 NFC Draft Grades by DJ Boyer The 2008 NFL Draft is now officially in the books and DJ Boyer gives his analysis of which teams in the NFC helped themselves and possibly made them a playoff contender and which teams dropped the ball on draft weekend. *NFC East*
* *
*Dallas Cowboys*
* *
1(22) Felix Jones Running Back Arkansas
1(25) Mike Jenkins Cornerback South Florida
2(61) Martellus Bennett Tight End Texas A&M
5(143) Orlando Scandrick Cornerback Boise State
6(167) Erik Walden Defensive End Middle Tennessee State
* *
*Analysis Day One: *Another one of the big winners. The Cowboys take an
Arkansas running back which again was one of the worst kept secrets in
this draft. But then to add Mike Jenkins and move up to get him was
huge. The Cowboys truly made the most of having a pair of first
rounders. The with Anthony Fasano gone getting a project with tremendous
upside like Martellus Bennett is a safe gamble. Wonderful draft by the
Cowboys and as they say “the rich get richer”.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *Orlando Scandrick was fantastic value and is one of
the fastest cornerbacks in this draft who seems to be constantly
improving. Both Cowboy picks on day two are projects but they have
bright futures and nice upside.
* *
*Overall: *The Cowboys hit a home run during the first day of this draft
and they continue to have a solid core returning from the NFC east
winning squad from 2007.* Grade: A*
* *
* *
*New York Giants*
* *
1(31) Kenny Phillips Safety Miami (Fla.)
2(63) Terrell Thomas Cornerback USC
3(95) Mario Manningham Wide Receiver Michigan
4(123) Bryan Kehl Linebacker BYU
5(165) Jonathan Goff Linebacker Vanderbilt
6(198) Andre Woodson Quarterback Kentucky
6(199) Robert Henderson Defensive End Southern Mississippi
* *
*Analysis Day One: *giants biggest need was the secondary and they took
care of that with both picks on day one and both picks were guys who I
felt should have been off the board sooner. With Kenny Phillips the
Giants get the best safety far and away in this draft and in Terrell
Thomas you get a speed corner with size, something always needed in the
NFC east. Look for the Giants to add some linebackers and maybe a
receiver early on day two. Nice work by the Super Bowl Champs as they
show just because you pick at the end of a round it doesn’t mean the
talent pool is thin.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *there are some questions surrounding Mario
Manningham but getting him at the end of round three is a nice value.
The Giants exactly what I thought they would do right after the
Manningham selection going to the linebacker well not once but twice.
* *
*Overall: *think about all of the Giant rookies that helped the team
during their Super Bowl run last season. The Giants take the draft
seriously and it shows. They took quality personnel in places of need
meaning they plan to have this draft class produce immediately just like
they did a season ago. *Grade: A-*
* *
* *
*Philadelphia Eagles*
* *
2(47) Trevor Laws Defensive Tackle Notre Dame
2(49) DeSean Jackson Wide Receiver California
3(80) Bryan Smith Defensive End McNeese State
4(109) Mike McGlynn Offensive Guard Pittsburgh
4(117) Quintin Demps Safety UTEP
4(131) Jack Ikegwuonu Cornerback Wisconsin
6(184) Mike Gibson Offensive Guard California
6(200) Joe Mays Linebacker North Dakota State
6(203) Andy Studebaker Defensive End Wheaton
7(230) King Dunlap Offensive Tackle Auburn
* *
*Analysis Day One: *For the second consecutive year the Eagles traded
out of the first round and they landed the Carolina Panthers first round
pick for 2009. While the pick is Trevor Laws is a little troubling in
that the Eagles have now taken a defensive tackle with their top pick in
three of the last four years they did get a player who was flying up the
boards. Laws specializes in getting after the quarterback, what the
Eagles really need. Getting DeSean Jackson in the second round was great
value. Jackson may still be the best receiver in the draft and he adds
another immediate dimension needed for the Eagles, a return man.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *The NFC east is showing the rest of the NFL how to
draft! The focus of most Andy Reid drafts are along the offensive and
defensive lines and he took chances on a few small school players who
specialize in getting heat on the quarterback. The eagles also found a
couple of players in the 4^th round that look like future starters in
Jack Ikegwuonu and Quintin Demps**
* *
*Overall: *Solid draft and it will pay immediate dividends on the draft
board next season as the Eagles have an extra first rounder they
received from Carolina.* Grade: A-*
* *
* *
*Washington Redskins*
* *
2(34) Devin Thomas Wide Receiver Michigan State
2(48) Fred Davis Tight End USC
2(51) Malcolm Kelly Wide Receiver Oklahoma
3(96) Chad Rinehart Offensive Tackle Northern Iowa
4(124) Justin Tryon Cornerback Arizona State
6(168) Durant Brooks Punter Georgia Tech
6(180) Kareem Moore Safety Nicholls State
6(186) Colt Brennan Quarterback Hawaii
7(242) Rob Jackson Defensive End Kansas State
7(249) Chris Horton Safety UCLA
* *
*Analysis Day One: *The fact that the Redskins were able to trade out of
the first round and still get a wide receiver they coveted in Devin
Thomas very impressive. Then the Redskins added Fred Davis and Malcolm
Kelly meaning all three picks are potential targets for Jason Campbell.
While the Redskins needs were seems as cornerback and defensive end this
was a decent day. Just the fact that Washington has more than a handful
of draft picks is a testament within itself.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *So weird seeing the Redskins with 10 picks overall,
I think that was the total of their last three drafts combined.* *The
Redskins made some reaches but they addressed areas of need like the
secondary and defensive line. **
* *
*Overall: *The Jim Zorn era is off to an impressive start and with three
offensive receiving targets on day one his blueprint seems to be on this
team already.* Grade: B*
* *
* *
* *
*NFC North*
* *
*Chicago Bears*
* *
1(14) Chris Williams Offensive Tackle Vanderbilt
2(44) Matt Forte Running Back Tulane
3(70) Earl Bennett Wide Receiver Vanderbilt
3(90) Marcus Harrison Defensive Tackle Arkansas
4(120) Craig Steltz Safety LSU
5(142) Zackary Bowman Cornerback Nebraska
5(158) Kellen Davis Tight End Michigan State
7(208) Ervin Baldwin Defensive End Michigan State
7(222) Chester Adams Offensive Guard Georgia
7(243) Joey LaRocque Linebacker Oregon State
7(247) Kirk Barton Offensive Tackle Ohio State
7(248) Marcus Monk Wide Receiver Arkansas
* *
*Analysis Day One: *Knew this had to be an offensive line selection, I
was just unsure weather this was Chris Williams or Brenden Albert. The
Bears have an immediate need for Williams and he can step in and be a
starter from day one. I guess the rumblings we heard about Rashard
Mendenhall may have been true because the Bears take a running back in
the second round. Matt Forte has size and unlike the knocks we have
heard on Cedric Benson he can break tackles in the open field. I expect
Chicago to look back at the offensive line and make some secondary picks
during the second day as well as picking up a quarterback in the later
rounds.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *A number of nice picks made by the Bears and it all
started with Earl Bennett who fits in nicely with the Bears offensive
plans. Zackary Bowman is a boom or bust pick but the payoff could be
great if he pans out. Kirk Barton was one of the better seventh round
picks I saw as far as players who can contribute as rookies. The
beginning of the seventh round seemed a little suspect with Baldwin,
Adams and LaRocque but this was a nice effort.**
* *
*Overall: *A number of terrific prospects taken by the Bears and a nice
mix between proven players and calculated risks. The Bears may have had
the best draft in the NFC North. The one surprising aspect is we didn’t
see any quarterbacks taken by this team.* Grade: B+*
* *
* *
*Detroit Lions*
* *
1(17) Gosder Cherilus Offensive Tackle Boston College
2(45) Jordan Dizon Linebacker Colorado
3(64) Kevin Smith Running Back Central Florida
3(87) Andre Fluellen Defensive Tackle Florida State
3(92) Cliff Avril Linebacker Purdue
5(136) Kenneth Moore Wide Receiver Wake Forest
5(146) Jerome Fulton Fullback Furman
7(216) Landon Cohen Defensive Tackle Ohio
7(218) Caleb Campbell Safety Army
* *
*Analysis Day One: *the deal to move down was a little surprising in
that they didn’t take Rashard Mendenhall once he passed the Cardinals at
#16. The Lions have liked Cherilus for a long time but many felt the
Lions would go in another direction, I felt Jerod Mayo was the player
they wanted but he was unavailable. The Lions did get a speedy cover 2
type linebacker however in the second round with Jordan Dizon who was
rising as fast as any player in recent weeks. Again this may have been
early for him but he is exactly the kind of linebacker coach Rod
Marinelli coached for so many years in Tampa Bay.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *I said when day 1 concluded the Lions would be
looking for a running back early and they made a deal to be the first on
the clock and selected 2007 NCAA rushing champion Kevin Smith. That was
the beginning of a terrific third round that included Andre Fluellen and
Cliff Avril, both players with first round talent. The feel good pick of
Caleb Campbell could be a productive one if he is moved to outside
linebacker.**
* *
*Overall: *Nice job by the Lions as they battled Chicago for best draft
within the division. I give the edge to the Bears but only by the
slightest of margins. The Lions can be proud of what they accomplished.
*Grade: B+*
* *
* *
*Green Bay Packers*
* *
2(36) Jordy Nelson Wide Receiver Kansas State
2(56) Brian Brohm Quarterback Louisville
2(60) Patrick Lee Cornerback Auburn
3(91) Jermichael Finley Tight End Texas
4(102) Jeremy Thompson Defensive End Wake Forest
4(135) Josh Sitton Offensive Tackle Central Florida
5(150) Breno Giacomini Offensive Tackle Louisville
7(209) Matt Flynn Quarterback LSU
7(217) Brett Swain Wide Receiver San Diego State
* *
*Analysis Day One: *I like the pick of Patrick Lee and that was the last
pick the Packers made on day one, for me that was the highlight. I think
Jordy Nelson may be moved to tight end at the NFL level and if that
happens this could pan out for Green bay because they have a need there.
I think nelson is more of a workout warrior and the game breaking
production isn’t there. Brian Brohm is a great quarterback but I don’t
think this is the message you want to send to Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers
will have a hard enough time replacing a legend, now he has to worry
about a quick-study quarterback who could take time away from him if he
struggles.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *I just never got the Packers draft. Jermichael
Finley is a huge gamble in the third round and the offensive tackles
they drafted are major projects. The lone selection I really liked was
Wake Forest defensive end Jeremy Thompson. The team seemed to virtually
ignore their glaring secondary needs by not going back there on day two.**
* *
*Overall: *Diasappointing weekend for the Cheeseheads and they top it
all off by selecting not one but two quarterbacks.* Grade: D*
* *
* *
*Minnesota Vikings*
* *
2(43) Tyrell Johnson Safety Arkansas State
5(137) John David Booty Quarterback USC
5(152) Letroy Guion Defensive Tackle Florida State
6(187) John Sullivan Center Notre Dame
6(193) Jaymar Johnson Wide Receiver Jackson State
* *
*Analysis Day One: *this could wind up being a good selection if Tyrell
Johnson can start to shine in pass coverage. Johnson just seems to be an
extra linebacker in the secondary who can stack the box and play the
run. He will need help in pass coverage but the Vikings will like his
blitzing ability. With only one pick I felt the Vikings could have made
a bigger splash but I am still a fan of them getting Jared Allen even
though they paid a hefty price to do so.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *I had the Vikings selecting Booty in previous drafts
before they traded their third rounders away for Jared Allen. Was
surprised Booty was still on the board in the 5^th , great pick for
Minnesota. The other picks were all reaches although Letroy Guion has a
lot of upside if he is a motivated player.**
* *
*Overall: *I give the Vikings a higher grade because of the Jared Allen
deal, it was a lot to give up but this team has a lot of pieces already
in place and they made the aggressive move they needed to. Without Allen
this was a D or worse. *Grade: C*
* *
*NFC South*
*Atlanta Falcons*
* *
1(3) Matt Ryan Quarterback Boston College
1(21) Sam Baker Offensive Tackle USC
2(37) Curtis Lofton Linebacker Oklahoma
3(68) Chavis Jackson Cornerback LSU
3(84) Harry Douglas Wide Receiver Louisville
3(98) Thomas DeCoud Safety Atlanta
5(138) Robert James Linebacker Arizona State
5(154) Kroy Biermann Linebacker Montana
6(172) Thomas Brown Running Back Georgia
7(212) Wilroy Fontenot Cornerback Arizona
7(232) Keith Zinger Tight End LSU
*Analysis Day One: *Hard to argue picking Matt Ryan even though so many
people (including myself until the night before the draft) had them
going with Glen Dorsey. Football.com writer Mike Aitkens said it best,
Atlanta wants to sell tickets, Arthur Blank is a business man and he
can’t sell tickets with Glen Dorsey. I think that is true and I also
feel he takes his relationship with the fans personally and wanted to
show Atlanta would rise from the Michael Vick fiasco. Sam Baker was
taken very early but offensive tackles were flying off the boards. When
you look at a player like Duane Brown going the end of round one as well
you start to think Atlanta had to make a move. Lofton is a very good
fit, Atlanta needs linebackers. A productive first day for Atlanta.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *Harry Douglas was a great pick and he came off the
board at the right time. I think a couple of the linebacker selections
were suspect as both players came on late in their careers but it could
work out. Chavis Jackson was a safe pick and he can play corner or safety.
* *
*Overall:* Nice start to the Mike Smith era in Atlanta as a number of
different positions on the football field were addressed, I would have
liked to have seen more offensive lineman selected but that is my only
gripe. *Grade: B*
*Carolina Panthers*
* *
1(13) Jonathan Stewart Running Back Oregon
1(19) Jeff Otah Offensive Tackle Pittsburgh
3(67) Charles Godfrey Cornerback Iowa
3(74) Dan Conner Linebacker Penn State
5(141) Gary Barnidge Tight End Louisville
6(181) Nick Hayden Defensive Tackle Wisconsin
7(221) Hilee Taylor Linebacker North Carolina
7(241) Geoff Schwartz Offensive Tackle Oregon
7(250) Mackenzy Bernadeau Offensive Guard Bentley
*Analysis Day One: *Jonathan Stewart is a game breaker but there are a
number of questions surrounding his health. Now that DeShaun Foster is
gone the Panthers have wondered whether DeAngelo Willams can tote the
rock 25 times a game. This gives the Panthers more versatility with
their backfield. Jeff Otah is the kind of player Carolina needed but
they paid dearly for him giving up a first rounder in 2009. The panthers
can only hope this pans out much like Tony Ugoh panned out for
Indianapolis last year when they gave up a first rounder for him. I
expect Carolina to look heavily at linebackers during day two.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *Charles Godfrey and Dan Conner in the third round, a
pair of picks that could be future starters. I thought some of the other
selections were reaches and I thought we would have seen a wide receiver
or two.**
* *
*Overall: *The Panthers have some good players but I still think they
gave up a lot for Jeff Otah. If he produces it will be viewed as a good
and aggressive deal, if not John Fox has a lot of questions to answer.*
Grade: C+*
* *
* *
*New Orleans Saints*
* *
1(7) Sedrick Ellis Defensive Tackle USC
2(40) Tracy Porter Cornerback Indiana
5(144) DeMario Pressley Defensive Tackle NC State
5(164) Carl Nicks Offensive Tackle Nebraska
6(178) Tyler Mehlhaff Kicker Wisconsin
7(237) Adrian Arrington Wide Receiver Michigan
* *
*Analysis Day One: *No surprise the Saints were moving up on draft day
as it is something they have done numerous years in the past and St.
Louis and new England were their likely trade partners. New Orleans made
a great deal to move up three spots to take Sedrick Ellis since New
England at #7 and Cincinnati at #9 were both interested. The Saints made
pickups at cornerback and linebacker in free agency so this was the
logical area for them to address. Tracy Porter is a fantastic cornerback
who I feel was underappreciated and overlooked in this draft process.
Porter looked like an early second round prospect and that is exactly
where the Saints took him.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *For not picking on day two until the 5^th round the
Saints actually did a nice job. You can argue that every player selected
was value and taken a little later than expected except for the kicker
Tyler Mehlhaff who was projected in the 6^th round range. Will Adrian
Arrington be this years Marcus Colsten? They moved up to get him…time
will tell.**
* *
*Overall: *Everyone knew this team, wanted Sedrick Ellis and the Saints
were aggressive in doing so. I applaud them in not being too aggressive
and giving up too much for Jeremy Shockey.* Grade: B*
* *
* *
*Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
* *
1(20) Aqib Talib Cornerback Kansas
2(58) Dexter Jackson Wide Receiver Appalachian State
3(83) Jeremy Zuttah Offensive Guard Rutgers
4(115) Dre Moore Defensive Tackle Maryland
5(160) Josh Johnson Quarterback San Diego
6(175) Geno Hayes Linebacker Florida State
7(238) Cory Boyd Running Back South Carolina
*Analysis Day One: *I give the Buccaneers a lot of credit for taking
picks in the two areas where they had the most glaring need, cornerback
and wide receiver. I ultimately like both picks although there is some
risk associated with both. Talib has a ton of character issues and
failed multiple drug tests for marijuana while at Kansas. A ton of
potential and has size that he isn’t afraid to utilize in run support.
Dexter Jackson was the fastest player I saw in person in this draft
class. There were concerns because of Jackson playing at a small school
but he showed well at the Senior Bowl. Played in a system that wasn’t
anywhere near a pro style offense and was run oriented. Will take
Jackson some time but the one thing the Buccaneers lack is speed at wide
receiver and Jackson has plenty of that.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *the Buccaneers had one of the better day two drafts
in my opinion. Jeremy Zuttah and Dre Moore were both outstanding values
in the 3^rd and 4^th rounds and they get the best Qb project in this
draft in Josh Johnson in round 5. Geno Hayes looks like a classic Tampa
Bay linebacker. Excellent second day for Tampa Bay!
* *
*Overall: *Tampa Bay has been one of the most productive teams at
changing the face of the franchise through the draft in recent years. I
thought we would have seen another receiver pick or a tight end but you
can’t argue with that they accomplished.* Grade: B+*
* *
*NFC West*
*Arizona Cardinals*
* *
1(16) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Cornerback Tennessee State
2(50) Calais Campbell Defensive End Miami (Fla.)
3(81) Early Doucet Wide Receiver LSU
4(116) Kenny Iwebema Defensive End Iowa
5(149) Tim Hightower Running Back Richmond
6(185) Chris Harrington Defensive End Texas A&M
7(225) Brandon Keith Offensive Tackle Northern Iowa
*Analysis Day One: *These picks make sense for Arizona. I stated the
cardinals would be looking at corners and running backs hard in the
first round. I thought they would be apt to go with a running back but
cornerback is a great move with Antrel Rolle moving to safety. With
Calais Campbell they have some risk but at #50 that was good value for a
player who if he plays to his potential is a top ten overall talent.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *Early Doucet will have a chance to learn behind some
seasoned vets and one has to wonder if his selection signals the end for
Anquan Boldin in Arizona. If Kenny Iwebema can return to pre injury form
he might be one of the best steals in this draft as was first round
talent heading into 2007.**
* *
*Overall: *Thought we would have seen more secondary or linebacker picks
from this squad but not a terrible effort.* Grade: B-*
*San Francisco 49ers*
* *
1(29) Kentwan Balmer Defensive Tackle North Carolina
2(39) Chilo Rachal Offensive Guard USC
3(75) Reggie Smith Cornerback Oklahoma
4(107) Cody Wallace Center Texas A&M
6(174) Josh Morgan Wide Receiver Virginia Tech
7(214) Larry Grant Linebacker Ohio State
* *
*Analysis Day One: *Balmer was popping up on a lot of mocks to the 49ers
late in the pre-draft process and we now know why. Despite all of the
offensive woes the 49ers have experienced Mike Nolan is a defensive
coach and improving the interior of his defense is always a priority. I
thought the selection of Chilo Rachal was basically a replacement for
Justin Smiley who left via free agency for Miami. A very solid lineman
but I thought he came off the board a little early. The fact that San
Francisco lacks weapons and they made no efforts to take a wide receiver
was troubling to me.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *The only receiver this team grabbed was Josh
Morgan…ouch. I really like the Reggie Smith and Cody Wallace selections
but I felt some areas of the football field could have been addressed
during day two that weren’t.**
* *
*Overall: *I expected more picks for the offensive side of the ball
since this was the most anemic* *offense in the NFL a season ago and
right now I haven’t seen the improvements needed to make them any
better.* Grade: C-*
* *
* *
*Seattle Seahawks*
* *
1(28) Lawrence Jackson Defensive End USC
1(38) John Carlson Tight End Notre Dame
4(121) Red Bryant Defensive Tackle Texas A&M
5(163) Owen Schmitt Fullback West Virginia
6(189) Tyler Schmitt Long Snapper San Diego State
7(233) Justin Forsett Running Back California
7(235) Brandon Coutu Kicker Georgia
* *
*Analysis Day One: *When Seattle moved down the board in the first round
I thought they still had the intention of taking quarterback Chad Henne.
If Lawrence Jackson was the target then a trade was the right thing to
do. I felt Seattle could have done better than John Carlson at #38,
there were a ton of tight ends on the board that were rated higher or I
feel would even fit better in the Seattle system. This was an area of
need but I am not high on the player. Where as Jackson is a player I
liked but I felt it wasn’t an area of immediate need.
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *Red Bryant was a great pick and Brandon Coutu should
step right in and handle the kicking duties. Owen Schmitt is a great
replacement for Mack Strong as Seattle is one of the few NFL teams that
uses the fullback in an “old school” type of way. **
* *
*Overall: *The second day was an improvement as I thought Seattle missed
a few opportunities on day one. *Grade: C+*
* *
* *
*St. Louis Rams*
* *
1(2) Chris Long Defensive End Virginia
2(33) Donnie Avery Wide Receiver Houston
3(65) John Greco Offensive Guard Toledo
4(101) Justin King Cornerback Penn State
4(128) Keenan Burton Wide Receiver Kentucky
5(157) Roy Schuening Offensive Guard Oregon State
7(228) Chris Chamberlain Linebacker Tulsa
7(252) David Vobora Linebacker Idaho
* *
*Analysis Day One: *You have to like Chris Long at #2 but the Rams were
in a situation where they couldn’t lose. The Rams have a need with a
number of positions that could have been filled at the top of the draft
board. Long will combine with last years top pick Adam Carriker and they
can form a nice duo along the defensive line for years to come. Who
would have thought Donnie Avery would be the first wide receiver taken?
Many people will wonder why Avery when so many other receivers were on
the board but Avery played in a system that has a lot of similarities to
what Scott Linehan runs in St. Louis so the pick made perfect sense.
Solid first day for the Rams.
* *
* *
*Analysis Day Two: *Solid effort on the second day as John Greco could
see a lot of time as a rookie.* *Keenan Burton is a nice receiver for
this squad and I also want to give the rams credit for not mailing it in
with Mr. Irrelevant. David Vobora is a solid player who has a very good
chance at not only making this team but contributing in a few years.**
* *
*Overall: *Rams were in a win-win situation at the top of the draft and
they got a kid who is going to make a solid impact. The Rams had the
best draft of any team in the West.* Grade: B+*
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