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About the Author - CriticalFanatic
Chicago, IL
Male 28 years old
About Me:
Somehow remain a passionate sports fan despite following the Chicago Cubs and Michigan State athletics more than any sane man should.
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NFL Draft Grades - AFC North: Ravens Boldly Move Up to Draft D-1AA QB Joe Flacco
4/28/08
Who had the best draft? The most accurate way to grade every team is to say: Incomplete. But that's no fun.
We obviously won't be able to judge for several years, but in terms of addressing needs and getting players of value, here's some of my thoughts on the AFC North, but I'm more interested in yours.
(Just including top 5 picks, but grade based on total draft)
Baltimore Ravens
1 (18) - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
2 (55) - Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
3 (71) - Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami-FL
3 (86) - Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
3 (99) - Oniel Cousins
Ravens certainly were bold, we'll get them that. I like Joe Flacco, but I'm not sure you move up to take a guy who's going to need a few years. D1-AA defenses to the AFC North defenses isn't going to happen over night. Ray Rice? I'm not sold on him and I believe that should have gotten some line help that early. Their 7th round pick Allen Patrick will be a better pro back than Rice. Zbikowski is tough as nails and will be that guy making plays on special teams immediately. Fast enough to get some PT in the defensive backfield next year. B
Cincinnati Bengals
1 (9) - Keith Rivers, LB, USC
2 (46) - Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina
3 (77) - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
3 (97) - Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
4 (112) - Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
Favorite pick for the Bungals is Collins. That's a very good offensive tackle to get in round 4. You have to laugh at the selections of wide receiver. Too bad they weren't the same value that could have been grabbed by taking the Redskins trade offer. I'll give Cincy a solid grade for identifying their biggest need and going with it at No. 1. That hasn't happened a whole lot. B+
Cleveland Browns
4 (104) - Beau Bell, LB, UNLV
4 (111) - Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
6 (190) - Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
6 (191) - Paul Hubbard, WR, Wisconsin
7 (231) - Alex Hall, DE, St. Augustine's
Hard to give much a grade with the Browns not participating until the 4th round. Rucker is a good get that late. Doubtful the last three make a roster. C
Pittsburgh Steelers
1 (23) - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
2 (53) - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
3 (88) - Bruce Davis, LB, UCLA
4 (130) - Tony Hills, OT, Texas
5 (156) - Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
As I said in a previous post, Mendenhall is going to be offensive rookie of the year. I don't expect Parker to return to his top 10 form. The two will split carries, making each more effective, and Rashard ultimately leading all rookies in rushing yards and touchdowns. Sweed was a gift that late. Only negative here is the lack of a offensive lineman until round 4, and only one in the entire draft. B+
Who was the best draft pick in this division? Worst?
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