NFL Draft: Picks Analysis

Pick by Pick Analysis of the NFL Draft and Grade:

1. Detroit Lions - QB Matt Stafford (B-)

A player who was build up too high and will not live up to his expectations. Now not all of this can be blamed on him, it can be attributed to the team he fell to. The Detroit Lions have put Stafford into the position of many QB's before him (see Joey Harrington, David Carr, ect). Stafford has some quality physical attributes, but the struggles that he will face behind a poor offensive line will damage an already mentally instable player. He does not have the mental toughness of a Peyton Manning to take his hits and keep making the throws.

2. St. Louis Rams - OT Jason Smith (B)

A team with too many holes to really make a big leap, this was the logical pick. The only concerns I have is that this converted Tight End does not have the knowledge as a blocker to handle NFL caliber defensive ends.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Tyson Jackson (C)

Scott Pioli was part of the draft genious in New England, but this reach may backfire. Jackson will be a solid starter, however his rise from being a mid teens prospect to the number three pick in the past 24 hours makes it seem as though Kansas City overpaid $20 million to get him. Getting a system player does not justify that much money.

4. Seattle Seahawks - OLB Aaron Curry (B+)

The top player in this draft will fit nicely. Although Seattle would have been the ideal situation for Mark Sanchez, Curry will fit in and make an impact immediately. The issue with this pick now is the amount of money put into a Linebacker group that already hasn't signed Leroy Hill.

5. NY Jets (From Cleveland) - QB Mark Sanchez (B+)

I like the pick for the pure fact that they did not risk too much to move up (a 2nd round pick and a few players to clear cap room). Sanchez is going to be the best QB prospect from this or next years drafts. The only concern is he could use a year or two of tutoring before being thrown into the fire, and Kellen Clemons is not a prime candidate for a mentor. If they can bring him along slowly, this will develope into a great pick for a mentally and physically strong player with all of the intangibles.

6. Cincinatti Bengals - OT Andre Smith (B+)

If not for some bad PR decisions by Smith (such as skipping out early on the combine), Smith would have been seen as a high prospect anyway. While this is viewed as a reach by analysts, this was a great pick by the Bengals, although there are concerns about the teams player personel department as seen currently with Chad Johnson (I refuse to call him Chad Ocho Cinco).

7. Oakland Raiders - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (D)

Another example of why Al Davis is no longer helping the Raiders to suceed. Over the last seven years Jones continually drafts based on the 40-yard dash times, an overated stat that is understood by all other owners. The Maryland reciever has a bad case of the drops and looks to be the second coming of Koren Robinson. The ability to skip over Michael Crabtree is going to haunt this frachise as it moves forward with Bey and their QB Jamarcus Russell (Who also was drafted based on physical makeup).

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Eugene Monroe (B)

A solid tackle who will be an upgrade over free agent loss Khalif Barnes, however past knee injuries raise concerns over the longevity of this pick. This is a team who two years ago was considered a Super Bowl contender and if Monroe can block for David Garrard, the addition of Torry Holt could help them make a big leap forward.

9. Green Bay Packers - DT B.J. Raji (B+)

Raji is an animal and will nicely fill the hole created by the loss of Colin Cole to the Seahawks. This is a future pro bowler and will be a starter for year to come.

10. San Francisco 49ers - WR Michael Crabtree (A/B)

The reason the grade is split is that I believe Crabtree at this pick is a great value. In my opinion you get the second best prospect for far less money. However at the end of the day the question is, "How much better is this team with the addition of Crabtree?" The answer to this is slightly improved, he has the ability to develope into a Larry Fitzgerald caliber receiver, however with their line being adequate at best and their QB's having 3rd string talent, he may not have the opportunity to showcase his talent. His position is much like Andre Johnson in Houston, if he is patient he may become a star, however it can't be forecasted how patient he will be.

11. Buffalo Bills - DE Aaron Maybin (A-)

In my opinion this could turn out to be a Hall of Fame pick. While I do believe the Bills could have traded to get more picks, Maybin is a great end with a motor and a fire for the game. While he does not wow people, could turn out to be a Patrick Kerney type player. Will be a starter for many year.

12. Denver Broncos - RB Knowshon Moreno (B+)

While many don't think of the Broncos as a team to draft a running back this high, people must understand the Shanahan era is over. Moreno is a great back and if put in a good scheme he could be an all star, however with the lack of a quarterback Denver must be careful not to put too much of a load on this young man's back.

13. Washington Redskins - DE Brian Orakpo (A-)

Another great end with good quickness, this grade might be a B if not for the defensive line that they have put together this offseason, pairing Orakpo with Albert Haynseworth. This defense is getting scary and will be a force to be reckoned with.

14. New Orleans Saints - CB Malcolm Jenkins (B)

Not sold on Jenkins as a safety, I think he will be best suited as a corner. The jury will be out on this pick until his position is chosen.

15. Houston Texans - OLB Brian Cushing (A)

A young man outshadowed by the vibrant character of fellow Trojan Rey Maualuga, Cushing provides just another solid member of a young defense featuring Mario Williams, Demeco Ryans and Amobi Okoye. This team will soon be a constant in the AFC playoffs.

16. San Diego Chargers - DE Larry English (C)

The Chargers need injury insurance, however this may not have been the answer. A DE with injury concerns and the lack of speed for English in a normaly fast defense leaves many questioning this pick.

17. Tampa Bay Bucs - QB Josh Freeman (D)

Tampa has long looked for an answer to compliment their stingy defense, but Freeman may not be the guy. With a defense aging they will look for more from the offense, and without Jeff Garcia they do need a QB. Freeman to me is a Jamarcus Russell type pick, a guy who looks good on paper but can't be the leader of a team. Tampa Bay will be either drafting or signing a free agent QB within the next three years.

18. Denver Broncos - DE Robert Ayers (B)

A solit motor guy, may have been the best value for them, this team has a lot of holes to fill in a defense that fell apart late last year.

19. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Jeremy Macklin (B)

Macklin is a talented receiver and I was very high oin him before the draft, however this pick doesn't make sense to me. Didn't they draft the same player last year with DeSean Jackson? I just don't see Philly making moves to really win it all.

20. Detroit Lions - TE Brandon Pettigrew (C)

Pettigrew is the best TE prospect in the draft, however this is a draft that did not have a Round 1 worthy TE such as years past with guys like Vernon Davis and Greg Olson. Drafting a TE is a good call for a team with little protection for their QB, just a reach on the value of the player here.

21. Cleveland Browns - C Alex Mack (B)

Real strong center who can block anyone. Will be the anchor of this line for years to come.

22. Minnesota Vikings - WR Percy Harvin (B-)

Not a great pick for the Vikings here. A team that is a quarteback away from a Super Bowl, this pick does not improve them. Its tough to take Harvin here with a solid posession receiver like Hakeem Nicks still on the board. I see Harvin as a much less effective and versatile Reggie Bush. Also there are some character issues here.

23. Baltimore Ravens - OT Michael Oher (B)

Baltimore never goes for the glamorous guys, but another team that should have consisdered Nicks. The team did get Oher who can block well, but just doesn't seem mentally checked into the game, and in a tough league that passion for the game is necessary.

24. Atlanta Falcons - DT Peria Jerry (B-)

Atlanta got a guy in Jerry that has great potential, but is going to need a lot of work to make sure he doesn't flop. Stuffs the hole well, but doesn't get a great push into the backfield.

25. Miami Dolphins - CB Vontae Davis (A-)

A great cover man who I expected to get wrapped up in the 15-20 range is a great pick for the Dolphins here. The Parcells turnaround continues.

26. Green Bay Packers - OLB Clay Matthews (A)

The most intriguing of the USC linebackers could develope into a pro bowler alongside AJ Hawk. Is getting quicker and may be the best coverage linebacker in this years draft.

27. Indianapolis Colts - RB Donald Brown (B)

Brown did lead the NCAA in rushing last year and can succeed in a shared carry system, but I don't see him being a feature back. Does give Manning a good receiver out of the backfield and a great character guy which GM Bill Polian always targets.

28. Buffalo Bills - OC Eric Wells (C+)

A good center, however I didn't see the financial value of drafting a center here for the Bills, not to say Wells won't succeed.

29. New York Giants - WR Hakeem Nicks (A)

A great playmaking receiver, Nicks will provide the red zone threat for Eli Manning that the team lost after it cut Plaxico Burress due to legal issues. In this system Nicks could be a candidate for Rookie of the Year.

30. Tennessee Titans - WR Kenny Britt (B)

Britt had rising stock in the days leading up to the draft, but the Rutgers star still seems like a bit of a reach, especially for a team with a poor history of drafting playmakers.

31. Arizona Cardinals - RB Chris "Beanie" Wells (B)

Wells can be productive when he is on the field, but there is that looming durability concern and I am not sure he is a guy who can stay healthy for an entire year.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - DT Evander Hood (B)

Hood is a pretty powerful tackle, but didn't seem to do anything amazing. However the grade for the Steelers is a B because they don't have many holes and can't be questioned when drafting defensive talent.