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Grading the Draft: All 32 Teams

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Pachyderm_Wave

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I'll use this thread to talk about each team's draft as I get around to them. Starting with the Oakland Raiders. I'll get around to talking about the prospects that went undrafted afterwards.




Oakland Raiders:


#95 Overall -- Tony Bergstrom / OT / Utah

Solid pick here. He was my #10 overall guard prospect and had a 4th round grade on him. The Raiders didn't reach much for Bergstrom here. As soon as I saw him measure in at the Senior Bowl with those 31 3/8" arms, the first thing I said was that he's getting kicked inside. Grade: B



#129 Overall -- Miles Burris / OLB / San Diego St.

Burris was my #15 overall 4-3 OLB prospect and had a 6th round grade on him. He essentially played the 'whip' linebacker position in Rocky Long's defense where he had no gap responsibility most of the time. His job was to blitz off the weakside almost every snap and chase down plays behind the line of scrimmage. Not experienced in coverage. I thought they reached here for Burris, but at least it's not a 1st round kicker. Grade: C-



#158 Overall -- Jack Crawford / DE / Penn St.

Crawford wasn't on my draft board. He's fairly new to football, and none of his athletic ability translates to the football field, to the point of being benched. I don't like this pick at all. Grade: F-



#168 Overall -- Juron Criner / WR / Arizona

My #15 rated WR in the class of receivers that I project as having #2 type WR upside in the NFL, and I had a late 4th / early 5th round grade on Criner. The Raiders made a decent pick here and may have found themselves a potential starting caliber X-receiver down the road. Grade: B+



#189 Overall -- Christo Bilukidi / DE-DT / Georgia St.

This kid was my #25 overall rated DE, and my #9 overall rated potential 5-technique that could draw some interest as a 3-4 DE. I had him higher than a few of the more overhyped prospects at his position. If you're not a fan of I-AA Georgia State, or didn't watch the contest between Georgia St. and Alabama in in 2010, then you wouldn't have any idea who this kid is. He really caught my attention in that game and stood against a supremely talented Crimson Tide squad last year. Developmental player with great upside and proved to me that he could play against elite competition, and looked good at the Players All-Star Classic. I like this pick. Grade: B+



#230 Overall -- Nathan Stupar / OLB / Penn St.

I didn't have Stupar on my draft board. Slightly undersized nickel package type linebacker... but it's the 7th round. Grade: C
 
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Unless I missed it in another thread, why aren't you starting with the dolphins? Your opinion is highly valued here as I'm sure you know
 
Ambitious as hell. Thanks for doing this. As you know, everyone admires your opinion and much more importantly so do I.
 
Massive project. Big thanks in advance for your effort
 
I love what the Bengals have done the past three years! just look at their picks.... value......value....value
 
Kansas City Chiefs



#11 Overall -- Dontari Poe / DT / Memphis

This is an obvious boom or bust pick. Athletes of this caliber and size simply don't come around often so I understand the reasoning behind this selection. However, Poe's draft stock is 90% based off combine performance and 10% on film. This is not a 1st round defensive lineman on tape. I had a mid 2nd round grade on Dontari Poe and felt like his upside was worth the risk around that area. The Chiefs reached for the stars here with this pick based on upside and obviously feel like they can develope him further. Grade: C+



#44 Overall -- Jeff Allen / OT / Illinois

Chiefs selected my #8 tackle prospect here who I had a late 2nd round grade on. They got themselves a quality lineman here with starter potential who I've been impressed with for the better part of 2 years at Illinois. Major factor in the success of Illinois running backs Mikel Leshoure, Jason Ford, and Troy Pollard on the ground over the past few seasons... and a big reason why Nathan Scheelhaase has been able to find the time to hang in the pocket and let 49ers 1st round pick A.J. Jenkins use his linear speed to get behind Big-10 secondaries. Grade: B+



#74 Overall -- Donald Stephenson / OT / Oklahoma

Stephenson wasn't on my draft board, but he gained some steam after testing well athletically. I believe better tackles were available here, but the Chiefs need help on the offensive line. I think they reached here for Stephenson based on workout numbers. Grade: D



#107 Overall -- Devon Wylie / WR / Fresno St.

Decent pick here, but went about a round higher than I had him graded. Durability issues and medical is a concern. However, spectacular return man and my #8 overall slot receiver/return specialist. Grade: B-



#146 Overall -- Dequan Menzie / CB / Alabama

I watched Menzie develope into the one of the most underrated Bama DB's in this decade out of JUCO. Came in and was able to pick up Coach Saban's complex defensive schemes and play it to the letter. He always stood out in practice and continued to get better. Very physical and well put together. Terrific tackler. Would move inside and play the slot in our nickel packages. However, the only concern I have with Menzie is speed. It's hard to play CB in the NFL with 4.6 speed. He may project to safety for the Chiefs if he doesn't work out at CB in nickel or dime packages. They got a hard worker here and a good kid. My #25 overall CB prospect who I had a late 6th/early 7th round grade on. I thought they reached a little bit early for him here. Grade: C



#182 Overall -- Cyrus Gray / RB / Texas A&M

My #7 overall scatback who projects as a change-of-pace type back in a RB by committee approach. Gray led aTm in rushing the past 2 seasons while splitting carries with Christine Michael. Very effective pass catcher out of the backfield and kick returner. Solid pick here by the Chiefs. I thought he'd go in the top 150 picks. I think this kid outplays this draft slot. Grade: A-



#218 Overall -- Jerome Long / DT / San Diego St.

I didn't scout this player and will defer to the Chiefs on this pick.



#238 Overall -- Junior Hemingway / WR / Michigan

My #27 WR prospect with #2, 3, or 4 receiver potential, and was selected exactly where I had him graded in the 7th round. Hemingway's numbers suffer a little bit because of the style of offense built around Denard Robinson's skillset. However, Hemingway's cone and shuttle times at the combine were all tops in the class. Knows how to go up and get the football in jump ball situations and shows effective ball skills. Good size at 6'1", 225 pounds and effective stalk blocker in the run game. This is another kid who has the potential to outplay his draft slot if he learns how to use his natural talent to become a better route runner. Grade: B-
 
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Denver Broncos




#36 Overall -- Derek Wolfe / DT / Cincinnati

Wolfe was my #10 rated defensive tackle and I had a late 3rd/early 4th round grade on him somewhere in the 85-100 range overall. Good player who I've been pretty high on for a couple of years. Tested pretty well athletically and looked good in drills down in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. Denver had a need here and I think they reached for him by at about 50 slots. Grade: C+



#57 Overall -- Brock Osweiler / QB / Arizona St.

I had a late round developmental grade on Osweiler. I didn't like his lack of experience, or the lack of sophistication in the drop back passing game of Noel Mazzone's offense. I don't like his mechanics, the way the ball comes out of his hand, or his inability to get his offense in the best play in critical situations. I think his arm strength tends to be a little bit overrated simply due to his rare size for a quarterback. This was a tremendous reach in my opinion, but at least Denver knows that he'll sit behind Peyton Manning for as long as necessary. Grade: D+



#67 Overall -- Ronnie Hillman / RB / San Diego St.

My #4 Change-of-pace back and I had a late 3rd round grade on him. I've always liked squatty, compact backs with a low center of gravity who prove themselves as being capable of carrying the load in college. Hillman is a very patient runner that allows his blocks to develope. Capable of breaking arm tackles and finishes at the end of runs. I like his running instincts and runs stronger than his size indicates. Doesn't put the ball on the ground despite getting a lot of carries. I like this pick although he went about 20 picks higher than I thought. Grade: B+



#101 Overall -- Omar Bolden / CB / Arizona St.

Bolden was my #22 cornerback and had a 5th round grade simply due to injury and not playing a single down of college football last year. However, his talent and ability is much better than where he was selected here. All signs are that he's nearly completely healthy and he's worked extremely hard to get himself prepared for the NFL. Solid pick here and a player that I think contributes soon for Denver's defense. Grade: B-



#108 Overall -- Phillip Blake / C / Baylor

Blake was my #2 center in this draft and had a late 2nd/early 3rd round grade on him. This is what a natural snapper of the football looks like. Surprised to see him still on the board this late. Broncos got a kid with starter qualities here. Grade: A



#137 Overall -- Malik Jackson / DE-DT / Tennessee

Denver is killing it here. This was the #6 defensive end on my board who I had a late 3rd round grade on. I like him more at LDE in a 4-3, although he's an extremely versatile defensive lineman who produces and dominates no matter where he was lined up against SEC competition. I was hoping Miami would take him with their second 3rd rounder prior to the draft. Denver got another steal here in the mid-rounds. If Quentin Coples is better, I can't tell it. Grade: A+



#188 Overall -- Danny Trevathan / OLB / Kentucky

Trevathan was my #12 rated 4-3 OLB prospect and had a 5th round grade on him. He played in a defense last year under Steve Brown and Rick Minter that featured a lot of multiple sets of 4-3, 3-4, and 4-2-5 looks where Winston Guy dropped down and played nickel linebacker. Trevathan is an undersized niche linebacker in the mold of Lavonta David and Sean Spence in terms of not being a fit for every scheme, but he's an incredibly instinctive and tough kid who knows how to tackle ball carriers. He's led the SEC in tackles for the past 2 seasons. At the worst I think Trevathan makes an excellent special teams player. Grade: B
 
San Diego Chargers




#18 Overall -- Melvin Ingram / DE-OLB / South Carolina

Chargers select my #4 defensive end and #1 3-4 'rush' linebacker here with the 18th pick. I've long felt like Melvin Ingram was one of the top 10 pure talents in this draft, and one of the 5 best athletes regardless of position. Has the movement and open field running skills that can rival many of the RB's in this draft. Probably the most versatile defensive player I scouted in all of college football. He's so good that Spurrier had him on the "Hands Team" to recover onside kicks on special teams.. and in fact went up and recovered a huge one to secure the victory over Georgia. All in all, I think the Chargers got a terrific player here and also a quality kid. He'll probably push former 1st round bust Larry English out of a roster spot. Grade: A



#49 Overall -- Kendall Reyes / DT / UCONN

Reyes was my #7 defensive tackle and had an early 2nd round grade on him, and he came off the board in that range. I actually thought he'd be in play for the Colts at the top of the 2nd round when they chose Coby Fleener. This is a pretty good pick for the Chargers who got him about 15 picks later. Grade: A-



#73 Overall -- Brandon Taylor / S / LSU

They get the #3 safety on my board here who I had graded as an early 3rd round pick which is where he came off the board. I actually like Taylor better than Harrison Smith, who went in the latter part of the 1st round. Terrific player. Does everything above-average and knows how to bring the wood when he hits you, but also a reliable wrap up tackler. Chargers are off to a smokin' start. Grade: A



#110 Overall -- Ladarius Green / TE / UL-Lafayette

The #5 tight end on my board who I had given a mid-4th round grade. The Bolts get good value here for this developmental prospect with some upside as a mismatch against smaller CB's and slower LB's. Won't block you and needs some coaching and added strength....weight. Has time to develope in these areas and learn the trade behind Antonio Gates. Grade: C+



#149 Overall -- Johnnie Troutman / OG / Penn St.

Was never impressed by Troutman and left him off my draft board. Reach. Grade: D



#226 Overall -- David Molk / C / Michigan

Chargers get the #5 center on my board who I had given a 5th round grade late in the process here and get great value. Lack of ideal size pushes him down in the draft, but one of the most scrappy and competitive interior lineman in the draft. Accomplished player and All-Conference selection. Get good value here and a potential starter down the road on the pivot. Grade: B



#250 Overall -- Edwin Baker / RB / Michigan St.

#8 change-of-pace back on my board that I had given a 6th round grade. Came out early and was going to see his carries continue to dwindle like they did this year due to sophomore Le'Veon Bell next year anyway. Average prospect. Worth a late round flyer here for Chargers who got him a little later than I thought he'd come off. Grade: C-
 
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broncos drafted no weapons for manning? wow.... that team is not going to do anything. Manning always had weapons in indi.
 
Just wanted to thank you for doing all this. I value your opinion more than most "experts".

---------- Post added at 02:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:35 PM ----------

Just curious.... Are you saving Miami for last???
 
Arizona Cardinals



#13 Overall -- Michael Floyd / WR / Notre Dame

The consensus #2 wide receiver in the draft, and #1 wide receiver in the draft on some draft boards. Issues with alcohol related problems pushed him out of the top 10. Some questions about his speed, but I don't. There's a lot of receivers in this draft who "run better" than Floyd, but they can't do what he can do when the football is in the air. Annihilates the jam at the LOS and will get the 3-step passing game going in Arizona. He'll learn the trade from one of the best professionals in the business with Fitzgerald. Grade: A-



#80 Overall -- Jamell Fleming / CB / Oklahoma

I had a 3rd round grade on Fleming and my #12 rated cornerback. A difference maker in Oklahoma's secondary. Shut down a lot of good college receivers. If I were asked to choose 5 cornerbacks from this draft who I believe will go on to have the best NFL careers, Fleming would have to be one of them. Cardinals get a starter here in my opinion. Grade: A



#112 Overall -- Bobby Massie / OT / Ole Miss

Massie was my #9 rated offensive tacxkle and had an early to mid 3rd round grade on him. Good job by the Cardinals to get him almost an entire round later. Has starter qualities at RT in the right scheme. He played guard at Ole Miss for a while when John Jerry was playing right tackle back in 2009..... when Ole Miss switched 'em up and put Jerry at guard and Massie at tackle, the offensive line took off. The first game under this experiment was when Dexter McCluster rushed for almost 300 yards against Tennessee. Massie continued to man the RT spot for the Rebs, although I never understood why he wasn't playing LT instead of Bradley Sowell... Massie was clearly the better player. Grade: B+



#151 Overall -- Senio Kelemete / OT / Washington

Kelemete is a terrific athlete for his size and has nice quickness. Although he played LT for Washington, I project him to kick inside in the NFL. My #16 rated guard prospect who I had a late round grade on. The Cardinals reach for him early here. Grade: C-



#177 Overall -- Justin Bethel / CB-S / Presbyterian

This is a kid with versatility in the secondary to play cornerback and safety. My #16 rated safety and had a late round grade on him. Bethel performed very well in DB drills at the combine and showed good backpedal and transition ability. Worth a shot here for this small school stud. Grade: C+



#185 Overall - Ryan Lindley / QB / San Diego St.

Lindley could be the steal of the draft at the quarterback position if he irons out his footwork and accuracy issues. My #6 rated quarterback who I had a 3rd round grade on. One of the strongest arms in the draft. There isn't a throw that Lindley can't make. Sometimes he looks like a top 15 pick, other times he looks like a UDFA. It's the inconsistency that pushed Lindley down this far despite having one of the best physical skillsets and bodies of work in this class of QB's. One of the lowest risk/highest reward picks in this draft. The Cardinals get a potential steal at the quarterback position here. Grade: B+



#221 Overall - Nate Potter / OT / Boise St.

Never impressed with Potter and left him off my draft board. Hard to find fault in the pick this late though. Grade: C-
 
MarshallFin1 said:
broncos drafted no weapons for manning? wow.... that team is not going to do anything. Manning always had weapons in indi.
Click to expand...
Peyton Manning creates weapons. Drafting Allen helps a ton and Wylie is a good pickup if he stays healthy. If Thomas is going to step up as a WR, Manning can make him do it, and Decker had to be the happiest with Manning coming in. If Manning makes a healthy return, which I believe he will, Decker will have a hell of a year. Not to mention they brought in one of his old targets in Tamme.

If Manning is back, that team wins the division (mostly because Norv Turner sucks).

---------- Post added at 10:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:05 AM ----------
jmo543 said:
Just wanted to thank you for doing all this. I value your opinion more than most "experts".

---------- Post added at 02:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:35 PM ----------

Just curious.... Are you saving Miami for last???
Click to expand...
Looks like he's just starting in the west and working his way east. Probably more to keep it orderly than anything.
 
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