NFL Draft: Team-by-team analysis
AFC
East
BUFFALO
Needs: OLB, QB, DE, CB, ILB, SS
Picks:
1 (3) Marcel Dareus, dt, Alabama.
2 (34) Aaron Williams, db, Texas.
3 (68) Kelvin Sheppard, lb, LSU.
4 (100) Da’Norris Searcy, db, No. Carolina.
4 (122) Chris Hairston, ot, Clemson.
5 (133) Johnny White, rb, North Carolina.
6 (169) Chris White, lb, Mississippi State.
7 (206) Justin Rogers, db, Richmond.
7 (245) Michael Jasper, dt, Bethel (Tenn.).
Analysis: The powerful 319-pound Dareus can play the nose or the end in the Bills’ 3-4 defense. Williams is a physical, play-making corner who could move inside to safety. Sheppard (6-2, 240) supposedly has the smarts to challenge for a starting spot.
Grade: C
MIAMI
Needs: C, RB, QB, OLB, WR
Picks:
1 (15) Mike Pouncey, c, Florida.
2 (62) Daniel Thomas, rb, Kansas State.
4 (111) Edmond Gates, wr, Abil. Christian.
6 (174) Charles Clay, rb, Tulsa.
7 (231) Frank Kearse, dt, Alabama A&M.
7 (235) Jimmy Wilson, db, Montana.
Analysis: Pouncey should be a starter from Day One. Thomas should compete for a starting spot, especially if Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown go free. While Davone Bess can work the underneath, Gates (6-0, 190, 4.31) could be the deep threat the team is looking for.
Grade: C
NEW ENGLAND
Needs: OLB, DE, OL, WR, RB
Picks:
1 (17) Nate Solder, ot, Colorado.
2 (33) Ras-I Dowling, db, Virginia.
2 (56) Shane Vereen, rb, California.
3 (73) Stevan Ridley, rb, LSU.
3 (74) Ryan Mallett, qb, Arkansas.
5 (138) Marcus Cannon, ot, TCU.
5 (159) Lee Smith, te, Marshall.
6 (194) Markell Carter, lb, Central Arkansas.
7 (219) Malcolm Williams, db, TCU.
Analysis: Such a thing as overtrading? The Pats traded once Thursday and twice Friday, giving up a pick in each round and getting back six, including a No. 1 and No. 2 next year. During the frenzy, the Patriots passed on quality players such as RB Mark Ingram, DE Muhammad Wilkerson, OLB Brooks Reed — all players who would have filled their needs and helped them this season. Solder (6-8, 307) is a project, a former TE. Dowling has top talent and makes plays. Vereen is quick (4.49) and looks like a good fit.
Grade: C+
NEW YORK JETS
Needs: DE, OLB, FS, NT, WR
Picks:
1 (30) Muhammad Wilkerson, dt, Temple.
3 (94) Kenrick Ellis, dt, Hampton.
4 (126) Bilal Powell, rb, Louisville.
5 (153) Jeremy Kerley, wr, TCU.
7 (208) Greg McElroy, qb, Alabama.
7 (227) Scotty McKnight, wr, Colorado.
Analysis: The Jets’ defense became porous last season. But they should win the battle of the bulge this season after selecting Wilkerson (308 pounds) and Ellis (345). Wilkerson was ranked among the top D-lineman and is a perfect fit as the base end in the 3-4. Ellis will man the nose.
Grade: B
North
BALTIMORE
Needs: WR, CB, OLB, OL
Picks:
1 (27) Jimmy Smith, db, Colorado.
2 (58) Torrey Smith, wr, Maryland.
3 (85) Jah Reid, ot, Central Florida.
4 (123) Tandon Doss, wr, Indiana.
5 (164) Chykie Brown, db, Texas.
5 (165) Pernell McPhee, de, Mississippi St.
6 (180) Tyrod Taylor, qb, Virginia Tech.
7 (225) Anthony Allen, rb, Georgia Tech.
Analysis: If the Ravens (Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs) can keep Jimmy Smith (6-2, 210, 4.42) focused, they’ll have a steal. He looks almost as good as Patrick Peterson. Torrey Smith (4.43, 41 vertical) will help open the field for Anquan Boldin. Reid fills a need and was considered to be one of the top tackles.
Grade: B
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CINCINNATI
Needs: QB, WR, S, C, G, RB
Picks:
1 (4) A.J. Green, wr, Georgia.
2 (35) Andy Dalton, qb, TCU.
3 (66) Dontay Moch, lb, Nevada.
4 (101) Clint Boling, g, Georgia.
5 (134) Robert Sands, db, West Virginia.
6 (167) Ryan Whalen, wr, Stanford.
7 (207) Korey Lindsey, db, Southern Illinois.
7 (246) Jay Finley, rb, Baylor.
Analysis: Despite all the turmoil (Carson Palmer wants out or else and the uncertainty of T.O. and Ocho), the Bengals didn’t bungle this one. They filled their needs with Green, the best WR in the draft and one of the draft’s top players; Dalton, a steady and smart QB; and Moch, an outside rushing LB with 4.4 speed. Boling (6-5, 308) was highly regarded and should help.
Grade: A
CLEVELAND
Needs: DE, WR, DT, RT, LB
Picks:
1 (21) Phil Taylor, dt, Baylor.
2 (37) Jabaal Sheard, de, Pittsburgh.
2 (59) Greg Little, wr, North Carolina.
4 (102) Jordan Cameron, te, Southern Cal.
4 (124) Owen Marecic, rb, Stanford.
5 (137) Buster Skrine, db, Chattanooga.
5 (150) Jason Pinkston, ot, Pittsburgh.
7 (248) Eric Hagg, db, Nebraska.
Analysis: Thanks to the Falcons for setting up the Browns nicely for the future with No. 1 and No. 4 picks in 2012. Presently, the Browns landed two big-time linemen, though Taylor is a nose tackle and the Browns now employ a 4-3. Little is a big-time receiver with first-round talent. Like many UNC stars, he missed his senior year because of suspension. The versatile Marecic will find a way to help this team.
Grade: C
PITTSBURGH
Needs: OT, CB, OG, DE
Picks:
1 (31) Cameron Heyward, de, Ohio State.
2 (63) Marcus Gilbert, ot, Florida.
3 (95) Curtis Brown, db, Texas.
4 (128) Cortez Allen, db, The Citadel.
5 (162) Chris Carter, lb, Fresno State.
6 (196) Keith Williams, g, Nebraska.
7 (232) Baron Batch, rb, Texas Tech.
Analysis: Standing pat, the Steelers did their usual solid job. They filled their needs with Heyward, a stout base end who fits a 3-4; Gilbert, a left tackle who played every line position except center at Florida, and Brown, an athletic corner.
Grade: C+
South
HOUSTON
Needs: OLB, CB, NT, S, WR
Picks:
1 (11) J.J. Watt, de, Wisconsin.
2 (42) Brooks Reed, lb, Arizona.
2 (60) Brandon Harris, db, Miami.
4 (127) Rashad Carmichael, db, Va. Tech.
5 (144) Shiloh Keo, db, Idaho.
5 (152) T.J. Yates, qb, North Carolina.
7 (214) Derek Newton, ot, Arkansas State.
7 (254) Cheta Ozougwu, lb, Rice.
Analysis: Watch out Colts, the Texans are coming. Their restructured, Wade Phillips-led 3-4 defense got a big-time boost with Watt, Reed and Harris. Watt (290) is a high-motor base defensive end; Reed (260) is another all-out edge rusher with Clay Matthews locks and game. Harris is a playmaker and a good coverman.
Grade: A
INDIANAPOLIS
Needs: DT, SS, LT, LG, RB
Picks:
1 (22) Anthony Castonzo, ot, Boston Col.
2 (49) Ben Ijalana, ot, Villanova.
3 (87) Drake Nevis, dt, LSU.
4 (119) Delone Carter, rb, Syracuse.
6 (188) Chris Rucker, db, Michigan State.
Analysis: Somewhere Peyton Manning is smiling. The Colts got one of the top tackles in Castonzo (6-7, 310) and another a notch below in Ijalana (6-3, 318). Needing help in the interior defense, the Colts picked up Nevis, who can be a terror on the inside despite his size (6-0, 293).
Grade: B
JACKSONVILLE
Needs: DE, LB, WR, S, QB
Picks:
1 (10) Blaine Gabbert, qb, Missouri.
3 (76) Will Rackley, g, Lehigh.
4 (114) Cecil Shorts, wr, Mount Union.
4 (121) Chris Prosinski, db, Wyoming.
5 (147) Rod Issac, db, Middle Tennessee.
Analysis: I guess the future is not now for a team that nearly made the playoffs. Gabbert will sit behind David Garrard. Plus, a team in desperate need of edge rushers and linebackers didn’t get any. Rackley (6-3, 309) was a tackle in I-AA but is expected to move to guard. Shorts (6-0, 202, 4.50) was a star in Division III but now must adjust to the best.
Grade: C-
TENNESSEE
Needs: QB, DE, MLB, OLB, DT
Picks:
1 (8) Jake Locker, qb, Washington.
2 (39) Akeem Ayers, lb, UCLA.
3 (77) Jurrell Casey, dt, Southern Cal.
4 (109) Colin McCarthy, lb, Miami.
4 (130) Jamie Harper, rb, Clemson.
5 (142) Karl Klug, dt, Iowa.
6 (175) Byron Stingily, ot, Louisville.
7 (212) Zach Clayton, dt, Auburn.
7 (251) Tommie Campbell, db, Calif. (Pa.).
Analysis: Locker’s a fine citizen and a good teammate. But his ultra competitive style might land him on the sidelines. He doesn’t always avoid contact and oftentimes will fight for extra yards, thereby taking more hits. As a quarterback, he’s inconsistent with his accuracy. Let’s see, suspect consistency and frequent concussions — wow, that’s worth the No. 8 pick? Ayers, though, might be a steal. Casey (6-0, 300) looked dominant at times at USC and hasn’t proven to be consistent.
Grade: C-
West
DENVER
Needs: DT, LB, DE, RT, S
Picks:
1 (2) Von Miller, lb, Texas A&M.
2 (45) Rahim Moore, db, UCLA.
2 (46) Orlando Franklin, ot, Miami.
3 (67) Nate Irving, lb, N.C. State.
4 (108) Quinton Carter, db, Oklahoma.
4 (129) Julius Thomas, te, Portland State.
6 (189) Mike Mohamed, lb, California.
7 (204) Virgil Green, te, Nevada.
7 (247) Jeremy Beal, de, Oklahoma.
Analysis: With his quickness (4.4), Miller (244) should bring instant heat off the edge. But eventually, he’ll have to take on those 330-pound tackles who’ll figure out a way to stop him. Moore was the top-ranked safety. Franklin played left tackle but could also play guard.
Grade: C+
KANSAS CITY
Needs: OLB, WR, NT, C
Picks:
1 (26) Jon Baldwin, wr, Pittsburgh.
2 (55) Rodney Hudson, c, Florida State.
3 (70) Justin Houston, lb, Georgia.
3 (86) Allen Bailey, de, Miami.
4 (118) Jalil Brown, db, Colorado.
5 (135) Ricky Stanzi, qb, Iowa.
5 (140) Gabe Miller, lb, Oregon State.
6 (199) Jerrell Powe, nt, Mississippi.
7 (223) Shane Bannon, rb, Yale.
Analysis: Although not many projected Baldwin to be in the first round, this wideout has size (6-4, 229) and ability (4.4 speed, 42 vertical). He doesn’t appear quick on the field, but he is imposing. Hudson should compete for a starting spot, as will Houston (270, 4.62), a college defensive end who’ll be a rush linebacker, and Bailey (287, 4.71), who is more a base end.
Grade: B
OAKLAND
Needs: OL, CB, FS, QB, RB
Picks:
2 (48) Stefen Wisniewski, c, Penn State.
3 (81) DeMarcus Van Dyke, db, Miami.
3 (92) Joe Barksdale, ot, LSU.
4 (113) Chimdi Chekwa, db, Ohio State.
4 (125) Taiwan Jones, rb, Eastern Wash.
5 (148) Denarius Moore, wr, Tennessee.
6 (181) Richard Gordon, te, Miami.
7 (241) David Ausberry, wr, Southern Cal.
Analysis: Wisniewski will give you all he’s got and should be a reliable anchor, challenging Samson Satele. Van Dyke and Chekwa fit Al Davis’ need for speed. Van Dyke runs the 40 in 4.25; Chekwa in 4.38. Van Dyke, though, is just 178 pounds and and only did five repetitions of 225. Barksdale (330) can play left or right tackle. If you factor in Richard Seymour in this draft (cost a No. 1 pick to get him), then the Raiders did OK.
Grade: C
SAN DIEGO
Needs: DE, ILB, WR, RT
Picks:
1 (18) Corey Liuget, de, Illinois.
2 (50) Marcus Gilchrist, db, Clemson.
2 (61) Jonas Mouton, lb, Michigan.
3 (82) Vincent Brown, wr, San Diego State.
3 (89) Shareece Wright, db, Southern Cal.
6 (183) Jordan Todman, rb, Connecticut.
6 (201) Stephen Schilling, ot, Michigan.
7 (234) Andrew Gachkar, lb, Missouri.
Analysis: Liuget (300 with 4.97 speed) can penetrate and wreak havoc. Though he played inside at Illinois, the Chargers listed him as a DE in their 3-4 scheme. Gilchrist has 4.4 speed and a 38 vertical. Mouton has a nose for the ball.
Grade: C+
NFC
East
DALLAS
Needs: S, DE, CB, RT, G, ILB
Picks:
1 (9) Tyron Smith, ot, Southern Cal.
2 (40) Bruce Carter, lb, North Carolina.
3 (71) DeMarco Murray, rb, Oklahoma.
4 (110) David Arkin, g, Missouri State.
5 (143) Josh Thomas, db, Buffalo.
6 (176) Dwayne Harris, wr, East Carolina.
7 (220) Shaun Chapas, rb, Georgia.
7 (252) Bill Nagy, c, Wisconsin.
Analysis: Owner Jerry Jones finally picked an offensive lineman in the first round after 22 years. It fills a need. The same can’t be said for other picks. Carter, while a good athlete, plays the same positions as DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. Cowboys should have taken S Rahim Moore or CB Brandon Harris. Murray (6-0, 214, 4.37) becomes another weapon.
Grade: C-
NEW YORK GIANTS
Needs: G, C, OLB, OT, S, DT
Picks:
1 (19) Prince Amukamara, db, Nebraska.
2 (52) Marvin Austin, dt, North Carolina.
3 (83) Jerrel Jernigan, wr, Troy.
4 (117) James Brewer, ot, Indiana.
6 (185) Greg Jones, lb, Michigan State.
6 (198) Tyler Sash, db, Iowa.
6 (202) Jacquian Williams, lb, South Florida.
7 (221) Da’Rel Scott, rb, Maryland.
Analysis: The Giants really needed to address their offensive line and passed on some good ones in favor of Amukamara, who some ranked among the top 10. Still, he doesn’t seem to be dynamic, though he is steady and heady. Austin (6-1, 310) missed his senior year (suspension) but has first-round ability. Jernigan (5-9, 185, 4.46) is dangerous in the open field and on kick returns.
Grade: C
PHILADELPHIA
Needs: CB, RT, G, OLB, SS
Picks:
1 (23) Danny Watkins, g, Baylor.
2 (54) Jaiquawn Jarrett, db, Temple.
3 (90) Curtis Marsh, db, Utah State.
4 (116) Casey Matthews, lb, Oregon.
4 (120) Alex Henery, k, Nebraska.
5 (149) Dion Lewis, rb, Pittsburgh.
5 (161) Julian Vandervelde, g, Iowa.
6 (191) Jason Kelce, c, Cincinnati.
6 (193) Brian Rolle, lb, Ohio State.
7 (237) Greg Lloyd, lb, Connecticut.
7 (240) Stanley Havili, rb, Southern Cal.
Analysis: Watkins (6-3, 312) brings his hockey background to the field, displaying a mean streak. He’s played football only four years. Jarrett and Marsh were rated as lower-round prospects. Matthews doesn’t have measurables but does have bloodlines (son of 19-year NFL vet Clay and brother of Packers’ Clay).
Grade: C-
WASHINGTON
Needs: QB, DL, OL, WR, CB, RB
Picks:
1 (16) Ryan Kerrigan, lb, Purdue.
2 (41) Jarvis Jenkins, de, Clemson.
3 (79) Leonard Hankerson, wr, Miami.
4 (105) Roy Helu, rb, Nebraska.
5 (146) DeJon Gomes, db, Nebraska.
5 (155) Niles Paul, wr, Nebraska.
6 (177) Evan Royster, rb, Penn State.
6 (178) Aldrick Robinson, wr, SMU.
7 (213) Brandyn Thompson, db, Boise State.
7 (217) Maurice Hurt, g, Florida.
7 (224) Markus White, lb, Florida State.
7 (253) Chris Neild, nt, West Virginia.
Analysis: The Skins hope to bookend OLB star Brian Orakpo with Kerrigan (6-4, 274, 4.71), who must transition from DE to a stand-up LB. Jenkins (6-4, 310) flashed first-round ability and can be disruptive. Hankerson is rangy with great hands and 4.4 speed.
Grade: C+
North
CHICAGO
Needs: OL, DT, WR, CB, OLB
Picks:
1 (29) Gabe Carimi, ot, Wisconsin.
2 (53) Stephen Paea, dt, Oregon State.
3 (93) Chris Conte, db, California.
5 (160) Nathan Enderle, qb, Idaho.
6 (195) J.T. Thomas, lb, West Virginia.
Analysis: With teams drafting ahead of them reaching for quarterbacks, one of the top linemen — Gabe Carimi (6-7, 316) — fell to the Bears, who really needed an offensive lineman. He controlled Cameron Heyward (Steelers’ No. 1 pick). Bears filled another need in the second round, where Paea (300, 49 reps) will replace Tommie Harris. As for Conte, though, many rated him as a seventh-round prospect.
Grade: C
DETROIT
Needs: OLB, CB, OT, RB, WR
Picks:
1 (13) Nick Fairley, dt, Auburn.
2 (44) Titus Young, wr, Boise State.
2 (57) Mikel Leshoure, rb, Illinois.
5 (157) Doug Hogue, lb, Syracuse.
7 (209) Johnny Culbreath, ot, So. Carolina St.
Analysis: Needed an outside linebacker, but who needs that now since they have the two most disruptive, havoc-wreaking tackles in Ndamukong Suh and Fairley, who dropped to 13th overall because of his questionable character? Call the duo The Unblockables. Now add fleet-footed Young (4.38) to go with Calvin Johnson and Leshoure to complement Jahvid Best and you got a team on the come. All the Lions need is for Matthew Stafford to stay healthy.
Grade: B
GREEN BAY
Needs: OLB, DE, OT, G, RB
Picks:
1 (32) Derek Sherrod, ot, Mississippi State.
2 (64) Randall Cobb, wr, Kentucky.
3 (96) Alex Green, rb, Hawaii.
4 (131) Davon House, db, New Mexico State.
5 (141) D.J. Williams, te, Arkansas.
6 (179) Caleb Schlauderaff, g, Utah.
6 (186) D.J. Smith, lb, Appalachian State.
6 (197) Ricky Elmore, lb, Arizona.
7 (218) Ryan Taylor, te, North Carolina.
7 (233) Lawrence Guy, dt, Arizona State.
Analysis: Sherrod (6-6, 311) was the perfect fit for the aging tackle spots. Cobb should help the depth at WR, which might lose James Jones to free agency and needs to get younger. Green could compete with last year’s rookie and playoff standout James Starks. House (4.4) was a top cover man whose inconsistency caused him to drop.
Grade: C
MINNESOTA
Needs: QB, DE, CB, OT, OL
Picks:
1 (12) Christian Ponder, qb, Florida State.
2 (43) Kyle Rudolph, te, Notre Dame.
4 (106) Christian Ballard, dt, Iowa.
5 (139) Brandon Burton, db, Utah.
6 (168) DeMarcus Love, ot, Arkansas.
6 (170) Mistral Raymond, db, South Florida.
6 (172) Brandon Fusco, C, Slipper Rock.
6 (200) Ross Homan, lb, Ohio State.
7 (215) D’Aundre Reed, de, Arizona.
7 (236) Stephen Burton, wr, West Tex. A&M.
Analysis: Vikings showed how desperate they were for a QB, picking Ponder 12th when he was rated by most as a second-rounder. Rudolph is a solid, pass-catching TE. But the Vikes already have TE Visanthe Shiancoe and needed defensive linemen. So why Rudolph over linemen such as Stephen Paea, Marvin Austin and Da’Quan Bowers? Love, a tackle in college, will move inside, where he should find a home.
Grade: D
South
ATLANTA
Needs: DE, OL, CB, WR, TE
Picks:
1 (6) Julio Jones, wr, Alabama.
3 (91) Akeem Dent, lb, Georgia.
5 (145) Jacquizz Rodgers, rb, Oregon.
6 (192) Matt Bosher, p, Miami.
7 (210) Andrew Jackson, g, Fresno State.
7 (230) Cliff Matthews, de, South Carolina.
Analysis: Mortgaged its present and future, giving up two firsts, a second and two fourths to go from No. 27 to No. 6 to draft the not-so-sure-handed Jones, who might be Matt Ryan’s fourth option behind Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner. The Falcons needed defense (see the playoff loss to the Packers?), not offense. The jitterbug Rodgers (5-6, 198) will provide a good change of pace to the bruising Turner.
Grade: C-
CAROLINA
Needs: DT, QB, WR, OLB, CB
Picks:
1 (1) Cam Newton, qb, Auburn.
3 (65) Terrell McClain, dt, South Florida.
3 (97) Sione Fua, dt, Stanford.
4 (98) Brandon Hogan, db, West Virginia.
5 (132) Kealoha Pilares, wr, Hawaii.
6 (166) Lawrence Wilson, lb, Connecticut.
6 (203) Zack Williams, c, Washington St.
7 (244) Lee Ziemba, ot, Auburn.
Analysis: It’ll take a year or four to see if Newton is a superstar in the making or a super bust. But he has the drive to be a star and has freakish ability (6-5, 244, 4.59). McClain (6-1, 300, 4.98) and Fua (6-1, 307) are need and space fillers.
Grade: Incomplete
NEW ORLEANS
Needs: DE, RB, LB, S
Picks:
1 (24) Cameron Jordan, de, California.
1 (28) Mark Ingram, rb, Alabama.
3 (72) Martez Wilson, lb, Illinois.
3 (88) Johnny Patrick, db, Louisville.
7 (226) Greg Romeus, de, Pittsburgh.
7 (243) Nate Bussey, lb, Illinois.
Analysis: Cha-Ching! Saints hit the jackpot, filling two needs with two players who were expected to be picked in the top 15. Cameron Jordan is a versatile defensive lineman. Mark Ingram is an Emmitt Smith-type. The 215-pound Heisman Trophy winner is strong, possesses great vision and hands. Wilson was considered the top inside LB, with top measurables (6-3, 250, 4.49) but lacking instincts. He could move outside. Patrick was a standout for the Cardinals.
Grade: A
TAMPA BAY
Needs: DE, LB, OL, CB, RB
Picks:
1 (20) Adrian Clayborn, de, Iowa.
2 (51) Da’Quan Bowers, de, Clemson.
3 (84) Mason Foster, lb, Washington.
4 (104 Luke Stocker, te, Tennessee.
5 (151) Ahmad Black, db, Florida.
6 (187) Allen Bradford, rb, Southern Cal.
7 (222) Anthony Gaitor, db, Florida Int.
7 (238) Daniel Hardy, te, Idaho.
Analysis: If Bowers gets healthy, watch out. He was rated among the top five in this year’s class, only to be struck down by an ailing knee. In the second round it was worth the risk. Had Clayborn (6-2, 283, 4.78) matched his junior-year production, he wouldn’t been drafted in the top 10. The Bucs got him at No. 20. Foster (4.78) is a hustler and a hitter who can cover, too.
Grade: C, which could improve to B
West
ARIZONA
Needs: QB, OLB, G, T, ILB
Picks:
1 (5) Patrick Peterson, db, LSU.
2 (38) Ryan Williams, rb, Virginia Tech.
3 (69) Rob Housler, te, Florida Atlantic.
4 (103) Arizona, Sam Acho, lb, Texas.
5 (136) Anthony Sherman, rb, Connecticut.
6 (171) Quan Sturdivant, lb, North Carolina.
6 (184) David Carter, dt, UCLA.
7 (249) DeMarco Sampson, wr, San Diego St.
Analysis: Passed on a QB, but managed to get arguably the best player in the draft in Peterson (6-0, 218, 4.34). Williams (5-9, 212, 4.59) has skills, but don’t the Cardinals already have a three-back rotation of Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and LaRod Stephens-Howling? Should have taken an OLB prospect such as Akeem Ayers, Bruce Carter or hometown player Brooks Reed. Also, who’s the QB?
Grade: D
ST. LOUIS
Needs: OLB, WR, FS, DT, RB
Picks:
1 (14) Robert Quinn, de, North Carolina.
2 (47) Lance Kendricks, te, Wisconsin.
3 (78) Austin Pettis, wr, Boise State.
4 (112) Greg Salas, wr, Hawaii.
5 (158) Jermale Hines, db, Ohio State.
7 (216) Mikail Baker, db, Baylor.
7 (228) Jabara Williams, lb, St. F. Austin.
7 (229) Jonathan Nelson, db, Oklahoma.
Analysis: Rams got one of the top edge rushers in the draft in Quinn (6-4, 264, 4.58), who will team nicely complement Chris Long. Kendricks (6-3, 241, 4.65), Pettis (6-2, 207, 4.56) and Salas (6-1, 208, 4.53) should provide targets for rising star QB Sam Bradford, whose No. 1 weapon last season (Danny Amendola) had only modest statistics (689 yards, three TDs).
Grade: C
SAN FRANCISCO
Needs: CB, QB, OLB, NT, C, DE, S, RB
Picks:
1 (7) Aldon Smith, lb, Missouri.
2 (36) Colin Kaepernick, qb, Nevada.
3 (80) Chris Culliver, db, South Carolina.
4 (115) Kendall Hunter, rb, Oklahoma State.
5 (163) Daniel Kilgore, g, Appalachian State.
6 (182) Ronald Johnson, wr, Southern Cal.
6 (190) Colin Jones, db, TCU.
7 (211) Bruce Miller, rb, Central Florida.
7 (239) Mike Person, g, Montana State.
7 (250) Curtis Holcomb, db, Florida A&M.
Analysis: Smith looks like Charles Haley, tall and rangy with natural pass-rush moves and a 7-foot wingspan. He also can penetrate while lining up over the guards. Kaepernick has a long passing delivery and doesn’t appear to have touch. Probably should have taken CB Brandon Harris or S Rahim Moore instead. Culliver (4.38), a former receiver, also can return kicks. Hunter (5-7, 200, 4.46) is instinctive and elusive and could spell oft-injured Frank Gore.
Grade: C-
SEATTLE
Needs: OL, QB, DT, DE, CB
Picks:
1 (25) James Carpenter, ot, Alabama.
3 (75) John Moffitt, g, Wisconsin.
4 (99) K.J. Wright, lb, Mississippi State.
4 (107) Kris Durham, wr, Georgia.
5 (154) Richard Sherman, db, Stanford.
5 (156) Mark LeGree, db, Appalachian State.
6 (173) Byron Maxwell, db, Clemson.
7 (205) Lazarius Levingston, de, LSU.
7 (242) Malcolm Smith, lb, Southern Cal.
Analysis: The Seahawks really needed an offensive line makeover. Carpenter (6-4, 320), called a reach by some, should challenge for the RT spot with last year’s No. 1 Russell Okung at LT. Moffitt (6-4, 320) is a mauler.
Grade: C-
Players drafted, by school, by position
Abilene Christian 1
Alabama 5
Alabama A&M 1
Appalachian St. 3
Arizona 3
Arizona State 1
Arkansas 3
Arkansas State 1
Auburn 4
Baylor 4
Bethel (Tenn.) 1
Boise State 3
Boston College 1
Buffalo 1
California 4
California (Pa.) 1
Cent. Arkansas 1
Chattanooga 1
Cincinnati 1
Clemson 6
Colorado 4
Connecticut 4
East Carolina 1
Eastern Wash. 1
Florida 4
Florida Atlantic 1
Florida A&M 1
Florida Int. 1
Florida State 3
Fresno State 2
Georgia 6
Georgia Tech 1
Hampton 1
Hawaii 3
Idaho 3
Illinois 4
Indiana 2
Iowa 6
Kansas State 1
Kentucky 1
Lehigh 1
LSU 6
Louisville 3
Maryland 2
Marshall 1
Miami 8
Michigan 2
Michigan State 2
Mid. Tennessee 1
Mississippi 1
Mississippi St. 4
Missouri 3
Missouri State 1
Montana 1
Montana State 1
Mount Union 1
Nebraska 7
Nevada 3
New Mexico St. 1
North Carolina 9
N.C. State 1
Notre Dame 1
Ohio State 5
Oklahoma 4
Oklahoma St. 1
Oregon 2
Oregon State 3
Penn State 2
Pittsburgh 5
Purdue 1
Portland State 1
Rice 1
Richmond 1
San Diego State 2 Slippery Rock 1
South Carolina 2
So. Carolina St. 1
South Florida 3 Southern Cal 9 So. Illinois 1
SMU 1
Stanford 4
S. F. Austin 1 Syracuse 2
Temple 2
Tennessee 2
Texas 4
Texas A&M 1
TCU 5
Texas Tech 1
The Citadel 1
Troy 1
Tulsa 1
UCF 2
UCLA 3
Utah 2
Utah State 1
Villanova 1
Virginia 1
Virginia Tech 3
Washington 2
Washington St. 1
West Tex. A&M 1
West Virginia 4 Wisconsin 5 Wyoming 1
Yale 1
Associated Press