections in the fifth round. Defensive tackle Ra'Shon Harris could be a steal out of the sixth round.

Seattle Seahawks: GRADE: B
The Seahawks passed on Sanchez to get Aaron Curry, and while I don't agree with the pick, it's not a bad pick for the Hawks, especially since Curry was the No. 1 player on my board. Max Unger is an excellent fit for this offensive line and wide receiver Deon Butler reminds me of Bobby Engram. I don't understand the Mike Teel pick in the sixth round because there were better quarterbacks out there, but the selection of safety Courtney Greene in the seventh round was a great selection.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: GRADE: B
The Bucs could've stayed where they were and still gotten Josh Freeman, so I don't understand the decision to trade up for him. He has a lot of upside, but he's a risk/reward type of player because he isn't as polished as some of the other top quarterbacks in this draft. The Bucs made some very solid picks throughout the draft, including defensive end Kyle Moore in the fourth round and wide receiver Sammie Stroughter in the final round.


Cleveland Browns: GRADE: B-
Alex Mack was a good pick at No. 21 and Mohamed Massaquoi was a very good pickup in the second round. I think fellow second-rounder David Veikune was a bit of a reach in that round, but not enough of one to seriously dent the Browns' grade. They didn't get a great receiver in Brian Robiskie in the second round, but he's polished enough as a rookie that he could be a solid possession guy for this franchise.

Detroit Lions: GRADE: B-
Matthew Stafford was what this team needed, but fellow first-rounder Brandon Pettigrew was a reach at No. 21. Third-round pick DeAndre Levy was a little bit of a reach, but a good pick. Selecting Derrick Williams in the third round was a good move. The best late-round pick for this team was seventh-rounder Zach Follett out of California. The Lions should've gotten a left tackle at some point since that is an obvious need right now, particularly with their current quarterback situation.



NFL.com Video

The Philadelphia Eagles draft WR Jeremy Maclin with the 19th pick in the 2009 draft.
Philadelphia Eagles: GRADE: B-
Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was a good pick, but he needs to work on his route running to be a consistent threat in the NFL. Running back LeSean McCoy was a good selection in the second round and so was tight end Cornelius Ingram in the fifth round. The fifth round was a good round for the Eagles, who also picked up cornerback Victor Harris and offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou.



Indianapolis Colts: GRADE: C+
Donald Brown is a good player but kind of a luxury pick, which isn't a knock on it because running back Joseph Addai has had some injury issues as of late. Fili Moala and Jerraud Powers were taken a little high, though. Terrance Taylor is a good pick in the fourth round because he could jump into the Colts' rotation.

Jacksonville Jaguars: GRADE: C+
I understand the Jaguars felt that offensive line was a need, but I felt picking Eben Britton that early in the second round was a reach, but not nearly as big of a reach as cornerback Derek Cox in the third round. The selections of Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard in the fourth and fifth rounds were good ones and I really like the seventh-round selections of Rashad Jennings and Tiquan Underwood. Honestly, the late-round selections are what saved the Jaguars' grade.

Minnesota Vikings: GRADE: C+
If they can keep wide receiver Percy Harvin focused and maximize his potential, then taking him at No. 22 could end up being a good selection. The only problem is the fact that he has some character question marks surrounding him, but there's no questioning his talent. Third-round selection Asher Allen is a good pick, inside linebacker Jasper Brinkley could be a good fit and seventh-rounder Jamarca Sanford is a good player.

Tennessee Titans: GRADE: C+
Wide receiver Kenny Britt was a good selection in the first round. Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks was a bit overhyped, but he wasn't a bad reach at No. 62. I love the selection of tight end Jared Cook. Troy Kropog was a little bit of a reach in the fourth round, but he was a good player at Tulane.

Washington Redskins: GRADE: C+
Brian Orakpo fell into their laps and he gives them the pass-rushing presence they haven't had since Dexter Manley. Kevin Barnes is a decent third-round pick. Robert Henson is a decent late-round pick at linebacker.

Carolina Panthers: GRADE: C
They gave up next year's first-round pick to get Florida State defensive end Everette Brown, which I really don't like. Brown is a fine player and could make an impact for this team, but I believe that a first-round pick is too steep a price to pay. None of the players they selected in this draft have great potential. Sherrod Martin and Corvey Irvin have the ability to be starters in this league and running back Mike Goodson could be a situational back, but none of the Panthers' picks really stand out.

Denver Broncos: GRADE: C
Knowshon Moreno is a good running back and Robert Ayers has excellent ability. Alphonso Smith was one of my favorite defensive players to watch in college, but I don't agree with trading a future No. 1 pick for the rights to pick him. Richard Quinn was selected a little too high for a one-dimensional blocking tight end. David Bruton is an OK player and so is Seth Olsen.


New Orleans Saints: GRADE: C
First-round selection Malcolm Jenkins is a good player. Fourth-round safety Chip Vaughn is a solid player and had some great workouts. He looks great on paper, as does fellow fourth-rounder Stanley Arnoux, the inside linebacker from Wake Forest. The only player out of the four the Saints selected who will be a difference-maker is Jenkins.

St. Louis Rams: GRADE: C
If I were the Rams, I would have taken Mark Sanchez at the No. 2 spot, but I do like offensive tackle Jason Smith. Inside linebacker James Laurinaitis was a good selection in the second round. Cornerback Bradley Fletcher would've gone higher if he had better speed. There were better quarterbacks available in the sixth round, when they took Keith Null.


San Diego Chargers: GRADE: C+
The selection of linebacker Larry English at No. 16 was a little high, but he fills a potential need for them and he's a good player. Guards Louis Vasquez and Tyronne Green were good selections in the third and fourth rounds. Defensive tackle Vaughn Martin was a bit of a reach in the fourth round because he played in Canada against a lower level of competition. The late-round picks of running back Gartrell Johnson, cornerback Brandon Hughes, safety Kevin Ellison and wide receiver Demetrius Byrd were all good picks.


Kansas City Chiefs: GRADE: C-
Linebacker Tyson Jackson is a very good football player, but he was a reach at the No. 3 spot. This team focused on shoring up the defense early, and selecting defensive tackle Alex Magee in the third round will help. I do like the selection of offensive tackle Colin Brown in the fifth round, but the rest of the late-round picks didn't really do anything for me. I saw a couple of reaches in those late rounds that definitely didn't help the grade.


Miami Dolphins: GRADE: C-
Cornerback Vontae Davis is a risk/reward type of player. Pat White has to play receiver to have value where they picked him (No. 44 overall). Defensive back Sean Smith was a good second selection, but third-rounder Patrick Turner was a major reach. With the exception of safety Chris Clemons in the fifth round, the rest of the late-round picks weren't very impressive.

Dallas Cowboys: GRADE: D
The Big D gets a D this year. They didn't get a lot of top-end talent due in part to their not having a pick until the third round, but they then went out and reached on Jason Williams and Robert Brewster. Victor Butler is a decent pick, as is Brandon Williams, but I'm not enamored with any of their later picks. They got players that could help them in terms of depth, but no one who is going to really strengthen this football team.

Oakland Raiders: GRADE D
Oakland's draft was a head-scratcher. The Raiders took wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey at No. 7 even though Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin were still on the board, but the biggest reach of their draft and of the entire draft was the second-round selection of safety Michael Mitchell. This kid was thought to be a seventh-round pick at best and possibly an undrafted free agent, and the Raiders pulled the ultimate reach by taking him in the second round.

I just want to say that my issues with those two picks have nothing to do with those players. Congrats to them for getting picked and obviously having the talent to make it to the NFL. My issue is that these weren't good value picks for the organization. The Raiders could have gotten more value from the No. 7 pick and definitely more value from the No. 47 pick, and that's why I believe they made a mistake. The only reason Oakland didn't receive an F is because they did get some players.


Mel Kiper has been analyzing the NFL draft for ESPN since 1984.

I think people put to much emphasis on the last few picks, at that point it's ok to take some chances, although I agree that Scott pick was pretty poor. Overall in the first 4 rounds, I think the Bengals did well and I'd give them an A. I think taking Huber is being under rated by many. Larson is horrible, and Huber should be able to provide the defense with MUCH better field position to do thier jobs.

Grading the NFL draft: Four 'A' teams top report card

Posted: April 26, 2009

The true measure of each draft class won't be known for at least three years, but here's the first judgment:

Chicago Bears: A
Trading for Jay Cutler before the draft was factored into this grade. But they also added talent without having a first-round pick. Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert could develop into a solid run-stopper, and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias is a possession receiver for Cutler to try and build chemistry.

Cincinnati Bengals: A

Love this draft, if tackle Andre Smith and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga keep their heads on straight. Smith might be the best tackle, and Maualuga has first-round talent. Defensive end Michael Johnson is highly skilled but must be more consistent, and tight end Chase Coffman could be a nice target for Carson Palmer.

Philadelphia Eagles: A
Their offense has become more dangerous. Jeremy Maclin is a threat as a receiver and a returner. Running back LeSean McCoy can make people miss and can catch the football. Tight end Cornelius Ingram fits their system as a receiver. And they traded Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters before the draft.

Detroit Lions: A

A potential franchise quarterback (Matthew Stafford), the best tight end (Brandon Pettigrew) and a solid safety (Louis Delmas) give the Lions pieces to rebuild with. They will not have another winless season.

Green Bay Packers: A-minus
They targeted defensive help and got it. Defensive tackle B.J. Raji is a run-stuffer with agility, and outside linebacker Clay Matthews is excellent in pass coverage. Both might start in Week 1. Tackle T.J. Lang and fullback Quinn Johnson are physical blockers. This team should be improved.

St. Louis Rams: A-minus

They made the right move, taking elite tackle Jason Smith instead of quarterback Mark Sanchez or linebacker Aaron Curry. Linebacker James Laurinaitis, defensive tackle Dorell Scott and cornerback Bradley Fletcher should help the defensive scheme brought in by new coach Steve Spagnuolo.

Denver Broncos: A-minus
They should not have traded Cutler, but this was not a bad job. Running back Knowshon Moreno can run it and catch it, a nice fit for Josh McDaniels' offense. The next three picks -- defensive end Robert Ayers, cornerback Alphonso Smith and safety Darcel McBath -- should help a defense that sorely needs it.

Cleveland Browns: A-minus

They improved their talent base by making trades and moving around in the draft. Center Alex Mack should be good, and linebacker Kaluka Maiava never stops hustling. Wideouts Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie provide depth in case Braylon Edwards is traded.

Atlanta Falcons: B
After addressing the offense last season, they went defense with three players -- defensive tackle Peria Jerry, safety William Moore and cornerback Chris Owens -- who got solid grades from scouts. GM Thomas Dimitroff keeps building this team astutely.

New England Patriots: B

They stockpiled picks for 2010 and still got players who might help them, particularly on defense. Safety Patrick Chung, nose tackle Ron Brace and cornerback Darius Butler will have time to develop.

Houston Texans: B
Outside linebacker Brian Cushing should bring attitude and sure tackling to the defense. Defensive end Connor Barwin should be more effective because of Mario Williams' presence, and center Antoine Caldwell is a high character guy. More help for a team on the rise.

Minnesota Vikings: B

If off-field issues do not hamper wide receiver Percy Harvin, he could be an elite playmaker. Trying to stop Harvin and running back Adrian Peterson could be a nightmare for opponents. Tackle Phil Loadholt and cornerback Asher Allen also could contribute.

Arizona Cardinals: B-minus
Chris "Beanie" Wells was not expected to fall to No. 31, but he gives the Cardinals a quality back. This team is a juggernaut on offense, so it made sense to add defenders like outside linebacker Cody Brown and safety Rashad Johnson. However, the Anquan Boldin contract standoff must be resolved.

Kansas City Chiefs: B-minus

It does not matter whether defensive end Tyson Jackson deserved to be the No. 3-overall pick. They got the player they wanted, and he fits their system. Defensive tackle Alex Magee and cornerback Donald Washington will add depth. And don't forget they traded for quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel before the draft.

New York Giants: B-minus
They did not get Boldin or Edwards but drafted promising receivers Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden. Clint Sintim will add speed at linebacker, and tackle William Beatty is an interesting prospect. A talent-rich team got richer.

New York Jets: B-minus

Don't get too giddy yet, Jets fans. This draft is all about whether Sanchez becomes a franchise quarterbacl. Give the Jets credit for having the guts to trade up to No. 5. And running back Shonn Greene is an intriguing prospect.

Seattle Seahawks: C
Curry falling to No. 4 was a blessing. He should be a Pro Bowl linebacker. They traded up to get Max Unger, a talented center who also can play guard. After passing on wide receiver Michael Crabtree, they were smart to grab Deon Butler, a deep threat.

Buffalo Bills: C

They needed a home run in this draft after trading Peters. This was more like a long double. Defensive end Aaron Maybin could be an elite pass rusher if he gets stronger. Center Eric Wood and guard Andrew Levitre should help the offensive line, and tight end Shawn Nelson is a sleeper prospect.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C
They got the quarterback they coveted in Josh Freeman, but he will take years to develop. They traded their second-round pick to get tight end Kellen Winslow, who is better than anyone they would have gotten at No. 50.

Jacksonville Jaguars: C

Crabtree might have been a better choice at No. 8, but left tackle Eugene Monroe is a talented player who fills a serious need. Right tackle Eben Britton is not as polished, but the line is much better.

Tennessee Titans: C-minus
This team did a nice job addressing two skill positions. Wideout Kenny Britt and tight end Jared Cook could be nice targets for Kerry Collins. If either can earn regular playing time, the offense should become more dynamic.

Carolina Panthers: C-minus

They traded up to get defensive end Everette Brown, whom they hope will become a strong pass rusher no matter whether Julius Peppers stays. Cornerback Sherrod Martin has the size to cover big receivers. This was not a terrible draft for a playoff team.

Miami Dolphins: C-minus
Vontae Davis might be the best corner in the draft, critical for a team facing Randy Moss and Terrell Owens twice a year. Quarterback Pat White could take the Wildcat formation to the next level, but he is raw as a receiver.

Baltimore Ravens C-minus

Trading up to get tackle Michael Oher was a nice first-round move. Outside linebacker Paul Kruger will not make anyone forget Bart Scott, and GM Ozzie Newsome will need late-round hits to make this draft sizzle.

Indianapolis Colts: D
Running bck Donald Brown is a complete player, and backs have a history of doing well in Indy. Bill Polian has a great track record with late-round picks. Defensive tackle Fila Moala better be an overachiever because the Colts need help stopping the run.

Dallas Cowboys: D

They avoided an "F" because they traded their first-round pick last season to acquire wide receiver Roy Williams. That trade has been a bust so far. The Cowboys sat out Saturday, trading out of the second round when several players they liked were off the board.

San Francisco 49ers: D
They were fortunate to get Crabtree, who will make life easier for the quarterback. The rest of their draft did not bring much help. This is a rebuilding team with plenty of holes.

Washington Redskins: D-minus

This team had an anemic pass rush, and end Brian Orakpo could change that. A lack of picks made it hard to address other needs. Their big move came in free agency, the signing of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Oakland Raiders: D-minus
Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey best have a better NFL career than Crabtree. There is no logic in trading up to take safety Michael Mitchell. Bad teams cannot afford to make mistakes. The Raiders might have set themselves back.

New Orleans Saints: D-minus

Whether he plays corner or safety, Malcolm Jenkins will help the secondary. But they surrendered their second-round pick to get tight end Jeremy Shockey last year, a move that has not paid dividends.

San Diego Chargers: F
They took a chance grabbing outside linebacker Larry English at No. 16 when they could have taken Maualuga or Matthews. GM A.J. Smith has enjoyed great drafts. On paper, this does not look like one.

Pittsburgh Steelers: F

It's hard to have an impressive draft after you win the Super Bowl and pick 32nd. Defensive tackle Evander "Ziggy" Hood could be a nice pickup on a line that needed to get younger. Wideout Mike Wallace is an intriguing deep threat.

Senior writer Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/vie...p?t=542934

(04-27-2009 11:33 AM)Eastside_J Wrote:  Rey fell because his wunderlich was beyond dismal (I believe he racked up a 15).

From what I understand one of the questions asked of him was "who is Joe Biden". Rey didn't know.

Although I have to admit, who am I to criticize Rey when I would pay a considerable sum to not know the answer to that quesion.

Who cares. He can play football.

(04-27-2009 02:35 PM)BearcatShane09 Wrote:  

(04-27-2009 11:33 AM)Eastside_J Wrote:  Rey fell because his wunderlich was beyond dismal (I believe he racked up a 15).

From what I understand one of the questions asked of him was "who is Joe Biden". Rey didn't know.

Although I have to admit, who am I to criticize Rey when I would pay a considerable sum to not know the answer to that quesion.

Who cares. He can play football.

I agree with you...I don't know why people put that much into the Wonderlich Test or whatever...I don't care of my MLB can't figure out if a train leaves Seattle at 2:00 PM Pacific and another leaves Indy at 4:00 PM Eastern...which gets to Montana first...

For Bengal draft standards, it was an amazing draft. If you bring it to the rest of the league standards B - B+ seems fair.

(04-27-2009 06:36 AM)icehole3 Wrote:  I need your grade on each pick

Smith = A+ (Thornton says Levi is back so thats good enough for me, Smith fills the RT spot)

Rey Rey = A+ (Bengals play catburgler on this pick)

MJohnson = A (Bengals play Texas hold on and didnt reach, last year they wouldve selected him in the 1st round)

CCoffman = B (Foot injury worries me a little)

Luigs = C (last big name center on the board, has some weaknesses, least they didnt reach for another MAC center)

Huber = B+ (love this pick, finally a legit punter)

Trent = C (my guess is Leon Hall had something to do with this)

BScott = F (they shouldve drafted Osama BinLaden)

Vakapuna = B (love the Somoans, I would reach for all Samoans)

McDonald = C (had a farm...)

FBrown = C (Mikey up from his nap, demands a WR)

overall I give it a solid B+

Smith = D (You may need to update your grade. Levi's agent says the Bengals told him he will be traded/released. If that's true, Monroe would be a much better pick. If we keep Levi, it's not as bad but I think Raji makes much more sense. EDIT: now it sounds like that might be old info from Levi' agent. for now i leave it as is.)

Maualuga = A+ (not perfect but great value and potential to give this defense an identity)

Johnson = A (boom or bust but worthwhile risk at this point. Only reservation is they passed on Caldwell to get him.)

Coffman = C (injured. looks like a good receiver but can he block? I liked James Casey better than Coffman and he lasted till the 5th round)

Luigs = A- (wish they could have gotten Mack, Wood, etc. but it wasn't to be. Not his fault, he's a very good value at this point)

Huber = B+ (some nice players went later that round, but so did another punter so I don't think it was too early for Huber. Great to get a local - hopefully he'll lock up the position for the next decade.)

Trent = B (I'm partial to Mickens but seems like a good value here with his size, speed, athleticism and experience)

Scott = B (sure they'll get knocked but he looks like he can play to me. that's what the late rounds are for imo)

Vakapuna = A- (I've got a feeling we've found our FB for the forseeable future. Hidden gem. Only concern is if they could have picked C Shipley here at 7A and still gotten Vakapuna with 7B or 7C)

McDonald = C- (to be fair I didn't dig too deeply here but I don't see him beating out Sims, Peko or Tank and I think Harris and Shirley are probably better projects. Why not pick Canfield to help the OL depth or Rashad Jennings to compete with Scott at RB in case he flames out?)

F. Brown = C+ (see above. Looks like a decent receiver, not sure there's a spot for him with Chad, Coles, Henry, Chatman, Simpson, Caldwell, Urrutia, Purify already competing. Canfield still available here and this OL could use some attitude esp. with Levi leaving.)

Overall: B+

(04-27-2009 02:43 PM)airjrdan08 Wrote:  

(04-27-2009 02:35 PM)BearcatShane09 Wrote:  

(04-27-2009 11:33 AM)Eastside_J Wrote:  Rey fell because his wunderlich was beyond dismal (I believe he racked up a 15).

From what I understand one of the questions asked of him was "who is Joe Biden". Rey didn't know.

Although I have to admit, who am I to criticize Rey when I would pay a considerable sum to not know the answer to that quesion.

Who cares. He can play football.

I agree with you...I don't know why people put that much into the Wonderlich Test or whatever...I don't care of my MLB can't figure out if a train leaves Seattle at 2:00 PM Pacific and another leaves Indy at 4:00 PM Eastern...which gets to Montana first...

Plus the Biden question (if it even was a question) doesn't test innate intelligence, it tests whether someone is up on current affairs. I'm sure there are many chess masters and PhDs with IQs in the 200s that don't know the answer to that easy question simply because they don't care.

(04-27-2009 04:01 PM)levydl Wrote:  

(04-27-2009 02:43 PM)airjrdan08 Wrote:  

(04-27-2009 02:35 PM)BearcatShane09 Wrote:  

(04-27-2009 11:33 AM)Eastside_J Wrote:  Rey fell because his wunderlich was beyond dismal (I believe he racked up a 15).

From what I understand one of the questions asked of him was "who is Joe Biden". Rey didn't know.

Although I have to admit, who am I to criticize Rey when I would pay a considerable sum to not know the answer to that quesion.

Who cares. He can play football.

I agree with you...I don't know why people put that much into the Wonderlich Test or whatever...I don't care of my MLB can't figure out if a train leaves Seattle at 2:00 PM Pacific and another leaves Indy at 4:00 PM Eastern...which gets to Montana first...

Plus the Biden question (if it even was a question) doesn't test innate intelligence, it tests whether someone is up on current affairs. I'm sure there are many chess masters and PhDs with IQs in the 200s that don't know the answer to that easy question simply because they don't care.

I KNOW the answer, and I don't care. He is of less consequence than Spiro Theodore Agnew or James Danforth Quayle.

(04-27-2009 11:33 AM)Eastside_J Wrote:  Rey fell because his wunderlich was beyond dismal (I believe he racked up a 15).

I don't think that's the primary reason why he dropped EJ. I believe he only took it once (at the combine) and got 15/33 which is bad but not atrociously bad. He was in a 3-way tie for 9th out of 13 ILBs (as far as number correct) at the combine. The average for an ILB at the combine was 21/36 and nine ILB were taking it for the second time (those 9 ILBs went up an average of 2 correct at the combine over previous scores).

I almost hate to point it out (since I didn't like the pick I will) but Andre Smith also only took it the one time at the combine and got 17/50. Also understand that the test is timed and has 50 questions total - so either Andre quickly read and incorrectly analyzed a bunch of questions or he guessed a lot (and odds are got a few right). In other words, imo a 15/33 is better than 17/50. It didn't seem to cause Smith to drop. Maybe it's a LOT more important for a ILB to be smart than it is for a LT (fwiw OTs averaged 22/36 at the combine).