Written by Love Without Nagel | 01 May 2009

So I got 5 picks totally right, 6 if you count the Eagles moving a up a spot, which ties me with the illustrious Todd McShay from the World Wide Leader.  I had no access from anyone but my brain to make these picks, and I'd probably do better on camera than him if you put a bag over my face....you know so I wouldn't ugly up the whole show.

It's amazing to me that I can compete with these people who are paid upward of 100-200k annually that are supposed to be true professionals when I all really did was look at team depth charts, think of how a coach drafts and watch every minute of the NFL combine.  That's why I knew the Raiders would take crazy to a whole new level by reaching for Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seven pick.  And me correctly making that selection, along with angering a bunch of hippies is what blogging is all about.

I would now like ESPN to pay me.

The draft itself was significantly boring, considering I expected some wide receivers to be moved.  I guess in the end teams just didn't want to deal with Braylon Edwards' bitching/pass dropping and Anquan Boldin's future contract demands.  While a guy like Boldin can make on average 7 catches a game,  it's hard to justify spending upwards of 9 million dollars a season to and offensive player that only gets that many touches per game.  Also, it's easy to take a guy like that out of the game by using a double team.  Sure when he is opposite Larry Fitzgerald it puts more stress on the defense, but most teams don't have a 1-2 punch like that.  In fact, too many receiving options is what doomed the Cowboys this season.  Either that or the Devil has come to collect on his deal with Tony Romo.  You know, the one where the guy from Eastern Illinois becomes the quarterback of America's team, dates "actresses", can somehow elude NFL quality players, make shitty throws turn into positive gains, and becomes a millionaire.  That's the deal I'm speaking of.

Going in another direction here, considering all the stupid guarantee money that is being thrown around, and a lack of teams willing to trade up into the top 5 (Jets) excluded, how long will it take before teams like the Lions start refusing their draft picks?  My guess is that teams will start to slide down purposely so that they aren't forced to draft that high a la the Vikings from a few years ago.  Granted, the Vikings did this as a result of error, but I think unless a rookie cap is put into place we might see this happen in the future.

Let's not really call these grades, but we will look at the draft results with a pass/fail system.

AFC

MIAMI DOLPHINS-

Vontae Davis is a true talent if he can keep his head on straight.  The addition of Sean Smith at corner is interesting because I get the feeling he will be moved to safety at some point because he is 6'4," then again, I've never understood why teams won't let a guy over 6'2" play corner.  Pat White is the real "wildcat" in this draft (see what I did there).  Miami claims he will be given the chance to compete for the qb position.  I'm pretty sure this is a subtle hint to John Beck that he may want to go on another Mormon mission or something.  I'm high on Patrick Turner and think Brian Hartline will be serviceable.  If I were the Dolphins, I might have addressed the linebacker position sooner than the 7th round.

Result:  Pass

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Snorrrrrrrrreeeeeeee.  Sure New England is clever, and they always outsmart their opponents by getting more draft picks than anyone else, and in the past decade they usually beat everyone else which leads me to the question-  Why trade with the Patriots on draft day?  Is it really worth giving them a pick so you can move up and draft someone who might not make your team?

Then again, there was a lot of good second round talent in this draft that were borderline 1st rounders.  I like the addition of Patrick Chung and Darius Butler.  Everything else seems ho-hum unless Brandon Tate develops.  It's still somewhat odd since they seemed to be fine in the secondary, then again they just trade people away who want more money.

Result:  Pass, they got players and picks.....again.

 

NEW YORK JETS

The Jets seem to think they aren't that far away from the playoffs, otherwise why would they draft a situational back, and a quarterback?  Sure Mark Sanchez has talent and Shonn Greene proved he can run against Big Ten teams, but with they both be immediate starters?  Remember Sanchez only has 16 non high school starts, luckily they didn't give up too much to get him but I'm pretty sure the Browns got the best of this deal.

Result:  Fail

 

BUFFALO BILLS

Aaron Maybin is a raw talent, I agree.  But he is inexperienced.  I'm assuming he will play outside linebacker, if not won't he lose some speed when he puts on some NFL bulk?  Eric Wood is a good center, but the Bills play on using him at guard?  I guess I can't really knock having a versatile guy on the interior line, but the selection of Jairus Byrd really surprised me because I thought he was a day two guy.  He is not very fast, but could develop into a good nickel back.  I guess the Bills think he can also return kicks.

I like two picks the Bills had on day two.  Shawn Nelson was considered a second round pick, and Nic Harris is one of my favorite players in this draft.  Harris is probably a weak side linebacker in the pros, but he has played corner, nickel back, strong safety, middle linebacker and free safety and he did it at Oklahoma, not Abilene Christian.

Result:  Pass, day 2

 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

It was a really slow draft for the Steelers, but at least they didn't do anything stupid.  They didn't do too much, except adding depth which is probably all they needed to do anyway.  Most of these players will be brought along slowly, the Pittsburgh way.

Result:  Pass

 

BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Ravens addressed a need or two.  I think they are thrilled Michael Oher fell to them, Lardarius Webb will give them a speedy corner who can also help out in the return game, and a very productive linebacker in Jason Phillips who played on one of the best defenses in the country last season.

Result:  Pass

 

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Trade, trade, trade.  Success!  Alex Mack is probably the best center in the draft, Brian Robiske will be serviceable and Mohamed Massaquoi is better than he is.  Kaluka Maiava should be a starter in one year or less.  This coupled with the trade for Abram Elam and some other guy (Brett Ratliff) makes the Browns a big winner.  The only thing they should have done was bleed the Jets like a stuffed pig for that 5 spot.

Result:  Pass

 

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Okay, so the Bengals picked players with "red flags" but they sure did get some football talent.  Andre Smith is the best tackle in the draft, Rey Maualuga might be the best inside linebacker in the draft, Chase Coffman put up stupid numbers at Missouri and Bernard Scott put up tons of yards (even if it were at like 500 schools due to discipline issues and legal problems).

Result:  My favorite AFC draft- Pass

 

TENNESSEE TITANS

I'm not in love with Kenny Britt like most teams seem to be.  He looks like a stiff breeze could take him out.  I do like the Sen'Derrick Marks selection and the addition of Javon Ringer.  I don't understand why the Titans took TE Jared Cook.

Result:  Incomplete

 

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

NO weapon for Peyton?  What in the name of Bill Polian is going on?  Austin Collie was a producer at BYU, but I'm not sure if he is the answer.....Watch out Pierre Garcon!  Donald Brown is a talented runner.  I got to see him destroy the UB Bulls this season.  Fili Moala is a big fat run stuffer that might alter the way the Colts defend the run.  Terrance Taylor was the only Michigan player drafted I believe....goooo.

Result:  Incomplete

 

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Sure, O-line was a major concern last season so I understand adding one tackle, but two?  After you made moves in the off season to add two already?  Rashad Jennings is a big back who could be a great compliment to MJD and could be an amazing value in round 7.  I also like Tiquan Underwood who I thought was as good as Kenny Britt.  He was a round 7 guy too.

Result:  Pass

 

HOUSTON TEXANS

I feel like Brian Cushing could be like Bobby Carpenter, an underwhelming draft pick.  I really like Connor Barwin who is athletic as hell.  I don't understand why the Texans took two tight ends unless they are going to move James Casey around a lot.

Result:  Incomplete

 

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Larry English is certain huge (6'2" 274), but did you need to draft him at 16?  Louis Vasquez is a good value in round 2 and has mad strenf.  I like the day two additions of Gartrelle Johnson who can play.  You would know this if you saw the bowl game against Fresno State.  Kevin Ellison might play sooner than later, and regardless of Demetrius Byrd's injury if he plays ever or doesn't he's still worth a 7th round pick.

Result:  Pass but English at 16 was just odd.

 

DENVER BRONCOS

Considering Josh McDaniels came from the "New England system," has he lost his damn fool mind?  It looks like a bad fantasy football rookie draft.  Sure I guess you hate all the running backs you brought in, but a 1 pick on an RB?  The Ultimate  is Leader is laughing somewhere.  Ayers was a good pick with Chicago's draft pick, but giving next year's #1 for a second round corner?  I'm not sure.  A ho-hum weekend for Denver.

Result:  Fail

 

OAKLAND RAIDERS

I really love Al Davis and I'm glad he finally found a coach he could control.  The Heyward-Bey pick, which I selected was amazing, followed only by a selection of a guy (Mike Mitchell) who didn't make 1st, 2nd or 3rd team All-MAC was classic.  I guess they really want Nmandi Asomugha to earn his money.  The pick I like was Sryker Sulak.  Mizzou-RAH!

Result:  Epic Fail

 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

I like Tyson Jackson, but not at 3.  I don't like anything else.  I take that back, Donald Washington Might play.

Result:  Fail

 

NFC

 

NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants certainly went after value, but why not draft Antiono Pierce's successor?  If you plan on drafting Ramses Barden and trade up for him, you must hate Manningham and Moss.  I like the addition of Nicks... on film.  I hope he can translate that to the NFL.  William Beaty will be a starter in the future and Deandre Brown is amazing value in round 4.  Rhett Bomar was considered a can't miss prospect until he couldn't stop taking money at Big Red Imports.

Result:  Pass, good value in most rounds.

 

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, Victor "Macho" Harris.  This coupled with off season acquisitions makes the Eagles a top contender in the NFC.

Result:  Pass

 

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

I like Brian Orakpo, but everything is pretty unimpressive.  Who made Dan Snyder stop spending like crazy?

Result:  Fail

 

DALLAS COWBOYS

Jason Williams- athletic.  Stephen McGee-  went to a Texas school.  Victor Butler-  one year starter.  Mike Mickens-  the best player they drafted

Result:  Fail

 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

The Vikings got insane value with only 5 picks.  I think Harvin will be fine in the NFL......Then again he could be Troy Williamson or Sidney Rice.  Phil Loadholt is a load.  I really like Asher Allen from Georgia and Jasper Brinkley from South Carolina.  The Vikings could have drafted four starters in this draft, and I am talking about in 2009.

Result:  Huge pass

 

CHICAGO BEARS

Nothing really steps out at me, but the Bears didn't have a day one pick.  It looks like the Bears expect a lot of WR turnover since they drafted three.  I think Juaquin Iglesias, Johnny Knox and Derek Kinder all have value, but did they need to draft all three?  We know Jarron Gilbert can jump out of a pool, but can he rush the passer in the NFL?  I like DJ Moore from Vanderbilt.

Result:  Incomplete

 

GREEN BAY PACKERS

I like B.J. Raji, I'm not sold on Clay Matthews.

Result:  Incomplete

 

DETROIT LIONS

I like that they drafted a quarterback for ticket selling value, I love Pettigrew and Louis Delmas. Derrick Williams is an interesting player that could be used in a number of ways.  I like the value of drafting Sammie Lee Hill and Zach Follett.  If only Matt Millen were here to mess things up.

Result:  Pass

 

ATLANTA FALCONS

My favorite selection William Moore from Missouri.  Peria Jerry is a bit undersized but why not?  The Falcons have all the offensive tools, so building the defense was a good move.  Considering the Falcons took all defensive players in the draft, I think they felt the same way I did.

Result:  Pass

 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The Saints seem to think they are all good at running back it would seem.  Maybe they are considering the sick numbers the offense put up, plus don't sleep on Pierre Thomas!  The only pick of value was Malcolm Jenkins, and he might be quite a value at 14.

Result:  Incomplete

 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Josh Freeman might be a good pick, but he won't be right away.  Freeman has tools that need to be polished, I'm somewhat surprised the Bucs went up to get him.  The pick I like was 7th round Wide Receiver Sammie Stroughter, who was second team All PAC 10 an eternity ago.  Stroughter missed some time battling depression and a lacerated kidney.  If he makes the team he will be a fan favorite like he was in Corvallis.

Result:  Incomplete

 

CAROLINA PANTHERS

I like this draft.  Everette Brown was a guy I thought would go in round one, but other teams' loss is Carolina's gain.  Mike Goodson is a prospect, I will give him that, but not a polished back just yet.  Tony Fiammetta was the best full back in the draft.  Duke Robinson is great day two value as is Captain Munnerlyn. Good draft here.

Result:  Pass

 

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Your NFC champion Cardinals.  Well that only took forty-three Super Bowls to accomplish.  The Cards drafted Beanie Wells, which has brought the end to Edgerrin James' career in Arizona.  Wells give the Cardinals great value in round 1 at the number 31 spot.  The other pick I like is Rashard Johnson, who I think has day one value in a day two pick.

Result:  Pass

 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

I'm surprised to say this, but San Francisco should be applauded for their draft.  Of course having Michael Crabtree fall to you at 10 starts the day off well.  I think Glenn Coffee may give the 49ers a nice 1-2 punch with incumbent runner Frank Gore.  Scott McKillop was one of the best linebackers most people have never heard of.  Nate Davis probably won't be a starter any time soon, but he could learn an NFL system given time, a lot of time.  I also like the addition of Bear Pascoe who is a gigantic target at tight end.  Ricky Jean-Francois is another fantastic pick up, especially in round 7.

Result:  Pass

 

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

So much for that Mark Sanchez to Seattle crap I was hearing about for so long.  Aaron Curry makes great sense with the loss of Julian Peterson.  Max Unger is a solid offensive lineman who will become a starter this season.  Deon Butler is a play maker, but it remains to be seen how he will be used, and when.  Seattle also drafted Mike Teel in the 6th round, but I don't think he will be the heir apparent to Matt Hasselbeck.

Result:  Pass

 

ST. LOUIS RAMS

I'll give St. Louis a passing grade just from their first two picks, Jason Smith and James Laurinaitis.

Result:  Pass