NFL report card

April 27, 2009|by Paul Domowitch

Grading the Draft

 

Eagles: Swung two separate trades that got them a Pro Bowl left tackle (Jason Peters) and a 4-year starting cornerback (Ellis Hobbs). Got one of the draft's top two wide receivers (Jeremy Maclin) in the first round and some much-needed help for Brian Westbrook in the second (LeSean McCoy). All in all, a helluva draft.

Grade: A-plus

Arizona: With Edgerrin James being eased out, Beanie Wells, who slid to the bottom of the first round, gives Cardinals another power runner to go with Tim Hightower. Second-rounder Cody Brown will boost a pass-rush that notched just 31 sacks last year.

Story continues below.

Grade: B-plus

Atlanta: Another solid draft for Thomas Dimitroff, the league's '08 executive of the year. First-rounder Peria Jerry gives the Falcons much-needed size at the 3-technique tackle spot.

Grade: B-plus

Baltimore: Ravens need a wideout, but GM Ozzie Newsome jumped on OT Michael Oher when he fell to them in the first round. Methinks either Braylon Edwards or Anquan Boldin soon will be heading their way.

Grade: B

Buffalo: Additions of C Eric Wood and G Andy Levitre will help with the retooling of their offensive line. But picking undersized DE Aaron Maybin, a 1-year wonder who may or may not be able to keep meat on his bones, with the 11th overall pick is a big gamble.

Grade: B-minus

Carolina: Trading away a future first-round pick worked out so well for the Panthers last year (Jeff Otah) that they decided to do it again, trading their 2010 No. 1 to the 49ers to get Everette Brown, a projected first-round pick, in the second. Considering the uncertainty of Julius Peppers' situation, it was a much-needed pickup.

Grade: B-plus

Chicago: The acquisition alone of Jay Cutler earlier this month for a package that included their first-round pick made this a terrific draft for the Bears. Third-round DE Jarron Gilbert is a boom-or-bust pick. They added a sub-4.4 pass-catcher in the fifth round (Johnny Knox, of Abilene Christian).

Grade: A-plus

Cincinnati: As long as he keeps his shirt on, Andre Smith will be a solid addition to Bengals' o-line. Rey Maualuga unexpectedly fell into the second round and Marvin Lewis swept him up. He and second-year man Keith Rivers will give Lewis two athletic, hard-hitting 'backers.

Grade: A

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