AFC Draft Recap
by John Bena
Columnists Dave Gardner and John Bena break down the results of the 2008 NFL Draft. Today, John is up with the AFC.
Baltimore Ravens
Picks: QB Joe Flacco(1), RB Ray Rice(2), ILB Tavares Gooden(3), S Tom Zbikowski(3), OG Oniel Cousins(3), WR Marcus Smith(4), OT David Hale(4), S Haruki Nakamura(6), WR Justin Harper(7), RB Allen Patrick(7)
Best Pick: QB Joe Flacco
Analysis: B: Some may question whether or not the Ravens panicked a bit when the Falcons selected Matt Ryan with the third pick overall. The move down with Jacksonville was a shrewd one for Ozzie Newsome, but to give most of it away to get back in the top 20 for Flacco had some scratching their heads. It is obvious the Ravens had Flacco graded significantly higher than Brian Brohm and Chad Henne. Flacco does possess the best NFL arm in the draft, but time will tell whether or not playing at Delaware prepared him for the rigors of the AFC North. The Ravens also took advantage of having seven picks in the first four rounds, with Rice, Gooden and Zbikowski set to play significant roles as early as 2008. For a team desperate for a shot in the arm after the Brian Billick era, John Harbaugh and Co. did a solid job.
Buffalo Bills
Picks: CB Leodis McKelvin(1), WR James Hardy(2), DE Chris Ellis(3), CB Reggie Corner(4), TE Derek Fine(4), LB Alvin Bowen(5), Xavier Omon(6), OT Demetrius Bell(7), WR Steve Johnson(7), CB Kennard Cox(7)
Best Pick: WR James Hardy
Analysis: B- : The Bills hit homeruns with their first two picks, with Hardy being the most exciting. At 6-foot-6, 217 pounds, he’ll provide the large target Trent Edwards needs to continue his progression, and provides the Bills offense a significant weapon to play along side Lee Evans. With McKelvin, the Bills were able to grab the most talented corner in the draft, at last replacing Nate Clements. The value of getting Chris Ellis in the third round was solid, and Omon is a player with great upside. The Bills still have a huge hole at tight end, overlooking options earlier in the draft, then reaching to grab Fine. Overall, a solid haul for the improving Bills.
Cincinnati Bengals
Picks: LB Keith Rivers(1), WR Jerome Simpson, DT Pat Sims(3), WR Andre Caldwell(3), OT Anthony Collins(4), DT Jason Shirley(5), S Corey Lynch(6), TE Matt Sherry(6), LB Angelo Craig(7), WR Mario Urrutia(7)
Best Pick: LB Keith Rivers
Analysis: C: Nothing really went according to plan for the Bengals who were hoping one of the premier defensive tackles would fall to them at No. 9. It didn’t shake down that way, with New Orleans trading up to get Sedrick Ellis. As it stands, Rivers is an excellent addition to the defense. It is the rest of the draft that’s odd. The Bengals refused to trade Chad Johnson, then drafted three receivers. The choice of Jerome Simpson that high is baffling, and with the Bengals struggling in several areas on defense they went back to the wide receiver-well once again to get Andre Caldwell. While the third round was decent value for Caldwell, his injury history has to be a concern. Pat Sims is an intriguing pick, but there are simply too many questions to go any higher than a C for the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns
Picks: LB Beau Bell(4), TE Martin Rucker(4), DT Ahtyba Rubin(6), WR Paul Hubbard(6), DE Alex Hall(7)
Best Pick: TE Martin Rucker
Analysis: A: The Browns were an A before the draft even started for the moves they made, starting with the acquisition of quarterback Brady Quinn last year. With Quinn, Corey Williams (traded second-round pick) and Shaun Rogers (traded third-round pick), the Browns have their quarterback of the future while solidifying the defensive line. They didn’t stop there, getting linebacker Beau Bell, a sure-fire second-round pick before injuring his knee during practice for the Senior Bowl. The steal for the Browns, and maybe of the entire draft, was nabbing tight end Martin Rucker in the fourth Round. In another shrewd move, Phil Savage moved up to draft Rucker, a pass-catching threat who will supply insurance in case the Kellen Winslow situation spirals out of control. Wide receiver Paul Hubbard, who slipped all the way to the sixth round could be the No. 3 receiver before it is all said and done.
Denver Broncos
Picks: OT Ryan Clady(1), WR Eddie Royal(2), OC Korey Lichtensteiger(4), CB Jack Williams(4), RB Ryan Torain(5), DT Carlton Powell(5), LB Spencer Larsen(6), S Joshua Barett(7), FB Peyton Hillis(7)
Best Pick: OT Ryan Clady
Analysis: B: The Broncos went against their M.O. in recent years by avoiding the big splash, avoiding trades, and most importantly, drafting solid character guys who will be solid players on the field and better people off of it. With Clady, the Broncos found the perfect match for the blocking scheme; a guy who can protect Jay Cutler for the next 10 years. In the second round, the Broncos surprised some by taking wide receiver Eddie Royal. Royal provides the Broncos with the kind of return skills the team hasn’t seen since Darrent Williams’ untimely death and could battle for the No. 3 receiver job as soon as this season. The Broncos continued to add value, despite being without a third-round pick, and have added depth and athleticism to all facets of the game. Williams may have surprised some in the fourth round, but with Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymeh set to be unrestricted free agents next season, the Broncos have provided themselves some depth and protection. One guy to keep you eyes on is Barrett. He has all the skills to be a big-time safety in the NFL
Houston Texans
Picks: OT Duane Brown(1), CB Antwaun Molden(3), RB Steve Slaton(3), OLB Xavier Adibi(4), DT Frank Okam(5), S Dominique Barber(6), QB Alex Brink(7)
Best Pick: RB Steve Slaton
Analysis: C: This draft could have easily been better had the Texans not reached for Brown in the first round. After wisely trading out of the No. 18 spot, the Texans wasted the opportunity by grabbing Brown at No. 26. Fortunately for Battle Red fans, the 2008 draft got much better as the rounds went on. The Texans hit homeruns with Slaton in round three, Adibi in the fourth and Okam in the fifth. All three of these guys will have the opportunity to play immediately, and all three fell to the Texans well after their projection. Slaton, specifically, will fit the Denver running scheme perfectly.
Indianapolis Colts
Picks: OC Mike Pollack(2), LB Philip Wheeler(3), TE Jacob Tamme(4), OLB Marcus Howard(5), TE Tom Santi(6), OC Steven Justice(6), RB Mike Hart(6), WR Pierre Garcon(6), (OC) Jamey Richard
Best Pick: OLB Marcus Howard
Analysis: B: The Colts did exactly what you would expect from the Colts and that is put together a solid draft despite the fact they were without a first round pick. While on paper it appears the Colts draft three centers, what they did in actuality is add three linemen that have a lot of flexibility, can play of multitude of positions, and will provide depth, not only in 2008, but beyond as the team rebuilds the offensive line around 2007 first-round pick Tony Ugoh. The best pick is getting outside linebacker Marcus Howard in the fifth round. Howard fits the team’s scheme like a glove. He has the wheels to get into the backfield, or retreat into coverage. While he is a bit of a project, his natural ability, coupled with teammates like Dwight Freeney, will allow Thomas the time to come along as a pass-rush specialist. If he ever puts it together, watch out.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Picks: DE Derrick Harvey(1), DE Quentin Groves(2), OLB Thomas Williams(5), CB Trae Williams(5), RB Chauncey Washington(7)
Best Pick: DE Quentin Groves
Analysis: B: Hindsight is 20/20, and it is easy to take shots at the Jags later if all the wheeling and dealing on draft day does not work. As it stands now, give credit to Jack Del Rio and Co. for going out and making bold moves to try and get over the hump in the AFC South, and AFC as a whole. While it would be easy to pick Harvey as the Jags’ best selection, it is the selection of Groves in the second round may pay off. It provides protection for Harvey, forcing opposing offenses to worry about two quality pass rushers instead of one. Suddenly, the Jags are a lot faster and more athletic along the defensive line. They have lost some bulk, but the loss should more than be made up in speed. Add running back Chauncey Washinton in the seventh round, and the Jags have a solid replacement for Maurice Jones-Drew on special teams.
Kansas City Chiefs
Picks: DT Glenn Dorsey(1), OG Branden Albert(1), CB Brandon Flowers(2), RB Jamaal Charles(3), TE Brad Cottam(3), CD DaJuan Morgan(3), WR William Franklin(4), CB Brandon Carr(5), (OT)Barry Richardson(6), WR Kevin Robinson(6), DE Brian Johnson(7), TE Mike Merritt(7)
Best Pick: DT Glenn Dorsey
Analysis: A: The Chiefs needed to score big in this draft and they did, with the help of a little luck. First, the Raiders did them a favor at No. 4 by letting the best player in the 2008 NFL Draft fall into their laps. That allowed Kansas City to nab Dorsey, then attack their second greatest need on the offensive line with Branden Albert. With four more picks in the top 80, the Chiefs struck gold again with Flowers. Flowers has first-round talent and should plug right into the spot vacated by Ty Law. The Chiefs also addressed a need at tight end, picking up Cottam who has struggled with injuries but has the size and hands to be an effective tight end. Charles should allow the Chiefs to lighten the load on Larry Johnson, who has started to show some signs of wearing down.
Miami Dolphins
Picks: OT Jake Long(1), DE Philip Merling(2), QB Chad Henne(2), DE Kendall Langford(3), OG Shawn Murphey(4), RB Jalen Parmele(6), OG Donald Thomas(6), RB Lex Hilliard(6), DT Lionel Dotson
Best Pick: QB Chad Henne
Analysis: A: Leave it to Bill Parcells to come in and instantly make the Miami Dolphins a better football team. We’ll assume that Long is going to start on the offensive line for the Dolphins for the next 10 years. The draft actually improved after that pick. The Dolphins were able to grab Merling, a first-round talent, in the second round. Better yet, the Dolphins were still able to grab the quarterback they wanted the whole time in Henne. By getting Henne later in the second round, the Dolphins can bring him along slowly, without completely throwing last season’s second-round pick John Beck under the bus. Couple those three picks with tight end Anthony Fasano and linebacker Akin Ayodele, acquired from Dallas for a fourth-round pick, and the Dolphins have a vastly improved roster.
New England Patriots
Picks: LB Jerod Mayo(1), CB Terrence Wheatley(2), LB Shawn Crable(3), QB Kevin O’Connell(3), CB Jonathon Wilhite(4), WR Matt Slater(5), LB Bo Ruud
Best Pick: LB Jerod Mayo
Analysis: B: There is little doubt that Bill Belichick wanted to keep trading down. Picking at 10 overall is not something the Patriots want to do. Unable to get it done, the Pats took the best player on their board in Mayo. He is a perfect fit for their linebacker corps, and should find time on the field immediately. Wheatley was a ballhawk at Colorado. Crable, while not getting the pub of other prospects, is a solid, heady linebacker in the Mike Vrabel mold. The Pats always find the guys that fit their system, regardless of where or when they decide to pick them.
New York Jets
Picks: DE Vernon Gholston(1), TE Dustin Keller(1), CB Dwight Lowery(4), QB Eric Ainge(5), WR Marcus Henry(6), OT Nate Garner(7)
Best Pick: DE Vernon Gholston
Analysis: B: After spending heavily in the free-agent market, the Jets were happy to consolidate their picks to target a few areas of need. The first was getting Gholston, who should be the perfect fit as a rush-linebacker in the Jets’ 3-4 scheme. While the knock on Ghlolston was that he disappeared at times, Gholston has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. The Jets moved back into the first round to grab Keller, a solid pass-catching tight end to provide some weapons for the triumvirate of quarterbacks. The latest is Ainge who may have all the physical tools, tends to let his emotions get the best of him.
Oakland Raiders
Picks: RB Darren McFadden(1), CB Tyvon Branch(4), WR Arman Shields(4), DE Trevor Scott(6), WR Chaz Schilens(7)
Best Pick: CB Tyvon Branch
Analysis: C: Do the Raiders actually understand what the draft is about? With the best player in the draft sitting there in front of them, and perhaps the best pass rusher as well, the Raiders once again go for the glitz and glamour with McFadden. The Raiders are already very deep at running back and McFadden adds another star player to the fray that will make JaMarcus Russell’s job that much more difficult. Want to make things easier on a young quarterback? Get him a defense that can dominate, make plays and create turnovers. McFadden will be a solid player, but Glenn Dorsey is going to greatly enjoy playing the Raiders twice a year. On the flip side, Branch was a steal at pick No. 100 and wide receiver Arman Shields has a chance to be the third receiver in Oakland.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Picks: RB Rashard Mendenhall(1), WR Limas Sweed(2), LB Bruce Davis(3), OT Tony Hills(4), QB Dennis Dixon(5), OLB Mike Humpal(6), S Ryan Mundy(7)
Best Pick: RB Rashard Mendenhall
Analysis: A: The Pittsburgh Steelers always find a way to get it done in the draft. Yeah, they have pressing needs along the offensive line, but when a top-10 talent like Rashard Mendenhall falls in your lap, a team has to be smart enough to take him. He will provide the perfect compliment to Willie Parker, who is a question mark coming off a broken leg. Lightning struck twice for the Steelers when Sweed, another borderline first-round talent was available in round two. Sweed gives Ben Roethlisberger a big target to throw to and someone that will go up and make a catch in traffic. Never ones to ignore a pass-rushing linebacker, the Steelers were able to get Davis in the third round. Keep an eye on Dixon. The Steelers have a history of turning former quarterbacks into stars at other positions. Hines Ward, Kordell Stewart and Antwaan Randel El were all quarterbacks in college before being drafted by the Steelers.
San Diego Chargers
Picks: CB Antoine Cason(1), FB Jacob Hester(3), RB Marcus Thomas(5), CB DeJuan Tribble(6), OT Corey Clark(7)
Best Pick: Antoine Cason
Analysis: C: Nothing special about the Chargers’ draft, though Cason and Tribble are two solid corners to go with Antonio Cromartie. Hester was a bit of a reach in the third round, but the Chargers need to fill a need at running back and fullback, Hester can play both. Bigger concerns in San Diego are centered around Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson coming back healthy.
Tennessee Titans
Picks: RB Chris Johnson(1), DE Jason Jones(2), TE Craig Stevens(3), DE William Hayes(4), WR Lavelle Hawkins(4), OLB Stanford Kegler(4), CB Cary Williams
Best Pick: DE Jason Jones
Analysis: D: With easily the lowest grade in the AFC, the Titans had six picks in the first four rounds and did little with any of them. While there is no denying Johnson’s speed there were several players on the board that would have filled more pressing needs, especially on defense. Defensive end Philip Merling was there, as were cornerbacks Antoine Cason and Mike Jenkins. While they made up for it a bit by taking Jones in round two, the rest of the Titans draft leaves a lot to be desired.