Quote :

"tell that to drew brees, and leak is more accurate than he is"

doug flutie ftw. he is 5'10".

4/29/2007 9:42:08 PM

Wait, so no players from UNC got drafted this year????

Not one?

Dang, how in the hell do we keep losing to those fuckers? Oh yea, coaching and having no QB worth a damn.

4/29/2007 10:21:46 PM

just read an interesting note..

in the 02 or 03 shrine bowl, the defensive line for NC consisted of mario, tank, "puff" thomas, and terry hunter. mario and tank went to ncsu and are makin money in the NFL. puff and terry hunter went to unc...

4/29/2007 10:55:53 PM

amazing what marijuana will do for you

4/29/2007 10:57:54 PM

chuck would have probably kept them around.

4/30/2007 12:08:36 AM

"puff" thomas, even I feel sorry for that guy, that type of irony is just hilarious

4/30/2007 12:09:50 AM

Somebody please post Mel Kiper's draft grades.

4/30/2007 10:01:03 AM

does anyone know if their is a common website/page that lists the free agent signings of the undrafted free agents?

^here you go..

Arizona Cardinals: GRADE: B-
Once Joe Thomas was gone, the Cardinals had to make a decision whether to take Adrian Peterson or Levi Brown. Peterson would have been a luxury pick, which they couldn't afford to do, and Brown fills a hole. Arizona must improve its offensive line. There were quite a few teams that didn't think there was a lot that separated Brown from Thomas. Brown has a nasty streak and can play either tackle position. For the second straight year, Arizona took an underachieving defensive tackle from Michigan. Alan Branch has great physical skills but was an underachiever. He will either be a boom or a bust. Linebacker Buster Davis was a decent third-round pick, and Steve Breaston was a really nice choice in the fifth round because of his return skills and should pay dividends in the return game. Tight end Ben Patrick is a potential steal in the seventh round. He needs to work on his concentration and catching the ball, but Patrick could have gone in the third round and no one would have argued.

Atlanta Falcons: GRADE: B
Defensive end Jamaal Anderson was really the only option with Joe Thomas and Levi Brown gone. Plus, Anderson fills a need on defense. Justin Blalock is a big body up front and can play either guard or tackle. Cornerback Chris Houston would have been a risky pick in the in first round, but he presents good value in the second round. WR Laurent Robinson has a lot of talent, but is raw and needs to show he can make the tough catch in traffic. I thought taking him in the third round was a little high, but he does have ability. I really liked what Atlanta did Sunday. Stephen Nicholas has a very good shot to be a productive linebacker. I also liked the pick of TE Martrez Milner in the fourth round. He needs to work on his pass-catching skills, but he is a very good blocker. David Irons, at best, is a reserve defensive back; center Doug Datish could have gone in the third round, and he will provide some versatility, and Daren Stone is a developmental safety and special-teams player.

Baltimore Ravens: GRADE: B
Ben Grubbs is a great pick and pure guard. Yamon Figurs has speed to burn and will be the returner the Ravens need with B.J. Sams coming off an injury and being a free agent after 2007. Grubbs will start right away, and Marshal Yanda possibly also could start at guard or right tackle. Antwan Barnes is a typical hybrid combination between a defensive end and outside linebacker. Le'Ron McClain was the best pure fullback in the draft. Not only does he fill a need, but he could start since the Ravens lost Ovie Mughelli in free agency. This was a good organization for Troy Smith to go to as a developmental quarterback. He also could push Kyle Boller, who will be a free agent after 2007. Prescott Burgess had a nice career at Michigan, and getting him in the sixth round is a nice move because Burgess should have a solid NFL career.

Buffalo Bills: GRADE: B
The Bills had no choice but to go after Marshawn Lynch with the loss of Willis McGahee. Paul Posluszny could be a middle linebacker or OLB, making up for the loss of London Fletcher. Running back Dwayne Wright was a very good fourth-round pick if he can stay healthy. Down the road, Trent Edwards could give J.P. Losman some competition. And if Edwards develops in two or three years, the Bills could trade him, similar to what Atlanta did with Matt Schaub. John Wendling is a very athletic safety and was a good sixth-round pick. Derek Schouman is a pass-catching tight end with limited blocking skills.

Carolina Panthers: GRADE: B
I'm not enamored with linebacker Jon Beason, but he has the ability to be a team leader because he has a great attitude. I do like the fact that Carolina traded down to get Beason even though the Panthers were very high on him. The Panthers did a good job in the second round, getting WR Dwayne Jarrett and center Ryan Kalil. I thought Georgia defensive end Charles Johnson was a steal in the third round. Ryne Robinson was one of the better returners in the draft; Dante Rosario is a backup tight end; Tim Shaw, at worst, is a backup linebacker, and C.J. Wilson could be a decent backup cornerback.

Chicago Bears: GRADE: B
The Bears didn't expect Greg Olsen to be available that late in the first round; he'll give Rex Grossman a solid pass-catching tight end. Defensive end Dan Bazuin is perfect for the Bears' scheme. Garrett Wolfe showed he could catch the ball during his workouts and has the potential to be a good returner even though he wasn't asked to return kicks in college. Wolfe will be a good change-of-pace running back and potentially could be a very valuable part of this organization. Michael Okwo is undersized for a linebacker, but he runs well and is a smart player. In the fourth round, Chicago got really good value in Josh Beekman. He can play center but will be a guard on this offensive line. Kevin Payne is a versatile safety who makes plays and was a good fifth-round pick; Corey Graham will fight for a roster spot at cornerback and on special teams. Cornerback Trumaine McBride is a marginal prospect.

Cincinnati Bengals: GRADE: C+
Picking Michigan CB Leon Hall without having to trade up to get him turned out to be very good value for the Bengals. Running back Kenny Irons could have been a first-round pick but couldn't stay healthy his senior season at Auburn. Safety Marvin White was not a bad fourth-round pick; Jeff Rowe was a system quarterback at Nevada, and I didn't like this pick because there were better quarterbacks still on the board; Matt Toeaina is a good fit for Cincy's defensive line because he can play defensive end or tackle. Hall was a very good pick, but the Bengals did not do much else to improve on defense.

Cleveland Browns: GRADE: B+
The Browns were going to use the third overall pick on Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas or Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn. At the end of the day, the Browns came away with both players. From a pure talent standpoint, getting CB Eric Wright in the second round is good value. Wright had first-round talent -- you could argue he's better than Leon Hall and Darrelle Revis -- but slid because of character issues. Cornerback Brandon McDonald played under the radar at Memphis; and Melila Purcell has the skills to be a pass-rushing specialist. DT Chase Pittman will be a hardworking backup. The Browns did, however, give up a lot of picks in this draft.

Dallas Cowboys: GRADE: B
Purdue's Anthony Spencer -- who I think has a chance to be the rookie of the year -- gives Dallas a great pass-rusher opposite DeMarcus Ware. James Marten provides good security behind tackle Flozell Adams, who will be a free agent after next season. Isaiah Stanback will move from QB to wide receiver, and I really liked the pick of tackle Doug Free in the fourth round because he has a lot of talent. Dallas took place-kicker Nick Folk when Mason Crosby was still on the board; Deon Anderson will be an excellent lead blocker at fullback, and Courtney Brown has the necessary skills to be a developmental cornerback.

Denver Broncos: GRADE: B-
The Broncos tried to strengthen the defensive line, starting with Jarvis Moss in the first round. In the Broncos' system, he has a chance to get 10-12 sacks next season. Tim Crowder, if he can be more consistent, has a chance to be really good. Denver rolled the dice on former Florida DT Marcus Thomas. No question about his talent -- he spent a lot of time this year on my Big Board -- but character issues caused him to drop. If he stays focused, Denver got a steal in the fourth round. Offensive tackle Ryan Harris had a first-round grade in August, but his stock dropped and Denver grabbed him in the third round.

Detroit Lions: GRADE: C
It would have been tough to pass on Calvin Johnson, the best prospect in the draft. Drew Stanton will be measured against Brady Quinn because the Lions could have taken the Notre Dame QB. Stanton could be a decent starter, but he does not have a lot of upside. Ikaika Alma-Francis is a very good, but very raw, defensive end. Alma-Francis has a lot of talent and potential, and a lot of teams had a high opinion of him. Safety Gerald Alexander was a reach in the second round; A.J. Davis could be a good nickel or dime cornerback; Manuel Ramirez was a nice fourth-round pick who will be a starting guard in the NFL; and Johnny Baldwin was a good small-school linebacker at Alabama A&M who will be a good backup and special-teams player.

4/30/2007 12:00:31 PM

Green Bay Packers: GRADE: C+
Defensive tackle Justin Harrell didn't fill need, but the Packers chose the best available player over need. Harrell was hurt most of his senior season, but that didn't hurt his stock much. RB Brandon Jackson, if he can build on his strong finish to 2006, has a chance to be Green Bay's starting running back. James Jones was a decent third-round pick, a good wide receiver with natural receiving skills; safety Aaron Rouse is just an OK third-round pick; offensive tackle Allen Barbre is a bit overrated because he doesn't play as well as he tested during workouts. WR David Clowney has a lot of speed, and inside linebackers Korey Hall and Desmond Bishop should make it in the NFL as backups. Place-kicker Mason Crosby was a really good find in the sixth round. He has a great leg and has kicked in all kinds of weather playing at Colorado and in the Big 12. Crosby is not a product of the altitude in Colorado. I also liked the Packers' seventh-round picks: RB Deshawn Wynn from Florida and Rutgers tight end Clark Harris.

Houston Texans: GRADE: C-
The Texans took defensive tackle Travis Johnson in 2005, and he hasn't played up to his potential. They took DT Amobi Okoye when they should have been looking at a cornerback such as Leon Hall or Darrelle Revis. Also, they didn't do much to help new QB Matt Schaub on offense. Wide receiver Jacoby Jones played at Lane College, and tackle Brandon Frye and guard Kasey Studdard look more like backups than starters. This turned out to be a typical Houston draft. The Texans didn't help David Carr when he was their QB, and they didn't do much to help Schaub. Cornerback Fred Bennett was a good pick in the fourth round, and I really like linebacker Zach Diles. He had two productive years at Kansas State and might have flown under some teams' radar. Getting Diles in the seventh round was a good move.

Indianapolis Colts: GRADE: B-
The Texans should take a page from the Colts. They win the Super Bowl and what do they do in the first round? Give Peyton Manning another weapon on offense by taking WR Anthony Gonzalez. This was a great pick, replacing Brandon Stokley in the Colts' arsenal. Tony Ugoh could be the heir apparent to Tarik Glenn at left tackle, and I really like wide receiver Roy Hall, Gonzalez's teammate at Ohio State. On defense, Daymeion Hughes doesn't have great speed, but in the Colts' scheme, he could excel. Defensive end Quinn Pitcock is a tough, hard-nosed player who gets the job done; safety Brannon Condren was a bit of a reach in the fourth round, and fifth-round pick Michael Coe has the chance to be a good developmental cornerback.

Jacksonville Jaguars: GRADE: C
The Jaguars needed a playmaking safety. They not only got Florida's Reggie Nelson but traded down and still got the player they wanted in addition to draft picks. Linebacker Justin Durant (second round) went a little early, but I know Jacksonville really liked him. Wide receiver Mike Walker (third) also went earlier than I expected, but he does have a nice combination of size and speed. Not only do I like punter Adam Podlesh's strong leg, but he runs a 4.45 40 time, which will force defenses to always be thinking about a fake punt. Linebacker Brian Smith has some pass-rush abilities, but I also thought he would go later than the fourth round. Uche Nwaneri as a guard or center made sense in the fifth round. Josh Gattis is an intriguing safety because he had a good 2006 at Wake Forest only to lose that momentum in the months leading up to the draft. Still, Gattis has a chance to be a decent player.

Kansas City Chiefs: GRADE: C
Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is a good player, and he filled a need for the Chiefs. Kansas City used its next two picks on defensive tackles: Turk McBride is versatile, and Tank Tyler needs to build on his strong senior season. Kolby Smith is a serviceable running back; Justin Medlock is a good place-kicker, but I would have taken Mason Crosby.

Miami Dolphins: GRADE: C
Passing on Brady Quinn was ridiculous. Ted Ginn is a good player, will help Miami in the return game and fills a need. Still, they had Quinn staring them in the face, and they weren't going to have to trade up to get him. The Dolphins were fortunate that QB John Beck was still available in the second round and they were able to salvage their quarterback situation. Samson Satele is a good center, but he might have to play guard because Miami already has Rex Hadnot. Lorenzo Booker could be a really good third-down back. Paul Soliai was a very good pick in the fourth round and could see a lot of playing time in 2007. Drew Mormino made sense as a backup center; Kelvin Smith has a chance to be a starting linebacker someday; and Brandon Fields has a strong leg but is inconsistent.

Minnesota Vikings: GRADE: B+
Vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman had an outstanding weekend. Somebody had to fall to the Vikings in the first round, and with Adrian Peterson, they got a potential franchise running back to go along with Chester Taylor. Sidney Rice -- who could have been a top-15 pick if he had returned for his senior season -- is a great value pick in the second round. If cornerback Marcus McCauley plays the way he did as a junior, the Vikings got a great player in the third round. If McCauley plays like he did in 2006, he'll struggle to make the team. Brian Robison is a pass-rushing defensive end and a very good Day 2 selection. Robison also will contribute on special teams. Wide receiver Aundrae Allison spent time on the Big Board in 2006 and was a good pick in the fifth round; Rufus Alexander was a solid sixth-round pick; and Tyler Thigpen is more of a developmental, third-string quarterback.

New England Patriots: GRADE: B
Brandon Meriweather was the Patriots' only pick on the first day. He will fill a need at safety, fits their scheme and can cover, but Meriweather has to play like he did as an underclassman because he did not have a good senior season. Kareem Brown was an average defensive tackle at Miami who never took his game to the next level. Of the six picks the Pats had in the sixth and seventh rounds, they'll be fortunate if two of them pan out. The reason for giving the Patriots a B grade is they utilized the draft process by getting Randy Moss for a fourth-round pick as well as acquiring the 49ers' first-round pick in 2008.

New Orleans Saints: GRADE: B-
New Orleans went with Robert Meachem, the best available player on the board. The Saints weren't desperate for a wide receiver, but this was still a good pick. Cornerback Usama Young has a lot of physical talent, but his play at Kent was up and down. Taking Young in the third round could qualify as a reach. Young might have been a reach, but guard Andy Alleman was a quality pick in the third round. Antonio Pittman will give New Orleans more depth at running back; Jermon Bushrod is a quality prospect at left tackle; and David Jones from Wingate was a good sleeper pick. He had 15 career interceptions and was a really good small-college defensive back. Marvin Mitchell will be a backup linebacker.

4/30/2007 12:01:16 PM

New York Giants: GRADE: C-
I would have gone differently with the Giants' draft. Cornerback Aaron Ross has very good ball skills but not great catchup speed. I was surprised they didn't take left tackle Joe Staley because they need someone who can protect Eli Manning's blind side. The Giants took offensive tackle Adam Koets in the sixth round and even passed on left tackle Jermon Bushrod. If they had taken Staley, they could have drafted Eric Wright from UNLV instead of WR Steve Smith. I would rather have had Staley and Wright, but Smith is a good receiver and will be someone who holds onto the ball. Zak DeOssie was a really good long snapper in college and, at worst, will be a backup linebacker in the NFL. Kevin Boss (fifth round) is a natural pass-catching tight end with speed and has a chance to make an impact in the passing game. Safety Michael Johnson was a good pick in the seventh round but needs to be more physical.

New York Jets: GRADE: B
it was quality over quantity for the Jets, who drafted only four players. They traded up to get their first two picks, CB Darrelle Revis and linebacker David Harris. I had Harris going in the first half of the first round, so this is a great pickup for the Jets. Jacob Bender has a chance to be a nice developmental prospect at tackle.

Oakland Raiders: GRADE C+
JaMarcus Russell was a no-brainer because he has the chance to be a franchise quarterback. The Raiders have been trying for years to draft a tight end, and they took Zach Miller in the second round. Defensive end Quentin Moses had a first-round grade entering 2006, but he had an average senior season. Personally, I would have taken Moses' teammate Charles Johnson, but Moses does have talent. Left tackle Mario Henderson has tremendous physical ability but needs to put it all together on the field. I really like the picks of Johnnie Lee Higgins and running back Michael Bush. Higgins has very good hands as a wide receiver and also will help out in the return game. As for Bush, if he's healthy, the Raiders got a first-round pick in the fourth round. Jay Richardson was an average defensive end at Ohio State; safety Eric Frampton was a solid fifth-round pick out of Washington State; and Orenthal O'Neal is a good lead blocker for a fullback.

Philadelphia Eagles: GRADE: C-
First, they made a trade with the Cowboys, who used the pick on defensive end Anthony Spencer. Then, the Eagles used the 36th overall pick (their first pick in the draft) on Houston QB Kevin Kolb when QBs Drew Stanton, John Beck and Trent Edwards were all still on the board. I thought Kolb was a reach because he reminds me of Kyle Boller. Defensive end Victor Abiamiri was a good pick in the second round, and linebacker Stewart Bradley was a decent choice in the third round. Running back Tony Hunt was a good third-round pick; C.J. Gaddis, I thought, would have been a priority free agent instead of a fifth-rounder; Brent Celek is an average tight end prospect; and cornerback Rashad Barksdale will battle for roster spot.

Pittsburgh Steelers: GRADE: B
For the 3-4 defense, Lawrence Timmons was a good pick in the first round and using their second-round choice on LaMarr Woodley will give the Steelers some versatility in that Woodley could play as a defensive end in four-man fronts. I'm not sure how effective he can be as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but Woodley is a true playmaker on the field. Tight end Matt Spaeth is an excellent blocker and will complement Heath Miller and Jerame Tuman. I liked the fourth-round pick on Daniel Sepulveda, a left-footed punter with a big leg; defensive tackle Ryan McBean has a ton of talent but has to get more consistent; William Gay has a chance to be a good cornerback who can help in nickel or dime packages; and Dallas Baker was a good seventh-round pick because he has good height (6-3) and very long arms.

St. Louis Rams: GRADE: C+
A very good player and a solid first-round pick, Adam Carriker will be used more as a defensive tackle by the Rams. I really like the pick of Brian Leonard in the second round because he gives St. Louis options on offense. He can spell Steven Jackson at running back, play fullback when necessary, and also be used as a move tight end or H-back. Former wide receiver Jonathan Wade is still raw as a cornerback but was a decent third-round pick; center Dustin Fry is an overachiever; and Cliff Ryan should be able to contribute along the defensive line.

San Diego Chargers: GRADE: C
Wide receiver Craig Davis was a slight reach in the first round, but he does fill a major need. The Chargers also gave up a lot to get safety Eric Weddle in the second round; however, like Davis, Weddle fills a major need and was one of smarter and more versatile players in the draft. Anthony Waters is coming off a torn ACL, so if he can play like he did in 2005, he would be a good value pick. Tight end Scott Chandler is a good pass catcher but a marginal blocker, and WR Legedu Naanee has long-range potential.

San Francisco 49ers: GRADE: B+
After the 49ers took a tackling machine in linebacker Patrick Willis with the 11th pick, I liked seeing them move back into the first round (trading for New England's second first-round pick) and get Joe Staley, one of the best offensive tackles in the draft. QB Alex Smith needs someone who's going to protect his blind side, and Staley could do that for years to come. Jason Hill has a lot of speed and was a decent third-round pick. Defensive end Ray McDonald fits Mike Nolan's 3-4 defense; Jay Moore is an intense, hardworking outside linebacker; Dashon Goldson is more of a backup cornerback; Joe Cohen is a backup defensive tackle; cornerback Tarell Brown is a nice cornerback if he stays focused; and running back Thomas Clayton will be a very good backup to Ryan Gore.

Seattle Seahawks: GRADE: C
The Seahawks didn't have a pick in the first round, but they were able to get cornerback Josh Wilson in the second round and he could be a factor in Seattle's secondary in 2007 and also help in the return game. Brandon Mebane will be good rotation defensive tackle. The same goes for Baraka Atkins at defensive end. Mansfield Wrotto (4th round) went a little high for a player I think will be a backup; Will Herring will be a backup linebacker and solid performer on special teams; WR Courtney Taylor does not have a lot of speed but is more of a possession receiver and should make the team as a fourth or fifth wide receiver; and wide receiver Jordan Kent, son of Oregon basketball coach Ernie Kent, also has some ability.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: GRADE: C
The Bucs wanted wide receiver Calvin Johnson, but they weren't willing to give up enough to get the best player in the draft. Gaines Adams is similar to Simeon Rice, but he needs to do a better job against the run. Arron Sears is a versatile guard and was a solid second-round choice. Safety Sabby Piscitelli doesn't play as fast he does in workouts, but in Tampa Bay's defensive structure, there's a chance he could end up starting in 2007. You could argue Quincy Black was the fastest and most athletic linebacker in the draft, but he's not really instinctive. Tanard Jackson is an aggressive cornerback who could move inside to safety; defensive lineman Greg Peterson is a good developmental lineman; linebacker Adam Hayward is a marginal prospect; and offensive tackle Chris Denman is underrated and an overachiever and I like his chances of making the team.

Tennessee Titans: GRADE: C-
Vince Young needed help at wide receiver, and the Titans had Robert Meachem staring right at them. Michael Griffin is a nice safety, but he was a luxury pick and the Titans couldn't afford to take a safety when they needed help at other positions. The Titans also needed a running back, but Chris Henry wasn't productive in the Pac-10, so I'm not sold on taking him in the second round. Wide receivers Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Joel Filani are good but not great. Tennessee could have done a better job of helping the offense around Young. Griffin is a tough, hard-hitting safety and will be a great special-teams player.

Washington Redskins: GRADE: C-
Washington had only one pick in the first four rounds and made the most of it, getting LaRon Landry. (You could argue Landry was the best defensive player in the draft). Drafting Landry will allow Sean Taylor to play center field and roam the middle of the field. Landry will be in the box, and that will negate his weakness, which is judging the deep ball. In the fifth round, the Redskins took an average linebacker in Dallas Sartz; linebacker HB Blades was a decent sixth-round pick although a bit undersized; and QB Jordan Palmer never really emerged as a potential starter.

4/30/2007 12:01:40 PM

All and all, ESPN needs to bring Keyshawn Johnson back for next year's draft. He was classic in some of the things he said, esp. when he cracked on Ted Ginn, Jr. That was f'n greatness.

4/30/2007 12:23:47 PM

the cards got dicked in that article.

4/30/2007 12:35:04 PM

only thing i didn't like about keyshawn's coverage is that he compared every receiver with himself.

4/30/2007 2:30:32 PM

you just ruined my productivity

4/30/2007 2:32:35 PM

Zebransky to the Texans

good signing for them I think

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2854762&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

5/1/2007 12:49:44 PM

just heard on 850 that deraney signed a FA deal with the lions

gg John

5/1/2007 4:30:14 PM

I was wondering who would pick him up

he could save a team alot of money being both P and K

5/1/2007 4:35:08 PM

the lions kicker from last year was pretty good; will be hard for jon to beat him out

he only missed one fg from inside 50 yds. last year and was 3/6 from 50 to 59

name is jason hanson

their punter averaged 45 a kick last year according to espn.com too

how will it work for him; like would they keep 2 kickers on their roster?

5/1/2007 4:49:13 PM

maybe for backup or trade bait for their guy

5/1/2007 4:51:50 PM

Quote :

"Dallas Cowboys: GRADE: B Purdue's Anthony Spencer -- who I think has a chance to be the rookie of the year --gives Dallas a great pass-rusher opposite DeMarcus Ware. James Marten provides good security behind tackle Flozell Adams, who will be a free agent after next season. Isaiah Stanback will move from QB to wide receiver, and I really liked the pick of tackle Doug Free in the fourth round because he has a lot of talent. Dallas took place-kicker Nick Folk when Mason Crosby was still on the board; Deon Anderson will be an excellent lead blocker at fullback, and Courtney Brown has the necessary skills to be a developmental cornerback."

Yeah next D. Ware

5/1/2007 4:58:00 PM

I did a quick search and didn't see it posted anywhere, but James Newby was picked up by the Chiefs. I haven't looked for a link but he went to our church and they made an announcement last night about it

5/3/2007 1:26:17 PM

ESPN insider article from McShay requested by hgtran...

The 2007 NFL draft is in the books. While the class' true legacy will not be decided for several years, it will forever be notoriously linked to Brady Quinn's first-round tumble. The uncertainty of Quinn's situation played a small part in the record-setting length of this year's opening round (6 hours, 8 minutes), as Browns GM Phil Savage admitted to contacting each team that selected between picks 12 (Bills) and 22 (Cowboys) before finally striking a deal to move back into Round 1 for Quinn.

Before we get to any real analysis, here are a few more tidbits from the 2007 NFL draft:

• Louisville DT Amobi Okoye (19 years old) became the youngest player selected in the modern-era draft when the Texans chose him with pick No. 10 overall.

• The SEC led all conferences with 21 Day 1 draft picks, including 11 in the first round.

• LSU set the bar with four prospects taken in Round 1, including top overall pick JaMarcus Russell (Raiders). The other three were S LaRon Landry (Redskins) and WRs Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs) and Craig Davis (Chargers).

• Miami (Fla.) had three players selected in this year's first round (S Brandon Meriweather, LB Jon Beason and TE Greg Olsen), extending its streak to 13 consecutive years with a first-round pick. Coincidentally, Olsen was the first tight end selected by the Bears in the opening round since Mike Ditka in 1961.

• USC did not have a player selected in the first round for the first time since 2002.

• Hampton OLB Justin Durant became the first small-school prospect selected in the 2007 NFL draft when the Jaguars made him their choice in the second round (No. 48 overall). In fact, only two other non-Division I-A prospects were taken on the draft's first day. They were Lane WR Jacoby Jones (Texans, third round) and Illinois State WR Laurent Robinson (Falcons, third round).

All right, that's enough with the useless facts. Here are the best and worst picks made by all of the NFC teams during draft weekend.

Click here for AFC teams Insider.

Arizona Cardinals
Best pick: Buster Davis, ILB, Florida State. Davis' marginal height and subpar speed are the reasons he slipped to the third round. He will enter the NFL with a chip on his shoulder and it wouldn't be a bit surprising if he developed into another London Fletcher type for the Cardinals.

Worst pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State. Brown is a very good prospect. With improved technique he could emerge as a longtime blindside protector for QB Matt Leinart at right tackle. However, Brown was hardly the fifth-best player in the 2007 class. The Cardinals will ultimately be sorry they passed on Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson.

Atlanta Falcons
Best pick: Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas. Houston needs to become more physical versus the run and do a better job of finding the ball in the air. But the Falcons got a first-round value in the second round with Houston, who has outstanding man-to-man coverage skills.

Worst pick: Laurent Robinson, WR/RS, Illinois State. This is a simple case of differing opinions. The Falcons' decision-makers clearly have a greater opinion of Robinson, whom I view as an overrated small-school prospect. Robinson lacks the strength, elusiveness and versatility to project as anything more than a potential sub-package receiver in the NFL.

Carolina Panthers
Best pick: Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia. Johnson's lack of height and elite top-end speed turned off some teams, but he has better physical tools than his third-round selection indicates. Johnson was one of several great values for the Panthers in this year's draft.

Worst pick: Ryne Robinson, WR/RS, Miami (Ohio). It's hard to find fault with any of the Panthers' draft picks, which is why I am forced to nitpick here. Regardless, Robinson is an undersized receiver/returner who could have been landed a round later. This also was the team's second receiver selected in the first four rounds. The pick could have been put to better use on a tight end.

Chicago Bears
Best pick: Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (Fla.). Olsen was expected to be gone by the time the Bears selected with pick No. 31 overall. He gives the team an element of speed that it hasn't had in years. Rex Grossman should benefit greatly.

Worst pick: Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois. The nation's leading rusher in 2006 also happens to stand just 5-7 and weigh only 186 pounds. Wolfe has some potential as a third-down back and return specialist in the NFL but he has very little experience in the return game and is an injury waiting to happen.

Dallas Cowboys
Best pick: Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Purdue. While it might not appear to be a need area, Spencer could prove to be a key addition to a Cowboys defense that needs a better pass-rusher opposite DeMarcus Ware. Spencer is fast and powerful, as evidenced by his nation's-best 26.5 tackles for loss in 2006.

Worst pick: Nick Folk, PK, Arizona. Right position, wrong prospect. While I thought Colorado's Mason Crosby was overrated as a possible Day 1 prospect, he was worth the pick in Round 5. Folk is solid but he lacks the leg strength as a place-kicker and kickoff specialist that Crosby brings to the table.

Detroit Lions
Best pick: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech. It's unfortunate that Charles Rogers and Mike Williams are former first-round busts, but that would have been no reason for GM Matt Millen to pass on the draft's best player at pick No. 2 overall. Also, kudos to Millen for avoiding the temptation of taking a bad deal to move down.

Worst pick: Gerald Alexander, S, Boise State. Alexander is a versatile defensive back with good athleticism, but he doesn't possess the speed or run-support strength of a Day 1 pick. The Lions could have easily landed Alexander one round later.

Green Bay Packers
Best pick: David Clowney, WR, Virginia Tech. Clowney is an underrated prospect with lots to prove in the NFL. He's a former track star turned wide receiver but unlike most of those types, he shows good toughness and isn't afraid to go over the middle. His collegiate production would have been far more impressive if he didn't play in a rotation and in a run-heavy offensive scheme.

Worst pick: James Jones, WR, San Jose State. Jones made huge strides late in his collegiate career, especially in terms of his strength and route running skills. But it's my opinion that Green Bay reached in the third round for a receiver who will struggle to consistently separate from faster, tougher NFL defensive backs. Don't be surprised if Clowney is a more productive pro than Jones.

Minnesota Vikings
Best pick: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma. This was one of the best picks in the entire 2007 NFL draft. The Vikings could have reached for a cornerback like Revis or a defensive end like Anderson. Instead, they stuck to their value board and landed one of the top three prospects in this year's class. GM Rick Spielman made a choice that could greatly benefit the Vikings' organization for years to come.

Worst pick: Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina. The Vikings had one of the best overall drafts of any team in the NFL, so I'm forced to nitpick here. Regardless, I would have taken either of the USC receivers (Smith or Jarrett) ahead of Rice, who I believe has significant bust potential due to his inconsistent route running skills, lean frame and lack of explosive burst

[Edited on May 4, 2007 at 1:09 AM. Reason : j]

5/4/2007 1:07:26 AM

New Orleans Saints
Best pick: Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee. Another young receiver is hardly a need for the Saints but let's face it: Coach Sean Payton can never have enough offensive weapons. Meachem needs to improve his route running skills and he doesn't like going over the middle, but his combination of size, speed and athleticism can't be taught. Payton can take full advantage of his run-after-catch skills.

Worst pick: Usama Young, CB, Kent. Young was a fast-rising prospect late in the draft process due to his outstanding pro day workout. However, I never thought his play on game film matched up to those measurables. The Saints will have their work cut out for them in attempting to get third-round production out of this 5-foot-11, 194-pound corner.

New York Giants
Best pick: Steve Smith, WR, USC. The Giants needed to give QB Eli Manning another weapon and Smith was a steal late in Round 2. Smith was extremely productive at USC and he shows the speed, toughness, instincts and hands to emerge as an outstanding No. 2 receiver opposite Plaxico Burress.

Worst pick: Jay Alford, DT, Penn State. Alford has bulked up to more than 300 pounds but it's yet to be determined if he can maintain adequate mobility with the additional weight on his frame. While he plays the game with a great motor, Alford was a college overachiever with limited explosiveness. Simply put, his ceiling isn't high enough to warrant third-round selection.

Philadelphia Eagles
Best pick: Tony Hunt, RB, Penn State. Hunt's stock dropped a bit due to his subpar 40 times at Penn State's pro day. However, he's a tough, powerful runner who can ease Brian Westbrook's burden by handling the short-yardage and goal-line carries for the Eagles. Hunt also has deceptively good hands as a receiver, which is vital in the Eagles' offensive scheme.

Worst pick: Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston. Kolb is a talented quarterback prospect with the size, mobility and accuracy to succeed in the NFL. However, he also comes from a passer-friendly system and is considered more of a long-term project, which his why he was expected to come off the board later in the second round or early in the third. While the Eagles obviously view him as a potential future replacement for Donovan McNabb, they spent an awful lot moving up for a player who isn't likely to help them win now.

San Francisco 49ers
Best pick: Ray McDonald, DE, Florida. A long history of knee problems is the reason for McDonald's draft-day free fall. However, if he can build on a healthy 2006 season, the 286-pound defensive linemen will be a steal. He's a perfect fit as an end in the 49ers' 3-4 scheme.

Worst pick: Joe Cohen, DE, Florida. The 49ers' draft was excellent, which is why it took until the fourth round to find a disagreement. Cohen is another 'tweener defensive end/tackle who fits well in a three-man front, but he doesn't show the motivation or instincts of a fourth-round pick.

Seattle Seahawks
Best pick: Courtney Taylor, WR, Auburn. The Seahawks didn't select until the second round where they landed a potential starting corner in Maryland's Josh Wilson. But the team's best value came in the fifth round with Taylor, who is an underrated athlete with the size and hands to flourish with better quarterback play in the NFL.

Worst pick: Brandon Mebane, DT, Cal. In all reality, there's not much to criticize with regard to Seattle's overall draft strategy. While Mebane wasn't much of a reach in Round 3, the team could have addressed a bigger need at guard with a better prospect such as Iowa's Marshal Yanda -- and then found a similar value at defensive tackle (Florida's Marcus Thomas) with its next pick at No. 120 overall.

St. Louis Rams
Best pick: Brian Leonard, FB/RB, Rutgers. The Rams needed to find a back capable of taking some of the burden away from Steven Jackson and Leonard is the ideal candidate. Not only can he handle some of the short-yardage carries, Leonard also has outstanding receiving and blocking skills for the position, which will give the Rams flexibility when Jackson is taking a breather -- not to mention when both backs are on the field at the same time.

Worst pick: Cliff Ryan, DT, Michigan State. Ryan flashes some upside because of his size and mobility, but he struggled to stay healthy in college and he doesn't work hard enough at the game. In our opinion, he's an underachiever who wasn't worth drafting even in the fifth round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Best pick: Tanard Jackson, CB/S, Syracuse. Jackson slipped a bit due to an off-the-field blemish on his record, but he's matured since and is passionate about the game of football. Jackson is viewed by some as a better fit at free safety but I think he's an ideal candidate to emerge as a starter in the Bucs' Cover 2 defensive scheme.

Worst pick: Sabby Piscitelli, S, Oregon State. Piscitelli, 6-2, 224 pounds, impressed scouts with his outstanding workout times for such a big safety. Unfortunately, he doesn't show as much range in coverage or flash as much power in run support as his measurables would indicate. When it's all said and done Jackson will be the better pro -- and he was selected 42 picks after Piscitelli.

Washington Redskins
Best pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU. The Redskins reportedly wanted to trade back and acquire more picks but they didn't get the right deal to move. Instead of reaching for a defensive lineman such as Anderson or Okoye with this pick, Washington took the best available defender in Landry. Now the team boasts the most talented young safety tandem in the NFL with Landry and former fifth-overall pick Sean Taylor.

Worst pick: HB Blades, ILB, Pittsburgh. There isn't much to go on here considering the Redskins' next selection after Landry didn't come until the fifth round. While the team got a good deal on Blades in the sixth round, it couldn't afford to draft luxury at that point. Washington would have been better served taking a chance on a guard such as Kasey Studdard (Texas) or a defensive tackle such as Matt Toeaina (Oregon).

5/4/2007 1:08:07 AM

this here proves this article is trash

Quote :

"Worst pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State. Brown is a very good prospect. With improved technique he could emerge as a longtime blindside protector for QB Matt Leinart at right tackle. However, Brown was hardly the fifth-best player in the 2007 class. The Cardinals will ultimately be sorry they passed on Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson."

they drafted him on need not on value, you dont go with value when you are the cardinals under Ken.
they dont NEED Adrain they have Edge who they are paying alot of money. They NEED to bulk up that abysmal line in front of Edge who averaged like 3 ypc last year.

this guy is going solely on value, not on need


He even discredits the WR choice that Carolina made...they NEEDED a return man BAD so smitty wouldnt have to do all the work, this guy really doesnt make sense when it comes to NEED vs Value.

5/4/2007 1:25:31 AM

at least with Carolina he said we had a good draft so he had to nitpick our worst pick...course i figured value wise he wouldve said jarrett or the center

5/4/2007 1:27:44 AM

Yeah these grades are pretty pointless. They should not penalize teams for not having as many day 1 picks IMO.

Quote :

"Hall was a very good pick, but the Bengals did not do much else to improve on defense. "

Well, gave up our 3rd rounder this year to take the gangsta Ahmad Brooks last year, who will be starting for us at LB this year. Why not factor that into the grade?

5/4/2007 1:43:14 AM