2011 NFL Draft Grades: What the Experts Say About Each Team's Draft
2011 NFL Draft Grades: Mel Kiper and Todd McShay Give Their Thoughts on the Draft
The 2011 NFL draft was all kinds of crazy.
There were some stunning moves that were made, some bold picks and of course a couple of ridiculous head scratchers thrown in the mix.
Some teams did great and other teams not so much, and I guess that is where we come in to try to sort out the mess.
ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper are arguably two of the most knowledgeable people in the world when it comes to the NFL draft. Sure, there are plenty of great analysts out there, but these guys really know what they are talking about, and that is exactly why they are ESPN’s inside guys when it comes to the NFL draft.
There is plenty to talk about with the 2011 NFL draft, and you best believe I have my own opinions too! I do not claim to be an expert in any way but I am an NFL writer and have spent the past few months studying these players and the teams that drafted them, so I have my thoughts as well.
Let’s take a look at what the experts think about each team’s draft:
Arizona Cardinals
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McShay:
"All signs point to Marc Bulger heading to Arizona when the lockout ends and the Cardinals think he can be a good QB in their system. Not only did this keep WR Larry Fitzgerald happy -- he did not want a rookie QB -- it also freed the Cards up to take CB Patrick Peterson. They were smart not to select a quarterback they weren't in love with
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Kiper:
"The Cardinals can't be graded too harshly when you consider that they got the No. 1 overall player on my Big Board. That they got him at No. 5 even when cornerback wasn't among their top two needs says they showed good discipline when it comes to taking value. When they didn't take a quarterback at No. 5, you also knew this team wasn't going to address its top overall need in the draft. My question, however, is whether the Cardinals did much to help themselves at two other needs, outside linebacker and offensive tackle.
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Kulha:
I agree with Mel Kiper in the sense that I firmly believed that Patrick Peterson was the best overall football player in this years draft. I was incredibly surprised that the Cardinals made the pick for him though considering all the problems they have at quarterback. McShay seems to think Bulger will be there next year though, which makes the Peterson pick look phenomenal. Bulger will still need some more help on offense though.
Atlanta Falcons
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McShay:
"Giving up Nos. 29, 59 and 124, as well as first- and fourth-round picks next year, to move up and select WR Julio Jones sixth overall is just a bad decision. I respect general manager Thomas Dimitroff and the job he has done as much as anyone, but after building the organization the right way, they gave up way too much to get a player whose positional value doesn't warrant what they paid. I would never give up that much to draft any wide receiver at any point.
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Kiper:
"Before the quarterback light show lit up Radio City early in Round 1, Atlanta made the move that drew the biggest reaction. Let's face it, the Falcons are counting on Jones to be really good, really soon. They gave a boatload of high-value picks for him, and you get a sense that this a team that really views the immediate future as a title window it needs to pursue. I do like the change-of-pace that Rodgers can offer. He offers a pass-catching threat the Falcons can use from that position. They did need the linebacking help, and Dent is a fit there, but this draft is now all about Jones.
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Kulha:
I did think that the Falcons were absolutely crazy for giving up what they did for Julio Jones at sixth overall. The problem may not be Julio Jones but more so where they took him, and how much they gave up. There are other receivers in this draft that could have filled the need, and I think it was unwise to “put all of their eggs in one basket”. It’s apparently now or never for the Falcons.
Baltimore Ravens
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McShay:
"Jimmy Smith at No. 27. You could make the argument this is one of the best value picks of the entire draft. The only thing keeping Smith from being a top-10 pick was concerns about his character, and those concerns, at least in the immediate future, all but go away because of the presence in Baltimore of players like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. There is no way Smith gets away with the things in Baltimore he did in Colorado.
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Kiper:
"The big name is Jimmy Smith, who has the talent to be drafted much earlier, but could use the guidance that a player like Ray Lewis can provide. Given that cornerback was the biggest need on my board for Baltimore, a value like Smith should have them thrilled. The Ravens also need a wideout who can stretch the field, and got one with Torrey Smith of Maryland. He's a burner, but also can work underneath. I would have liked to see an outside linebacker on the taken somewhere, but Reid is a decent value, and Doss has great hands and helps the depth at receiver. McPhee is an intriguing defensive end prospect as well.
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Kulha:
I do think that Baltimore is going to be the perfect fit for Jimmy Smith, but I was more impressed by the offensive draft the Ravens had. Torrey Smith is going to be a stud receiver for Joe Flacco to go to, and Tandon Doss is a steal in the fourth round if you are asking me. Those three players alone are going to contribute early and often, and in a big way.
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Buffalo Bills
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McShay:
"Yes, the Bills were fortunate he was around at No. 3 because, in my opinion, he was the best player in the draft. Dareus is a centerpiece they can build their defense around. He gives defensive coordinator George Edwards a lot of flexibility. Edwards mixes it up with this fronts and Dareus has the ability to play just about every position along the front.
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Kiper:
"Buffalo drafted some really good football players and clearly put the emphasis on defense. Dareus is the ideal penetrating pass-rusher to convert into a 3-4 defensive end and allows the Bills to really stick with that scheme. Where I do have a question is why they again waited until Day 3 to get any help on the offensive line
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Kulha:
Obviously Dareus was coveted as a potential No. 1 overall pick, so anytime you can get that kind of player third overall that is going to look really good. I think their biggest pickup may have been Aaron Williams out of Texas though; he had first round skill in my opinion. Buffalo’s defense is going to be much improved, the offense is still questionable.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 33
McShay:
"After deciding to draft Cam Newton with the first overall pick, the Panthers were able to beef up their defensive line with Terrell McClain and Sione Fua. Most questionable move: Taking Newton He was the 15th player on our board and he's a project at the QB position. We don't completely trust he's the type of guy you can build around and there are just enough questions about him as a teammate and leader to shy away from.
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Kiper:
"The Panthers got a player I had rated as the No. 15 overall player on my Big Board with the No. 1 pick, a guy even Newton's personal quarterback coach says should be given at least a year to serve an apprenticeship at the NFL level. And yet, of course you have to be intrigued with the potential of Newton. No player in the draft has such an array of physical gifts, and Newton is drafted at No. 1 because the Panthers know he has an extremely high ceiling. So it might be tempting to say it all comes down to Newton, but you can't, because the Panthers really did address a few needs once they got their man. They needed help at defensive tackle, and added two of them early. They needed a wideout and a corner, and hit those picks later as well.
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Kulha:
In my eyes this whole draft comes down to Newton for the Panthers, and that is very scary to me. Now, I do believe that Cam Newton is going to be a pretty good quarterback in the NFL, but even as I type that I fear that I could regret officially putting my name to that statement. That being said, pretty good is not good enough for No. 1 overall, so even if Newton can get himself in line I still think he will eventually disappoint Panther fans.
Chicago Bears
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McShay:
"Offensive line coach Mike Tice was targeting Carimi the whole time. While some teams were concerned about his mental toughness, the Bears think the 6-foot-7, 314-pounder is a great fit at a position of need (Chicago allowed a league-high 56 sacks last year). The Bears addressed needs in the first two rounds, but the third-round pick is a bit of a head-scratcher. While Danieal Manning is a free agent and they needed to bring someone in, I just don't know if Chris Conte is athletic enough to ever become a good starting safety and not sure he's the answer at the position. I just wonder why they didn't get the big wide receiver they needed (Tandon Doss, or someone similar) to complement the speedsters they have on the roster.
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Kiper:
"The top needs I saw for the Bears were on the offensive line and along the defensive interior, where they've had some recent attrition. Carimi was a great value that late in Round 1, and is a player that can be moved along the line (presumably to right tackle) to help right away. Paea isn't a guy who will get a lot of penetration, but he'll help the Bears' linebackers avoid blockers. They also added some safety help, and took a shot on Enderle, a kid with a big arm who could develop behind Jay Cutler.
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Kulha:
I think the Bears did the best they could with this draft and that Gabe Carimi is going to be a staple on their offensive line for years to come. Like Kiper though I do wonder why they didn’t reach out and try to get a big time receiver to help Jay Cutler out. I also wonder why they took Enderle when they could have addressed another need besides backup QB.
Cincinnati Bengals
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McShay:
"The Bengals resisted the temptation to take a quarterback at No. 4 and instead selected the best player on the board in A.J. Green, who just happened to fill a significant need. And whether it was genius or luck, staying put and not trading away picks to move up, and still getting QB Andy Dalton, worked out well for them. Dalton is the quarterback offensive coordinator Jay Gruden wanted and is the best fit for Gruden's version of the West Coast offense. Cincinnati has had some great play from its quarterbacks and receivers in recent years, but it just hasn't worked out for them. Maybe this time they got it right in a span of 35 picks.
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Kiper:
"They've received their fair share of negativity over the years, but you have to give the Bengals a lot of credit for what they accomplished in 2011. They can see the big roster voids on the horizon at quarterback and wide receiver, and they didn't wait. Green is a superstar in the making, and considering the run on quarterbacks before the middle of the first round, getting Dalton was a steal by comparison. Moch is a pass-rushing specialist that will make plays, and they got good value in Boling and Sands. A great three days for the Bengals.
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Kulha:
"A.J. Green was the best offensive player in this years draft in my opinion, so the fact that the Bengals could draft him drafting both for need and talent makes them look great. They also took care of a potential quarterback problem by drafting Dalton. The only question I have now is whether or not Green will be enough to reel Carson Palmer back in.
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Cleveland Browns
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McShay:
"Cleveland traded out of the No. 6 pick and added Atlanta's first- and fourth-round picks in next year's draft and Nos. 27, 59 and 124 in this year's draft. Again, that's all for the No. 6 pick. The best use of these picks was the selection of North Carolina WR Greg Little. If he continues to develop and character issues don't cause any problems, Little could be the No. 1 WR that Mike Holmgren wanted to add all along.
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Kiper:
"You would think Cleveland trading down and piling up picks for this year and into the next two years would be good enough, but once the picks started, Browns fans should have been even more pleased. Taylor may have been a bit of a reach, but he's the best clogger in the draft, and those guys aren't easy to find. The Sheard pick made a lot of sense, and Little is a really good value as a potential big, down-the-field threat for Colt McCoy. I would have liked to have seen the Browns get a linebacker and some help at right tackle, but given what they did in terms of adding future picks, the grade in this draft is also something that will truly extend to later drafts.
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Kulha:
I agree with McShay in the fact that we both think Greg Little could develop into a great receiver. I also like shrewd move the Browns made by hustling Atlanta out of all those picks. One of my favorite picks was two way player out of Stanford, Owen Marecic. He is going to be a bulldozer in front of Peyton Hillis, who can already take care of himself. That will be a fun backfield to watch. Cleveland is starting to take the looks of a very entertaining, and I dare say a good team.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 33
McShay:
"The Cowboys stayed put at No. 9 overall and got the best available player at one of their top need positions in OT Tyron Smith, who can step in on the right side and be an upgrade over Marc Colombo from Day 1. Smith has the tools to play left tackle but would need time to adjust his footwork on the left side, so this works out perfectly for the Cowboys and Smith.
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Kiper:
"While I thought Dallas might trade down off No. 9 and get more value at the tackle position a little later in Round 1, Smith made a lot of sense at No. 9, and the Cowboys showed conviction with the pick. He could be the solution for them at left tackle if he develops, or perhaps gets moved to the right side for now. After that, it got a little confusing for two rounds. Dallas went linebacker and running back in Rounds 2 and 3 before targeting more pressing needs at corner and guard in the following two rounds. Dallas got good value later, but never took a player that seemed like a steal at the position. Harris is a guy who might continue to develop at wideout.
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Kulha:
I really liked this draft and I think that Dallas may have gotten a few steals. Smith was a very safe and productive pick in the first round, but I think that Bruce Carter and DeMarco Murray may become very effective in time. Carter is a guy that has first round talent and Murray is a dynamic player, so getting them where Dallas did is a steal.
Denver Broncos
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McShay:
"Loved how the Broncos got three good players -- OLB Von Miller, S Rahim Moore and OG Orlando Franklin -- who can start and make the team better. They locked down three upgrades at three positions with their first three picks. I don't think Irving, an ILB from NC State, is worth the 67th pick.
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Kiper:
"Denver got the player who could very well have the biggest impact of any rookie when it grabbed Miller with the No. 2 overall pick. I can see John Fox using him as a SAM linebacker, situationally creating matchup problems and allowing him to use his athleticism as a pass-rusher. Denver did need a safety, and Moore provides a lot of value all the way down at No. 45 overall. It was a weak safety class, but that's still quite low to get the first one off the board.
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Kulha:
Denver’s draft was so solid that it actually is hard to make much commentary of it, as you can see from the short analysis. Miller is going to be a stud and I think Moore will develop into a great starter. The main point here is that Denver’s defense is going to be much improved, but I still have my questions about their offense.
Detroit Lions
11 of 33
McShay:
"The Lions slam-dunked their first three selections. DT Nick Fairley doesn't look like a need at No. 13, but putting him next to DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh under a coaching staff that will demand Fairley works hard gives Detroit a chance to have a nasty defensive front. Second-round WR Titus Young will be a nice complement to Calvin Johnson, and trading into the second round to get big RB Mikel Leshoure will allow RB Jahvid Best to maximize his skill set and take some pressure off QB Matthew Stafford.
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Kiper:
"Detroit hit home runs all over in terms of value, but the question is whether the Lions did enough to help the talent level in a way that can further conceal weaknesses. For example, Fairley at No. 13 is perhaps the steal of the draft -- imagine what the Lions can do up front now -- but will the pass rush now be so good that it can mask the personnel issues that dot the secondary? Leshoure adds more potency at running back, but can this offensive line open enough holes? The Lions should be concerned about how well they can block in both the run and passing games, and didn't get an offensive lineman until No. 209 overall.
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Kulha:
My greatest fear for the Lions is that they took to many risks on these home runs and may have passed up one to many needs in this draft. You will always overpay in free agency when you consider that you can be getting needs met with rookie non-guaranteed money. That being said, Fairley is going to make the front four very scary, and I think Titus Young and Leshoure will be contributors.
Green Bay Packers
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McShay:
"After addressing offensive tackle in the first round, the Packers were able to get one of the more underrated weapons in this year's class. He can create big plays if you find a way to get him the ball in space and his versatility will allow the Packers to get more creative on offense. Cobb is yet another weapon for QB Aaron Rodgers, and he can also help in the return game.
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Kiper:
"The Packers are clearly confident in the resourcefulness of defensive coordinator Dom Capers. They can score points on anybody, but still went after needs on offense with their first three picks. Ted Thompson knows the success of this team starts with protecting Aaron Rodgers and Sherrod was a player they may have felt lucky to have the chance to pick at No. 32. Cobb is a nice little player that can work the slot and is great in the locker room, and Green is a really good running back not many people have seen. Where I do have a questions is Green Bay comes away with no real help in rushing the passer unless it hits on one of those really late picks. This is a team that needs to limit its dependency on Clay Matthews, but didn't do much to help him. The upshot is this is a team that essentially "drafts" a number of players relegated to the disabled list last year. All in all, not half bad.
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Kulha:
I think Randall Cobb is going to come off looking like a steal in a few years. Right now he addressing a huge need for the Packers in the return game, but in the future I think he is going to be a star on the offense. Kiper’s point on the Packers getting players back off the disabled list is incredibly true as well. The Packers would have gotten better just from getting those players back, so this draft and upcoming free agency is almost a luxury for the Super Bowl champs.
Houston Texans
13 of 33
McShay:
"Best move: Brooks Reed. They didn't think he would fall to them in Round 2, but he's a perfect fit at outside linebacker in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense. Reed will line up opposite Connor Barwin with DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing on the inside, forming one of the best young linebacker corps in the NFL.
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Kiper:
"It's the prospects who get the red carpet treatment here in New York, but it's Wade Phillips who got the carpet laid out for him in this draft. The new defensive coordinator for the Texans got a lot of new toys to work with, and I think Houston did a solid job in terms of value in addressing what was simply a bad defense in 2010. Watt is a versatile defensive end who will fit that 3-4 scheme and Reed is the outside rusher they needed. The Texans then went to the secondary, a disaster in 2010, adding Harris with a particularly good value pick, then Carmichael and Keo.
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Kulha:
Personally Houston had one of my favorite drafts. J.J. Watt is going to be an absolute beast when you add him to that defensive front seven, and I think Brooks Reed is a steal in the second round. Houston’s defense is going to be much improved, and that is exactly what they needed to do.
Indianapolis Colts
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McShay:
"The Colts stayed at No. 22 overall and didn't have to give up picks to get OT Anthony Castonzo. While Tyron Smith might be more naturally talented and Nate Solder has more upside, Castonzo is ready to start immediately at left tackle and anything short of that would not have been good enough. Their next pick netted Ben Ijalana, who is a perfect fit in their system, and with their ability to move Charlie Johnson inside to guard, the Colts added protection for QB Peyton Manning and significantly upgraded a running game that finished 29th in the NFL last season.
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Kiper:
"The Colts started springing leaks on the offensive line in 2010, as Peyton Manning faced more pressure and the running game all but stalled. Bill Polian clearly had his priorities in order, adding immediate help on the offensive line with his first two picks. Castonzo isn't seen as a really high-ceiling tackle, but he's a very good one, always healthy and with good feet, making him a potential long-term solution on the blindside. Ijalana can convert to guard and be effective.
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Kulha:
The Colts did what they had to do in this draft, and that is protect Peyton Manning. He is the franchise and he still hasn’t reached his full potential as their signal caller. Addressing their needs at the line was huge, but I think you should keep an eye out on Chris Rucker. He could be a potential steal in the sixth round.
Jacksonville Jaguars
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McShay:
"I might be in the minority here, but I think Gabbert's best chance of developing into a good starting quarterback in the NFL is for him to land in the exact situation he's in now. This gives him time to develop behind David Garrard -- who has played better than most people think -- and by moving up just six spots, the Jaguars solidified their future at the most important position on the field.
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Kiper:
"Jacksonville got a quarterback at No. 10 I had rated as the No. 1 quarterback on my Big Board. Of course, I had Gabbert at No. 14 overall. Bottom line: this draft will be viewed through the prism of Gabbert and whether he succeeds. I think he has a shot but he needs time to develop, and after this draft I see a team that didn't really improve much in the near term, but believes it has its franchise quarterback of the future.
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Kulha:
The consensus here is that this draft is going to hinge on Blaine Gabbert’s success in Jacksonville. I was shocked when I saw them pull the trigger on the trade and make this pick, but in the end it does make plenty of sense. I think that Gabbert has all the intangibles of a star quarterback in the NFL, and he just might be able to turn around Jacksonville’s image of football in the future.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 33
McShay:
Considering how much Pioli emphasizes limiting risk, there are some question marks with first-round WR Jonathan Baldwin, who was a menace to his coaches and teammates at Pitt, and third-round DE Justin Houston, who turns his motor off and on like a kitchen faucet.
Kiper:
Scott Pioli certainly deserves the benefit of the doubt after the way he got such early dividends from last year's class. This year he again went after guys I think the Chiefs want to see on the field really early. I had wide receiver as a big need, and Baldwin is a big target for Matt Cassel. Problem is, he was a reach on my board. The Chiefs also need a center and Hudson is a good one who can step in there. Houston fell on off-the-field concerns but his talent level is far higher than his draft slot, and Bailey is an intriguing player because he has a lot of talent, but had a poor senior year in terms of production and could have been picked much later. Stanzi is a decent value in Round 5. Solid draft in terms of addressing needs, average in terms of value. Powe was a really solid late value at nose tackle.
Kulha:
Baldwin is an incredibly interesting pick because his upside is just so high. He is tall and lanky, and will be a huge addition to this offense that is starting to develop a big play mentality. The pick of Ricky Stanzi is intriguing because in my opinion he could develop into a great quarterback in the NFL. I wonder if Pioli’s faith in Matt Cassel is wavering?
Miami Dolphins
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McShay:
"The Dolphins filled needs with their first three picks. C Mike Pouncey solves a lot more problems at No. 15 overall than a rookie quarterback would, and they found a potential starter at running back in Daniel Thomas. And while WR Edmond Gates will never be the No. 1 guy, even without Brandon Marshall's uncertain situation, Miami needed another wideout and got Gates at a good spot. It's hard to fault the Dolphins for the strategy they employed, but they could have taken a different road and gotten the quarterback they need. Miami traded up from No. 79 to 62 to get Thomas, and if the speculation about their interest in QB Ryan Mallett was true, why not get Mallett with the 62nd pick? The Dolphins could have then gotten a similar running back value later in the draft while filling their need under center.
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Kiper:
"Miami went after needs and got some immediate help in key spots, including guard and running back, getting pretty even value overall. Pouncey should start and pay early dividends at guard, and while Thomas has seen his stock dip, he's a capable running back who could be the starter pretty early in his career. Getting him where the Dolphins did represents good value.
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Kulha:
It’s hard for me to tell if Pouncey is actually going to be good, or if he was just hyped up way to much because of his brother. Either way, the Dolphins made a smart move by solidifying their line in the first round. McShay brings up an interesting point about the quarterback position though.
Minnesota Vikings
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McShay:
"Best move: Kyle Rudolph. I love this pick. If you're going to bring in a quarterback with the intention of playing him as a rookie, like they did with Christian Ponder, you better do everything you can to put him in a position to succeed. Assuming Rudolph is 100 percent healthy and ready to return to form, he will be Ponder's best friend. Rudolph may never be Antonio Gates in terms of elite speed to get down the field consistently, but he's a consistent route runner who uses his size to separate and has rare ball skills. Adding Rudolph to RB Adrian Peterson, WRs Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin and fellow TE Visanthe Shiancoe at least puts a good supporting cast around Ponder.
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Kiper:
"The Vikings clearly need an answer at the quarterback position, but they reached for Ponder at No. 12. They clearly believe he's their guy long-term, but the draft is about value too. When you saw Dalton land all the way down at No. 35, you had to wonder if Ponder could have been had later. The Rudolph pick was a pretty solid value and Ballard could be a good defensive lineman. The Vikings also landed some needed help at cornerback and along the offensive line. Minnesota reached for a quarterback, in my opinion, and like Tennessee, still doesn't know who will start the season at quarterback.
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Kulha:
I criticized the Ponder pick when it happened, I criticized it after the draft, and I will continue to do so now. Not that I think that Christian Ponder will be a bad quarterback, I just think the Vikings could have gotten him or a quarterback of equal talent in the second round. In the meantime they would have been able to draft a defensive stud with their first pick. Ponder will be a good quarterback, but the value that they could have gotten will haunt them.
New England Patriots
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McShay:
"Getting OT Nate Solder was a good move at No. 17 and I like CB Ras-I Dowling at 33, but trading the 28th pick to the Saints for No. 56 this year and a first-rounder next year and getting No. 219 and a second-rounder next year helps just as much. The Patriots had only five 2012 picks when this draft started, and next year's picks will count less against the salary cap than those in this draft.
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Kiper:
"The Patriots needed offensive line help in a couple of spots, and they got an athletic guy that can be plugged in immediately with Solder. Dowling is a first-round pick if fully healthy and a guy I've had on the Big Board, but he wasn't healthy in 2010. The Patriots reached on a pair of running backs -- though Vereen offers a nice pass-catching option out of the backfield -- and then there was the notable selection of Mallett. It's a sensible pick. Value is value, and while Tom Brady's true heir may still be in high school, Mallett is now a commodity worth developing. Look what happened with Matt Cassel.
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Kulha:
The Patriots are incredible at flipping late round picks for first round picks in the future. Ryan Mallet could easily be traded for a first round pick in a few years, or he could actually be the successor to Tom Brady. Either way the Patriots are still genius. I love Nate Solder in their system. He has played tight end, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him run out as a pass eligible lineman from time to time.
New Orleans Saints
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McShay:
"I like the way the Saints attacked the first round. They didn't do anything special at No. 24 but did take the best player on the board in DE Cameron Jordan, which is a perfect fit. He'll never be an elite edge rusher, but he gives them versatility and upgrades their front-four pass rush. New Orleans then traded back into the first round to take Mark Ingram, the best running back in this year's class. Ingram will provide the Saints the inside presence they are missing and help take pressure off QB Drew Brees. And it's interesting that division-rival Atlanta also moved up for a skill player (WR Julio Jones) but gave up a lot more.
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Kiper:
"Saints fans should have been thrilled headed into Saturday. In Round 1, the team got a great value with Jordan at No. 24, then got the best running back in the draft by trading into the No. 28 pick to get Ingram. On Friday, somehow Wilson fell in the Saints' laps at No. 72. He could have gone far higher. I didn't see cornerback as a major need, but Patrick is a nice prospect and teams will be throwing a lot against New Orleans because of how much the Saints figure to score.
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Kulha:
The Saints probably had the best first round of any team. Jordan is going to be great in their system and Mark Ingram is the perfect mold of an NFL running back. Even if Reggie Bush leaves Ingram will still be a great thunder for somebody else’s lightning.
New York Giants
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McShay:
"Cornerback was not a primary need and I'm sure it wasn't the Giants' plan to go after a corner in the first round, but rather than opting for need at offensive tackle or running back they stuck to their board and took the best player available in Prince Amukamara. This is a decision that could solidify the entire secondary, and Amukamara should step in right away as a contributor.
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Kiper:
"Give the Giants credit -- they got some serious value with their first two picks. Amukamara had dropped a bit on my Big Board leading up to the draft, but was still a really good value at No. 19 overall. And Austin has the talent to be a really good NFL defensive tackle if he can add a little consistency. His talent is obvious, but the production hasn't matched the ability. Jernigan is a flyer and could work the slot and help in the return game. But I do wonder if the Giants waited a little too long to gain any help along the offensive line. Brewer at No. 117 is a fair pick, but that line is not a young group, and isn't any better than they were three days ago. They did wisely get a pair of linebackers for a unit that was pretty bad in 2010, but can they help soon?
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Kulha:
Can’t give the Giants credit for being lucky, but I can give them credit for jumping on the opportunity to draft Prince Amukamara. He was one of my favorite players leading into this draft and I see no reason he should have fallen out of the top ten. He will automatically improve an already good defense and I think he is going to be a difference maker on this team.
New York Jets
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McShay:
"The Jets got good value at No. 30 and Wilkerson is a perfect fit for Rex Ryan's three-man defensive front. Wilkerson can play the role of a two-gap space eater and also has the ability to get pass-rush pressure. He can also line up as a nose tackle, a traditional defensive tackle and as a 3-4 end. That versatility should give the Jets a lot of flexibility up front, especially with Shaun Ellis nearing the end of his career.
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Kiper:
"The Jets needed help at both defensive end spots up front in their 3-4, and did a great job adding talent with their first two picks. Wilkerson could be one of the bigger steals of the first round, a player I maintain is a 2012 top-10 pick who was a really good value in 2011. He is a load at nearly 320 pounds, capable of taking on blocks and causing problems in the backfield. Ellis also is a good player, a dominant player against average competition who could respond well to Rex Ryan's coaching. Kerley fills a need for depth at wideout. McElroy might be a really good backup quarterback for the Jets.
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Kulha:
Honestly, I am a little bit disappointed in the Jets draft. They did do a really nice job picking up Wilkerson and Ellis, but after that there is nobody that impresses me. McElroy might be a nice backup but is he really going to factor into anything on the field?
Oakland Raiders
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McShay:
"Denarius Moore has deceptive speed and is an underrated playmaker. He doesn't have great timed speed, which goes against the Raiders' usual MO, but he is slippery and tracks the vertical pass very well. Moore grew on me and the more tape I watched, the more I liked him.
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Kiper:
"You could see the pick of Wisniewski coming if you know Oakland's history. Stefen's uncle, Steve, was a great Raiders offensive lineman for 13 seasons. The pick itself came out as a slight reach on my board, but I know better than to say it was a bad reach, because Oakland consistently pick guys I have rated a little lower, but they often work out. Bottom line: it's not always about value with the Raiders, it's about getting their guy. Van Dyke makes sense as a Round 3 pick -- the Raiders need a corner with the likely departure of Nnamdi Asomugha and Van Dyke is, of course, perhaps the fastest guy in the draft. The Raiders then again went offensive line and cornerback in repeat order. They upgraded their offensive line last year and had great results with Hue Jackson calling the plays, and it appears they wanted to finish the job in 2011.
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Kulha:
Oakland probably suffered from not having a first round pick, but they made up for it with a solid showing in the rest of their draft. They didn’t take my breath away with any of their decisions, but in the end probably did what is best for their organization. Oakland is on the rise.
Philadelphia Eagles
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McShay:
"I believe Jarrett will be a good starter in the NFL, and with Quintin Mikell a free agent, Jarrett will ideally step in right away. He's not big, but he's tough, and Jarrett is one of the more underrated defensive backs in the 2011 class. The 120th pick is simply too high for Alex Henery. Yes, he was the No. 1 kicker on our board, but Henery has had some inconsistent stretches in his career, and while he has a monster leg, the Eagles would have been better off addressing right offensive tackle, defensive line, tight end, wide receiver or return specialist, then taking someone like Kai Forbath further down the line.
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Kiper:
"The Eagles targeted what I considered their three biggest needs with their first three picks. The selection of Watkins surprised some people, as he may have been available even into the early second round, but they may believe he has the capability to stay at tackle. I think he's a guard. Elsewhere, Jarrett provides depth at safety, and Marsh will be asked to step in early at corner. David Akers can't feel too confident about his future in Philly, as Henery was the first kicker off the board.
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Kulha:
I love Danny Watkins and I think he will be an invaluable asset to the Eagles both on and off the field. Casey Matthews was a big question coming into the draft, but it seems like the Eagles feel he might be worth the risk in the fourth round. He will give 100 percent of his effort, so if he can play with even 50 percent of his brother’s talent he will be loved in Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh Steelers
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McShay:
"Aaron Smith is no longer dependable from a durability standpoint, and Heyward should become a starter opposite Ziggy Hood, who they drafted early in 2009. If all goes well, these two will upgrade and infuse youth into an aging defensive line. Heyward will be able to take up space, provide versatility and wreak havoc early in his career.
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Kiper:
"This was a typically unflashy draft, but what I consider an effective one for Pittsburgh. (And it's hard to be flashy when you always pick late.) The Steelers needed to get younger at defensive end and they added Heyward within a good value range. They needed a tackle and they added Gilbert. They really needed corner help and got a really good value in Brown at No. 95, then pegged Allen in Round 4. Carter is a guy Dick LeBeau can develop. Solid weekend for Pittsburgh.
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Kulha:
The Steelers did what they do best and concentrated mainly on their defense. Heyward is going to be a shot to the arm for their defensive line, but I think you should keep your eye on Curtis Brown out of Texas. He could develop into one of the better corners in the league.
San Diego Chargers
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McShay:
"I really like the players they got with their middle three picks -- WR Vincent Brown, CB Shareece Wright and RB Jordan Todman. Brown is one of the more underrated receivers in the class, Wright is a naturally gifted corner and Todman could be an absolute steal in the sixth round as a quality backup to Ryan Mathews and a difference maker in the return game.
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Kiper:
"Liuget is a player that provides immediate help on a depleted defensive line, Gilchrist and Wright both can get on the field for the Chargers at corner, and I think Todman could be a steal down in the sixth round. Mouton may have been a bit of a reach, but you need linebacker depth in that system, and outside of Liuget, you see a number of players on this board that might be able to help what was a disastrous special teams unit in 2010. I might have preferred an offensive tackle taken where Mouton was picked in the third round, but the Chargers targeted needs pretty effectively otherwise.
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Kulha:
The Chargers did address all the apparent needs they had coming into the draft, so I can’t really get on their case. Taking Jonas Mouton in the second round is absolutely horrendous though, and I think that will come back to haunt them. He is a good player don’t get me wrong, but definitely not a second round guy.
San Francisco 49ers
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McShay:
"Best move: Trading up to get Colin Kaepernick. Alex Smith is expected to be back for another year, but this gives coach Jim Harbaugh a quarterback to develop. Kaepernick needs work and is a long way away, but with the right coaching he could be one of the steals of this draft.
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Kiper:
"You'll hear Smith called the first big reach of Round 1, but he wouldn't have lasted long at all past the No. 7 slot where the Niners nabbed him. And beyond the obvious question at quarterback, an outside linebacker who can rush the quarterback was the biggest position of need for this team, and if Smith continues on his developmental path, he could be a star. Jim Harbaugh found a quarterback he can develop with Kaepernick in Round 2, but even with the run on quarterbacks, I saw that as a reach. There's a lot of development needed. San Fran did hit on other top needs at cornerback and wide receiver, and got decent value in Hunter for depth at running back. Kilgore also offers a little more depth at guard. It's all about what happens at quarterback in terms of how we judge the success of the 2011 49ers, but I judge this weekend as a relative success
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Kulha:
Aldon Smith going that high was quite a reach, specifically with the glaring need of a quarterback in the bay. He will be a very good player in time though, and they did address the need with Colin Kaepernick. In the end it wasn’t the draft that I expected, but it will be serviceable.
Seattle Seahawks
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McShay:
"Seattle has drafted four offensive linemen in the first two rounds of the last three drafts, but Moffitt gives the Seahawks a solid starting guard who also brings the versatility to play center if needed. Durham is a developmental wide receiver who benefited from playing alongside A.J. Green in college. Durham is a No. 3 receiver at best and may never even become that, and at No. 107 there were better options such as Edmond Gates, Greg Salas and Tandon Doss available.
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Kiper:
"By passing on Andy Dalton, the clear impression is that Seattle has other plans (or hopes to) at quarterback. Could it be Carson Palmer or Kevin Kolb? I hope the Seahawks have better plans for quarterback than they appeared to in terms of adding value here. Carpenter fits a need, but was a reach with better tackle available. Moffitt can help this offensive line, but I didn't see guard as a top need. Wright was a reach on my board, as was Durham, a wideout out of Georgia who may have been around much, much later.
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Kulha:
The biggest need for the Seahawks right now is at quarterback and I am absolutely shocked that they didn’t address it in this draft. I like additions to their line though. Moffitt was a guy I had as a first round pick, so getting him where they did is a steal.
St. Louis Rams
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McShay:
"The Rams were looking to add young weapons for QB Sam Bradford heading into Bradford's second season, and based on where they got him, Salas could end up being one of the best overall picks in this draft. I think he'll become one of the best No. 3 receivers in the league with his reliable hands, competitiveness and toughness after the catch.
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Kiper:
"St. Louis got a lot done, and now unquestionably looks like a franchise ready to take that next step. Nobody got better immediate dividends from the draft than the Rams in 2010 with fantastic rookie seasons from Sam Bradford and Rodger Saffold, and they could have the early-impact player in this draft with the addition of Quinn. Had he played at all in 2010, this is a player who could have been in the mix as a No. 1 overall pick. To get him at No. 14 is a steal in terms of talent. Then St. Louis immediately started targeting solutions in the passing game. Kendricks, Pettis and Salas could all help Bradford, who did a lot with a pretty weak cast of wideouts last year. The Rams didn't get any help at guard or defensive tackle, but given their needs, they didn't have enough picks to cover them all.
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Kulha:
Even though the Rams reportedly wanted Julio Jones I think they will be much happier with Robert Quinn. He was the premier pass rusher in this draft and will be in the running for defensive rookie of the year in my opinion.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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McShay:
"The Bucs took the best player on their board for three consecutive picks with DE Adrian Clayborn, DE Da'Quan Bowers and ILB Mason Foster. They continued to upgrade their front seven after selecting DTs Gerald McCoy and Brian Price.
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Kiper:
"Last year, the Bucs made it clear that the defensive line was a key, drafting defensive tackles with their first two picks. Problem was, they didn't get any production from the defensive end position in 2010. Well, Clayborn will help in 2011, and Bowers could be an all-timer as a steal if he's healthy. That's the skill-set of a top-5 pick all the way down at No. 51. Foster offers help at linebacker, and suddenly the Bucs have to feel really good about the front seven.
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Kulha:
Watching Da’Quan Bowers fall was unbelievable and I think that the Bucs are going to be highly rewarded by taking the chance on him. Even if he is half the player he was in college he will still be good, but if he plays to his potential he could be one of the best. Tampa Bay might have the best front line in the whole NFL.
Tennessee Titans
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McShay:
"Tennessee could have gotten Blaine Gabbert, the top quarterback on our board, instead. Locker might have more upside if he's developed properly, but drafting him eighth overall means you think he is your franchise quarterback and have to play him right away. It's hard in today's NFL to draft a quarterback in the top 10 and sit him for a year, and I don't know if offensive coordinator Chris Palmer is the right guy to bring Locker along. The Titans are still trying to make up for the Vince Young pick and this just isn't a good situation for Locker.
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Kiper:
"Tennessee provided the first true shock of the draft. The Atlanta-Cleveland trade wasn't really a shock -- it was more about the compensation. But the Titans took the first major value shot that didn't involve the No. 1 pick. The story of this draft will be how they use Locker. Will they have the patience not to rush him? Will he become more accurate in the NFL than he was in college? The guy has a remarkable skill-set, but productivity is the question. As a pick, you can say the value perhaps wasn't too poor because he wouldn't have lasted past No. 12, but even then he's still a bit of a project. All these quarterbacks taken early were reaches in terms of value, but those are the risks teams feel they need to take to find an answer. After Locker, I do like the Ayers pick. He has Round 1 tape and was taken at No. 39. Casey is also a talented kid who needs to mature. Another wide receiver would have been nice, but so would an idea of who will be throwing the ball in 2011.
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Kulha:
Ultimately things aren’t looking too good for Locker right off the bat. He doesn’t have many options to throw to and I don’t like the overall makeup of the team. The Titans took a big risk, but hopefully Locker will prove himself to be the right choice.
Washington Redskins
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McShay:
"The Redskins used the 16th pick acquired from Jacksonville on DE Ryan Kerrigan, who will never be elite but is the kind of quality player and character guy the organization needs. It was a patient move and sent the right message. You could argue Washington had more holes than any other team heading into the draft, and getting WR Leonard Hankerson with the 49th pick (also acquired in the deal) got the Redskins a player who could easily be a starter for them.
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Kiper:
"We know the Redskins need help at quarterback, but I'll give them credit: They realized there wasn't a quarterback in this draft who can help them in 2011, and they moved out of the spot that became the Gabbert pick. They clearly have concerns about their defensive line, and should get help in the pass rush from Kerrigan. Jenkins was an OK value, a bit of a surprise in Round 2, but the Hankerson selection at No. 79 was in the neighborhood of a steal. He gives them something they really don't have on the roster now.
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Kulha:
I was very surprised that Washington traded away the chance to get an impact quarterback in this draft, but on the other hand I really do like some of their picks. Kerrigan is going to be a fan favorite and a long time contributor, and the receivers will help out the offense a lot. Who is going to be throwing to them though?
Conclusion
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Well, there was definitely a lot to discuss and there will definitely be a whole lot more to wait on and see. It was a very interesting draft though, and I think we are all excited to see how these players progress.In the end I just have one more question:
How do you think your team did?
Follow Andrew on Twitter: @AKonSports
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