Pack given C grade for past 3 drafts

[Brandon494]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d817615c8&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

By Bucky Brooks | NFL.com
Analyst


Editor's note: Anyone in the NFL will tell you it takes three years to judge a draft. With that in mind, we asked analyst Bucky Brooks to take a look at how every NFL team fared over the last three years. In the third of a four-day series, he examines the AFC and NFC North divisions:

Minnesota: A
Total picks made: 18
Picks on current roster: 12
Touchdowns: RB Adrian Peterson, WR Sidney Rice, WR Percy Harvin
Fumbles: CB Marcus McCauley
Jury still out: S Tyrell Johnson

Analysis: The Vikings have quietly assembled a roster that is as talented as any in the league. The Vikings have put together their Pro Bowl-laden lineup by repeatedly plucking impact players in the draft's early rounds. Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin have emerged as some of the best players at their respective positions, and the Vikings wisely selected them by adhering to the "take the best player available" premise that is frequently uttered by scouts. Though the team had more pressing needs at those selections, the team's brass opted to take the top talent on the board regardless of position. In doing so, the Vikings fortified positions of strength and upgraded their overall talent base. Given the team's ability to routinely come up with impact players in the draft's early stages while avoiding big mistakes, the Vikings deserve high praise for their outstanding success on draft day.
Brooks' draft grades
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks takes a look this week at how every NFL has drafted over the last three years:

Green Bay: C
Total picks made: 28
Picks on current roster: 22
Touchdowns: LB Clay Matthews, TE Jermichael Finley
Fumbles: DT Justin Harrell, S Aaron Rouse, QB Brian Brohm
Jury still out: CB Pat Lee

Analysis: The Packers' recent draft haul has been a mixed bag, as several of the team's top picks have failed to perform to expectations. Justin Harrell, Brian Brohm and Aaron Rouse are a few of the Packers' early-round disappointments, and their failures have resulted in the team lacking quality depth in key areas. Though the team hit it big with the additions of Clay Matthews and Jermichael Finley, the inconsistent contributions of their top picks (B.J. Raji, Brandon Jackson, James Jones and Jordy Nelson) weighs down their overall grade when evaluating the overall impact of their recent drafts. The Packers unquestionably have a very talented roster, but their most recent draftees have delivered more promise than production at this point.

Detroit: C-
Total picks made: 27
Picks on current roster: 19
Touchdowns: WR Calvin Johnson, QB Matthew Stafford, S Louis Delmas
Fumbles: DE Ikaika Alama-Francis, QB Drew Stanton
Jury still out: LB Jordon Dizon

Analysis: The Lions ushered out the Matt Millen era after seven dismal seasons, and much of their ineptitude can be tied directly to the team's poor drafts during that period. Although Millen correctly nailed Calvin Johnson as an elite talent, the majority of the team's picks have been unproductive in a Lions uniform. However, the tide may be changing under the direction of Martin Mayhew. The team identified its quarterback of the future with the selection of Matthew Stafford last season. In addition, the team picked up an impact safety (Louis Delmas) and tight end (Brandon Pettigrew) in the draft's early rounds. While those picks are enough to erase several years of incompetence, the Lions appear to be on the road to respectability behind a refocused approach to the draft.

Chicago: D
Total picks made: 30
Picks on current roster:19
Touchdowns: TE Greg Olsen, RB Matt Forte
Fumbles: LB Michael Okwo, DE Dan Bazuin
Jury still out: WR Juaquin Iglesias, DT Jarron Gilbert

Analysis: The Bears have been aggressive with their approach to the draft and free agency, but the dicey moves have not delivered positive results. Although the jettisoning of a first- and third-round pick landed the team a Pro Bowl quarterback (Jay Cutler), his first season in the Windy City left a lot to be desired, and without a bevy of early-round selections the team was unable to surround him with the requisite playmakers. While Greg Olsen and Matt Forte have justified their lofty draft status with solid production, the team's other top picks have repeatedly fallen short of expectation. Michael Okwo and Dan Bazuin are a few of the Bears' selections that can be considered busts. Additionally, the team is patiently waiting for contributions from its top picks (Jarron Gilbert and Juaquin Iglesias) from a season ago. The Bears have been bold and daring in attempting to upgrade their roster, but the result has been more sizzle than substance at this point.

[Lurker64]

Grading the last three drafts is ridiculous. It takes three years from the date of a draft to really judge it. We can be reasonably confident that the 2007 draft was a bit of a disaster, but we can also be pretty sure that the 2006 and 2005 drafts were awfully good.

The 2008 and 2009 drafts? Too early to grade. Sure 2008 doesn't look good right now, but if Finley and Sitton continue to get better and better, it will be a good draft regardless of what happened with the rest of those picks.

[Fritz]

A better analysis would have been the 04-07 drafts, for sure.

[CaliforniaCheez]

If he was only grading drafts why does he discuss free agency??

Why no mention of players past the 3rd round?
Sitton was a good pick as was Hall.

Beating out Donald Driver and Greg Jennings is a tall order for James Jones and Jordy Nelson.

The writer just did not stick to his assigned topic.

[Fritz]

It's an old argument but I'll bring it up again: I don't think Harrell was a "fumble" because he's an injury case. And the back injury did not come from college - this was no pre-existing condition TT knew about and took a chance on.

Sometimes it's just bad luck. Now, Rouse and Brohm - yeah, those picks were the big fumblerooskis. Brandon Jackson looks like a role player - so for a second round pick, meh.

[sharpe1027]

Re: Pack given C grade for past 3 drafts

Green Bay: C
Total picks made: 28
Picks on current roster: 22
Touchdowns: LB Clay Matthews, TE Jermichael Finley
Fumbles: DT Justin Harrell, S Aaron Rouse, QB Brian Brohm
Jury still out: CB Pat Lee

Analysis: The Packers' recent draft haul has been a mixed bag, as several of the team's top picks have failed to perform to expectations. Justin Harrell, Brian Brohm and Aaron Rouse are a few of the Packers' early-round disappointments, and their failures have resulted in the team lacking quality depth in key areas. Though the team hit it big with the additions of Clay Matthews and Jermichael Finley, the inconsistent contributions of their top picks (B.J. Raji, Brandon Jackson, James Jones and Jordy Nelson) weighs down their overall grade when evaluating the overall impact of their recent drafts. The Packers unquestionably have a very talented roster, but their most recent draftees have delivered more promise than production at this point.

I won't argue whether the Vikings' past few drafts look better, because right now they do. That could still change over the next couple years.

I do think Bucky focuses too much on the success or failure of early draft picks. For example, where's the love for a Brad Jones, Sitton or Lang? I'm also not sure what was inconsistent about B.J. Raji, James Jones and Jordy Nelson. They provide good depth behind quality players. By comparison, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin didn't have to beat out the equivalent of Jennings, Driver and Pickett. Plus, they may need to be re-evaluated after a year of having TJack throwing passes to them.

His analysis feels more like a justification for his grade rather than the the grade being based upon an objective analysis. If you give the Lions past three drafts a C-, I'd have to give the Packers a B.

[Tony Oday]

Re: Pack given C grade for past 3 drafts

Green Bay: C
Total picks made: 28
Picks on current roster: 22
Touchdowns: LB Clay Matthews, TE Jermichael Finley
Fumbles: DT Justin Harrell, S Aaron Rouse, QB Brian Brohm
Jury still out: CB Pat Lee

Analysis: The Packers' recent draft haul has been a mixed bag, as several of the team's top picks have failed to perform to expectations. Justin Harrell, Brian Brohm and Aaron Rouse are a few of the Packers' early-round disappointments, and their failures have resulted in the team lacking quality depth in key areas. Though the team hit it big with the additions of Clay Matthews and Jermichael Finley, the inconsistent contributions of their top picks (B.J. Raji, Brandon Jackson, James Jones and Jordy Nelson) weighs down their overall grade when evaluating the overall impact of their recent drafts. The Packers unquestionably have a very talented roster, but their most recent draftees have delivered more promise than production at this point.

I won't argue whether the Vikings' past few drafts look better, because right now they do. That could still change over the next couple years.

I do think Bucky focuses too much on the success or failure of early draft picks. For example, where's the love for a Brad Jones, Sitton or Lang? I'm also not sure what was inconsistent about B.J. Raji, James Jones and Jordy Nelson. They provide good depth behind quality players. By comparison, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin didn't have to beat out the equivalent of Jennings, Driver and Pickett. Plus, they may need to be re-evaluated after a year of having TJack throwing passes to them.

His analysis feels more like a justification for his grade rather than the the grade being based upon an objective analysis. If you give the Lions past three drafts a C-, I'd have to give the Packers a B.

Agreed, take away Favre, insert Jump Pass and Percy and Rice would be busts.

[mngolf19]

Re: Pack given C grade for past 3 drafts

Green Bay: C
Total picks made: 28
Picks on current roster: 22
Touchdowns: LB Clay Matthews, TE Jermichael Finley
Fumbles: DT Justin Harrell, S Aaron Rouse, QB Brian Brohm
Jury still out: CB Pat Lee

Analysis: The Packers' recent draft haul has been a mixed bag, as several of the team's top picks have failed to perform to expectations. Justin Harrell, Brian Brohm and Aaron Rouse are a few of the Packers' early-round disappointments, and their failures have resulted in the team lacking quality depth in key areas. Though the team hit it big with the additions of Clay Matthews and Jermichael Finley, the inconsistent contributions of their top picks (B.J. Raji, Brandon Jackson, James Jones and Jordy Nelson) weighs down their overall grade when evaluating the overall impact of their recent drafts. The Packers unquestionably have a very talented roster, but their most recent draftees have delivered more promise than production at this point.

I won't argue whether the Vikings' past few drafts look better, because right now they do. That could still change over the next couple years.

I do think Bucky focuses too much on the success or failure of early draft picks. For example, where's the love for a Brad Jones, Sitton or Lang? I'm also not sure what was inconsistent about B.J. Raji, James Jones and Jordy Nelson. They provide good depth behind quality players. By comparison, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin didn't have to beat out the equivalent of Jennings, Driver and Pickett. Plus, they may need to be re-evaluated after a year of having TJack throwing passes to them.

His analysis feels more like a justification for his grade rather than the the grade being based upon an objective analysis. If you give the Lions past three drafts a C-, I'd have to give the Packers a B.

Agreed, take away Favre, insert Jump Pass and Percy and Rice would be busts.

Yeah, right. Or they may never experiece that. Judging based on that is shortsighted. Would Jennings be a bust without Favre or Rodgers throwing to him? Based on this analysis, yes.

[sharpe1027]

Re: Pack given C grade for past 3 drafts

Percy and Rice were good last year and are rightfully listed as very good draft picks.

It is just tough to judge them solely on last year's performance, and they should be reevaluated if their performances take a significant dip with a new QB at the helm and a year for teams to view film on them.

[ThunderDan]

Re: Pack given C grade for past 3 drafts

Green Bay: C
Total picks made: 28
Picks on current roster: 22
Touchdowns: LB Clay Matthews, TE Jermichael Finley
Fumbles: DT Justin Harrell, S Aaron Rouse, QB Brian Brohm
Jury still out: CB Pat Lee

Analysis: The Packers' recent draft haul has been a mixed bag, as several of the team's top picks have failed to perform to expectations. Justin Harrell, Brian Brohm and Aaron Rouse are a few of the Packers' early-round disappointments, and their failures have resulted in the team lacking quality depth in key areas. Though the team hit it big with the additions of Clay Matthews and Jermichael Finley, the inconsistent contributions of their top picks (B.J. Raji, Brandon Jackson, James Jones and Jordy Nelson) weighs down their overall grade when evaluating the overall impact of their recent drafts. The Packers unquestionably have a very talented roster, but their most recent draftees have delivered more promise than production at this point.

I won't argue whether the Vikings' past few drafts look better, because right now they do. That could still change over the next couple years.

I do think Bucky focuses too much on the success or failure of early draft picks. For example, where's the love for a Brad Jones, Sitton or Lang? I'm also not sure what was inconsistent about B.J. Raji, James Jones and Jordy Nelson. They provide good depth behind quality players. By comparison, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin didn't have to beat out the equivalent of Jennings, Driver and Pickett. Plus, they may need to be re-evaluated after a year of having TJack throwing passes to them.

His analysis feels more like a justification for his grade rather than the the grade being based upon an objective analysis. If you give the Lions past three drafts a C-, I'd have to give the Packers a B.

Agreed, take away Favre, insert Jump Pass and Percy and Rice would be busts.

Yeah, right. Or they may never experiece that. Judging based on that is shortsighted. Would Jennings be a bust without Favre or Rodgers throwing to him? Based on this analysis, yes.

Of course the Packers seemed to grow QBs. Favre, Rodgers, Hasselbeck, Brooks, Brunnell. All productive NFL Qbs. Over that same period I guess the Vikings can claim Culpepper as their own, maybe TJack.

[Fritz]

I think Rice is a heckuva receiver. I'm not sold on Harvin after one year, but he looks promising if he can stay on the field.

I agree with the earlier comment that later round picks that work out don't seem to get much credit. What was Sitton, a fourth rounder? The guy was way, way solid last year, but no love for him?

[Brandon494]

Harvin looks like the next Steve Smith to me.

[Fritz]

Steve Smith? The Michigan QB who was there back in the day when I was roaming the campus?

nah, I think Harvin's a lot better than that.

[Scott Campbell]

Harvin looked great - especially for a rook. They can't like all the migraines though. Rice has looked pretty good to me since late in his first year. And Berrian makes a hell of a #3.

[Bretsky]

I think Rice is a heckuva receiver. I'm not sold on Harvin after one year, but he looks promising if he can stay on the field.

I agree with the earlier comment that later round picks that work out don't seem to get much credit. What was Sitton, a fourth rounder? The guy was way, way solid last year, but no love for him?

Lots of hating on Sydney Rice in here a couple years ago and some sillies were noting how much better Jones will be. That dude is starting to realize some of his light out talent.

SITTON......that guy is going to give us what we wanted from a legit first round pick
Can't overlook a guy who was going to start right off the bat as a rookie and was probably our top OL last year.