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 NFC West, but I'm more interested in yours.
(Just including top 5 picks, but grade based on total draft)
Arizona Cardinals
1 (16) - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
2 (50) - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami-FL
3 (81) - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
4 (116) - Kenny Iwebema, LB, Iowa
5 (149) - Timothy Hightower, RB, Richmond
The Buzzsaw could have used some investment in a beer bong upgrade to Matty Leinart, but settling for a top cornerback isn't half bad. No concerns about the small school factor, he was easily one of the best players at the Senior Bowl. Early Doucet was pegged as a 1st rounder before his injury plagued senior season began. B+
San Francisco 49ers
1 (29) - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
2 (39) - Chilo Rachal, OG, USC
3 (75) - Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
4 (107) - Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
6 (174) - Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech
SF is on its way to having one of the best defenses in the NFC, but how about filling some offensive needs? And no, Josh Morgan isn't the answer. B-
Seattle Seahawks
1 (28) - Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
2 (38) - John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
4 (121) - Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
5 (163) - Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
6 (189) - Tyler Schmitt, LS, San Diego State
It's not often you see a team taking back-to-back Schmitt's. A+ for that effort and an A+ for taking a guy who takes his helmet off and beats himself when he disapproves of his performance. That's an NFL FB. Great value on Jackson at 28. Arguably the best player on the board after Rashard Mendenhall left at 23. B+
St. Louis Rams
1 (2) - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2 (33) - Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
3 (65) - John Greco, OT, Toledo
4 (101) - Justin King, CB, Penn State
4 (128) - Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
Mix of good and bad. What the heck was Avery doing drafted 33rd? Is he going to be any better than a Dante Hall, already on the roster? Doubtful. I really like the King pick. He hasn't been consistent, but he's a starting NFL CB that was procured in round 4. B-




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