It's been 20 years since I first became hooked on the NFL Draft. That same year, in 1992, the Indianapolis Colts were the first team on the clock. They were also the second team on the clock as they possessed the first two picks in that draft, taking defensive tackle Steve Emtman (Washington) number one overall and linebacker Quentin Coryatt (Texas A & M) second overall to shore up a lousy defense. No other team in recent history has been in that position. It would appear that the Colts had a lot to look forward to in the upcoming years, at least on defense, right? Wrong. Neither one of these guys actually panned out and the Colts spent the next several years trying to recover.
So goes the story of the life of an NFL prospect. The lesson learned is that it is one thing to look like a potential pro on the college playing field but it is a completely different challenge to actually be a pro once a young man gets drafted. Everything in life becomes vastly different, more demanding, and it takes a motivated individual with the right mental capacity to succeed in the NFL. In other words, don't get your hopes up too much that the latest influx of talent to your favorite team is going to make them an immediate Super Bowl contender. In fact, you should be happy if all the guys just drafted are still even on the roster this time next year. The only sure bet to be given a long-term shot to prove themselves are the first round picks, and I'm willing to bet that even they don't become the player you originally envisioned them becoming.
With the 2012 edition of the draft in the books last month, many of us fans are feeling the Christmas hangover. We are excited about our new toys, but we can't wait 'til next year. The annual event live from Radio City Music Hall itself was an event filled with cheers, boos, hugs, and bold predictions, because as we know, Americans love their reality T.V. and the NFL knows how to put on a show. Too bad there's only about a 30% chance that any of these guys will actually become known as real professionals.
With that in mind I have to admit that I'm just not as enamored with all the pre-draft hoopla that builds up in the previous months leading up to the draft anymore. It just seems so 90's to me. Mock drafts are a dime for every 100 dozen you can find online and they all look the same and none of them are right on how it all pans out. Nobody is really an expert on the subject, unless being an expert means that you are dead wrong in your predictions two-thirds of the time. So, I gave it all up.
Just with the mock drafts, everybody comes out with their draft grades right after it ends, long before any of these players even step foot on a professional practice field. It just all seems so diluted and downright silly a bit if you ask me. I know I've been more guilty than most over the years at being a draft nerd but as the years, along with the drafts and seasons that go with them, have gone by, so has the luster of receiving a shiny new prospect in the first round.
To really grade each team on how they drafted we have to look at current drafts three years from now. If guys that were drafted this year can't carve out a niche for themselves in the NFL within three years, then you can easily say that they are indeed a bust. It is impossible to judge a player after one year of professional football. It is continuously worth noting that players need a year or two to really develop into true professionals and some positions, such as quarterback often take longer.
Having said all that, I have set out to hash through this year's draft and compare it to the three previous drafts for each team. Perhaps we can get a clearer picture of where each team is actually headed in the on-field talent department and get a clearer picture of the type of team that is being developed there.
I am not trying to play "crystal ball" here or give a third-eye's view of things to come, but I hope that we can gain a more realistic view of the future of our respective beloved teams based on the type of talent they have continuously brought in over the last few years.
Arizona Cardinals:
2009 Draft:
Running backs Beanie Wells (1st Rnd) and LaRod Stephens-Howling (7th Rnd) both averaged about four yards per carry in 2011, which bodes well for the team going into 2012. However, neither guy seems like a dependable go-to player. Defensive back Rashad Johnson is a nice sub-player in the secondary but nobody else stands out at all. I would give this class a C- due to the lack of overall depth.
2010 Draft:
Linebacker Daryl Washington (2nd Rnd) is the gem of this draft. He led the team in tackles last year and looks like the leader of the defense for the foreseeable future. Wide receiver Andre Roberts (3rd Rnd)had 51 catches in 2011 and should get a lot of playing time in three and four receiver sets in 2012. Linebacker O'Brien Scholfield (4th Rnd) has nabbed 6.5 sacks as a backup the last two years. Quarterback John Skelton may be the best QB on the roster but he is currently stuck behind starter Kevin Kolb. First round pick Dan Williams, a nose tackle from Tennessee, has not collected a sack and the run defense, which he should be helping to improve, ranked 21st in the league in 2011. If he doesn't improve this year he will be officially labeled a "bust". Overall, I would say this draft class deserves a B- despite Williams' shortcomings.
2011 Draft:
Cornerback Patrick Peterson (1st Rnd) played extremely well as a rookie, collecting 64 tackles, two interceptions, and scored four touchdowns on punt returns! He is legit and opposing teams may stay away from him. Sam Acho (4th Rnd) had seven sacks as an outside linebacker in 2011, continuing a trend of mid-round selections making a difference for the Cardinals. So far no other player from this draft has paid out much in returns so this class gets a C+ but it realistically is too early to tell.
2012 Draft:
The selection of wide receiver Michael Floyd is a simple ploy to get other teams not to focus on Larry Fitzgerald so much. If they don't, the Cardinals hope that Floyd and 2010 draft pick Andre Roberts can take advantage. Taking three tackles and two corners fills two needs. Hopefully by going with quantity the organization can conjure up at least one quality offensive lineman. QB Ryan Lindley could turn out to be the second best passer on the roster, behind 2010 pick John Skelton. As you can tell, I'm not really sold on Kevin Kolb.
Outlook:
Over the past few years the Cardinals have done a decent overall job of strengthening their defense by selecting a few guys that have made immediate impacts on the field. They have also added good depth to their offensive skilled positions and now, hopefully, they have done the same to their O-line. If 2010 first round pick Dan Williams can become a stout run-defender and receiver Floyd pans out as expected, any fan could say that this team has drafted as well as anybody. That is a big "if", however, and the fact that the QB situation is in disarray only complicates matters.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: QB Tyler Wilson (Arkansas), QB Landry Jones (Oklahoma), DT Star Lotulelei (Utah)
Atlanta Falcons
2009 Draft:
Defensive tackle Peria Jerry (1st round) has thus far been a bust, a lot of which is due to injury, but the rest of this draft class has been just as dismal. If any draft class is worth an "F" grade it is this one.
2010 Draft:
Outside linebacker Sean Witherspoon (1st Rnd) and cornerback Dominique Franks (5th Rnd) have been nice contributors on defense and center Joe Hawley (4th Rnd) has managed a doze starts, but nothing really stands out from this class either. If anything, this is just another below average class. I'll give it a D+.
2011 Draft:
Receiver Julio Jones (1st Rnd) was put on the spot after the team traded away several picks, including a first rounder in 2012, in order to get the former Alabama standout. He produced 54 catches for 959 yards (17.8 yds/rec) and eight TD's, which is great for a rookie, but only punter Matt Bosher, a sixth round pick, has been nearly as productive at his respective position. If running back Jacquizz Rodgers does better than his 3.6 yards per carry and one TD then we might really have something to talk about here. Until then it's another below average grade due to the fact that they gave up so much for one guy.
2012 Draft:
With no first round pick due to the trade up the previous year to get Jones, the team was left picking after all the premium talent was long gone. Center Peter Konz (2nd Rnd) is the only guy worth noting here as I don't think the other men drafted are worthy of being NFL players.
Outlook:
Judging by the way the team has drafted the last few years, it does not appear that the team will be ready to compete much in the near future unless it does a better job in free agency. Do not be surprised if this team makes the playoffs in 2012 and then falls off the map in a few years.
Four-Year Draft Grade: D
2013 Prospects to Watch: DE Brandon Jenkins (Florida State), DT Bennie Logan (LSU), S Tony Jefferson (Oklahoma)
Baltimore Ravens
2009 Draft:
Offensive tackle Michael Oher (1st Rnd) has lived up to all the hype and started 48 consecutive games in his three years since being drafted. He might not be too flashy but he has been solid. Defensive end Paul Kruger (2nd Rnd) went out and got 5.5 sacks as a backup last season, and cornerback Ladarius Webb (3rd Rnd) has become a fulltime starter and a definite keeper on defense. If you hit on the first three picks of any draft the rest really doesn't matter too much. I'll give this group a B.
2010 Draft:
This year is the make or break year for pass-rusher Sergio Kindle (1st Rnd). His first two seasons were injury-plagued nightmares. Nose tackle Terrence Cody (2nd Rnd) has gotten some tackles while splitting some playing time, but he has not been too spectacular. Tight ends Ed Dickson (3rd Rnd) and Dennis Pitta (4th) both caught a lot of balls last season while averaging about 10 yards per catch between the two of them. Defensive lineman Arthur Jones hasn't been much of a factor but he seems to be improving. The jury is still out on Kindle and Jones, but if one of them can pull through for the team it would give this class a higher grade than the C it is getting from me right now.
2011 Draft:
Cornerback Jimmy Smith (1st) was okay as a rookie but there is definitely room for improvement. Hopefully he can show more natural instincts without relying on athleticism too much to make plays. 50 catches for seven TD's makes Torrey Smith (2nd) somebody worth keeping an eye on in 2012. Pernell McPhee (5th) earned six sacks as a rookie, making him another second year player worth watching as well. If Jimmy Smith improves his play this class could receive an A-. Until then, it gets a C- because of the lack of depth.
2012 Draft:
The first two picks, being defensive end Courtney Upshaw (2nd) and offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele (2nd), are both potential starters within the first two years. The rest is a hodge-podge of players hoping to be backups someday. I see this group eventually earning a B- grade as long as Upshaw contributes heavily on defense in the near future.
Outlook:
The Ravens have done a reasonably good job of drafting players but bad luck in the form of injuries have not allowed these classes to fully develop to their fullest potential. If the organization keeps it up, Joe Flacco can continue to be mediocre and the team should still find itself competing for an AFC East Division Championship on a regular basis.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: LB Manti Te'o (Notre Dame), OLB/DE Barkevious Mingo (LSU), DL Johnathon Hankins (Ohio State)
Buffalo Bills
2009 Draft:
Defensive end Aaron Maybin (1st) was one of the biggest busts of the previous decade. That's what you get when you draft for need though. Center Eric Wood (1st) has contributed a lot more on the field but was injured for seven games last year. DB Jarius Byrd (2nd)is a starter that was third on the team in tackles in 2011 and G Andy Levitre (2nd) has started 48 consecutive games. When you get three consistent starters out of a draft then you can honestly say you did well. Take out the Maybin pick and I'd give this one a B-.
2010 Draft:
Running back CJ Spiller (1st Rnd) has not been the game-breaker that everybody envisioned but he did average 5.2 yards per carry and caught 39 passes in 2011. He just hasn't shown a nose for the end zone yet, scoring only seven TD's in two years. Defensive linemen Torell Troup (2nd) and Alex Carrington (3rd), and linebackers Arthur Moats (6th) and Danny Batten (6th) have regularly contributed as backups and special teams players. The overall depth has been solid from this group.
2011 Draft:
DT Marcel Dareus (1st) was a 1 game starter as a rookie and if he continues to improve he will be a handful for opposing blockers, capable of drawing double and triple teams. DB Aaron Williams (2nd), LB Kelvin Sheppard (3rd), DB Da'Norris Searcy (4th), and OT Chris Hairston (4th) all saw a lot of action as rookies as well and they will at least be good backups for the near future. Three other players from this draft also contributed as backups and special teams players, which leads me to give this group a B+, but it could turn out to be even better if everybody keeps developing as pros.
2012 Draft:
I'm not completely sold on CB Stephon Gillmore (1st), but I see the need to stockpile your secondary with talent in today's NFL so I can't argue with the pick. Taking OT's Cordy Glenn (2nd) and Zebrie Sanders (5th) were great moves and both guys could turn out to be critical additions to the team sooner rather than later. The rest of the class is filled with guys that have a good chance of contributing early on in their careers.
Outlook:
The Bills have been competitive despite losing 10 games last season. They are a young team that has talent and I would not be surprised to see them compete for a playoff spot in 2012. If QB Ryan Fitzpatrick can put to rest any doubts about his ability to lead the team and the roster begins to jell, this team could be very dangerous come January, especially with any kind of home-field advantage.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: OL Barrett Jones (Alabama), QB Tyler Wilson (Arkansas), QB Logan Thomas (Virginia Tech)
The Carolina Panthers
2009 Draft:
DB's Sherrod Martin (2nd) and Captain Munnerlyn (7th) have both contributed, but none of the other players, including DE Everrette Brown (1st), are no longer on the team. If it wasn't for Martin, this class would be a complete failure.
2010 Draft:
QB Jimmy Clausen (2nd) is a decent backup that could become good trade bait for the team if he delivers big this preaseason. WR Brandon LaFell (3rd), DE Greg Hardy, and DB Jordan Pugh (6th) have all garnered some playing time, and Hardy is a starter, but all of them need to step up there game in order to make this class a winner.
2011 Draft:
QB Cam Newton makes this class a winner. Personally, I was surprised they picked him number one overall and I was even more surprised when he delivered on the field, completing 60% of his passes for over 4,000 yards as a rookie! If he continues to rise up to the challenges of playing in the NFL then we could be on the brink of witnessing greatness in Carolina. Too bad the team keeps whiffing on most of their picks though. DT's Terrell McClain (3rd) and Sione Fua (3rd) played a lot as rookies too, but both have a lot of work to do in order to make a real impact on defense. If it weren't for Newton, this class would get a big fat "F".
2012 Draft:
LB Luke Kuechley (1st) looks like a three-down player capable of running the defense. DE Frank Alexander (3rd) and CB Josh Norman (5th) could really help out the depth at their positions, and both could be starters in a few years. OT Amini Silatolu (2nd) and WR Joe Adams (4th) both will get a shot at filling a spot in the Sunday lineup this year but they are in need of a lot of development before they can be regular starters.
Outlook:
The Panthers have failed miserably in their scouting department over the last few years, but the presence of budding star Cam Newton at QB this team has a chance to compete every week. However, the lack of overall depth and starters produced from the draft recently could be just enough to keep this team out of the playoffs every year. The organization better hit on Kuechly and do better in free agency if it really wants to be a contender for the Division.
Four-Year Draft Grade: D
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: WR Robert Woods (USC), CB David Amerson (N.C. State), OL Barrett Jones (Alabama)
Chicago Bears
2009 Draft:
WR Johnny Knox and DE Henry Melton have been the only players to contribute from this class, and Knox is a second or third option at best while Melton is best served as a rotational backup. The team made no picks in the first or second round so it is a bit unfair to judge them too harshly. At least they got something out of it.
2010 Draft:
Once again the team had no first or second round picks. Safety Major Wright (3rd) has developed into a solid starter and OT JaMarcus Webb has been thrust into the starting lineup, getting the nod in all 16 games last year. QB Jay Cutler was sacked 49 times in 2011 though, so guys like Webb will have to play better along the front line.
2011 Draft:
Finally the Bears get picks in the first two rounds, but OT Gabe Carimi (1st) was injured after two games and never returned to the field. DT Stephen Paea (2nd) played a lot as a backup and could get more looks with the starting unit. DB Chris Conte (3rd) made nine starts but he looks better suited as a backup and special teams player.
2012 Draft:
The Bears desperately needed help on the O-line but none were selected by the team. It did get a nice addition on defense in DE Shea McClellen (1st). He should help with the pass-rush and add toughness on the edge. WR Alshon Jeffery could pair up with recently acquired Brandon Marshall to finally give Jay Cutler some play-makers downfield. If Jeffery had a decent QB to throw to him in college he could easily have put up bigger numbers. Let's face it though, Stephen Garcia sucked!
Outlook:
Missing the first two rounds completely for two straight years really hurt the team's chances of drafting a handful of quality players. However, the team did about as good as can be expected with what they had. Now, if Carimi can get healthy and nail down one of the tackle spots for a full season we will have a much better idea of what type of player he actually is at the pro level. Cutler and everyone else in Chicago are hoping he can pull through. McClellen and Jeffery need to emerge in some capacity at some point this season in order for this team to really compete for a playoff spot once again.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: DT Johnathon Hankins (Ohio State), CB Johnthan Banks (Mississippi State), Manti Te'o (Notre Dame)
Cincinnati Bengals
2009 Draft:
OT Andre Smith (1st) and LB Rey Maualuga (2nd)have been starters since coming to town and DE Michael Johnson (3rd) gets a lot of playing time. Kevin Huber (5th) has become a decent NFL punter, averaging 44.2 yard average and dropping 24 of them inside the 20 in 2011.
2010 Draft:
TE Jermaine Gresham (1st) and DT Geno Atkins (4th) have developed into reliable starters. DE Carlos Dunlap (2nd) can be a very good player when he wants to be. He had 9.5 sacks as rookie but only 4.5 in 2011. WR Jordan Shipley (3rd) is a serviceable player that runs great routes and fits in nicely as a third or fourth receiver. This was another strong draft for the Cincinnati franchise.
2011 Draft:
The jury is still out on most of the guys in this class. However, QB Andy Dalton (2nd) appears to be the starter for the foreseeable future, starting all 16 games and throwing 20 TD's. WR AJ Green (1st) caught 65 of those passes and turned them into 1057 yards of offense. The team expects this pair of players to connect a lot on the field.
2012 Draft:
CB's Dre Kirkpatrick (1st) and Shaun Prater (5th) should help bolster the secondary and help defend receiver-heavy passing attacks. Kirkpatrick might not be the best cover-man but he should be able to jam receivers, play zone, and make tough tackles on ball-carriers. OG Kevin Zeitler (1st) should help the team get more push up front in the running game and the D-line got a boost in depth with the addition of Devon Still (2nd) and Brandon Thompson (3rd). If Still is motivated he could prove to be one of the great steals of the draft because the raw talent is there. The talent pool at WR got a bit deeper with the selections of Mohamed Sanu (3rd) and Marvin Jones (5th), and TE Orson Charles (4th) could help stretch the seam down the middle of opposing defenses in two-tight end sets. I'm willing to bet that this turns out to be one of the strongest group of players picked this year.
Outlook:
If the group of players that the Bengal's organization has assembled over the last few years can take their game to the next level, they could be contenders for the Division crown. Do not be surprised if we see them in the playoffs at the end of this season.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B+
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: S Eric Reid (LSU), RB Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina), DE Bjoern Werner (Florida State)
Cleveland Browns
2009 Draft:
C Alex Mack (1st) is a full-time starter and WR Mohamed Massaquoi (2nd) looks to be a solid number two or three option in the passing game for years to come. WR Brian Robiskie (2nd) was projected to become a go-to possession-type receiver but he failed miserably and is now floundering to reach double-digit catches in Jacksonville.
2010 Draft:
CB Joe Haden (1st), S TJ Ward (2nd), and G Shawn Lauvao (3rd) have all been starters and are expected to play well in 2012. QB Colt McCoy (3rd) is a good player but the organization is not sold on his abilities as a starter. He should be a great backup somewhere for a long time and eventually could become a nice player similar to what Doug Flutie became for the Bills in the 90's. RB Monatrio Hardesty (2nd) has struggled to make an impact but should be a nice backup to newly acquired Trent Richardson. This class should get a solid "B" grade.
2011 Draft:
DT Phil Taylor (1st) and DE Jabal Sheard (2nd) both like good fits in the AFC East Division, combining for 12.5 sacks and five forced fumbles as rookies. WR Greg Little (2nd) had 61 receptions. At 6'2" and weighing 220 lbs, he proved to be a handful for NFL DB's. If these guys keep developing the Browns will have three very good players on their roster.
2012 Draft:
The team is banking on RB Trent Richardson, the third pick overall, being a game-changer for them. If he does become an Adrian Peterson-like difference-maker then it really doesn't matter too much who players QB, but just to be safe the team drafted the 28 year-old Brandon Weeden just to be sure. Weeden is more physically gifted than Colt McCoy and his learning curve should be a bit steeper than most rookie QB's. The team also did a nice job of addressing the O-line, D-line, and LB positions in the later rounds. They may have bagged a total of three new starters and several new backups and special teams players.
Outlook:
The Browns have realistically done as good a job as anybody over the last few years at drafting quality starters and role players. They've hit on their last four first round picks, including 2007 number three overall pick Joe Thomas. This team could surprise many this season, as long as Richardson and Weeden improve the offense. The team expects Richardson to gain at least 1,500 yards from scrimmage and get double-digit TD's and for Weeden to put on an Andy Dalton-like performance this year. However, I would have to guess that it will be another year before we start seeing some real return on these latest investments. On paper, this appears to be a roster on the rise and fans should have a lot to look forward to in the next decade. This team could use another weapon to emerge on the perimeter of the offense, but there's always next year.
Four-Year Draft Grade: A-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: WR Robert Woods (USC), DE Bjoern Werner (Florida State), LB Jarvis Jones (Georgia)
Dallas Cowboys
2009 Draft:
Absolutely one of the worst drafts in the last decade. No first or second round picks tend to have that effect though. The team basically has nothing to show from this class and what makes it even worse is the fact that the team traded away the 20th overall pick to Detroit for WR Roy Williams. Doh!
2010 Draft:
WR Dez Bryant (1st) has had an up and down two-year career and he seems to be walking a fine line between NFL star and bankrupt dropout; everybody seems to be waiting for him to screw up. LB Sean Lee (2nd) has been great and DT Sean Lissemore played in every game in 2011, credited with two sacks as a backup.
2011 Draft:
OT Tyron Smith (1st) started every game as a rookie but the jury is still out on what type of player he will become in the NFL. RB DeMarco Murray has flashed some ability but has also been plagued with injuries and inconsistency. C Bill Naggy (7th) started four games in a pinch last year as well. He should help with depth but it's very questionable that he is starter material. LB Bruce Carter (2nd) looks like he wants to continue the long-standing tradition of UNC draft busts.
2012 Draft:
Everybody had Morris Claiborne picked to go to the Bucs at #5, but they didn't want him due to his inability to tackle, which is something all great defenders should be able to do. In Claiborne, the 'Boys may have gotten a guy that will blanket guys down the field, preventing some big plays in the passing game, but good running backs and bigger receivers will attack his side of the field. Judging by Jerry Jones' past few drafts, I wouldn't expect anything to come out of the later rounds in this draft.
Outlook:
It can be argued that nobody is worse at selecting talent than Jerry Jones and company. If it weren't for a couple standouts the team would get an "F". Good thing the team is not afraid to sign big-time free agents or they would be run out of every NFL stadium year after year.
Four-Year Draft Grade: D
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: DE William Gholston (Michigan State), DE Jackson Jeffcoat (Texas), TE Tyler Eifert (Notre Dame)
Denver Broncos
2009 Draft:
RB Knowshon "No Show" Moreno (1st) has been disappointing and LB Robert Ayers (1st) has been easily overshadowed by other players. Possibly the best player in the group is CB Alphonso Smith (2nd). He has had eight INT's over the last two years...while playing in DETROIT!
2010 Draft:
Oh boy, this is an interesting class. The team has gotten four offensive starters in WR Demaryius Thomas (1st), G Zane Beadles, C JD Walton, and WR Eric Decker. It also sold a lot of jerseys and garnered a ton of national attention with the entertaining play of QB Tim Tebow last season. The team made the playoffs but Tebow has been traded to the Jets along with half of the Broncos 2011 fan base.
2011 Draft:
LB Von Miller (1st), the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the pro-bowl after wreaking havoc all over the field in 2011. FS Rahim Moore (2nd) started some games but needs to continue improving. OT Orlando Franklin (2nd) was a steal with the 46th overall pick. It looks like the team nabbed at least two long-term starters and several role-players and backups.
2012 Draft:
The team traded out of the first round to move up in the fourth and it got an interesting mix of players, but they all appear to be backup material to me. QB Brock Osweiler (2nd) has a great opportunity to sit his 6'7" frame behind one of the all-time hardest working QB's in the game and learn how to succeed.
Outlook:
Peyton Manning has signed on to take the team to the next level and remind everybody in the Rocky Mountains how a real QB throws the ball, but it's hard to say how the Denver Broncos will look in a few years, after the Peyton Manning "era" is over. This team has improved over the last year and it is not a big secret what they want to do this up-coming season: Win and AFC Championship! They've put some nice pieces in place but it would help greatly if the guys still around from the 2009 draft class would step up and play some damn ball.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: WR Keenan Allen (Cal), OT D.J. Fluker (Alabama), LB Manti Te'o (Notre Dame)
Detroit Lions
2009 Draft:
This will go down as a classic draft for Detroit. QB Mathew Stafford (1st) threw for 5,038 yards and 41 TD's and TE Brandon Pettigrew (1st) caught 83 of his passes. Pettigrew is the guy that the Lions ended up with in the Roy Williams to Dallas trade. FS Louis Delmas (2nd) and LB DeAndre Levy (3rd) have also made a difference as starters on defense and DT Sammie Lee Hill (4th) is a heavy part of the Lions deep D-line rotation. LB Zach Follet (7th) did start some games in 2010 but missed all of 2011 with a serious neck injury and it doesn't look like he will ever come back. Getting four quality starters out of any draft is great, especially when one turns out to be a franchise QB.
2010 Draft:
Despite his dip in stats in 2011, Ndamukong Suh is a force on the D-line, drawing double team attention early and often. His presence allows other guys to step up. DE Willie Young (7th) is one of those other guys as he got three sacks last year as a backup. RB Jahvid Best (1st) is a great weapon out of the backfield, but he only managed to play in six games last year. He needs to stay healthy in order for the offense to take the next step. DB Amari Spievey started 16 games at safety last year and could possible play as a zone corner as well.
2011 Draft:
DT Nick Fairley barely got his feet wet as a rookie as he battled injuries early on in the season, but he made some splash plays down the stretch. The team has high hopes for him in 2012, despit his recent arrests. WR Titus Young (2nd) caught 48 of Stafford's throws and turned them into six TD's. He seems to be a nice fit in the offense and has displayed a fiery, if a bit immature, disposition. RB Mikel LeShoure (2nd) was suppose to be the big do-it-all work-horse back but he missed all of 2011 with a bad knee injury. The injury was so bad, in fact, that he needed some marijuana to help ease the pain, which he got busted for twice in a two-week period last month. It looks like he will be missing more time to come.
2012 Draft:
They finally took the O-lineman that everybody's been clamoring for in Riley Reiff (1st). He seems to be a similar type of player that LT Jeff Backus has been over the last decade, and the Lions are content with that. The team also got a potential steal in WR Ryan Broyles (2nd) if he can recover from an ACL tear. I mean, he was one of the most prolific receivers in NCAA history in one of the top conferences for god's sake. I also love the move of grabbing three DB's and three LB's with the remaining six picks. Those are definitely positions of need and the team is hoping they can at least hit on a couple of these guys. LB Ronnell Lewis (4th) and CB Dwight Bentley (3rd) are two guys worth keeping an eye on to at least grab a spot in some sub packages. At the very least, the Lions may walk away with some very good special team's players.
Outlook:
The Lions have hit a few picks right out of the park over the last few years. Stafford and Suh alone both are huge additions. This is a team that has got a lot of people talking around the league due to the wealth of young talent on the roster. If they can improve upon a successful 2011 campaign they should be able to challenge for a shot at the NFC Championship for the next several years.
Four-Year Draft Grade: A
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: CB Xavier Rhodes (Florida State), S T.J. McDonald (USC), C Kahled Holmes (USC)
Green Bay Packers
2009 Draft:
NT BJ Raji (1st) and LB Clay Mathews (1st) were big players in the team's run to the Super Bowl two years ago and they should be mainstays in the front seven for a while. OT TJ Lang has 19 starts on his resume, including all 16 games in 2011 and DE Jarius Wynn has been a nice backup, getting four starts last season and garnering three sacks.
2010 Draft:
OT Bryan Bulaga (1st) has been okay while starting 24 games in the last two seasons. He needs to stay healthy and play a little tougher though. DL Mike Neal (2nd) has been a huge disappointment thus far but SS Morgan Burnett (3rd) started all 16 games last season and made 107 tackles. OL Marshall Newhouse started 13 games last season and RB James Starks has a 4.2 yard per carry average over the last two seasons.
2011 Draft:
The team made 10 picks in this draft, but only a few players have shown anything in their first year in the NFL. OT Derrick Sherrod only appeared in five games with no starts so there's not much tape on him yet. WR Randall Cobb (2nd) did get 25 receptions and scored two TD's on kick/punt returns. If he keeps being productive like that on special teams he will have been worth the pick. LB DJ Smith (6th) did get three starts and made 43 tackles but I don't feel the franchise is set on him being a starter yet. Hopefully this class keeps developing and the Packers get at least four players that can contribute out of it.
2012 Draft:
I am not sold on OLB/DE Nick Perry (1st) being able to come in and start right away. The team may have panicked and jumped the gun in order to get a pass-rusher as I felt there were several better players, including DE/OLB's Courtney Upshaw and Andrew Branch, still on the board at the time. However, time will only tell which was the better choice in this craps shoot. I do love the picks of DT Jerel Worthy (2nd), OLB Terrell Manning (5th), and OT Andrew Datko (7th) though.
Outlook:
No other team in the league has more upside than Green Bay. They have drafted well enough to keep the roster loaded with quality depth, as well as a few play-makers on both sides of the ball. They definitely need several young players to step up and perform on defense in order for them to make a run at a Super Bowl once again this season.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C+
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: CB Johnthan Banks (Mississippi State), S TJ McDonald (USC), S Tony Jefferson (Oklahoma)
Houston Texans
2009 Draft:
The Texans got two quality players in LB Brian Cushing (1st) and DE Connor Barwin (2nd), the latter of which nabbed 11.5 sacks in 2011. DB Glover Quinn has been a starter for most of the last three seasons but it would be nice if he made more splash plays. A few others guys do contribute as well, which makes this class solid overall.
2010 Draft:
RB Ben Tate appears to be the best player out of the nine players selected in this bunch, and he is a backup to starter Arian Foster. DB Kareem Jackson (1st) has played a lot, starting 29 games in two seasons, but he hasn't made too much of name for himself quite yet.
2011 Draft:
Houston got a nice boost to its defense with DE JJ Watt (1st) and OLB Brooks Reed (2nd), and the team was 2nd in the league in total defense last year. Both guys should be huge contributors for the team in the near future and beyond. Backup QB TJ Yates (5th) proved his worth by starting five games and playing fairly well when Matt Schaub went out with an injury. Could he be "the QB of the future?" for the Texans.
2012 Draft:
It appears the team wants to keep up the pace of being one of the best defensive teams in the league, despite the loss of DE/OLB Mario Williams in free agency. DE Whitney Mercilus (1st) could help ease that loss. With Barwin and Brooks playing well Mercilus won't be thrust into the starting lineup too quickly. Taking three OL's and two WR's in the later rounds tells you that they are trying to shore up some depth issues at those positions.
Outlook:
After drafting well on defense over the last several years the Texans have put together a really good unit at stopping both the run and the pass. It is hard to say what the impact of losing Williams and LB DeMeco Ryans will be but I still think they'll be fairly good for some time. Besides Tate, there hasn't been a decent offensive player to come out of any draft class in recent years, but if Matt Schaub can stay healthy the playoffs will not be out of reach in 2012. In fact, Houston should be the favorites to win the AFC South Division.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: OT Jake Mathews (Texas A & M), OT Oday Aboushi (Virginia), WR Justin Hunter (Tennessee)
Indianapolis Colts
2009 Draft:
DB Jerraud Powers (3rd) and WR Austin Collie (4th) have both been nice compliments to their respective units and several other guys have been at least part-time starters, including RB Donald Brown (1st), Fili Moala (DT), and P Pat McAfee. However, nobody really stands out from this class as star.
2010 Draft:
DE Jerry Hughes (1st) was suppose to be the second coming of Dwight Freeney but he hasn't done much in his two seasons. LB Pat Angerer (2nd) has gotten in on 236 tackles, playing more like a first rounder than Hughes. LB Kavell Conner has started 24 out of 32 games in his career as well. Without the those two LB's this class would be a complete failure so far.
2011 Draft:
This group was hit hard with injuries last season so it is impossible to determine what the Colts actually got in this draft. However, from what we have seen it appears OT Anthony Castonzo (1st), DT Drake Nevis (3rd), RB Delone Carter (4th), and DB Chris Rucker (6th) are all capable of helping this team in some capacity. At this point, however, this conversation will have to be continued next year.
2012 Draft:
Personally, I have a tendency to think that both QB Andrew Luck (1st overall) and TE Coby Fleener (2nd) are a little overrated. To call Luck "a sure thing" and say that he's the best QB prospect in the last 20 years is just too much for me, but that doesn't mean he wasn't worth the first pick overall. He may turn out to be pretty good but the chances of him picking up where Peyton Manning left off in Indy are slim. TE Dwayne Allen (3rd), WR TY Hilton (4th), DT Josh Chapman (5th), and RB Vick Ballard (5th) all had good value in the rounds they were selected and each one of them could find roles on the team very quickly if they work hard enough. The grade on this class will hinge upon whether or not Luck comes through like his predecessor did in the 90's.
Outlook:
This is a hard team to gauge. They have not hit on many first round picks as of late but they've done well in the later rounds over the years. Obviously there are lot of things that need to come together to make this team a winning franchise once again. It's a safe bet to assume it w
ill be a few years before we start seeing just how good the last few draft classes are on the field.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: WR Robert Woods (USC), DE Sam Montgomery (LSU), OT D.J. Fluker (Alabama)
Jacksonville Jaguars
2009 Draft:
OL Eugene Monroe (1st), DT Terrence Knighton (3rd), and WR Mike Thomas (4th) have all started and had their moments over the last few years but they all need to be more consistent at executing their assignments on Sundays. OL Eben "Brittle" Britton (2nd) has missed too much time with injury to be a factor, which is a shame because this team could use another blocker ASAP.
2010 Draft:
The Jaguars surprised everybody when they took Tyson Alualu with the 10th pick in the first round. He had generally been rated a second rounder by most NFL teams. DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants 15th pick) and FS Earl Thomas (14th pick) both would have been better additions to the defense at that point in the draft. Yes, both were available. Hell, they should've just taken Tim Tebow instead and sold a ton of jerseys because at this point nothing of notable quality has come out of this class. I hate to say it, but Tebow would at least make the city of Jacksonville a little interesting.
2011 Draft:
G Will Rackley (3rd) started 14 games as a rookie and gained some valuable experience. QB Blaine Gabbert (1st) started 14 as well, but his performance was more noticeably shaky. He looked scared and out of control at times, often missing his targets severely. I wouldn't bank on him being able to overcome his issues but it appears the team doesn't have any other choice but to see if Gabbert can pull through. A year on the bench might do him some good in the long run.
2012 Draft:
One of the reasons Gabbert had so many problems may have been the fact that the roster was lacking any legitimate receivers to catch passes. WR Justin Blackmon (1st) may just be the man for the job. He is big (6'1" 207 lbs), strong, and has displayed the type of body control that receivers in the NFL need. I really don't care how fast he is as long as he is tough. DE Andre Branch (2nd) might just be the best end on the team as soon as he steps foot on the field.
Outlook:
The Jags are the hardest team to watch in the NFL. They have picked up a few nice players here and there but the team lacks any stars that help grab headlines and they have reached too high for players based on need. However, if Gabbert improves and Blackmon and Branch both show up ready to play as rookies this team could surprise some folks in the AFC South Division.We shall see ow the Gabbert thing works out.
Four-Year Draft Grade: D+
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: QB Matt Barkeley (USC), QB Tyler Wilson (Arkansas), DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo (LSU)
Kansas City Chiefs
2009 Draft:
DL Tyson Jackson (1st) is a decent player but he isn't worth the third overall pick that the team spent on him. DB Donald Washington (4th) is a nice backup as well, but when the best player to come out of a draft class is K Ryan Succop that you got in the seventh round then you need to have a long talk with your scouting department and coaches.
2010 Draft:
After a pro-bowl caliber rookie year S Eric Berry (1st) spent 15 games on the injured/reserved list. TE Tony Maeaki (3rd) is a similar story with 47 catches in 2010 and none in 2011. Hopefully those two guys can come back strong for the Chiefs in 2012. RB/KR Dexter McCluster (2nd), CB Javier Arenas (2nd), S Kendrick Lewis (5th) and G Jon Asamoah (3rd) have all been regulars in the Sunday lineup and more is expected of all four in the near future. If injuries don't become a recurring issue this could be one of the best classes in Chiefs' history, with as many as six starters/sub players and at least one all-pro emerging out of it.
2011 Draft:
LB Justin Houston (3rd) was the only player from this group to make an impact on the team, although DE Allen Bailey (3rd) and WR Jon Baldwin (1st) have flashed the potential that got them drafted in the first place so there is still hope they will develop into real players.
2012 Draft:
In a not so surprising move Kansas City took possibly the most overrated prospect that looked better at the combine than he does on film. I am willing to bet that DT Dontari Poe (1st) was not in their top 30 picks of prospects three months ago, and he was taken with the 11th pick in the draft. Only time will tell if he booms or busts. OL Jeff Allen (2nd) and OT Donald Stephenson (3rd) should help bolster the O-line down the road. Allen might be able to start right away at guard. The depth at WR and CB possible improved with some key late round selections.
Outlook:
The AFC West could be supremely competitive this year as all the teams look okay and none of them are great. The Chiefs have a good shot at sneaking into the playoffs while all the attention is turned to Peyton Manning in Denver. I like the team they have assembled in Kansas City, although several guys they've drafted high need to take on bigger roles and start taking their game to the next level in order for the team to truly be formidable.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: QB Tyler Wilson (Arkansas), QB Tyler Bray (Tennessee), LB Manti Te'o (Notre Dame)
Miami Dolphins
2009 Draft:
CB's Vontae Davis (1st) and Sean Smith (2nd) came in and performed very well as rookies but their productions has been spotty over the last three years. The 'Fins pass defense ranked 24th in the NFL last season, albeit partly due to the fact that the team only collected 31 sacks. QB Pat White (2nd) never even came close to showing a glimpse of the player we saw for four years at West Virginia. The team could really have used a guy of his ability. Apparently though, he just wasn't interested and went on to try his hand at baseball. This class is teetering on the edge of being a bomb.
2010 Draft:
After battling an injury for most of his rookie season, Jared Odrick (1st) came around to start seven games and finished 2011 with six sacks. The team has hopes of him becoming an anchor along the D-line for a long time to come. LB Koa Misi (2nd) was being talked up to shore up the pass-rush issues when he was drafted but he has only managed 5.5 sacks in 20 starts. G John Jerry was the only other player of consequence coming out of this draft but he may be on the verge of being cut in 2012 if something doesn't click.
2011 Draft:
RB Daniel Thomas (2nd) was another player being highly touted as he was brought in to improve the rushing attack, especially between the tackles, in order to relieve pressure off the passing game and open up lanes for Reggie Bush on the perimeter. Thomas couldn't figure it out though and only managed 581 yards rushing with zero TD's. C Mike Pouncey (1st) started all 16 games. He looks like he will be there for a while. FB/HB Charles Clay (6th) made nine starts and caught 16 passes, yet it is unclear what his possible role in the future will be with the 'Fins.
2012 Draft:
If I were a Miami Dolphin fan I would not be comfortable with the team handing a starting job to QB Ryan Tannehill (1st). If he can improve his vision on the playing field and read defenses better he could develop into a Brett Favre-type gunslinger with the arm strength to put the ball all over the field. The only lingering problem might be a penchant for throwing INT's. If the organization really wants him to develop, they will probably need to give Tannehill at least one year as a backup. I love some of the later picks, including OT Jonathan Martin (2nd), TE Michael Egnew (3rd), RB Lamar Miller (4th), and WR BJ Cunningham (6th).
Outlook:
It's hard to imagine the Dolphins making a run for the playoffs in the AFC East any time soon. It will take a lot of hard work and fine tuning to get this roster ready. It appears to be a two year project at least. Although, there are a few nice players on the squad that could help keep it interesting until everything starts to mesh, and if everything goes according to plan this should be a team on the rise soon enough.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: WR Robert Woods (USC), DE/OLB Sam Montgomery (LSU), OLB Jarvis Jones (Georgia)
Minnesota Vikings
2009 Draft:
The Vikings made five picks in this draft and they produced five players that have made several starts for the team. WR Percy Harvin (1st), OT Phil Loadholt (2nd), and S Jamarca Sanford (7th) were all full-time starts in 2011, while CB Asher Allen (3rd) has played in a lot of sub packages and has made 21 starts. LB Jasper Brinkley was on the verge of nailing down a full-time starting spot until a knee injury derailed his career.
2010 Draft:
DB Chris Cook (2nd) was the first pick for the Vikings and he has yet to grab an INT in the NFL while getting plenty of opportunities. RB Toby Gerhart (3rd) filled in admirably when Adrian Peterson went down with an injury in 2011. The team will need more consistency out of him in 2012 though. DE Everson Griffen (4th) played well as a backup last year and nabbed four sacks. QB Joe Webb (6th) has made three starts and averages 6.8 yards per carry while showing some promise as a capable backup. He will at least provide some fun competition at the position in training camp.
2011 Draft:
QB Christian Ponder (1st) actually exceeded my expectations as I was surprised the team drafted him as high as they did. With better protection and a sound running game he could continue to improve upon his 54% completion rate and 13-13 TD to INT ratio. At this point we will just call this pick a "push". TE Kyle Rudolph (2nd) could be the next "big" thing in the NFL as the position is seemingly reemerging throughout the league. His 6'6", 256 lb frame provides a big target with soft hands and good route-running skills. Look for him to improve upon his 26 catches and three TD's. The rest of the group is compiled of training camp fodder and backup material.
2012 Draft:
The team manipulated Cleveland into trading up one spot and the Vikings still got the man they wanted in OT Matt Kalil (1st). He is expected to be the starter from day one on the left side and if he doesn't become an all-pro at some point in his career here he will be viewed as a bust. The team also made a nice move to trade back up into the first round in order to grab S Harrison Smith, who looks like a sound tackler and defensive signal-caller. He definitely helps fill a need as Minnesota was 31st in points given up in 2011. They continued to hit the secondary hard by taking two corners later on and also looked to bolster the depth at WR with the drafting of two Arkansas Razorbacks in the fourth round, being Jarius Wright and Greg Childs.
Outlook:
This team has the potential to compete with the veterans it has on the roster but some youth at key positions, such as QB, could hold them back another year or two. With Green Bay, Chicago, and now Detroit all looking like playoff contenders it is just hard to envision the Vikings doing anything of significance this year.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: CB David Amerson (NC State), S Eric Reid (LSU), WR Keenan Allen (Cal)
New England Patriots
2009 Draft:
13 picks were made by the Patriots in '09. With all the credit that the franchise gets from talking heads for drafting so well one would think they got some real players out of it right? Nope. Only two guys have contributed much and even that has been met with mixed reviews. Most of the guys drafted here are not on the team any more and a few of them are no longer even in the league. If a team has four picks in the second round and two in the third they should at least get two or three quality players. S Pat Chung (2nd) was the team's top pick, and he has been a starter, but he is just an okay player on one of the league's worst defenses.
2010 Draft:
TE's Rob Gronkowski (2nd) and Aaron Hernandez (4th) combined for 169 receptions for 2,237 yards and 24 TD's in 2011. No other TE combination has ever had production like that in the NFL. Gronk was almost uncoverable and both guys together made up greatly for an anemic rushing game. CB Devin McCourty (1st) has been decent but he could use some help from the pass-rush. OLB Jermaine Cunningham (2nd) was suppose to do just that but his one sack in two seasons just plain sucks. LB Brandon Spikes (2nd) is coming along and Punter Zoltan Mesko (5th) has become a fixture. The Pats have gotten some great production out of this crop of players, but they made 12 picks in this draft and only came away with four or five players.
2011 Draft:
OT Nate Solder (1st) looks like he will be okay at left tackle for a while and RB Stevan Ridley (3rd) averaged 5.1 yards per carry. He'll have to get more than one TD per season in order to really make an impact though. The jury is still out on this crop but as a whole the signs do not look good. Out of nine players selected there might only be two that stick around.
2012 Draft:
The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to get DE/OLB Chandler Jones out of Syracuse and LB Donta Hightower out of Alabama. Both should be starters immediately on a porous defense. Hopefully, they can help the team both stop the run and rush the passer because that is exactly what this team needs to make another real run at a Super Bowl. The other five players look like bait to me, but CB Alfonzo Dennard (7th) could become a very good sub-package player and possibly a starter if he works hard enough to improve.
Outlook:
Simply put, as long as Tom Brady is the QB of this team they have a shot at getting into the playoffs and making a January run. Do not be surprised to see them representing the AFC once again in the next Super Bowl. However, when you consider this team's recent draft record one could say that they are easily one injury away from being a 3-13 team as well.
I eventually envision the wheels falling off this wagon.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: DE Brandon Jenkins (Florida State), LB Chase Thomas (Stanford), DB Tyrann Mathieu (LSU)
New Orleans Saints
2009 Draft:
CB Malcolm Jenkins (1st) and P Thomas Morstead (5th) are both considered safe bets to retain their positions as starters in 2012. The team only had four picks so this didn't turn out too bad.
2010 Draft:
TE Jimmy Graham (3rd) had 99 receptions last year, CB Patrick Robinson is a decent nickelback and part-time starter, and OT Charles Brown (2nd) has filled in admirably when called upon and could have a future as a starter somewhere. All in all, this is not a bad group of players.
2011 Draft:
Nobody put on a show as a rookie last season, but the hope remains that RB Mark Ingram (1st), DE Cam Jordan (1st), and LB Martez Wilson (2nd) will all one day develop into dependable starters.
2012 Draft:
The Saints didn't have much to work with here as they didn't have a pick until the fifth round. DE Akiem Hicks (3rd) is an intriguing prospect that I believe has a chance to become a dominant player. The raw ability is there but he'll need some fine tuning. WR Nick Toon (4th) could develop into a solid pro much like some of the other Saints' receivers have after being late round selections.
Outlook:
The Saints are a lot like the Patriots due to the fact that they probably wouldn't win half of their games if it weren't for their QB. The NFC South is a very competitive division and all three of the other teams, being the Falcons, Panthers, and Buccaneers, are capable of making a run for the playoffs in 2012, and with Head Coach Sean Payton and MLB Jonathan Vilma suspended for a season, as well as several others receiving smaller punishments, this is already shaping up to be a very painful year for the franchise.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: OT Jake Mathews (Texas A & M), WR Justin Hunter (Tennessee), DT Kawann Short (Purdue)
New York Giants
2009 Draft:
WR Hakeem Nicks (1st) and OT William Beatty (2nd) were well worth the picks as both have been starters. Nicks is about as solid as any receiver in the league. Nobody else from this class has made much noise though.
2010 Draft:
DE Jason Pierre-Paul (1st) has only started 12 games in his career, all coming in 2011 when he recorded 16.5 sacks. That is some awesome production from a part-time starter! DT Joseph Linval (2nd) and G Mitch Petrus (4th) are both at least good backups and part-time starters. Joseph started 15 games for the Super Bowl champs last season. The Giants only made six picks in this draft but came away with some good value.
2011 Draft:
LB's Greg Jones (6th) and Jacquian Williams (6th) both made two starts as rookies and both played well enough to be considered possible future starters. CB Prince Amukamara (1st) underperformed and missed nine games with injury.
2012 Draft:
RB David Wilson (1st) looks the part of a tough all-around runner to add to the rotation and help eat up yards in the Giants offense. WR Rueben Randle (2nd) and CB Jayron Hosley (3rd) both will get opportunities to claim a roster spot and get some playing time on Sundays. The Giants offense may have just gotten better as a whole.
Outlook:
The Giants, fresh off another win over the Patriots in the Super Bowl, have a lot to be positive about on the roster. They have drafted fairly well, hitting big on a couple first round picks and scoring some players in some of the later rounds as well. They do need a couple players drafted high in '11 and '12 to step up and perform sooner rather than later though. It will be tough to repeat as NFC Champs but one should never count the Giants out with that D-line taking over games.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: OT Chris Faulk (LSU), S T.J. McDonald (USC), DE Alex Okafor (Texas)
New York Jets
2009 Draft:
The Jets had three picks in 2009 and came away with three starters. QB Mark Sanchez (1st) hasn't been brilliant but there are worse passers starting elsewhere. RB Shonn Greene (3rd) and G Matt Slausen (6th) both are starters and have improved each year in the league.
2010 Draft:
With four picks here the team only drafted seven total players in two consecutive drafts. CB Kyle Wilson (1st) is a part-time starter and sub-package player but he hasn't been a standout in New York. OT Vladimir Ducasse (2nd) still has a lot of growing to do but he managed to dress for all 16 games last year and even started one. RB Joe McKnight (4th) has been a nice backup and return man and FB John Connor is a regular on Sundays as well. At least the Jets are making the most out of the few picks they have had.
2011 Draft:
DT Muhammed Wilkerson (1st) started all 16 games as a rookie and managed to get three sacks. He could be an anchor up front for a long time. It's still too early to tell if the rest of the class' lack of production is a sign of things to come or just an aberration. However, WR Jeremy Kerley (5th) did have 29 receptions.
2012 Draft:
The Jets took a couple big risks in the first two rounds with the selections of DL Quinton Coples (1st) and WR Stephen Hill (2nd). Both are great athletes that didn't put up big numbers in college. Hill was a victim of the system he was in that ran all the time and Coples seemed to lack motivation. I don't like players from UNC very much because they often seem to bomb.
Outlook:
Based solely on how the team has drafted over the last four years it isn't hard to figure that the team should remain competitive in the AFC East Division. Although they have lacked the sheer number of picks, they have done well with the few picks that they've had. If a few of the picks from the last two classes step up to the challenge the team could finally make that run at the Super Bowl that they've been talking about for a few years.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: S Eric Reid (LSU), LB Manti Te'o (Notre Dame), LB Jarvis Jones (Georgia)
Oakland Raiders
2009 Draft:
WR Darius Heyward-Bey may not be living up to his billing as the 7th overall pick, but his 64 catches for 975 yards last fall are not bad numbers. If he could find the endzone more often then he would officially drop the "bust" label that has continuously been hovering over his head. S Mike Mitchell (2nd) is a decent backup and WR Louis Murphy (4th) is a solid third or fourth option in the receiving rotation. The team may be relying on DE Matt Shaughnessy to return from injury and be a bigger part of the defense after only playing three games last year.
2010 Draft:
His 184 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his first two seasons officially make LB Rolando McClain (1st) the new leader of the defense. He looks like all-pro material but is battling some knee pain already at 22 years old and he could be facing a suspension from the league due to some off-field transgressions. DE Lamarr Houston (2nd) and OT Jared Veldheer (3rd) are regulars in the Sunday lineup and WR Jacoby Ford has provided some big-plays on offense and special teams. Despite missing eight games last year, Ford has contributed nine TD's in his first two seasons. I expect to see more of him in 2012. So far this has turned out to be a great draft class for the Raiders.
2011 Draft:
C Stefan Wisniewski (2nd) started for the team as a rookie and looks like he'll be a decent pro. It's way too early to tell about the rest of the group though. The team did not have a first round pick in this draft.
2012 Draft:
This year, the Raiders did not have a first or a second round draft pick. OL Tony Bergstrom (3rd) might contribute at guard and WR Juron Criner (5th) could turn out to be a steal. I don't really expect too much from the six guys the team took though.
Outlook:
Not having those early picks in the last two drafts really hurts in the young talent department. However, the team has done okay at developing some talent and the could end up with a dozen or so players from the last four drafts that become nice pros. If the QB situation is stable this team could make a run at the playoffs, but it is more likely they will be selecting in the top 10 in next year's draft.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C+
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: QB Matt Barkeley (USC), QB Tyler Wilson (Arkansas), QB Logan Thomas (Virginia Tech)
Philadelphia Eagles
2009 Draft:
WR Jeremy Maclin (1st) has been good, catching 63 balls for 873 yards last season. RB LeSean McCoy has been a game-changer for the offense though, rushing for 1,309 yards and 17 TD's. He also has 166 receptions on his professional resume so far. One could make the argument that McCoy is the most irreplaceable player on offense going into 2012.
2010 Draft:
Hopefully DE Brandon Graham (1st) can regain his college form after missing most of the last year recovering from Microfracture surgery in his knee. He did have three sacks in six starts as a rookie before being injured so there is a lot of hope that he'll recover. S Nate Allen (2nd) is a starter with some decent results, nabbing five INT's in his first two seasons as a pro. The coaches think he can take it up another notch. FS Kurt Coleman (7th) started 13 games at the other safety spot in 2011 and the Eagles' defense ranked 10th in the NFL against the pass.
2011 Draft:
Several players, including G Danny Watkins (1st), LB Casey Mathews (4th), and LB Brian Rolle (6th), started some games as rookies. If they can all improve and regain their starting spots it will go a long way towards improving the team's chances late in the season.
2012 Draft:
DT Fletcher Cox (1st) was my favorite DL prospect of the guys that were drafted in the first round. He reminds me a little bit of the Vikings' Kevin Williams with an ability to man-handle some quality opponents. Mychal Kendricks was one of my favorite second round prospects. His speed, quickness, and agility are rare traits in linebackers. Taking QB Nick Foles (3rd) and CB Brandon Boykin (4th) were nice choices. Both could be starters in two or three years. The team continued stockpiling talent at DE by taking Vinny Curry with the 59th overall pick.
Outlook:
The Eagles have done very well as drafting talented players in nearly all rounds of the draft. Over the last four years they have potentially acquired a dozen guys that will be leading this team into playoff battles in another four years. If I liked the Eagles I'd be excited, but I don't so I am not. Their D-line could be really sick and dangerous in the near future.
The one thing that is very interesting to me is the idea that the team could start looking for a replacement for Vick as soon as next year.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B+
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: OL Barrett Jones (Alabama), DE William Gholston (Michigan State), QB Logan Thomas (Virginia Tech)
Pittsburgh Steelers
2009 Draft:
The only player that really keeps this draft from being a total bomb is WR Mike Wallace (3rd). He has played like an elite receiver the last few years, collecting over 3,200 yards and 24 TD's since being drafted. DL Ziggy Hood (1st) is nothing special but he isn't horrible either.
2010 Draft:
G Maurkice Pouncey (1st) is an all-pro and LB Jason Worilds (2nd) has been a nice backup, chipping in five sacks in his first two seasons. WR Antonio Brown (6th) had 69 receptions in 2011 and Emanuel Sanders has been a decent backup there as well, which helps make this class pretty solid despite that fact that six of the 10 selections made do not look like they will be pros for too long.
2011 Draft:
Nobody has stood out from this crowd quite yet. DE Cam Heyward (1st) played sparingly. OT Marcus Gilbert (2nd) was thrust into the lineup, starting 13 games out of necessity, but he was overwhelmed at times. Give them a few years and both players could be reliable starters.
2012 Draft:
G David Decastro (1st) and OT Mike Adams (2nd) both could start immediately for the Steelers, who are in need of more talent up front to open up running lanes and protect Ben Roethlisberger. LB Sean Spence (3rd), DT Alameda Ta'amu (4th), and RB Chris Rainey (5th) could all find roles in the near future as well.
Outlook:
A few players stand out from the last four drafts but there is a lot left to be desired overall. You can never count the Steelers out though, as they do a good job of coaching up players and grooming them to work within the systems. Give them a couple years and more names from these drafts might start appearing in the box scores. With the state of the AFC the Steelers could win some games come January.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C+
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: TE Tyler Eifert (Notre Dame), DE Jackson Jeffcoat (Texas), DT Star Lotulelei (Utah)
San Diego Chargers
2009 Draft:
DT Vaughn Martin (4th) started 15 games for the NFL's 20th ranked rush defense. First round pick Larry English was brought in to be a pass-rushing linebacker but he has been often injured and lacking in sacks. G Louis Vasquez (3rd) is a starter but the Chargers haven't been scaring anybody while running the ball lately so that might not be saying much.
2010 Draft:
RB Ryan Mathews (1st) came around last season and rushed for a 1,000 yards. He needs to step up his game a little more in 2012. LB Donald Butler (3rd) started every game in 2011 and the team is high on him. DT Cam Thomas (5th) chipped in four sacks as a backup and could get more PT soon.
2011 Draft:
DL Corey Liuget (1st) was a flop in his rookie season. He needs to stop getting pushed around. DB Marcus Gilchrist (2nd), WR Vincent Brown (3rd), and G Stephen Schilling (6th) all appear capable of being solid pros. I Liuget figures out how to play and LB Jonas Mouton (2nd) shows up at all this group could turn out to be stellar.
2012 Draft:
The team may have finally gotten the pass-rusher it's been looking for all along in DE/OLB Melvin Igram (1st). DT Kendall Reyes (2nd) should at least add more depth up front and the rest of the crew has a solid shot at making the roster as backups. TE Ladarius Green (4th) could prove to be a valuable weapon for the Chargers soon enough.
Outlook:
There are not any players that really stand out from any of the last four drafts, but things could change for a few guys very quickly. There is talent on this team, as there has been for the last decade, but somebody needs to step up and become a leader soon or they will miss the playoffs a lot in the near future.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: WR Keenan Allen (Cal), OL Barrett Jones (Alabama), LB Chase Thomas (Stanford)
San Francisco 49ers
2009 Draft:
It looks as though WR Michael Crabtree (1st) is the only player to emerge from this class. He caught 72 passes for 800 yards and four TD's in 2011. The team would like to see a little more from him but it would take a little more play-making and creative ability from the QB position.
2010 Draft:
OL Anthony Davis (1st), OL Mike Iupati (1st), and LB Navarro Bowman (3rd) have all become full-time starters and huge additions to this football team. All three should be mainstays for a while in San Fran.
That's all you need to know about this group.
2011 Draft:
DE/OLB Aldon Smith (1st) was taken with the seventh overall pick and finished the season with 14 sacks. He looks like all-pro material and one of the best players to come out of the '11 draft. RB Kendall Hunter (4th) chipped in nearly 500 yards on the ground while backing up starter Frank Gore, and DB Chris Culliver (3rd) played well as a backup in the secondary too. It appears that this is a small, but solid group of players to be drafted, but some of the other guys might still have a real shot at making names for themselves.
2012 Draft:
It was an interesting move picking WR AJ Jenkins (1st) with the 30th overall pick. Most "experts" had him rated as a second or third round playr but he possesses the ability to get deep. The team then turned some more heads when it picked RB LaMichael James (2nd), who could end up being a game-changer on offense if he can stay healthy. If he plays well he could be the second or third running back on the depth chart and get 5-8 touches from scrimmage per game. He has the ability to catch the ball and make plays in the open field while averaging over five yards per carry.
Outlook:
For a young team fresh off a very good season there will always be some hype, especially when there is a fiery young coach involved, such as Niners' skipper Jim Harbaugh. However, nobody seems to be sold on this team being able to repeat the success it had enroute to a 13-3 record. Some of that was obviously attributed to a weak division in the NFC West. However, things could be very different with Arizona, Seattle, and St Louis all making moves to improve their respective positions in the standings. The jury is still out on the QB situation, as 2011 seems more like an aberration at this point in starter Alex Smith's career. However, with a tough as nails defense and a solid stable of running backs that includes an all-pro starter (Gore) you cannot count this team out. At worst they seem like an 8-8 team.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: OT Jake Mathews (Texas A & M), QB Tyler Bray (Tennessee), OT Oday Aboushi (Virginia)
Seattle Seahawks
2009 Draft:
LB Aaron Curry (1st) was projected to be the best player in the '09 draft and he is finally making some waves as a player. The only problem is that he is now in Oakland. OL Max Unger (2nd) is a full-time starter that can play center and guard and WR Deon Butler has shown he can be a decent backup when healthy. If it was not for Unger this class would've been a disaster.
2010 Draft:
This crop of talent has shown thus far that it is a lot better than the previous one. OT Russell Okung (1st), S Earl Thomas (1st), and S Kam Chancellor were all full-time starters in 2011 and all three are looking to improve in 2012. WR Golden Tate (2nd), DB Walter Thurmond (4th), and TE Anthony McCoy (6th) contributed more last season than they did as rookies with each of them getting at least one start. If this group keeps improving it could turn out to be the best crop in 2010.
2011 Draft:
The 'Hawks surprised everybody when they took OT James Carpenter (1st) with the 25th overall pick. The consensus was that Carpenter would've been available later in round two. He did start nine games as a rookie though, as did G John Moffit (3rd). Both have nice size (6'4" 320 lbs) and could be the final pieces to the O-line they are building in Seattle. LB KJ Wright (4th) collected 65 tackles and two sacks while started most his rookie campaign. DB Richard Sherman also started most of last season and he nabbed four INT's.
2012 Draft:
Once again the 'Hawks surprised the entire league by reaching for a player, this time being DE Bruce Irvin (1st), way ahead of most other NFL teams' projections. He looks like a he has the makings of an outstanding pass-rusher but he may always be a liability against the run due to his lack of size and overall strength at the position. LB Bobby Wagner (2nd) may even claim a starting spot in 2012 before Irvin does, hopefully filling out the linebacker position for the team. QB Russell Wilson (3rd) and RB Robert Turbin (4th) both could turn out to be steals in a few years and the rest of the 10 players selected should compete for playing time as backups and on special teams.
Outlook:
The Seattle Seahawks landed prized free agent QB Matt Flynn after he exploded for 480 yards and six TD's in the last game of the season while filling in for a playoff bound Aaron Rodgers after the Packers clinched the #1 seed. He will battle with incumbent Tavaris Jackson for the starting job. In order for either one of these guys to succeed, however, the young O-line needs to stay healthy and find some cohesion as a unit. If they can be dominant, the offense has a chance to grind out yards on the ground and produce some open space for receivers down field. The organization has shown in recent years that it is not afraid to take a risk on a player, whether it's through the draft or free agency, and as a result there is a lot of young talent on the depth chart with some red flags. If Head Coach Pete Carroll can get the most out of it this team could compete for a wild card, but I'm willing to bet that they are a 9-7 team that just misses out on the party.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C+
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: DT Johnathon Hankins (Ohio State), DE Barkevious Mingo (LSU), DE Sam Montgomery
St Louis Rams
2009 Draft:
OT Jason Smith (1st) was the second overall player selected and was suppose to be the cornerstone of the front line. He has been plagued with injuries and inconsistencies over the last three years tough, and it is uncertain what his future looks like as a Ram. LB James Laurinaitis (2nd), on the other hand, has been a leader since stepping foot in St Louis and the defense instantly improved with him in the lineup. DB Bradley Fletcher (3rd) is capable of being a starter if he can stay healthy.
2010 Draft:
It is unclear at this point whether or not QB Sam Bradford (#1 overall) will be the star signal-caller that the organization is hoping for as his first two years were filled with highs and lows. His rookie campaign saw him complete 60% of his passes for over 3,500 yards and 18 TD's, which was promising, but then he took a step back in 2011 while struggling to complete 53% of his passes and missing six games with injuries. Needless to say, we will need to see significant improvement in his game in 2012 for there to be any real hope. OL Rodger Saffold (2nd) has started every game he has played but he needs to play a little better while staying healthier. Injuries to both him and Smith contributed a lot to the team's offensive struggles. DB Jerome Murphy (3rd) spent all of 2011 on injured reserve but he could be a huge factor for the team in the near future.
2011 Draft:
I had DE Robert Quinn (1st) pegged as a bust when he was drafted 14th overall last year, but he managed to record five sacks despite only starting one game as a rookie. The team hopes that bringing him along slowly aids in his professional development. TE Lance Kendricks (2nd) and WR's Austin Pettis ((3rd) and Greg Salas (4th) all showed some promise as rookies while getting some significant playing time. A lot more will be expected of them in the future.
2012 Draft:
The Rams made some nifty trades down and picked up a lot of ammo in the later rounds, as well is in future drafts. The team finally settled on DT Michael Brockers (1st) with the 14th pick. He definitely has all the tools to become a very good player in the middle of the D-line but history has shown that guys like this don't usually pan out. It's just hard to project how tough a kid is going to be going against grown professional men in violent situations within confined spaces. WR Brian Quick (2nd) will need some time to be groomed after playing in the FCS but CB Janoris Jenkins (2nd) should at least step in and be the team's nickleback right away. Do not be surprised to see Jenkins in the starting lineup sooner rather than later. RB Isiah Pead (2nd), CB Trumaine Johnson (3rd), and WR Chris Givens (4th) all will be given an opportunity to play right away for the Rams.
Outlook:
With new coach Jeff Fisher at the helm do not be surprised to see this team improve greatly and make the playoffs. They were 8-8 two years ago and suffered through some bad injuries last season. If those guys can come back and several of the young guys drafted over the last two years can take their game up another level, then you may just see them winning the NFC West outright behind a rising QB and a top 10 defense.
Four-Year Draft Grade: C+
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: OL Barrett Jones (Alabama), OT Jake Mathews (Texas A & M), WR Justin Hunter (Tennessee)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2009 Draft:
In his 40 starts since being drafted into the NFL, QB Josh Freeman (1st) has completed 60.5% of his passes for over 8,000 yards and 51 TD's. Those are nice numbers and are a sign that Freeman has what it takes to succeed as a pro QB. He just needs to grow into a leadership role a little more. He seemed to take a step back in 2011 after a stellar sophomore campaign in 2010 but those types of growing pains are to be expected. 2012 will tell us a little more about him. DT Roy Miller (3rd) does not collect a lot of sacks but he is a nice player to have in the rotation. DB EJ Biggers (7th) and WR Sammie Stroughter (7th) have had their moments but both have been plagued with inconsistency.
2010 Draft:
This is a tough class to grade so far. WR Mike Williams (4th) was a steal while catching 65 passes in each of his first two seasons. His TD's dipped from 11 as a rookie to just three last season but he has thus far outplayed WR Arrelious Benn (2nd), who has a total of 55 catches and five TD's on his resume. DT Gerald McCoy (1st) was considered a "can't-miss" prospect but he has missed 13 games with injuries. He hasn't been very productive when healthy either, collecting only four sacks in 19 games, but the new coaching staff seems to have a lot of hope for him to still make waves on the gulf coast. There is a chance he could play some end too. I actually liked DT Brian Price (2nd) more than McCoy coming out of college. Price missed 11 games as a rookie but came back and started 14 games in 2011. The Bucs are looking for him to quietly churn out a solid campaign this year. S Cody Grimm (7th) was a huge surprise as a rookie, starting nine games and nabbing two INT's, one of which he returned for six. Again, the injury bug has prevented Grimm from further developing his craft on the field as well. LB Dakota Watson (7th) looks like a good special teams player that has the ability to start a few games per season on defense when duty calls. Of the nine picks made in this draft, eight are still on the roster and six of them now have starting experience. IF they could only stay healthy...
2011 Draft:
DE Adrian Clayborn (1st) was a highlight as a rookie and the organization expects him to be a force on the line for the next decade. Fellow DE Da'Quan Bowers (2nd) started "gettin' it" halfway through the season just as the rest of the team started to tank. He now tore his achilles during offseason workouts and may not be back until next year but if the team makes the playoffs he could make it back just in time for a January run. LB Mason Foster (3rd) started 15 games as a rookie and made some splash plays. If he can play with more consistency he should be a formidable defender for years to come as well. Another good job by the Buc's scouting department.
2012 Draft:
The team traded down early in the first and took the best defender in the draft, S Mark Barron (1st), seventh overall. They then traded back up into the first to get RB Doug Martin (1st) and then once again traded up into the second round to nab LB Lavonte David (2nd). All three are expected to either start or garner significant playing time in sub packages as rookies. The other four players look fit to compete at positions of need. Keep your eye on CB Keith Tandy (6th) and RB Michael Smith (7th). I believe there's a good chance that one or both of these guys become regulars in the game-day lineups in another year.
Outlook:
After going 10-6 in 2010 and then riding an eight-game losing streak to close out a 4-12 season last year, the team is a bit of an enigma. However, many people around the league are keeping their eyes on the Bucs and very few would actually be surprised to see this team make the playoffs this year. There are a lot of high hopes after the team brought in Greg Schiano as the new HC and then spent some money on the best free agent haul of the 2012 off-season. One that brought WR Vincent Jackson and G Carl Nicks to One Buc. With all the turmoil in New Orleans it is anybody's division for the taking, and for Tampa it's really just a matter of getting all the young talent on this roster on the same page. Remember, the NFC South has a history of seeing the worst team from the previous year making the playoffs the following year. 2012 could be no different.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: CB Johnthan Banks (N.C. State), OLB Sean Porter (Texas A & M), DT Kawann Short (Purdue)
Tennessee Titans
2009 Draft:
Some of the guys taken here, like WR Kenny Britt (1st), TE Jard Cook (3rd), and DB Jason McCourty (6th) have show they can play in the NFL. The question now remains whether or not they can do it consistently. So far, only McCourty has proven that he is really up to for the task after collecting 103 tackles, two INT's, and one sack last season. Britt needs to keep his head on straight after teetering a fine line between being the team's best receiver and criminal has-been. He also just had a second knee operation but the team says he will play in 2012.
2010 Draft:
I wasn't sold on DE Derrick Morgan (1st) and he only got to the QB two and a half times while starting 10 games and playing in 15 last season to prove that those who doubted him were right. Of course the coaching staff expects him to "blossom" in his third year. I say don't hold your breath. WR Damien Williams (2nd) has impressed and keeps improving. He is a smooth athlete that will be the team's second or third receiver and he will start on most game days. CB Alterraun Verner (4th) looks the part and has played well at times but his play has been inconsistent overall.
2011 Draft:
The team made a serious move to draft QB Jake Locker (1st), who was projected to be the top prospect if he had come out a year earlier. The Titans wisely brought him along slowly as he only appeared in five games, throwing for four TD's, no INT's, and posting a 99.4 QB rating. If the team really wants to develop and nurture his talents they will wait to see if he can win the starting job rather than just handing it to him just to see what he can do. One more year on the bench would be good for him. LB Akeem Ayers (2nd) was an instant starter and DT Jurrell Casey (3rd) earned 15 starts as well. Both played fairly well as rookies while the defense ranked 8th in points allowed. LB Colin McCarthy (4th) was in the starting lineup seven times and managed to make 78 tackles and caused three turnovers. DL Karl Klug (5th) looked like a steal by nabbing seven sacks as a backup. I'll be interested to see how this group looks in 2014.
2012 Draft:
WR Kendall Wright (1st) could be a perfect compliment to the other receivers on the roster. He is well-built and can do a lot of different things with the ball. Hopefully, he will help turn short passes into big gains and occasionally take the top off opposing defenses. LB Zach Brown (2nd) and DT Mike Martin (3rd) look like role-players in the team's front seven rotation. Both are physically gifted athletes that haven't been great in terms of production at the college level. Nothing stands out after that.
Outlook:
This team will take a little time to develop into a true contender but the talent is there to make the playoffs this year, especially when you consider the other teams in the division and the fact that QB Matt Hasselbeck might just have one more good season in him before the team really considers replacing him with Jake Locker.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: CB David Amerson, OT Chris Faulk, DT Bennie Logan (LSU)
Washington Redskins
2009 Draft:
OLB Brian Orakpo (1st) is a good starter and DB Kevin Barnes (2nd) is an okay backup, but the rest of this class took a dump and hasn't amounted to much.
Luckily, Orakpo looks like he should be a good player for a while.
2010 Draft:
OT Trent Williams (1st) and LB Perry Riley (4th) may turn out to be decent starters at their respective posts but once again the rest of the class decided not to show up. Williams needs to stay healthy but he has the tools to be an anchor on the line.
2011 Draft:
OLB/DE Ryan Kerrigan (1st) looks like a nice compliment opposite Orakpo after garnering 7.5 sacks as a rookie last season. Roy Helu (4th) and Evan Royster (6th) look capable of contributing as the second and third backs in a three-man rotation. Neither really looks to be top-notch starter quality but in today's NFL it may just be better to have a stable of three or four decent players instead of one real star. DB DeJon Gomes (5th) and G Maurice Hurt (7th) both started a few games each but it remains to be seen if they can be dependable starters in the long-term. Several others can be good backups but it really is too early to tell.
2012 Draft:
QB Robert Griffin III (1st) doesn't look like any other QB in Redskins' history. He will take some time to develop properly but the chances are that he'll get thrown to the wolves in 2012. With that in mind the Redskins went on to draft three offensive linemen throughout their remaining eight picks in hopes of providing RGIII with some help up front. I love the drafting of QB Kirk Cousins (4th). He gives the team a more traditional prospect to develop at QB. There is not controversy here. It is RGIII's job to lose. Cousins just gives the team some added security down the road.
Outlook:
I do not foresee this team being very successful this year but they could surprise with an improving defense and a solid stable of young running backs. In another year or two this could be the team to beat in the NFC East if a QB emerges, particularly if it's RGIII.
Four-Year Draft Grade: B-
2013 Draft Prospects to Watch: CB David Amerson (N.C. State), S Eric Reid (LSU), WR Robert Woods (USC)
