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2011 NFL Draft Grades: Best Undrafted Free Agents available after the NFL Draft.

It’s not over! (Via, I think, a technicality.)

The following are the top guys who went undrafted. And while technically no one from this list can sign with an NFL team until the lockout is over, it never hurts to be prepared.

(Editor’s note: What you are about to read is an amalgamation of lists compiled by both Scouts Inc. and Chad Reuter at NFLDraftScout.com/CBSSports.com.)

1. Joseph Lefeged, S, Rutgers: Big guy with pretty good straight line speed, Lefeged has potential both as a DB and as a special-teamer.

2. Kendric Burney, CB, North Carolina: Burney is a good football player with atrocious measurables (5-9, 4.74 40). He’ll need to prove he can keep up with the pro game, but his instincts and ball skills are NFL-caliber.

3. Cedric Thornton, DT, Southern Arkansas: One of the more talented players on this list, Thornton has a variety of tools, but at present uses none of them particularly effectively.

4. Darvin Adams, WR, Auburn: Adams doesn’t have much burst, nor does he have top-end speed, but he has the size and hands to contribute as a fourth or fifth receiver.

5. DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson: McDaniel is a big, in the box safety. He struggles in coverage, but in the right scheme he has something to offer.

6. Jeron Johnson, S, Boise State: The Boise DB is still coming along as a safety, but he’s flashed above-average man-to-man cover skills and can match up with slot receivers. That’s a good place to start. There’s talent to work with.

7. Ian Williams, DT, Notre Dame: Williams isn’t a great athlete, but he is stout and can anchor vs. the run. There’s room for a guy like that on most rosters.

8. Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College: As is a theme with the majority of these guys, Herzlich is not overly athletic. Instead, he is instinctive, relentless, and projects to be a high-caliber back up in the NFL.

9. Derrick Locker, RB, Kentucky: Locke may be tiny, but he’s quick, can catch the ball and runs with great vision. He’ll catch on somewhere as a third-down back.

10. Nicholas Bellore, ILB, Central Michigan: Tough and instinctive enough to contribute, just not athletic enough to start.

11. Ryan Jones, CB, Northwest Missouri State: Jones is a talented D-II corner who could potentially develop into a starter down the line. The tools are there. 

*****

Check out this link: LINK. It’s from Chad Reuter and in it he lists his top 5 UFAs at every position. Organized and easy to read.

*****

(Also, a touch self-aggrandizing, but check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)

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2012 NFL Draft: Best Available in the 2012 NFL Draft, Part Two.

I can’t help myself.

We’re now approximately 354 days from round-one of the 2012 NFL Draft, so I figure it’s time to get prepared. Not much—I’m not completely insane—just a quick primer.

For the sequence of those about to be referenced, I deferred to Scouts Inc.

The subsequent information, meanwhile, is a compilation of television remembrances and Internet findings on the our presumptive top ten. 

The Top Ten Prospects available in the 2012 NFL Draft, Part Two:

6. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama (Senior): Mark Barron is big, explosive, and in general just a more athletic player than his aforementioned counterpart. Barron is not quite the monster that Tate is, but at 6-2, 210, he’s not small either.

7. Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State (Senior): Bradham was one of the top LB recruits in the nation, and has been productive since his freshman year. One of the best, most athletic linebackers in the nation.

8. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina (Senior): Coples led the Tar Heels with 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss while filling in for Robert Quinn.

9. Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU (Senior): 6-6, 330 and blessed with abnormally light feet, Reynolds figures to be the first LT off the board next year. He can struggle on occasion with speed rushers, but does have long arms and is usually able to redirect them around the pocket. Reynolds is tough as nails, and an absolute mauler in the run game.

10. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State (Junior): 6-3, 305, Worthy is explosive and changes direction pretty well for such a big guy. He needs to add weight (and he already has), but regardless, figures to be one of the top interior pass rushers in the 2012 draft.

Other big names:

The following eight are not quite as talented as the guys listed above, but they’re in many cases bigger names, and all candidates for first-round selection. Most interesting to me is Justin Blackmon. The Oklahoma State star would’ve gone mid-first round this year, but now, amid a 2012 class well stocked with high-end pass catchers, Blackmon figures to be, at best, the third wide receiver off the board—and he probably gets picked toward the end of the first-round.

The list:

1. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

2. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

3. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State

4. Matt Barkley, QB, USC

5.Matt Kalil, OT, USC

6. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

7. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

8. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

******

Also see:

Best Available in the 2012 NFL Draft, Part Two. 

*****

(And also, should you so desire, head back to page one of our draft coverage here.)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

2012 NFL Draft: Best Available Players in the 2012 NFL Draft, Part One.

I can’t help myself.

We’re now approximately 354 days from round-one of the 2012 NFL Draft, so I figure it’s time to get prepared. Not much—I’m not completely insane—just a quick primer.

For the sequence of those about to be referenced, I deferred to Scouts Inc.

The subsequent information, meanwhile, is a compilation of television remembrances and Internet findings on the our presumptive top ten.

The Top Ten Prospects available in the 2012 NFL Draft, Part One:

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (Junior): Had Jake Locker left Washington after the 2009 season, he would have been the 1st pick in the draft. Will Luck experience a similar fall? Not a chance. The Cardinal quarterback is the best QB prospect since Peyton Manning in 1998. He could spend the year backpacking across Eurpoe and still go number one overall.

2. Kenny Tate, FS, Maryland (Senior): Tate is 6-4, 220, and hits like a truck, but while he’s tall enough to play the ball in the air better than most, he’s a little stiff in the hips and not particularly speedy in coverage. Because of the latter(s), I could see him dropping from this number two perch over the course of the year. The NFL has become a passing league, and because of it, Roy Williams-types are not en vogue. Still, easily a top-15 talent.

3. Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama (Junior): An amazing physical specimen, Hightower is 6-4, 260, and way too athletic for his size. The Alabama product is agile, changes direction well, and avoids blocks like a 230-pound backer. In the event that he gets tied up, Hightower is big enough to power through at the point of attack. There’s really only one negative on Hightower, and it’s that he suffered a big time knee injury his sophomore year (torn ACL, MCL). A big season this year, and he’s a top-5 pick.

4. Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida (Senior): If the lockout leaves it a viable option, Jenkins might end up a supplemental draft candidate. Just a few days ago, Florida coach Will Muschamp dismissed him from the team on account of his third arrest in less than two years, and his second in only four months. On the field, Jenkins is elitely talented—great speed, fluidity when mirroring his man, and excellent hands—but I doubt he maintains a top-five ranking without playing a down this year. Regardless, a first-rounder for sure, albeit a risky one. 

5. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina (Junior): He’s not A.J. Green, but he may be on par with Julio Jones. Jeffery is 6-4, 237 pounds, and what he lacks in straight-line speed, he more than makes up for in his ability to wall off and outmuscle DBs for the ball. Likely to finish the year as the top wide receiver in this class. 

******

Also see:

Best Available in the 2012 NFL Draft, Part Two. 

*****

(And also, should you so desire, head back to page one of our draft coverage here.)

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2011 NFL Draft Grades: Day Three Losers, Worst of the NFL Draft’s Final Rounds.

Losers of Day Three:

New England Patriots.

New England did a lot of things right (and they actually make a dual appearance in the winner’s column for drafting Marcus Cannon), but I felt like they may have gotten just a little too cute in stockpiling picks while never addressing their most prominent need until pick 194.

The Patriots need to get some pressure off the edge—it was their biggest deficiency last year—and they come out of this draft with their hopes resting entirely on the shoulders of a sixth-round pick.

Washington Redskins stockpiled picks, but missed out on players.

Washington traded back several times throughout the first three rounds in an attempt to backload their draft and fill out the roster more thoroughly.

Just one problem: I’m not sure they landed the picks.

The Redskins pick up couple of fringe lineman, two corners in a weak corner class, and two backs that while able to contribute in Mike Shanahan’s scheme—Roy Helu and Evan Royster—are not elite and feel repetitious to me.

The only picks I see as worthwhile in the immediate are the receivers—Niles Paul and Aldrick Robinson—and that’s partially because the Redskins roster is so devoid of receiving talent, it’s hard not to see fresh blood as an upgrade.

In three years, I bet one of the backs and one of the receivers is on this team. Maybe a DL too. For nine picks, that’s a pretty weak haul.

Oakland Raiders draft only fast guys. Again.

Here’s a riddle:

What do Chimdi Chekwa, Denarius Moore, Richard Gordon and David Ausberry have in common?

They’re all better athletes than football players. (Except David Ausberry. He’s not much of either.)

Oh, Al Davis…

Want a sliver of redemption for Oakland’s Day Three?

It’s Taiwan Jones—who has at least produced on the field.

*****

Also see:

The Day Three Winners of the NFL draft.

*****

(Plus, while a touch self-aggrandizing, check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Day Three Winners, Best of the NFL Draft’s Final Rounds.

Winners of Day Three:

Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers find late round gems.

Perhaps I’m conditioned to be pessimistic as it pertains to the Ravens and Steelers acquiring good players to combat the Browns, but regardless…a lot of the players picked up by the AFC North-ers today look to me like potential starters.

For Baltimore, Tandon Doss was one of the top talents on the board. And though the Ravens receiving corps is beginning to look awful crowded (Boldin, Mason, Torrey Smith), Doss bring the height that none of the aforementioned has. If he stays healthy, he’ll make an impact.

Other picks included CB Chykie Brown and DE Pernell McPhee—both are guys with substantial talent and physical ability. Both are guy who fell as a result of character concerns. Quite often, the Ravens locker room has a way of weeding out those worries, leaving only good football players.

For the Steelers, Cortez Allen is raw at corner, but very big and physical. And in Pittsburgh, if you can press at the line, you can stay on the field.

Meanwhile, in the next round, the Steelers grabbed Chris Carter, an undersized end in college who looks primed for a transition to Pittsburgh’s 3-4.

Both teams do a good job of evaluating late-round prospects as they pertain to specific roles. A guy like Carter is of no use to many of the teams in the league (where do you play him), but in Pittsburgh, allowed time to develop, allowed to focus on his strengths, he’s more likely to become a 10-sack guy than many of the more highly touted DE/OLBs.

New York Giants.

The Giants continued a strong BPA-influenced draft run by picking up in the fourth a starting caliber lineman—and perhaps the best OT left on the board—in James Brewer, and then grabbing three equally interesting guys in the sixth: An instinctive SS in Tyler Sash, and two nice LBs—the speedy, and relatively underdeveloped Jacquian Williams, and the slower, but uber-productive Greg Jones.

Cleveland Browns pick up another starter.

Oh, homerism—you rear you’re ugly head again.

Somebody tell me if I’m dreaming, but the Browns look to be picking off need after need with every pick—with the possible exception being Jordan Cameron, who I actually like as a long-term prospect.

Meanwhile, Owen Marecic is probably the most root for-able player to go on the third day of the draft, not to mention, an ideal fullback for the Shurmur/Holmgren West Coast offense.

Down the line, Buster Skrine and Jason Pinkston are potential starters at nickleback and right tackle.

New England Patriots.

If only for picking Marcus Cannon.

On a personal level, I think that’s awesome.

On a professional level, that’s a first-round talent when he gets healthy.

*****

Also see:

The Day Three Losers of the NFL draft.

*****

(Plus, while a touch self-aggrandizing, check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Cards, Analysis for Every NFL Team, Part Three.

Consider this the table of contents those selected in round six. Each prospect has a more detailed write up linked down below. Also, bare in mind, I’m an easy grader.

192. Atlanta Falcons—Matt Bosher, K, Miami: The second kicker selected, Bosher comes to the Falcons as insurance in the event that Michael Koenen is not resigned. (B+)

193. Philadelphia Eagles—Brian Rolle, OLB, Ohio State: Might be a tweener—as 229 pounds is pretty small for a linebacker—but he has legitimate 4.5 speed (which will come in handy on special teams). If he can add strength while maintaining his quickness, Rolle could become a starter. And if he can’t, a conversion to safety isn’t out of the question. Nice pick. (A)

194. New England Patriots—Markell Carter, DE, Central Arkansas: This is the part of the draft where the Patriots remember their number one priority was finding an edge rusher. It’s pretty late, but Carter has good upside. (A)

195. Chicago Bears—J.T. Thomas, OLB, West Virginia: According to Nolan Nawrocki, Thomas is a “hardworking overachiever with short arms, [who] will need to be heavily protected to have a chance in the pros.” (C+)

196. Pittsburgh Steelers—Keith Williams, OG, Nebraska: Big, relatively athletic, and most effective in a phone booth. A potential starter down the line if he proves capable of handling NFL-caliber quickness. (B+)

197. Green Bay Packers—Ricky Elmore, DE, Arizona: Was an end at Arizona, but projects as a situational 3-4 OLB in Green Bay’s scheme. (B-)

198. New York Giants—Tyler Sash, SS, Iowa: Not particularly athletic, but Sash is big, smart, and very instinctive. Potential starter down the line. (A-)

199. Kansas City Chiefs—Jerrell Powe, DT, Mississippi: Still developing, but Powe is a very big guy (6-2, 335) and one of the few nose tackle prospects in this draft. Because of their need at the position, Powe is a potential starter as early as this year if he shows in camp. (B+)

200. Minnesota Vikings—Ross Homan, OLB, Ohio State: Good pick. Homan is smart, productive, and a three-year starter at Ohio State. He’s available because he lacks prototypical measuables, but at worst he projects as a solid backup.

201. San Diego Chargers—Stephen Schilling, OG, Michigan: Schilling is great effort guy, but he will struggle to deal with the athleticism in the NFL. (C)

202. New York Giants—Jacquian Williams, OLB, South Florida: Really athletic LB who is slightly undersized, but has nice upside relative to others available here. (B+)

203. Carolina Panthers—Zack Williams, C, Washington State: Williams is a versatile interior lineman because who might stick because of his ability to provide depth at several spots. (B-)

*****

Also see:

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Card and Analysis, Part One.

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Card and Analysis, Part Two.

*****

(A touch self-aggrandizing, but check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Cards, Analysis for Every NFL Team, Part Two.

Consider this the table of contents those selected in round six. Each prospect has a more detailed write up linked down below. Also, bare in mind, I’m an easy grader.

179. Green Bay Packers—Caleb Schlauderaff, OG, Utah: Nice, nice pick for the defending champions. Schlauderaff isn’t particularly athletic, but he is extremely well schooled and nicely suited for the Packers zone protection scheme. (A-)

180. Baltimore Ravens—Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech: I think the Ravens are looking at him as more of a trick play/change of pace guy than a developmental quarterback. (B-)

181. Oakland Raiders—Richard Gordon, TE, Miami: Lots of athleticism in his 6-4, 270 pound frame, but has never produced to the level his talents would indicate. A very Al Davis pick. (B-)

182. San Francisco 49ers—Ronald Johnson, WR, USC: Very fast, and pretty big, Johnson projects as a nice complementary receiver in Jim Harbaugh’s WCO. (B+)

183. San Diego Chargers—Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut: There are questions regarding the 5-0, 190-pounder’s ability to hold up in the NFL, but with Ryan Matthews there to take the bulk of the carries, Todman may prove a nice complement. (B)

184. Arizona Cardinals—David Carter, DT, UCLA: Taylor has the measurables of a 3-4 DE, but he needs to improve his technique. Developmental pick, but a scheme specific guy with some ability. (B)

185. New York Giants—Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan State: The type of player who doesn’t test well but has been consistently productive for the Spartans. Potential starter. (A-)

186. Green Bay Packers—D.J. Smith, OLB, Appalachian State: Like Jones, D.J. Smith is not exceptionally athletic, but he is a huge intangibles guy with great LB instincts. Another potential starter somewhere down the line. (A-)

187. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Allen Bradford, RB, USC: Big back, and a powerful interior runner heads to a team that will take advantage of his strengths. Not huge upside, but a good pick. (B+)

188. Indianapolis Colts—Chris Rucker, CB, Michigan State: Rucker has really nice size and solid ability too. He’s had some off the field the field issues—hence his availability—but he is a nice value at 188. (A-)

189. Denver Broncos—Mike Mohamed, ILB, California: Will start his career as a special-teamer, but Mohamed has the size and versatility to eventually develop into something more. He is the third LB selected by the Broncos. (B+)

190. San Francisco 49ers—Colin Jones, SS, TCU: A little bit of an enigma whose speed in not indicative of his coverage ability. Jones primary value is as an in the box defender. (B)

191. Philadelphia Eagles—Jason Kelce, C, Cincinnati: A 280-pound center, who may already be as quick as any C in the NFL. At that weight, he’ll need to be. (B)

*****

Also see:

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Card and Analysis, Part One.

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Card and Analysis, Part Three.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Cards, Analysis for Every NFL Team, Part One.

Consider this the table of contents for all selected in round six. Each prospect has a more detailed write up linked down below. Also, bare in mind, I’m an easy grader.

166. Carolina Panthers—Lawrence Wilson, OLB, Connecticut: Wilson is an athletic, but undersized defender who would have been drafted higher if his quickness would translate to coverage. (B+)

167. Cincinnati Bengals—Ryan Whalen, WR, Stanford: The remaking of the Bengal receiving core continues. Whalen isn’t fast, but he’s tremendously reliable and will find a role playing off of A.J. Green. (A-)

168. Minnesota Vikings—DeMarcus Love, OG, Arkansas: A big lineman who is strong at the point of attack, but he must improve his balance if he’s to contribute at the NFL level. (B)

169. Buffalo Bills—Chris White, ILB, Mississippi State: A tough, aggressive linebacker, but one without NFL-caliber athleticism. (C+)

170. Minnesota Vikings—Mistral Raymond, S, South Florida: Raymond is a hard hitting DB and can contribute in run support, but he lacks the fluidity to last long when asked to cover. Below average ball skills. (C)

171. Arizona Cardinals—Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina: Sturdivant is aggressive in defending the run, plus he displays solid quickness, and, at times, nice cover skills. More negatively, he lacks the functional strength to get off of blocks and struggles to bring ball carriers down at the point of contact. (B)

172. Minnesota Vikings—Brandon Fusco, C, Slippery Rock: Tough, smart, and consistently productive, Fusco plays with good quickness and good range. He is more of a position blocker than a mauler, but he plays with the nasty attitude you’d normally associate with the latter. He has had some difficulty with the quicker of lineman he’s faced, and furthermore he’s not been tested too often at Slippery Rock, but Fusco is a very solid prospect at 172. (A)

173. Seattle Seahawks—Byron Maxwell, CB, Clemson: Nice size and a solid athlete, but Maxwell displays poor footwork and as a result was never too productive in college. He’s a project. (B)

174. Miami Dolphins—Charles Clay, FB, Tulsa: Kind of a tweener at the NFL level (not really RB explosive, but not much of a blocker either), but he brings some tools to the table—most notably tremendous hands. (B)

175. Tennessee Titans—Byron Stingily, OT, Louisville: A bit of an underrated guy with terrific size and athleticism. If he can improve his run blocking and his balance in pass pro, he could be a long term starter in the league. (A-)

176. Dallas Cowboys—Dwayne Harris, WR, East Carolina: Harris is a big, physical, meat and potatoes-type receiver. He’s not very fast, but working in the shadow of the Cowboy receivers, he won’t have to be. (A)

177. Washington Redskins—Evan Royster, RB, Penn State: Not sure this pick isn’t a little repetitious with Roy Helu on board, but Royster is a good fit for Shanahan’s offense. (B-)

178. Washington Redskins—Aldrick Robinson, WR, SMU: This pick, I like a little more. Washington continues to try and load up at receiver, this time with the super-fast and explosive Robinson. Nice complement to the more sizeable Leonard Hankerson picked up in the third. (B+)

*****

Also see:

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Card and Analysis, Part Two.

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Six Report Card and Analysis, Part Three.

*****

(Also, a touch self-aggrandizing, but check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Five Report Cards, Analysis for Every NFL Team, Part Two.

Consider this the table of contents those selected in round five. Each prospect has a more detailed write up linked down below. Also, bare in mind, I’m an easy grader.

149. Philadelphia Eagles—Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh: A great pick in the fifth, and very much an Andy Reid-style player. He lacks ideal height (5-8), but runs with good strength and balance. Very well rounded. (A)

150. Cleveland Browns—Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh: Pinkston is a road-grazer who projects as a development RT for the Browns. Potential starter in a year or two. (A-)

151. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Ahmad Black, SS, Florida: Black isn’t overly athletic, but his instincts are phenomenal and he’s a good fit for Tampa’s defense. Nice pick. (A)

152. Houston Texans—T.J. Yates, QB, North Carolina: Not a huge Yates fan, but he does have a quick release and NFL-level toughness. He’ll get a chance to develop under Matt Schaub. (B)

153. New York Jets—Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU: Kerley is tough, instinctive, and could potentially contribute from the slot as a rookie.

154. Seattle Seahawks—Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford: Sherman is a converted receiver with some serious size (6-3) and athletic ability for corner. He’s thus far been inconsistent, but will be an intriguing prospect for Pete Carroll. (B+)

155. Washington Redskins—Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska: Paul comes to the Redskins with some substantial off the field concerns, but on it, he is the type of big, physical RAC receiver that Mike Shanahan is looking for.

156. Seattle Seahawks—Mark LeGree, FS, Appalachian State: I know a lot of people who like LeGree. He is a true playmaker in the secondary, who falls to the fifth round because of his lack of physicality. (B)

157. Detroit Lions—Doug Hogue, OLB, Syracuse: Athletic but undersized, Hogue is a former running back with some upside and special-teams ability. (B-)

158. St. Louis Rams—Jermale Hines, SS, Ohio State: Pretty good size, but the speed to cover at the NFL level. Special-teams guy, at least initially. (C+)

159. New England Patriots—Lee Smith, TE, Marshall: A powerful in-line blocker who will add to an already impressive TE corps for the Patriots. (A-)

160. Chicago Bears—Nathan Enderle, QB, Idaho: Enderle is big, smart, and strong-armed. If Mike Martz can teach him to trust his instincts, his talent, it’s not inconceivable (though it is optimistic) that he becomes a starting caliber passer. (A-)

161. Philadelphia Eagles—Julian Vandervelde, G, Iowa: Not overpowering, but smart and technically sound, Vandervelde projects as a developmental zone blocker.

162. Pittsburgh Steelers—Chris Carter, OLB, Fresno State: Yikes. Could be a good one. Carter was an undersized end in college. Now, the Steelers will groom him as a 3-4 edge rusher. (A)

163. San Francisco 49ers—Daniel Kilgore, OG, Appalachian State: Kilgore is a nasty, powerful blocker who lacks the measurables to compete at left tackle. But at guard? He’s a really nice developmental prospect. (A)

164. Baltimore Ravens—Chykie Brown, CB, Texas: Brown is a bit of a character risk (as is now the entire Ravens backfield), but he is a physically imposing corner and a good value at 164. (A-)

165. Baltimore Ravens—Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi: Again, a guy who slid because of character. McPhee is deceptively strong and quick off the edge. Talent-wise, good pick. (A-)

*****

Also see:

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Five Report Card and Analysis, Part One.

*****

(A touch self-aggrandizing, but check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Five Report Cards, Analysis for Every NFL Team, Part One.

Consider this the table of contents for all selected in round five. Each prospect has a more detailed write up linked down below. Also, bare in mind, I’m an easy grader.

132. Carolina Panthers—Kealoha Pilares, WR, Hawaii: The Panthers are retooling their receiving core, and Pilares is a former running back with potential out of the slot. (B)

133. Buffalo Bills—Johnny White, RB, North Carolina: White is a tough, aggressive runner. If he can stay healthy, he’ll have a role this year in the Buffalo backfield. (B+)

134. Cincinnati Bengals—Robert Sands, SS, West Virginia: Sands is a big boy (6-0, 221) and an impressive athlete. He’s a potential starter if he can improve his discipline and refine his interpretation of the safety’s role. (B+)

135. Kansas City Chiefs—Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa: Somehow I find it ironic that Stanzi ends up behind Matt Cassel. Good pick. (A)

136. Arizona Cardinals—Anthony Sherman, FB, Connecticut: Sherman, a tough and athletic lead blocker, will go will with second-round pick Ryan Williams. (B)

137. Cleveland Browns—Darryl “Buster” Skrine: Skrine is small, but may be the fastest player in the draft. He’s untested against top-level competition, but it’s not out of the question he develops into a viable nickel corner sooner rather than later. Nice return ability too. (A-)

138. New England Patriots—Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU: I love Marcus Cannon, and he’s certainly a worthwhile investment…but sometimes I think the Patriots are getting a little too cute. I’m probably just hatin’ (wouldn’t have minded MC for the Browns), as Cannon is a stating-caliber lineman as soon as he gets healthy. Get well, Marcus Cannon. Get well. (A)

139. Minnesota Vikings—Brandon Burton, CB, Utah: Not crazy about Burton, but he can jam at the line, which is scheme appropriate in Minnesota. (C+)

140. Kansas City Chiefs—Gabe Miller, OLB, Oregon State: Miller is new to the position, but he is intense and athletic and should become more productive as he spends more time at linebacker. (B+)

141. Green Bay Packers—D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas: John Kuhn and Korey Hall are both in some degree of contractual limbo, and Williams provides a bit of insurance. (B-)

142. Tennessee Titans—Karl Klug, DT, Iowa: First off, Klug is a great name for a defensive tackle. Unfortunately, he’s not quite as big as his name would suggest. He’s a tough, aggressive player, but probably a bit of a tweener (too small for DT, too slow for DE). (B-)

143. Dallas Cowboys—Josh Thomas, CB, Buffalo: Thomas is physical in run support, but weak in coverage. His best position long term might be safety. (C+)

144. Houston Texans—Shiloh Keo, SS, Idaho: Tough and aggressive, but not an NFL-caliber DB, Keo is purely a special-teams pick.

145. Atlanta Falcons—Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State: In my opinion, underrated because of his height (5-7). Rodgers is tough, competitive, and gives the Falcons a backup option in the event that Jerious Norwood or Jason Snelling leave town. (B+)

146. Washington Redskins—Dejon Gomes, SS, Nebraska: Gomes is a liability in man coverage, but will support the run and find his place initially on special-teams. (B-)

147. Jacksonville Jaguars—Rod Isaac, CB, Middle Tennessee State: The Jaguars continue to address what was perhaps the league’s worst defensive backfield. Isaac has nice size-speed, and is a Nolan Nawrocki described “football junkie.” Could be a steal. (A)

148. Oakland Raiders—Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee: Not particularly quick, but is, you guessed it, very fast. Projects most favorably as a slot receiver. (C+)

*****

Also see:

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Five Report Card and Analysis, Part Two.

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Four Report Cards, Analysis for Every NFL Team, Part Two.

Consider this the table of contents those selected in round four. Each prospect has a more detailed write up linked down below. Also, bare in mind, I’m an easy grader.

115. San Francisco 49ers—Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State: A tough, physical runner to spell Frank Gore. Great value at this pick. (A)

116. Philadelphia Eagles—Casey Matthews, ILB, Oregon: I’d love to see another member of the Matthews family have a prolonged NFL career, but I can’t help but feel like Casey was over-drafted a bit on account of his last name. He’s instinctive, but he’s not the athlete that his brother is. (C+)

117. New York Giants—James Brewer, OT, Indiana: Brewer is a developmental prospect, but one with size and outstanding athleticism. He has legitimate LT potential. (A-)

118. Kansas City Chiefs—Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado: Browns has good instincts, nice size, and a solid overall skill set. He’s a little stiff in the hips, but if absolutely talented enough to contribute as a rookie. (B+)

119. Indianapolis Colts—Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse: Carter needs to add some nuance to his game (you won’t be on the field much in Indi if you can’t block for Peyton), but as a pure runner he’s a tremendous value at this point in the draft. (A-)

120. Philadelphia Eagles—Alex Henery, K, Nebraska: Sadly, David Akers won’t be around forever. Henery has good leg strength and accuracy, and he now projects as Akers’ replacement whenever the time comes for DA to move on. (B)

121. Jacksonville Jaguars—Chris Prosinski, FS, Wyoming: Supremely athletic safety heads to a team that needs one. He’s very raw, but the Jaguars are so bad at the position that I wouldn’t rule out him starting at some point this year. (B)

122. Buffalo Bills—Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson: Hairston projects as a versatile backup at both of the tackle spots. (B)

123. Baltimore Ravens—Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana: Yuck, good value for the Ravens. Doss is a big receiver who dropped in the draft only on account of injury concerns. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be able to contribute. (A)

124. Cleveland Browns—Owen Marecic, FB/LB, Stanford: Another nice pick, and this time for the good guys. Marecic is one of the most interesting guys in college football—a two-way player with terrific intelligence, work ethic, and stamina (thanks Nolan Nawrocki)—who projects as a versatile FB in Cleveland’s new WCO. (A)

125. Oakland Raiders—Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington: Remember what this guy ran? Al Davis would draft my car is it drove a 4.4 40… (B)

126. New York Jets—Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville: Powell will initially provide depth in the backfield for the Jets, and he has the tools to develop into something more. (B+)

127. Houston Texans—Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech: The Redskins needed to pick up a corner, and while Carmichael isn’t a spectacular athlete, he is opportunistic and may be able to contribute to the nickel package. (B)

128. Pittsburgh Steelers—Cortez Allen, CB, Citadel: Allen is a big boy, and the Steelers will hope to groom him as a potential starter. He’s not ready yet, but this pick brings substantial upside. (A-)

129. Denver Broncos—Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State: Thomas, a Gates-ian basketballer turned tight end, is loaded with upside and could become a steal if he develops at the position. Needs to add strength. (A)

130. Tennessee Titans—Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson: Harper is a big, physical runner. Nice complement to Chris Johnson. (A-)

131. Green Bay Packers—Davon House, CB, New Mexico State: Like Allen a few picks before him, a big corner with some untapped ability. House will be groomed to be a starter down the road. (A)

*****

Also see:

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round-Four Report Card and Analysis, Part One.

Eric Francis/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round Four Report Cards, Analysis for Every NFL Team, Part One.

Consider this the table of contents for all selected in round four. Each prospect has a more detailed write up linked down below. Also, bare in mind, I’m an easy grader.

98. Carolina Panthers—Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia: Hogan is small and comes with some serious off the field baggage, but he’s one of the best cover men in the draft and a real football value at this spot. (B-)

99. Seattle Seahawks—K.J. Wright, OLB, Mississippi State: Very raw, but very athletic and a good fit for Pete Carroll’s defense. (A-)

100. Buffalo Bills—Da’Norris Searcy, SS, North Carolina: Searcy struggles in coverage, but is tough, smart and physical. He may be asked to help replace Donte Whitner. (B)

101. Cincinnati Bengals—Clint Boling, OG, Georgia: Boling, a versatile four-year starter at Georgia, was one of the top-rated players left on the board,. Much needed depth for the Bengal line, and a potential starter down the road. (A)

102. Cleveland Browns—Jordan Cameron, TE, USC: Blake Griffin’s favorite player in the draft might come in handy for the Browns if Evan Moore continues to have injury problems. As with a few of the Browns’ pick so far, Cameron has huge upside. (B+)

103. Arizona Cardinals—Sam Acho, DE, Texas: Finally, the Cardinals land an edge rusher. Acho won’t overwhelm you with his athleticism, but he is hard working and pretty quick off the snap. (B)

104. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee: Stocker is a good in-line blocker who should complement Kellen Winslow well. (B)

105. Washington Redskins—Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska: Helu isn’t physical or elusive enough to be a feature back in the NFL, but he is plenty fast and a good fit for Mike Shanahan’s offense. (B-)

106. Minnesota Vikings—Christian Ballard, DT, Iowa: Nice pick. According to Mike Mayock, Ballard was almost universally graded as a second-round pick, but fell in the draft on the heels of an unspecified (and recent) character issue. If they can keep him focused, Minnesota will have a productive player on their hands. (A-)

107. Seattle Seahawks—Kris Durham, WR, Georgia: Durham is 6-5, 215, and he ran a 4.4 (and change) at the combine. He played well when A.J. Green was hurt, and the Seahawks will be hoping there’s untapped potential here. (B+)

108. Denver Broncos—Quinton Carter, SS, Oklahoma: Carter can’t cover, but he is strong in the box and thus could potentially find himself starting as a rookie for a defense that couldn’t stop the run last season. (B+)

109. Tennessee Titans—Colin McCarthy, OLB, Miami: McCarthy joins Akeem Ayers in a revamped Tennessee linebacking corps, though at least initially, I’m thinking his primary value is on special teams. (B-)

110. Dallas Cowboys—David Arkin, OG, Missouri State: Arkin is a physical, aggressive lineman who will be groomed to started in a year or two. (A-)

111. Miami Dolphins—Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian: Elitely fast, and according to Mike Mayock, compares favorably with Mike Wallace—the Steeler receiver whose speed changed the complexion of Pittsburgh’s offense last year. If Gates can spread the field for Brandon Marshall, Miami will be more than satisfied. (A)

112. St. Louis Rams—Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii: Good pick, but interesting pick with Mike Pettis on the board. Salas is extremely crafty, and will find a way to contribute in Josh McDaniels’ offense. (A-)

113. Oakland Raiders—Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State: Again, Al Davis brings in a blazer. Chekwa is raw as a corner, but will bring immediate value on special teams. (A-)

114. Jacksonville Jaguars—Cecil Shorts, WR, Mount Union: Shorts is a polished route runner, with great hands, and big-play ability. He’d have gone a lot higher had he not player at Mount Union. (A)

Also see:

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Round-Four Report Card and Analysis, Part Two.

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2011 NFL Draft Grades: Day Two Losers, Worst of the NFL Draft’s Second and Third Rounds.

Losers of Day Two:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick Da’Quan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn.

I’m going a little bit against the grain here, but what I see when I look at Tampa Bay is a team placing more value on name recognition than extended productivity.

I feel awful for Bowers, and I’m glad he lands here, but the issues with his knee are pretty severe and pretty legitimate. He will be limited his entire career.

The Buccaneers desperately needed help at DE, and they got it.

However, in doing so, they selected two of the preeminent injury risks in the entire draft.

Washington Redskins stockpiling picks, but not players.

What some call stockpiling picks, I call stockpiling picks that are never going to see the roster. The Redskins enter day two of the draft with 13 picks, but just one probably starter. And even he (Ryan Kerrigan) is penciled in at a position he’s never played before.

On Day two specifically, they left a few better players (and better 3-4 fits) on the board when they drafted Jarvis Jenkins out of Clemson. He’s athletic and versatile, but he’s not particularly physical and I’m not sure how effective a finesse player will be at five-technique in the NFL.

Leonard Hankerson was a solid pick in the third, but I don’t see him developing into a reliable number one receiver.

San Diego Chargers draft Jonas Mouton 61st overall.

The linebacker Mouton is a converted safety who in no way projects capable of starting in a 3-4 scheme.

He’s undersized and not very physical, and more than likely was drafted to help out in San Diego’s nickel defense.

To me, this is the biggest risk we’ve seen since Ponder went 12th overall.

Not A.J. Smith’s finest moment.

*****

Also see:

The Day Two Winners of the NFL draft.

*****

(Plus, a touch self-aggrandizing, but check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Day Two Winners, Best of the NFL Draft’s Second and Third Round.

Winners of Day Two:

New England Patriots take Ryan Mallett 74th overall.

Now this I didn’t see coming.

Mallett has the most intriguing skill set of any quarterback in this class, and now he gets to learn under the same offensive gurus that crafted a secound-round pick out of Matt Cassel.

Either Mallett takes over for Brady, or Belichick parlays him into a top-15 selection within two years.

Low risk, with a potentially huge payoff.

Cincinnati Bengals land quarterback and receiver of the future.

Is Andy Dalton a shoe-in for NFL success? Not by a long shot.

But between his accuracy, his toughness, and his deceptive athleticism, I think we may within a year realize that he was as good a prospect as any in this draft.

Not to mention, Dalton’s life will be made substantially easier with the Bengals’ first-round selection—WR A.J. Green.

Cleveland Browns grab two probable starters in Jabaal Sheard and Greg Little.

As you may or may not know, I’m a Browns fan. And I’m trying to be relatively unbiased here.

It’s not working out.

After grabbing Phil Taylor in the first-round, the Browns add two really intriguing prospects, both at their most vital positions of need.

Sheard is an aggressive, but undersized end whose lack of bulk will be mitigated while playing next to the 340 pound Taylor. And Little hasn’t played in a year, but is a developmental guy at the WR position with a toolset on par with Julio Jones’.

The Browns may have landed three starters with their first three picks.

*****

Also see:

The Day Two Losers of the NFL draft.

*****

(Plus, a touch self-aggrandizing, but check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Best Available on Day Three of the NFL Draft.

I have to admit, I’m coming around to the new draft format.

It’s like you get three Saturday mornings for the price of one—three chances to reshape your board for the upcoming day.

This is my first year writing semi-professionally about the draft, and Friday and Saturday were surprisingly painless. I knew my guys, knew my picks, and somehow presented myself as a reasonable facsimile of a draft expert.

But this is where I need some help—round four and beyond.

It’s not that I don’t know the prospects—me and Clint Boling go way back—it’s just that I have trouble projecting them with any sense of reality. I’m perhaps a bit too optimistic (in the past few years, I’ve celebrated the selections of Ben Taylor, Larry Asante and Jerimiah Pharms with a vigor usually reserved for pivotal rivalry games), and thus, we’re going to call in the big guns.

The following are the best available players entering day three of the draft as suggested by Scouts Inc.

Marvel at my delegatory skills.

The Top 10 Players Available on Day Three:

1. Clint Boling, OG, Georgia: Versatile and experienced, Boling lacks elite athleticism but projects well at guard, where he can use his natural strength in a phone booth.

2. Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana: Not particularly fast (hence his fall), but Doss has elite hands and runs NFL-caliber routes. On the right team, he could be a starter from day one.

3. Christian Ballard, DT, Iowa: Ballard is exceptionally quick for his size, but underdeveloped as a pass rusher. He is one of the more talented prospects left on the board.

4. Josh Thomas, CB, Buffalo: Thomas is a bit tight for an NFL-corner, but according to Scout, he has the “size, strength, instincts and top-end speed to develop into an effective press corner in trail technique.”

5. Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian: Gates is raw, but he has elite top-end speed and the tools to become a starting caliber receiver.

6. Virgil Green, TE, Nevada: Green too has top-notch athleticism, and again via Scout: “one of the better sets of hands in the 2011 class.” He’ll be one of the first off the board on Day Three.

7. Brandon Burton, CB, Utah: Burton has solid size and at least adequate instincts, but he faced little NFL-class competition in his time at Utah. And when he did—see: against TCU—he struggled. 

8. Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii: Salas I like a lot. He’s not going to beat you deep, but he has tremendous hands and the toughness to work the middle of the field. There is a role for this guy in the NFL.

9. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State: Hunter is small, but he displays “good vision, balance and lateral quickness as a runner. He also shows good versatility catching the ball out of the backfield.”

10. Johnny White, RB, North Carolina: White is an aggressive runner with nice vision. He’s also a former wide receiver who, as you would expect, excels at catching the ball out of the backfield.

*****

Special thanks to Scouts Inc. for unwittingly sponsoring this article.

You can read their original sentiments here.

I’d also like to throw one more name into the mix: Ricky Stanzi, the quarterback from Iowa who was just a month ago drawing comparisons to Tom Brady. Much overblown, sure, but Stanzi will probably be the first guy off the board come 12:00.

(Also, a touch self-aggrandizing, but check out my B/R pre-draft mock right here.)