2008 NFL Draft: AFC Divisional Recap

In two days, 32 teams selected 252 players, ranging from first overall selection Jake Long to Mr. Irrelevant David Vobora. 

The work is far from over, however.

Front offices all over the league will reconvene to not only sign their draft choices, but to also take a look at the priority undrafted free agents. 

And while these draftees haven't played a snap in the NFL, it's never too early to take a look at what teams filled positional needs, or which teams may have taken a step backward. 

There's no doubt teams and players alike are excited, but with rookie mini-camps soon awaiting, we'll look at which teams are best suited for success in the upcoming NFL season.

 AFC East

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Buffalo Bills:   Grade: C

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Buffalo started and ended the draft very efficiently.  It's the middle rounds I have a problem with.  CB Leodis McKelvin can contribute right away in the return game, and could be the best corner in this draft.  They also found a wideout to go opposite Lee Evans in second-rounder James Hardy.  I was surprised with the selection of Derek Fine, thinking they may go with Kellen Davis from Michigan State.  All things considered, they may leave this year's draft with the best cornerback and wide receiver, two positional needs for a team on the cusp of making the playoffs in '09.

Stud: James Hardy WR

Dud: Derek Fine, TE

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Miami Dolphins:    Grade: A-

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While most media outlets are automatically dubbing Kansas City for having the best draft, I think the Dolphins quietly solidified needs in this year's draft.  Jake Long is a franchise left tackle, and defensive end Phillip Merling was a steal early in the second round.  The selection of QB Chad Henne confirmed speculation that Bill Parcells isn't sold on John Beck, but Henne has issues of his own as well. Still, a value pick in the second round.  Jalen Parmale may provide a change of pace back along side Ronnie Brown.  Parmale was a power back at Toledo, at 5'11" , 224 lbs, but possesses above average speed. 

Stud: Jake Long, LT

Dud: Kendall Langford, DE

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 New England Patriots:    Grade: B-

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New England wisely traded down in the first round, and still filled a need at linebacker with Jerod Mayo out of Tennessee.  They continued their focus on getting younger on defense with Shawn Crable, who will fit in perfectly in their 3-4 scheme.  A third round selection of QB Kevin O'Connell surprised many, myself included.  No doubt he's a solid player, but I thought they may go elsewhere with what is still a valued pick in the third round.  Jonathan Wilhite will look to replace the losses in the secondary, although his ball skills are lacking. 

Stud: Shawn Crable, OLB

Dud: Kevin O'Connell, QB

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New York Jets:    Grade: C+

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While many New Yorkers were upset they didn't get McFadden, they still filled a bigger need on defense.  Vernon Gholston has tremendous athleticism and should fit right into their defensive scheme.  Dustin Keller should also fit in right away at the tight end position, giving their quarterback (whoever it may be) a solid target in the middle of the field.  Erik Ainge is a solid value pick in the fifth round, and Marcus Henry fills depth at wide receiver.  Surprisingly, though, the Jets didn't take a wide receiver earlier, and managed to completely overlook the defensive tackle position. 

Stud: Vernon Gholston, OLB

Dud: Dwight Lowery, CB

AFC North

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Baltimore Ravens:    Grade: B-

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Baltimore traded with Jacksonville to get out of top ten after realizing Matt Ryan would cost too much.  However, they moved up from Jacksonville's slot to take Joe Flacco out of Deleware.  Ray Rice will provide solid depth at running back in the second round, and Tavares Gooden may be one of the best linebackers in this draft.  Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura may contribute right away in special teams. Marcus Smith and Allen Patrick will also vie for special teams slots on the offensive side of the ball. 

Stud: Tavares Gooden, LB

Dud: David Hale, OT

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Cincinnati Bengals:    Grade: B-

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Marvin Lewis had to be devastated to see New Orleans take Sedrick Ellis right in front of them.  It may be a blessing in disguise, with Keith Rivers being the most solid linebacker in this year's draft.  The Bengals are starving for defensive playmakers, and Rivers fits the bill.  Cincinnati also looked at wide receiver early with Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell going in rounds two and three.  The Bengals then turned their attention to defense with DT Pat Sims from Auburn and FS Corey Lynch from Appalachian State.  Angelo Craig may provide another pass rusher on the outside in years to come, and Mario Urrutia hopes to regain his '06 production.

Stud: Keith Rivers, LB

Dud:  Matt Sherry, TE

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Cleveland Browns:    Grade: B+

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Cleveland's front office played golf on Saturday.  They weren't on the clock until the fourth round, where they selected Beau Bell and Martin Rucker.  The Browns only had five picks, but most of their work this offseason came via free agency.  Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers will come in and instantly solidify the defensive line, and Donte Stallworth will provide another option in the ultra-productive passing game.  The Browns also lost their first round selection in this year's draft by taking Brady Quinn late in the first round last year. 

Stud: Beau Bell, LB

Dud: Alex Hall, DE

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Pittsburgh Steelers:   Grade:  A-

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Pittsburgh may have benefited the most from this year's draft.  Rashard Mendenhall fell in their lap in the first round, and will provide great depth behind Willie Parker.  Limas Sweed will look to fill a need at wide receiver behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes.  Pittsburgh fans may have their next "slash" in the likes of Dennis Dixon, quarterback out of Oregon.  His athleticism reminds many of former Steeler Kordell Stewart.  Linebacker Mike Humpal was a solid second day selection, and may contribute right away on special teams. 

Stud: Rashard Mendenhall, RB

Dud: Ryan Mundy, S

AFC South

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Houston Texans:   Grade: B-

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The Houston Texans may have suffered the worst first-round luck of all.  They were clearly looking to upgrade the offensive line, but a string of offensive linemen left them reaching.  Duane Brown may be good, but it's going to take some time. I think Steve Slaton was an absolute steal in the third round, how Reggie Bush is a top 2 pick and this guy goes this far is beyond me.  Xavier Adibi can come in and provide a playmaker at the linebacker position.  I'm also impressed with Dominique Barber, safety from Minnesota.  Still, the Texans needed help on the offensive line, cornerback, and running back, and with Antwaun Molden at corner, they got all three and some. 

Stud: Steve Slaton, RB

Dud:  Duane Brown, OT

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Indianapolis Colts:    Grade: C

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It's odd saying the Colts didn't do something extremely well, but I'm very unimpressed with their draft.  I know they wanted to provide depth on the offensive line, and they did that.  But they did little else.  Phillip Wheeler was a nice pick in the third round, and Marcus Howard showed flashes of greatness at Georgia, but needs to be more consistent to be successful at the next level.  Mike Hart may have provided the best value pick for the Colts, and looks to back up Joseph Addai in the backfield.  The Colts entered this draft needing little help, and it's safe to say they satisfied that.  Still, I think they could have gotten more help with their selections.

Stud: Marcus Howard, DE

Dud: Tom Santi, TE

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Jacksonville Jaguars:   Grade: B-

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Jacksonville surprised many by jumping so high in the first round to take Derrick Harvey. It's not much of a reach considering that was their biggest need.  I will never fault a team for being aggressive in diagnosing their needs. They also got a great player in Quentin Groves from Auburn in round two.  I love Trae Williams, although he does lack ideal size at corner.  I think he'll be a solid fit at the nickel corner, and can help out on special teams.  I also like Chauncey Washington in round seven, and even though their running game was one of the league's best, Fred Taylor isn't getting any younger.  At the end of the day, they may have reached too far for Harvey, but made great use of the remaining picks.

Stud: Quentin Groves, DE

Dud: Thomas Williams, LB (by default)

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Tennessee Titans:   Grade: D

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Tennessee just doesn't get it; you have a franchise quarterback and you continually neglect to give him a playmaker at wide receiver.  I understand Chris Johnson is an above average running back, but they've taken running backs high in the draft the past few years.  I don't fault them for not taking Devin Thomas (I'm not sold, either), but I think you find a way to trade down and stockpile picks.  Lavelle Hawkins was a nice pick from California, but with a 4.589 40-time, I don't think that qualifies as a big-time playmaking option that can stretch the field.  I am, however, a huge fan of Stanford Keglar, linebacker from Purdue.  A fourth round pick, he possesses great size and quickness to become a solid fit at linebacker down the road.  Still, the glaring weakness on this team is at wide receiver, and they didn't help themselves as they should have. 

Stud: Chris Johnson, RB (by default again)

Dud: Jason Jones, DE

AFC West

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Denver Broncos:  Grade: C

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The Broncos did most of their damage this offseason, acquiring Darrell Jackson, Boss Bailey, and Marlon McCree through free agency. They also filled a positional need with their first round pick, Ryan Clady from Boise State.  Many think he'll be a potential pro-bowler, and in their system, his great run blocking ability will be on display.  Eddie Royal is a nice pick in the second round, and can even help return kicks on special teams.  Peyton Hillis, fullback from Arkansas, is not your typical I-form lead blocker, possessing above average speed and hands for his position.  It will be interesting to see how a predominantly play-action, bootleg-oriented team uses a two-back set. 

Stud: Ryan Clady, OT

Dud: Ryan Torain, RB

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Kansas City Chiefs:   Grade: A-

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Kanas City caught a break in the first round. With St. Louis taking Chris Long, it allowed Glenn Dorsey to fall to them at five overall.  I think Dorsey will be remembered as the best defensive player in this draft.  They also got help along the offensive line with guard/tackle Branden Albert from Virginia, making the most of the trade with Minnesota.  Both Brandon Flowers and Jamaal Charles were absolute steals, while Brad Cottam may be more of a reach; wishful thinking. Still, I'm not quite ready to dub them as draft day champions.  They came into the draft with holes on both sides of the ball, and while they have appeared to fill most, no one will know 24 hours after the draft.  Let's wait patiently before passing judgment. 

Stud: Glenn Dorsey, DT

Dud: Brad Cottam, TE

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Oakland Raiders:   Grade: C-

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First of all, I'm not completely sold on Darren McFadden.  I don't like running backs that you have to create ways to get them the ball outside of handing it off.  McFadden possesses great athleticism and speed, but I don't think you take a potential franchise running back who can't carry the ball 25-plus times a game.  The trade of Fabian Washington makes no sense; clearly the Raiders are in shambles.  They have a bitter feud between coach and owner, and they certainly didn't help their cause with this draft.  The Raiders are slowly but surely becoming the league's bottom dweller.  They signed a lot of big names in the offseason, and they may help, but it's been clearly shown that successful teams build through the draft, not overpriced free agents. 

Stud: Darren McFadden, RB

Dud: Everyone else (by default, again x2)

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San Diego Chargers:   Grade: C-

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I somewhat like what the Chargers did in the draft, taking Cason in the first round.  Jacob Hester could come in right away and compete with Sproles for the backup spot at running back.  I'm confused with what they did in free agency, however.  You let Michael Turner, Drayton Florence and Marlon McCree go, and you bring in little to fill those voids.  This is a team, who is now competing with the Jaguars as the AFC's best not named the Colts or Patriots.  They finished this past season needing few pieces to put them over the edge, and it almost seems as if they went backwards. 

Stud: Antoine Cason, CB

Dud: Marcus Thomas, RB

Stay tuned, as I'll take a look at all four divisions inside the NFC.