FWIW,
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9...39;s-NFL-Draft
Denver
The Broncos filled some needs and found some parts, but the bottom line is that they are without quarterback Jay Cutler now, and they definitely didn't replace him. Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno was a no-brainer with the first choice, especially since San Diego coveted him. Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers has the look of a Justin Tuck type; able to rush from an inside position or from the edge.
In the second round, new Broncos GM Brian Xanders went for secondary performers in Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith, who has a chance to start, and Texas Tech safety Darcel McBath. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier called Kenny McKinley the best receiver he's ever coached. McKinley started 33 consecutive games and finished with 207 receptions. He could be a steal. The Broncos are still talking about trading productive tight end Tony Scheffler, and that could be a mistake. Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater has an NFL arm and was a very interesting pick at No. 174. Grade: B
Kansas City
First-year Chiefs GM Scott Pioli didn't fool anyone with his choice of LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson, who figures to be a starter opposite former Tiger teammate Glenn Dorsey. Jackson also has the flexibility to slide inside when the Chiefs shift out of their 3-4 alignment.
Alex Magee of Purdue can also play inside and outside along the defensive line and supposedly can rush the passer. Magee was a value pick. Tennessee State running back Javarris Williams is 5-10, 223 pounds and scored a school-record 42 touchdowns over four seasons while rushing for 4,329 yards. Pioli nailed the Mr. Irrelevant pick, No. 256 and the final player in the draft, by choosing a kicker, Ryan Succop of South Carolina. Grade: B-
Oakland
Maybe all the experts are stupid, but the Raiders were ripped for their top three selections. NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock had low-round grades on both Ohio safety Michael Mitchell and Wisconsin linebacker Matt Shaughnessy, who was slipping down most team's draft boards. Yes, the Raiders have a need at safety with the disappointing play of former No. 1 pick Michael Huff. Reportedly, the Bears wanted Mitchell in the second round and that's why they traded out of the round.
No. 1 pick Darrius Heyward-Bey may have been the fastest receiver in the draft, but he never had a 1,000-yard receiving season at Maryland and wasn't named to either the first or second all-ACC teams. Heyward-Bey was the first receiver taken by Davis since Tim Brown in 1988. The Raiders took another track-star receiver in Florida's Louis Murphy, who ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the Combine. I think the only way owner Al Davis wins with the talking heads on television is by going out and either hiring Mayock or ESPN's Mel Kiper. Bottom line, the Raiders are 24-72 since losing to Tampa Bay in the 2003 Super Bowl, but that doesn't mean Al is going to change his ways. Grade: C-
San Diego
The selection of Northern Illinois pass rusher Larry English helps because of the loss of Igor Olshansky and with Shawne Merriman entering his final season contractually. It's difficult to argue with GM A.J. Smith, but a lot of teams ranked English as a second-round player. English, who started 47 games, had 31 1/2 career sacks and twice was named the best player in Mid-American Conference.
Colorado State running back Gartrell Johnson proved his worth with a 285-yard effort against Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl game. Johnson led the Mountain West Conference with 113.5 yards per game. Grade: B-