Please sign in to complete your action
 
DONE!
Cheer and debate with
6,000,000+ fans!
My Team:
Charlotte
My Team:
Michael
My Team:
Britney
4/28/08
NFL Draft Grades - AFC North: Ravens Boldly Move Up to Draft D-1AA QB Joe Flacco
READ MORE:
NFL
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?
4 comments
Vote!
Comment!
Your votes determine top comment

 
Notify me by email about comments that follow mine.
Preview


BEST OF THE WEB
SHOP
NFL GEAR
Reebok NFL Equipment New E..
$79.95
New Era New York Yankees N..
$33.95
adidas Los Angeles Lakers ..
$24.95
NFL TICKETS
Loading...
MEET OUR FANS
Tonique
Narada
 more
12,798,192+
ANSWER TODAY'S POLL
 more
PLAY NEVER-ENDING TRIVIA
Utah v. Houston
New York v. LA
Seattle v. Portland
Detroit v. Chicago
 more

TAKE A QUIZ
 more

PREDICT THE SCORE
NFL
NBA
NHL
NCAABB
Soccer
 more
2,555,658+
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league 2006 World Cup.
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league Fans of Italy (Soccer).
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league 2006 World Cup.
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league Fans of Brazil (Soccer).
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league 2006 World Cup.
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league Fans of Argentina (Soccer).
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league Barclay's Premiere Fans.
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league Chelsea Fans.
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league Barclay's Premiere Fans.
Just now!
balajikarthikm joined the Soccer league Manchester City Fans.
Just now!
 

Join Today
About FanIQ
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Contact Us
Report A Bug
Help