The Dubsism Comprehensive NFL Draft Review – What We Told Them vs. What They Did

Things to Remember:

• References to the “Kiper Theory” are ironically based on our Dubsism Anti-Kiper NFL Draft Board.
• We refused to change our board based on hype, workouts, or Todd McShay. As the only draft prognosticator who actually watches college football earlier than December, we based our rankings on something simple: the guy we thought would be the best NFL player. We covered as to why we reject conventional wisdom in our Team-by-Team warning about the NFL Draft.
• The more Mel Kiper disagrees with us, the more we believe we are right.  At the same time, we have undying respect for a guy we also think is a complete fraud. Kiper never stands behind things he says unless he happened to be right, and he changes his mind constantly in the run up to the draft. On the other hand, how can you not respect a guy who has made a whole career and millions of dollars out of saying “Trev Alberts sucks?”

Things We Got Right:

Guys we had in the First Round who were actually drafted in the First Round:

• Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (Dubsism rank #1, Drafted #13 Overall by Detroit)
• Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (Dubsism rank #3, Drafted #5 Overall by Arizona)
• A.J. Green, WR Georgia (Dubsism rank #4, Drafted #4 Overall by Cincinnati)
• Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (Dubsism rank #5, Drafted #19 Overall by New York Giants)
• Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri (Dubsism rank #6, Drafted #7 Overall by San Francisco)
• Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (Dubsism rank #7, Drafted #16 Overall by Washington)
• Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin (Dubsism rank #8, Drafted #29 Overall by Chicago)
• Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama (Dubsism rank #9, Drafted #3 by Buffalo)
• Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State (Dubsism rank #10, Drafted #32 Overall by Green Bay)
• Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple (Dubsism rank #11, Drafted #30 by New York Jets)
• Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M  (Dubsism rank #12, Drafted #2 Overall by Denver)
• Julio Jones, WR,  Alabama (Dubsism rank #15, Drafted #6 Overall by Atlanta)
• Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (Dubsism rank #16, Drafted #20 Overall by Tampa Bay)
• Nate Solder, OT,  Colorado (Dubsism rank #17, Drafted #17 Overall by New England)
• Cameron Jordan, DE, California (Dubsism rank #18, Drafted #24 Overall by New Orleans)
• Tyron Smith, OT, USC (Dubsism rank #19, Drafted #9 Overall by Dallas)
• Mike Pouncey, C, Florida (Dubsism rank #20, Drafted #15 Overall by Miami)
• Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (Dubsism rank #22,  Drafted #14 Overall by St. Louis)
• Jake Locker, QB, Washington (Dubsism rank #23, Drafted #8 Overall by Tennessee)
• J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin (Dubsism rank #24, Drafted #11 Overall by Houston)
• Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College (Dubsism rank #25, Drafted #22 Overall by Indianapolis)
• Mark Ingram, RB,  Alabama (Dubsism rank #26, Drafted #28 Overall by New Orleans)
• Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State (Dubsism rank #27, Drafted #31 Overall by Pittsburgh)
• Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois (Dubsism rank #28, Drafted #18 Overall by San Diego)
• Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Dubsism rank #30, Drafted #10 Overall by Jacksonville)

Things We Got Wrong:

Guys we had in the First Round who were not drafted in the First Round:

• Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (Dubsism rank #2, Drafted #51st Overall by Tampa Bay)
• Stephen Paea, DT,  Oregon State (Dubsism rank #13, Drafted #53rd Overall by Chicago)
• Rahim Moore, S, UCLA (Dubsism rank #14, Drafted #45th Overall by Denver)
• Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA (Dubsism rank #21, Drafted #39th Overall by Tennessee )
• Kyle Rudolf, TE, Notre Dame (Dubsism rank # 29, Drafted #43rd Overall by Minnesota)
• Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia (Dubsism rank #31, Drafted #70 Overall by Kansas City)
• Allen Bailey, DE, Miami FL (Dubsism rank #32, Drafted #86th Overall by Kansas City)

Guys we did not have in the First Round who were in fact drafted in the First Round:

• Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Dubsism rank #55, Ranked as the #5 quarterback prospect, Drafted #1 Overall)
• Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State (Not Ranked in the Dubsism Top 64, Ranked as the #12 Quarterback prospect, Drafted #12 Overall by Minnesota)
• Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor (Not Ranked in the Dubsism Top 64, Ranked as the #10 Defensive Tackle prospect, Drafted #21 Overall by Cleveland)
• Danny Watkins, G, Baylor (Not Ranked in the Dubsism Top 64, Ranked as the #15 Offensive Tackle prospect, Drafted #23 Overall by Philadelphia)
• James Carpenter, OT, Alabama (Not Ranked in the Dubsism Top 64, Not Ranked as an Offensive Tackle prospect, Drafted #25 Overall by Seattle)
• Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh (Dubsism rank #45, Ranked #3 wide receiver prospect, Drafted #26 Overall by Kansas City)

Guys We Rated in our Top 64 who were not drafted:

• Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU (Ranked #38 overall, ranked #6 offensive tackle prospect) – decided to return for his senior year after the original draft board was published
• Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska (Ranked #39 overall, ranked #7 defensive tackle prospect) – decided to return for his senior year after the original draft board was published
• Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M (Ranked #48 overall, ranked #4 quaterback prospect) – running a 4.75 40-yard dash at the combine will help you not get drafted
• John Clay, RB, Wisconsin (Ranked #60 overall, ranked #7 running back prospect) – coming off injuries and running a 4.83…you do the math.

Stats and Kinky Facts:

• 254 Total Picks
• 27 Compensatory picks
• 96 Picks were traded

Picks by Position:

• CB – 39
• WR – 28
• RB – 27
• OLB – 26
• DE – 22
• OT – 20
• DT – 20
• OG – 18
• S – 14
• QB – 12
• E – 12
• ILB – 8
• FB – 3
• C – 3
• K – 1
• P – 1

 Picks by Conference/League  and School:

1) SEC – 38

• 6 – Georgia
• 6 – LSU
• 5 – Alabama
• 4 – Auburn
• 4 – Florida
• 4 – Mississippi State
• 3 – Arkansas
• 2 – South Carolina
• 2 – Tennessee
• 1 –  Kentucky
• 1 –  Mississippi

2) ACC – 35

• 9 – North Carolina
• 8 – Miami (FL)
• 6 – Clemson
• 3 – Florida State
• 3 – Virginia Tech
• 2 – Maryland
• 1 – Boston College
• 1 – Georgia Tech
• 1 – North Carolina State
• 1 – Virginia

3) Pac-10 – 31

• 10 – USC
• 4 – Stanford
• 3 – Arizona
• 3 – California
• 3 – Oregon State
• 3 – UCLA
• 2 – Washington
• 1 – Arizona State
• 1 – Oregon
• 1 – Washington State

4) Big 12 – 30

• 7 – Nebraska
• 4 – Baylor
• 4 – Colorado
• 4 – Oklahoma
• 4 – Texas
• 3 – Missouri
• 1 – Kansas State
• 1 – Oklahoma State
• 1 – Texas A&M
• 1 – Texas Tech

5) Big Ten – 29

• 6 – Iowa
• 5 – Ohio State
• 5 – Wisconsin
• 4 – Illinois
• 2 – Indiana
• 2 – Michigan
• 2 – Michigan State
• 2 – Penn State
• 1 – Purdue

6) Big East – 22

• 5 – Pittsburgh
• 4 – Connecticut
• 4 – West Virginia
• 3 – Louisville
• 3 – South Florida
• 2 – Syracuse
• 1 – Cincinnati

7) WAC – 18

• 3 – Boise State
• 3 – Hawaii
• 3 – Idaho
• 3 – Nevada
• 2 – Fresno State
• 2 – San Diego State
• 1 – New Mexico State
• 1 – Utah State

8 ) FCS (The league formerly known as I-AA) – 15

• 3 – Appalachian State
• 1 – Citadel
• 1 – Florida A&M
• 1 – Hampton
• 1 – Lehigh
• 1 – Missouri State
• 1 – Montana
• 1 – Montana State
• 1 – Richmond
• 1 – Southern Illinois
• 1 – Stephen F. Austin
• 1 – Villanova
• 1 – Yale

9) D-II – 10

• 1 – Abilene Christian
• 1 – Alabama A&M
• 1 – Califfornia (PA)
• 1 – Central Arkansas
• 1 – Eastern Washington
• 1 – Portland State
• 1 – Slippery Rock
• 1 – South Carolina State
• 1 – Tennessee-Chattanooga
• 1 – West Texas A&M

10) MWC – 8

• 5 – TCU
• 2 – Utah
• 1 – Wyoming

11) Sun Belt – 5

• 1 – Arkansas State
• 1 – Florida Atlantic
• 1 – Florida International
• 1 – Middle Tennessee State
• 1 – Troy

12) MAC – 4

• 2 – Temple
• 1 – Buffalo
• 1 – Marshall

13) D-III – 2

• 1 – Bethel (TN)
• 1 – Mount Union

 14) Independent – 1

• 1 – Notre Dame

Your Nominees for Guy Most Likely to go all “Ryan Leaf” on you (in other words, to be drafted early only to flame-out even earlier):

• Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
• Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
• James Carpenter, OT, Alabama
• Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
• Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

Your Nominees for Guy Most likely to go all “Terrell Davis”  on you (in other words to be an impact player despite being drafted late):

• Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU
• Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina
• Jerrell Powe, DT, Mississippi
• Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
• Lee Ziemba, OT, Auburn

Your Nominees for Guy Most likely to go all “Tom Brady”  on you (in other words, to be an impact player despite being a Compensatory Pick):

• Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson
• Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
• Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State
• Tyler Sash, S, Iowa

Last guy rated in our Top 64 to be drafted:

• Lee Ziemba, OT, Auburn (#63 overall, ranked #7 offensive tackle prospect, drafted with 41st pick in the 7th round, the 244th overall pick)

First guy not rated in our Top 15 at any position to be drafted:

• James Carpenter, OT, Alabama (#25 overall)

The First Round, Pick by Pick

1) Carolina Panthers

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
• What Dubsism Believed: Trade Down
• What They Did: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

2) Denver Broncos

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
• What Dubsism Believed: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
• What They Did: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

3) Buffalo Bills

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
• What Dubsism Believed: A.J. Green, WR Georgia
• What They Did: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama

4) Cincinnati Bengals

• What the Kiper Theory Said: A.J. Green, WR Georgia
• What Dubsism Believed: Trade Down
• What They Did: A.J. Green, WR Georgia

5) Arizona Cardinals

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• What Dubsism Believed: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• What They Did: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

6) Cleveland Browns (pick traded to Atlanta Falcons)

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
• What Dubsism Believed: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson or Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
• What They Did: Traded 6th pick to Atlanta in return for Atlanta’s 2011 1st round pick (27th overall), Atlanta’s 2011 2nd and 4th round picks, as well as Atlanta’s 2012 1st and 4th round picks. Atlanta used this 6th pick to take Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

7)  San Francisco 49ers

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
• What Dubsism Believed: Make a Trade
• What They Did: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri

8 ) Tennessee Titans

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
• What Dubsism Believed: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
• What They Did: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

9) Dallas Cowboys

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
• What Dubsism Believed: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
• What They Did: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

10) Washington Redskins (pick traded to Jacksonville)

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
• What Dubsism Believes: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
• What They Did:  Traded 10th pick to Jacksonville in return for Jacksonville’s 2011 1st round pick (16th overall), Jacksonville’s 2011 2nd round pick (49th overall) Jacksonville used this 10th pick to take Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri.

11) Houston Texans

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
• What Dubsism Believed: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
• What They Did: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

12) Minnesota Vikings

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
• What Dubsism Believed: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State or Make a Trade
• What They Did: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

13) Detroit Lions

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Stephen Paea, DT,  Oregon State
• What Dubsism Believed: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M or Stephen Paea, DT,  Oregon State
• What They Did: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

14) St. Louis Rams

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
• What Dubsism Believed: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
• What They Did: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

15) Miami Dolphins

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Julio Jones, WR,  Alabama
• What Dubsism Believed: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
• What They Did: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida

16) Jacksonville Jaguars

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
• What Dubsism Believed: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
• What They Did: Traded up to get Washington’s 2011 1st round pick (10th overall). As part of that deal, Washington used this 16th pick to take Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

17) New England Patriots (pick from Oakland Raiders)

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Nate Solder, OT,  Colorado
• What Dubsism Believed: Trade Up
• What They Did: Nate Solder, OT,  Colorado

18) San Diego Chargers

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
• What Dubsism Beleived: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
• What They Did: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

19) New York Giants

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
• What Dubsism Believed: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
• What They Did: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
• What Dubsism Believed: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
• What They Did: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

21) Kansas City Chiefs (pick traded to Cleveland Browns)

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
• What Dubsism Believed: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
• What They Did: Traded down to the 27th overall pick that Cleveland acquired in a deal with Atlanta. Cleveland used this 21st pick to select Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

22) Indianapolis Colts

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
• What Dubsism Believed: Mark Ingram, RB,  Alabama or Make a Trade
• What They Did: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

23) Philadelphia Eagles

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
• What Dubsism Believed: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
• What They Did: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor

24) New Orleans Saints

• What the Kiper Theory Said: J.J. Watt, DE,  Wisconsin
• What Dubsism Believed: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
• What They Did: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

25) Seattle Seahawks

• What the Kiper Theory Said Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
• What Dubsism Believed: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
• What They Did: James Carpenter, OT, Alabama

26) Baltimore Ravens

• What the Kiper Theory Says: Mark Ingram, RB,  Alabama
• What Dubsism Believed: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
• What They Did: Passed – time ran out and Kansas City picked, then Baltimore made their selection – seems there was a mix up on a trade proposal. Eventually, they took Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado with what is actually the 27th overall pick

27) Atlanta Falcons

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
• What Dubsism Believed: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami (FL)
• What They Did: Traded up to get Cleveland’s 2011 1st round pick (6th overall). As part of that deal, Cleveland used this pick to trade up to Kansas City’s pick at 21 – Kansas City Used this Pick to take Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh with what is actually the 26th overall pick – See Above.

28) New England Patriots

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
• What Dubsism Believed: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
• What They Did: Traded down to get the New Orleans Saints 2011 2nd round pick and 2012 first round pick. Saints used this 28th  pick to take Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

29) Chicago Bears

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Kyle Rudolf, TE, Notre Dame
• What Dubsism Believed: Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU
• What They Did: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

30) New York Jets

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• What Dubsism Believed: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
• What They Did: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

31) Pittsburgh Steelers

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
• What Dubsism Believed: Kyle Rudolf, TE, Notre Dame
• What They Did: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

32) Green Bay Packers

• What the Kiper Theory Said: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami FL
• What Dubsism Believed: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
• What They Did: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

Team-by-Team Complete Draft Analysis

1) Arizona Cardinals

• Round 1:  Pick 5, Overall Pick #5 – Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
• Round 2: Pick 6,  Overall Pick #38 – Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
• Round 3: Pick 5, Overall Pick #69 – Rob Housler, TE, Florida Atlantic
• Round 4: Pick 6, Overall Pick #103 – Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• Round 5: Pick 5, Overall Pick #136 – Anthony Sherman, RB, Connecticut
• Round 6: Pick 6, Overall Pick #171 –  Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina
• Round 6: Pick 19, Overall Pick #184 (From Tampa Bay via Philadelphia) – David Carter, DT, UCLA
• Round 7:  Pick 46, Overall Pick #249 (Compensatory Selection) – Demarco Sampson, WR,  San Diego State

Overall Draft Grade:  B

You had to make the Peterson move if you were the Cardinals. They originally coveted Prince Amukamara, but his stock fell during the process, and they never expected Peterson would be around at the 5th pick.  Peterson was always a far superior player at the position than Amukamara (although Peterson’s future may be as a safety), so it was a no-brainer to take him. Peterson along with Quan Sturdivant means going across the middle just became as interesting for opposing receivers as a root canal with no anesthetic.

2) Atlanta Falcons

• Round 1:  Pick 6, Overall Pick #6 (From Cleveland) – Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
• Round 3:  Pick 27, Overall Pick #91 – Akeem Dent, ILB, Georgia
• Round 5: Pick 14, Overall Pick #145 (From St. Louis) – Jacquizz Rodgers, RB,  Oregon State
• Round 6: Pick 27, Overall Pick #192 – Matt Bosher, P,  Miami (FL)
• Round 7: Pick 7, Overall Pick #210 (From Detroit) – Andrew Jackson, OG, Fresno State
• Round 7: Pick 27, Overall Pick #230 (From New England) – Cliff Matthews, DE, South Carolina

Overall Draft Grade:  C-

Watching the Falcons draft was like watching a dog trying to run on a tile floor. They did a lot of moving, expended a ton of energy, and ultimately didn’t get very far. Granted, they did get a top-level specimen in Julio Jones, but one has to wonder if the Browns laid a bit of a “lube and shaft” job on them for the 6th overall pick; don’t forget Cleveland got Atlanta’s 2011 1st round pick (27th overall), Atlanta’s 2011 2nd and 4th round picks, as well as Atlanta’s 2012 1st and 4th round picks. It’s pretty clear the Falcons think they are just one piece away; they are just a step shy of having mortgaged their future.

3) Baltimore Ravens

• Round 1:  Pick 27, Overall Pick #27 – Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
• Round 2: Pick 26, Overall Pick #58 – Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
• Round 3: Pick 21, Overall Pick #85  (From Philadelphia) – Jah Reid, OT, Central Florida
• Round 4: Pick 26, Overall Pick #123 – Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana
• Round 5: Pick 33, Overall Pick #164 (Compensatory Selection) – Chykie Brown, CB, Texas
• Round 5: Pick 34, Overall Pick # 165 (Compensatory Selection) – Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State
• Round 6: Pick 15, Overall Pick #180 (From St. Louis) – Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech
• Round 7: Pick 22, Overall Pick # 225 (From Philadelphia) – Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech

Overall Draft Grade:  C

I can make an argument for liking this draft; I can make an argument for not liking it. Actually, its like the “buffet plate” draft; there’s a little something for everybody – there’s a couple of pretty good receivers for the passing game (which is in desperate need of them), there’s a couple of corners for the defense, there’s some help for the ends of both lines, and whatever Tyrod Taylor turns out to be. I could have possibly rated this draft a wee bit higher, but the “Russian Judge” in me feels the needs to dueduct a few style points for the mix-up which allowed the Chiefs to jump in front of them.

4) Buffalo Bills

• Round 1: Pick 3, Overall Pick #3 – Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
• Round 2: Pick 2, Overall Pick #34 – Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
• Round 3: Pick 4, Overall Pick #68 – Kelvin Sheppard, OLB, LSU
• Round 4: Pick 3, Overall Pick #100 – Da’Norris Searcy, CB, North Carolina
• Round 4: Pick 25, Overall Pick #122 (From Seattle) – Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson
• Round 5: Pick 2, Overall Pick #133 – Johnny White, RB, North Carolina
• Round 6: Pick 4, Overall Pick #169 – Chris White, ILB, Mississippi State
• Round 7: Pick 3, Overall Pick #206 – Justin Rogers, CB, Richmond
• Round 7: Pick 42, Overall Pick #245 (Compensatory Selection) – Micheal Jasper, OG, Bethel (TN)

Overall Draft Grade: C

The Bills likely wanted a D-lineman in this spot once they knew they weren’t getting Cam Newton. Dareus is an incredible prospect who is a monster against both the pass and the run. There’s a reason why divisional rivals Miami and New England spent first-round picks on offensive lineman. Williams should be about as good as you would expect a corner can be in a league that isn’t rule-friendly to them. To me the most interesting pick is Kelvin Sheppard; it’s like a whispered admission that Aaron Maybin isn’t what they thought he was.

5) Carolina Panthers

• Round 1: Pick 1, Overall Pick #1 – Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
• Round 3: Pick 1, Overall Pick #65 – Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
• Round 3:  Pick 33, Overall Pick #97 –  Sione Fua, DT, Stanford
• Round 4: Pick 1, Overall Pick #98 – Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia
• Round 5: Pick 1, Overall Pick #132 – Kealoha Pilares, WR, Hawaii
• Round 6: Pick 1, Overall Pick #166 – Lawrence Wilson, OLB, Connecticut
• Round 6: Pick 38, Overall Pick #203 (Compensatory Selection) – Zack Williams, OG, Washington State
• Round 7: Pick 41, Overall Pick #244 (Compensatory Selection) –  Lee Ziemba, OT, Auburn

Overall Draft Grade: D-

Somebody had to swallow the hype, turn a blind eye, and just fling the dice and pray. Why shouldn’t it be the team with really the least to lose? It’s not like they can get worse from this decision? If you hadn’t been paying attention in the last quarter-century and still doubt this is now a quarterback-driven league, this pick now means that quarterbacks hae been taken with the 1st overall pick 11 times in the last 14 drafts. Having said that, this is where we put our cards on the table about Cam Newton. We simply do not believe he will be an effective NFL quarterback. There’s a reason why we rated him as low on our board as we did, and we here at Dubsism stand by that call. By definition, we think Carolina is taking an unacceptable level of risk with this pick.  Have all the love affairs you want with so-called “running quarterbacks,” at some point you will have no choice but to accept the reality of what happens to them in the NFL. Other than that, there is barley enough talent in the rest of this draft so it can’t called a complete failure.

6) Chicago Bears

• Round 1: Pick 29, Overall Pick #29 – Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
• Round 2: Pick 21, Overall Pick #53 (From Indianapolis via Washington),  Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
• Round 3: Pick 29, Overall Pick #93 – Chris Conte, S, USC
• Round 5: Pick 29, Overall Pick #160 – Nathan Enderle, QB, Idaho
• Round 6: Pick 30, Overall Pick #195 – J.T. Thomas, OLB, West Virginia

Overall Draft Grade: A-

If you saw the shit-hammering Jay Cutler took all season long, you know the Bears’ had no choice but  upgrade the offensive line. Plus, the same line that got Cutler nearly killed also knocked Todd Collins into retirement. The addition of a monster to the defensive line like Paea to complement Julius Peppers means the NFC North is now officially going to be a graveyard for quarterbacks.

7) Cincinnati Bengals

• Round 1: Pick 4, Overall Pick #4 – A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
• Round 2: Pick 3, Overall Pick #35 –  Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
• Round 3: Pick 2, Overall Pick #66 – Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
• Round 4: Pick 4, Overall Pick #101- Clint Boling, OG, Georgia
• Round 5: Pick 3, Overall Pick #134 –  Robert Sands, S, West Virginia
• Round 6: Pick 2, Overall Pick #167 – Ryan Whalen, WR,  Stanford
• Round 7: Pick 4, Overall Pick #207 – Korey Lindsay, CB, Southern Illinois
• Round 7: Pick 43, Overall Pick #246 (Compensatory Selection) – Jay Finley, RB, Baylor

Overall Draft Grade: B-

If you were the Bengals, you had three options. First was to get a quarterback for the future, as it is clear the Carson Palmer fantasy isn’t going to happen, so it would seem Blake Gabbert was the pick here.  If Marvin Lewis is serious about going to a run-first offense, then the Bengals need depth at running back and on the offensive line; again, there was nobody in those categories worthy of a #4 overall pick. Finally, the Bengals could have chosen to build on what was a massively disappointing defense; trading down would have netted Cincinnati solid players at reduced prices as this draft is stocked with defensive talent.

But no, the Bengals decided to draft a wide receiver knowing they didn’t yet have a quarterback. Was it just me, or did A.J. Green look less than happy to get the call from what may arguably one of the worst franchises not only in the NFL, but in all of professional sports. In his defense, I would not be happy about getting a four-year sentence in Cincinnati either. The trouble is that this draft certainly gives the impression the Bengals may not be able to solve all the problems they have, but they at least know which ones they can deal with today.

8 ) Cleveland Browns

• Round 1: Pick 21, Overall Pick #21 (From Kansas City) – Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
• Round 2: Pick 5, Overall Pick #37, Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
• Round 2: Pick 27, Overall Pick #59 (From Atlanta) – Greg Little, WR, North Carolina
• Round 4: Pick 5, Overall Pick #102 – Jordan Cameron, TE ,USC
• Round 4: Pick 27, Overall Pick #124 (From Atlanta) – Owen Marecic, RB, Stanford
• Round 5: Pick 6, Overall Pick #137 – Buster Skrine, CB, Tennessee-Chattanooga
• Round 5: Pick 19, Overall Pick #150 (From New York Giants via Minnesota) -Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
• Round 7: Pick 45, Overall Pick #248 (Compensatory Selection) – Eric Hagg CB Nebraska

Overall Draft Grade: C

There is no team that really gave itself a better chance to help itself more in this draft than the Browns did. The cavalcade of trades they engineered all began when their downstate rivals in Cincinnati swiped the player the Browns had been coveting. With A.J. Green off the board, Plan B was to go with a defensive lineman, but it seems Cleveland was as leery as anybody else about Da’Quan Bowers’ knee. This was when the Browns started working the phones.

The first deal saw them trade the 6th overall pick to Atlanta in return for Atlanta’s 2011 1st round pick (27th overall), Atlanta’s 2011 2nd and 4th round picks, as well as Atlanta’s 2012 1st and 4th round picks. Then, the Browns trade the first round pick they got from Atlanta along with their 3rd round pick to Kansas City to trade up to the Chiefs 1st round pick (21st overall). The net result is from trading down, The Browns got two extra pick this year, and two extra picks next year.

The overall grade would have been even higher except the trade-up to take Phil Taylor seems like a reach. Taking Jabaal Sheard at #37 was certainly a reach. Plus, the Browns didn’t address their glaring need, which was the complete absence of a pass rush.

9) Dallas Cowboys

• Round 1: Pick 9, Overall Pick #9 – Tyron Smith, OT, USC
• Round 2: Pick 8, Overall Pick #40 – Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
• Round 3: Pick 7, Overall Pick #71 – DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• Round 4: Pick 13, Overall Pick #110 – David Arkin, OG, Missouri State
• Round 5: Pick 12, Overall Pick #143 – Josh Thomas, CB, Buffalo
• Round 6: Pick 1, Overall Pick #176 – Dwayne Harris, WR, East Carolina
• Round 7: Pick 17, Overall Pick #220 (From San Diego) – Shaun Chapas, FB, Georgia
• Round 7: Pick 49,  Overall Pick #252 (Compensatory Selection)-  Bill Nagy, C, Wisconsin

Overall Draft Grade: B

Along with the Broncos’, this is a draft class stocked with raw talent. Not only that, but this group seems to be a good fit with the existing talent, and the model we’ve seen from this franchise in the past. Carter is an athletic linebacker who can help on both pass rush and pass coverage, Murray can grow into a role on the Cowboys “running back by committee approach,” Dwayne Harris could prove to be another guy for the role of “Miles Austin-type” receiver, and Shaun Chapas could be another “Moose Johnston.” Having said that, the trouble is that the Cowboys defense was atrocious last year, and I’m hoping their plan is to address that in free agency, but in a draft so stocked with talent on the defensive side of the ball, one has to wonder about the overall approach.

10) Denver Broncos

• Round 1: Pick 2, Overall Pick #2 – Von Miller, OLB ,Texas A&M
• Round 2: Pick 13, Overall Pick #45 (From San Francisco) – Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
• Round 2: Pick 14, Overall Pick #46 (From Miami) – Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami (FL)
• Round 3: Pick 3, Overall Pick #67 – Nate Irving, ILB ,North Carolina State
• Round 4: Pick 11, Overall Pick #108 – (From San Francisco) – Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma
• Round 4: Pick 32, Overall Pick #129 (From Green Bay) – Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State
• Round 6: Pick 24, Overall Pick #189 (From New Orleans via New England) – Mike Mohamed, ILB, California
• Round 7: Pick 1, Overall Pick #204 (From Carolina via Green Bay) – Virgil Green, TE, Nevada
• Round 7: Pick 44, Overall Pick #247 (Compensatory Selection) – Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma

Overall Draft Grade: A

Assuming Elvis Dumervil returns from his torn pectoral injury, Miller give the Broncos the cliche “bookends” at the edge pass-rusher slot.  But I also think that’s really all Von Miller can do, unlike the linebacker the Broncos drafted in the first round last year who can also play quarterback. But based on what we know today, this class may be one the richest top-to-bottom in terms of raw talent.

11) Detroit Lions

• Round 1: Pick 13, Overall Pick #13 – Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
• Round 2: Pick 12, Overall Pick #44 – Titus Young WR Boise State
• Round 2: Pick 25, Overall Pick #57 (From Seattle) – Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
• Round 5: Pick 26, Overall Pick #157 (From Baltimore via Seattle) – Douglas Hogue, OLB, Syracuse
• Round 7: Pick 6, Overall Pick #209 (From Cleveland via Seattle) – Johnny Culbreath, OT,  South Carolina State

Overall Draft Grade:

Happy Birthday, Jay Cutler. On the day before your special day, one of your divisional rivals literally ensured that at least twice next year, you will have a legitimate chance to be killed on the field. One of the good things the Lions have is Ndamukong Suh, and the Lions built around what may be the most dominant defensive lineman since Alan Page. Now that they’ve added Fairley to that defensive line, they get a lineman to play bookend with Suh, which is just one of many reasons why being a quarterback in the NFC may not be so fun for a while.  Plus, the bruising running style of Leshoure could make for and interesting “thunder and lightning” combination with Jahvid Best.

12) Green Bay Packers

• Round 1: Pick 32, Overall Pick #32 – Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State
• Round 2: Pick 32, Overall Pick #64 –  Randall Cobb WR Kentucky
• Round 3: Pick 32, Overall Pick #96 – Alex Green, RB, Hawaii
• Round 4: Pick 34 Overall Pick #131 (Compensatory Selection) – Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
• Round 5: Pick 10, Overall Pick #141 (From San Francisco via Denver) – D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas
• Round 6: Pick 14, Overall Pick #179 (From Miami) – Caleb Schlauderaff, OG, Utah
• Round 6: Pick 21, Overall Pick #186 (From Philadelphia via Detroit and Denver) – D.J. Smith, OLB, Appalachian State
• Round 6: Pick 32, Overall Pick #197 – Ricky Elmore, DE, Arizona
• Round 7: Pick 15, Overall Pick #218 (From Jacksonville via Miami) – Ryan Taylor, TE, North Carolina
• Round 7: Pick 30, Overall Pick #233 Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona State

Overall Draft Grade: B

What I totally get – drafting an offensive lineman at the top. If you look at what the Lions and Bears added, it is clear that the team who keep their quarterback alive longest wins this division (except Minnesota, who now teeters on irrelevancy). What I don’t get – getting a running back, and more help on the offensive front. Running back is a thin spot for this team, and we all know how a respectable running game can help slow a pass rush.

13) Houston Texans

• Round 1: Pick 11, Overall Pick #11 – J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
• Round 2: Pick 10, Overall Pick #42 – Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona
• Round 2: Pick 28, Overall Pick #60 (From New England) – Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)
• Round 4: Pick 30, Overall Pick #127 (From Chicago via Washington) – Rashad Carmicheal, CB, Virginia Tech
• Round 5: Pick 13, Overall Pick #144 (From Washington) – Shiloh Keo, CB, Idaho
• Round 5: Pick 21, Overall Pick #152 (From Indianapolis via Washington) -Taylor Yates, QB, North Carolina
• Round 7: Pick 11, Overall Pick #214 – Derek Newton, OT, Arkansas State
• Round 7: Pick 51, Overall Pick #254 (Compensatory Selection) – Cheta Ozougwu, DE, Rice

Overall Draft Grade: A

The Texans are now set at D-tackle, and Watt gives them another “bookend” combination at defensive end to go with #1 overall pick Mario Williams.  Watt is a versatile defensive linemen that should excel; he’s explosive against the run and the pass, Watt has that cliche “motor that just won’t quit,”  check out the accolades on this guy:

• Lott IMPACT Trophy for nation’s top defensive player on and off the field (2010)
• Second-team All-American (2010)
• All-Big Ten (2010)
• All-Big Ten honorable mention (2009)
• Wisconsin Team MVP (2010);
• Finalist for Bednarik and Hendricks Awards (2010)

Watt  delivered 21 tackles for a loss in 2010, including seven sacks, and the Texans sorely need more run-stoppers; plus, the Lott award and his Academic All-American status suggests both intelligence and high character.

14) Indianapolis Colts

• Round 1: Pick 22, Overall Pick #22 –  Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
• Round 2: Pick 17, Overall Pick #49 (From Jacksonville via Washington) – Ben Ijalana, OG, Villanova
• Round 3: Pick 23, Overall Pick #87 – Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
• Round 4: Pick 22, Overall Pick #119 – Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
• Round 6: Pick 23, Overall Pick #188 – Chris Rucker, CB, Michigan State

Overall Draft Grade: A-

The need for the Colts to establish a running game was made apparent this past season; Peyton Manning simply cannot carry this team by himself any longer. This means the Colts needed a running back and/or some offensive lineman.

15) Jacksonville Jaguars

• Round 1:  Pick 10, Overall Pick #10 (From Washington) – Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• Round 3: Pick 12, Overall Pick #76 (From San Francisco) – Will Rackley, OG, Lehigh
• Round 4: Pick 17, Overall Pick #114 – Cecil Shorts, WR, Mount Union
• Round 4: Pick 24, Overall Pick #121 (From New Orleans) – Chris Prosinski, S, Wyoming
• Round 5: Pick 16, Overall Pick #147 – Rod Isaac, CB, Middle Tennessee State

Overall Draft Grade:  C-

This draft all comes down to Gabbert; he’s the only guy in this mix that is likely to become a difference maker.

16) Kansas City Chiefs

• Round 1: Pick 26, Overall Pick # 26 (From Atlanta via Cleveland) Jonathan Baldwin WR Pittsburgh
• Round 2 Pick 23 Overall Pick # 55 Rodney Hudson C Florida State
• Round 3 Pick 6 Overall Pick # 70 (From Cleveland) Justin Houston OLB Georgia
• Round 3 Pick 22 Overall Pick # 86 Allen Bailey DE Miami (FL)
• Round 4 Pick 21 Overall Pick # 118 Jalil Brown CB Colorado
• Round 5 Pick 4 Overall Pick # 135 (From Denver via Tampa Bay) Ricky Stanzi QB Iowa
• Round 5 Pick 9 Overall Pick # 140 (From Detroit) Gabe Miller OLB Oregon State
• Round 6 Pick 34 Overall Pick # 199 (Compensatory Selection) Jerrell Powe DT Mississippi
• Round 7 Pick 20 Overall Pick # 223 Shane Bannon RB Yale

Overall Draft Grade:

The Chiefs are largely a young team, except along the offensive line which has a 10-year and a 15-year veteran. That was partially addressed. Another issue which was exposed in the playoff drubbing at the hands of the Ravens the the toughness of the Chiefs…this is why to me the most interesting guy in this group to me is Allen Bailey. Though he is somewhat undersized for the defensive line, Bailey features tremendous strength, speed, and athleticism. He also comes from in Georgia called Hog Hammock where he is rumored to have once killed an alligator with a shovel. How can you not love that kind of killer instinct in a defensive lineman?

17) Miami Dolphins

• Round 1: Pick 15, Overall Pick #15 – Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
• Round 2: Pick 30, Overall Pick #62 (From Chicago via Washington) – Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
• Round 4: Pick 14, Overall Pick #111 – Edmond Gates,  WR, Abilene Christian
• Round 6: Pick 9, Overall Pick #174 (From Green Bay via San Francisco) – Charles Clay, FB, Tulsa
• Round 7: Pick 28, Overall Pick #231 (From New York Jets via Detroit, San Francisco, and Green Bay) – Frank Kearse, DT, Alabama A&M
• Round 7: Pick 32, Overall Pick # 235 (Compensatory Selection) – Jimmy Wilson, CB, Montana

Overall Draft Grade: B

The Dolphins seem to be following the old Shula model with offensive lineman  – those teams featured guys like Larry Little, Jim Langer, Bob Kuechenberg, etc…This team now has first-round linemen in Jake Long and Mike Pouncey. With the Bills adding Marcel Dareus, it’s no accident the Dolphins looked to add some heft on the offensive front.

18) Minnesota Vikings

• Round 1: Pick 12, Overall Pick #12 – Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
• Round 2: Pick 11, Overall Pick #43 – Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
• Round 4: Pick 9, Overall Pick #106 – Christian Ballard, DT, Iowa
• Round 5: Pick 8, Overall Pick #139 – Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
• Round 6: Pick 3, Overall Pick #168 (From Denver via Cleveland) – DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
• Round 6: Pick 5, Overall Pick #170 (From Cleveland) – Mistral Raymond, S, South Florida
• Round 6: Pick 7, Overall Pick #172 – Brandon Fusco, OG,  Slippery Rock
• Round 6: Pick 35, Overall Pick #200 (Compensatory Selection) – Ross Homan, OLB, Ohio State
• Round 7: Pick 12, Overall Pick #215 – D’Aundre Reed, DE, Arizona
• Round 7: Pick 33 Overall Pick #236 (Compensatory Selection) – Stephen Burton, WR,  West Texas A&M

Overall Draft Grade: F

Ponder is a reach, plain and simple. The Vikings panicked when the two quarterbacks they coveted left the board, and nobody was interested in trading with them. This also isn’t the first time Vikings GM Rick Spielman has made a controversial move. In 2004 when he was with Miami, he traded their 2nd round pick to Philadelphia for AJ Feeley.

Without a quarterback, the Vikings had a few options. First, they could have taken an offensive lineman to shore up a line that outside of LG Steve Hutchinson and C John Sullivan flat-out sucks. Even Sullivan is still developing, and there were plenty of tackles who could have gone in this spot. They could have taken defensive lineman considering Ray Edwards is likely gone, the Williams’ are going to get suspended, and Jared Allen is monstrously over-rated and overpaid. Then, there’s the whole matter of taking a question mark tight end in the second round it simply beyond logic.

19) New England Patriots

• Round 1: Pick 17, Overall Pick #17 (From Oakland) – Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
• Round 2: Pick 1, Overall Pick #33 (From Carolina) – Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
• Round 2: Pick 24, Overall Pick #56 (From New Orleans) – Shane Vereen, RB, California
• Round 3:  Pick 9, Overall Pick #73 (From Houston) – Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU
• Round 3: Pick 10, Overall Pick #74 (From Minnesota) – Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
• Round 5: Pick 7, Overall Pick #138 (From Houston) – Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU
• Round 5: Pick 28, Overall Pick #159 – Lee Smith, TE,  Marshall
• Round 6: Pick 29, Overall Pick #194 (From New York Jets via Philadelphia) – Markell Carter, OLB, Central Arkansas
• Round 7: Pick 16, Overall Pick #219 (From Oakland) – Malcolm Williams, CB, TCU

Overall Draft Grade:  B

Solder is mammoth even for a lineman (6’9″), and he has all the potential in the world. The Pats need younger protection for Tom Brady an escort for whichever running back they are featuring this week, and Solder could easily grow into one of the games dominant tackles. The big question is does Ryan Mallett take advantage of the gift situation to learn how to play the game at the top-level? Face it, if the guy can’t succeed in New England, where can he?

20) New Orleans Saints

• Round 1: Pick 24, Overall Pick # 24 – Cameron Jordan, DE, California
• Round 1:  Pick 28, Overall Pick #28  (From New England) – Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
• Round 3:  Pick 8, Overall Pick #72 (From Washington) – Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois
• Round 3: Pick 24, Overall Pick #88 – Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
• Round 7: Pick 23, Overall Pick #226 – Greg Romeus, DE,  Pittsburgh
• Round 7: Pick 40 Overall Pick #243 (Compensatory Selection) – Nate Bussey, OLB, Illinois

Overall Draft Grade: A+

What’s not to love about this draft? In a division stocked with quarterback and running backs, the Saints not only scored a potentially great runner, but selected a cast of characters to stop the other guy’s offense. Cameron Jordan is a jail-break edge-pass rusher, Martez Wilson offers  represents a good all-around option to bolster the linebacking corps around Jonathan Vilma; and Greg Romeus (if he can stay healthy) is a potential Steal of the Draft candidate.

21) New York Giants

• Round 1: Pick 19, Overall Pick #19 – Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• Round 2:  Pick 20, Overall Pick #52 – Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
• Round 3: Pick 19, Overall Pick #83 – Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy
• Round 4:  Pick 20, Overall Pick #117, James Brewer, OT, Indiana
• Round 6: Pick 20, Overall Pick #185, Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan State
• Round 6: Pick 33, Overall Pick #198 (Compensatory Selection) – Tyler Sash, S, Iowa
• Round 6:  Pick 37, Overall Pick #202 (Compensatory Selection) – Jacquain Williams, OLB, South Florida
• Round 7: Pick 18, Overall Pick #221 – Da’Rel Scott, RB, Maryland

Overall Draft Grade: D

The Giants offensive line is beginning to show its age; right now 3 of the 5 starters have been in the league 10 years or more. Waiting until the 4th round to address was a huge mistake.

22) New York Jets

• Round 1: Pick 30, Overall Pick #30 –  Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
• Round 3: Pick 30, Overall Pick #94 –  Kenrick Ellis, DT, Hampton
• Round 4:  Pick 29,  Overall Pick #126 –  Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
• Round 5:  Pick 22, Overall Pick #153 (From Philadelphia) – Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU
• Round 7:  Pick 5, Overall Pick #208 (From Arizona) – Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama
• Round 7: Pick 24, Overall Pick #227 (From Seattle via Philadelphia) – Scotty McKnight, WR, Colorado

Overall Draft Grade:  B-

The last thing the Jets need is a quarterback, but it never hurts to have a smart guy on the team, not to mention, the Jets have had good luck with Alabama quarterbacks (Joe Namath, Richard Todd).  The offensive line could have used some help, but that didn’t happen.  So, the Jets built on their built on their strength, defense.

23) Oakland Raiders

• Round 2: Pick 16, Overall Pick #48 –  Stefan Wisniewski, OG, Penn State
• Round 3: Pick 17, Overall Pick #81 – Demarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami (FL)
• Round 3: Pick 28, Overall Pick #92 (From New England) – Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
• Round 4: Pick 16, Overall Pick #113 – Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State
• Round 4: Pick 28, Overall Pick #125 (From New England) – Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington
• Round 5: Pick 17, Overall Pick #148 – Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee
• Round 6: Pick 16, Overall Pick #181 – Richard Gordon, TE, Miami (FL)
• Round 7: Pick 38, Overall Pick #241 (Compensatory Selection) – David Ausberry, WR, USC

Overall Draft Grade:  C

Somehow the Raiders ended up as an 8-8 team, and this is the kind of draft I would expect from a team that has its best season in recent memory and still fired their head coach.

24) Philadelphia Eagles

• Round 1: Pick 23, Overall Pick #23 – Danny Watkins, OT, Baylor
• Round 2: Pick 22, Overall Pick #54 – Jaiquawn Jarrett, S, Temple
• Round 3: Pick 26, Overall Pick #90 (From Baltimore) – Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State
• Round 4:  Pick 19, Overall Pick #116 (From Tampa Bay) – Casey Matthews, ILB, Oregon
• Round 4: Pick 23, Overall Pick #120 – Alex Henery, K, Nebraska
• Round 5: Pick 18, Overall Pick #149 (From San Diego) – Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
• Round 5: Pick 30, Overall Pick #161 (From New York Jets) – Julian Vandervelde, OG, Iowa
• Round 6: Pick 26, Overall Pick #191 (From Baltimore) – Jason Kelce, OG, Cincinnati
• Round 6: Pick 28, Overall Pick #193 (From New England) – Brian Rolle ,OLB, Ohio State
• Round 7: Pick 34, Overall Pick #237 (Compensatory Selection) – Greg Lloyd, DE, Connecticut
• Round 7: Pick 37, Overall Pick #240 (Compensatory Selection) – Stanley Havill FB USC

Overall Draft Grade: C-

I really don’t get this first round pick;  a 26-year old rookie on a team that loves to play Logan’s Run – free agents in Phiiladelphia don’t live long after age 30. This could have been a good spot for a quarterback of the future (Andy Dalton perhaps) Michael Vick is over the age limit and Kevin Kolb is likely trade bait.  Out of the eleven picks taken here, I would be shocked if three make the roster.

25) Pittsburgh Steelers

• Round 1: Pick 31, Overall Pick #31-  Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
• Round 2: Pick 31, Overall Pick #63 – Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida
• Round 3: Pick 31, Overall Pick #95 – Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• Round 4: Pick 31, Overall Pick #128 – Cortez Allen, CB, Citadel
• Round 5: Pick 31, Overall Pick #162 – Chris Carter, OLB, Fresno State
• Round 6: Pick 31, Overall Pick #196 – Keith Williams, OG, Nebraska
• Round 7: Pick 29, Overall Pick #232 – Baron Batch, RB, Texas Tech

Overall Draft Grade: B

This is another team which needed offensive line help, and they got it. Plus, they got a versatile 3-4 defensive end who should fit into the Steelers’ scheme perfectly.

26) San Diego Chargers

• Round 1: Pick 18, Overall Pick #18 – Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
• Round 2: Pick 18, Overall Pick #50 – Marcus Gilchrist, CB, Clemson
• Round 2: Pick 29, Overall Pick #61 (From New York Jets) – Jonas Mouton, OLB, Michigan
• Round 3: Pick 18, Overall Pick #82 – Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
• Round 3: Pick 25, Overall Pick # 89 (From Seattle) – Shareece Wright, CB, USC
• Round 6: Pick 18, Overall Pick #183 – Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
• Round 6: Pick 36,  Overall Pick #201 (Compensatory Selection) – Steve Schilling, OG, Michigan
• Round 7: Pick 31, Overall Pick #234 (Compensatory Selection) – Andrew Gachkar, OLB, Missouri

Overall Draft Grade: C

The Chargers needed help in the defensive front seven, and Liuget fits that bill as a guy who made his name as a defender who is often “unblockable.” He is versatile and can play nose tackle in passing situations.

27) San Francisco 49ers

• Round 1: Pick 7, Overall Pick #7 – Aldon Smith OLB Missouri
• Round 2: Pick 4, Overall Pick #36 (From Denver) – Colin Kaerpernick, QB, Nevada
• Round 3: Pick 16, Overall Pick #80 (From Jacksonville) – Chris Culliver ,CB, South Carolina
• Round 4: Pick 18, Overall Pick #115 (From San Diego) –  Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• Round 5: Pick 32, Overall Pick #163 (From Green Bay) – Daniel Kilgore, OG, Appalachian State
• Round 6: Pick 17, Overall Pick #182 (From Jacksonville) – Ronald Johnson, WR, USC
• Round 6: Pick 25, Overall Pick #190 (From Seattle) – Colin Jones, S, TCU
• Round 7: Pick 8, Overall Pick #211 – Bruce Miller, DE,  Central Florida
• Round 7: Pick 36, Overall Pick #239 (Compensatory Selection) – Mike Person, OT, Montana State
• Round 7: Pick 47, Overall Pick #250 (Compensatory Selection) – Curtis Holcomb CB Florida A&M

Overall Draft Grade:

Aldon Smith will fit perfectly into 49ers 3-4 scheme. The glaring need this team had was at quarterback; and short of grabbing one when free-agency becomes available, Kaerpernick offers an interesting option for the future.

28) Seattle Seahawks

• Round 1: Pick 25, Overall Pick #25 – James Carpenter,OT, Alabama
• Round 3: Pick 11, Overall Pick #75 (From Detroit) – John Moffitt, OG, Wisconsin
• Round 4: Pick 2, Overall Pick #99 (From Denver via New England) – K.J. Wright, OLB, Mississippi State
• Round 4: Pick 10, Overall Pick #107 (From Detroit) – Kris Dunham, WR, Georgia
• Round 5:  Pick 23, Overall Pick #154 (From Kansas City via Detroit) – Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford
• Round 5: Pick 25, Overall Pick #156 – Mark Legree, S, Appalachian State
• Round 6: Pick 8, Overall Pick #173 (From Detroit) – Byron Maxwell, CB, Clemson
• Round 7: Pick 2,  Overall Pick #205 (From Denver via Detroit) – Lazarius Levingston, DE,  LSU
• Round 7: Pick 39, Overall Pick #242 (Compensatory Selection) – Malcolm Smith, OLB, USC

Overall Draft Grade: F

The Carpenter pick would be the reach of the first round were it not for the Vikings’ pick of Ponder.

29) St. Louis Rams

• Round 1: Pick 14, Overall Pick #14 – Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
• Round 2: Pick 15, Overall Pick #47 – Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin
• Round 3: Pick 14, Overall Pick #78 – Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State
• Round 4: Pick 15, Overall Pick #112 – Greg Salas,WR, Hawaii
• Round 5: Pick 27, Overall Pick #158 (From Atlanta) – Jermale Hines, S, Ohio State
• Round 7: Pick 13, Overall Pick #216 -Mikail Baker, CB, Baylor
• Round 7: Pick 25, Overall Pick #228 (From Baltimore) – Jabara Williams, OLB, Stephen F. Austin
• Round 7: Pick 26, Overall Pick #229 (From Atlanta) – Jonathan Nelson, CB, Oklahoma

Overall Draft Grade: B+

The Rams’ offense has a young quarterback who shows all the signs of being the real deal, having been named Offensive Rookie of the Year. It also boasts the only running back in the NFL to rush for 1,000 yards in each of the last six seasons. Going defense wasn’t a bad idea for the top of this draft.

30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Round 1:  Pick 20, Overall Pick #20 – Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
• Round 2: Pick 19, Overall Pick #51 – Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
• Round 3: Pick 20, Overall Pick #84  – Mason Foster, OLB, Washington
• Round 4: Pick 7, Overall Pick #104 (From Washington via Philadelphia) – Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee
• Round 5: Pick 20,  Overall Pick #151 – Ahmad Black, S, Florida
• Round 6: Pick 22, Overall Pick #187 (From Kansas City) – Allen Bradford, RB, USC
• Round 7: Pick 19, Overall Pick #222 – Anthony Gaitor, CB, Florida International
• Round 7: Pick 35 Overall Pick #238  (Compensatory Selection) – Daniel Hardy, TE, Idaho

Overall Draft Grade: B

In a division loaded with quarterbacks, it clearly seems as though the Bucs’ philosophy was to load up on guys who can hit a quarterback.

31) Tennessee Titans

• Round 1: Pick 8, Overall Pick #8 – Jake Locker, QB, Washington
• Round 2: Pick 7, Overall Pick #39 – Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
• Round 3: Pick 13, Overall Pick #77 – Jurrell Casey, DT, USC
• Round 4: Pick 12, Overall Pick #109 – Colin McCarthy, OLB, Miami (FL)
• Round 4: Pick 33, Overall Pick #130 (Compensatory Selection) – Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson
• Round 5: Pick 1,1 Overall Pick #142 – Karl Klug, DT, Iowa
• Round 6: Pick 10, Overall Pick #175 – Byron Stingily, OT, Louisville
• Round 7: Pick 9, Overall Pick #212 – Zach Clayton, DT, Auburn
• Round 7: Pick 48, Overall Pick #251 (Compensatory Selection) – Tommie Campbell, S, Califfornia (Pa)

Overall Draft Grade: C

This pick really frightened me, because there were so many options, and the chance to make a HUGE mistake.  They could have added some heft to an offensive line that could lead the way for Chris Johnson, since this team isn’t likely to have a quarterback. They could have gotten in on the swarm of defensive linemen available. All in all, I don’t think the Locker pick is that HUGE mistake, but rushing him into the starting role will be.

32) Washington Redskins

• Round 1: Pick 16, Overall Pick #16 (From Jacksonville) – Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
• Round 2: Pick 9, Overall Pick #41 – Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson
• Round 3: Pick 15, Overall Pick #79 (From Miami) – Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami (FL)
• Round 4: Pick 8, Overall Pick #105 – Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska
• Round 5: Pick 15, Overall Pick #146 (From Miami) – Dejon Gomes, S, Nebraska
• Round 5: Pick 24, Overall Pick #155 (From New Orleans) – Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska
• Round 6: Pick 12, Overall Pick #177 – Evan Royster, RB, Penn State
• Round 6: Pick 13, Overall Pick #178 (From Houston) – Aldrick Robinson, WR, SMU
• Round 7: Pick 10, Overall Pick #213 – Brandyn Thompson, CB, Boise State
• Round 7: Pick 14, Overall Pick #217 (From Miami) – Maurice Hurt, OG, Florida
• Round 7: Pick 21, Overall Pick #224 (From Indianapolis) – Markus White, DE, Florida State
• Round 7: Pick 50 Overall Pick #253 (Compensatory Selection) – Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia

Overall Draft Grade: ?

I’m not even sure how to grade this, not because of the players selected, but because I tend to use the standard of how much will the players selected impact their teams two years from now. To be honest, between Daniel Snyder and Mike Shanahan, this organization has reached a Raider-like level of dysfunction, and I’m not sure if any players can help that as long as both of those guys are part of this organization.