Evaluating the NFL Draft - Part II:The Tweeners

As we move on in our three-part series, let's explore some teams who had some interesting drafts that could go either way. These teams had some questions going in, and still have some questions going out. What should we make of these teams?

The Tweeners:

St. Louis? – I was close to putting these guys in the L column. What held me back was the overwhelming promise and potential Chris Long carries with him. Long has all the fundamentals down and is a balanced rusher. He lacks elite speed or strength, but he is a smart rusher who can run sideline to sideline. Simply a pure football player. Adding to that, I think the Rams got steals in CB Justin King out of Penn State and WR Keenan Burton out of Kentucky, both taken in the 4^th. The Rams don’t have to overpay either of the two, allowing a grace period where the two can be groomed into elite players at the next level. Both have the potential, but only time will tell. However, what knocks the Rams down are their other choices. WR Donnie Avery in the second round? I think there were a few other winners available here at the same position. Avery has elite mobility and speed, but there are too many question marks. OT John Greco won’t make an immediate impact, and neither will OG Roy Schuening. LB’s Chris Chamberlain and David Vobora are excellent options in the seventh round. Both have assets of their own, and can be developed over time.

Atlanta? – Is Matt Ryan the answer at quarterback? That is the major question here. I do not doubt his physical skills as a passer nor his playmaking ability in the clutch (a la at Virginia Tech), but he simply threw too many INTs in college to make me believe in him as an NFL kind of guy. 31 touchdowns is an impressive number in the ACC, but 19 interceptions is just average at best. Sam Baker should pan out, but he needs to develop his run blocking skills. WR Harry Douglas out of Louisville is quick and a great route runner, but he doesn’t have the top end speed to run away from DB’s. I also obviously like the selection of hometown player Thomas Brown for his quickness, agility, and raw power, but does he have the durability to play in the NFL? Questions like these also hold true for the rest of the players taken. Will Curtis Lofton continue to overcome his size to be an effective linebacker? Will Chevis Jackson’s experience as an SEC corner be adequate enough to overcome his lack of elite speed? Will Kroy Biermann make a smooth transition to OLB from defensive end? There are just too many questions you could ask about this draft class. But in the end, you cannot be measured until there are results.

Cincinnati? – Keith Rivers is a polished OLB ready for the NFL. Pat Sims could also make an immediate impact at DT, but he lacks consistency and stamina. Cincy took a few more shots at defensive players, picking a second DT in Jason Shirley, a safety in Corey Lynch, and another OLB in Angelo Craig. Cincy’s defense has been their downfall the past few years, so any help is help. There are several questions about each of these three, but they all have upsides that could pan out. Matt Sherry adds depth at the TE spot with his receiving abilities and mismatch capabilities. Perhaps the most surprising move is drafting three WRs. Is Cincy preparing to move on without Chad Johnson? It would appear so with picks of Jerome Simpson, the tall, speedy receiver out of Coastal Carolina

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