Grading the Draft: NFC West
Grading the Draft: NFC West Seattle Seahawks 1(4) LB Aaron Curry- Best player available is sometimes the smartest draft strategy. The Seattle Seahawks are stacked at linebacker with Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill but adding Aaron Curry into the mix creates one of the leagues strongest units. Seattle faces Steven Jackson, Frank Gore and now Chris “Beanie” Wells in the NFC West on a regular basis, adding an elite player like Aaron Curry should be an excellent first step in regaining the toughness that Seattle once had on defense. Curry has long arms and possesses a very quick first step, he should start all year. Great pick! 2(17) C Max Unger- Unger doesn’t have to…
Grading the Draft: AFC East
Grading the Draft: AFC East Miami Dolphins 1(25): CB Vontae Davis – The Dolphins led the league last year in turnover ratio with +17. Adding such a versatile cover corner like Davis just makes it even more obvious that Bill Parcells wants to build the defense into a powerhouse. Vontae Davis does have some off-field concerns, but being surrounded by veteran players should set him straight. Davis will line up as a nickel corner and should add that extra punch on passing downs. Great pick. 2(12): QB Pat White – This is the third year in a row where the Dolphins have used a 2nd round pick on a quarterback. John Beck in 2007 never…
Grading the Draft: NFC North
Grading the Draft: NFC North Green Bay Packers 1(9): DT B.J. Raji – A smart, quick nose tackle who we predicted going to the Packers from very early on. He fits the new defensive scheme well and will be asked to contribute early. Raji is a dominating nose tackle and will anchor the Packers 3-4 defense in a high rotation behind Ryan Pickett. If he can handle the heavy workload, the Packers run defense should get a real boost. Great pick. 1(26): OLB Clay Matthews – Grid-X is not that big on Matthews, and was surprised to see him go ahead of Maualuga. Matthews has the skills to become a star, but only had one…
Grading the Draft: NFC East
Grading the Draft: NFC East Washington Redskins 1(13): DE Brian Orakpo – This former Texas Longhorn will line up alongside Pro Bowler Albert Haynesworth in a pass rush type role. Many thought of Orakpo as a converted linebacker in a 3-4 system, but the Skins want to cause chaos amongst their divisional quarterbacks on a regular basis. Great pick. 3(16): CB Kevin Barnes – Nickel corner with great size, will most likely be a special teamer for his first year. Good potential. Other Moves: After Orakpo and Barnes, the Redskins draft consists of mostly long shot players, projects, and special teamers. With no 2nd round pick and 4 picks late on day two, the Redskins…
Grading the Draft: AFC NORTH
Grading the Draft: AFC NORTH AFC NORTH Pittsburgh Steelers 1(32): DT Evander Hood – Its hard to find missing pieces for a team that has just recently won the Super Bowl, but Evander Hood does beef up the Steelers defensive line. Hood isn’t as heavy as the other defensive tackles in this draft, which is why many figure he may line up as an end spot in their 3-4 defense. Great pick. 2(32): OT Kraig Urbik – The best teams build through the draft by going after offensive and defensive lineman. The Steelers find a potential star in Urbik. This former Badger is a four year starter with great size and footwork, but will take…
