NFL Power Rankings: Grading Each NFL Team's 2011 NFL Rookie Class

The NFL regular season is over, and unless their team made the playoffs, every 2011 rookie can now rejoice in the fact that they are no longer rookies. 

A new batch of college kids will come in and be hazed and picked on.

But before turning the page completely on the 2011 class, here's a look back. Each team's draft class is graded with a valedictorian and an overall grade.

Just because Cam Newton is a superstar doesn't necessarily mean the whole bunch deserves an A. 

Carolina Panthers

Valedictorian: Cam Newton, QB

Overall Grade: B

As stated in the intro slide, one rookie's dominance isn't enough to earn an A for this list. Cam Newton couldn't carry this group alone. 

After Newton, it's worth noting that that their third round-choice, defensive tackle Sione Fua, and second rounder Terrell McClain certainly improved a bad defense. Sure, they didn't have impressive stats, but at defensive tackle they don't really accumulate them. 

But despite Newton's awesome season and the interior defensive tackles, the Panthers draft class wasn't nearly as deep—at least not after one season—as several that followed. 

Denver Broncos

Valedictorian: Von Miller, LB

Overall Grade: A

Von Miller is a stud. We all know that. He's would be the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year if Aldon Smith weren't around. 

But it's the play of those who weren't second overall selections that earns the Broncos an A.

For Orlando Franklin to start as a blind side protector for Tim Tebow makes him a steal as a second-round choice. Quinton Carter, much the same...he even took away snaps from second-rounder Rahim Moore.

Unfortunately, I can't include safety Chris Harris in that group since he went undrafted, but even without him, for the Broncos to find three starters and a role player out of one draft is a great achievement. 

Buffalo Bills

Valedictorian: Kelvin Sheppard, LB

Overall Grade: A

Like Cam Newton with the Panthers, it's pretty hard to hand the Bills a perfect grade simply because they hit on Marcell Dareus. He was the third overall selection and the second defensive player 

But he wasn't the only successful rookie. Second-rounder Kelvin Sheppard did a fine job replacing Paul Posluszny. Aaron Williams made some nice plays and became a starter, while Da'Norris Searcy was also a big-time contributor. 

Even seventh-rounder Justin Rogers grabbed a pick and played in 13 games.

In short, the Bills 2011 draft class was a rousing success....much more so than any in previous years. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Valedictorian: A.J. Green, WR

Overall Grade: A

I don't want to give an entire class a perfect grade based on one rookie having a phenomenal season. But two...that's a different story.

Despite being a rookie, A.J. Green is probably one of the 10 best wide receivers in the game. Couple his awesome play with Andy Dalton—who started all 16 games, completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,398 yards and 20 touchdowns—and the Bengals hit perfectly on their first two picks.

That's enough to overcome the injury to Dontay Moch and really no contribution from the rest of the class. 

Arizona Cardinals

Valedictorian: Patrick Peterson, CB

Overall Grade: A

Man, I hate to deliver this many elite grades to teams drafting so high, but here's another accurate grade, and not just because Patrick Peterson is a ridiculous punt returner.

Peterson was definitely a monster on special teams, scoring four touchdowns. And he showed tremendous instinct as a cornerback, breaking up 13 passes, picking off two more and showing no hesitation as a tackler.

But, again, one player doesn't earn an overall A. Sam Acho's rookie season at linebacker, however, does. 

Acho forced four fumbles, recorded seven sacks, and very well could turn into the James Harrison-type player that the Cardinals defense needs to succeed. 

Cleveland Browns

Valedictorian: Phil Taylor, DT

Overall Grade: A+

Phil Taylor is going to become an All-Pro at some point. He had an outstanding rookie year in a division that featured three playoff teams.

Jabaal Sheard was a real steal: He has a great burst and will pair with Taylor as an incredible duo.

And Greg Little turned out to be the team's leading pass catcher in 2011. 

But it's what they managed to find in the later rounds, on the offensive side of the ball, that earns them an A+.

Guard Jason Pinkston was a competent fill-in for the injured Eric Steinbach, Jordan Cameron got on the field enough to be noticed and Owen Marecic became the team's starting fullback. 

Even if they passed up a stud in Julio Jones to make that trade with Atlanta, the draft was a huge win for Mike Holmgren.  

San Francisco 49ers

Valedictorian: Aldon Smith, LB

Overall Grade: A+

Back in April, Aldon Smith was not really regarded as an instant-impact player; he was considered too raw. That analysis proved to be way, way off. He'll probably steal the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year away from fellow former Big 12 stud Von Miller.

But, again, one player doesn't make an entire draft class. Three, however, do. 

Chris Culliver had an impact in the secondary, Bruce Miller—the linebacker turned fullback—was a huge aid to Frank Gore in the running game, and Kendall Hunter stole Anthony Dixon's spot as the team's change-of-pace back. 

Those youngsters were a huge part of the 49ers' quick turnaround. 

Tennessee Titans

Valedictorian: Jurrell Casey, DT

Overall Grade: A+

Jake Locker played well in his spot duty; it may have been a huge surprise that he was taken eighth overall, ahead of other signal-caller prospects, but he started to show why down the stretch. 

Still, he doesn't necessarily get high marks, especially when three other rookie quarterbacks (Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, and T.J. Yates) made far greater impacts. 

So the A+ the Titans earn is more for the result of the other side of the ball. 

Akeem Ayers, who was regarded as a first rounder for a while, enjoyed a very good rookie season, but the defensive line was the real beneficiary of the 2011 draft. Jurrell Casey plugged the holes, fifth-rounder (seven sacks) Karl Klug did a great job rushing the passer, and Colin McCarthy stuffed the run. 

No wonder Mike Munchak doesn't want to leave Nashville—the Titans defense could be scary good next year. 

Dallas Cowboys

Valedictorian: DeMarco Murray, RB

Overall Grade: B

I don't think it's entirely accurate to say, "If DeMarco Murray hadn't been injured, the Cowboys would have made the playoffs."

It is an interesting debate, though. Murray was enjoying a monster rookie season before his season-ending injury against the Giants in early December.

And since Tyron Smith started all 16 games for an offense that, at times, was potent, they grabbed two potential cornerstones for the future.

But because they got virtually nothing out of Bruce Carter and guard David Arkin, the Cowboys' draft was not nearly as productive as the rest of the top-10 selectors. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Valedictorian: Will Rackley, G

Overall Grade: D

Finally, a draft class I can blast.

I actually thought Blaine Gabbert had a decent rookie season. Aside from Maurice Jones-Drew, there is almost no offensive skill talent on that team. The wide receiving corps is the worst in the NFL, and Marcedes Lewis was a bust this year.

So while I'd give Gabbert a C for his individual performance as a rookie quarterback, and guard Will Rackley a B for being the guard on a team that featured the NFL's leading rusher, the rest of the bunch earns much lower marks.

Third-rounder Cecil Shorts caught just two passes, and the two defensive backs, Chris Prosinski and Rod Issac didn't deliver much. 

Maybe it's too simplistic to bash this class because only one of its players (Gabbert) came from a "major" conference. Or maybe it isn't. 

Houston Texans

Valedictorian: J.J. Watt, DE

Overall Grade: A

If he had played better down the stretch, T.J. Yates would be the clear cut pick here. It's one thing for a first rounder to step in and play quarterback right away but much more of a surprise for a fifth rounder to do so. But the Texans tanked the last three games, and he didn't play terribly well in the losses to Carolina and Indianapolis.

The two pass rushers that Houston nabbed in Rounds 1 and 2 greatly pull up the overall grade.

J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed combined for 11.5 sacks, doing so mostly without Mario Williams on the field, and helped Wade Phillips resurrect that defense in a hurry. The two made up for the limited production out of the trio of defensive backs (Roc Carmichael, Brandon Harris, Shiloh Keo) that Houston selected on Day 2. 

Minnesota Vikings

Valedictorian: Christian Ponder, QB

Overall Grade: D

Christian Ponder showed some hints of promise, and since he walked into a very difficult situation, he gets the valedictorian honor over Kyle Rudolph, who also played decently. 

But the rest of the class couldn't help pull the Vikings out of their 2011 doldrums. 

Christian Ballard and Mistral Raymond earned some playing time and should develop nicely, but other than that this class doesn't stand out at all—at least after one season.

Detroit Lions

Valedictorian: Titus Young, WR

Overall Grade: C

Nick Fairley's injury in the preseason cost him time to develop (although not as much as Mikel LeShoure), but his effort in the loss to the Saints was very promising and shows that he has what it takes to excel alongside Ndamukong Suh.

Still, Titus Young was the top rookie for Detroit. 

He became a great fourth option for Matthew Stafford—after Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Brandon Pettigrew—which certainly helped push the Lions into the playoffs. 

But there wasn't much else from this group...not that anyone in Detroit cares since the Lions finally returned to the postseason. 

St. Louis Rams

Valedictorian: Lance Kendricks, TE

Overall Grade: C-

The Rams got a little bit—not a ton—from several rookies this year.

Robert Quinn played much better than most people thought he would for a rookie who missed all of his last season in college. 

The two young wideouts, Greg Salas and Austin Pettis, gave some credibility to a very depleted passing game. 

But since Kendricks finished with more catches and yards than Pettis and Salas, he was probably the most valuable rookie on a team that played so well this year, they got their head coach and GM fired. 

Miami Dolphins

Valedictorian: Mike Pouncey, C

Overall Grade: B+

Mike Pouncey was as much a sure thing as there has been in the NFL draft—for offensive lineman, at least—as we've seen in a long time.

And he certainly lived up to the billing: He was a big part of Reggie Bush's rebirth in Miami.

As for Bush's backup, Daniel Thomas, when he was actually healthy enough to be on the field, the rookie from Kansas State looked solid. 

Toss in some capable play from tight end Charles Clay and cornerback Jimmy Wilson and the rookie class did very well...enough to pick up the slack for Clyde Gates' disappointing start.

Washington Redskins

Valedictorian: Ryan Kerrigan, DE

Overall Grade: B+

Tough call here on who the best pickup was for the Redskins. There's a case to be made for Roy Helu, who became the team's first-string running back and a threat out of the backfield.

But since Mike Shanahan can make any running back productive—see fellow rookie Evan Royster—Kerrigan slightly gets the nod.

Kerrigan slowed down a bit toward the end of the season, recording just one sack in the final five weeks, but he proved worthy of that somewhat-surprising selection.

It's worth noting, however, that neither Niles Paul nor Leonard Hankerson (except for that one game against Miami) contributed much in the passing game. And that's enough to keep the Redskins from earning an A even though they may have fleeced the Jaguars with that draft-day trade. 

Oakland Raiders

Valedictorian: Denarius Moore, WR

Overall Grade: A-

For a team that didn't have a first-round pick, the Raiders did an outstanding job with this year's class.

Denarius Moore was a true diamond in the rough as a fifth rounder and warrants top billing.

But Stefen Wisniewski started all 16 games and was the versatile piece that offensive line needed.  The two rookie corners, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa, contributed something in spot duty. And Taiwan Jones was a nice jack-of-all-trades for the offense and special teams as well. 

San Diego Chargers

Valedictorian: Marcus Gilchrist, CB

Overall Grade: D-

Not much went right in 2011 for the Chargers, and the draft was a prime example.

Corey Liuget didn't have the immediate impact they were hoping for, and neither did Vincent Brown. 

Marcus Gilchrist was a versatile addition that allowed the Chargers to be a bit more complex on defense, but Jonas Mouton was injured most of the year, Jordan Todman was cut and the rest of the picks couldn't crack the lineup. 

New York Giants

Valedictorian: Prince Amukamara, CB

Overall Grade: I...for Incomplete

This is a special case. Sure, every team has injuries, but the Giants set a new standard this year, especially in terms of their draft. 

Marvin Austin really could have made a big splash if he hadn't been injured in the preseason. The same goes for Prince Amukamara, who they certainly needed early on with the injury to Terrell Thomas. 

All things being equal, the later part of the class probably deserves a C. Jerrel Jernigan did nothing on offense but became a serviceable returner, and Greg Jones at least found his way onto the field at times. But both were largely overshadowed by undrafted rookies Mark Herzlich and Henry Hynoski, so that tells you something. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Valedictorian: Mason Foster, LB

Overall Grade: B+

As bad as the Bucs season was, their draft wasn't equally terrible.

At an exceptionally difficult position, Mason Foster did a fine job replacing Barrett Ruud.

Adrian Clayborn was a much-needed pass rusher. For him to continue to progress even after Gerald McCoy was lost for the season should give whoever coaches the Bucs next year hope. Luke Stocker gave the Bucs the traditional tight end they need opposite Kellen Winslow. 

And then there is the case for Da'Quan Bowers: People thought he was going to be so limited this year because of his knee issues, but that didn't stop him from playing in all 16 games and occasionally harassing quarterbacks. 

Atlanta Falcons

Valedictorian: Julio Jones, WR

Overall Grade: B+

Let's get everyone else out of the way before talking about the man Atlanta gave a ton up to get.

Akeem Dent was a credible addition to the Falcons improving defense and Jacquizz Rodgers adds an element to the offense that will be a great complement to Michael Turner. He, too, is built in that bowling ball mold.

But come on, when you talk about the Falcons 2011 draft class it starts and ends with Julio Jones. Despite the hamstring injury that cost him three games (as well as the broken foot that he suffered the previous spring), he was electrifying as the third option for Matt Ryan.

The draft-day gamble was well worth it. 

Indianapolis Colts

Valedictorian: Anthony Castonzo, T

Overall Grade: C-

Not much to chose from here for the Colts: Castonzo wins by default.

The tackle, who many considered the most pro-ready and balanced of all the rookies at his position, gave up too many sacks and didn't help out an already-troubled running game. But at least he started 12 games.

Ben Ijalana didn't start any, Drake Nevis only played in five, Chris Rucker only came on in December, and Delone Carter fumbled more than any non-quarterback on the roster. 

With that first choice in each round, the Colts must do a lot better this April. Good luck trying to replace Bill and Chris Polian! 

Philadelphia Eagles

Valedictorian: Alex Henery, K

Overall Grade: B

Doesn't the position selection say enough about the Eagles' bizarre 2011. 

First-rounder Danny Watkins struggled to get on the field early when the Eagles really needed him, and they apparently put too much responsibility in Casey Matthews' hands. Certainly both players have bright futures ahead, but Henery had the most consistent complete season. 

Replacing David Akers—who had a brilliant year in San Francisco—was going to be critical for the Eagles, and although many other decisions made by the front office weren't right, that decision was right. Henery only missed three field goals.

It's worth pointing out that Brian Rolle was a close second in the race for the top rookie season. For a sixth rounder to come in and finish fourth on the team in tackles is a big deal.

Couple Rolle's play with Dion Lewis—who showed plenty of promise, even if the stats don't reflect it—and the entire class did an admirable job. 

New Orleans Saints

Valedictorian: Mark Ingram, RB

Overall Grade: C-

When healthy, the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner was a fine addition, considering how few balls there were to go around in the Saints offense. Not only does Drew Brees throw on seemingly almost every down, the Saints had Chris Ivory, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles to fold into the offense. 

So for Ingram to gain almost 500 yards in his rookie year is noteworthy. Still, if Cameron Jordan or Martez Wilson been even a tad more active in Gregg Williams' defense, either one could have easily taken the top spot from Ingram, who did only play 10 games. 

And since Johnny Patrick—who was a third-round pick and first-team Big Ten corner—barely saw the field, the draft wasn't terribly successful. 

Seattle Seahawks

Valedictorian: K.J. Wright, LB

Overall Grade: C

As early as draft day, people were wondering what Pete Carroll and his staff were doing with their choices. And through one season, the skeptics seem to be on to something.

K.J. Wright had a good, maybe even a great year at outside linebacker, recording eight tackles for loss, two sacks and 50 tackles. But James Carpenter didn't last the whole year, and John Moffitt was hit with a four-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy. That's a terrible scenario for the team's top two picks, each brought on to improve a struggling offensive line. 

Had it not been for Wright and Richard Sherman—who very quietly became a pretty solid starter at cornerback—this draft would have been disastrous. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Valedictorian: Justin Houston, LB

Overall Grade: B

Jonathan Baldwin flashed signs of first-round capability in the overtime win over San Diego, and Rodney Hudson played well in his lone start against Pittsburgh, but Justin Houston was the biggest rookie presence on the spastic Chiefs. 

He made people forget about the concerns over his inexperience as a 3-4 linebacker and was a very capable bookend to Tamba Hali.

It would have been nice to see more from Allen Bailey, who came from a program rich in defensive line prowess, but he did have two studs (Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson) in front of him. So he needs time to develop. 

Baltimore Ravens

Valedictorian: Torrey Smith, WR

Overall Grade: A-

There's no doubt that the two Smiths were well worth their selections.

Jimmy, the corner from Colorado, slowly worked his way into the secondary and utilized his great athleticism and size to become a very valuable nickel player. 

And Torrey, the wide receiver from Maryland, took full advantage of Lee Evans' injury and lack of production to become the much-needed deep threat for Joe Flacco. Of course, if he drops two, not just one, touchdowns at the end of the Pittsburgh game, history could be a lot different.

Those two skill players and the pass-rush skills of Pernell McPhee—a steal in the fifth round—are a big reason why the Ravens won the AFC North for the first time since 2006. 

New England Patriots

Valedictorian: Stevan Ridley, RB

Overall Grade: B

The debate over whether or not the Patriots should have actually used their picks instead of trading them (they should) on a pass rusher is for another article. So based solely on the players they did draft, you'd have to say the class was, well, okay.

Sure, Stevan Ridley had a nice season, leading the team in average yards per carry and gains of 20 yards or more. And Nate Solder played well enough to help Tom Brady top the 5,000 yard mark. 

But Ras-I Dowling barely played, Ryan Mallett didn't take a single snap (not that they needed him to) and Shane Vereen wasn't much of a factor either.

Maybe that's too harsh a judgment—after all, Dowling was injured midseason, and both Mallett and Vereen had plenty of talented players ahead of them—but they were selected for a reason. 

Chicago Bears

Valedictorian: Chris Conte, S

Overall Grade: D

Gabe Carimi gets a pass since his injured knee kept him out of virtually the whole season. But other than a few decent moments from Stephen Paea and Chris Conte, there was almost nothing to grade this class on.

J.T. Thomas and Nathan Enderle didn't play. So essentially only two of the Bears' draft choices in 2011 actually had full seasons.

You can say that maybe they deserve an "I" for "incomplete" like the Giants received, but it was the front offices' fault that they only had five total draft choices. Those are terrible odds. Oh and that trade fiasco with the Ravens is another sign that they totally dropped the ball with this year's draft. 

New York Jets

Valedictorian: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT

Overall Grade: B

Muhammad Wilkerson had an incredible rookie season and would probably have received some strong consideration for defensive Rookie of the Year honors if it weren't for players like Von Miller and Aldon Smith.

So for that selection, GM Mike Tannenbaum deserves an A. Likewise for Jeremy Kerley, who the Jets rightly chose to feature rather than Braylon Edwards, Derrick Mason or Jericho Cotchery. 

But Kenrick Ellis and Bilal Powell did not contribute, and neither did Greg McElroy...although with the way Mark Sanchez finished up, that could change in 2012. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Valedictorian: Marcus Gilbert, T

Overall Grade: B

Marcus Gilbert really only played (and started 13 games) because of the Steelers' woefully thin depth along the offensive line. But he did a good job and by the end of the season wasn't in any way a weakness.

And since the team's first-round pick, Cameron Heyward, played a handful of snaps most games, he too was a nice addition.

But neither Cortez Allen nor Curtis Brown helped the Steelers' sometimes leaky secondary, so all in all, it was just a slightly above-average performance from this year's crop. 

Green Bay Packers

Valedictorian: Randall Cobb, WR

Overall Grade: B-

As a returner, Randall Cobb added yet another dangerous element to the Packers' scoring attack, so with that crop of pass catchers, anything he provided as a wide receiver this year was a bonus.

And linebacker D.J. Smith became something of a find as a sixth rounder; as a late-season fill-in he had three really big games against the Giants, Raiders and Chiefs. 

But other than those two, the Super Bowl champions' draft class was pretty thin.

Derek Sherrod  was slow to develop and then lost for the season after his brief stint as a replacement to Bryan Bulaga. And neither Alex Green nor D.J. Williams became part of the game plan (although that's to be expected in the Packers super-deep offense).

Nevertheless, as the last team to pick in virtually every round, take that fact with a grain of salt.