I give it a C.

I'd give it a D if they didn't get McCoy SOOOOO LATE. Haden was a solid pick. Ward was a reach (and is consistently hurt) Asante is a career backup at best. The 2 biggest needs (IMO), WR and DL, were addressed with the last 2 picks and essentially look like throw aways.

McCoy could be the QB of the future so this class might end up being okay if you get what Haden should be and McCoy could be. I was just flustered by this teams direction.

FWIW I think the Dolphins did some dumbass shit too.

I don't think you'll find many people that argue with the fact that Taylor Mays stinks in coverage. I, too, think he was overrated. I just think he was the hardest hitting Safety in the draft from what I saw.

killer_ewok wrote: Ward was by far the hardest hitting safety in the draft??? I can't say for sure because I haven't seen much of Ward but I have a hard time believing that he is that much of a harder hitting Safety than Taylor Mays. The crowd at Radio City Music Hall was ooh'ing and aww'ing at the highlight film that they showed of Taylor Mays laying dudes the fuck out. Maybe he's Mays' equal or a little better when it comes to hitting. Not sure. But if he was that much better in that area....he woulda put a few college players in wheelchairs.

Now, in regards to coverage....I have no problem believing that he is better than Mays. He couldn't cover for shit.

Mays was rated higher than Ward for 2 reasons, and 2 reasons only.

Measurables (6'3' and 230 lbs is huge for a S) and Ward's past injury concerns.

Ward, at worst, hits just as hard as Mays but probably harder and covers better.

Look up Ward's highlight real on youtube, he lays people out.

BR1986FB wrote:

Al Capone wrote: According to ESPN:
1. Ravens- A
2. Steelers- B
3. Bungals- C
4. Clowns- c

That's comical. Bengals AND Browns draft were better than the Steelers. I'd give the Steelers a C-.

According to ProFootballWeekly.com, whose grades are posted on Yahoo! Sports, the only differences between their grades and ESPN's is that the Browns were upgraded to a C+ and Pittsburgh was downgraded to a B-.

Ignore the "(notes)" scattered through these things -- in the column, they're icons you can click on to get notes or something on players.


Baltimore Ravens
Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has a reputation for taking a chance on talent with durability concerns early in the draft that others tend to pass by, and he did it again this year with the selection of Sergio Kindle(notes), who had a number of red flags. However, if Kindle stays healthy, he could be the draft’s biggest steal midway through the second round, and is perfectly suited for the Ravens’ defense. The selections of Terrence Cody(notes) and Ed Dickson(notes) also involved some risk, with Cody’s work habits in question and Dickson requiring time to absorb a playbook, but Newsome has a strong coaching staff to handle them. Dennis Pitta(notes) was another steal in the fourth round, and David Reed(notes), Arthur Jones(notes) and Ramon Harewood(notes) all potentially could earn roster spots. Despite trading out of the first round, the Ravens could land three starters from this draft. They continually recognized value, but it was offset by the risk involved. When factoring in the acquisition of Anquan Boldin(notes), the Ravens, as they have often done, had a strong showing, with four starters likely acquired.
Grade: A


Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were one of the few teams that stood pat and did not make a single trade. In typical Mike Brown fashion, there were some risky selections, most noticeably enigmatic DE Carlos Dunlap(notes) in the second round and Kansas State WR Dezmon Briscoe(notes) in the sixth, although the risk was much more minimal late. Jermaine Gresham(notes) was a very sound selection in the first round, with Pro Bowl-type potential. Jordan Shipley(notes) can factor into the slot but has been injury-prone. Brandon Ghee(notes) has first-round athletic talent, but free-agent level confidence and instincts, which could delay his development. Geno Atkins(notes) could help immediately as an inside nickel rusher. Roddrick Muckelroy(notes) could help on special teams. Otis Hudson(notes) and Reggie Stephens(notes) could both add depth to the O-line. Six draftees could easily make the roster, and collectively, the Bengals’ loaded up with great physical talent, but they may have overlooked some critical qualities that could lead to higher bust potential for Dunlap and Ghee. Overall, the Bengals’ draft was cleaner than usual, landing a potential Pro Bowl tight end in the first round, but it’s difficult to confidently project that they will come away with more than two starters.
Grade: C


Cleveland Browns
It’s difficult to say who deserves more criticism in the first year of the Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert regime: the team’s medical staff or the personnel department. Throwing aside strong medical reservations that other teams had about T.J. Ward(notes), Montario Hardesty(notes), Colt McCoy(notes) and Larry Asante(notes), the Browns’ draft would appear favorable, as they continually landed solid talent throughout the draft and rebuilt a suspect secondary. What also must be factored is the dealing of former first-rounders Braylon Edwards(notes), Kamerion Wimbley(notes) and Brady Quinn(notes) (not to mention last year’s deal for Kellen Winslow(notes) that involved compensation this year) and in addition to Alex Hall(notes) and Corey Williams(notes). Acquired were Jason Trusnik(notes), Chansi Stuckey(notes), Seneca Wallace(notes), Chris Gocong(notes), Sheldon Brown(notes) and additional picks. The Browns may have accomplished their goal of improving team leadership by trading out a bevy of first-rounders, but there was a net loss in talent. Still, they may have landed three starters in the draft with the selections of Joe Haden(notes), Ward and Hardesty. Plus, Shawn Lauvao(notes), McCoy, Asante, Carlton Mitchell(notes) and Clifton Geathers(notes) have developmental potential. Overall, the Browns have been as active as anyone in the league re-sculpting their roster and building a “team.” All eight picks could make the roster, but it appears much more brittle following this draft.
Grade: C-plus


Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers long have been a need-driven drafting team under the direction of Kevin Colbert, and they focused on a great need with their first pick, selecting one of the best centers (Maurkice Pouncey(notes)) to exit college football in a long time. Despite seeming to be drafted highly for a center, he was a very safe selection. Jason Worilds(notes) and Thaddeus Gibson(notes) are both raw, developmental rush LB projects with speed to be groomed. Emmanuel Sanders(notes) could compete for a job in the slot. Crezdon Butler(notes) has press cover ability. The final two rounds addressed some niche roles, as Stevenson Sylvester(notes) could provide help on special-teams coverage, Jonathan Dwyer(notes) could help as a short-yardage runner, Antonio Brown could factor into the return game and Doug Worthington(notes) could develop as a five-technique. Losing a first-round talent in Santonio Holmes for only a fifth-rounder weakens the class, even if the deal needed to be done for bigger reasons. The Steelers did very well addressing needs, and could come away with three starters if one of their project linebacker hits, but losing Holmes for such a low price lessens the impact.
Grade: B-minus

I'd like to know what they thought about Bradford if they're worried about McCoy's injury.

McCoy had 1 injury late in his 4 year career. Bradford had several in his 3 year Career.

EDIT: I think McCoy had a concussion in the A&M game a few years ago, but he didn't miss any games due to it.

I love these draft scenarios, in case you hadn't noticed. Here's another one: In Cleveland, midway through the third round, the Browns already had addressed cornerback, safety and running back; now they had two more priority positions to fill: defensive tackle and offensive tackle. They had picks 85 and 92. They had their two guys lined up from about the 70th pick on -- Kentucky defensive tackle Corey Peters and Arizona State tackle Shawn Lauvao. In the draft room, president Mike Holmgren, GM Tom Heckert and coach Eric Mangini, along with a few of the scouts, monitored the draft. Colt McCoy kept sliding.

"I had talked to Jon Gruden about Colt, and he really liked him,'' Holmgren told me. "But Tom said we've got our plan, we like this defensive lineman and the offensive lineman, and we should go ahead and pick them. I kept saying, 'What about the quarterback?' ''

At number 83, two spots before the Browns were going to pick, Atlanta GM Dimitroff picked Peters, the defensive tackle the Browns had in their sights at 85.

"Then,'' Holmgren said, laughing, "the fates were telling me something. We had to pick him. I said to Tom, 'Let's pull the trigger.' I tried to run this draft the way Ron Wolf used to in Green Bay. Everyone contributed. But I kind of pulled rank a little bit. I said, 'Let's do this.' ''

I figured Holmgen had some rank in the draft room. Nice to see him call the shots when need be. Not paying him the big bucks for nothing.

Can't wait to watch Hardesty this year. I think he was at worst the 2nd best back in the draft.

Overall, I'd give them a B- to a C+. There were a few players I'd rather them have taken, but overall, a decent draft.

Joe Haden - I think this "reach" as some people have called it will pay off. As has been said, despite his 4.5 forty, he plays the game faster. Really, that's all that matters to me. Although it is good to have a good combine, if you're a good player, you're a good player. This pick gives the Browns 2 good corners, along with Sheldon Brown.

T.J. Ward - Was not a fan of this pick, especially when a player like Sergio Kindle still on the board. This pick gives them the safety they needed though, and he is a heavy hitter as has been stated here before. In this division, you need a strong defensive presence (Polamalu, Reed,...etc.) and I think, in time, he will fill the need.

Montario Hardesty - A heavy runner. Could be a good 1-2 punch with Harrison.

Colt McCoy - They won't throw him into the fire which is what I like. Let him learn the system and I really feel like he could be the QB we needed here in Cleveland. He was a steal in the 3rd and I'm glad we did not pass on him.

Shaun Lauvao - Played tackle and guard in the college ranks and I can see him taking over the right guard spot on this team. Good pick, provides the depth we need on the o-line.

Larry Asante - Good tough player which is what we need on defense.

Carlton Mitchell - Could be a depth pick, could translate to a good possesion type receiver.

Clifton Geathers - Depth pick that could translate to a spot starter.

i love the ward pick he brings a nastiness to the defense

FYI...regarding the Hardesty "reach." There were three teams at the end of the 2nd round eyeing him...New England, New Orleans, and as we saw the Jets. Very possible it wasn't such a reach afterall.

jmog wrote:

killer_ewok wrote: Ward was by far the hardest hitting safety in the draft??? I can't say for sure because I haven't seen much of Ward but I have a hard time believing that he is that much of a harder hitting Safety than Taylor Mays. The crowd at Radio City Music Hall was ooh'ing and aww'ing at the highlight film that they showed of Taylor Mays laying dudes the fuck out. Maybe he's Mays' equal or a little better when it comes to hitting. Not sure. But if he was that much better in that area....he woulda put a few college players in wheelchairs.

Now, in regards to coverage....I have no problem believing that he is better than Mays. He couldn't cover for shit.

Mays was rated higher than Ward for 2 reasons, and 2 reasons only.

Measurables (6'3' and 230 lbs is huge for a S) and Ward's past injury concerns.

Ward, at worst, hits just as hard as Mays but probably harder and covers better.

Look up Ward's highlight real on youtube, he lays people out.

I watched Ward's highlight reel on YouTube. He's definitely a hitter. I refreshed my memory by watching one of Taylor Mays and I still think Mays had more violent collisions where he fucked somebody up. Either way, Ward doesn't lack in that area and I have little doubt that his coverage skills are superior to Mays'.

Fiver....I have no problem with them passing on Kindle in the second. A team like Baltimore, who is deep at LB, can afford to let him sit and recovery from microfracture surgery. Cleveland can't. Any second rounder is going to have to see the field THIS year.

As it is, I see 4 potential starters (Haden, Ward, Hardesty & Lauvao) out of this group by midseason. I really like the Lauvao pick and could see him replacing Steinbach.

BR1986FB wrote: Fiver....I have no problem with them passing on Kindle in the second. A team like Baltimore, who is deep at LB, can afford to let him sit and recovery from microfracture surgery. Cleveland can't. Any second rounder is going to have to see the field THIS year.

As it is, I see 4 potential starters (Haden, Ward, Hardesty & Lauvao) out of this group by midseason. I really like the Lauvao pick and could see him replacing Steinbach.

I agree totally, but right now we can't afford to "replace" Steinbach, he will have to remain and Lauvao play opposite him.

In a couple years as Steinbach ages, I agree with you.

I also believe we got 3 maybe 4 starters out of the draft by mid season.

jmog wrote:

BR1986FB wrote: Fiver....I have no problem with them passing on Kindle in the second. A team like Baltimore, who is deep at LB, can afford to let him sit and recovery from microfracture surgery. Cleveland can't. Any second rounder is going to have to see the field THIS year.

As it is, I see 4 potential starters (Haden, Ward, Hardesty & Lauvao) out of this group by midseason. I really like the Lauvao pick and could see him replacing Steinbach.

I agree totally, but right now we can't afford to "replace" Steinbach, he will have to remain and Lauvao play opposite him.

In a couple years as Steinbach ages, I agree with you.

I also believe we got 3 maybe 4 starters out of the draft by mid season.

Steinbach was lucky to make the team LAST year. If Mangini somehow has a decent season and doesn't get fired I look for Steinbach to be gone.

Mangini likes inline "mauler" type O-Linemen. Steinbach is a light in the pants "technician" who is more suited to a zone blocking scheme. Frankly, Steinbach got tossed around like a rag doll last year.

Crimson_Streak wrote:

i love the ward pick he brings a nastiness to the defense

This is my favorite T.J. Ward hit...



I also think the Larry Asante kid is going to make an impact on defense. He, like Ward, brings a nastiness to the defense.

killer_ewok wrote:

jmog wrote:

killer_ewok wrote: Ward was by far the hardest hitting safety in the draft??? I can't say for sure because I haven't seen much of Ward but I have a hard time believing that he is that much of a harder hitting Safety than Taylor Mays. The crowd at Radio City Music Hall was ooh'ing and aww'ing at the highlight film that they showed of Taylor Mays laying dudes the fuck out. Maybe he's Mays' equal or a little better when it comes to hitting. Not sure. But if he was that much better in that area....he woulda put a few college players in wheelchairs.

Now, in regards to coverage....I have no problem believing that he is better than Mays. He couldn't cover for shit.

Mays was rated higher than Ward for 2 reasons, and 2 reasons only.

Measurables (6'3' and 230 lbs is huge for a S) and Ward's past injury concerns.

Ward, at worst, hits just as hard as Mays but probably harder and covers better.

Look up Ward's highlight real on youtube, he lays people out.

I watched Ward's highlight reel on YouTube. He's definitely a hitter. I refreshed my memory by watching one of Taylor Mays and I still think Mays had more violent collisions where he fucked somebody up. Either way, Ward doesn't lack in that area and I have little doubt that his coverage skills are superior to Mays'.

That's because Mays always went for the big hit. I am sure that he whiffed more often than Ward

IggyPride00 wrote:

I love these draft scenarios, in case you hadn't noticed. Here's another one: In Cleveland, midway through the third round, the Browns already had addressed cornerback, safety and running back; now they had two more priority positions to fill: defensive tackle and offensive tackle. They had picks 85 and 92. They had their two guys lined up from about the 70th pick on -- Kentucky defensive tackle Corey Peters and Arizona State tackle Shawn Lauvao. In the draft room, president Mike Holmgren, GM Tom Heckert and coach Eric Mangini, along with a few of the scouts, monitored the draft. Colt McCoy kept sliding.

"I had talked to Jon Gruden about Colt, and he really liked him,'' Holmgren told me. "But Tom said we've got our plan, we like this defensive lineman and the offensive lineman, and we should go ahead and pick them. I kept saying, 'What about the quarterback?' ''

At number 83, two spots before the Browns were going to pick, Atlanta GM Dimitroff picked Peters, the defensive tackle the Browns had in their sights at 85.

"Then,'' Holmgren said, laughing, "the fates were telling me something. We had to pick him. I said to Tom, 'Let's pull the trigger.' I tried to run this draft the way Ron Wolf used to in Green Bay. Everyone contributed. But I kind of pulled rank a little bit. I said, 'Let's do this.' ''

And this is where the "butting of the heads" may begin. From information I've just read, Mangini did NOT want McCoy. Whether it was at pick #85 or pick #185.

Mangini wanted a player that could help him NOW....that could perhaps help him secure his job for 2011. Heckert didn't necessarily want him either but Mangini REALLY didn't. Holmgren overruled.

This should be interesting.

Being a Browns fan, I will take Holmgrens word over Mangina's any day...he has won, Mangini hasn't.

I know that Holmgren has the better track record than Mangini. I'm just saying I'm hoping this isn 't the beginning of several "differences of opinion."

That being said, I'm not holding my breath on McCoy. If he works out, great, but if he doesn't, oh well...he IS only a 3rd rounder that might STILL be falling if not for Holmgren stepping in. I'm not expecting him to be a "savior." We've gone down this road with people pimping Charlie Frye (not on here) and then Brady Quinn. I don't really have high expectations of a 3rd round QB.

^^
The group providing analysis for the draft on the Yahoo Sports tracker compared McCoy to a Bruce Gradkowski-type (which I guess means "competent in the right system, but nothing to get hyped about"). At the least, he doesn't have Ohio roots like Frye and Quinn, so you won't have to deal with message board people constantly making excuses for him if he fails.

The thing I think McCoy has going for him is his accuracy which is what you need in the WCO. I dont have a ton of faith he will pan out, but his skill set seems to fit what the Browns are trying to do, so to spend 1 of the multiple 3rd rounders on him is beyond acceptable in my eyes.

Yeah, I'd rather be "pleasantly surprised" than have any expectations of him.

There was a reason Holmgren wanted him, just sayin....

Gil Brandt looked at all the QBs of this draft beforehand and told Holmgren that McCoy would make him forget about Joe Montana if they used him in a West Coast offense.

That's one prediction I sure as hell hope comes to pass.

Heretic wrote:

mucalum49 wrote:I think all our OhioChatter doctors need to relax about the injuries. I'd trust the sports medicine guys at the Cleveland Clinic more than any analysts opinion on how a past injury may affect those guys. The Browns FO got their stamp of approval before even considering any of these guys.

I'd trust the sports medicine guys at the Cleveland Clinic, too...to add a good dose of the staph to whatever other issues these guys have had!

haha...I was thinking the same thing.

Writerbuckeye wrote: Gil Brandt looked at all the QBs of this draft beforehand and told Holmgren that McCoy would make him forget about Joe Montana if they used him in a West Coast offense.

That's one prediction I sure as hell hope comes to pass.

You and me both!