(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
They attacked most of their needs in the draft with gusto. I thought they got great value with each pick.
GRADE : A +
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Bengals 2009 draft mirrored the Marvin Lewis era, as far as being up and down. They drafted Smith when Monroe was still on the board. It is a huge gamble.
Smith has struggled with his weight his entire career, as well as having well documented character issues. He also can be lazy. He reminds me of former Raider first round draft pick Robert Gallery, meaning he might be better suited to playing guard.
The Bengals have been trying to trade veteran starter Levi Jones, but have found no takers for that talented and injury prone LT. Monroe grades better as both a run and pass blocker, and is more ready to be a LT.
Hopefully Smith realizes his potential, or the oft-injured Carson Palmer might find himself being hurt again soon.
Maualugawas a steal, and he solves the Bengals woes at MLB immediately.
Johnsonis a project, but Cincy hopes he can help their defensive line.
Coffmanhas the chance to be the best pick of the draft for Cincy, and gives Palmer the pass catching TE he has been needing.
Luigs was a great pick, and he has the ability to win the starting job at center soon.
Huberwas a strange pick, considering the more highly rated Morstead was still on the board.
They hope Trent can help provide CB depth.
Scott has the ability to win the starting RB job, but he needs to stay out of trouble off the field.
Vakapuna will try to be a short yardage specialist.
McDonaldis a hard working player who hopes to add to the Bengals DT rotation.
Brownwill try to be the big WR the Bengals need after losing Houshmanzadeh to free agency.
After the draft, they grabbed WR Quan Cosbyto try to add depth to their WR group.
Bengal fans have been aching for a winning team since the days of Boomer Esiason. The front office needs for the gambles they took in the draft to pay off.
GRADE : B -
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Ozzie Newsome isn't just one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, he is also one of the best GM'S in all sports. This year was just another demonstration. He moved up to grab Oher.
The Ravens got saved by veteran RT Willie Anderson last year, now Oher is expected to take over.
Kruger adds depth, and might push Jarrett Johnson for the starting job soon.
Webb is a very good athlete, and will be groomed to be Ed Reed's heir apparent.
Phillipsis an ultra smart ILB, and gets to learn from Ray Lewis.
Drew is a raw TE prospect who might stick and be developed.
Peerman was a good pick, because they need depth.
After the draft, they grabbed the highest rated kicker in Graham Ganoto push Matt Stover. Gano can also punt. Stover is the only player in the NFL who played with the original Cleveland Browns franchise.
Dannell Ellerbeis an ILB who has the ability to provide quality depth, but needs to mature.
Jared Cook was an excellent pick up, and could fill the needed role of blocking fullback.
The Ravens still need WR help, but obviously Ozzie felt none were worth the reach. Plus, they smartly restocked their defense, the key to their success.
GRADE : A
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Bill Polian is another of the most respected GM's in the NFL. He grabbed Brown to give the Colts more weapons on offense. Addai now doesn't have to try to carry the load alone.
Moalawas a big need pick, because the Colts are so thin at DT.
Powers will try to provide CB depth.
Collieis a steady possession WR, and should help add depth. Tayloris another DT, and should see action right away.
Painter broke many of Purdue's passing records, and now he gets to learn from Peyton Manning.
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