Here's my team by team analysis on the 2012 draft. I'll start with the NFC first, from West-East, before finishing with the AFC:

                                               NFC WEST

ARIZONA CARDINALS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	13	Michael Floyd	WR	Notre Dame
3	80	Jamell Fleming	DB	Oklahoma
4	112	Bobby Massie	T	Mississippi
5	151	Senio Kelemente	T	Washington
6	177	Justin Bethel	DB	Unknown
6	185	Ryan Lindley	QB	San Diego State
7	221	Nate Potter	T	Boise State

     The Cards missed the boat by selecting a WR over a pass-rusher in Round One. This team lacks a supreme pass-rusher and play-maker on the defensive side of the ball. LB/DE Melvin Ingram could have been that guy for them. Still, they did a pretty good job of addressiong their OL woes, by selecting raw OT Bobbie Massie, and the physical OG, Senio Kelemente. Not much to speak of in the later rounds. 
GRADE: C-;

  

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	30	A.J. Jenkins	WR	Illinois
2	61	LaMichael James	RB	Oregon
4	117	Joe Looney	G	Wake Forest
5	165	Darius Fleming	LB	Notre Dame
6	180	Trent Robinson	DB	Michigan State
6	199	Jason Slowey	C	Western Oregon
7	237	Cam Johnson	DE	Virginia

  
     The 49ers should have built upon the team that they are...a tough, physical, defensive squad, that likes to run the football. But, undoubtedly influenced by their OT playoff loss to the NY Giants, they decided to go offense. In so doing, they reached a bit for WR A.J. Jenkins. Though this kid appears to have potential as a dangerous slot man, I thought that RB Doug Martin, OG Amini Solatolu, or OLB Courtney Upshaw would have been better choices. RB Frank Gore can't go on forever, and Martin would have been the perfect compliment.       The 49ers have a huge hole at RG, which Solatolu would have filled much better than subsequent 4th round pick, Joe Looney. Upshaw could have been another pass-rusher/play-maker for them on defense. In LaMichael James, the 49ers hope that they'll be getting their Darren Sproles. DB Trent Robinson and DE Cam Johnson were good later round picks:
GRADE: C+;

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	15	Bruce Irvin	LB	West Virginia
2	47	Bobby Wagner	LB	Utah State
3	75	Russell Wilson	QB	Wisconsin
4	106	Robert Turbin	RB	Utah State
4	114	Jaye Howard	DT	Florida
5	154	Korey Toomer	LB	Idaho
6	172	Jeremy Lane	DB	Northwestern State
6	181	Winston Guy	DB	Kentucky
7	225	JR Sweezy	DE	North Carolina State
7	232	Greg Scruggs	DE	Louisville

      
     The 'Hawks had a ton of draft picks, yet didn't use them all very wisely. Though first round draft choice Bruce Irvin is considered by some to be the best pass-rushing prospect available in this draft, he's had a bit of a checkered past. But, Pete Carroll supposedly knows this kid very well, and isn't concerned. What should concern him though is the fact that Irvin is suspect against the run, which would seem to limit him to being a situational pass-rusher. Melvin Ingram appeared to me to be the better choice. 
     I liked the Bobby Wagner pick at #47. The Seahawks lost MLB David Hawthorne through free agency, and Wagner could both replace him, and upgrade the position. But, can somebody please explain to me why Pete Carroll would spend a high 3rd round draft choice on 5'11" QB, Russell Wilson? QBs Kirk Cousins or Nick Foles would have made far more sense. Really liked the Robert Turbin pick in round 4. DT Jaye Howard and CB Jeremy Lane were worth rolling the dice on in the later rounds:
GRADE: C;

ST. LOUIS RAMS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	14	Michael Brockers	DT	LSU
2	33	Brian Quick	WR	Appalachian State
2	39	Janoris Jenkins	DB	North Alabama
2	50	Isaiah Pead	RB	Cincinnati
3	65	Trumaine Johnson	DB	Montana
4	96	Chris Givens	WR	Wake Forest
5	150	Rokevious Watkins	T	South Carolina
6	171	Greg Zuerlein	K	Missouri Western State
7	209	Aaron Brown	LB	Hawaii
7	252	Daryl Richardson	RB	Abilene Christian

  
     Going into this draft, no team was in a better position of improving themselves than the St. Louis Rams. Though there was a great deal of quality players available, there were only six blue chip prospects available. Owners of the 6th overall pick, the Rams were in position to get one of these six. But, when they had the good fortune of having potential shut-down CB Morris Claiborne fall to them, they traded down to pick #14, in exchange for the 45th overall pick. While it's true that the Rams need help everywhere, and could really use that 45th overall pick, shut-down CBs like Claiborne don't grow on trees...and should have been their selection. Instead, they chose a very raw run-stuffing DT, Michael Brockers. Sorry...but a top 15 player should never be a project, which is exactly what Brockers is. Plus, with DT being one of the deepest positions in this draft, one could have been had much later.
     I realize that the Rams need WRs. But, Brian Quick at #33?? Though CB Janoris Jenkins is supremely talented, should a rebuilding team like the Rams be taking chances on a head case, with their 39th overall pick? RB Isaih Pead will be a nice complimentary back to the aging Steven Jackson. The Rams spent the 65th on another player with attitude concerns, in CB Trumaine Johnson. Had the Rams opted for Claiborne at #6, would they really be needing to take chances on guys like Jenkins and Johnson? Wake Forest WR Chris Givens was a good addition at pick #96. But, not much to speak of thereafter:
GRADE: D+;

                                                NFC SOUTH
 

ATLANTA FALCONS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
2	55	Peter Konz	G	Wisconsin
3	91	Lamar Holmes	T	Southern Mississippi
5	157	Bradie Ewing	RB	Wisconsin
5	164	Jonathan Massaquoi	DE	Troy
6	192	Charles Mitchell	DB	Mississippi State
7	249	Travian Robertson	DT	South Carolina

     
     The Falcons are still suffering from their decision to mortgage their 2011 draft, and their first and fourth round picks this year, to obtain WR Julio Jones. Though Jones is a nice player, no WR is worthy of such a price...unless his names are Calvin Johnson, or Larry Fitzgerald. Center Peter Konz fills one of the many needs the Falcons have on their OL...though DE Vinny Curry or, especially OT Mike Adams, may have been better choices. Lamar Holmes, taken at pick #91, was a big-time reach at OT. At pick # 157, the Falcons chose FB Bradie Ewing...presumably to open up some bigger holes for aging RB, Michael Turner. DE Jonathan Massaquoi is an immature project at DE, while safety Charles Mitchell might make the team as a back-up and a special teamer:
GRADE: D;

  

CAROLINA PANTHERS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	9	Luke Kuechly	LB	Boston College
2	40	Amini Silatolu	G	Midwestern State
4	103	Frank Alexander	DE	Oklahoma
4	104	Joe Adams	WR	Arkansas
5	143	Josh Norman	DB	Coastal Carolina
6	207	Brad Nortman	P	Wisconsin
7	216	DJ Campbell	DB	California

     
     The up and coming Panthers took some serious strides towards serious contention in the NFC South with the addition of LB "Crazy Luke" Kuechley, out of Boston College. The best LB available in this draft, Kuechley is the rare three down MLB, who may actually be better in pass coverage than he is at shagging ball carriers. OG Amini Solatolu is a big raw kid with a mean streak, whose been compared favoravbly to former Dallas Cowboys' star OG, Larry Allen. 
     Unfortunately, the Panthers choose to reach for Oklahoma DE, Frank Alexander, at #103. TE Orson Charles, and, especially, OT Bobbie Massie, would have made far more sense. Carolina then recovered their senses, and selected KR/slot receiver Joe Adams, at #104. CB Josh Norman represents good value at #143, and punter Brad Nortman of Wisconsin was a good late 6th round pick:
GRADE: B-;

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
3	89	Akiem Hicks	DT	University of Regina
4	122	Nick Toon	WR	Wisconsin
5	162	Corey White	DB	Samford
6	179	Andrew Tiller	G	Syracuse
7	234	Marcel Jones	T	Nebraska

     When you've traded traded away your #1 pick, and your second rounder had been snatched away by "Jets" Goodell, the result usually end up reaching for a player with your highest remaining pick. Such was the case for the Saints, as they tabbed DT Akiem Hicks with their 89th overall pick. Hicks is a 6'5", 318 lb. developmental project, with long arms. It is hoped that WR Nick Toon will adequately replace the departed Robert Meachum. The huge Andrew Tiller (6'4", 324lbs.) may one day compete for the OG job, vacated by Carl Nicks. Their other picks appear to be practice squad material:
GRADE: D;

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	7	Mark Barron	DB	Alabama
1	31	Doug Martin	RB	Boise State
2	58	Lavonte David	LB	Nebraska
5	140	Najee Goode	LB	West Virginia
6	174	Keith Tandy	DB	West Virginia
7	212	Michael Smith	RB	Utah State
7	233	Drake Dunsmore	TE	Northwestern

     It remains to be seen whether the Bucs will regret passing up much needed CB Morris Claiborne. But, they did so because they had Alabama SS, Mark Barron, rated higher...and picked up a high 4th round pick (#101) to boot. Safety seemingly is becoming a very difficult spot to fill...and...with the NFL being all about spread offenses and big play TEs, one can understand why the Bucs feel that Barron is the more valuable player. Remember, the Bucs must deal with TEs Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez, within their own division. 
     The trade-up to secure RB Doug Martin of Boise State was a great move, as the Bucs packaged their 35th overall pick, plus that 101st overall pick acquired in the Claiborne trade-down, to get it done. 
     The Bucs continued to be aggressive, shipping their third and fourth round picks (68th and 126th overall picks) for Houston's 58th and 233rd overall picks, in order to snare Nebraska OLB, David Levonte. Some have compared Levonte favorably to former Bucs great OLB, Derrick Brooks. Thereafter, the Bucs reached for LB Najee Goode at #140, added versatile CB Keith Tandy at #174, added third down RB Michael Smith at #212, and reached for H-back TE, Drake Dunsmore:
GRADE: B;

                                            NFC NORTH
 

CHICAGO BEARS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	19	Shea McClellin	LB	Boise State
2	45	Alshon Jeffrey	WR	South Carolina
3	79	Brandon Hardin	DB	Oregon State
4	111	Evan Rodriguez	TE	Temple
6	184	Isaiah Frey	DB	Nevada
7	220	Greg McCoy	DB	Texas Christian

      
       With the Packers an elite team, and the Lions starting to roar, the Bears had work to do, with this draft. They moved to improve their defense by adding OLB/DE Shea McClellin, of Boise State. A late riser up the draft boards, McClellin has excellent pass-rushing potential...reminding me in many ways of the Packers' Clay Matthews.
     The Bears then moved up 5 spots, from #50 to #45, in exchange for their 150th overall pick, to select WR Alshon Jeffrey, of South Carolina. With WR Rueben Randle also available, one wonders why the Bears felt the need to move up. Did they fear the Patriots at #48, or the Chargers at #49? Then, at #79, they reached a bit for FS/CB Brandon Hardin. At 6'2", 222lbs., Hardin could be an imposing figure in their secondary.
     In the later stages of the draft, they added speedy CB hopefuls, Isaiah Frey and Greg McCoy:
GRADE: C;

DETROIT LIONS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	23	Riley Reiff	T	Iowa
2	54	Ryan Broyles	WR	Oklahoma
3	85	Dwight Bentley	DB	Louisiana-Lafayette
4	125	Ronnell Lewis	LB	Oklahoma
5	138	Tahir Whitehead	LB	Temple
5	148	Chris Greenwood	DB	Unknown
6	196	Jonte Green	DB	New Mexico State
7	223	Travis Lewis	LB	Oklahoma

     Though the Lions have a huge need for a quality CB, none were worthy of the 23rd overall pick. So, the Lions instead addressed their second greatest problem, their OL...and selected OT Reilly Reiff, of Iowa. That's good value, in that Reiff was considered to be a top 15 pick. But, why slot receiver Ryan Broyles, at #54...with players like C/OG Peter Konz, LB David LeVonte, DE/OLB Vinny Curry, OT Mike Adams, RB LaMichael James, and CBs Trumaine Johnson, Josh Robinson, and Casey Hayward...all of whom, especially LeVonte, Konz, Adams or James, would have been much better choices.
     Thereafter, the Lions got good value at #85, with CB Dwight Bentley, and at # 125, with Oklahoma LB Ronnell Lewis. LB Tahir Whitehead also has a chance. Their remaining picks, CBs Chris Greenwood and Jonte Green, and Oklahoma LB Travis Lewis, are real long shots:
GRADE: C-;

 

GREEN BAY PACKERS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	28	Nick Perry	DE	Southern California
2	51	Jerel Worthy	DT	Michigan State
2	62	Casey Hayward	DB	Vanderbilt
4	132	Mike Daniels	DT	Iowa
4	133	Jerron McMillian	DB	Maine
5	163	Terrell Manning	LB	North Carolina State
7	241	Andrew Datko	T	Florida State
7	243	BJ Coleman	QB	Tennessee-Chattanooga

     After getting destroyed by the NY Giants on their home field, the Packers had to have realized that their defense needed some serious work. Thus, they selected DE/OLB Nick Perry of USC, with their 28th overall pick. It is hoped that the fast 6'2", 271lb. Perry will form a devastating pass-rush duo, with Clay Matthews. At #51, the Pack had DT Jerel Worthy fall into their laps. If motivated, the massive Worthy could be a pocket collapsing DT. The Pack reached a bit for CB Casey Hayward of Vanderbilt. Still, Hayward has a history of making big plays in the rugged SEC Conference. Mike Daniels is undersized, but has ability as a rotational player, at DT.
     To round things out, Jerron McMillan is an intriguing SS candidate, who starred at the University of Maine. The question is whether he can keep up his fine play against much better competition. Terrell Manning is a good 4-3 OLB prospect. It will be interesting to see how Dom Capers incorporates him into his defensive scheme. Andrew Datko is a huge OT, whose had problems staying healthy. QB B.J. Coleman is a developmental project.
GRADE: B;

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	4	Matt Kalil	T	Southern California
1	29	Harrison Smith	DB	Notre Dame
3	66	Josh Robinson	DB	Central Florida
4	118	Jarius Wright	WR	Arkansas
4	128	Rhett Ellison	RB	Southern California
4	134	Greg Childs	WR	Arkansas
5	139	Robert Blanton	DB	Notre Dame
6	175	Blair Walsh	K	Georgia
7	210	Audie Cole	LB	North Carolina State

      The Vikes have a ton of ground to make up, in order to become relevant again in their division. They started off on the right foot by drafting LT Matt Kalil. In the process, they swung a great deal with the Cleveland Browns to move down one spot, in exchange for the 118th, 139th, and 211th overall selections. They would then trade their 35th and 98th overall picks to Baltimore, in exchange for the Ravens' 29th overall pick...which they used to select SS Harrison Smith of Notre Dame. Next, with their 66th and 118th overall picks, they added speed in the form of CB Josh Robinson, and WR Jarius Wright.
      Subsequently, they reached big-time with their 128th overall pick, to nab 6'4", 250lb. FB Rhett Ellison, of USC...took a flier on tall WR Greg Childs of Arkansas at #134, and added the somewhat slow-footed CB from Notre Dame, Robert Blanton. 
     In the later rounds, they added PK Blair Walsh. A 4 year starter at Georgia, Walsh has a chance. LB Audie Cole and DE Trevor Guyton are long shots:
GRADE: B;

                                                            NFC EAST    
 

DALLAS COWBOYS
Round	Pick	Player	Position	School
1	6	Morris Claiborne	DB	LSU
3	81	Tyrone Crawford	DE	Boise State
4	113	Kyle Wilber	LB	Wake Forest
4	135	Matt Johnson	DB	Eastern Washington
5	152	Danny Coale	WR	Virginia Tech
6	186	James Hanna	TE	Oklahoma
7	222	Caleb McSurdy	LB	Montana

The Cowboys need upgrades in the secondary, and along their offensive and defensive lines. Jerry Jones took steps to bolster the secondary by trading up from #14 to #6, in order to land shut-down CB, Morris Claiborne. The cost of this move-up was steep...Jones' 45th overall pick. Still the additions of Claiborne and FA Brandon Carr should greatly improve the Dallas deep patrol, and, they hope, give them a pay-maker in the secondary, that they really haven't had since the days of Deion Sanders. Their next two picks, DE Tyrone Crawford of Boise State, and OLB Kyle Wilbur, are solid, if unspectacular.      Thereafter, Jones goes off the reservation, and reaches for 6'1" DB, Matt Johnson, possession receiver Danny Coale could be one of those Wes Welker types. TE James Hannah and CB Caleb McSurdly are likely preseason fodder: GRADE: C;                         NEW YORK GIANTS Round Pick Player Position School 1 32 David Wilson RB Virginia Tech 2 63 Rueben Randle WR LSU 3 94 Jayron Hosley DB Virginia Tech 4 127 Adrien Robinson TE Cincinnati 4 131 Brandon Mosley T Auburn 6 201 Matt McCants T Alabama at Birmingham 6 203 Griffin Robert G Baylor 7 239 Markus Kuhn DT North Carolina State      The G-men had holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at RB, WR, and TE. GM Jerry Reese first addressed RB at #32, selecting David Wilson of Virginia Tech. Had Wilson not had ball security issues, he likely would have been the second RB selected. Next, Reese added WR Pueben Randle, who inexplicably slipped to #64. Several teams, including the Giants, reportedly had a first round grade on him. At #94, Reese bolstered his secondary by adding thin-framed ball hawk Jevon Hosley. It's likely that Hosley slipped top #94, due to his testing positive for marijuana at The Combine.       Reese reached for pass-receiving type TE Adrien Robinson at #127. The 6'4", 269 lb. Robinson is an imposing target. Still, he was hardly used in college, at Cincinnati. But, OT Brandon Mosely of Alabama was well worth the 131st overall pick...and could eventually compete for a starting job. OT Matt McCants of UAB has intriguing potential, standing at 6'6", and weighing in at 305 lbs. . With hard work, he could develop into a competent reserve, or beyond.     The remaining late round guys, 6'6" 335 OG Robert Griffin of Baylor, and 6'4", 305 lb. DT, Markus Kuhn, are huge developmental projects: GRADE: B;                           PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Round Pick Player Position School 1 12 Fletcher Cox DT Mississippi State 2 46 Mychal Kendricks LB California 2 59 Vinny Curry DE Marshall 3 88 Nick Foles QB Arizona 4 123 Brandon Boykin DB Georgia 5 153 Dennis Kelly T Purdue 6 194 Marvin McNutt WR Iowa 6 200 Brandon Washington G Miami (FL) 7 229 Bryce Brown RB Kansas State         Though Philly's primary needs seemed to be at LB and safety, Andy Reid loves stockpiling defensive linemen. So, it was no surprise when he moved up from #15 overall to #12, in order to select DT Fletcher Cox. The 6'4", 300lb. Cox is cat-like quick, and could develop into an interior pass-rusher terror. To move up 3 spots for Cox, Reid surrendered his 114th and 172nd overall picks. Reid followed that up by selecting 5'11", 240lb. MLB, Mychal Kendricks from Cal....and followed that up with OLB/DE Vinny Curry, who should fit in perfectly with what the Eagles like to do, defensively.       Reid then turned his attention to offense, selecting QB Nick Foles at #88 to back-up Michael Vick, before switching back to defense, adding CB/KR Brandon Boykin, at #123.       His remaining picks included a reach on Purdue's 6'7", 300lb. OT, Dennis Kelly...tall developmental WR Marvin McNutt from Iowa...got good value by selecting Miami OG Brandon Washington...before finishing up by taking a flier on Kansas State RB, Bryce Brown: GRADE: A;                      WASHINGTON REDSKINS Round Pick Player Position School 1 2 Robert Griffin QB Baylor 3 71 Josh LeRibebus G Southern Methodist 4 102 Kirk Cousins QB Michigan State 4 119 Keenan Robinson LB Texas 5 141 Adam Gettis G Iowa 6 173 Alfred Morris RB Florida Atlantic 6 193 Tom Compton T South Dakota 7 213 Richard Crawford DB Southern Methodist 7 217 Jordan Bernstine DB Iowa           RG III is the Redskins draft. Thereafter, Mike Shanahan had his Davon Wilson moment, selecting OG Josh LeRibebus, with his 71st overall pick. LeRibebus was rated no higher than a 6th or 7th round pick in most draft publications. Shanahan added to the insanity by using the 102nd overall pick to select QB Kirk Cousins. Not that Cousins isn't a good QB prospect, but with so many other needs, do the 'Skins really need to draft a back-up QB this high? Next up was Texas LB Keenan Robinson at #119. Robinson appears to be a solid OLB prospect, who can cover. Some have compared him to Giants' OLB, Michael Boley.       Thereafter, the 'Skins chose marginal OG prospect Adam Gettis, RB Alfred Morris, a marginal power RB prospect who could be switched to FB, and OT Tom Compton, who actually is listed as a better OG prospect than either Gettis or LeRibebus.       Finally, chose a pair of developmental DBs, Richard Crawford and Jordan Bernstein, to wrap things up: GRADE: C (but, if not for RG III, this grade would have been an F!);                                                           AFC WEST                                             DENVER BRONCOS Round Pick Player Position School 2 36 Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 2 57 Brock Osweiler QB Arizona State 3 67 Ronnie Hillman RB San Diego State 4 101 Omar Bolden DB Arizona State 4 108 Philip Blake C Baylor 5 137 Malik Jackson DT Tennessee 6 188 Danny Trevathan LB Kentucky                Despite having pressing needs in their secondary, DL, and at RB, they chose to trade down at #25, getting the Patriots' 31st and 126th overall picks in return. Then the Broncos chose to trade down again, acquiring the 36th and 101st overall picks from Tampa Bay, in exchange for their 31st and 126th overall picks, acquired earlier from the Patriots. Though these trades cost them the opportunity of landing RB Doug Martin and/or safety Harrison Smith, they still were left with their choice of quality DTs at #36. With that 36th pick, they selected fast rising DT Derek Wolfe. Then, with their next pick at #57, they chose the heir apparent to Peyton Manning at QB, the 6'7" Brock Osweiler of Arizona State.       Thereafter, they selected RB Ronnie Hillman of San Diego State. Considering that the rather diminuitive Hillman is more of a 3rd down RB, I was rather surprised that they went with him. That said, the kid is explosive, having broken most of Marshall Faulk's college records. Next, the Broncos took CB Omar Bolden, who would have gone much higher, had he not had Ras-I Dowling syndrome, including missing the season last year due to a torn ACL. Center Philip Blake of Baylor was a must take pick at #108, as the Broncos badly need to upgrade from current starting center, J.D. Walton.      Their final two picks, DT Malik Jackson of Tennessee, and LB Danny Trevertan of Kentucky, appear to be practice squad material: GRADE: C;                             KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Round Pick Player Position School 1 11 Dontari Poe DT Memphis 2 44 Jeff Allen T Illinois 3 74 Donald Stephenson T Oklahoma 4 107 Devon Wylie WR Fresno State 5 146 De'Quan Menzie DB Alabama 6 182 Cyrus Gray RB Texas A&M 7 218 Jerome Long DT San Diego State 7 238 Junior Hemingway WR Michigan        Scott Pioli is taking a huge chance on NT Dontari Poe panning out. In so doing, Pioli is showing a ton of faith in Romeo Crennel to coach this kid up. This gamble would be too rich for my blood. Instead, I would have opted for trading down from #11, and/or selecting OG David DeCastro, who will be a pro-bowl caliber player for years to come. Next, the Chiefs went OL, selecting the tough Jeff Allen, at #44. Though Allen played LT in college, he'll probably have to move inside in the pros. The Chiefs next reached a bit for huge OT Donald Stephenson...taking him a round or two early, at #74. Speedy but undersized WR/KR Devon Wylie went next, at #108.       Thereafter, chose CB/SS De'Quan Menzie of Alabama...who appears to have the makings of a solid reserve. RB Cyrus Gray of Texas A&M is a RB by committee type of guy only...while DT Jerome Long appears to be practice squad material. Michigan WR Junior Hemmingway is a thick, possession type WR, with a RB's build. He could find a spot on the team as an H-back: GRADE: C;                             OAKLAND RAIDERS Round Pick Player Position School 3 95 Tony Bergstrom T Utah 4 129 Miles Burris LB San Diego State 5 158 Jack Crawford DE Penn State 5 168 Juron Criner WR Arizona 6 189 Christo Bilukidi DT Unknown 7 230 Nathan Stupar LB Penn State        At the end of this season, NFL teams will look back on the Raiders' decision to trade two #1 picks to Cincinnati for QB Carson Palmer as the deal that put the Bengals over the hump, as a serious AFC contender. The Raiders mortgaged their future, trading away their first and second round picks last year, in hopes of stealing the AFC West title. We all know how that panned out. Despite having this millstone around their necks, new Raiders' boss Reggie McKenzie tried valiantly to salvage somthing out of this draft. With his first pick, 95th overall, he addressed the OL by selecting Tony Bergstrom of Utah. An OT in college, he'll likely move inside to guard, replacing the departed Robert Gallery. Next, he chose LB Miles Burris. Burris will be used  outside as a rush LB, yet has the versatility to move inside, if necessary.      DE Jack Crawford might have gone higher, had it not been for a recent DWI arrest. Keep an eye on WR Juron Criner of Arizona. The kid has some sort of neorological condition. But, if that can be kept in check, he could turn into a productive receiver.       You've gotta love Christo Bilukidi, listed as being from parts unknown. But, Mel Kiper knows who he is, and lists him as a 6'4", 289lb. DT, from Georgia State. Finally, there's OLB Nathan Stupar, who will be a long shot to make the team: GRADE: C-;                                                AFC SOUTH                                HOUSTON TEXANS Round Pick Player Position School 1 26 Whitney Mercilus DE Illinois 3 68 DeVier Posey WR Ohio State 3 76 Brandon Brooks G Miami (OH) 4 99 Ben Jones C Georgia 4 121 Keshawn Martin WR Michigan State 4 126 Jared Crick DT Nebraska 5 161 Randy Bullock K Texas A&M 6 195 Nick Mondek T Purdue      The up and coming Texans may be the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC, this season. They helped themselves by selecting OLB Whitney Mercilus at #26. Mercilus lead the nation in both sacks and in forcing turnovers last year. But, prior to 2011, he had accomplished little. Still, in this pass first league, it's good to grab a potential pass-rusher whenever you can.      A couple of Houston trade-downs left them without a second round pick. Instead, they had three 3rd rounders, and two fourth rounders. They used the first of the three thirds to reach for WR DeVier Posey of Ohio State. A potential deep threat, Posey didn't do all that much in college. Most publications had him as a 5-6 round pick. They used their second third rounder on OG Brandon Brooks. Unlike Posey, Brooks was a solid choice, and is an excellent run blocker. With their final third rounder, they selected C Ben Jones. Another solid pick, as Jones was a team captain at Georgia, and a very good center in the tough SEC.      With their 4th rounders, they chose WR Keshawn Martin. I like Martin much better than Posey. This kid has speed, and is a serious YAC (yards after catch) threat. Next, they took DE/DT Jared Crick of Nebraska. Crick has the tools to become a very good 3-4 DE, and adds quality depth to an already stacked DL.       Finally, the Texans selected PK Randy Bullock at #161, who will be needed, now that Neill Rackers has departed for Washington. Bullock won the Lou Groza award last year, signifying him as the best kicker in college football. Their last pick was deveopmental type OT, Nick Mondek of Purdue: GRADE: B;                               INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Round Pick Player Position School 1 1 Andrew Luck QB Stanford 2 34 Coby Fleener TE Stanford 3 64 Dwayne Allen TE Clemson 3 92 T.Y. Hilton WR Florida International 5 136 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 5 170 Vick Ballard RB Mississippi State 6 206 Lavon Brazill WR Ohio U. 7 208 Justin Anderson T Georgia 7 214 Tim Fugger DE Vanderbilt      The "Suck for Luck" strategy worked. As a result, the Colts have a new stud QB, who, barring injury, should lead them to eventual prosperity, within the next 3-4 years. Despite badly needing help on both offensive and defensive lines, the Colts sprung for TE Coby Fleener, at #34. Fleener could serve as a security blanket for Luck, as the Colts begin to surround him with some weapons. Then, with their 65th overall pick, the Colts surprised by taking TE Dwayne Allen from Clemson. Will Fleener and Allen be Indy's version of Gronk and Hernandez? With the 92nd pick, Indy reached for slot receiver  T.Y. Hilton. Though I realize that they aim to surround Luck with weapons, what good are the weapons if Luck is ending up flat on his back?      At pick #136, the Colts finally addressed their putrid defense, by adding Alabama NT, Josh Chapman. Hard nosed RB Vick Ballard was a good addition at #170. Indy hopes to get something out of Ohio University WR Lavon Brazill. Late pick Justin Anderson showed some promise at Georgia last year, as their starting RT. DE Tim Fugger and QB Chandler Harnish are long shots, with Fugger projected as a 3-4 LB, and Harnish as a 3rd string developmental QB: GRADE: B (but Luck is the main reason for the high grade);                           JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Round Pick Player Position School 1 5 Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State 2 38 Andre Branch DE Clemson 3 70 Bryan Anger P California 5 142 Brandon Marshall LB Nevada 6 176 Mike Harris DB Florida State 7 228 Jeris Pendleton DT Unknown      The Jags started off by trading their 7th and 101st overall picks to Tampa, in order to trade up two spots, and select WR Justin Blackmon. I thought this to be a bad move for the Jaguars. Though Blackmon is a good player, he's just a WR. If I were running the Jags, I would have stayed put, and tried to trade down. If that wasn't possible, I would have selected either CB Stephon Gilmore, or LB/DE Melvin Ingram. At #38, the Jags went with alleged DE Andre Branch. I see Branch as more of a 3-4 OLB than a DE. Had the Jags taken Ingram at #7, they could have scored at WR with Stephen Hill or Alshon Jeffery at #38. Meanwhile, who at #38 is in the same area code as a pass-rusher or CB, than Ingram and Gilmore (unless of course, you want to roll dice on Janoris Jenkins).      At #70, the Jags mysteriously chose punter Bryan Anger. In so doing, they passed up players such as CB Dwight Bentley safeties Brandon Hardin and Brandon Taylor, and WR Mohamed Sanu. At #142, Jacksonville went with OLB Brandon Marshall, who appears to be a marginal prospect. CB Mike Harris has some potential, and DT Jeris Pendleton is another parts unknown guy.      Lots of missed opportunities here:  GRADE: D+;                               TENNESSEE TITANS Round Pick Player Position School 1 20 Kendall Wright WR Baylor 2 52 Zach Brown LB North Carolina 3 82 Mike Martin DE Michigan 4 115 Cody Sensabaugh DB Clemson 5 145 Taylor Thompson TE Southern Methodist 6 190 Markelle Martin DB Oklahoma State 7 211 Scott Solomon DE Rice      The Titans came into this draft looking for a pass-rusher, help in the secondary, and to beef up their OL. So, of course they use their #1 pick on WR Kendall Wright of Baylor. I wonder if BB will send them a thank you card, for passing up DE Chandler Jones? Next, at #52, the Tuxedos landed OLB Zach Brown of North Carolina. ProFootball Weekly summarized Brown as follows: "...Undisciplined, run-around free-lancer with rare speed and explosion to wow evaluators with flash plays, but overall body of work leaves much to be desired...Could always be nagged by tight hamstrings". Michigan DE Mike Martin, taken at #82, is really a DT/NT type. The 6'1", 306lb. fireplug could act as a rugged run stuffer in any scheme.      Thereafter, the Titans chose CB Cody Sensabaugh at #115, has good speed and some potential. TE Taylor Thompson played at Southern Methodist (SMU). The 6'5", 286 pounder with 4.9 speed was a 5T DE there, but is projected to play TE...where he starred in high school. DE Scott Solomon is a DE/OLB hopeful: GRADE: F;                                                         AFC NORTH                           BALTIMORE RAVENS Round Pick Player Position School 2 35 Courtney Upshaw DE Alabama 2 60 Kelechi Osemele T Iowa State 3 84 Bernard Pierce RB Temple 4 98 Gino Gradkowski G Delaware 4 130 Christian Thompson DB South Carolina State 5 169 Asa Jackson DB Cal Poly-S.L.O. 6 198 Tommy Streeter WR Miami (FL) 7 236 Deangelo Tyson DE Georgia      The Buzzards main issues were on their OL, DE/LB, and WR. They had targeted ILB Dont'a Hightower, until the Patriots jumped ahead of them, and snagged him at #25. But, rather Ravens' GM Ozzie Newsome had a Plan B, as he always does. He traded down with Minnesota from the 29th pick to the 35th selection, receiving the 98th overall pick for his trouble. Then, at #35, he got the player that he likely would have taken at #29, OLB/DE Courtney Upshaw of Alabama. Upshaw should assist Terrell Suggs in applying pressure to opposing passers this season. Next, "The Oz" address his OL, taking nasty OT/OG Kelechi Osemele. Concerned that franchised RB Ray Rice may hold out, Oz selected RB Bernard Pierce of Temple, at #84. The 6'0", 218lb, Pierce is a speedy, slashing style RB, with the potential to be as good as he wants to be. At #98, Oz went back to his OL, and reached for Delaware guard, Gino Gradkowski.       With picks 130 and 169, Newsome added depth to his secondary, selecting small school safety Christian Thompson (6'0". 213lbs, 4.48 speed), and speedy nickel/dime CB, Asa Jackson. At #198, he took a flier on Miami's 6'5", 217lb. WR, Tommy Streeter...who has incredible 4.35 speed. Streeter fell to this spot because many question his consistency, seeing him as a "one year wonder". Still, at this point in the draft, he's a steal. Newsome's last pick was DT Deangelo Tyson...a 6'2", 315lb. run stuffer: GRADE: C+;                         CINCINNATI BENGALS Round Pick Player Position School 1 17 Dre Kirkpatrick DB Alabama 1 27 Kevin Zeitler G Wisconsin 2 53 Devon Still DT Penn State 3 83 Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers 3 93 Brandon Thompson DT Clemson 4 116 Charles Orson TE Georgia 5 156 Shaun Prater DB Iowa 5 166 Marvin Jones WR California 5 167 George Iloka DB Boise State          Watch out Steelers and Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals are on the march! The Bengals had entered the 2012 draft with two #1 picks, the 17th and 21st overall. With the 17th overall pick acquired courtesy of the Oakland Raiders, the Bengals addressed they biggest weakness, at CB, by selecting Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama. They then flipped they own #1 draft choice, the 21st overall, to the New England Patriots, for the Pats' 27th and 93rd overall pick. They then used the 27th pick to select OG, Kevin Zeitler. Yet, one has to wonder why the Bengals would consider doing anything to help the Patriots. Furthermore, by trading down, the Bengals passed up OG David DeCastro, who appears to have what it takes to be a perrenial pro-bowler. With their 53rd overall pick, the Bengals added massive DT, Devon Still. Then, with their 83rd overall pick, they added Rutgers' WR, Mohamed Sanu. They next further stockpiled talent on their DL, by adding the Vince Wilfolk-like DT, Brandon Thompson.        At #116, they selected TE Orson Charles, who, prior to an untimely DWI arrest, was considered by many to be the best TE prospect in this draft class. Iowa DB Shaun Prater, selected at #156, appears to be an ideal nickel CB. WR Marvin Jones, taken just 2 picks later, has the makings of an outstanding slot receiver. FS George Ioka was taken at #166 (Chad Ochocincho trade), and should provide depth in their secondary. Finally, RB Dan "Boom" Herron was selected with their 191st pick, adds depth to the RB corp: GRADE: A;                           CLEVELAND BROWNS Round Pick Player Position School 1 3 Trent Richardson RB Alabama 1 22 Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State 2 37 Mitchell Schwartz T California 3 87 John Hughes DT Cincinnati 4 100 Travis Benjamin WR Miami (FL) 4 120 James-Michael Johnson LB Nevada 5 160 Ryan Miller G Colorado 6 204 Acho Emmanuel LB Texas 6 205 Billy Winn DT Boise State   7 245 Trevin Wade DB Arizona  7 247 Brad Smelley TE Alabama      The Browns panicked early that someone would trade up ahead of them and select RB, Trent Richardson. The cost of getting snookered by the Minnesota Vikings was their 118th, 139th, and 211th overall picks. But, at least they got their man...Richardson. But then, they again panicked, and foolishly used their 22nd overall pick (acquired last year from the Atlanta Falcons), on 28 year old rookie QB, Brandon Weeden. Though Weeden may have been a priority for them, I can't think of another QB needy team that had enough ammunition to move ahead of them...and take Weeden at #37. But...let's give them the benefit of the doubt. Better safe than sorry. With their 37th overall pick, they tabbed OT Mitchell Schwartz over higher rated OTs, Cordy Glenn, and Jonathan Martin. Next, at #87, they reached for DT  Jonathan Hughes, of Cincinnati...passing on the much higher rated DT, Brandon Thompson, in the process. This despite the fact that Hughes was rated as a priority free agent, by most publications.       At #100, they took the small but speedy deep threat WR/PR, Travis Benjamin. At #120, they selected swift ILB James-Michael Johnson, from Nevada. Texas LB Acho Emmanuel has potential as a weak-side OLB, and Boise State DT Billy Winn was a value pick at #205. As for their final two picks, CB Trevin Wade is a developmental type, while TE Brad Smelley has a chance as an H-back TE: GRADE: C+;                          PITTSBURGH STEELERS Round Pick Player Position School 1 24 David DeCastro G Stanford 2 56 Mike Adams T Ohio State 3 86 Sean Spence LB Miami (FL) 4 109 Alameda Ta'Amu DT Washington 5 159 Chris Rainey RB Florida 7 231 Toney Clemons WR Colorado 7 240 David Paulson TE Oregon 7 246 Terrence Frederick DB Texas A&M 7 248 Kelvin Beachum T Southern Methodist      Seemingly, year after year, nobody selects better in the draft than these guys. With majors holes on their OL, at NT, and at ILB, it appeared that the Steelers might finally be in decline. But then the next Steve Hutchinson, OG David DeCastro, somehow fell to them at #24. Next, problem man-child Mike Adams, the huge Ohio State OT, fell to them at #56. Suddenly, their OL problem appears to be solved. Next, at #86, they added Miami's swift but small OLB, Sean Spence. At #109, they addressed their NT problem by adding the 6'2", 348lb. Alameda Ta'Amu. Then, at #159, they addressed their offense and kick return game, by adding the dangerous Chris Rainey, RB from Florida.       In the later rounds, the Steelers took fliers on WR Toney Clemons, Oregon TE David Paulson...who has a chance, CB Terrence Frederick, and OG Kelvin Beachum: GRADE: B;                                                         AFC EAST                                  BUFFALO BILLS Round Pick Player Position School 1 10 Stephon Gilmore DB South Carolina 2 41 Cordy Glenn T Georgia 3 69 T.J. Graham WR North Carolina State 4 105 Nigel Bradham LB Florida State 4 124 Ron Brooks DB LSU 5 144 Zebrie Sanders T Florida State 5 147 Tank Carder LB Texas Christian 6 178 Mark Asper G Oregon 7 251 John Potter K Western Michigan      The Bills adressed their many of their needs through free agency. Come draft time, they needed help at LT, in the secondary, and at WR. With their 10th overall pick, the Bills drafted CB Stephon Gilmore, mainly to help out against the Patriots' double TE attack. They were extremely fortunate to have OT/OG Cordy Glenn fall to them, at #41. With their 69th overall pick, they reached WR ,T.J. Graham...choosing to pass on WR, Mohamad Sanu. Though Graham has 4.39 speed, most draft publications listed him as a late round pick. At #105, the Bills selected OLB Nigel Bradham. The Florida State OLB has starter potential. Next, they added DB Ron Brooks from LSU to their secondary. Getting OT Zerbie Sanders at #144 was a great value pick.       With their last three picks, the Bills selected LB Tank Carder, who will have to make his way on the roster through special teams play. At #178, they added 6'6", 319lb. Oregon OG, Mark Asper. Finally, they selected PK John Potter, at #251: GRADE: C+;                                 MIAMI DOLPHINS Round Pick Player Position School 1 8 Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M 2 42 Jonathan Martin T Stanford 3 72 Olivier Vernon TE Miami (FL) 3 78 Michael Egnew TE Missouri 4 97 Lamar Miller RB Miami (FL) 5 155 Josh Kaddu LB Oregon 6 183 BJ Cunningham WR Michigan State 7 215 Randall Kheeston DT Texas 7 227 Rishard Matthews WR Nevada         The 'Fins ruined their drafted by taking QB Ryan Tannehill with the 8th overall pick. It's really unfortunate for Tannehill, that he probably won't get a chance to sit and learn behind an established veteran QB. Since the Dolphins are odds on favorites to be the worst team in the AFC East, if not the entire AFC, I can foresee a situation where Tannehill will get thrown to the wolves, long before he's ready. Remember, we're dealing with a kid who has only 19 collegiate starts under his belt. For his sake, let's hope that he doesn't get David Carred...except against the Pats, of course. OT Jonathan Martin represents great value at pick #48. Martin should start for the 'Fins immediately at RT. With their 72nd overall pick, Miami chose DE Olivier Vernon, from the U. At 6'2", 263 lbs., and with 4.72 speed, the 'Fins could be looking at him as a 4-3 DE, or a 3-4 OLB. In 6'5", 252lb. 4.61 speed TE Michael Egnew, the 'Fins hope they found their Jimmy Graham. Getting RB Lamar Miller at #97 may turn out to be the biggest steal in this draft.       With their later round picks, the 'Fins added LB Josh Kaddu of Oregon. Kaddu should help out on special teams, and may eventually develop into a 3-4 rush LB. WR B.J. Cunningham is a good sized possession receiver. DT Randall Kheeston is a developmental project, while WR Rishard Matthews of Nevada could be a guy to watch. He was a standout WR at Nevada: GRADE: C-;                           NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Round Pick Player Position School 1 21 Chandler Jones DE Syracuse 1 25 Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama 2 48 Tavon Wilson DB Illinois 3 90 Jake Bequette DE Arkansas 6 197 Nate Ebner DB Ohio State 7 224 Alfonzo Dennard DB Nebraska 7 235 Jeremy Ebert WR Northwestern      What started off as a fast-break dynamite draft for the Pats came to a crashing halt on day two, when, at pick #48, BB saw no better options than to select the little known Tavon Wilson, at pick #48. At the time this occurred, the Patriots already had their potential edge pass-rusher in DE Chandler Jones, and a huge, speedy versatile LB, in Dont'a Hightower. At pick 48, the following players were available to them: (a) their choice of DTs Devon Still, Jerel Worthy, Kendall Reyes, or Brandon Thompson; (b) their choice of DBs Trumaine Johnson, Josh Robinson, Brandon Taylor, or Casey Hayward; (c) pass-rusher Vinny Curry. Really Bill, is Tavon Wilson a better prospect than these guys? Wouldn't a big DT like a Still, Worthy, or Thompson look good in the Pats' DL rotation...making it possible to rest Vince Wilfolk on occasion?       Next, there were the weak trade-downs when other teams were able to do much better value wise then the Pats. In fairness to BB, the lack of lower round picks really boxed him in. Green Bay knew that he was desperate to trade down, and took advantage of the situation.      In any event, aside from Jones and Hightower, the Pats had better get something out of the Wilson pick. If he doesn't earn quality playing time this season, his selection must be viewed as a major Belichick blunder.        DE/OLB Jake Bequette may turn out to be a good situational player. It os hoped that DB Nate Ebner will develop into a decent coverage man, and kick returner. CB Alonzo Dennard could be a nice addition to the secondary, if he gets his head on straight. Jeremy Ebert?? Really? GRADE: B-;                              NEW YORK JETS Round Pick Player Position School 1 16 Quinton Coples DE North Carolina 2 43 Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech 3 77 Demario Davis LB Arkansas State 6 187 Josh Bush DB Wake Forest 6 202 Terrance Ganaway RB Baylor 7 242 Antonio Allen DB South Carolina 7 244 Jordan White WR Western      Jets took a huge gamble in selecting DE Quinton Coples. When teams start having to worry about motivating a player, it's not a good sign. That said, this kid has all the tools to be an outstanding player. Though I think that Melvin Ingram might turn out to be the better player and pass-rusher, I have to believe that the Jets will get something out of Coples.      Getting WR Stephen Hill at #43 could turn around the Jets passing attack. If he's also as good a blocker as advertised, Hill should be an asset to the running game as well. LB Demario Davis looks like a decent reserve/special teamer at best. The Jets reached for safety Josh Bush. RB Terrance Ganaway is a bull in the china shop, straight ahead RB. He coulkd be the power RB that the Jets need. At 5'11", 240lbs., this kid is a load. Safety Antonio Allen was rated much higher than a 7th round pick. WR Jordan White is likely preseason fodder:  GRADE: C+       Whew!! As always, your thoughts and opinions are welcome.

        
     
      
   

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Straight up, this an impressive monument by TexasPat right here...superb work, I'll be the 1st to forward both the appreciation for the effort itself, and the REALLY good quality in your take here TP.

...Once I'd look, and then Re-look- Even the few disagreements I initially believed I had with some of your grades, either entirely diminished altogether or simply abated to very minor differences of grade/take...

Example: 1st look w/ Buffalo, I thought you should've graded 'em just 1 notch higher...  No, you were correct- It was a C+ for them...they had very good ammo, and even the named players they acquired I'm really not at all in love with=Excellent grade.

Green Bay & Oakland- That's it imho...
<Cleveland being a possibility for a B-, rather than a C+ Grade...but you're right.  That Club had a freakin' arsenal like no other- They played this draft very impulsively and didn't maximize the sheer wealth they had />

Anyway, Oakland- I know that YOU are 1 of the few whom actually acutely are able to recognize this simple Final Curved Grade Aspect of Any given Team's Draft- the more Picks you have than the Next Guy, and the More Numerous & Far Higher Picks that'cha have than the next guy...?  Well=THAT much more SHOULD be expected from your take at the end of the day.  Imo, same goes here for Oakland's HC...  Lol, This guy might deserve an "A" alone, for being tasked with beginning his Draft Day w/ what?  LOL!- What's that, THE Last or 2nd to last Selection of Rd #3...sheez, talk about bein' scr#w#d.  The fact that he landed, NO Less, than 3 Starters for his team in Rds 3-5 with: OT Tony Bergstrom<STARTER at Right Tackle-period />, DE/OLB Jack Crawford <could develop into a starter in due time, especially given the surrounding players near or at his position on Oakland to learn from>, WR Juron Criner <Starter Day 1- EXCELLENT Senior Bowl Performance>, ILB/OLB Miles Burris <Starter Day #1>
-btw, same can be possibly said for what Atlanta had to work with, and what they acquired...LOL, I'm not sure they actually deserve an awesome C- Grade...but I'm just not sure that they deserved a stright-up "D" for what they were able to manage.

That's doin' A-lot with very little garbage to work with...

Green Bay's the only other 1...  1 spot up imho.  I'm tellin' you.  You want a Draft blueprint?  Green Bay (and I believe NO's did it last year...and it was nice) & New England did it in 2010- 

Here goes: Rd#1 & Early Rd#2- the Rules are off only here...Target your studs, and by every means: GET Them RIGHT.  You can swing up, swing back...But you nail down the guys you deem as your TRUE Impact Guys. 
Midway through Rds 2 and through to somewhere into Rd#4- You are targeting by Individual Draftee Value still remaining on the Big Board (i.e. higher quality individaul draftees who've slipped down) AND you are targeting by Positional Worth (THIS means- Positions whose wealth has been lesser diminished than other spots- i.e. Positions of higher quality player still remaining)- Ya gonna go after the 16th Ranked Defensive End, Or the 3rd Ranked Guard, 2nd Ranked Center, 3rd Ranked Inside Linebacker, 2nd Ranked 4-3 Outside Linebacker, 1st ranked 3rd down RB or short yardage back (even RBs on a whole)...Things like DBs over O-Tackles, 4-3 DTs over 3-4 DEs and 3-4 OLBs/4-3DEs...things like this.

Rd 4 Starts winding down and here, Straight on through to halfway into rd#6...HERE, is where you do some "Reaches"- No-names...guys who've flown under the radar, and whom may or may not be drafted at all, OR whom may be drafted but are projected to go in Rd 6 or 7, and you select them in Rd 4 or 5.  You can do a multi-Round "Reach."  You can even do 2 multi-Rd "Reaches" in this area...but you do 2, and you better do 1 Decent Value to offset it in this area.  Got several picks in this area, where you Do 3-4 "Reaches"?  Then do 2 BIG "Values."  It's o.k. here to take a gamble on a couple of targets that you personally are high-on (for whatever reason...often times, something which hasn't yet transfered to great on-field performances on the draftee's part).

Back half of Rd#6 straight throught to the very Last selection of Rd#7, THIS is what'cha want- You want HUGE drops down the Big Board...you don't care how, why, where they play...ya just don't care- Unless they have a prison sentence hearing set in stone, Yea- you take a gamble on a 2nd Rd quality guy who's insanely and for whatever reason, Slipped down THIS far...  Noone that good?  Then you take THE biggest baddest, and most skilled D-Linman left on the Big Board <Again, we know this- "Ya can't teach size," right? 6 foot 5 300 plus pound D-Linemen do not grow on the tree outside your house...EXACT same thing goes here for Developmental 6'6 315lb Offensive Tackles />.  Took 1...Don't want 1 because you've got 47 on your team (for whatever reason that you'd have 47 D-Linemen on your team)...?  Ya take a Quarterback...The best developmental prospect that'cha see remaining at this spot- NO other position offers such a payoff...ya might get lucky.  Heck, even if you're just semi-lucky with only a "sorta cr#ppy quarterback", even THIS guy might net ya a solid 4th Round Selection somewhere a year or two or three down the line...  And young blood fuels the competitive at EVERY spot...too often, you think you have a good QB, so you simply forsake this idea here altogether.  You shouldn't.

Green Bay does this nicely...  

And I'll go on record right now- YOU follow that blueprint here, And I don't care HOW the Draft pans out and unfolds...  You will NEVER end up with less than a " B Quality" type of end result from each and every draft (Ya might be utterly incompetant and so never come away with an "A" Draft...but you will NEVER have a "Bad" or even a poor end result from your Draft).

~~


Either way Tex...These are your grades, and like I said- they're simply too accurate imo and way too close to what I myself felt each team deserved...  Can't see ANY noteable issues with your final analysis(es)...and outta 32 grades, that's pretty d#mn good imo.  REALLY Nice job man.    
   

Good job. Enjoyed perusing.

In Response to Re: 2012 NFL Draft: REPORT CARD:


     Thanks. Just sorry that the margins got all messed up when I cut and pasted in the actual picks.

wow another chance to go after the wilson pick with a 20 line jag; what a shock

In Response to Re: 2012 NFL Draft: REPORT CARD:


     Instead of complaining about the fact that I'm complaining about Wilson, and then running off...why don't you defend him, if you think that he was such a great pick? All that you people who are criticizing me for being critical of the pick can say is..."Well, BB picked him, and he knows more than you and the talking heads, so it must be right."
 
     Well...based on BB's track record for squandering high draft choices (13 of his last 19 first-third round picks have been busts), this simply isn't so. How many more Meriweathers, Butlers, and Wheatleys can this franchise endure? 

     I'm not saying to get rid of BB. He's the greatest coach in the game, and, in my view, of all-time. He usually makes good choices with regards to veteran free agents, and his trades have generally been good ones. But, his choice of draft choices over past few years, putting it mildly, has left a lot to be desired. Is it him...or perhaps his scouting department that are the cause of all these draft mistakes? Whatever the cause, it needs to be remedied, if the Pats are ever again going to own a Lombardi trophy.     

 Provpats,

I'm with ya. The Wilson pick is an excellent one. Too many people listen to Kiper and others and take their assesment of a player as gospel. Here's a stat for you. Tavon Wilson was third in the nation in impact tackles. What that stat means is that he made tackles before the ball carrier got beyond two yards. It's a stat that matters and I couldn't stand to see another tackle twenty yards or more down the field. He is a very solid player that will always be in position and contribute immediately. I, for one, love this pick. Go Pats!

In Response to Re: 2012 NFL Draft: REPORT CARD:

Tp

usually I respect and even agree with what you say.  I amnot going to defend the pick because I do not know enough about him or the syetm he played in.  what I do know is when to say when, which you have not yet acquired in regard to this pick

Whether you think Wilson was a reach, a horrible pick or a good pick it doesn't matter. Historically the Pat's (BB) have always adhered to their philosophy that they were going to stick to their board regardless of what other teams had the players slotted at.

Do I think it was a good pick... not really but without being in the room or understanding the philosophy behind the pick I have to wait to see how it will play out. The one thing i will say is he does have some large ones selecting a special teams and maybe nickel/dime sub package guy at 48.

I felt Cincy, Minny and NE did the best.  Minny and NE owned the 1st rd. Quite a change for Minny. 
 
Per Reiss, the Pats didn't like the quality/depth of this draft, but they did pretty well with getting Dennard in Round 7 and trading up to get Pats material in Round 1. We'll see on the other projects they took, but getting two lock down franchise starters on your D clearly helps an already very good Pats team.

In Response to Re: 2012 NFL Draft: REPORT CARD:


It's disturbing that any Pats fan would lean on Kiper or anyone at ESPN when discussing anything BB does. 

Kiper doesn't get (still) that BB's board is focused more on PAts material v.s. NCAA material talent. If you don't have a checkmark in the important boxes early in the draft (character, hard work, coachability, team player, etc) you ain't a draft pick of the Pats high in a draft. The only time he rolled the dice ignoring that area?  2006.

Didn't work.

I'll take the educated Lombardi and Mayock's opinions over Mel Kiper and his wind tunnel tested weave.  At least Lombardi has NFL executive experience. All Kiper does is memorize useless data from college games and put players in order by position for a draft. He acts personally offended if a team likes a player he doesn't.

LMAO

The best was when BB took Mankins at 32 in 2005 and Kiper was left scrambling with his paperwork on live tv.

In Response to Re: 2012 NFL Draft: REPORT CARD:


As we've come to expect and appreciate, another outstanding draft report!   That said, I wonder if much of the disappointment comes from players not promoted by draft analysts? BB has made mistakes in past draft choices, especially in the second round. But he has also scored very highly in that round and in later rounds. He is also, at times, unconventional in his O and D schemes...perhaps reflecting the concept of utilizing the talent at hand to best advantage. Does the Tavon selection foreshadow another atypical defensive strategy? Just what did BB see that others didn't?

It would appear that someone knows!!!  Yet, recall that the draft prescreening process heavily relies on the scout's input.  What did they see that got BB interested?  Why did so many teams have him on their pre-draft evaluation schedule? Why did BB feel "compelled" to select him so low...suggesting that he was protecting a VALUABLE commodity? Why has BB been so reluctant to enlighten the rest of us on that selection?

What I'm impressed with is BB's UDFA signings for areas neglected in the draft as well as adding positional security for roster positions already filled.  No doubt in an effort to possibly uncover a hidden gem or to upgrade the quality of players already on board. In most cases these selections reflect high reward at minimal risk or an incomplete skill-set where the player has both major desirable strengths and correctible(?) weaknesses as in, for instance, a huge TE that has advanced blocking skills but an underdeveloped (or non existent) pass catching ability.

You asked for a DEFENSE of the Tavon Wilson selection at #48...There appears to be a dearth of "outsider" information to support the selection but what prevents us from condemning the pick outright is our ignorance of the "insider" information supporting the pick!  Is this another stroke of genius or a "senior moment"? Why the secrecy?

Is it outside the realm of possibility that Tavon Wilson has a more productive nfl career than Andrew Luck or RG3?

 TP- Impressive anaylsis and knowledge of every team's draft pick. My appreciation for your time and effort in putting this together. A+ for you.
Nice read. I'll have to go back and reread. Will be interesting to literally see how this all plays out in the upcoming season.
 Been an very entertaining and newsworthy NFL offseason.
I like Pats first round draft picks.  And I like that its been all about defense with  Pats draft.
AFC East competition looks like PATS have edge if not wide margin with talent.
I'll be keeping my eye on the Bengals.
Many thanks for your work on the draft report card.

Sorry, I defend the pick. I work at one of those big time colleges with one of those top ten power house football teams. The players and trainers always talk about what a joke the ESPN draft hype is and what a waste the NFL combine. They are both one dimensional, they measure times on paper and not plays one the field.

In Response to Re: 2012 NFL Draft: REPORT CARD:


Thank you. See, kids, this is what a primary source looks like.  You learn how important this kind of stuff is when you attend college.  lol

No one here knows what NE saw in Wilson, what they liked, etc.  And it's not like he's some awful pick or some bad player who played at some crappy school either.

I am still laughing at Peter King's recent SI article on the Giants and Jerry Reese laying the blueprint for how to build a team in the NFL. WHat a joke.  Reese has done a nice job tryign to mirror BB, but we aren't even reading that King rubbish if a certain #12 or #83 do their thing in the 4th qtr of the SB.

Wow! Right or wrong, agree or not agree, you put a lot of time and effort into that, and all I have is a big well done! That would have taken me 3 days to accomplish. Lol!

TP are you seriously complaining about our 7th round WR pick?  You're upset that we spent a 7th round pick on a guy who had 2k yards and 20 TDs over his last 2 years of college and has sub 4.4 speed?  Even if he doesn't contribute at all it's a 7th round pick...

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     Assuming that what you're saying is true...fine. But, how is he in pass coverage? Isn't that what the Patriots need, and are seeking?

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     What I'm seriously complaining about is the Wilson pick at #48.

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You must mean if a certain D could get a stop in the endgame. Because we all know 3 of our 4 losses last year all came down to that.

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Ever hear of something called 'running the clock down'? Of course not because that would shift some fault to Brady and we can't have that no matter how many times he screws up.

 TPat: Thanks for the effort. As usual, the Pats didn't go for any of the guys I liked. Glad I didn't waste a ton of time on it this year. Your analysis shows that you did. i gues I'm happy that they finally addressed the defense. Thanks again for all the hard work. 

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     What's done is done. Nothing left to do now but hope for the best. Frankly, even if only Jones and Hightower turn out to be very good players, Pats' fans have to consider this draft a success.