GrnBay007
04-30-2007, 09:33 AM
From AOL Sports
Green Bay : Grade D
Top pick Justin Harrell is better against the run than the pass, and that's important for the Packers because of their competition with Chicago in the NFC North. But Harrell had a major injury to his biceps last year and, as much as the Packers need to upgrade on defense, they might have been better served finding a weapon to help Brett Favre before it's too late. It's hard to understand the second-round move, when the Packers passed over a durable runner like Tony Hunt, who'd be a perfect fit for their offense and their climate, and instead chose Brandon Jackson who, among other things, has a history of shoulder problems.
Detroit : Grade A-minus
The Lions wisely avoided worrying about their past failures with wide receivers and chose Calvin Johnson, generally considered the draft's best talent, with the second overall selection. You have to believe that Mike Martz will figure out a way to make the tandem of Johnson and Roy Williams productive, although quarterback remains a big question with Jon Kitna . In second-round pick Drew Stanton, the Lions have a popular local quarterback with a big upside if they can develop him. They used several picks to upgrade on defense and selected another of the big linemen, guard Manuel Ramirez, that club president Matt Millen favors. But the key to this draft will be Johnson, and it appears the Lions got this one right.
Chicago : Grade C-plus
With all their key players except Lance Briggs locked up, the NFC champs didn't have holes to fill. Tight end Greg Olsen, their first-round selection, has the size and speed to exploit defenses down the field as a receiver and create some running lanes. He's largely a one-dimensional player who is not adept at blocking, which limits his value, but the Bears will be able to utilize double tight end formations and Olsen's presence in the middle should mean more opportunities for Muhsin Muhammad and more help for quarterback Rex Grossman . Chicago also got some depth that should help its already potent defense.
Minnesota : Grade C-minus
Adrian Peterson 's collarbone issue did not concern the Vikings , who took the long-range view. This is a team that's rebuilding and, by passing on Brady Quinn, sent a signal they really believe Tarvaris Jackson will be their quarterback of the future. The Vikings will give Peterson a thorough exam this week and have conceded it's not out of the question he might require surgery but they believe that, ultimately, he will give their offense a much-needed shot of energy with a terrific combination of power and speed. Minnesota had other needs, but Peterson was the smart pick at No. 7 overall. The Vikings also added a pair of wide receivers later but they might not have done enough to address defensive shortcomings.
**********************************************
From Pete Prisco -CBS Sportsline
Green Bay Packers
Best pick: Justin Harrell. Yes, their first pick. He will be a force in the middle of their line.
Questionable move: Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson is a need pick, but he runs a little upright.
Second-day gem: Fifth-round pick David Clowney has blazing speed. If he can improve his route running, he could be a nice addition.
Overall grade: B
Chicago Bears
Best pick: They need a weapon in the middle of the field, so taking tight end Greg Olsen with the first pick was a good move.
Questionable move: Using a third-round pick on Garrett Wolfe, a small running back, is risky. They don't need him as a return man.
Second-day gem: Guard Josh Beekman, the team's fourth-round pick, will work in as a starter in two years.
Overall grade: C
Detroit Lions
Best pick: I like the choice of Ikaika Alama-Francis, a defensive end from Hawaii. He's a former basketball player, which says a lot about his athletic ability.
Questionable move: For some it's taking another receiver. But if you don't admit your mistakes, you're doomed by them. Taking Calvin Johnson was a good move.
Second-day gem: Fourth-round corner A.J. Davis is a smallish corner who has nice cover skills. He will be a perfect nickel corner.
Overall grade: B-. I like Johnson and second-round picks Alama-Francis and Drew Stanton. The Lions actually did some good things
Minnesota Vikings
Best pick: Third-round pick Marcus McCauley was once considered a first-round talent. He will push for the nickel job.
Questionable move: Passing on Brady Quinn in the first round. I love Adrian Peterson, but who will throw the football?
Second-day gem: Sixth-round pick Rufus Alexander was a tackling machine at Oklahoma. Getting him that late is a nice pick.
Overall grade: B. They drafted good players, but they didn't get a quarterback, which is why the grade isn't an A. Travaris Jackson better be a star.
*********************************************
From John Czarnecki / FOXSports.com
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Czar's breakdown: A lot of teams questioned the selection of Tennessee DT Justin Harrell with the 16th overall pick because he's entering the NFL off of surgery for a torn bicep, never a good injury for a linemen who has to use his arms so much to be successful. Because the Packers missed out on Marshawn Lynch, they selected Nebraska RB Brandon Jackson in the second round. Jackson rushed for 835 yards in his final nine games for the Cornhuskers, but a lot of scouts thought he should have stayed in school for his senior season. Instead of trading for Randy Moss, the Packers took San Jose State receiver James Jones in the third round and he has 4.6 speed. The 78th pick might have been a tad high for him. Virginia Tech safety Aaron Rouse is an intriguing defensive player because he could be used at outside linebacker. Colorado PK Mason Crosby had the strongest leg among draft-eligible kickers, but he performed pathetically at the combine. RB DeShawn Wynn has had weight problems at Florida, but he does have upside. Wynn never materialized into the running back that the college coaches expected, but maybe it will be different in the big leagues.
Grade: C
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Czar's breakdown: Well, the Vikings passed on Brady Quinn and that means they totally love second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. Instead, they grabbed Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson with the first pick and don't seem to have any concerns about his broken collar bone. Peterson was considered a top three pick with Russell and Johnson despite the injury factor, so Minnesota got value. The only odd statement about selecting Peterson is that RB Chester Taylor was their best player last season, totaling 1,867 yards from scrimmage while scoring one-third of their touchdowns. South Carolina WR Sidney Rice is a physical receiver who is coming a 1,000-yard season. Fresno State CB Marcus McCauley was considered a first-round talent in September, but a disappointing season dropped to the third round. East Carolina receiver Aundrae Allison could develop into an unbelievable playmaker, but he has major character issues but worth a fifth-round pick. Texas DE Brian Robinson is a little undersized for a fourth-round pick. Oklahoma LB Rufus Alexander, a classic tweener, was a tackling machine and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He was good value in the sixth round.
Grade: B-
CHICAGO BEARS
Czar's breakdown: You can't knock the selection of Miami tight end Greg Olsen at the bottom of the first round, but they jumped too early on Central Michigan DE Dan Bazuin who projects as a linebacker and on third-down running back prospect Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois. Wolfe is too light to be an every-down runner. Stanford LB Michael Ikwo definitely fits coach Lovie Smith's cover-two scheme. Kevin Payne of Louisiana-Monroe started as a running back in college but is now a hard-hitting safety and a good tackler. GM Jerry Angelo has opted to play chicken with LB Lance Briggs, who has threatened a 10-game holdout in 2007 if he doesn't receive a huge new contract. Angelo received no strong trade offers for Briggs. The only knock on Olsen is that he doesn't block like Mike Ditka.
Grade: C
DETROIT LIONS
Czar's breakdown: GM Matt Millen did a lot of trading on both days, and once again his draft is going to receive solid grades because he landed the best player — Tech receiver Calvin Johnson — and decided to keep him. Johnson is Millen's fourth receiver in the first round in the last five drafts. Drew Stanton of Michigan State has a chance to develop into a starting quarterback. Stanton has been compared favorably to Rich Gannon and offensive coordinator Mike Martz figures to school him perfectly. Stanton was a one-man show in college and put way too much pressure on himself. Millen didn't care about Brady Quinn because he always had his eye on Stanton. Hawaii DE Ikaika Alama-Francis is a raw talent with an excellent motor and awfully strong. He was moving up draft boards the last two weeks. Boise State safety Gerald Alexander has the ability to be a zone-coverage cornerback. Ditto for A.J. Davis of North Carolina State, who should compete as a nickel cornerback. The Lions also had Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick, and chose three-year starter Ramzee Robinson of Alabama, a cornerback.
Grade: A-
Green Bay : Grade D
Top pick Justin Harrell is better against the run than the pass, and that's important for the Packers because of their competition with Chicago in the NFC North. But Harrell had a major injury to his biceps last year and, as much as the Packers need to upgrade on defense, they might have been better served finding a weapon to help Brett Favre before it's too late. It's hard to understand the second-round move, when the Packers passed over a durable runner like Tony Hunt, who'd be a perfect fit for their offense and their climate, and instead chose Brandon Jackson who, among other things, has a history of shoulder problems.
Detroit : Grade A-minus
The Lions wisely avoided worrying about their past failures with wide receivers and chose Calvin Johnson, generally considered the draft's best talent, with the second overall selection. You have to believe that Mike Martz will figure out a way to make the tandem of Johnson and Roy Williams productive, although quarterback remains a big question with Jon Kitna . In second-round pick Drew Stanton, the Lions have a popular local quarterback with a big upside if they can develop him. They used several picks to upgrade on defense and selected another of the big linemen, guard Manuel Ramirez, that club president Matt Millen favors. But the key to this draft will be Johnson, and it appears the Lions got this one right.
Chicago : Grade C-plus
With all their key players except Lance Briggs locked up, the NFC champs didn't have holes to fill. Tight end Greg Olsen, their first-round selection, has the size and speed to exploit defenses down the field as a receiver and create some running lanes. He's largely a one-dimensional player who is not adept at blocking, which limits his value, but the Bears will be able to utilize double tight end formations and Olsen's presence in the middle should mean more opportunities for Muhsin Muhammad and more help for quarterback Rex Grossman . Chicago also got some depth that should help its already potent defense.
Minnesota : Grade C-minus
Adrian Peterson 's collarbone issue did not concern the Vikings , who took the long-range view. This is a team that's rebuilding and, by passing on Brady Quinn, sent a signal they really believe Tarvaris Jackson will be their quarterback of the future. The Vikings will give Peterson a thorough exam this week and have conceded it's not out of the question he might require surgery but they believe that, ultimately, he will give their offense a much-needed shot of energy with a terrific combination of power and speed. Minnesota had other needs, but Peterson was the smart pick at No. 7 overall. The Vikings also added a pair of wide receivers later but they might not have done enough to address defensive shortcomings.
**********************************************
From Pete Prisco -CBS Sportsline
Green Bay Packers
Best pick: Justin Harrell. Yes, their first pick. He will be a force in the middle of their line.
Questionable move: Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson is a need pick, but he runs a little upright.
Second-day gem: Fifth-round pick David Clowney has blazing speed. If he can improve his route running, he could be a nice addition.
Overall grade: B
Chicago Bears
Best pick: They need a weapon in the middle of the field, so taking tight end Greg Olsen with the first pick was a good move.
Questionable move: Using a third-round pick on Garrett Wolfe, a small running back, is risky. They don't need him as a return man.
Second-day gem: Guard Josh Beekman, the team's fourth-round pick, will work in as a starter in two years.
Overall grade: C
Detroit Lions
Best pick: I like the choice of Ikaika Alama-Francis, a defensive end from Hawaii. He's a former basketball player, which says a lot about his athletic ability.
Questionable move: For some it's taking another receiver. But if you don't admit your mistakes, you're doomed by them. Taking Calvin Johnson was a good move.
Second-day gem: Fourth-round corner A.J. Davis is a smallish corner who has nice cover skills. He will be a perfect nickel corner.
Overall grade: B-. I like Johnson and second-round picks Alama-Francis and Drew Stanton. The Lions actually did some good things
Minnesota Vikings
Best pick: Third-round pick Marcus McCauley was once considered a first-round talent. He will push for the nickel job.
Questionable move: Passing on Brady Quinn in the first round. I love Adrian Peterson, but who will throw the football?
Second-day gem: Sixth-round pick Rufus Alexander was a tackling machine at Oklahoma. Getting him that late is a nice pick.
Overall grade: B. They drafted good players, but they didn't get a quarterback, which is why the grade isn't an A. Travaris Jackson better be a star.
*********************************************
From John Czarnecki / FOXSports.com
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Czar's breakdown: A lot of teams questioned the selection of Tennessee DT Justin Harrell with the 16th overall pick because he's entering the NFL off of surgery for a torn bicep, never a good injury for a linemen who has to use his arms so much to be successful. Because the Packers missed out on Marshawn Lynch, they selected Nebraska RB Brandon Jackson in the second round. Jackson rushed for 835 yards in his final nine games for the Cornhuskers, but a lot of scouts thought he should have stayed in school for his senior season. Instead of trading for Randy Moss, the Packers took San Jose State receiver James Jones in the third round and he has 4.6 speed. The 78th pick might have been a tad high for him. Virginia Tech safety Aaron Rouse is an intriguing defensive player because he could be used at outside linebacker. Colorado PK Mason Crosby had the strongest leg among draft-eligible kickers, but he performed pathetically at the combine. RB DeShawn Wynn has had weight problems at Florida, but he does have upside. Wynn never materialized into the running back that the college coaches expected, but maybe it will be different in the big leagues.
Grade: C
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Czar's breakdown: Well, the Vikings passed on Brady Quinn and that means they totally love second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. Instead, they grabbed Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson with the first pick and don't seem to have any concerns about his broken collar bone. Peterson was considered a top three pick with Russell and Johnson despite the injury factor, so Minnesota got value. The only odd statement about selecting Peterson is that RB Chester Taylor was their best player last season, totaling 1,867 yards from scrimmage while scoring one-third of their touchdowns. South Carolina WR Sidney Rice is a physical receiver who is coming a 1,000-yard season. Fresno State CB Marcus McCauley was considered a first-round talent in September, but a disappointing season dropped to the third round. East Carolina receiver Aundrae Allison could develop into an unbelievable playmaker, but he has major character issues but worth a fifth-round pick. Texas DE Brian Robinson is a little undersized for a fourth-round pick. Oklahoma LB Rufus Alexander, a classic tweener, was a tackling machine and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He was good value in the sixth round.
Grade: B-
CHICAGO BEARS
Czar's breakdown: You can't knock the selection of Miami tight end Greg Olsen at the bottom of the first round, but they jumped too early on Central Michigan DE Dan Bazuin who projects as a linebacker and on third-down running back prospect Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois. Wolfe is too light to be an every-down runner. Stanford LB Michael Ikwo definitely fits coach Lovie Smith's cover-two scheme. Kevin Payne of Louisiana-Monroe started as a running back in college but is now a hard-hitting safety and a good tackler. GM Jerry Angelo has opted to play chicken with LB Lance Briggs, who has threatened a 10-game holdout in 2007 if he doesn't receive a huge new contract. Angelo received no strong trade offers for Briggs. The only knock on Olsen is that he doesn't block like Mike Ditka.
Grade: C
DETROIT LIONS
Czar's breakdown: GM Matt Millen did a lot of trading on both days, and once again his draft is going to receive solid grades because he landed the best player — Tech receiver Calvin Johnson — and decided to keep him. Johnson is Millen's fourth receiver in the first round in the last five drafts. Drew Stanton of Michigan State has a chance to develop into a starting quarterback. Stanton has been compared favorably to Rich Gannon and offensive coordinator Mike Martz figures to school him perfectly. Stanton was a one-man show in college and put way too much pressure on himself. Millen didn't care about Brady Quinn because he always had his eye on Stanton. Hawaii DE Ikaika Alama-Francis is a raw talent with an excellent motor and awfully strong. He was moving up draft boards the last two weeks. Boise State safety Gerald Alexander has the ability to be a zone-coverage cornerback. Ditto for A.J. Davis of North Carolina State, who should compete as a nickel cornerback. The Lions also had Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick, and chose three-year starter Ramzee Robinson of Alabama, a cornerback.
Grade: A-