2011 NFL Draft Grades: Power Ranking All 32 Team Drafts through 3 Rounds
The first three rounds of the 2011 NFL draft is in the book. Now that the smoke has cleared and we’ve had a day to think about all 32 teams’ first-half selections, we are not only going to dish out report cards but power rank all 32 drafts.
Some teams are setting up for championship runs as soon as 2011. Others are setting up their future for two or three years from now. Other teams, however, including contenders, are falling short of completing their teams as they had poor first half drafts.
This has been one of the most exciting three rounds in the history of the NFL. Teams have needs across the board. Who helped and hurt their causes heading into 2011?
We’ve seen elite talent fly off the board in the first three rounds. Elite players fell while others were selected too high.
Who reached?
Who traded up at the right time?
Who stood their ground and still landed top-level players to help them make a run in 2011?
Here are your 32 Team Draft Power Rankings Through the First Three Rounds!
32. Philadelphia Eagles
1 of 32
Round 1: Danny Watkins, Baylor OG
Round 2: Jaiquawn Jarrett, Temple S
Round 3: Curtis Marsh, Utah State CB
Eagles really disappointed me in this draft as they had top-level players fall to them—and they passed.
Gabe Carimi falls to Andy Reid, and he takes Watkins. Watkins is an athletic interior lineman and a solid prospect as my No. 2 overall offensive guard. Still, he should have been more productive throughout his career than he was. Carimi was my No. 1 offensive tackle and could have played guard for the Eagles. Jimmy Smith also fell to them, and they passed when they needed an elite cornerback.
In the second round, Brandon Harris, a potential first-round talent who slipped to the end of the third round, falls into their laps—and they passed. Worse, they passed for a safety that could have been had in the third round. Jarrett is a solid safety and is good in coverage, but with so many safeties left in the draft, Reid needed to select Harris.
Marsh is a fine prospect as a converted running back. He is big, strong, has active hands and fits their style of play. I would have preferred Curtis Brown.
Grade: C-
31. New England Patriots
2 of 32
Round 1: Nate Solder, Colorado OT
Round 2: Ras-I Dowling, Virginia DB; Shane Vareen, California RB
Round 3: Stevan Ridley, LSU RB; Ryan Mallett, Arkansas QB
I praised Bill Belichick all offseason, and he disappoints me more than every other coach in this draft. Solder is a fine offensive tackle, my No. 4 OT in the draft. Still, Anthony Castonzo would have been a better selection as he could start immediately while Solder is more of a project. He is athletic though, having been a former tight end.
I like the move to trade down, as we expected. He starts off the second round with a solid, versatile defensive back in Dowling.
It all goes downhill from here.
I understand Belichick likes to have a receiver out of the backfield, and Vareen is one of the best in this class at the RB position, but this is a reach pick here. Danny Woodhead already fills Vareen’s role and with DeMarco Murray still on the board, Vareen had no business being selected here. Daniel Thomas would have been a much better selection as the team needs a downhill runner with power. Ridley fills that role in the third round, but he’s a reach pick as well with Kendall Hunter on the board still.
Ryan Mallett lands in a prime destination as he has two of the best tutors ever in Belichick and Tom Brady. Expect Mallett to be used as trade bait down the road due to the mystique over his strong arm.
I do not doubt Belichick in the end. I know these players will serve a role. Yet, he could have done a much better job in this draft, especially with six selections in the first three rounds.
Grade: C-
30. San Diego Chargers
3 of 32
Round 1: Corey Liuget, Illinois DT
Round 2: Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson DB; Jonas Mouton, Michigan LB
Round 3: Vincent Brown, San Diego State WR; Shareece Wright, USC CB
The Chargers bookend selections of their first three rounds are solid picks.
Liuget is a fantastic defensive tackle. He has a great work ethic and could be a top-10 player in this class.
It all fell apart after Liuget.
Although I like Gilchrist for his versatility and ability to tackle, San Diego could have taken him at the end of the second round and landed a better wide receiver or linebacker. Actually, they should have just taken a better linebacker with their last second-round selection.
Brown was a reach pick with better receivers on the board such as Tandon Doss.
Although I like three of their players, the Chargers should have done far better with five selections in the first three rounds.
Grade: C
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29. Arizona Cardinals
4 of 32
Round 1: Patrick Peterson, LSU CB
Round 2: Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech RB
Round 3: Robert Housler, Florida Atlantic TE
It’s remarkable how the Cardinals messed up this draft. They land a steal in Patrick Peterson who solidifies the most talented secondary in the league. He is a fantastic return man and should be the next Deion Sanders.
Ken Whisenhunt then messed up this draft by selecting Williams when the Cardinals do not need a running back right now. I also believe Mikel Leshoure is the safer running back in this class over Williams.
I don’t doubt that the Cardinals need a quality tight end, but they could have found one later in the draft. Elite linebackers were still on the board, which the Cardinals desperately need. Quality tight ends were still on the board in Luke Stocker and Virgil Green.
I agree they picked fine players but not for where they picked them and for their needs.
Grade: C+
28. St. Louis Rams
5 of 32
Round 1: Robert Quinn, North Carolina DE
Round 2: Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin TE
Round 3: Austin Pettis, Boise State WR
I like Robert Quinn, a lot. He is my No. 5 overall prospect and has elite pass-rushing ability. Yet, I could actually see him flaming out in St. Louis due to the lack of talent on the defensive line. I don’t know if he will make the impact needed as a rookie, but it’s a great start for Steve Spagnuolo. I’m rooting for him, but I have my concerns after letting the smoke settle.
Kendricks was a reach pick here. It seems St. Louis really thought they were going to get Kyle Rudolph and decided to take their No. 2 tight end. With Bradford’s accuracy, he does not need a top tight end just yet. The Rams needed to take one of the top receivers and let Kendricks fall to them in the third round.
When you get to the third round, though, you see that all would have been just fine. They get their No. 2 corner and could have taken a top-five WR in this draft in Leonard Hankerson. Instead, they take Austin Pettis, my No. 11 rated wideout. He is a fine receiver with good hands and solid route running, but the Rams already have him in Danny Amendola. Hankers would have been a better No. 2 for the Rams than Pettis.
Grade: C+
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
6 of 32
Round 1: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri QB
Round 3: William Rackley, Lehigh OG
I’m not high on Gabbert by any means, but he lands in a great spot—mostly because he doesn’t have to start right away. A major reason I didn’t like Gabbert heading to most teams in the top 10 was because he would have had to start right away. This is a talent who needs to sit on the sidelines and learn the game before stepping on the field. He has solid mobility, arm strength and mid-range accuracy.
William Rackley will help Maurice Jones-Drew in the run game, and it is nice to see Jacksonville dedicate themselves to making sure Gabbert has a fine offensive line in front of him.
Grade: C+
26. Minnesota Vikings
7 of 32
Round 1: Christian Ponder, Florida State QB
Round 2: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame TE
Although I like Christian Ponder a lot as he is my No. 3 QB, Minnesota needed to trade down to select him. I do feel he has the accuracy, intangibles, decision-making and leadership qualities of a starting NFL quarterback.
The only concern is durability issues. Now in the NFC North, Ponder could get knocked around—will he actually be able to stay healthy? Minnesota could have traded back a few spots to grab a third-round selection.
Kyle Rudolph is the best tight end in the draft and reminds many of Oakland’s Zach Miller. A tight end can be a young quarterback’s best friend, so this is a fine fit.
Minnesota had other glaring needs, but they are setting up for the future.
Grade: C+
25. Carolina Panthers
8 of 32
Round 1: Cam Newton, Auburn QB
Round 2: Terrell McClain, South Florida DT
Round 3: Sione Fua, Stanford DT
I love the Cam Newton selection. Ron Rivera had to take him to be the savior of this franchise. He has the tools necessary to become a winning franchise quarterback. As important, he is the superstar Carolina needed to sell tickets, jerseys and hope.
It went downhill from there. I like the idea of building the defensive from the inside out, but two defensive tackles in the second round was the poor way to go. McClain was a reach pick with better defensive tackles still on the board—including Fua who they take to finish the round.
They needed to take a cornerback or linebacker to begin the second round and then grab Fua to round it out, and they would have been much higher on this list.
Grade: C+
24. Tennessee Titans
9 of 32
Round 1: Jake Locker, Washington QB
Round 2: Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB
Round 3: Jurrell Casey, USC DT
I like Tennessee’s last two picks, but they have work ethic concerns. If they can turn it up in the NFL, they will be great selections. Ayers is a great sideline-to-sideline linebacker, which Tennessee hasn’t had since Keith Bullock.
Casey has first-round ability, and the Titans desperately needed a defensive tackle, which is why they took a hard look at Nick Fairley.
It all comes down to Jake Locker, though. I’m not a fan of Locker at all. I don’t see the top-five talent people saw last year. He will rely on his athleticism to make up for his accuracy. He is a work in process.
Grade: B-
23. Washington Redskins
10 of 32
Round 1: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue DE
Round 2: Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson DT
Round 3: Leonhard Hankerson, Miami (FL) WR
The Redskins land two solid prospects in Hankerson and Kerrigan. They won’t excite much, but they are just solid overall football players. Both have great work ethics and will produce for the ‘Skins. Kerrigan will be a better defensive end than outside linebacker, but he has a knack for getting to the quarterback.
The Jenkins selection is a true head scratcher here. Mike Shanahan passes on Marvin Austin and Stephen Paea for Jenkins, which I believe is a poor decision.
A fine, safe draft for the Redskins, who still need to search for a QB.
Grade: B-
22. Oakland Raiders
11 of 32
Round 2: Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State OG/C
Round 3: Demarcus Van Dyke, Miami (FL) CB
Round 3: Joseph Barksdale, LSU OT
I like that the Raiders played it safe, for the most part, by bolstering their offensive line. Wisniewski is an intelligent, safe player who fills a major need. Barksdale could be a potential top-level offensive tackle from this class.
I don’t like the Van Dyke selection as he could be another track star for the Raiders. Curtis Brown and Shareece Wright would have been better selections.
Still, I like the direction of the Raiders. They know they are going to run the ball and needed to secure their offensive line.
B-
21. Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Round 1: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State OT
Round 2: Randall Cobb, Kentucky WR
Round 3: Alex Green, Hawaii RB
Packers once again do a solid job in the draft. They desperately needed an offensive lineman to protect Aaron Rodgers after he was beat up last season. Derek Sherrod is my No. 5 offensive tackle and a fantastic selection by the Packers.
James Jones could bolt via free agency, and Randall Cobb is a fantastic all-purpose receiver. He will help not only in the aerial attack, but on special teams and in the backfield. He is a great player and lands in a prime situation.
I’m not a fan of the Alex Green selection, but the Packers do need an explosive back, which Green is. Still, there are more running backs to be had in this class, such as Roy Helu Jr. The Packers should have waited for a running back and drafted a pass-rusher.
Grade: B-
20. Seattle Seahawks
13 of 32
Round 1: James Carpenter, Alabama OG
Round 2: John Moffitt, Wisconsin OG
Pete Carroll cost himself big time by selecting James Carpenter over Gabe Carimi. He made up for it by selecting Moffitt, who is one of my favorite offensive guards in the class. It would have been amazing to see Carimi and Moffitt continue their careers together, and they would make a far better pairing than Carpenter and Moffitt.
Carimi is the best run-blocking OT in the draft, and Moffitt is a top run-blocking OG as well. Carpenter is a solid overall tackle, but he could have been had later.
Carroll is building a fantastic offensive line, and I’m not trying to knock Carpenter by any means, but should not have been selected over Carimi who fits Carroll’s vision better. He wants to run the ball with authority, and they will get the job done with this offensive line and Marshawn Lynch, but he passed on the nastiest offensive lineman in this draft.
I love the direction, but Carroll could have done a better job by grabbing both Wisconsin products—he would have gotten an A+ from me.
Grade: B
19. Kansas City Chiefs
14 of 32
Round 1: Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh WR
Round 2: Rodney Hudson, Florida State OG/C
Round 3: Justin Houston, Georgia OLB; Allen Bailey, Miami (FL) DE
I like the Chiefs’ draft as they land potential superstars if they get their heads on straight. Third-round selections Houston and Bailey are potential first-round talents but have character and work ethic issues. If they can play at a high level, they are mid-round steals.
I’m still not high on the Baldwin pick as I don’t feel he was a first-round talent just yet, but he could be a top-five receiver in this draft. At one point, he was actually my No. 3 receiver. At the very least, he will open the field for Dexter McCluster to dominate ala Wes Welker.
Hudson is my favorite pick by the Chiefs due to his versatility and strength. He is one of the strongest interior lineman in the draft and bolsters the Chiefs’ offensive line in pass and run blocking.
Grade: B
18. San Francisco 49ers
15 of 32
Round 1: Aldon Smith, Missouri DE/OLB
Round 2: Colin Kaepernick, Nevada QB
Round 3: Chris Culliver, South Carolina DB
Many believe the 49ers reached for Aldon Smith. Although I feel Robert Quinn would have been a much better addition, I understand the health concerns. The next best pass-rusher on the board was Aldon Smith. He has been compared to DeMarcus Ware, so if he pans out that way, every 49ers fan will magically forget they called his pick a reach. He will pair with Patrick Willis to become the NFC’s Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs duo at linebacker.
Kaepernick was a fantastic pick. He is just as athletic as Cam Newton, has great arm strength and accuracy. I say he should start from Day No. 1 as he lands on a great team. He was my No. 4 quarterback for his natural abilities and instincts.
I’m not high on the Culliver pick at all with superior corners still on the board such as Curtis Brown, Brandon Burton and Shareece Wright.
Grade: B
17. Cleveland Browns
16 of 32
Round 1: Phil Taylor, Baylor DT
Round 2: Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh DE; Greg Little, North Carolina WR
I like the Browns’ start. Mike Holmgren is doing a great job fielding a potential division contender in two years.
Taylor was an odd selection to trade up for, as he projects as the best 3-4 nose tackle, and Cleveland is switching to a 4-3 defense. Still, he is one of the top defensive tackles in the draft. His stock improves with the addition of Jabaal Sheard, who is a top-10 defensive end in this draft. He has very good athleticism and will make the entire line better. He may be the most talented player on the line right now.
Greg Little is a fantastic athlete who reminds me of a smaller version of Terrell Owens. He is a strong, tough and competitive player who will fight for every ball and yards after the catch.
Grade: B
16. Baltimore Ravens
17 of 32
Round 1: Jimmy Smith, Colorado CB
Round 2: Torrey Smith, Maryland WR
Round 3: Jah Reid, UCF OT
A very good draft by the Ravens. Jimmy Smith is one of my favorite corners in the draft. He has the talent to become the second or even best corner in the draft. Don’t worry about any character concerns as he lands in a locker room with Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.
I like the Torrey Smith pick more for the story than for the actual player. Torrey gets to continue playing football in Maryland and provides the Ravens with the speed at wide receiver they desperately need.
Reid gained a ton of momentum as an offensive tackle over the past month. He is a solid prospect and provides the Ravens with depth at the position and an insurance policy for Jared Gaither potentially leaving.
Grade: B+
15. New York Giants
18 of 32
Round 1: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska CB
Round 2: Marvin Austin, North Carolina DT
Round 3: Jerrel Jernigan, Troy WR
The Giants’ two major needs this offseason were offensive line and linebacker. Notice how none of their first three selections filled any of their top-two needs?
How then are they ranked this high?
Simple, general manager Jerry Reese takes the best player available in the first two rounds.
Amukamara is my No. 7 overall prospect and will become a great No. 1 or No. 2 corner for New York. The Giants’ corners always seem to suffer injuries and I always say a team cannot have enough cornerbacks.
Marvin Austin is a fantastic pick for the Giants. He has first-round talent and will bolster a defensive line. The Giants pride themselves on their d-line rotation, which helps them boast the best line in the league. Austin will immensely assist Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Jernigan is an insurance pick for the Giants in case Steve Smith receives an offer from another team he can’t refuse. New York needed to pick Mason Foster, though, in the third; he would have been a steal for them.
Grade: B+
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
19 of 32
Round 1: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State DE
Round 2: Marcus Gilbert, Florida OT
Round 3: Curtis Brown, Texas CB
Mike Tomlin once again puts together a solid draft.
Cam Heyward is one of the better 3-4 defensive ends in the class and deserved to be selected by a high-quality organization like the Steelers. Although I did not view defensive line as a major need for the Steelers, I’m a firm believer that you cannot have enough defensive lineman in this league as the game is won in the trenches.
Gilbert is a very good selection overall for Pittsburgh. They desperately need to bolster the offensive line. Although they miss out on Maurkice Pouncey’s twin brother Mike, they land an experienced lineman from Florida to improve the line.
Curtis Brown deserved to be selected over every other cornerback taken in the third round. Pittsburgh landed a steal when he fell to them at the end of the third. He should develop into their best corner by year two or three.
Grade: B+
13. Miami Dolphins
20 of 32
Round 1: Mike Pouncey, Florida OG/C
Round 2: Daniel Thomas, Kansas State RB
A great draft to get the Dolphins back on the right track. I suggested these two players over the past month, so it’s great to see them land in Miami as they are perfect fits.
Pouncey is an athletic, versatile offensive lineman who is solid in pass block and run blocking. Tony Sparano will be able to line him up at offensive guard or center. He’ll bolster an offensive line that already has one of the best offensive tackles in the league in Jake Long.
Daniel Thomas is a perfect match for the Dolphins’ power running game. I predict he will become an instant fan-favorite. He will take a ton of pressure off Chad Henne, who should progress now that he has a better offensive line and rushing attack. Thomas is a powerful runner and my No. 3 overall running back in this class.
Grade: A-
12. Indianapolis Colts
21 of 32
Round 1: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College OT
Round 2: Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova OT
Round 3: Drake Nevis, LSU DT
I harped all offseason about how the Colts needed to bolster the offensive line to keep Peyton Manning from getting rocked again in the pocket.
It’s great to see Indianapolis went full force with the offensive line as they grabbed two of the top-10 offensive tackles in this draft. Both will be able to start immediately. Castonzo is actually the most well-rounded offensive tackle in the draft in my eyes. Tyron Smith is my top-rated pass blocker, and Gabe Carimi is my top-rated run blocker, but Castonzo is solid all-around.
The game is won in the trenches, and Indy needed a solid defensive tackle. I like the Nevis pick, who has first-round talent if he dedicates himself to improving. I thought the Colts would have selected Iowa’s Christian Ballard, but Nevis is a fine selection.
Grade: A-
11. Dallas Cowboys
22 of 32
Round 1: Tyron Smith, USC OT
Round 2: Bruce Carter, North Carolina OLB
Round 3: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma RB
Although I’m not a big fan of the DeMarco Murray selection, I am a fan of him as an overall prospect. He’ll enjoy being in Dallas, so congratulations to him.
Tyron Smith fits a major void for the Cowboys. I had them pegged for a cornerback this entire draft, but they made solid selections throughout. He is arguably the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft, which the ‘Boys needed. He’ll have to play left tackle in Dallas, which remains to be seen if he can truly excel after playing the right side in college. Still, he is my top-rated pass-blocking offensive tackle in the draft, which makes him a great pick by Jerry Jones who needs to find ways to protect Tony Romo.
Bruce Carter is one of my favorite linebackers in the draft; he’ll become an instant fan-favorite by the Dallas fanbase. He is a very good all-around linebacker who can rush the passer and assist in run support.
Grade: A-
10. Buffalo Bills
23 of 32
Round 1: Marcell Dareus, Alabama DT
Round 2: Aaron Williams, Texas CB
Round 3: Kelvin Sheppard, LSU LB
As I said they should do all offseason, Buffalo dedicates their draft to strengthening their defense after they put out a competitive offense in 2010.
Dareus is the perfect fit for the Bills’ new hybrid 3-4 4-3 defensive scheme. He can play across the line and will be the anchor for this defense.
Although I believe they needed to add an outside pass-rusher to the squad, they land two quality players I did not think they were targeting. Williams is a risk-taking corner, but he has the ability to become a top-four corner in this draft or even a top-two safety if he makes the switch.
Sheppard is an athletic linebacker who is solid in all phases of the position but has the athleticism to rush the passer.
Grade: A-
9. Chicago Bears
24 of 32
Round 1: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin OT
Round 2: Stephen Paea, Oregon State DT
Round 3: Christopher Conte, California S
Chicago came into the draft desperately needing an offensive tackle to keep Jay Cutler from being destroyed. A team that wants to run the ball, despite Mike Martz as the offensive coordinator, also needed a mauling offensive tackle.
They land a steal in Gabe Carimi, my No. 1 OT and clear-cut best run-blocking offensive lineman. Carimi believes he is the best offensive lineman in the draft, as he should be. He had no business falling to the end of the first round, which will only make him nastier in the trenches as he aims to prove every team wrong for passing on him.
The team also needed a monster defensive tackle to secure the front seven. They grab the strongest defensive lineman in the draft according to the bench press—and they get to pair him with Julius Peppers of all defensive ends!
I had other safeties ranked higher than Conte, but he is a fine safety who will excel in run support for the Bears, which is their main objective.
Grade: A-
8. Atlanta Falcons
25 of 32
Round 1: Julio Jones, Alabama WR
Round 3: Akeem Dent, Georgia LB
Many might be surprised to see Atlanta this high, as most believe they gave up too much to make the jump from No. 27 to No. 6—I’m not one of those people.
Julio Jones is an elite talent, my No. 6 overall prospect in the entire draft. Matt Ryan and Roddy White desperately needed another receiving option not named Tony Gonzalez. Jones will come to Atlanta to complete an offense that is on the brink of breaking out with this passing game and Michael Turner in the backfield.
The Falcons now have two of the strongest receivers in the league and both excel in run blocking as well. The Falcons dominated the NFC South last year, but their offense could not keep up with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in the NFC Divisional round.
Now, the Falcons can keep up with any team in the league.
Akeem Dent is a solid inside linebacker who will help out in run support.
Sorry, Mr. Dent, but Julio “Joker” Jones takes center stage in this film.
Grade: A
7. New Orleans Saints
26 of 32
Round 1: Cameron Jordan, California DE; Mark Ingram, Alabama RB
Round 3: Martez Wilson, Illinois RB; Johnny Patrick, Louisville CB
The Saints only have one pick remaining in the draft with a seventh-round selection.
That’s fine, because they have put together a fantastic draft already.
Sitting at No. 24, my No. 2 defensive end and one of the most NFL-ready players in the entire draft falls into their laps in Cameron Jordan. He was a steal right there, and then Sean Payton shocks us by selecting 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram.
Ingram is a great pick for the Saints after every single one of their runners were injured last year. He can do it all—power running, receiving and blocking. He is one of the angriest runners in the history of running and will become the perfect complement for Drew Brees in the aerial attack.
Martez Wilson is my No. 1 inside linebacker. His exceptional athleticism allows him to also play outside linebacker, which was a major need for the Saints to assist Jonathan Vilma.
Johnny Patrick is an underrated corner in this draft and has the ability to help out in run support as well. I always say you can never have enough corners…
After being embarrassed by the Seattle Seahawks in the wild card round, New Orleans grabs three very good defensive players who can all tackle and attack the quarterback.
Grade: A
6. Denver Broncos
27 of 32
Round 1: Von Miller, Texas A&M OLB
Round 2: Rahim Moore, UCLA S
Round 2: Orlando Franklin, Miami (FL) OG
Round 3: Nate Irving, North Carolina State LB
In their first draft together, John Fox and John Elway salvage Josh McDaniels’ mess left in Denver. They completely revamp this defense, which will allow the Broncos to compete for the division as soon as 2010.
They grab the top outside linebacker in the draft in Von Miller, who was also the best pass-rusher in the class. He is a high-character, mature, competitive, dedicated athlete who has Hall of Fame potential with his elite skills.
Rahim Moore was the clear-cut top safety, which was a need for Denver. He joins Brian Dawkins in the secondary to create a very good duo.
Orlando Franklin is one of the best offensive guards in the draft and will help solidify a quality offense line.
Nate Irving is a top linebacker in this class, and although I would have chosen Mason Foster instead, he is a sound player.
These three defenders join a defense that boasts great veterans such as Dawkins, Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams. More importantly, Elvis Dumervil, an elite pass-rusher in the league, returns from injury.
Grade: A
5. Cincinnati Bengals
28 of 32
Round 1: A.J. Green, Georgia WR
Round 2: Andy Dalton, TCU QB
Round 3: Dontay Moch, Nevada OLB
Cincinnati was a team that could have traded all over the place but stood their ground and put together an amazing draft to better the future of their disastrous organization.
They land three top-level players at their respective positions—perhaps more importantly, they land three higher character players.
Neither of these three players are so-called “divas.” Green and Dalton will form a quality connection in the NFL and lead this organization into the playoffs in two or three years. With these two coming to the organization, Cincinnati can finally put an end to the Carson Palmer-Chad Ochocinco era, which only put together two winning seasons and zero playoffs victories.
Moch is one of my favorite linebackers in the league. He has fantastic athleticism, is good in run support and can attack the passer. He had no business being there in the third round.
Simply a fantastic draft for Cincinnati, which was in dire need of one to save the organization from crumbling.
Grade: A+
4. New York Jets
29 of 32
Round 1: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple DE/DT
Round 2: Kenrick Ellis, Hampton DT
Rex Ryan stands pat with two selections in the first three rounds and lands two important players. Both weigh in over 300 pounds but are extremely athletic and will greatly improve New York’s defensive line, pass-rush and run defense as rookies.
Wilkerson was an absolute steal as he had no business falling to No. 30 in the draft. He could be a top-10 talent in this class. He will become an instant fan-favorite for Ryan and Gang Green fans.
Ellis weighs in at almost 350 pounds but is mighty athletic for a man his size. The Jets desperately needed somebody who could come in to fill Kris Jenkins’ role at nose tackle, and as I suggested in a few mock drafts, they grab Ellis to be that man.
The Jets could not have asked for a better draft thus far. Expect even better things to come with four picks remaining.
Grade: A+
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Round 1: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa DE
Round 2: Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson DE
Round 3: Mason Foster, Washington LB
Raheem Morris lets the draft fall to him after shocking the league with a 10-6 record last season. All offseason, I’ve raved about this team and believe they can take the NFC South in 2010 with Josh Freeman and his offense.
The Bucs have issues in the secondary, but these three players will neutralize weaknesses in that unit. The Bucs land two fantastic defensive ends in Clayborn and Bowers, two popular mock picks for Tampa Bay all offseason.
Clayborn will become a motivational leader in the locker room and is a top-10 defensive end in this class.
Bowers fell all the way to the middle of the second round due to his knee, which remains a mystery to everyone. He was the potential No. 1 overall selection in January with his ability to destroy quarterbacks. This is a great destination as he won’t be asked to be the man. If he is healthy, Clayborn, Bowers and Gerald McCoy will form one of the best young defensive lines in the league.
Mason Foster had no business dropping to the third round after leading the nation in tackles. He is simply a tackling machine and will blow up ball carriers. He will become an instant fan-favorite in Tampa Bay for the next decade.
Grade: A+
2. Detroit Lions
31 of 32
Round 1: Nick Fairley, Auburn DT
Round 2: Titus Young, Boise State WR; Mikel Leshoure, Illinois RB
The Lions grabbed a steal in Nick Fairley in the first round. I’ve been raving about the duo he’ll create with Ndamukong Suh. The Lions now boast two of the nastiest, physical, menacing and imposing defensive tackles in the history of the game. Suh is already the best defensive tackle and can only become even better with a player of Fairley’s caliber lining up beside him.
I was a bit surprised to see the Lions target offense in the second round with needs at outside linebacker and cornerback, but they solidify their offense with Young and Leshoure.
Young will be a great compliment to Calvin Johnson, which is clearly a great destination for the potential No. 3 overall receiver in this class.
Leshoure is a very good runner who rivaled Mark Ingram for tops at the position in this class. He will not fumble the ball and will keep Jahvid Best healthy. Together, they create the best young running back duo in the game.
Grade: A+
1. Houston Texans
32 of 32
Round 1: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin DE
Round 2: Brooks Reed, Arizona DE/OLB; Brandon Harris, Miami (FL) CB
Houston put together the best draft thus far this year. They came in to the offseason after putting out one of the worst defenses every week. They have a championship offense, but the defense was severely lacking due to talent and injuries.
They hire Wade Phillips, switch to the 3-4 defense and now steal the draft. They add a powerhouse defensive end in J.J. Watt to a line that already includes one of the best ends in the league in Mario Williams.
They didn’t stop there, they add depth and greatly improve the pass-rush with Brooks Reed. Reed will most likely play outside linebacker for Phillips. He’ll create one of the best linebacker trios in the league with DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing already on board.
Finally, they trade back into the second round to grab a cornerback who had no business falling in Brandon Harris. Harris is a late first-round talent and is already the best corner in the Texans secondary.
Grade: A+
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