NFC Draft Grades

Click here for 2009 AFC Draft Grades

Arizona Cardinals

Best selection: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St. –Wells was their first rounder, but he was an excellent selection. He is a top ten talent that slid to durability concerns. He is the type of back that can put an offense on his shoulders. With Arizona’s explosive passing game, defenses will not be able to load the box to stop him. Wells should make the Arizona offense one of the most explosive and one of the most balanced in the entire league.

Questionable pick: The Cards really did not make any head scratching picks. They filled some needs and did a very good job of selecting value throughout the draft.

Steal/sleeper: Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama. Landing Johnson near the end of the third was fantastic value. He may not be the biggest or fastest, but he plays the game the way it should be and is always around the action.

Overall: B. This is a class that the organization and fans should like. Wells was a great pick in the first, and they added some pass rush ability off the edge in the second. On day two, they added even more talent. They got a lot more physical on the offensive line with the additions of Herman Johnson and Trevor Canfield. In the middle rounds they addressed the secondary with the selection of Johnson and Greg Toler, who is the ultimate sleeper.

Atlanta Falcons

Best selection: William Moore, S, Missouri. Moore was the top safety entering the year but he bulked up a bit too much and was injured during the year. He dropped the weight and worked out well in the post season and is poised to return to the form he displayed as a junior. He has the talent to be a force against the run and a playmaker in coverage for the Falcons.

Questionable pick: Chris Owens, CB, San Jose St. The first two picks were very solid, and this pick is not a terrible one. It’s just the only pick that doesn’t jump out at you as a solid addition, and was a slight reach for Owens.

Steal/sleeper: Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Richmond. Sidbury had a tremendous post season, but had some teams wondering if he was just a workout warrior. He’s making a big leap to the NFL, but he has the natural gifts to develop into a legitimate pass rusher off the edge.

Overall: B. Peria Jerry and William Moore in the first two rounds was solid value and filled immediate needs. After that, Sidbury is the only truly intriguing option although Owens and 7th rounder Vance Walker could provide depth. Trading for Tony Gonzalez was also a coup for the team, and gives them a veteran tight end for Matt Ryan.

Carolina Panthers

Best selection: Everette Brown, DE, Florida St. Brown was a projected first rounder by everyone and slid to the second. The Panthers had to trade next years first rounder to nab him, but he could prove to be worth it. Brown may not have ideal size, but he wreaks havoc in the backfield, and should provide an immediate edge threat for Carolina.

Questionable pick: The trading of next years first rounder for Brown. While adding Brown in the second round is a nice selection, this trade leaves the Panthers without a first rounder for the second straight year. Unless Brown approaches double digit sacks this year, this could be seen as a negative this time next year.

Steal/sleeper: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma. Robinson in the fifth round is tremendous value. He was a guy that was a worthy Top 75 pick, and could become one of the bigger steals in the draft. The Panthers have built a big, physical line and Robinson will fit right in.

Overall: C+. Carolina added some nice talent to their team. Most of the selections by the Panthers were solid value and guys that can legitimately provide an impact in the NFL. Sherrod Martin can play safety or corner, and Duke Robinson was a steal. The fourth round saw them add two backs, one a big play threat in Mike Goodson and the other, the drafs top fullback in Tony Fiammetta. The reason for the lower grade is the fact that traded next years first rounder, which is always a tough pill to swallow. The team could have also used a young arm to develop behind Jake Delhomme, despite the five year extension he just signed.

Chicago Bears

Best selection: Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose St. Gilbert was arguably the top interior lineman in the draft in terms of getting into the backfield and disrupting the action. He gained a lot of steam in the post season, and should have gone in the second round. Landing him at the top of the third was nice value, and he could develop into a big time defensive tackle.

Questionable pick: While it is very difficult to knock trading draft picks for a proven commodity, they paid quite a price in their trade for Jay Cutler. It could be a great move, but Cutler hasn’t exactly proven to be a winner at the pro level. Giving up two first rounders and putting him in a situation where he does not have the best receivers could make it a tough transition.

Steal/sleeper: DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt. Moore was a flat out steal in the fourth round. He may not have run a blazing 40 time but the kid is a playmaker on the field and thats all that matters. He is an excellent cover man with tremendous ball skills and will make an impact for the Bears.

Overall: B. The Bears made a pre draft deal for Cutler, and solved their most glaring hole. They have the QB but it stripped them of the ammo to upgrade their receiving corps. They do have Earl Bennett, a second rounder last year that was Cutler’s top target in college, so he’s one to watch out for. As for their actual draft weekend, the Bears did a solid job adding talent without a whole lot of premier picks. They landed Top 100 talents in Gilbert, Juquin Iglesias, and Moore. DE Henry Melton and WR Johnny Knox have the talent to become contributors in time.

Dallas Cowboys

Best selection: Stephen McGee, QB, Texas AM. McGee is a bit of a project, but he has a chance to shine in time. Tony Romo is a fan favorite, but if the Cowboys continue to disappoint, they will turn on him very quickly. McGee has the talent and leadership to become a quality pro QB in time.

Questionable pick: The mid season trade for Roy Williams was questionable at the time, and remains so now. He now has to be the go to receiver with Terrell Owens gone, and he cost them their top pick this year plus a third rounder in 2010.

Steal/sleeper: Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati. While McGee has a great chance at developing into a fine player for a fourth rounder, landing Mickens in the seventh is a potential steal. He is on the thin side, but has the coverage skills to contribute in the NFL.

Overall: C-. The trade for Williams left the team without a first round selection to gain an immediate impact performer. They did a decent job adding depth throughout their roster, but there isn’t a true immediate impact guy and most appear to be boom or bust type selections.

Detroit Lions

Best selection: Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit –With the first overall pick, it better be your best selection. Stafford has the talent to bring it all together for the Lion offense and dig them out of the dumps. He may not have been the top QB in the draft on a lot of teams boards, but he was for the Lions.

Questionable pick: DeAndre Levy, LB, Wisconsin. For a team that wanted to get bigger and more physical, selecting an average sized speed linebacker raises some questions. He plays the same position as the teams best defender in Ernie Sims, and possibly last years second rounder Jordan Dizon’s best pro position.

Steal/sleeper: Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St. Williams never became the go to playmaker that was expected out of him when he signed with Penn St but he was a versatile performer for the team. With Calvin Johnson on the team, he won’t be asked to be the teams go to guy. He should be a solid performer out of the slot and on special teams, giving the team some more playmaking skills.

Overall: B. Stafford was probably the right way to go for the team, but selecting a QB at #1 overall is always risky. The next two picks, Brandon Pettigrew and Louis Delmas, will start from day one. After Derrick Williams the team landed some solid developmental picks in DT Sammie Lee Hill, OT Lydon Murtha, and LB Zack Follett.

Green Bay Packers

Best selection: BJ Raji, DT, Boston College. Switching to a 3-4 puts a lot of pressure on the team to find a nose tackle to build the line around. The Packers were lucky that the draft had a nose tackle at the top of the draft and that he was still on the board.

Questionable pick: The Packers traded two third rounders, to move up from their second round pick to select Clay Matthews. It could prove to be a great trade, but it’s putting a lot of faith in Matthews to be a immediate contributor at outside linebacker. It was not really a bad trade, it’s just a trade that has some for disappointment.

Steal/sleeper: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina. Meredith will become one of this drafts bigger sleepers. He can play a number of spots, and has the natural athleticism to play left tackle. He would have been a solid pick in Round Two, and the Pack got him in the fifth.

Overall: B. This was a very good draft for the Packers. They needed some players that fit in the 3-4, and they added a nose tackle and pass rusher with their top two picks. They made the most of those picks, but the rest of the draft lacks any standout picks aside from Jamon Meredith.

Minnesota Vikings

Best selection: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma. Loadholt is a classic right tackle. With a huge need at right tackle, he fills a huge need and is very good value. His ability to push people around is going to make Adrian Peterson very happy.

Questionable pick: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. Harvin is a dynamic playmaker. There are legitimate questions about him though. There are character concerns that could stunt his growth, but most importantly, he lacks polish as a receiver. He was used all over the field to create mismatches but that left him unrefined as a receiver. Harvin needs a lot of work to become a real threat as a true wide receiver.

Steal/sleeper: Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina. Two years ago Brinkley was considered a potential first rounder before a knee injury cast some doubt about his future. He had a decent senior year but gave some hope with a return to form in the future with a solid showing in the post season. At worst, Brinkley will be a guy who can contribute as a run stopper and special teamer, so he provides defined roles and upside.

Overall: B. The Vikes only added five players, but four of them have legitimate impact potential in the NFL. Harvin is a high risk, high reward type and he could ultimately define this draft for the Vikings.

New Orleans Saints

Best selection: Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio St. Landing the drafts top corner at pick 14 is a steal for the Saints. There are some questions about whether Jenkins is a corner or safety, but he has the ability to play both in the NFL.

Questionable pick: With only four picks, the team didn’t make any controversial picks. They did trade for Jeremy Shockey back in July, and gave up their second rounder in the process. It seemed like a decent trade at the time, but Shockey went out and failed to catch a TD pass all year. Unless he rebounds with a big year, the trade would amount to a flop.

Steal/sleeper: Chip Vaughn, S, Wake Forest. Vaughn is the only pick after Jenkins that has real upside at the NFL level. He does provide nice value in the fourth round, and will provide depth at strong safety early for the Saints.

Overall: D+. The Saints draft weekend was limited because of two trades for veterans before the 2008 season. They traded their second for Shockey and third rounder for Jonathan Vilma. Vilma was a solid acquisition but the jury is still out on the Shockey trade. Jenkins was a nice pick, but he is the only certain impact performer the team landed on draft day.

New York Giants

Best selection: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina. Replacing Plaxico Burress was clearly the top priority for the Giants, and they landed an all around performer that should be able to provide an early impact.

Questionable pick: The Giants did a great job of selecting on value and need. They didn’t have any reaches, and in fact, landed great value with their first six picks. The only possible question would be why they refused to part with a first rounder for Braylon Edwards, but that doesn’t impact their draft now.

Steal/sleeper: Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly SLO. Plaxico Burress is the obvious comparison for Barden, and in time, could provide a similar type of impact. His large frame and natural athleticism make it hard for defenders to cover. The jump from a lower level of competition may be difficult at the start, but he could be a major contributor in a year or two.

Overall: A. The Giants had an excellent draft. While it is tough to rely on rookie receivers, the Giants have two that they can throw out there to try and make plays. Their first four rounds were very productive. The second round saw them added a left tackle with a ton of upside in William Beatty and an immediate impact LB in Clint Sintim. Travis Beckum in the third is a great receiver and should give them what they had during Jeremy Shockey’s early years; a playmaker at receiver but not much as a blocker. Andre Brown in the fourth was another great pick and should be able to step into Derrick Ward’s shoes pretty early.

Philadelphia Eagles

Best selection: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Maclin was expected to come off the board in the top ten picks, so landing him at pick 19 is tremendous value. He may not be a true #1 WR, but he and DeSean Jackson will give defenses major fits.

Questionable pick: The Eagles had a great draft, but the only question that stands out to me is the acquisition of Maclin. A big part of Maclin’s intrigue is his playmaking ability on special teams. With the presence of DeSean Jackson, you take away a big part of his game or vice versa. Maclin is more of a well rounded receiver because of his size, but they are pretty similar as receivers. It was still a great selection, it just makes you wonder how they will use both players.

Steal/sleeper: Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida. A knee injury took away Ingram’s senior year and may have stunted his growth. He is a big time athlete that has a lot of potential as a receiver and is another weapon for the Eagles to utilize in their offense.

Overall: A. The Eagles added three major weapons to the offense in WR Maclin, TE Ingram, and RB LeSean McCoy. McCoy could play a big role giving Brian Westbrook some rest to keep him fresh throughout the year.

San Francisco 49ers

Best selection: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. The 9ers got arguably the top player in the entire draft at pick ten. That is tremendous value and the fact that he fills a major need makes it even sweeter.

Questionable pick: Not a single one. Glen Coffee may have gone a bit early, but you see the need to give Frank Gore some rest. The 9ers got great value in round one, and picked up 2010 1st rounder for their second round pick.

Steal/sleeper: Nate Davis, QB, Ball St. Davis was one of the top passers in college last year, and has a lot of potential. The big question with his future is his ability to digest the playbook with his well publicized learning disability. The risk is low with a fifth rounder, but he has the tools to be a starting NFL QB one day.

Overall: B+. This was a very good weekend for the 49ers. Landing Crabtree and a 2010 1st rounder was tremendous. Scott McKillop, Davis, Bear Pascoe, and Ricky Jean-Francois gives them a lot of talent on day two. However, the team did not address the pass rush or offensive line at any point in the draft.

Seattle Seahawks

Best selection: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest Curry was the drafts best defender, so you can’t argue with that addition. He should team with Lofa Tatupu to be one of the best all around linebacking tandems in the league.

Questionable pick: Passing on Mark Sanchez and Eugene Monroe for Curry could be a mistake. If all three players reach their potential, you clearly want the QB or LT.

Steal/sleeper: Courtney Green, S, Rutgers. Greene has all the physical tools and the toughness to contribute in the NFL. He needs some refinement and needs to be more disciplined but those things can be taught. He has a lot of potential for a seventh rounder.

Overall: C. The Seahawks are better than their record indicated last year, but if Matt Hasselbeck goes down again, they could be picking this high again. They could come to regret passing on a QB and LT at four in favor of a linebacker. Curry is a solid addition nonetheless, and Max Unger is a versatile lineman in the second round. Deon Butler, Greene, and Cameron Morrah give them some potential from their day two picks.

St. Louis Rams

Best selection: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. Landing Orlando Pace’s replacement was top priority, and they landed arguably the top player in the draft. Smith is a standout pass blocker that is very tough and should have an immediate impact for the Rams.

Questionable pick: Bradley Fletcher, CB, Iowa. Fletcher was drafted more on his potential than his actual on field performance. He was a reach at this spot and there were better options

Steal/sleeper: Dorrell Scott, DT, Clemson. Scott is a bit of an underachiever but he has all the skills to make a difference in the NFL. His combination of size and quickness is among the best in the draft. If the Rams can tap into that potential, he could be a real steal in the fourth round.

Overall: C. The Rams got a standout left tackle and an immediate starter at MLB in James Laurinaitis with their top two picks. The rest of the draft was so so, and they could have used an upgrade at the receiver position.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Best selection: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St. The Bucs got their guy, and only had to give up a sixth rounder to move up. After Freeman there was a huge dropoff at the QB spot, so landing him at 17 was good value and he has a ton of upside.

Questionable pick: The Bucs traded their second round pick to Cleveland for TE Kellen Winslow. If Winslow is healthy and keeps his mouth shut, it’s a solid trade. With a young QB and a team re-building, there are a lot of things that could set him off and cause distractions.

Steal/sleeper: Kyle Moore, DE, USC. Moore may not be the flashiest player out there, but he gets the job done. He is strong at the point of attack and can stop the run but also shows some pass rush ability. He is the type of player that will at least provide depth on the end and could continue to develop into a solid starter in time.

Overall: C-. The Bucs are rebuilding and that process started with the selection of Josh Freeman this year. He is going to need some time to refine his skills but there is a lot of potential there. In the third and fourth rounds the team added some dependable defensive lineman in Kyle Moore and Texas DT Roy Miller. Outside of Freeman, there isn’t a true impact performer. Freeman is going to be the guy that makes or breaks this draft.

Washington Redskins

Best selection: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas. There was a lot of talk about trading up for Mark Sanchez but the Skins stayed put and had the best defensive end in the draft slide to them. Orakpo is the best 4-3 end available and should provide a big boost to the Skins pass rush on the perimeter.

Questionable pick: Trading their second for Jason Taylor last year proved to be a flop. That took away a key piece of ammunition to move up for Sanchez, and limited their ability to add impact players on the weekend.

Steal/sleeper: Kevin Barnes, CB, Maryland. A shoulder injury ended Barnes’ season early, but at the time of the injury, he was playing at a top 50 level. He should recover just fine and could be a nice addition to the Skins secondary.

Overall: C-. The Skins used their first two picks on pass rushers, but only have one to show for it. Orakpo was a great pick, but the move for Taylor and his subsequent release takes some shine off that. Kevin Barnes was a solid pick in the third, but after that, there isn’t much to get excited about.