NFC North Draft Grades

by Richard Bowler (Columnist)

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Rankings/List

April 27, 2008

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NFC North

Chicago Bears

Picks:12

1^st rd.(14) Chris Williams OT

2^nd rd(44) Matt Forte RB

3^rdrd(70) Earl Bennett WR

3^rdrd.(90) Marcus Harrison DT

4^thrd.(120) Craig Steltz S

5^th rd.(142) Zach Bowman CB

5^th rd.(158) Kellen Davis TE

7^th rd.(208) Ervin Baldwin DE

7^thrd.(222) Chester Adams OG

7^thrd.(243) Joey LaRocque OLB

7^th rd.(247) Kirk Barton OT

7^thrd.(248) Marcus Monk WR

Grade: B

Best Pick: Craig Steltz

Sleeper: Craig Steltz

Comments: Chicago took a lot of players and they really needed the infusion young talent. Craig Steltz is a smart player and could be one of the best value picks in the draft. They also filled two big holes drafting OT Chris Williams and WR Earl Bennett in the 1^st and 3^rd rounds.

Detroit Lions

Picks:9

1^strd. (17) Gosder Cherilus OT

2^ndrd (45) Jordon Dizon LB

3^rd rd.(64) Kevin Smith RB

3^rdrd.(87) Andre Fluellen DT

3^rd rd.(92) Cliff Avril DE

5^thrd.(136) Kenneth Moore WR

5^thrd.(146) Jerome Felton FB

7^thrd.(216) Landon Cohen DT

7^th rd.(218) Caleb Campbell S

Grade: B

Best Pick: Kevin Smith

Sleeper: Caleb Campbell

Comments: This was draft for Detroit that featured hard working guys with character. I look at RB Kevin Smith as a potential starter and an impact rookie. I like the pick of Army’s Caleb Campbell and I imagine the Lions would like his work ethic and leadership to be a factor on defense.

Green Bay Packers

Picks:9

2^ndrd.(36) Jordy Nelson WR

2^ndrd.(56) Brian Brohm QB

2^nd rd.(60) Patrick Lee CB

3^rdrd.(91) Jermichael Finley TE

4^th rd.(102) Jeremy Thompson DE

4^thrd.(135) Josh Sitton OT

5^thrd.(150) Breno Giacomini OT

7^th rd.(209) Matt Flynn QB

7^thrd.(217) Brett Swain WR

Grade: C

Best Pick: Brian Brohm

Sleeper: Matt Flynn

Comments: While I like some of the players they drafted I don’t see a lot of impact from this group. The battle for the back up QB job should be interesting with rookies Brohm and Flynn in the mix. I look a WR Jordy Nelson to make the biggest impact with his special teams ability.

Minnesota Vikings

Picks:5

2^ndrd.(43) Tyrell Johnson S

5^th rd.(137) John David Booty QB

5^thrd.(152) Letroy Guion DT

6^th rd.(187) John Sullivan C

6^thrd.(193) Jaymar Johnson WR

Grade: A-

Best Pick: John David Booty

Sleeper: John Sullivan

Comments: You have to start talking about this draft for Minnesota with new acquisition Jared Allen. The Vikings traded away three draft picks to acquire the sack artist leaving them only five picks. As for the players the picked I particularly like the value of John David Booty as an insurance policy at the QB. I look for safety Tyrell Johnson to make an impact on the third level against the run in his rookie season.

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comments (2) write a comment »

1. reply to comment by Braden
   5 months ago

   For the Packers don't forget about Jermichael Finley. The offense that they run will get him in open spaces across the middle of the field and will let him utilize his ridiculous athleticism to his advantage. I see that as the draft pick for the Pack that will make the most difference. Remember, Donald Lee isn't getting any younger (or better).
2. reply to comment by Richard
   5 months ago

   Donald Lee is only 28 and coming off a break out season but Finely will help the Packers depth.

About the Author Richard Bowler (columnist)

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