NFL Draft Report Card: Grading Each Team's 2010 Draft
The 2010 NFL season is nearing the 3/4 mark, and with that in mind we are taking a look back at every draft class from the 2010 NFL Draft.
How did your favorite team score in our NFL Draft review, and have they set themselves up to build for the future? From Sam Bradford to Tim Toone, we have a breakdown of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills
1 of 32
Grade: C
Picks: C.J. Spiller, Torrell Troup, Alex Carrington, Marcus Easley, Edward Wang, Arthur Moats, Dan Batten, Levi Brown, Kyle Calloway
Analysis: Batten and Easley ended up on the Injured Reserve, cutting their rookie seasons short. Spiller has proven to be a very dynamic player, but he hasn’t been able to unseat Fred Jackson as the team’s primary ball carrier. Buffalo missed improving the roster at quarterback and offensive tackle in this draft, something that is haunting them now.
Miami Dolphins
2 of 32
Grade: B
Picks: Jared Odrick, Koa Misi, John Jerry, A.J. Edds, Nolan Carroll, Reshad Joones, Chris McCoy, Austin Spitler
Analysis: The Dolphins did a nice job here of drafting for need and trading back to acquire more picks. Odrick will be a very good player in the future, and Misi looks like he could start opposite Cameron Wake for years to come.
New England Patriots
3 of 32
Grade: A++
Picks: Devin McCourty, Rob Gronkowski, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes, Taylor Price, Aaron Hernandez, Zoltan Mesko, Ted Laresen, Thomas Welch, Brandon Deaderick, Kade Weston, Zac Robinson
Analysis: This is the best draft from 2010, and maybe one of the best classes we’ve seen in a long time. McCourty, Gronkoswki, Hernandez, Cunningham, Spikes and Mesko are all starting for the Patriots, who have the NFL’s best record. Taylor Price will be a good receiver in the slot next season.
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New York Jets
4 of 32
Grade: C-
Picks: Kyle Wilson, Vladimir Ducasse, Joe McKnight, John Conner
Analysis: With only four picks it is hard to grade this draft. Wilson looks like a very good nickel back, but in hindsight he wasn’t much of a need for them. Ducasse is a player we like, and so far he’s the only reason for the good grade.
Baltimore Ravens
5 of 32
Grade: Incomplete
Picks: Sergio Kindle, Terrence Cody, Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta, David Reed, Arthur Jones, Ramon Herewood
Analysis: Kindle and Cody have missed the entire season due to injuries, and Arthor Jones is making his first appearance this weekend. The Ravens rarely miss on draft picks, but the jury is still out on the 2010 class.
Cincinnati Bengals
6 of 32
Grade: B+
Picks: Jermaine Gresham, Carlos Dunlap, Jordan Shipley, Brandon Ghee, Geno Atkins, Roddrick Muckelroy, Otis Hudson, Dezmon Briscoe, Reginald Stephens
Analysis: Many of the Bengals draft choices are playing, and playing a lot. Gresham and Shipley look to be the future of the passing game, while Muckelroy and Ghee have seen good playing time. Dunlap has three sacks in back up duty, but he could emerge as a starter in 2011.
Cleveland Browns
7 of 32
Grade: A
Picks: Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Monatrio Hardesty, Colt McCoy, Shawn Lauvao, Larry Asante, Carlton Mitchell, Clifton Geathers
Analysis: The Browns hit a home run on Colt McCoy in round four (which still blows us away that he fell so far). Haden and Ward are the future of the secondary, both are playing very well as rookies. Hardesty was lost for the regular season due to injury, but he will be a valuable change of pace back teamed up with Peyton Hillis in 2011.
Pittsburgh Steelers
8 of 32
Grade: B
Picks: Maurkice Pouncey, Jason Worilds, Emmanuel Sanders, Thaddeus Gibson, Chris Scott, Crezdon Butler, Stevenson Sylvester, Jonathan Dwyer, Antonio Brown, Dough Worthington
Analysis: Pouncey is the only player from this class who has made an impact yet. Gibson was cut and signed by the 49ers, Worilds has two sacks in 10 games of back up duty. We do like the future of Emmanuel Sanders- he will be a player to watch.
Houston Texans
9 of 32
Grade: D
Picks: Kareem Jackson, Ben Tate, Earl Mitchell, Darryl Sharpton, Garrett Graham, Sherrick McManis, Shelley Smith, Trindon Holiday, Dorin Dickerson
Analysis: Jackson has been thrown to the wolves this season, and he’s not doing well against that pressure. Ben Tate was drafted to replace Arian Foster, who know leads the NFL in rushing. This draft class is full of reaches and picks that weren’t needed.
Indianapolis Colts
10 of 32
Grade: D
Picks: Jerry Hughes, Patrick Angerer, Kevin Thomas, Jacques McClendon, Brody Eldridge, Ricardo Mathews, Kavell Conner, Ray Fisher
Analysis: This is a very underwhelming draft for the Colts. Jerry Hughes is currently third on the depth chart, and has only seen time in spot duty. Angerer is starting at outside linebacker, but Kevin Thomas is out for the year with a knee injury.
Jacksonville Jaguars
11 of 32
Grade: B
Picks: Tyson Alualu, D’Anthony Smith, Larry Hart, Austen Lane, Deji Karim, Scotty McGee
Analysis: If ever there was a no-name draft class, this is it. Alualu has started at defensive tackle all season, and he’s showing a lot of promise. Austen Lane is actually started at defensive end over former first round draft pick Derrick Harvey. This class isn’t sexy, or exciting, but it is very solid.
Tennessee Titans
12 of 32
Grade: D
Picks: Derrick Morgan, Damian Williams, Rennie Curran, Alterraun Verner, Robert Johnson, Rusty Smith, Myron Rolle, Marc Mariani, David Howard
Analysis: Derrick Morgan and Damian Williams may never contribute for the Titans, which seriously brings down the draft grade. Verner is starting, and looks good, while Mariani has been a valuable return man. Wasting their first and second round picks still leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Denver Broncos
13 of 32
Grade: B
Picks: Demaryius Thomas, Tim Tebow, Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton, Erick Decker, Perrish Cox, Eric Olsen, Syd’Quan Thompson, Jammie Kirlew
Analysis: We continue to believe that Tim Tebow was a huge, huge reach in the first round. Until he proves us otherwise, this entire draft is marred by that one pick. Surprisingly, the other picks were pretty good. Thomas has the look of a starting receiver, but he has to do a better job staying healthy. J.D. Walton is starting at center, and has all season. Beadles has started 9 games at left guard, and Perrish Cox is the team’s best nickel corner.
Kansas City Chiefs
14 of 32
Grade: A+
Picks: Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster, Javier Arenas, Jon Asamoah, Tony Moeaki, Kendrick Lewis, Cameron Sheffield
Analysis: Not many people expected the Chiefs to be in 1st place in the AFC West, but they are and they can thank this very good draft class for it. Berry, McCluster, Arenas, Moeaki and Lewis are all playing huge roles on offense, defense and special teams. There are no wasted picks from this entire class.
Oakland Raiders
15 of 32
Grade: A
Picks: Rolando McClain, LaMarr Houston, Jared Veldheer, Bruce Campbell, Jacoby Ford, Walter McFadden, Travis Goethel, Jeremy Ware, Steven Brown
Analysis: Veldheer could turn out to be the Raiders future at left tackle, he’s playing that well. Lamarr Houston has been a very nice surprise at defensive end, he’s playing out of this world. McClain is the solid leader the Raiders needed in the middle. Ford has been a great big-play guy. Campbell could develop into a damn good right tackle or guard.
San Diego Chargers
16 of 32
Grade: C
Picks: Ryan Mathews, Donald Butler, Darrell Stuckey, Cam Thomas, Jonathan Crompton, Dedrick Epps
Analysis: In a very small class, the Chargers are getting good production, but not great. Mathews has been hurt off and on all season, and the defensive players chosen are not making an impact. In fact, few of them are seeing the field. This is a draft that will really be graded in the next 3-5 years.
Dallas Cowboys
17 of 32
Grade: B+
Picks: Dez Bryant, Sean Lee, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Sam Young, Jamar Wall, Sean Lissemore
Analysis: Grabbing Dez Bryant at the end of the first round saves this draft for the Cowboys. Sean Lee is a steady back up on the inside, he’ll likely replace Keith Brooking after the season. The other four draft picks have done nothing to note as of yet.
New York Giants
18 of 32
Grade: D
Picks: Jason Pierre-Paul, Linval Joseph, Chad Jones, Phillip Dillard, Mitch Petrus, Adrian Tracy, Matt Dodge
Analysis: This draft may end up being better, but so far it’s not impressive. Chad Jones may never play football again after a car accident. Pierre-Paul has played in spot situations, but with Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora having great years he has not been needed. Overall, the Giants made a lot of draft picks that will not play for them.
Philadelphia Eagles
19 of 32
Grade: B+
Picks: Brandon Graham, Nate Allen, Daniel Te’o-Nesheim, Trevard Lindley, Keenan Clayton, Mike Kafka, Clay Harbor, Ricky Sapp, Riley Cooper, Charles Scott, Jamar Chaney, Jeff Owens, Kurt Coleman
Analysis: Out of a HUGE draft class, Philadelphia hit on some studs. Riley Cooper will become a very good #3 receiver, Brandon Graham is starting at left end, Kurt Coleman and Nate Allen are the team’s free safeties- where they’ve battle for playing time.
Washington Redskins
20 of 32
Grade: D
Picks: Trent Williams, Perry Riley, Dennis Morris, Terrence Austin, Erik Cook, Selvish Capers
Analysis: Trent Williams has stepped in at left tackle, and while he’s had some rough spots, he is showing a lot of promise. As far as this draft class goes… that’s it. The Redskins are not known for their solid drafting.
Chicago Bears
21 of 32
Grade: C
Picks: Major Wright, Corey Wootton, Joshua Moore, Dan LeFevour, J’Marcus Webb
Analysis: With no picks in the first two rounds due to trades, the Bears were left with little to work with. Despite only having five picks, this group is playing well. Webb has taken over at right tackle and could develop in to a starter. Moore, Wright and Wootton are key back-ups.
Detroit Lions
22 of 32
Grade: A++
Picks: Ndamukong Suh, Jahvid Best, Amari Spievey, Jason Fox, Willie Young, Tim Toone
Analysis: Suh leads all defensive tackles in sacks, as a rookie. Jahvid Best looks like the Lions franchise running back. Spievey has played very well at strong safety, while Willie Young is a valuable situational player.
Green Bay Packers
23 of 32
Grade: B-
Picks: Bryan Bulaga, Mike Neal, Morgan Burnett, Andrew Quarless, Marshall Newhouse, James Stark, C.J. Wilson
Analysis: You have to bet the Packers wish they had drafted a running back higher, but they have to be happy with this class. Bulaga has played well at right tackle and will eventually move to the left side, where Newhouse is a good back up to Chad Clifton. Quarless has been great in replacing Jermichael Finley. Neal hasn’t been a factor yet, but he will be next season.
Minnesota Vikings
24 of 32
Grade: B-
Picks: Chris Cook, Toby Gerhart, Everson Griffen, Chris Degeare, Nathan Triplett, Joe Webb, Mickey Shuler, Ryan D’Imperio
Analysis: Chris Cook has been injured, but he looks like a future star when healthy. Gerhart has been good in short-yardage, and also in replacing Adrian Peterson when injured. Griffen has not been asked to do much, but he will get his chance next fall. Joe Webb just might be the QB of the future here. Seriously.
Atlanta Falcons
25 of 32
Grade: B
Picks: Sean Weatherspoon, Corey Peters, Mike Johnson, Joe Hawley, Dominique Franks, Kerry Meier, Shann Schillinger
Analysis: Weatherspoon has stepped in and been a starter from day one. Peters was starting at defensive tackle before getting hurt. We really like the potential of Kerry Meier, who is missing the season on IR.
Carolina Panthers
26 of 32
Grade: A
Picks: Jimmy Clausen, Brandon LaFell, Armanti Edwards, Eric Norwood, Greg Hardy, David Gettis, Jordan Pugh, Tony Pike, RJ Stanford, Robert McClain
Analysis: Despite reaching for Armanti Edawrds, this isn’t a bad draft. With no first round pick the Panthers found their quarterback of the future, two very good receivers, and two defensive ends they can build around.
New Orleans Saints
27 of 32
Grade: B
Picks: Patrick Robinson, Charles Brown, Jimmy Graham, Al Woods, Matt Tennant, Sean Canfield
Analysis: There are no starters from this group, but you can expect that on the Super Bowl Champions roster. Robinson, Brown, Graham and Tennant all figure to be starters in the next 1-2 seasons, and are earning valuable playing time this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
28 of 32
Grade: A
Picks: Gerald McCoy, Brian Price, Arrelious Benn, Myron Lewis, Mike Williams, Brent Bowden, Cody Grimm, Dekoda Watson, Erik Long
Analysis: Grimm, McCoy, Benn, and Williams are all making big impacts as rookies. Williams in almost any other year would be a rookie of the year candidate. As the Bucs become more and more of a contender, this draft will be a big part of the reason.
Arizona Cardinals
29 of 32
Grade: B
Picks: Dan Williams, Daryl Washington, Andre Roberts, O’Brien Schofield, John Skelton, Jorrick Calvin, Jim Dray.
Analysis: Ignoring the hole at quarterback is haunting the Cardinals right now. Dan Williams will be a valuable building block on defense down the road. Andre Roberts is proving to be a very good find at receiver. Daryl Washington is a tackling machine.
San Francisco 49ers
30 of 32
Grade: B+
Picks: Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati, Taylor Mays, Navorro Bowman, Anthony Dixon, Nate Byham, Kyle Williams, Phillip Adams
Analysis: The 49ers are not seeing immediate dividends from this class, but the 2010 draft crew will be the building blocks of this organization. Davis, Iupati, Mays and Bowman are all starting or seeing major playing time. Once they can find a quarterback, this is a playoff team.
Seattle Seahawks
31 of 32
Grade: A
Picks: Russell Okung, Earl Thomas, Golden Tate, Walter Thurmond, E.J. Wilson, Kam Chancellor, Anthony McCoy, Dexter Davis, Jameson Konz
Analysis: Earl Thomas will likely end up #2 in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, he’s been that good. Russell Okung is the unquestioned franchise left tackle. Golden Tate has the ability to become a dangerous #2 receiver.
St. Louis Rams
32 of 32
Grade: A++
Picks: Sam Bradford, Rodger Saffold, Jerome Murphy, Mardy Gilyard, Michael Hoomanawanui, Hall Davis, Fendi Onobun, Eugene Sims, Marquis Johnson, George Selvie, Josh Hull
Analysis: With little talent around him on offense Sam Bradford is having one of the best seasons we can remember seeing for a rookie quarterback. He was well worth the money. Saffold is the team’s future at left tackle, he’s looked very good early on. Gilyard has a bright future at returner and receiver.
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