2011 NFL Draft Results: Grades and Analysis of Picks 5-8 in NFL Draft
The 5-8 picks highlight the first major bomb shell of the draft: a trade.
The Arizona Cardinals made a huge value pick and then the Atlanta Falcons decided it was in their best interest to trade up to No. 6.
It cost the Falcons this years No. 1, 2, and 4 round picks and next years 1 and 4 picks.
The Browns, who traded out, made a great move for getting better in the future.
The 49ers made some waves and the Tennessee Titans stayed put and also made a major splash.
The 5-8 picks might be the most exciting picks of this draft.
Cardinals Get Steal of the Draft with Patrick Peterson?
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The Arizona Cardinals needed a great player and they nailed it here.
Major needs at quarterback, outside linebacker and wide receiver could have swayed them differently, but they did a great job of staying cool and making their pick.
Patrick Peterson is the best player in this draft and he has every bit of ability to be a dominant defensive player in this league.
Grade: A
The Cardinals nail this pick as they do a good job of sitting tight and making the best possible pick.
Peterson's ability to cover top receivers, make plays in the return game and simply be the top player on this defense will make this team better immediately.
He could move to safety down the line if needed, but he'll be a great corner to start his career.
The Cardinals make a fantastic move by sitting at No. 5 and taking Peterson.
2011 NFL Draft Grades: Falcons Spend Too Much for Julio Jones?
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The Atlanta Falcons made a huge move up for a receiver they felt they needed to have.
Trading this years 1st, 2nd and 4th round picks in addition to next years 1st and 4th round picks for the No. 6 overall pick.
Sitting at No. 6 is Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones.
Grade: B
I give the Falcons the benefit of the doubt here because had they had Julio Jones on the field this year it could have easily have been this team in the Super Bowl instead of Green Bay.
Jones has some durability and concentration concerns, but his athletic ability is undeniable.
Attitude aside, he reminds a ton of a young Terrell Owens and the Falcons now have two major weapons on the outside for Matt Ryan.
Jones' potential alongside Roddy White will make them one of the best tandems in the league.
San Francisco 49ers Reach Too Far for Aldon Smith?
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The San Francisco 49ers desperately needed a cornerback, but Patrick Peterson was off the board.
Faced with a tough decision at No. 7, the 49ers decided to go with the potential of Aldon Smith.
Quarterback was also a major need for this team but they decided pass on Jake Locker and Blaine Gabbert and went with defense.
Grade: C+
Smith is still extremely young and has a ton growing to do.
He has all the potential in the world, but he still plays with too much finesse and will only be a pass rusher in the first few years of his career.
The 49ers left a lot of other talented players on the board here and while he has a lot of upside, I am not sure he will ever reach it.
This could be another Manny Lawson.
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Tennessee Titans Hit Home Run with Jake Locker?
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The Tennessee Titans needed a quarterback and they went out and got one.
This team must have decided long ago that Locker's work ethic was exactly what they wanted and they did not waver.
After running into problems with character players like Vince Young, Albert Haynesworth and Kenny Britt, this is a fantastic pick.
Grade: B+
You can call this a reach if you want, but Jake Locker will be the best quarterback out of this draft.
He will not stop until he is a great quarterback and I applaud the Titans for seeing this and taking a shot at a player they loved.
Locker will not disappoint them.
It will take some time, they will need a veteran, but Locker is a great pick for this future.
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