2009 NFL Draft Grades: All 32 Teams

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OT Sebastian Vollmer was a surprise second rounder but he was the sleeper lineman in the draft and has left tackle potential. WR/KR Brandon Tate is a nice talent but is further proof that the Patriots don't value character anymore than other teams. The failure to land a 3-4 rush linebacker was a surprise in a draft deep at the position.

New York Jets - Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets are the anti-Patriots. While the Patriots accumulate picks, the Jets can't give them away fast enough. Joking aside, the Jets got their top target in Mark Sanchez in a creative package that did not include a 2010 draft pick.

Trading up to get Shonn Greene was a solid move considering Thomas Jones' age and contract situation. That said they only had three picks giving them just 11 selections in three years and they did not add any talent to a wide receiver position in need of a deep threat. Ultimately Mark Sanchez will make or break this draft.

St. Louis Rams - Did well in Rounds One and Two, filling their needs for a LT and MLB with top talents Jason Smith and James Laurinaitis, but their day two selections were nothing special.

Grade: C+

Arizona Cardinals - RB Beanie Wells fills the team's need for a power back to provide balance to the offense in round one. Second rounder OLB Cody Brown could fill their pass rusher need down the road. S Rashad Johnson was a solid pickup in round three.

G Trevor Canfield could also be a nice late round pick.  After years of loving the Cardinals drafts on paper, this one looks more solid than special.

Jacksonville Jaguars - They did an excellent job of filling their needs at offensive tackle with Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton.  Also took the anti-Matt Jones route by selecting two undersized but true wide receivers in Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard  in the middle rounds. 

Trading a 2010 second rounder for CB Derek Cox feels like a reach and DT Terrence Knighton is not likely the answer inside.

Miami Dolphins - Did a great job upgrading their top need by drafting big, physical corners Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.  QB Pat White is a perfect fit for the wildcat who could some day press Chad Henne for the starting job.

Patrick Turner was a major reach in round three as were several of their day two selections. I do like the pick of Brian Hartline (although a round early), he is fundamentally sound like teammate Brian Robiskie and has the look of a quality special teamer.

Grade: C

Detroit Lions - Added the best QB, TE and S in the draft in Matthew Stafford, Brandon Pettigrew and Louis Delmas but struggled to get tough in the trenches on day two.  How a team allowing the second most sacks in the league (52) can fail to add an offensive lineman to protect their $41 million investments until round seven is beyond me.
 
Kansas City Chiefs - Scott Pioli deserves credit for acquiring Matt Casell for his second rounder and getting a 2010 second-round pick for Tony Gonzalez but had a pedestrian draft weekend with the Chiefs.  Failing to trade down made him reach for DE Tyson Jackson at No. 3.

Jackson is a good prospect but drafting a 3-4 DE in the top five is the same as taking a guard or center in the top five. DE Alex Magee was a surprise in round three which emphasized the team's need to get tougher up front. 

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