Handing out draft grades for AFC teams - what the 'experts' say

[mesaSteeler]

AFC North: Steelers make offense much more imposing
By James Walker
ESPN.com

The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in football, and its talent pool became deeper this weekend with the influx of drafted players such as Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers (No. 8), Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall and new Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (No. 18).

Here is a breakdown of this weekend's draft within the AFC North:

Best move
The best move was actually two moves made by the Pittsburgh Steelers. General manager Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin ignored the team's most glaring need -- offensive line -- on Day 1 and opted to go with the best available players. Those two players were Illinois' Mendenhall at No. 23 and Texas receiver Limas Sweed at No. 53. Both players graded out as first-round talents in most projections, meaning Pittsburgh got tremendous value for its picks.

The Steelers didn't necessarily need a tailback or a receiver. But pairing Mendenhall with Willie Parker and adding Sweed to the receiving duo of Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes will make defensive coordinators around the league cringe this season.

Riskiest move
The Cincinnati Bengals are already taking heat in the Queen City for their second-round selection of Coastal Carolina receiver Jerome Simpson. The Bengals desperately needed a receiver. The team released Chris Henry, and starter Chad Johnson's status with the team is in limbo.

But the selection of Simpson at No. 46 came when other big names such as Sweed, Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly and California's DeSean Jackson were still available.

Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Simpson's athletic ability and measurables are right up there with the big-school receivers. He also said character played a major role in drafting Simpson, and that's a factor the team can ill-afford to take risks on at this point.

"There are things that don't become public knowledge about individuals, whether it's background or injury,'' Bratkowski said. "It doesn't get publicized. What we have here is a guy who's a top-notch young man. He's very healthy, and he has a big upside to him."

Simpson will make the Bengals look either very good or very bad with this pick. He will have a lot of pressure -- perhaps more than he deserves -- entering training camp because of his small-school status and the expected circus involving Johnson.

Most surprising move
The Baltimore Ravens were the most active team this weekend, beginning with two shrewd Day 1 trades that involved a total of nine draft picks switching teams. The Ravens ultimately landed Delaware's Flacco, who was the second-rated quarterback on their board behind Matt Ryan.

Baltimore attempted to trade up to No. 2 with the St. Louis Rams in order to land Ryan, but the asking price was too high. So when Atlanta took Ryan at No. 3, the Ravens quickly went to Plan B.

Baltimore first traded down with the Jacksonville Jaguars to gain the No. 26 pick, two third-rounders and a fourth-rounder. General manager Ozzie Newsome then worked out a deal with the Houston Texans to gain the No. 18 pick to nab Flacco, while sending its No. 26 pick, a third-round pick and a sixth-rounder to Houston.

It was a good yet surprising series of moves by the Ravens, who were organized enough to pull it all off.

"We had a game plan,'' Ravens director of college scouting Eric DeCosta told reporters in Baltimore. "We thought about this scenario for a long time. Joe was a player that we've had a chance to spend a lot of time around.''

Baltimore also took Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski in the third round, a move that was somewhat surprising considering the team has a pair of stud safeties in Ed Reed and Dawan Landry.

File it away
After waiting four rounds to take their first player, the Cleveland Browns may have landed a late gem in UNLV linebacker Beau Bell. Bell is active, posting 126 tackles and four interceptions last year. But his size -- 6-foot-1, 239 pounds -- is a question if he plays inside in a 3-4 scheme.

Another sleeper to watch in Cincinnati is fourth-round pick Andre Caldwell out of Florida. The receiver has blazing speed and could help contribute immediately as a kickoff returner. The Bengals' selection of two receivers in the first four rounds shows that the position is an obvious area of concern.

James Walker covers the NFL for ESPN.com

[TMC]

Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Simpson's athletic ability and measurables are right up there with the big-school receivers. He also said character played a major role in drafting Simpson, and that's a factor the team can ill-afford to take risks on at this point.

"There are things that don't become public knowledge about individuals, whether it's background or injury,'' Bratkowski said. "It doesn't get publicized. What we have here is a guy who's a top-notch young man. He's very healthy, and he has a big upside to him."


There are things that obviously do not become knowledge to the Bengals as they drafted Jason Shirley.

"Shirley was suspended twice before finally being dismissed from the squad in November. Through all the turmoil, he was eyed by NFL teams, as he has the ability to clog the middle and handle multiple blockers, much like Pat Williams and Ted Washington have done in the league for more than a decade.

Shirley's 2007 season wouldn't begin before he was handed a two-game suspension by head coach Pat Hill for conduct detrimental to the team in late August. He was again suspended from the team after and Oct. 8 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit-and-run. Police say his BAC levels were 0.11 and 0.12; officers performed two separate tests for accuracy.

After five weeks away from the team, Shirley was reinstated November 15. Two days later, he was dismissed from the school after he was cited for suspicion of driving with a suspended license and expired registration, but was allowed to retain his athletic scholarship."

To add to that, Collins (OT) was suspended earlier in 2007 for disciplinary reasons. Angelo Craig also ate the bench in 2007 for disciplinary reasons. And, Mario Urrutia is another Chad Johnson....not the player, the spoiled temper tantrum throwing brat.


Way to put it out there Bratkowski.

[mesaSteeler]

Handing out draft grades for AFC teams
By John Czarnecki
John Czarnecki has been the editorial consultant for FOX NFL Sunday since its 1994 inception. This season marks Czarnecki's 30th year covering the NFL. He is one of 44 selectors to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Updated: April 27, 2008, 7:08 PM EST

For Czar's NFL Draft grades for NFC teams, click here.

Kansas City

On paper, the Chiefs had the best draft of any team. Granted, GM Carl Peterson had the ammunition with seven picks in the first 107. The Chiefs had their eyes on Chris Long but ended up with LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, who they had rated higher. Dorsey may need right leg surgery down the line in his career, but Kansas City is not worried. Peterson made a trade with Detroit for Virginia guard Branden Albert, who has the ability to play guard and tackle, although he is a better guard and is tremendous in open space. Virginia Tech cornerback Brandon Flowers has the ability to start right away. Texas RB Jamaal Charles will be a great change-up runner to counter Larry Johnson, and Tennessee tight end Brad Cottam has the physical tools to potentially replace Tony Gonzalez when he retires despite only starting 10 games in college. Missouri WR Will Franklin has 4.3 speed and some teams had him graded in the third round.
Grade: A+

Baltimore

With Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan gone, the Ravens did the wise thing and traded down with Jacksonville, knowing they would be able to take Delaware's Joe Flacco later in the first round. Flacco was a definite need with Steve McNair retired and Kyle Boller never holding onto the job. Flacco is 6-foot-6 and has a solid arm. Rutgers RB Ray Rice was a steal with the 55th pick, and he'll give Willis McGahee a chance to rest. Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski is a former boxer and tough guy. David Hale of Weber State played well in the East-West Shrine Game and could develop into an offensive tackle, although he lacks athleticism.
Grade: A-

Miami

The Dolphins already signed their man, Michigan OT Jake Long, who is physical, tough and a hard worker. The debate still rages between whether he is a right or left tackle, but regardless, he should be a starter. However, the best pick might have been his Michigan teammate in quarterback Chad Henne with the 57th overall choice. Henne is a very competitive player and figures to compete with John Beck and Josh McCown at the position. On defense, Miami added Clemson DE Phillip Merling, who had 12 sacks in 26 games, and Kendall Langford from tiny Hampton, who figures to be an end in the 3-4 scheme. Langford is 6-foot-6, 300 pounds.
Grade: B+

New York Jets

There's no question the Jets wanted Arkansas running back Darren McFadden and opted to take Ohio State Vernon Gholston, who was the flavor of the month in all the draft previews. Gholston wowed all the coaches and scouts in workouts and finished his college career with 23 sacks despite often taking plays off during games. Purdue TE Dustin Keller is viewed as another Dallas Clark, who has helped Peyton Manning's career in Indy — Keller was a former wide receiver who can't block. San Jose State CB Dwight Lowery led the nation in interceptions in 2006, but a broken jaw slowed him down last season.
Grade: B

Cincinnati

The Bengals didn't trade unhappy Chad Johnson but filled a linebacker need with USC's Keith Rivers in the first round. Rivers played as a true freshman and started 36 games for the Trojans. With Johnson mad and wanting a trade and Chris Henry gone, the Bengals addressed Carson Palmer's favorite position with Coastal Carolina's Jerome Simpson and Florida's Andre Caldwell, who is the younger brother of Reche. Caldwell caught 185 passes in college, while Simpson has long arms for a guy that is 6-foot-2. He set school records, including 41 touchdown catches. Kansas OT Anthony Collins projects to be a guard.
Grade: B

New England

Coach Bill Belichick has never drafted a linebacker with the Patriots in the first five rounds, but he needs Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo, who was the fastest moving player on most team's draft boards. Mayo is a sure tackler and will give the Patriots some youth with so many older linebackers in Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Junior Seau. Give Belichick credit for a "vision pick" in the third round, when he chose San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell, who has pro size and a great touch throwing the ball. This could be Matt Cassell's last season in New England. Colorado cornerback Terrence Wheatley has had fusion surgery on his right wrist, which sounds risky but he played two seasons with it. Both he and Auburn CB Jonathan Wilhite are 5-foot-10 — never a good size in the NFL. Michigan OLB Shawn Crable doesn't cover well, but he can rush the passer. Crable needs to get stronger.
Grade: B

Jacksonville

There is no question that coach Jack Del Rio believes his team is right on the verge of beating the Colts and Patriots in the AFC, and that's why he boldly traded into the top of the round for Florida DE Derrick Harvey, who is a natural pass rusher and was rated at a top 10 player by the majority of teams. Quentin Groves had 26 sacks during his Auburn career and gives the Jaguars more speed to go after Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, especially with John Henderson anchoring the middle. South Florida CB Trae Williams had great value in the fifth round.
Grade: B

Oakland

OK, Darren McFadden made this draft because he could end up being the best running back for this franchise since the days of Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen. McFadden, who has excellent hands, has tremendous upside after a stellar career at Arkansas, where he rushed for 4,590 yards and scored 41 touchdowns in three seasons. McFadden comes from a troubled family, but he's a good young man and figures to be the key to Lane Kiffin's offense. Connecticut CB Tyvon Branch is off the charts athletically and has tremendous upside at No. 100. Richmond WR Arman Shields has 4.3 speed. The only thing I didn't like was the trade of former first-round pick Fabian Washington for a fourth-rounder, though he had fallen out of favor in Oakland.
Grade: B

Pittsburgh

Next to offensive linemen, running back was the deepest position early in this draft. Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall can catch and also run out of a spread formation. Mendenhall slipped because he was only a two-year player, but he did score 17 TDs on 262 career carries. There is a chance that Texas WR Limas Sweed (6-foot-4, 212) can turn into Plaxico Burress — the big target that Ben Roethlisberger has been screaming for. Bruce Davis of UCLA was one of my favorite college players and he should develop into a fine linebacker after playing defensive end. Davis is smart and strong. Texas OT Tony Hills started 24 games in college, but he needs to get tougher if he's going to make it in the NFL.
Grade: B

Buffalo

The Bills made two solid picks on Saturday with cornerback Leodis McKelvin of Troy State and James Hardy, a big receiver from Indiana. Hardy had some discipline issues at Indiana, but he was the second ranked receiver on most draft boards. He was a solid choice at 41st overall. McKelvin returned seven kicks for touchdowns in college and should be a return threat. Virginia Tech DE Chris Ellis had 22 sacks and 36 tackles for losses in college, but has in-between size and attitude. Kansas TE Derek Fine has great hands, but lacks deep speed.
Grade: C

Indianapolis

The Colts didn't have a first-round pick, but still landed Arizona State's Mike Pollack, an athletic offensive lineman who may replace center Jeff Saturday one day. He could help at guard this season. Georgia OLB Marcus Howard has speed off the edge and played very well against the best opponents — he fits Tony Dungy's system. Ditto for Georgia Tech OLB Philip Wheeler, who had 16 sacks. Kentucky TE Jacob Tamme was excellent value in the fourth round and Bill Polian is hoping he's found another Dallas Clark.
Grade: C

Denver

Well, the Broncos became the first NFL team to ever take a Boise State Broncos player in the first round. Offensive tackle Ryan Clady should be able to protect quarterback Jay Cutler as well as Kory Lichtensteiger, who played at both guard and center at Bowling Green. He was a four-year starter. Both of these linemen are very athletic — a Denver trademark to success. Clady will probably be on the right side as a rookie, but has the feet to be a left tackle. Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal was a need after the loss of Javon Walker and the wacky injury news regarding top receiver Brandon Marshall. Royal has been compared to Carolina's Steve Smith. Kent State CB Jack Williams has 4.32 speed, while Arizona State RB Ryan Torain is coming off a broken foot early in his senior season.
Grade: C

Houston

Virginia Tech's Duane Brown was considered a second rounder, considering he's an offensive tackle who was a tight end two years ago. Brown did play both right and left tackle in college, which gives him a chance of being a good pro. The Texans kept trading down once they missed out on Chris Williams of Vanderbilt. West Virginia's Steve Slaton will help immensely on special teams, but he remains a project at wide receiver. Both CB Antwaun Molden and LB Xavier Adibi should help the defense immediately because both were productive players in college. Fifth-rounder Frank Okam of Texas has a chance to be a starter unless he gets accepted to medical school.
Grade: C

San Diego

Chargers GM A.J. Smith had Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason circled as his potential pick weeks ago. Cason has excellent ball skills and should help immediately as a nickel back. The Chargers lost Drayton Florence in free agency. With Michael Turner gone, Norv Turner wanted a dependable inside runner, and LSU's Jacob Hester could fill the void at 5-11, 230 pounds.
Grade: C-

Tennessee

Eastern Carolina running back Chris Johnson ran 4.24 seconds in the 40 at the NFL Combine, and many scouts believe he has the escapability of a Reggie Bush. He should complement the inside bruising running style of LenDale White. Jason Jones of Eastern Michigan will be given every shot to replace Antwan Odom at RDE. Cal receiver Lavelle Hawkins plays faster than he runs and has a chance to be productive as a rookie. They took another Golden Bear in TE Craig Stevens, who is a much better blocker than a receiver. The Titans didn't land a lot of quality after Johnson.
Grade: D

Cleveland

The Browns' big draft was last season and GM Phil Savage took Saturday off. UNLV linebacker Beau Bell was a solid pick in the fourth round, and he should help on special teams. Bell had 323 tackles in college. Missouri TE Martin Rucker is the younger brother of recently retired Mike Rucker, and he caught eight touchdowns last season. Rucker is not the deep threat Kellen Winslow is, but he can definitely sit down in a zone.
Grade: D


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[Southern Steeler]

I think the Chiefs are hands down the winners of this draft....not just AFC, but the whole NFL At least right now.

[Smooth Criminal]

Most teams drafts look good at this point. Lets look at this in 3 years and we'll see who the real winners are.

[The Iron is Steel On!]

I think the Chiefs had the best draft from a player stand point but they had the most picks too.

I think the Steelers got the most out of what they had to work with.

The bengals blew it in my opinion. They messed up by not moving up to take Ellis who will be a total beast and picking Simpson over Sweed was a tremendous mistake. Sweed will make them pay on that.

I don't know about the Ravens. I watche alot of Zibikowski and I don't see where he fits in on that team with Reed and Landry already back there. Flacco makes me think of Keanu Reeves in the Replacements...or was it Falco?

[Southern Steeler]

I think the Chiefs had the best draft from a player stand point but they had the most picks too.



While this is true, it's also not an accident. Trading down and moving Jared Allen were good organizational moves.

Landing Dorsey, on the other hand, was pure luck. I bet Herm Edwards nearly passed out with glee.

[mesaSteeler]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8080720/Chiefs,-Steelers-make-the-most-of-the-NFL-Draft#

Chiefs, Steelers make the most of the NFL Draft
Scout.com

Updated: April 27, 2008, 11:36 PM EST

Now that the NFL Draft is behind us, it's time to hand out my draft superlatives.

Best draft

The Kansas City Chiefs entered this weekend with a lot of holes on their team, and in the end, they made the most noise. On day one, they selected three players who will become immediate starters: LSU DT Glenn Dorsey (1st round, 5th overall), Virginia OT Branden Albert (1st round, 15th overall), and Virginia Tech CB Brandon Flowers (2nd round, 35th overall).

The Chiefs continued to rule the draft on Day Two. In the third round, they selected three gifted players who possess great upside and can make an immediate impact this season: RB Jamaal Charles (Texas), TE Brad Cottam (Tennessee) and FS DaJuan Morgan (NC State). Their fourth-round selection, Missouri WR Will Franklin, is a promising receiver who should fit nicely in the Chiefs offense as a slot receiver who can also play outside.

The Chiefs identified the sleeper of the draft in the fifth round, a player I mentioned in my All-Sleeper Defensive Team, Grand Valley State CB Brandon Carr. Carr is a tremendous athlete with great size, and he really impressed scouts during his Pro Day. He ran a 4.43 in the 40, had a 35-inch vertical and 10'4" broad jump and timed well in shuttle drills. Those attributes and his playmaking ability make him a steal for K.C.

Also selected by the Chiefs were Clemson OT Barry Richardson; Utah State WR/RS Kevin Robinson; Gardner-Webb DE Brian Johnston; and Central Florida TE Mike Merritt.

Honorable mention

You have to like what the Pittsburgh Steelers came away with this weekend. They took the best available player with their first round pick (23rd overall) and selected Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall, and they gave Ben Roethlisberger the big WR he asked for in the second round with Texas' Limas Sweed. Mendenhall is explosive in the open field and gives the Steelers the perfect complimentary back to Willie Parker. Sweed joins Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes to give the Steelers a nice trio of receivers that will allow Roethlisberger to flourish.

On Day Two, the Steelers selected UCLA's Bruce Davis (3rd Round), a 3-4 DE/OLB who fits in with nicely with their defensive scheme, a quality OT in Texas' Tony Hills (4th Round), who would have been a second-round selection if he didn't break his leg this past season, and a developmental QB in Oregon's Dennis Dixon, who the Steelers may look to convert into a versatile threat.

The Steelers took a member of my All-Sleeper Defensive Team in the sixth round, Iowa LB Mike Humpal. Humpal is an intelligent inside linebacker who brings a lunch pail attitude to the field and will be a favorite in the Steel City.

Overall, the Steelers did an outstanding job addressing some needs and acquiring the best available talent.

Worst draft

It seems every year many project the Tennessee Titans to supply Vince Young with a first-round wide receiver who can help him in the passing game. But, the Titans have other infatuations, and it appears they value RBs over WRs. The Titans made a surprise first- round pick when they drafted East Carolina RB Chris Johnson with the 24th overall selection. Johnson is a tremendous talent in the backfield, but the Titans spent a second round pick in 2006 and 2007 on LenDale White and Chris Henry. Another questionable pick was made in the fourth round when the Titans reached for Winston-Salem State DE William Hayes. The Titans needed a pass rusher, but they also have depth issues at DT. There were two very good DTs, Dre Moore and Joseph Bryant, on the board at the time of the Hayes selection, and that makes the pick even more puzzling.

Highest value pick

The Chiefs didn't expect LSU DT Glenn Dorsey to be available to them at No. 5, especially since the Atlanta Falcons were expected to take him if he was on the board. But, Dorsey gives the Chiefs an instant impact player who can be a difference maker in the trenches.

First-round surprise

No wide receivers were taken in the first round — the first time since 1990.

Most intriguing late-round pick

There were a few situations in the NFL where Hawaii QB Colt Brennan could live up to his potential and succeed, and Washington was one of them. Brennan goes to a Redskins team that has Jason Campbell as the starting quarterback and a veteran in Todd Collins as the backup. Campbell hasn't lived up to the hype, and with Jim Zorn as the new coach in Washington, Brennan has a chance to assume a starting role within a couple of years.

Best sleeper selection

The Raiders got an intriguing defensive end with tremendous pass rushing ability in Buffalo DE, Trevor Scott. Scott, who was also named to my All-Sleeper Defensive Team, amassed 19 sacks over the last two seasons for Buffalo and will be an effective situational pass rusher for the Oakland Raiders.

Best roll of the dice

The Green Bay Packers selected Louisville QB Brian Brohm in the second round (56th overall). Brohm provides the Packers with an interesting dilemma at quarterback. Former first-round pick Aaron Rodgers is expected to be the starting QB this season, but having two young signal callers in the fold gives Green Bay insurance. If Brohm entered the draft after his junior season — a season where he led Louisville to an Orange Bowl victory — he would have been a top-5 pick. But after he decided to stay in school for his senior year — under a new head coach — Louisville had a disappointing 6-6 record. Brohm, though, still performed at a top level, completing 65 percent of his passes for 4,024 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Green Bay may have received the steal of the draft

Biggest wild card

The Baltimore Ravens traded the No. 8 overall selection to the Jacksonville Jaguars and moved all the way back to the 26th selection with one intention, drafting a quarterback. In an aggressive move, the Ravens traded up with the Houston Texans, who had the 18th overall selection and selected Delaware QB Joe Flacco. Flacco was the QB darling of the off-season and really impressed scouts and NFL personnel with his size and elite arm. Flacco, a former Pittsburgh transfer, had a breakout senior campaign throwing for 4,263 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. But coming from a Division I-AA school and being a first-round pick, especially by a team close to his home, Flacco will have a lot of pressure on him to perform and may be thrown into the fire before he's ready.

Biggest gamble

The Panthers traded the 43rd pick in the second round and a fourth round pick to the Eagles for the 19th pick in the first round to select Pittsburgh OT Jeff Otah. Also included in that deal was the Panthers first-round pick in the 2009 draft. Carolina better hope they make it back to the playoffs next year, or they will realize the same fate the San Francisco 49ers were dealt when they surrendered their first round pick in this year's draft to the New England Patriots for the right to select Joe Staley in the first round during the 2007 draft.

Biggest slip

Mario Manningham is a vertical threat who had an inconsistent off-season followed by a failure to admit previous marijuana use while at Michigan. Even though Manningham struggled to impress during the off-season, he's too talented to have been available late in the third round for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants to secure.

Best draft day speculation that didn't happen

There were two: Jeremy Shockey not being traded to the New Orleans Saints, and the Philadelphia Eagles not trading Lito Sheppard.

The five most prominent undrafted players

Every year there are players who don't get the call they dream about from the time they play Pop Warner until the minute the draft begins. But just because they don't get a phone call between the 252 selections taken in the draft, that doesn't mean teams won't be calling when the draft is over. Here are five top priority undrafted free agents:

1. Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland

Notes: I'm very surprised this talented underclassman didn't get selected. I understand that durability is a concern, as he tore his left ACL in 2005, but when healthy he's a tremendous force at linebacker. He's a big body that will immediately catch on with an NFL team.

2. Wesley Woodyard, OLB, Kentucky

Notes: Woodyard is an undersized linebacker who's a bit of a tweener, but has great value at weakside linebacker and on special teams. He displayed great playmaking ability at the Senior Bowl and was solid all week long. He's a guy who will make an NFL roster this season because of his versatility and athleticism.

3. Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech

Notes: Another tweener with a lot of ability is Robertson. He has a nice frame, but has to get stronger and shed blocks consistently. He has the potential to be a good pass rusher and is versatile enough to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Robertson is a high-energy guy who will draw attention.

4. Paul Smith, QB, Tulsa

Notes: A skilled, talented quarterback with great intelligence, Smith not being drafted in the late rounds was surprising. He flourished this past season at Tulsa and put up some impressive numbers. I'm sure he will get a call from a team that runs a West Coast Offense and will compete for a third-string position.

5. Franklin Dunbar, OT, Middle Tennessee State

Notes: Dunbar is a talented OT who started all three years at Middle Tennessee State and decided to enter the draft after his junior season. He's still a bit raw, but he's massive, versatile and has a lot of upside that will draw attention from teams looking for depth on the offensive line.

For more draft coverage, visit ScoutNFLexperts.com.


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[Spike]

More love----


AFC North: Steelers make offense much more imposing

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0427/nfl_g_mendenhall_300.jpg

Best move

T he best move was actually two moves made by the Pittsburgh Steelers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=pit). General manager Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin ignored the team's most glaring need -- offensive line -- on Day 1 and opted to go with the best available players. Those two players were Illinois' Mendenhall at No. 23 and Texas receiver Limas Sweed (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11774) at No. 53. Both players graded out as first-round talents in most projections, meaning Pittsburgh got tremendous value for its picks.


The Steelers didn't necessarily need a tailback or a receiver. But pairing Mendenhall with Willie Parker (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7073) and adding Sweed to the receiving duo of Hines Ward (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4323) and Santonio Holmes (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7774) will make defensive coordinators around the league cringe this season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=walker_james&id=3370491

[Spike]

<HR>
http://www.usatoday.com/sports...ft-grades_N.htm (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-04-27-draft-grades_N.htm)



• Pittsburgh Steelers: Terrific bit of luck getting RB Rashard Mendenhall 23rd, especially when the o-linemen they liked best were gone. This gives them some between-the-tackles punch to complement Willie Parker, who comes off a broken leg. WR Limas Sweed is a great value late in round 2 and Bruce Davis is a typical Steelers' outside LB with rush skills. OT Tony Hill is a mauler who fits this type of running game. GRADE: B+

• Cleveland Browns: Didn't get to play until the fourth round. Dealt away picks last year and this spring for other bodies. Until they squeeze something out of QB Brady Quinn and find out exactly what DT Shaun Rogers weighs, who can make a judgment here? If Rogers and Cory Williams make the d-line solid, this draft was essentially for veterans at a porous position. LB Beau Bell could help shore up against the run. GRADE: B-

• Cincinnati Bengals: Figured to go defensive line but took OLB Keith Rivers instead. He's probably a better fit at on the weak side but the Bengals are so short at this position that he could be the starter at MLB. Drafted a couple of WRs as insurance against Chad Johnson's absence in what looks to be an unpleasant holdout. DT Pat Sims gets off the ball well and has some girth. But who's going to rush the passer?
GRADE: C+

• Baltimore Ravens: Wanted a QB. They suspected Matt Ryan would not fall to them in the eighth spot and could not trade up. So they dropped down and grabbed a recent riser in Joe Flacco. Big arm, but how his skills translate from a smaller college program (Delaware) to the NFL is anyone's guess. Filling this position has been an intractable problem for years. Did not get an OT to replace Jonathan Ogden. Grade is higher if you like trade for CB Fabian Washington, a former No. 1 of Oakland's acquired for a fourth-round pick. GRADE: C

[Jer]

You have to laugh at the Ravens selecting Flacco instead of Brian Brohm...and then Cincinatti taking a no-name WR over Sweed?

I'd like to know if the Steelers even attemtped to trade down from the first to gain some more picks. I hope I eat my words, but I think this is a draft that will haunt the Steelers as we really didn't address the key needs affectively.

[Spike]

Mel Kiper speaks........espn insider


AFC North
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/nfl/sml/trans/bal.gifBaltimore Ravens (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bal): GRADE: B
The Ravens wanted Matt Ryan (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11586), but Joe Flacco (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11486) was the next-best quarterback in this draft. The Ravens made a great deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jac) that got them three additional picks. They also traded down and still were able to get running back Ray Rice (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12161) in the second round. The Ravens need to start bringing in young linebackers and Miami's Tavares Gooden (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12171) had a very good 2007 season. Tom Zbikowski (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11931) is a good third-round choice, but only if his play resembles what he did in 2006 as opposed to 2007. Oniel Cousins (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12260) is a versatile offensive lineman and WR Marcus Smith (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12110) will help on special teams in kick coverage and as a returner. Safety Haruki Nakamura (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11464) and RB Allen Patrick (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11941) might have to make this roster by performing on special teams.



http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/nfl/sml/trans/cin.gifCincinnati Bengals (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cin): GRADE: C+
Keith Rivers (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11737) is solid player with great character. Jerome Simpson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11470) is a hard-working receiver and WR Andre Caldwell (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11500) could be a second or third option right away. While junior DT Pat Sims (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12241) was a very underrated player out of Auburn, OT Anthony Collins (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12190) should have stayed at Kansas for another year. Still, he was decent fourth-round pick. Safety Corey Lynch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11540) is a playmaker (he blocked the field-goal attempt in the closing seconds of Appalachian State's upset win at Michigan last season). Some scouts I spoke with thought Lynch -- who went in Round 6 -- could go as high as the fourth round. Villanova TE Matt Sherry (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11844) is not a very good blocker, but he has very good hands and could push for a roster spot. Wide receiver Mario Urrutia (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12248) didn't have a great 2007 season and I'm not sure why he came out. Urrutia has talent, but should have gone back to Louisville for his senior season. Angelo Craig (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12188) flashed pass-rushing abilities at times; at other times he disappeared.


http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/nfl/sml/trans/cle.gifCleveland Browns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cle): GRADE: B+
The Browns didn't have a pick until the fourth round and grabbed UNLV linebacker Beau Bell (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11826) and Missouri tight end Martin Rucker (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12073), who could be a factor in the passing game. Ahtyba Rubin is more of a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. Wide receiver Paul Hubbard (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11901) is big and athletic, but he's inconsistent catching. Alex Hall (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11753) will be an OLB in the Browns' scheme. Cleveland only had five picks; however, they traded this year's first-round pick to take QB Brady Quinn last year and traded second- and third-round picks for Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers. When you factor those transactions, the Browns are using the draft process the right way.

http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/nfl/sml/trans/pit.gifPittsburgh Steelers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=pit): GRADE: B
Running back wasn't a need area in the first round, but when Rashard Mendenhall (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12172) was still on the board at No. 23, he became a luxury pick. Mendenhall was a very good pick, so too was Limas Sweed (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11774), who fell to the 53rd overall pick. Dennis Dixon (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11955) was a one-year wonder at Oregon before he suffered a season-ending knee injury. He showed skills in 2007; still, Dixon is a good fifth-round pick as someone you can develop. Bruce Davis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12173) fits the Steelers' scheme as an OLB (he had 24.5 sacks the past two seasons). Tony Hills (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11775) is a solid backup at OT who has the ability to push for a starting role if he can work on his aggressiveness. Mike Humpal (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11665) could be a good backup LB and help out on special teams; and safety Ryan Mundy (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12232) will be a decent special teams player

All the rest - if anyone cares

. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=kiper_jr_mel&id=3357479

[markymarc]

I just don't understand how the Brownies could get a better grade than us. A B+ for only a handful of picks. I understand that a lot of it has to do with last year, but IMO no way did they do better than us.

[LetMePlay]

Real draft grades:

Ravens: B

Steelers: B

Bengals: D

Browns: F

I am irritated that by 2 favorite DI-AA players are on rivals. Flacco on the Ravens and Lynch on Cincy.

[Spike]

Mel Kiper sucks - he's gone corporate and is afraid to speak out against anyone anymore.

[ibbg]

I disagree, the Browns did well. You can't separate this years draft from what they did last year because it's intertwined. If they wouldn't have traded picks for Quinn, Williams, and Rogers they would have had them this year. Like it or not, they WERE an improved team last season and only look to continue where they left off. You just can't grade them on having only late second day picks.

That being said, I STILL like what we did better than what they gave up/how they improved.

[Vis Major]

how do you grade them high on Quinn? He won't win the starting job

[avoidlloyd]

Mel is also muddy buddies with phil savage and lives in Blowmemore

[Spike]

You have to laugh at the Ravens selecting Flacco instead of Brian Brohm...and then Cincinatti taking a no-name WR over Sweed?.

That wailing and knashing of teeth was the Bengals boards when we took Mendenhall and Sweed - those were THEIR picks, dammit!

Much hilarity ensued in their draft threads

[markymarc]

I disagree, the Browns did well. You can't separate this years draft from what they did last year because it's intertwined. If they wouldn't have traded picks for Quinn, Williams, and Rogers they would have had them this year. Like it or not, they WERE an improved team last season and only look to continue where they left off. You just can't grade them on having only late second day picks.

That being said, I STILL like what we did better than what they gave up/how they improved.

You can intertwine last year and this year for the Brownies and IMO they still did not do better than us. Last year they are banking on Quinn being the answer at QB and last I checked he is still sitting behind Derek Anderson. No way in hell do the Brownies grade higher than us for the 2008 draft, but this stuff happens when you have idiots grading it.

[Vis Major]

Dr. Z

Pittsburgh Steelers: I want to see Big Ben playing skyball with the second-round pick, 6-4, 217-pound Limas Sweed, the wideout. I'm interested to see what they do with Dennis Dixon, the very classy and athletic Oregon QB who was headed for first-round glory before he tore the ACL in his knee and ended up a fifth rounder. I bet they have some Kordell Stewart numbers cooked up for him. Rashard Mendenhall, to take some pressure off Fast Willie in the running game, was a good choice, too.

[Steeltime]

Yahoo Sports liked the Steelers' draft. In fact, their writer called it "a truly great draft."

http://tinyurl.com/6cod4l

He also gave the Bungles a D-. Then again, he gave the Patsies draft an A, though Bellichick drafted 3 linebackers and 2 very small CB's.

[Vader]

The bungles deserve every D they get. Terrible draft IMHO. Tennessee also had a bad draft.

[Steel Dino]

He doesn't like the guy who I think will make or break our second day picks....Hills....

[Spike]

Yahoo Sports liked the Steelers' draft. In fact, their writer called it "a truly great draft.".



Worth another look .......Nobody clicks links around here....

AFC NORTH

(Flacco lumbers - I love it!)

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/bal.gif (http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/bal.gif)
Baltimore Ravens (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/bal/;_ylt=AiR98N1Jzx3jv.bJO6r6uvbsYNAF)
Picks: QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, LB Tavares Gooden, S Tom Zbikowski, G Oniel Cousins, WR Marcus Smith (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8575/;_ylt=AvsZRX1oWwcqxp4KumCLYz_sYNAF), OT David Hale, S Haruki Nakamura, WR Justin Harper, RB Allen Patrick
Positives: Rice, Gooden and Zbikowski
Negatives: Flacco
Bottom line: C. There’s a lot of excitement about Flacco, who has a cannon arm. But look at the history of the league: QBs who are taller than 6-5 generally aren’t very good. They can’t move fast enough to avoid hits. Flacco lumbers when he moves and he’s making a big jump from Delaware. Good luck. Rice is a very good backup to Willis McGahee (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6359/;_ylt=AjNLvnhBNnx.EE6Bnmng4MnsYNAF), and Gooden is a much better player than he showed at Miami.


(Bengals suck!)

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/cin.gif (http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/cin.gif)
Cincinnati Bengals (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cin/;_ylt=Au5kdQ6bFlx7ZMuDgH72zF3sYNAF)
Picks: LB Keith Rivers, WR Jerome Simpson, DT Pat Sims, WR Andre Caldwell, OT Anthony Collins, DT Jason Shirley, S Corey Lynch, TE Matt Sherry, DE Angelo Craig and WR Mario Urritia
Positives: Rivers, Sims and Caldwell
Negatives: Simpson and Shirley
Bottom line: D-. Rivers and Sims are immediate starters, but that’s almost by default. The Bengals wanted to get USC DT Sedrick Ellis in the first round, but got jumped by the Saints, who telegraphed their move for four days. The Bengals should have done something to counter New Orleans, but as is typical with Cincy, the Bengals let someone else determine their fate. Calling Simpson a “negative” is a little strong, but he’s just a reminder of how bad the situation is there between the dismissal of Chris Henry (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players;_ylt=AgVR_c1Hli.VfQs4TrsCb4_sYNAF?type=las tname&first=1&query=Chris+Henry&q=Chris+Henry) and the mouthing off by Chad Johnson (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players;_ylt=Anj_cKEtpWpErzXTjdosLL_sYNAF?type=las tname&first=1&query=Chad+Johnson&q=Chad+Johnson). Where the grade really takes a hit is with Shirley, a guy who was in and out of trouble last season. The Bengals never learn.


(Browns mortgage their future to suck even more)

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/cle.gif (http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/cle.gif)
Cleveland Browns (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cle/;_ylt=Ap9z28u8uJGfe9NUkkuYQuzsYNAF)
Picks: LB Beau Bell, TE Martin Rucker, DT Ahtyba Rubin, WR Paul Hubbard and DE Alex Hall
Positives: Rucker
Negatives: Bell
Bottom line: C. Rucker is a good backup to have for TE Kellen Winslow (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6765/;_ylt=AgTsnopeflqNd_yvTgNzvV3sYNAF). This is a really difficult draft to analyze because the Browns traded away their first day of the draft. The first-round pick was dealt last year for Brady Quinn (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8276/;_ylt=AiBl_tOOqC5PRNRSVmAmZK_sYNAF). Then they dealt the other picks for the likes of DTs Shaun Rogers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5508/;_ylt=AkVd4Tj8jjVTjpaZ3zRt5.zsYNAF) and Corey Williams (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6938/;_ylt=AkgqAcYhGDAraJCZdUn_ErHsYNAF). The Quinn deal has yet to pan out but it could be great. Rogers and Williams were both huge needs, a sign that the Browns are playing for today. This is the type of draft where they could have problems down the road if the roster gets old in a hurry. Bell is a decent interior LB prospect, but he has been hurt.


(suh-WEET!)

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/pit.gif (http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/pit.gif)
Pittsburgh Steelers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/pit/;_ylt=AijE0fZ.4jVnIfWWZoBV0dnsYNAF)
Picks: RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Limas Sweed, DE Bruce Davis, OT Tony Hills, QB Dennis Dixon, LB Mike Humpal, S Ryan Mundy
Positives: Mendenhall, Sweed, Davis and Dixon
Negatives: Hills
Bottom line: A. This is a truly great draft, although it’s unlikely Dixon will get a chance to develop as a passer with Ben Roethlisberger (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6770/;_ylt=ApRglRaftzHRlxvJTbXoQzTsYNAF) entrenched. A month ago, there was a debate about who the second-best back in the draft was after Darren McFadden and many people thought it was Mendenhall. Then he fell behind Jonathan Stewart and Felix Jones. The Steelers nabbed a falling value, a great move in drafting. Sweed has awesome talent and Davis will convert to an OLB and has the quickness to be another great pass rusher in the Steelers’ 3-4 system. The injured Dixon was a great value in the fifth round.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-2008afcdraftgrades042808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[CoSteelrgrl]

Denver took a number of guys coming off of injury-ridden seasons. Most of the sportswriters around here think KC had a hell of a draft and Denver is gambling in desperation. Pittsburgh's draft didn't get much more than a sniff. I think they're still pissed we 'stole' the AFCCG from them two years ago.

[Spike]

19 - 0 baby

Ya gotta believe

[TazmanianDevil43]

19 - 0 baby

Ya gotta believe




I'll tell you what I believe.........we stand a chance against that brutal schedule.


Do it the Steelers way.


***k the non-believers.

[Vis Major]

19 - 0 baby

Ya gotta believe

As long as we play 19 and win the last one....

[markymarc]

At least Yahoo Sports got the grading right. Any talking head or sporting site that gives the Brownies a B+ and grades them higher than us is just crazy. No way in hell did the Brownies deserve anything above a C. Fucking talking heads.

[Jer]

I Belieeeeeeeeeeeeve..............................Oz zy Newsome had his head up his ass when he selected Flacid Flacco.

[Spike]

espn had a 2 hour final draft run down where Mel Kiper and Todd McShay went head-to-head through each division and rated the picks.

Kiper is a Ravens fan - he's said it himself many times...that's why he hates the Steelers

McShay rated the Steelers highest with the best draft in league and Mendenhall the #1 steal of the draft.

[Spike]

More stuff...

Team-by-team breakdown AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers
Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall is likely to get 6-to-10 touches per game as a complement to starter Willie Parker in his rookie season, and he eventually could unseat Parker for the lead role. Mendenhall and Parker are roughly the same height, but the rookie is more muscular. However, like Parker, he is best in space and has exceptional straight-line speed. Mendenhall had moments at Illinois where he looked like a blue-chip back in the making, especially in his junior season, but he must prove he is more than just a one-year, spread-offense wonder. Nevertheless, his upside is considerable, and the Steelers had to be surprised he was on the board at No. 23. Texas WR Limas Sweed is a prospect who, at the least, could be the big receiver Ben Roethlisberger has missed since Plaxico Burress left. Sweed is capable of more than that in time, though, and could push for a starting role by his second season. UCLA DE Bruce Davis will likely convert to outside linebacker in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. Davis can get to the quarterback — he finished his collegiate career with back-to-back double-digit sack seasons — but he’s not strong vs. the run, so he may see most of his playing time early in obvious passing situations. Texas OT Tony Hills is a converted tight end with good athleticism, but he has battled a history of left knee, foot and leg ailments. The Steelers’ next pick, Oregon QB Dennis Dixon, is coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He likely is to be the Steelers’ No. 3 quarterback this season and could eventually replace Charlie Batch as the backup. Dixon has a strong arm and moves well, but he needs time to develop as a pro passer. Iowa LB Mike Humpal projects inside in the Steelers’ scheme and will need to play well on special teams to make the squad. West Virginia FS Ryan Mundy could stick on the roster with a strong training camp.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens traded back, then up, in Round One to select Delaware QB Joe Flacco. He will push Kyle Boller to be Baltimore’s Week One starter. Flacco fits the mold of the classic drop-back passer: He is tall (a shade over 6-foot-6) and blessed with a very strong arm, but he will require a clean pocket and much-improved decision-making to become more than an adequate backup. In Round Two, the Ravens bolstered their RB depth, selecting Rutgers’ Ray Rice. He has very good strength for a 5-8, 199-pound back and figures to have the inside track on becoming the first back off the bench. Rice also boasts very good vision and balance and could be an effective, tackle-breaking complement to Willis McGahee. The Ravens’ first Day Two selection was Miami (Fla.) LB Tavares Gooden, who likely will play inside in the Ravens’ 3-4 scheme. Gooden is something of a project. Extremely athletic, but lacking the instincts needed at the position, the Ravens likely will lean heavily on veterans Ray Lewis and Bart Scott to provide guidance. Notre Dame SS Tom Zbikowski will contribute heavily on special teams as a rookie and could even push Dawan Landry for a starting job on defense. A Golden Gloves boxer, Zbikowski has ample reserves of confidence and toughness but is best in the box because of a lack of speed. UTEP OT Oniel Cousins may be tried inside at guard. A converted defensive tackle, Cousins has very good athleticism and flashed considerable potential playing left and right tackle in college. He must play with more power, though, and he could spend much of his first season on the bench learning the pro game. New Mexico WR Marcus Smith’s biggest impact as a rookie may come on the special-teams coverage units. As a receiver, Smith has promise because of his toughness and quickness out of his breaks. Weber State’s David Hale will compete for the backup job at right tackle. Hale moves well but must become stronger. Cincinnati S Haruki Nakamura could be an asset on special teams. Virginia Tech WR Justin Harper is a developmental prospect; he has the size (a shade over 6-foot-3) and body control to be a contributor as a possession catcher, but his hands and route running must improve if he is going to make it. The Ravens’ final pick, Oklahoma’s Allen Patrick, initially could make it as a special-teams coverage contributor.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals were widely expected to take a defensive lineman in Round One, but when the Saints traded up to No. 7 for USC DT Sedrick Ellis and the Jaguars moved into the No. 8 pick to select Florida DE Derrick Harvey, the team turned its attention to USC LB Keith Rivers. Far and away the top prospect at his position, Rivers is likely to start immediately, perhaps in the middle, with massive Ahmad Brooks moving to the strong side. Rivers has exceptional speed, strength and instincts, and he is of strong character. He has the natural ability and football intelligence needed to make a swift transition to the professional game. The Bengals are hoping he can have the impact MLB Odell Thurman had on the defense three seasons ago. The Bengals followed the Rivers pick with the selection of Coastal Carolina WR Jerome Simpson, a player who turned heads with his play at the East-West Shrine game. Simpson could become a key part of the Bengals’ passing game in short order. He has excellent hands and ball skills and a burning desire to improve. But he could stand to get stronger, and he must become a better route runner. Florida’s Andre Caldwell is a little faster than Simpson but doesn’t have his ball skills. Caldwell’s greatest value in Year One could come on special teams; the Bengals have been looking for a playmaking returner. They also were looking to bolster their overall WR depth: Chad Johnson wants to be traded, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh is in the final year of his contract. In between the selections of Simpson and Caldwell, the Bengals selected Auburn DT Pat Sims. Sims has better quickness and pass-rush ability than you might expect out of a 310-pound man. The knocks on Sims are about his physique and lack of strength and conditioning. Also, a good deal of his production came when he was unblocked. Kansas OT Anthony Collins needs work on his technique but has the natural ability needed to eventually become a starter. For now, he’ll settle into a reserve role. In something of a surprise, the Bengals — who avoided character risks in the ’07 draft after the infamous Thurman and Chris Henry picks two years earlier — took a flier on Fresno State NT Jason Shirley in Round Five. Shirley is big and quick, but he doesn’t often play to his ability, and his senior season was marked by off-the-field issues. Appalachian State’s Corey Lynch, who might be remembered best for blocking Michigan’s game-winning FG attempt to clinch the Mountaineers’ historic upset, will try to make it as a backup safety and a special-teams coverage player. Villanova’s Matt Sherry will compete to be the Bengals’ third tight end. Cincinnati DE Angelo Craig has some pass-rush ability but followed up an impressive Hula Bowl performance with a disappointing Combine after bulking up too much. Louisville WR Mario Urrutia is a big possession receiver who lacks speed.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns did not have picks in the first three rounds because of three separate deals. The first-rounder was dealt to Dallas to move up for QB Brady Quinn in the ’07 draft. The selections in Rounds Two and Three were dealt for veteran defensive linemen at the outset of free agency. The second-rounder was shipped to Green Bay for DE Corey Williams, while the third-rounder went to Detroit for massive DT Shaun Rogers. But the Browns did not stand pat on the draft’s second day, trading up twice in Round Four. They first added UNLV LB Beau Bell, a strong, instinctive big hitter who has been compared to Adalius Thomas, who was drafted by the Ravens eight years ago when Browns general manager Phil Savage was then Baltimore’s director of college scouting. Bell will provide depth at inside linebacker and will also pitch in on special teams. In time, he could develop into a starter, especially if he learns to trust his instincts and becomes better at changing direction. Later in Round Four, the Browns paired up again with familiar trading partner Dallas and landed Missouri TE Martin Rucker, who could become an immediate contributor on offense because of his very good pass-catching skills. He’ll get plenty of offseason practice reps, too, as Kellen Winslow is coming off more knee surgery and Steve Heiden is on the mend after back surgery. Iowa State NT Ahtyba Rubin has good strength and will compete for playing time in the Browns’ D-line rotation. Wisconsin WR Paul Hubbard will have to make it on special teams in his first NFL season. Hubbard is a big, physical possession receiver who has been plagued by drops. St. Augustine (N.C.) DE Alex Hall likely is to be converted to outside linebacker.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Day/2008/teamrecap.htm

[CornerBlitz]

Great videos on all our draftees.

Mendenhall http://nfldraft.rivals.com/video.asp?section=football&pkey=51275

Sweed http://nfldraft.rivals.com/video.asp?section=football&pkey=2823

Davis http://nfldraft.rivals.com/video.asp?section=football&pkey=36865

Hills http://nfldraft.rivals.com/video.asp?section=football&pkey=2768

Dixon http://nfldraft.rivals.com/video.asp?section=football&pkey=35796

Humpal http://nfldraft.rivals.com/video.asp?section=football&pkey=3295

[Mike64]

After watching the Mendenhall clips, one thing that the he needs to work on his how to carry that ball. If he continues to carry it like that, especially at this level, he is going to have numerous fumbles. Overall, I liked what I seen from the players in those clips. I think it was pretty obvious to see that Davis is a talker, too.

[LetMePlay]

After watching the Mendenhall clips, one thing that the he needs to work on his how to carry that ball. If he continues to carry it like that, especially at this level, he is going to have numerous fumbles. Overall, I liked what I seen from the players in those clips. I think it was pretty obvious to see that Davis is a talker, too.

Have you noticed if that is something that seems to happen when RBs come from spread offenses? I'm starting to think that it is. I'm sure they will address that day 1.

[Steeltime]

After watching the Mendenhall clips, one thing that the he needs to work on his how to carry that ball. If he continues to carry it like that, especially at this level, he is going to have numerous fumbles.

I noticed that too. But, I read somewhere that he had worked on carrying the ball closer to his body this past season and had greatly reduced his fumbles.

Also, I know these are just highlights. I get that. They are edited to make the player look good. That said, Mike Humpal looked very solid in pass coverage. Good drop, awareness, picked off numerous passes and batted down some others. Frankly, I was surprised at his pass coverage skills as shown in the highlight video.

[Wig]

I couldn't help but wonder if rivals mixed up Dixon's QB reel with Mendenhall's RB reel.

[Coryea]

I noticed that too. But, I read somewhere that he had worked on carrying the ball closer to his body this past season and had greatly reduced his fumbles.

Also, I know these are just highlights. I get that. They are edited to make the player look good. That said, Mike Humpal looked very solid in pass coverage. Good drop, awareness, picked off numerous passes and batted down some others. Frankly, I was surprised at his pass coverage skills as shown in the highlight video.

Just curious, who was it against?

[markymarc]

That said, Mike Humpal looked very solid in pass coverage. Good drop, awareness, picked off numerous passes and batted down some others. Frankly, I was surprised at his pass coverage skills as shown in the highlight video.

Mike Humpal could be a sleeper in this draft for us. No question he will get his start on special teams and it will be interesting to see how he performs at MLB when given the chance.

[TMC]

A reporter asked Colbert about how Mendenhall carried the football and Colbert stated that if these guys were perfect players, they would not need coaches.

The thing is, before every draft, every analyst and draftnik has a list of needs for every team. If a team does not draft A player for everyone of the positions on that list, they downgrade the draft. A lot of times they fail to look at who was drafted before, if a backup is coming in, did they have a guy on IR that will come back and fill the spot, etc.

Also, I say this alot, you draft for the future, not for today. If we had ended up with Sam Baker or Gosder Cherilus, odds are they may sit a season behind the OTs we have. They have to learn protections, plays, speed of the game, and many other things. Could we have used another tackle? Sure. Another guard? Sure. But, with 6 picks, you take what you can get. We usually have more selections, a minimum of 7, sometimes closer to 9. Hell, there have been years where trading picks were discussed because we did not think we could keep all the players drafted on roster. So, with our 6 picks and probably 10 or more positions we needed to address, you do as much damage as you can.

Now, here are my thoughts on why this will probably be Colbert's best draft in his tenure here.....

Mendenhall-people talk about how offensive linemen in the first round translate well to the NFL, but runningbacks translate pretty well as well. This decade (2000 up), the cast of first round RBs have, at the very least, been solid NFL contributors. The group, by year, is:
2000-Jamal Lewis, Thomas Jones, Ron Dayne, Shaun Alexander, Trung Candidate-now, only Dayne and Candidate did not live up to billing, but both were, at the very least, solid backups. Candidate sat behind Faulk a long time.
2001-LT, Duece McAllister, Michael Bennett-Bennett is the only one that did not become a stud.
2002-William Green, TJ Duckett-both never lived up to billing.
2003-McGahee, Larry Johnson-both have played well.
2004-Steven Jackson, Chris Perry, Kevin Jones-injuries have devastated Jones and Perry.
2005-Brown, Benson, Williams-all three have had good times and bad, jury is still out on all three.
2006-Bush, Maroney, Williams, Addai-Addai and Maroney are starters. Bush splits time and Williams will probably be the guy in Carolina.
2007-Lynch and Peterson-studs at this point.

Odds are, barring injury to Mendenhall, we will get a quality backup. And, if a quality backup is all we have gotten, then, IMO, he will extend the career of Parker and I'll take that by itself. Parker is a stud and if it costs me a 1st round pick to keep him playing for 6 years instead of 2, then I spend it......because all you get from a draft pick is 5 years and then he is a free agent, if you get production and they extend the career of a Pro Bowler, you have value. And, if Mendenhall turns out like Steven Jackson or Larry Johnson, we hit the motherload.

I view Sweed the same way. If he turns out, not only do we get another weapon, he can add years to Ward's career. If Sweed becomes a stud and we have Sweed and Holmes on the edge and move Hines to the slot, we have a dangerous group of WRs. Ward's game is not blazing speed, it is precision and flypaper hands. You do not lose that with age. The addition of a true blue starting WR could keep Ward playing another 5 years or more.

Tony Hills-one of the articles stated that IF Hills had not been injured, he would have been a 2nd round pick....and I agree. I think he was EASILY a better choice than Duane Brown, who went at the end of the first. While everyone points to his lack of strength, Tony Hills benched 225-24 times at his Pro Day. Marvel Smith benched 225-24 times at the combine and Marvel Smith went to the Pro Bowl as a LT for us. Minus the injuries, IMO, Hills is just as good a pick for us as Marvel Smith was in 2000, we just did it 2 rounds later.

Also, Davis is a guy that gets to the QB. We needed an OLB badly as our depth was poor. We got that OLB in Davis and he is a guy the front office liked better than Cliff Avril. There were a lot of experts that felt Woodley could not handle coverage and was a questionable pick. Now, we love the guy.

Those picks will bring big benefits for us. Granted, drafting a DE or another OL may have been ideal, but the value trumped the need.

[LetMePlay]

Trung Candidate. I remember that pick. Mike Martz took him like 5 rounds high.

As soon I saw him at Rams camp I knew the pick was a mistake. When the ran drills without pads he looked like a world beater. Put the pads on and he was average.

[Blind Official]

Also, Davis is a guy that gets to the QB. We needed an OLB badly as our depth was poor. We got that OLB in Davis and he is a guy the front office liked better than Cliff Avril. There were a lot of experts that felt Woodley could not handle coverage and was a questionable pick. Now, we love the guy.

The difference is, I don't think Davis is the athlete that Woodley is. Besides questioning the conversion to LB, there is also some concern on if he'll be able to get to the QB in the NFL

[TMC]

The difference is, I don't think Davis is the athlete that Woodley is. Besides questioning the conversion to LB, there is also some concern on if he'll be able to get to the QB in the NFL


That is your opinion and you are certainly entitled to it, but Davis was an OLB 2 years ago. It is not like he has not played there before.....a backup, but still. Athletically, I think both players play faster than they time, but their workouts were eerily similar....

"Woodley (265 pounds) was invited to the Combine but did not run in Indy. He ran two 40s in 4.74 and 4.84 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.42. Claiming to have a tight hamstring, he skipped the three-cone drill. He also had a 38½-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-9 broad jump and 29 bench presses.”

"DE/OLB Bruce Davis (6-2 3/8, 247): Ran the 40 in 4.78 and 4.84, had a 32-inch vertical jump, 9-foot, 11-inch long jump, ran position drills and kept numbers from the combine for everything else."

I honestly think that Woodley's and Davis' workouts killed their draft stock, but you cannot deny that both have a natural ability to fuck a QB up........and both have angry thoughts when they get there.

I think the two are more similar than they are different.

[pourman]

I honestly think that Woodley's and Davis' workouts killed their draft stock, but you cannot deny that both have a natural ability to a QB up........and both have angry thoughts when they get there.

I think the two are more similar than they are different. I agree totally.

[deljzc]

That is your opinion and you are certainly entitled to it, but Davis was an OLB 2 years ago. It is not like he has not played there before.....a backup, but still. Athletically, I think both players play faster than they time, but their workouts were eerily similar....

"Woodley (265 pounds) was invited to the Combine but did not run in Indy. He ran two 40s in 4.74 and 4.84 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.42. Claiming to have a tight hamstring, he skipped the three-cone drill. He also had a 38½-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-9 broad jump and 29 bench presses.”

"DE/OLB Bruce Davis (6-2 3/8, 247): Ran the 40 in 4.78 and 4.84, had a 32-inch vertical jump, 9-foot, 11-inch long jump, ran position drills and kept numbers from the combine for everything else."

I honestly think that Woodley's and Davis' workouts killed their draft stock, but you cannot deny that both have a natural ability to fuck a QB up........and both have angry thoughts when they get there.

I think the two are more similar than they are different.

I agree they are similar players (with Woodley being superior in my opinion). I think part of my problem IS they are similar. To the point where having the same weaknesses at both LOLB and ROLB won't work.

Most reports I've heard say Davis is best projected to the SAM OLB spot, which is where Woodley should be for the next 6-8 seasons, hopefully. I'm not sure Davis will ever develop into the ROLB that Harrison currently occupies and is 30 years old.

Considering Avril was on the board, who looks the part of the quicker OLB prospect and who is better in coverage and pursuit, that seems the better choice to me. If for the only reason he is NOT a Woodley clone that could be restricted to playing overtop the TE in most cases.

The Avril vs. Davis debate has been frustrating to me since Sunday. What's done is done, but I just don't see a position for Davis, long-term, on this team and while he's the superior pass rusher, Colbert got enamored with that ability alone and failed to take the better player for our system and ROLB spot.

I was hoping for more than getting Woodley's career backup with the #88 overall pick.

[Garrett]

A reporter asked Colbert about how Mendenhall carried the football and Colbert stated that if these guys were perfect players, they would not need coaches.

The thing is, before every draft, every analyst and draftnik has a list of needs for every team. If a team does not draft A player for everyone of the positions on that list, they downgrade the draft. A lot of times they fail to look at who was drafted before, if a backup is coming in, did they have a guy on IR that will come back and fill the spot, etc.

Also, I say this alot, you draft for the future, not for today. If we had ended up with Sam Baker or Gosder Cherilus, odds are they may sit a season behind the OTs we have. They have to learn protections, plays, speed of the game, and many other things. Could we have used another tackle? Sure. Another guard? Sure. But, with 6 picks, you take what you can get. We usually have more selections, a minimum of 7, sometimes closer to 9. Hell, there have been years where trading picks were discussed because we did not think we could keep all the players drafted on roster. So, with our 6 picks and probably 10 or more positions we needed to address, you do as much damage as you can.

Now, here are my thoughts on why this will probably be Colbert's best draft in his tenure here.....

Mendenhall-people talk about how offensive linemen in the first round translate well to the NFL, but runningbacks translate pretty well as well. This decade (2000 up), the cast of first round RBs have, at the very least, been solid NFL contributors. The group, by year, is:
2000-Jamal Lewis, Thomas Jones, Ron Dayne, Shaun Alexander, Trung Candidate-now, only Dayne and Candidate did not live up to billing, but both were, at the very least, solid backups. Candidate sat behind Faulk a long time.
2001-LT, Duece McAllister, Michael Bennett-Bennett is the only one that did not become a stud.
2002-William Green, TJ Duckett-both never lived up to billing.
2003-McGahee, Larry Johnson-both have played well.
2004-Steven Jackson, Chris Perry, Kevin Jones-injuries have devastated Jones and Perry.
2005-Brown, Benson, Williams-all three have had good times and bad, jury is still out on all three.
2006-Bush, Maroney, Williams, Addai-Addai and Maroney are starters. Bush splits time and Williams will probably be the guy in Carolina.
2007-Lynch and Peterson-studs at this point.

Odds are, barring injury to Mendenhall, we will get a quality backup. And, if a quality backup is all we have gotten, then, IMO, he will extend the career of Parker and I'll take that by itself. Parker is a stud and if it costs me a 1st round pick to keep him playing for 6 years instead of 2, then I spend it......because all you get from a draft pick is 5 years and then he is a free agent, if you get production and they extend the career of a Pro Bowler, you have value. And, if Mendenhall turns out like Steven Jackson or Larry Johnson, we hit the motherload.

I view Sweed the same way. If he turns out, not only do we get another weapon, he can add years to Ward's career. If Sweed becomes a stud and we have Sweed and Holmes on the edge and move Hines to the slot, we have a dangerous group of WRs. Ward's game is not blazing speed, it is precision and flypaper hands. You do not lose that with age. The addition of a true blue starting WR could keep Ward playing another 5 years or more.

Tony Hills-one of the articles stated that IF Hills had not been injured, he would have been a 2nd round pick....and I agree. I think he was EASILY a better choice than Duane Brown, who went at the end of the first. While everyone points to his lack of strength, Tony Hills benched 225-24 times at his Pro Day. Marvel Smith benched 225-24 times at the combine and Marvel Smith went to the Pro Bowl as a LT for us. Minus the injuries, IMO, Hills is just as good a pick for us as Marvel Smith was in 2000, we just did it 2 rounds later.

Also, Davis is a guy that gets to the QB. We needed an OLB badly as our depth was poor. We got that OLB in Davis and he is a guy the front office liked better than Cliff Avril. There were a lot of experts that felt Woodley could not handle coverage and was a questionable pick. Now, we love the guy.

Those picks will bring big benefits for us. Granted, drafting a DE or another OL may have been ideal, but the value trumped the need.


I think this analysis is spot on.

I haven't really weighed in on our draft until now, I've just been reading the threads and the "expert" draft analysis.

I think, without a doubt, the Steelers have the potential to field the 2nd most potent offense in the league this year. Is any team deeper at the skill positions? Parker / Mendenhall / Moore at RB, Washington now likely to be our #4 WR. And I know a lot of folks didn't like the Dixon pick, but out here in Cali I'm subjected to a lot of PAC 10 football and this guy could be special. In a couple years, we could either have an excellent insurance policy against Ben's penchant for playing with reckless abandon, or perhaps even an excellent bargaining chip if Dixon exceeds expectations and teams come calling for a trade.

The Tony Hills pick was a no brainer, and it was like getting a 2nd round talent in the 4th. So for those concerned we passed on OL until too late, lets wait and see how he develops. He is considered a top notch pass protector.

My least favorite pick, at the time, admittedly, was Bruce Davis. It's not just that Avril was still on the board, but I also really thought that Red Bryant or Mike McGlynn would have been ideal there. But the more I read about Davis, the more I've warmed to his prospects in our defense. In the short term, we could turn him loose in rotation with Harrison/Woodley, and his initial step/quickness could really surprise. In the long term, he really could develop into a vocal leader and our ROLB of the future.

Love our 6th rounders too -- Humpal is a lunchpail guy, perfect ILB for the 3-4, and Mundy has potential, measurables, and expsosure to the highest levels of college competition. Both should be assets on special teams.

I also agree with TMC that you can't really evaluate a draft without factoring in the UDFAs. Dorien Bryant could prove a huge boon to our return game. And with everything I read about Micah Rucker - how driven he is, his athleticism and size-speed-strength ratio, it's certainly not out of the question for him to come in and be our Kassim Osgood on special teams, if he so desires. Would the Steelers carry 6 WRs, 2 of which are rookies?

In the final analysis, you have to look at areas the Steelers need to improve to contend for a title. I would posit those areas remain the same as last year: OL, pass rush and special teams. Well, between the draft, free agency and the natural progression/promotion, the Steelers may have improved in all three areas.

OL - Hartwig over Mahan, Hills for depth, Starks likely back at RT, Colon maybe moved inside. Better overall depth than last year.

Pass rush -- Woodley promoted, Davis possibly a contributor in rotation.

Special Teams -- Dorian Bryant, if he sticks. Mewelde Moore. Fox, Humpal, Mundy, Davis. I see the potential for improvement here.

My biggest concern is the lack of depth along the DL. I'd like to see McFarland signed as long as the risk is not too great. Dwayne Robertson failed his physical in Denver but that did not derail the trade. Shanny stated that Robertson played 77% of the time last season with the same concerns and that was good enough for him when weighing the risk.

[Blind Official]

That is your opinion and you are certainly entitled to it, but Davis was an OLB 2 years ago. It is not like he has not played there before.....a backup, but still. Athletically, I think both players play faster than they time, but their workouts were eerily similar....

"Woodley (265 pounds) was invited to the Combine but did not run in Indy. He ran two 40s in 4.74 and 4.84 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.42. Claiming to have a tight hamstring, he skipped the three-cone drill. He also had a 38½-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-9 broad jump and 29 bench presses.”

"DE/OLB Bruce Davis (6-2 3/8, 247): Ran the 40 in 4.78 and 4.84, had a 32-inch vertical jump, 9-foot, 11-inch long jump, ran position drills and kept numbers from the combine for everything else."

I honestly think that Woodley's and Davis' workouts killed their draft stock, but you cannot deny that both have a natural ability to a QB up........and both have angry thoughts when they get there.

I think the two are more similar than they are different.

Well, I'm warming to the guy. Something is just odd. Hopefully, you're right. Being honest, my initial "holy shit!" moment when they took him was because I saw a report that he was really 230 pounds and ran a 4.7-4.8 and had low reps.

Woodley weighed 13 pounds (or so) heavier, yet ran almost the same 40 time. Plus, he had a bad hamstring that knocked him down. He crushed Davis in reps and vertical, though (depending on what site you believe) Davis' broad jump was 2 inches or so longer. Still, Woodley's SS was also just about the same as Davis (or a tad lower).

Really, i'm just hoping that Woodley didn't have a hurt hamstring, weigh 13 pounds heavier (or 18 or whatever) than Davis, and still match his numbers.