NFL Draft grades Sporting News

[Mr. Laz]

Story Milestone 226 of 227
NFL Draft grades: Lions, Patriots ace their tests; Jets swing and miss
Clifton Brown Sporting News

There were trades. There were surprises. And now that the NFL Draft is over, it’s time to dispense the grades.

Lions: A +

With Nick Fairley joining Ndamukong Suh, the Lions’ defensive line will give quarterbacks nightmares. Titus Young and Mikel Leshoure are both offensive playmakers.

Patriots: A+

No pass rusher, but a slew of talented players led by Nate Solder, Ras-I Dowling, Shane Vereen and Ryan Mallett. Plus they have two picks next year in both the first and second rounds.

Buccaneers: A

They got a huge gift when Da’Quan Bowers fell to them at No. 51 to join Adrian Clayborn on the defensive line. Their draft is loaded with talented players.

Bengals: A

Getting quarterback Andy Dalton in Round 2 was critical and wide receiver A. J. Green should be a star. Maybe Carson Palmer will change his mind?

Packers : A–

Batted from the last spot in the draft, yet still hit a home run. Getting Derek Sherrod and Randall Cobb adds depth to a team already stacked.

Broncos: B +

Von Miller and Rahim Moore will upgrade a defense that desperately needs it, and Orlando Franklin will help the offensive line.

Texans: B +

Love those defensive players with their first five picks. If J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris are all legit, they could finally make the playoffs.

Titans: B +

Taking Jake Locker eighth took guts, but they like him and getting a quarterback is crucial. Then the Titans followed with two quality picks - Akeem Ayers and Jurrell Casey.

Ravens: B +

Jimmy Smith should step in as a starting corner, and wide receivers Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss give Joe Flacco speed receivers.

Browns: B +

Landed a boatload of picks in a trade with the Falcons, plus two defensive linemen (Phil Taylor, Jabaal Sheard) and an intriguing wide receiver (Greg Little).

Saints: B

Cameron Jordan upgrades the pass rush and Mark Ingram joins a potent offense in which he could become the featured back.

Bills: B

Counting on Ryan Fitzpatrick as their quarterback, they went heavy on defense. Tackle Marcell Dareus could be a star.

Cardinals: B

Patrick Peterson gives them a quality corner and Ryan Williams adds backfield depth. Now they need a quarterback.

Panthers: B

Taking Cam Newton was the right move for a team needing new direction. Terrell McClain and Sione Fua will help the defensive line.

Steelers: B

They continue to pick well from the bottom of the board. Cam Hewyard, Marcus Gilbert and Curtis Brown all look NFL-ready.

Rams: B
Detroit Lions first-round draft pick Nick Fairley smiles when given his jersey at the team's headquarters in Allen Park, Mich., Friday, April 29, 2011. Fairley was selected 13th overall in the 2011 NFL draft. (AP Photo)

Two wide receiver prospects to help quarterback Sam Bradford, plus a pass-rushing defensive end in Robert Quinn made it a good weekend.

Bears: B-

An offensive lineman they needed (Gabe Carimi) fell to them, and defensive tackle Stephen Paea was good value in Round 2.

Colts: B-

They got two offensive linemen, Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana, to protect the franchise, Peyton Manning.

Chiefs: B-

Two third-round picks could be steals, linebacker Justin Houston and defensive end Allen Bailey. WR Jonathan Baldwin can get deep.

Giants: B-

Getting defensive tackle Marvin Austin in the second round could be huge, and they were fortunate to have cornerback Prince Amukamara fall to them.

Vikings: C+

Their draft depends on Christian Ponder developing into a starting quarterback they can win with. If he doesn’t pan out, they will regret not taking Nick Fairley or Robert Quinn.

Falcons: C+

You could argue that they gave up too much for Julio Jones. You could also argue his playmaking skill as a receiver was worth it. We’ll see.

Chargers: C+

Tackle Corey Liuget should help the defensive line, and general manager A.J. Smith’s history suggests that some of his other picks will pan out.

49ers: C+

They got a pass rusher (Aldon Smith) and smartly traded up to get quarterback (Colin Kaepernick). Problem is, he’s not ready to start right away. Maybe Blaine Gabbert would have been.

Redskins: C+

Instead of trading picks, they acquired some and the philosophy worked. Ryan Kerrigan will aid the pass rush. But they still need a quarterback.

Cowboys: C

They got offensive tackle Tyron Smith in the first round, but a pass rusher out of this draft would have been nice.

Dolphins: C-

Mike Pouncey will help the offensive line, but can Daniel Thomas take over at running back if they lose both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown? There is also no quarterback to push Chad Henne.

Eagles: C-

Danny Watkins will help the offensive line, but they could have used a pass rusher, and some of their defensive picks may have been reaches.

Jaguars: D

Blaine Gabbert is their quarterback of the future, but in the present, they still need more help to become a playoff team.

Jets: D

Not having a second-round pick hurt them, and they took a major risk on third-rounder Kenrick Ellis, who has serious legal issues.

Raiders: D

All of their first three picks looked like reaches. Perhaps running back Taiwan Jones (fourth round), the Combine’s fastest player, will provide a few big plays.

Seahawks: D

Their decision not to pick quarterback Andy Dalton could haunt them, especially if Matt Hasselbeck leaves. Could go from first to worst in NFC West.

[DBOSHO]

Lol that site is fucking retarded if they think the broncos had a B+ draft

[Rams Fan]

Buccaneers: A

They got a huge gift when Da’Quan Bowers fell to them at No. 51 to join Adrian Clayborn on the defensive line. Their draft is loaded with talented players.

Really? For all we know, Clayborn could have been a one year wonder. And no one knows how bad Bowers knee is.

[Spicy McHaggis]

Really? For all we know, Clayborn could have been a one year wonder. And no one knows how bad Bowers knee is.

Between the two, they might have enough healthy joints for one guy.

[Quesadilla Joe]

The Kansas City Star's draft grades

Denver Broncos A


1 (2) Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
2 (45) Rahim Moore, DB, UCLA
2 (46) Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami
3 (67) Nate Irving, LB, N.C. State
4 (108) Quinton Carter, DB, Oklahoma
4 (129) Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State
6 (189) Mike Mohamed, LB, California
7 (204) Virgil Green, TE, Nevada
7 (247) Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
The sack-starved Broncos pair ’09 NCAA sack leader Miller with ’09 NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil, who missed all of last season. Moore, a ballhawk, will be heir apparent to Brian Dawkins, 38, while Irving has big-play potential in new 4-3 defense. Thomas is another converted basketball player hoping to be the next Tony G or Antonio Gates.

Kansas City Chiefs B+


1 (26) Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
2 (55) Rodney Hudson, C, Florida State
3 (70) Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
3 (86) Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
4 (118) Jalil Brown, DB, Colorado
5 (135) Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
5 (140) Gabe Miller, LB, Oregon State
6 (199) Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi
7 (223) Shane Bannon, RB, Yale
The Chiefs checked off all their needs in Baldwin, a tall target for Matt Cassel; Hudson as successor to C Casey Wiegmann; Houston as an outside pass rusher; Brown as an extra corner; and Powe at nose tackle where youth was needed. Stanzi can replace Brodie Croyle as a developmental QB. Miller might be a long-term project, and Bannon needs to play well on special teams to earn a roster spot.

Oakland Raiders D


2 (48) Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State
3 (81) DeMarcus Van Dyke, DB, Miami
3 (92) Joe Barksdale, OT, LSU
4 (113) Chimdi Chekwa, DB, Ohio State
4 (125) Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington
5 (148) Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee
6 (181) Richard Gordon, TE, Miami
7 (241) David Ausberry, WR, Southern Cal
Wisniewski returns the family name and toughness. It was no surprise Al Davis, needing corners because of likely departures of his two starters, looked at all the 40 times and drafted a track team. Van Dyke started just three games, but ran the fastest 40 (4.25) at the Combine; Chekwa was a track man at Ohio State; and Jones, who ran a 4.33 at his Pro Day, is also a kickoff return demon.

San Diego Chargers B-


1 (18) Corey Liuget, DE, Illinois
2 (50) Marcus Gilchrist, DB, Clemson
2 (61) Jonas Mouton, LB, Michigan
3 (82) Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
3 (89) Shareece Wright, DB, Southern Cal
6 (183) Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
6 (201) Stephen Schilling, OT, Michigan
7 (234) Andrew Gachkar, LB, Missouri
Liuget fits the tradition of tough nose tackles required in the Chargers’ 3-4 front. Gilchrist played safety and corner in college and returned kicks. Brown, a hometown pick, is a possession receiver and hedge against free agent Legedu Naanee.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/04/30/2839173/randy-covitzs-team-by-team-nfl.html#ixzz1L8CskCnU

[Mr. Arrowhead]

i thought the chargers draft was horrible

[xztop12]

Im not sure about the Broncos getting A's. Von Miller is another undersized DE to go with an already undersized DE and crap run D. Rahim Moore has 15 % bodyfat and is notoriously in average shape

[DTLB58]

Lol that site is ****ing retarded if they think the broncos had a B+ draft

That's what I thought, but I seen another one in print that gave them an A and McShay on espn liked them really well also. :doh!:

[Marcellus]

The Kansas City Star's draft grades

Denver Broncos A


1 (2) Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
2 (45) Rahim Moore, DB, UCLA
2 (46) Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami
3 (67) Nate Irving, LB, N.C. State
4 (108) Quinton Carter, DB, Oklahoma
4 (129) Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State
6 (189) Mike Mohamed, LB, California
7 (204) Virgil Green, TE, Nevada
7 (247) Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
The sack-starved Broncos pair ’09 NCAA sack leader Miller with ’09 NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil, who missed all of last season. Moore, a ballhawk, will be heir apparent to Brian Dawkins, 38, while Irving has big-play potential in new 4-3 defense. Thomas is another converted basketball player hoping to be the next Tony G or Antonio Gates.

Kansas City Chiefs B+


1 (26) Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
2 (55) Rodney Hudson, C, Florida State
3 (70) Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
3 (86) Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
4 (118) Jalil Brown, DB, Colorado
5 (135) Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
5 (140) Gabe Miller, LB, Oregon State
6 (199) Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi
7 (223) Shane Bannon, RB, Yale
The Chiefs checked off all their needs in Baldwin, a tall target for Matt Cassel; Hudson as successor to C Casey Wiegmann; Houston as an outside pass rusher; Brown as an extra corner; and Powe at nose tackle where youth was needed. Stanzi can replace Brodie Croyle as a developmental QB. Miller might be a long-term project, and Bannon needs to play well on special teams to earn a roster spot.

Oakland Raiders D


2 (48) Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State
3 (81) DeMarcus Van Dyke, DB, Miami
3 (92) Joe Barksdale, OT, LSU
4 (113) Chimdi Chekwa, DB, Ohio State
4 (125) Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington
5 (148) Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee
6 (181) Richard Gordon, TE, Miami
7 (241) David Ausberry, WR, Southern Cal
Wisniewski returns the family name and toughness. It was no surprise Al Davis, needing corners because of likely departures of his two starters, looked at all the 40 times and drafted a track team. Van Dyke started just three games, but ran the fastest 40 (4.25) at the Combine; Chekwa was a track man at Ohio State; and Jones, who ran a 4.33 at his Pro Day, is also a kickoff return demon.

San Diego Chargers B-


1 (18) Corey Liuget, DE, Illinois
2 (50) Marcus Gilchrist, DB, Clemson
2 (61) Jonas Mouton, LB, Michigan
3 (82) Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
3 (89) Shareece Wright, DB, Southern Cal
6 (183) Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
6 (201) Stephen Schilling, OT, Michigan
7 (234) Andrew Gachkar, LB, Missouri
Liuget fits the tradition of tough nose tackles required in the Chargers’ 3-4 front. Gilchrist played safety and corner in college and returned kicks. Brown, a hometown pick, is a possession receiver and hedge against free agent Legedu Naanee.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/04/30/2839173/randy-covitzs-team-by-team-nfl.html#ixzz1L8CskCnU

You do realize the Star reporters are a bunch of morons right?

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

If they only realized we just drafted Tom Brady Part II

[Mr. Laz]

at 6-3, 246, Von Miller doesn't really fit a 4-3 ... teams are going to be running at him all day long.

[EricBerryCrunch]

Detroit got scary over the weekend. I'm extremely impressed with what they did.

[nascher]

Denver did next to nothing to fix the second worst rush defense ! Only Buffalo was worse than the Broncos and Draft Grades when nobody played a snap are a joke for sure.
And the Chargers picks from 50 to 82 look like reaching a lot !!!
Oakland only drafts the usual speedsters who can't play :). With the exception of Wiesnewski.

[EricBerryCrunch]

Denver did next to nothing to fix the second worst rush defense ! Only Buffalo was worse than the Broncos and Draft Grades when nobody played a snap are a joke for sure.
And the Chargers picks from 50 to 82 look like reaching a lot !!!
Oakland only drafts the usual speedsters who can't play :). With the exception of Wiesnewski.

Denarius Moore can play. Watch some highlights of his from Tennessee.

[KCDC]

Let's face it, Denver picked at the top of the draft and got a second second rounder, so they are likely to have 3 decent picks that could help them right away. I don't know that you give them an "A" but they definitely strengthened their team ... unfortunately. The Faiders didn't pick until the second round, so their draft could not be very great. Fortunately, they did not disappoint by reverting to their pre-2010 draft strategy. That means Al is back calling the shots ... than goodness. May he live forever.

[Chiefspants]

A+ for the Patriots?

Lol, K.

[patteeu]

The Kansas City Star's draft grades

Denver Broncos A


1 (2) Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
2 (45) Rahim Moore, DB, UCLA
2 (46) Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami
3 (67) Nate Irving, LB, N.C. State
4 (108) Quinton Carter, DB, Oklahoma
4 (129) Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State
6 (189) Mike Mohamed, LB, California
7 (204) Virgil Green, TE, Nevada
7 (247) Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
The sack-starved Broncos pair ’09 NCAA sack leader Miller with ’09 NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil, who missed all of last season. Moore, a ballhawk, will be heir apparent to Brian Dawkins, 38, while Irving has big-play potential in new 4-3 defense. Thomas is another converted basketball player hoping to be the next Tony G or Antonio Gates.

Kansas City Chiefs B+


1 (26) Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
2 (55) Rodney Hudson, C, Florida State
3 (70) Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
3 (86) Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
4 (118) Jalil Brown, DB, Colorado
5 (135) Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
5 (140) Gabe Miller, LB, Oregon State
6 (199) Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi
7 (223) Shane Bannon, RB, Yale
The Chiefs checked off all their needs in Baldwin, a tall target for Matt Cassel; Hudson as successor to C Casey Wiegmann; Houston as an outside pass rusher; Brown as an extra corner; and Powe at nose tackle where youth was needed. Stanzi can replace Brodie Croyle as a developmental QB. Miller might be a long-term project, and Bannon needs to play well on special teams to earn a roster spot.

Oakland Raiders D


2 (48) Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State
3 (81) DeMarcus Van Dyke, DB, Miami
3 (92) Joe Barksdale, OT, LSU
4 (113) Chimdi Chekwa, DB, Ohio State
4 (125) Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington
5 (148) Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee
6 (181) Richard Gordon, TE, Miami
7 (241) David Ausberry, WR, Southern Cal
Wisniewski returns the family name and toughness. It was no surprise Al Davis, needing corners because of likely departures of his two starters, looked at all the 40 times and drafted a track team. Van Dyke started just three games, but ran the fastest 40 (4.25) at the Combine; Chekwa was a track man at Ohio State; and Jones, who ran a 4.33 at his Pro Day, is also a kickoff return demon.

San Diego Chargers B-


1 (18) Corey Liuget, DE, Illinois
2 (50) Marcus Gilchrist, DB, Clemson
2 (61) Jonas Mouton, LB, Michigan
3 (82) Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
3 (89) Shareece Wright, DB, Southern Cal
6 (183) Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
6 (201) Stephen Schilling, OT, Michigan
7 (234) Andrew Gachkar, LB, Missouri
Liuget fits the tradition of tough nose tackles required in the Chargers’ 3-4 front. Gilchrist played safety and corner in college and returned kicks. Brown, a hometown pick, is a possession receiver and hedge against free agent Legedu Naanee.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/04/30/2839173/randy-covitzs-team-by-team-nfl.html#ixzz1L8CskCnU

My grades based on WalterFootball's 4/28 mock (http://walterfootball.com/draft2011.php), the draft value chart (http://walterfootball.com/draftchart.php) found on WalterFootball's site, and the difference between actual draft position and mock draft "expectation". (I realize that WalterFootball isn't necessarily considered the best mock out there and that the draft value chart may or may not reflect actual values, but it was what I had available).

For each pick, I compare the position of the pick with the position that player was taken in the WF mock and assign a value based on the difference between the draft values from the draft value chart. A negative score is essentially a reach while a positive score is a steal. For example, WalterFootball has Rodney Hudson going at pick #57 (draft value=330) while the Chiefs actually took him with the #55 pick (draft value=350) making him a 20 point "reach". I then combine all the net values of each draft pick for each team to get an overall value.

Here are the results:

1. Kansas City Chiefs: +192.4

Kansas City's one significant reach was Baldwin (-300), but they had significant steals with Bailey (+320), Stanzi (+171.5), and Powe (+52.2)

2. Oakland Raiders: -63.2

Oakland reached on Van Dyke (-136) and Barksdale (-105), but made up a little ground with steals in Chekwa (+117) and Jones (+69).

3. Denver Broncos: -309.2

Denver had a couple of mild steals in Moore (+50) and their last pick Green (+62.2), but they had big reaches in Franklin (-175) and, especially, Nate Irving (-233.6).

4. San Diego: -862.6

Poor San Diego. When they weren't reaching, they weren't picking. Big reaches in their first four picks. Liuget (-280), Gilchrist (-210), Mouton (-274.6), and Brown (-120).

Again, I realize that this is all based on a WalterFootball reality which may or may not resemble the true reality. Using a different baseline mock expectation and a different draft value chart could yield different results. But I'm fine with these, to be honest. ;)

[Thig Lyfe]

Texans: B +

Love those defensive players with their first five picks. If J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris are all legit, they could finally make the playoffs.


So if all the players they draft turn out to be good, then they might be a good team. Brilliant analysis.

[Direckshun]

Hm.

[notorious]

So if all the players they draft turn out to be good, then they might be a good team. Brilliant analysis.

Did RamsFan write it?

[Tribal Warfare]

at 6-3, 246, Von Miller doesn't really fit a 4-3 ... teams are going to be running at him all day long.

I hate to draw the comparison, but teams did the same against Derrick also.

[Rams Fan]

Did RamsFan write it?

Haters are going to hate...

[notorious]

Haters are going to hate...

:D


We gotta give you a hard time. Besides, it means you are one of us (and that isn't a compliment).

[Rams Fan]

:D


We gotta give you a hard time. Besides, it means you are one of us (and that isn't a compliment).

Don't worry.

I guess I'm and idiot.

;)

[Direckshun]

My grades based on WalterFootball's 4/28 mock (http://walterfootball.com/draft2011.php), the draft value chart (http://walterfootball.com/draftchart.php) found on WalterFootball's site, and the difference between actual draft position and mock draft "expectation". (I realize that WalterFootball isn't necessarily considered the best mock out there and that the draft value chart may or may not reflect actual values, but it was what I had available).

For each pick, I compare the position of the pick with the position that player was taken in the WF mock and assign a value based on the difference between the draft values from the draft value chart. A negative score is essentially a reach while a positive score is a steal. For example, WalterFootball has Rodney Hudson going at pick #57 (draft value=330) while the Chiefs actually took him with the #55 pick (draft value=350) making him a 20 point "reach". I then combine all the net values of each draft pick for each team to get an overall value.

Here are the results:

1. Kansas City Chiefs: +192.4

Kansas City's one significant reach was Baldwin (-300), but they had significant steals with Bailey (+320), Stanzi (+171.5), and Powe (+52.2)

2. Oakland Raiders: -63.2

Oakland reached on Van Dyke (-136) and Barksdale (-105), but made up a little ground with steals in Chekwa (+117) and Jones (+69).

3. Denver Broncos: -309.2

Denver had a couple of mild steals in Moore (+50) and their last pick Green (+62.2), but they had big reaches in Franklin (-175) and, especially, Nate Irving (-233.6).

4. San Diego: -862.6

Poor San Diego. When they weren't reaching, they weren't picking. Big reaches in their first four picks. Liuget (-280), Gilchrist (-210), Mouton (-274.6), and Brown (-120).

Again, I realize that this is all based on a WalterFootball reality which may or may not resemble the true reality. Using a different baseline mock expectation and a different draft value chart could yield different results. But I'm fine with these, to be honest. ;)

This deserves its own thread, Pat.

[ReynardMuldrake]

My grades based on WalterFootball's 4/28 mock (http://walterfootball.com/draft2011.php), the draft value chart (http://walterfootball.com/draftchart.php) found on WalterFootball's site, and the difference between actual draft position and mock draft "expectation". (I realize that WalterFootball isn't necessarily considered the best mock out there and that the draft value chart may or may not reflect actual values, but it was what I had available).

For each pick, I compare the position of the pick with the position that player was taken in the WF mock and assign a value based on the difference between the draft values from the draft value chart. A negative score is essentially a reach while a positive score is a steal. For example, WalterFootball has Rodney Hudson going at pick #57 (draft value=330) while the Chiefs actually took him with the #55 pick (draft value=350) making him a 20 point "reach". I then combine all the net values of each draft pick for each team to get an overall value.

Here are the results:

1. Kansas City Chiefs: +192.4

Kansas City's one significant reach was Baldwin (-300), but they had significant steals with Bailey (+320), Stanzi (+171.5), and Powe (+52.2)

2. Oakland Raiders: -63.2

Oakland reached on Van Dyke (-136) and Barksdale (-105), but made up a little ground with steals in Chekwa (+117) and Jones (+69).

3. Denver Broncos: -309.2

Denver had a couple of mild steals in Moore (+50) and their last pick Green (+62.2), but they had big reaches in Franklin (-175) and, especially, Nate Irving (-233.6).

4. San Diego: -862.6

Poor San Diego. When they weren't reaching, they weren't picking. Big reaches in their first four picks. Liuget (-280), Gilchrist (-210), Mouton (-274.6), and Brown (-120).

Again, I realize that this is all based on a WalterFootball reality which may or may not resemble the true reality. Using a different baseline mock expectation and a different draft value chart could yield different results. But I'm fine with these, to be honest. ;)

Wait, you did that yourself? Could you do one for the entire draft?

[xztop12]

Texans are going to be scary. So are the colts with all the injured guys they have returning, though im not sure how long they'll stay healthy with the way manning hangs his wr's out to dry

[Quesadilla Joe]

Draft grades: Broncos, Lions, Bucs take honors; 'Boys, Jags fall flat

Denver

What I liked: The Broncos gave up more points than any team in the NFL last year and capitalized on that in way the Cowboys should have: Aggressively grabbing defenders. It started with No. 2 pick, Von Miller, a pass-rush specialist OLB. It was a perfect needs-based selection: Denver was No. 29 last year on our Defensive Hog Index and dead-last league wide at pressuring the quarterback, forcing a Negative Pass Play on just 6.3 percent of dropbacks -- half the rate of the best pass-rush team in football last year, the Super Bowl champ packers (12.2%). Second-round pick Rahim Moore was the top-rated safety on most boards, and the Broncos landed him with the No. 45 pick. He could start right away.

What I didn't like: Liked it all.

John Elway's first draft has the potential to be a great one that addressed all the team's most glaring needs. Grade: A

Kansas City

What I liked: I rarely suggest drafting wide receivers high, for reasons addressed in the Falcons and Bengals reports above. But Kansas City is one of the rare teams for which it was a good move. The Chiefs were statistically stout in most areas last year, save for the downfield passing game -- their weakest link, as we saw in the punchless playoff loss to Baltimore. So nabbing WR Jonathan Baldwin No. 1 was a good needs-based selection by a team that ranked just 23rd last year in average per pass attempt (5.85).

What I didn't like: Would have liked to have seen a more aggressive play for a pass rusher in the second round, instead of devoting the pick to offensive lineman Rodney Hudson. Kansas City was very good both running the ball and in pass protection last year. But they were below average in the same areas on defense.

Overall, good solid selections that largely addressed most of their needs. Grade: B+

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/kerry_byrne/05/01/draft.grades/index.html#ixzz1L9Tugt1h

[kysirsoze]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/kerry_byrne/05/01/draft.grades/index.html#ixzz1L9Tugt1h

Except Denver's actual most glaring need of run defense. What kind of out of touch moron wrote that shit?

[Quesadilla Joe]

Except Denver's actual most glaring need of run defense. What kind of out of touch moron wrote that shit?

You get good draft grades when you draft the best player available in every round without dealing with injury concerns, boom or bust players, or poor character players.

[kysirsoze]

You get good draft grades when you draft the best player available in every round without dealing with injury concerns, boom or bust players, or poor character players.

Cool.

That's not what he said. He said he addressed all of your most glaring needs. That's bullshit.

[patteeu]

You get good draft grades when you draft the best player available in every round without dealing with injury concerns, boom or bust players, or poor character players.

Was Nate Irving the best player available at the 67th pick?

[Hammock Parties]

at 6-3, 246, Von Miller doesn't really fit a 4-3 ... teams are going to be running at him all day long.

He's playing OLB.

And he's not 246. LMAO

[Quesadilla Joe]

Was Nate Irving the best player available at the 67th pick?

On Denver's board he was. They passed up Jurrell Casey and Drake Nevis to take him. He is probably going to start this year.

[Quesadilla Joe]

He's playing OLB.

And he's not 246. LMAO

He has an exceptionally strong upper body and right now he does weigh 246 and ran a 4.49 40 at 246 pounds at the combine, that is as fast as AJ Green.

He has even been hand timed at 4.42 at 246 pounds.

[patteeu]

On Denver's board he was. They passed up Jurrell Casey and Drake Nevis to take him. He is probably going to start this year.

Well if we're going by each team's board then everyone took the best available player with every pick. Hooray, we're all winners!

[Hammock Parties]

He has an exceptionally strong upper body

He did 21 reps on the bench. LMAO

Jonathan Baldwin did 20.

[Quesadilla Joe]

He did 21 reps on the bench. LMAO

Jonathan Baldwin did 20.

Our 1st round OLB is faster than your 1st round WR and he absolutely OBLITERATED Baldwin in the 3 cone, 20 yard shuttle, and 60 yard shuttle. LMAO

[Quesadilla Joe]

Well if we're going by each team's board then everyone took the best available player with every pick. Hooray, we're all winners!

A lot of teams pick for needs above all else. That is how you wind up with guys like Willie Middlebrooks, Deltha O'Neal, George Foster, Ashley Lelie, and Jarvis Moss.

[Rams Fan]

Our 1st round OLB is faster than your 1st round WR and he absolutely OBLITERATED Baldwin in the 3 cone, 20 yard shuttle, and 60 yard shuttle. LMAO

I'm 100% sure that good combine and Pro Day statistics mean that a player is going to be great.

Look at JaMarcus Russell...

[Quesadilla Joe]

I'm 100% sure that good combine and Pro Day statistics mean that a player is going to be great.

Look at JaMarcus Russell...

Jamarcus Russell was a lazy POS with character issues. Von Miller was the cleanest prospect in the draft.

[kysirsoze]

Jamarcus Russell was a lazy POS with character issues. Von Miller was the cleanest prospect in the draft.

We get it. Yes, you got a great player at the #2 spot. Too bad his best attribute will be largely wasted in your system, particularly since you guys ignored the DT position.

[Rams Fan]

Jamarcus Russell was a lazy POS with character issues. Von Miller was the cleanest prospect in the draft.

That might be true, but Mayock and a few other reporters said that Russell had one of, if not the best, Pro Days they have ever seen.

[GloryDayz]

I happen to think the draft was OK. That means little, but I can see the dots they were connecting, and I like the picks they put in the gaps. Now let's hope there's a season, they sign and they aren't busts... I hope to have good reason to spend much coin at Arrowhead this year, and to do may tailgates with the CP crowd again.. It was a great time.

[Mile High Mania]

Arguing about draft grades is almost as silly as discussing which mock draft has the most merit...

Most of the guys drafted in the first two rounds will fail to live up to their potential, it happens every year. Plus, while I was hoping they would have drafted a DT... once FA starts, they can address that position.

http://www.milehighreport.com/2011/5/2/2149931/free-agent-defensive-tackle-options-for-the-broncos

[Extra Point]

Arguing about draft grades is almost as silly as discussing which mock draft has the most merit...

Most of the guys drafted in the first two rounds will fail to live up to their potential, it happens every year. Plus, while I was hoping they would have drafted a DT... once FA starts, they can address that position.

http://www.milehighreport.com/2011/5/2/2149931/free-agent-defensive-tackle-options-for-the-broncos

This. Rep.