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AFC East

Buffalo Bills - Grade C+
The Bills selected twice in the 1st round after trading up into the round with their #2 picks. With the 8th overall pick, they surprisingly chose safety Donte Whitner of Ohio State. Whitner was a fast rising defender but did not warrant a top ten selection. He is a fast tough defender with strong tackling and good coverage skills to press for a starting job early in his career. They added DT John McCargo of N.C. State in the late first round. He is an explosive interior defender who addresses a need area. He is a playmaker and should earn time on the inside and is an improving defender with interesting upside but a reach this early. On the 3rd round they chose corner Ashton Youboty of Ohio State, a big athletic junior with the AA package to develop into a fine starter. He was a total steal here and has intriguing upside with development. On the 4th round, they chose safety Ko Simpson of South Carolina. He is similar to Youboty – athletic junior who was projected earlier and has an NFL starting grade with refinement of his fine AA. With two 5th round picks, they added DT Kyle Williams of LSU and OT Brad Butler of Virginia. Williams has the experience and talent to win a backup role. Butler addresses a major problem area and will probably get a long look and most likely wins a roster spot. On the 6th round, they chose LB Keith Ellison of Oregon State. He is a good athlete who fell in this deep linebacker class and fine value here. He should contribute immediately on special teams. With two 7th round picks, they addressed the offensive line again in OT Terrance Pennington of New Mexico and guard Aaron Merz of California. Both figure to get a long look in camp with some upside especially Pennington on the outside.

Miami Dolphins - Grade B
The Dolphins addressed their secondary in the 1st round with the selection of DB Jason Allen of Tennessee. He projects to either corner or safety and probably gets a first look on the corner. He is a top 20 athlete who made a nice recovery from a hip operation. On the 3rd round, they chose wideout Derek Hagan of Arizona State. He is a well developed receiver who should help immediately in three wideout sets and carries a starting grade in time. On the 4th round, they chose OT Joe Toledo of Washington. Toledo converted late in his career from tight end to tackle and made fast progress. He may add more time to develop before starting but he can be a regular on the rightside with refinement. They used their 5th round pick in the NFL Supplemental Draft last summer for DT Manny Wright. With three 7th round picks, they chose DT Fred Evans of Texas State and Rodrique Wright of Texas and wideout Devin Aromashodu of Auburn. Evans is a developing prospect with fine upside. Wright is an underachiever who can be a total steal if the light goes off as a pro. Aromashodu is a good kickoff returner who should fill that role and earn time to develop further as a receiver in this passing game.

New England Patriots - Grade B+
The Patriots addressed their offensive problems with their top four selections including their #1 pick runner Laurence Maroney of Minnesota. Maroney is a big play back with under developed receiving skills. He should get some touches as Corey Dillon’s backup and win the kickoff return duties and was a fine addition with a big upside in time. On the 2nd round, they chose WR Chad Jackson of Florida, a big fast receiver who should fit in nicely in their undersized unit. He has fine hands and should become a favorite of Tom Brady early in his career. On the 3rd and 4th rounds, they selected TE Dave Thomas of Texas and Garrett Mills of Tulsa. Both are fine receivers and good movement performers with H back experience. Mills also has experience at fullback and both gives the offense flexibility to set up in a number of alignments. On the 4th round, they chose PK Stephen Gostkowski of Memphis. He is an accurate kicker with a powerful leg to also be a good kickoff man. He addressed a major need after losing Adam Vinatieri in free agency. On the 5th round, they added OT Ryan O'Callaghan of California. He is a massive blocker who fits the Patriots type of lineman – strong, sound technician and tough. With three 6th round picks, they added LB Jeremy Mincey of Florida, guard Dan Stevenson of Notre Dame and DT Le Kevin Smith of Nebraska. Mincey will play up on the outside and must show he can pressure the passer off the edge. Stevenson is a tough physical blocker who must win a roster spot in camp. NT Smith was an excellent late pick who can be the critical backup on the inside that the 3-4 scheme needs. On the 7th round, they chose DB Willie Andrews of Baylor, a small college safety who will get a look also on the corner. He is an instinctive, tough and fast defender with good special teams skills and a fine late selection.

New York Jets - Grade C
The Jets addressed their depleted offensive line with their two #1 picks in OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson of Virginia and center Nick Mangold of Ohio State. Both are well developed and possible rookie starters. Ferguson is the prototypical left tackle who is capable of ranking with the best in the game. Mangold is a hard nosed kid and a very sound technician who should be the anchor in the interior here. On the 2nd round, they traded up to select QB Kellen Clemens of Oregon. Clemens has a good arm, mobility and the smarts the position demands and projects as the Jets future starter. They paid a high price but he has the talent to develop into a fine NFL starter. With two 3rd round picks, they added LB Anthony Schlegel of Ohio State and safety Eric Smith of Michigan State. Schlegel is a tough Mike man with fine instincts and tackling skills to play the inside in the Jets new flexible scheme. He was a reach here, but the Jets feel he gives them the physical presence on the inside to stuff the run. Smith was a big surprise, but a defender who made some big plays in the box as a senior. He figures to be a top special teams performer, but was a reach here with higher rated safeties on the board. With two 4th round picks, they chose wideout Brad Smith of Missouri and runner Leon Washington of Florida State. Smith was a college QB and fine runner. He will move to wideout and should fill a Slash role here with his best asset his running skills after a catch. Washington is an excellent addition and a fast natural runner with good hands to fill a 3rd down back or change of pace runner. He was a good addition. On the 5th round, they selected TE/FB Jason Pociask of Wisconsin, a tough blocker with decent hands as a receiver. He carries a make it grade and probably more as a fullback. On the 6th round, they chose CB Drew Coleman of TCU, a fast late developing prospect with a make it grade. On the 7th round, they chose NT Titus Adams of Nebraska, a physical run stuffer who will fill a vital backup role on the inside, a thin area on the Jets front line.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens - Grade A
The Ravens had another strong draft class and were able to address both lines with their top pick selections. On the 1st round, they were surprised to find DT Haloti Ngata of Oregon available at the 12th selection and moved up 1 spot to draft him. He is a massive athlete who is a space eater who will fill the middle and keep MLB Ray Lewis clean to run to the ball. He was an excellent addition. On the 2nd round, they moved back in the round to add a #3 selection. They chose center Chris Chester of Oklahoma, a fast developing athlete with the talent to become a fine pro in the pivot. He has progressed nicely on the inside and should compete for a starting job early in his career. On the 3rd round, they added CB David Pittman of Northwestern St, fast small college prospect with fine cover skills. He figures to play in nickel and dime packages as a rookie and is a potential starter in time. With two 4th round picks, they added wideout Demetrius Williams of Oregon and runner P.J. Daniels of Georgia Tech. Williams was outstanding value here and should press for playing time in three wideout sets. He carries a starting grade in time. Daniels is an honest runner who has produced vs a high level of competition and proven to be tough and return from injuries. With two 5th round picks, they chose safety Dawan Landry of Georgia Tech and TE Quinn Sypniewski of Colorado. Landry addresses a big need on defense with the sure tackling and range to surprise with some development. Sypniewski is a big tough blocker with decent receiving skills to win a key backup role. He was a fine late addition. With two 6th round picks, they drafted punter Sam Koch of Nebraska and CB Derrick Martin of Wyoming. Koch should replace FA lose Dave Zastudil. He has a strong leg and has also been consistent. Martin is a young athletic cover man with intriguing upside from here. He can compete for the nickel corner role early in his career and carries an eventual starting grade. On the 7th round, they added LB/DE Ryan LaCasse of Syracuse. He is a quick relentless edge rusher who pursues well and makes plays. He can win a roster spot as a situational defender and was a good late addition.

Cincinnati Bengals - Grade C+
The Bengals addressed their defense with most of the early selections. On the 1st round, they chose junior corner Johnathan Joseph of South Carolina. Joseph is a fast athletic cover man with big time ability but only marginal development. He is a prospect with a big upside but may need time to fully develop his technique and instincts. On the 2nd round, they chose fast rising OT Andrew Whitworth of Louisiana St Whitworth had a great NFL Combine and is a very tough and durable blocker who gives them a vital backup to their line that faces critical decisions over the next year. On the 3rd and 4th rounds, they added defensive linemen, DE Frostee Rucker of USC and DT Domata Peko of Michigan St. Both were reaches here with much higher prospects on the board at those selections. Rucker has some pass rushing skills but must get stronger to battle NFL tackles. In the 5th round, they added LB A.J. Nicholson of Florida St, a prospect who fell on some off the field concerns. He carries a starting grade and is capable of being a major late steal if his problems are behind him. On the 6th round, they added WR/QB Reggie McNeal of Texas A&M, a fast athlete with the talent to compete at a few positions. He has the talent to develop into an NFL starting QB in the right setting. He has the athleticism and run after the catch ability to become a Slash performer and capable of becoming a starting wideout with development. With two 7th round picks, they added DB Ethan Kilmer of Penn State and wideout Bennie Brazell of Louisiana St. Kilmer is a raw athlete with limited experience. He will have to find a niche on special teams to make this squad. Brazell is a smurf burner with the ability to give the Bengals a vertical threat. He can be a major surprise as a slot receiver and was a fine late addition.

Cleveland Browns - Grade B+
The Browns addressed their front seven with their top two picks in LB Kamerion Wimbley of Florida St in the first round and LB D'Qwell Jackson of Maryland in the 2nd round. Wimbley is the classic ‘tweener who brings pass pressure off the edge. He will benefit from the tutelage of new vet Willie McGinest and should be a factor as a pass rusher. Jackson is a run and chase backer with sideline to sideline speed and fine tackling. He should start as a rookie. On the 3rd round, they chose wideout Travis Wilson of Oklahoma. He is a big physical receiver with sure hands and above average speed. He figures to push for time in three wideout sets and eventually as a starting possession receiver. With two 4th round picks, they selected LB Leon Williams of Miami (Oh) and OL Isaac Sowells of Indiana. Williams is a good athlete who is still learning the position. He has the potential to start on the inside but only with better play recognition and learning the 3-4 scheme. Sowells is a wide body blocker who projects to guard. He was a decent choice with a chance to push to time on the inside. With two 5th round picks, they chose RB Jerome Harrison of Washington St and CB DeMario Minter of Georgia. Harrison is a tough compact runner with the tools to surprise. He runs hard and can make this roster and earn some touches in this offense. Minter was a fine addition and one of the better 2nd day values on the board. He has the ability to surprise and see time in the dime packages. He has the upside to start in time and was an excellent late selection. With two 6th round picks, they selected FB Lawrence Vickers of Colorado and NT Babatunde Oshinowo of Stanford. Vickers is a fine athlete to fill the fullback and possible H back positions and gives their offense a nice addition with good receiving and blocking skills. Oshinowo is a tough nose tackle with power and quickness. He is a good understudy for Ted Washington and was an outstanding late addition. On the 7th round, they picked safety Justin Hamilton of Virginia Tech. He is a versatile athlete with fine size, tackling and ball instincts and is an ideal special teams performer. He also projects as a nickel backer after he learns the clubs scheme.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Grade C+
The Steelers traded up in the first round with the NY Giants to select wideout Santonio Holmes of Ohio St. He is a playmaker with good hands and run after the catch ability to fill an immediate role in three wideout sets. He can be a strong contributor as a rookie and give this passing game a fine weapon. With two 3rd round picks, they chose safety Anthony Smith of Syracuse and wideout Willie Reid of Florida St. Smith had a strong final season and shows good ball instincts and tackling skills. He figures in their dime package early in his career. Reid is a wideout/return specialist who should replace the loss of Antwaan Randle El. Reid is a dangerous punt returner with big play ability and is capable of having a nice career in that role alone. He addressed a major need and should flourish in this role. With two 4th round picks, selected guard Willie Colon of Hofstra and DT Orien Harris of Miami (FL). Colon is a college tackle who projects inside to guard. He is a strong drive blocker with developed pass blocking and should win a roster spot and has a future with this club. Harris is a tackle from a 4-3 scheme who must learn the end position in the 3-4 scheme. He has the size, body type and athleticism to start in time after a learning period. With two 5th round picks, they chose QB Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green and TE Charles Davis of Purdue. Jacobs has a huge upside but needs development in all areas of play and could be a major steal in time. He would have carried a very early selection if he returned for his final season in the MAC. Davis is an underachiever who has the athleticism the position demands. He can win a #2 or #3 job and give them another fine weapon in two TE sets. On the 6th round, they selected center Marvin Philip of California. He is a sound technician who is quick and smart and has a good chance to win a roster spot. On the 7th round, they added runner Cedric Humes of Virginia Tech. He is a strong inside runner who can break tackles and make the tough yardage. He should win the #3 job, but carries only a career backup label.

AFC South

Houston Texans - Grade B+
Texans’ GM Charley Casserly shocked football fans when he signed DE Mario Williams of N.C. St. the night before the start of the NFL Draft ‘06. Casserly may come to be known as football’s personnel man who passed on the NFL’s version of Michael Jordan. Williams is himself an awesome athlete with rare triangle numbers and capable of reestablishing the definition of the position. Bush though is a player who comes along every 20 years and a weapon that takes an entire unit up a level. On the 2nd round, they grabbed LB DeMeco Ryans of Alabama quickly with the first pick after the opening round. Ryans is a tough athletic defender who has been very productive at a high level of competition. He should press for a starting job in camp and is capable of being a fixture on this front seven with playmaking ability. He was a fine selection. With two 3rd round picks, they chose offensive linemen Charles Spencer of Pittsburgh and Eric Winston of Miami. Both played left tackle and may compete for that position in camp. They also have experience at guard and both could be rookie starters with a strong performance in the preseason. They were good picks with the talent to stabilize a shaky line. On the 4th round, they added TE Owen Daniels of Wisconsin, a good movement prospect who should help in two TE sets and give them a solid H back performer. On the 6th round, they chose Wali Lundy of Virginia, a talented runner who fell off injury concerns. He has the natural running skills to earn touches in this backfield and should be their prime goal line runner. He was an excellent late pick. On the 7th round, they added wideout David Anderson of Colorado State, a small sure handed receiver with the ability to get open and make plays after the catch. He was one of the better late round additions in this class.

Indianapolis Colts - Grade C
The Colts wanted to address the running back position after losing veteran Edgerrin James in free agency. In the first round, they chose runner Joseph Addai of LSU, a well rounded tailback with the development to help immediately as either a starter or key backup. He was a surprise this early, but he should perform well in this offense and is a good fit here. On the 2nd round, they chose corner Tim Jennings of Georgia, a small fast cover man who played well in the tough SEC. He also fits a Colts scheme but was a slight reach this early. He has a high level of development as a cover man and should be an early quality nickel corner but maybe never more than that as a pro. On the 3rd round, they picked LB Freddie Keiaho of San Diego State, a quick tough backer who is a sure tackler and has good instincts. He is a typical Tony Dungy type defender who should help in this defense but he was also taken a little too early. With their 5th and 6th round picks, they chose offensive tackles Michael Toudouze of TCU and Charlie Johnson of Oklahoma State. Both are tough blockers with a good understanding of the position, angles and technique, but only marginal athletes. With their other 6th round pick, they selected safety Antoine Bethea of Howard. He is a fine athlete with good movement and tackling skills. He was fine value this late and carries an NFL starting grade once he settles into a scheme. On the 7th round, they chose corner T.J. Rushing of Stanford, a fast athlete who progressed nicely over his final season. He needs some work on his technique but has a makeup grade and can also help as a kickoff returner.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Grade B
The Jaguars went West and selected two UCLA players with their first two selections. On the 1st round, they chose TE Marcedes Lewis, a big mobile pass catcher who gives them a missing dimension in the passing game. He is especially dangerous in the red zone and was a solid late addition in the opening round. On the 2nd round, they selected runner Maurice Drew of UCLA, a short powerful tailback with speed, quickness and elusiveness. He can be an NFL feature back and maybe sooner than people think here. He also doubles as a dangerous return specialist with the ability to change games. On the 3rd round, they selected LB Clint Ingram of Oklahoma. He is a solid athlete who runs well and hits a ton. He needs work on his recognition skills but is a prospect with fine upside from here. On the 5th round, they chose LB Brent Hawkins of Illinois State. He is a classic tweener who has the ability to rush the passer and he could earn a situational role at some point. He may be limited to that role and needs to impress on special teams. With two 7th round picks, they chose DE James Wyche of Syracuse and corner Dee Webb of Florida. Wyche is a big athlete who improved over his late career and has the physical skills to continue to develop. He was an excellent late pick. Webb is an early round athlete with a ten cent brain. He carried a top 50 grade athletically but his off the field problems are major and display a complete lack of maturity. He is one of the biggest boom or bust prospects in this draft class.

Tennessee Titans - Grade C
The Titans debated which passer to select here for weeks entering the NFL Draft ’06. They chose QB Vince Young of Texas, an athletic junior with rare running skills. He has the athletic package to become a fine NFL starter, but his inexperienced in a pro style offense and needs time to develop. With time to learn the system and refine his excellent talent, he can develop into a fine NFL starter with the upside to rank with the upper echelon of passers. On the 2nd round, they were surprised runner LenDale White of Southern Cal was still available and quickly chose the big tailback. He is a terrific goal line runner with the talent to be a feature back in the NFL but he must prove durable and develop further as a receiver and blocker. With two 4th round picks, they chose safety Calvin Lowry of Penn State and LB Stephen Tulloch of N.C. State. Lowry is a savvy defender with good speed and quickness and adequate size for the position. He also returns punts and can fill a role in the dime package. Tulloch is a tackle machine who reads the play well and has the speed to make plays on the perimeter. He was a good addition here. With two 5th round picks, they selected LB Terna Nande of Miami (Oh) and DT Jesse Mahelona of Tennessee. Nande is a fast athlete with incredible strength. He has the makeup of a terrific special teams performer and possible WIL starter in time. Mahelona is a small quick tackle who needs to play in a three technique spot to allow him to use his fine initial charge to make plays. He was a good late value but must prove he can beat NFL blockers. On the 6th round, they chose wideout Jonathan Orr of Wisconsin. He is a fast big receiver who had an inconsistent career and has definite upside if he show he can run precise routes and make plays over the middle. With three 7th round picks, they chose DB Cortland Finnegan of Samford, LB Spencer Toone of Utah and runner Quinton Ganther of Utah. Finnegan is a fine athlete who probably moves to corner after a small college career. He needs time but has the athleticism and instincts to be a big surprise. Toone is a productive college defender who has only marginal size, speed and athletic ability. Ganther came on strong over his late career and could surprise but faces a tough task in a deep backfield to make this roster.

AFC West

Denver Broncos - Grade B
The Broncos were active in the trade market this offseason and maneuvered to get into position to move up in the first round. With the 11th overall pick, they chose QB Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt, a talented strong arm passer who should flourish under the tutelage of Mike Shanahan. He has the talent to be a top flight pro with refinement and was an excellent move by the Broncos to trade up and select him as their future starter. On the 2nd round, they chose TE Tony Scheffler of W Michigan, a fine receiver who will help immediately as an H back. He has fine upside as a starter, but his early contribution will come as a receiver. With three 4th round picks, they chose WR Brandon Marshall of UCF, DE Elvis Dumervil of Louisville and wideout Domenik Hixon of Akron. Marshall is a big possession receiver with fine size and hands to help in multiple sets. Dumervil will have to find a niche as a situational pass rusher. Hixon is a fast developing receiver with the talent to surprise and earn time as a quality backup while he develops. On the 5th and 6th rounds, they added offensive linemen, Chris Kuper of North Dakota and Greg Eslinger of Minnesota. Kuper is a strong mobile blocker who figures to earn time as a backup guard and eventual starter. Eslinger is a typical Bronco lineman, smart, sound technician and quick athlete. He figures to learn as a backup in the pivot with the talent to surprise and start in time.

Kansas City Chiefs - Grade C
The Chiefs addressed their improving defense once again with their early picks. In the 1st round, they chose DE Tamba Hali of Penn St, a quick edge rusher who had a big final season. He is slightly undersized but addresses a major problem on the Chiefs front four of rushing the passer. He should see time quickly as a situational pass rusher and is one of the best stories of the draft. On the 2nd round, they chose safety Bernard Pollard of Purdue, a big physical defender who is very tough in run support. He is a fine player with definite upside but he was a definite reach this early and would have been available at least a round later. On the 3rd round, they added QB Brodie Croyle of Alabama, a smart talented passer with nice experience. Croyle has been injury prone that is a major concern, but he has all the tools to become a fine NFL starter and the #2 passer within a short time. He was fine value here, but must prove he can hold up at the pro level. On the 5th round, they chose CB Marcus Maxey if Miami (FL). He is a big agile cover man who addresses a major need in their secondary. He was a good selection here and should help immediately in nickel and dime packages. With two 6th round picks, they chose OG Tre Stallings of Mississippi and wideout Jeff Webb of San Diego St. Stallings is a solid prospect with a starting grade at guard in the pros with development. He has the tools to develop into a starting guard within a few seasons and was a fine late addition. Webb is a fine athlete with size, speed and hands to surprise here. He must show he can separate at the NFL level but was a steal this late in the process and should help in three wideout sets. On the 7th round, they selected safety Jarrad Page of UCLA, a big physical defender. He should earn a roster spot and can compete for the strong safety spot in time. His value will come on special teams where he has to make an impact to make this roster.

Oakland Raiders - Grade C
The Raiders addressed their secondary again in the first round and got it right for once with the selection of safety Michael Huff of Texas. Huff is one of the premier prospects in this class and one of the most developed. He has experience at every position in the secondary but may be best suited for the free safety spot and give the Raiders a leader and every down defender there. They passed on every QB except Vince Young here and will be second guessed for this move over the next few seasons. On the 2nd round, they selected LB Thomas Howard of UTEP, a fast athlete who fits the Raiders workout warrior prospect. He addresses a major need area and should compete for both outside starting spots with a good chance to win a regular job. On the 3rd round, they chose OT Paul McQuistan of Weber St, a big mobile tackle with extensive experience at the lower level. He was a surprise this early, but has the package to start on the outside in time. On the 4th round, they selected safety Darnell Bing of USC, a big physical defender who they move to WIL linebacker in their 4-3 scheme. He also could be a strong safety where he played as a collegian and was an excellent value selection here. He needs his position defined. On the 6th round, they added guard Kevin Boothe of Cornell, a big mobile tackle who projects inside in the NFL. He needs some development before competing for a starting job but he has interesting upside with refinement of his talent. With two 7thr round picks, they added OL Chris Morris of Michigan St and wideout Kevin McMahan of Maine. Morris is the third offensive linemen selected in this class and faces a tough task to win a roster spot. McMahon is the first Irish “Mr. Irrelevant� and a favorite to land a roster spot after his parade in Newport, Ca. in June after earning the Lowman’s Award for the last player chosen in the NFL Draft.

San Diego Chargers - Grade C
The Chargers addressed their pressing problem on the corner with the selection of CB Antonio Cromartie of Florida St in the first round. He has a rare athletic package for the position and can be among the best in the game if he is fully recovered from his knee problem which he appears to be almost complete. He has graded out high vs a top level of competition and should challenge for a starting job in camp. He was an excellent addition here. On the 2nd round, they added OT Marcus McNeill of Auburn, a tall blocker who projects to either side in the NFL. He will get reps at left tackle initially to see if he can handle NFL speed rushers. He was a decent addition at a problem area. On the 3rd round, they chose QB Charlie Whitehurst of Clemson, a big strong armed passer who produced in a tough D1 conference. He can be erratic throwing the ball at times and mistake prone that must be corrected to succeed at the NFL level. He has only marginal starting ability. On the 5th round, they selected LB Tim Dobbins of Iowa St, a productive instinctive defender who could surprise early in his career. He was a good selection here and carries a starting grade in this scheme. With two 6th round picks, they chose OT Jeromey Clary of Kansas St and PK Kurt Smith of Virginia. Clary is one of three tackles selected and will get a long look in camp. He projects to the rightside and could surprise with technique development. He was a good late gamble with the physical tools to make it. Smith is a strong kickoff man who could earn a roster spot with an impressive preseason. The Chargers will have to decide if they want to carry three kickers with PK Nate Kaeding the starting placekicker. With two 7th round picks, they chose DT Chase Page of North Carolina and OT Jimmy Martin of Virginia Tech. Page gives them a developing backup at end in the 3-4 scheme. He played inside at tackle in tackle but is a tough run stuffer with the tools to play the outside in a two cap scheme. Martin is a veteran blocker with experience at a high level. He projects to right tackle and figures to battle for a roster spot vs other rookie draft choices. He has the makeup to make the roster but needs a good effort in camp.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys - Grade B
Bill Parcells loves linebackers and wanted a bookend for last year's rookie DeMarcus Ware. With LB Bobby Carpenter of Ohio St. available, he chose the son of a former player. Carpenter has a chance to win a starting job here and is a fine run stuffer and pass rusher with the makeup of a fine 3-4 backer. With TE Anthony Fasano of Notre Dame available on the 2nd round, Parcells chose a prospect who is similar to former player Mark Bavaro. Fasano gives the Boys a strong blocker and the movement TE to couple with Jason Witten. DL Jason Hatcher of Grambling was selected on the 3rd round and he is a good fit for end in a 3-4 shceme. He is a fine athlete with a big upside in this defense. On the 4th round, they chose all purpose performer Skyler Green of LSU. He must win a job as a return specialist to remain here. Safety Pat Watkins of Florida St was a fine addition on the 5th round. He carries a starting grade in time and should be a special teams demon early in his career. Three late picks, DT Montavious Stanley of Louisville and OT Pat McQuistan of Weber St and E.J. Whitley, c, Texas Tech are only marginal players.

New York Giants - Giants B
The Giants moved back in the first round with the Steelers and chose DE Mathias Kiwanuka. He is a talented defender who fell off an average postseason. It was a surprise selection with the Giants very deep at the position. On the 2nd round, they chose wideout Sinorice Moss of Miami, a speedster with big play ability. He has a chance to provide major impact in this offense as a slot receiver and fine compliment to their veteran unit. On the 3rd round, they selected LB Gerris Wilkinson of Georgia Tech, a big versatile defender who can play any position. He should be a valuable backup and fine special teams performer and ultimately a starter on the strongside. On the 4th round, they added DT Barry Cofield of Northwestern at a thin area. He figures to see time in their tackle rotation and was a nice addition. They also added OT Guy Whimper of East Carolina in the 4th round. He is a top athlete who is a project at tackle. They finished with two defensive backs in Charlie Peprah of Alabama and Gerrick McPhearson of Maryland who can compete for backup roles in the secondary.

Philadelphia Eagles - Grade A
The Eagles were surprised to find DT Brodrick Bunkley of Florida St available at the 14th selection. He is a powerful explosive defender who should be a factor in their tackle rotation immediately. He can win a starting job early and has the development and talent to become a top flight pro. They were equally surprise to find OT Winston Justice of Southern Cal available on the 2nd round and quickly chose the big athlete. He was a dominant right tackle with the athleticism to move to the leftside. On the 3rd round, they added small college defender LB Chris Gocong of Cal Poly. He is a fine pass rusher who can fill a situational pass rushing role in this defender. They traded up for the second choice on the 2nd day and drafted guard Max Jean-Gilles of Georgia. He was excellent value here and a powerful drive blocker who carries an early starting grade on the inside. They chose two wideouts, Jason Avant of Michigan and Jeremy Bloom of Colorado with their next choices. They should fill roles as backups. On the 5th round, they added LB Omar Gaither of Tennessee, a fine defender with a starting grade as a pro. He was one of the biggest bargains in the draft and has starting potential on the outside in time

Washington Redskins - Grade D
The Skins traded up in the 2nd round to select LB Rocky McIntosh of Miami and paid an enormous price. They surrendered their #2 pick next year plus a late selection for the talented McIntosh. He can play any position and should be an early starter, but the price was huge at this point of the draft. On the 5th round, they added DT Anthony Montgomery of Minnesota, the first of two underachievers at the position. On the 6th round, they selected safety Reed Doughty of Northern Colorado. He is a big savvy defender with good tackling skills but only marginal speed and range. They also added DT Kedric Golston of Georgia, a defender that flashed big play ability at times that teased both coaches and scouts over his erratic career. On the 7 round, they added OG Kili Lefotu of Arizona and LB Kevin Simon of Tennessee. Both are marginal players who face a tough task to win a roster spot.

NFC North

Chicago Bears - Grade C
The Bears traded out of the first round with the Bills for a #2 pick this year and additional picks. They selected small college cornerback Danieal Manning of Abilene Christian with their earlier #2 pick. Manning is a fine athlete with size, speed and instincts to eventually start as a pro. He has kickoff return skills that will allow him to fill a role early in addition to the nickel corner. They added all purpose performer Devin Hester of Miami in the late 2nd round. He is a terrific return specialist with big play ability. He also can fill a number of roles like slot receiver and 3rd down back, in addition to back cornerback. On the 3rd round, they added DT Dusty Dvoracek of Oklahoma who fill play in their tackle rotation, especially with Tank Johnson injured currently. He was good value here. They added LB Jamar Williams of Arizona St. on the 4th round. He can help as a nickel backer and protects them in case of FA losses next year. On the 5th round, they chose DE Mark Anderson of Alabama, one of the best values of the entire draft. He is a tough defender and capable of winning a starting job in time and provide pass rushing pressure as a situational player early. With two 6th round picks, they chose FB J.D. Runnels of Oklahoma and guard Tyler Reed of Penn St. Each addresses a need area and have a fairly good chance of winning a roster spot.

Detroit Lions - Grade B
The Lions selected in the top ten again and chose LB Ernie Sims of Florida State with their top pick. He is an explosive defender who should start immediately and give them a fine run and chase backer with big play ability. On the 2nd round, they selected safety Daniel Bullocks of Nebraska, a well developed defender with the ability to be an every down defender early in his career. He was an excellent pick here and could start as a rookie. On the 3rd round, they chose runner Brian Calhoun of Wisconsin, a compact tough back with natural running skills and well developed receiving skills. He could surprise and win the feature back role early in his career. On the 5th round, they were surprised to find OT Jonathan Scott of Texas available and quickly chose the big lineman. He has a starting NFL grade and was excellent value here. On the 6th round, they selected corner Dee McCann of West Virginia. He figures to compete for a roster spot in a problem area. With two 7th round picks, they chose guard Fred Matua of Southern Cal and LB Anthony Cannon of Tulane. Both address need areas and have a make it grade.

Green Bay Packers - Grade A
The Packers held the 5th overall selection and chose LB A.J. Hawk of Ohio State with their first round pick. Hawk is a tough savvy athlete with well developed skills to be a fixture in this front seven from day one. He was one of the safest picks of the draft and began the Packers best draft class in a decade. On the 2nrd round, they chose OT Daryn Colledge of Boise State, a rugged mobile lineman with extensive experience. He figures to press for a starting guard spot this summer and was a fine addition. They also added wideout Greg Jennings of Western Michigan on the 2nd round. He is a sure handed receiver who can win the slot role as a rookie and give the passing game a boost after several offseason changes. With two 3rd round picks, they chose LB Abdul Hodge of Iowa and OL Jason Spitz of Louisville. Hodges is expected to challenge for a starting job immediately relying on his fine instincts and tackling skills. With two 4th round picks, they selected wideout Cory Rodgers of TCU and DB Will Blackmon of Boston College. Rogders ran poorly at the combine and slipped in the draft but is an interesting prospect with definite upside in time. Blackmon was a total steal and has the talent to start on the corner within a short time. With two 5th round picks, they selected QB Ingle Martin of Furman and OL Tony Moll of Nevada. Martin is a very talented passer with the ability to shock scouts in time. He has the arm, athleticism and intangibles to start after time to learn a system. With two 6th round picks, they chose DT Johnny Jolly of Texas A&M and safety Tyrone Culver of Fresno State. Jolly is a fine addition and capable of being a contributor in their rotation and is more developed as a pass rusher. Culver is a defender with range and tackling skills to make the roster. On the 7th round, they chose DE Dave Tollefson of Northwest Missouri, a small college prospect with athleticism but needs to improve his strength and technique to earn playing time.

Minnesota Vikings - Grade C
The Vikings chose LB Chad Greenway of Iowa in the first round and expected him to challenge to start immediately and maybe inside at the Mike position. He is a well developed defender with the ability to provide impact on this young defense With three 2nd round picks they chose CB Cedric Griffin of Texas, OL Ryan Cook of New Mexico and QB Tarvaris Jackson of Alabama State. Griffin is a good fit for their coverage scheme and should see action as either a nickel corner or possible starter. Cook was a major reach here and was only a marginal top 100 prospect, though he carries a starting grade at any of the three interior positions. Jackson was the biggest reach of the entire draft and was selected 100 picks earlier than where he ranked. He figures to get the #3 job in camp and sit and learn the system over his early seasons. On the 4th round, they selected DE Ray Edwards of Purdue, a big inconsistent athlete with a huge upside if the light goes on. He may be the biggest boom or bust prospect in this class. On the 5th round, they drafted safety Greg Blue of Georgia, a big hard hitting defender who should excel on special teams. Both late picks have starting talent and could be major steals if they settle into the right positions in this defense.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons - Grade D
The Falcons drafted their #1 pick for vet DE John Abraham, fast edge pass rusher who gives them an impact defender. On the 2nd round, they traded up with the Packers and selected CB 7) Jimmy Williams of Virginia Tech. Williams was considered a first round talent and will reunite with former teammate DeAngelo Hall in the changing Atlanta secondary. He was very good value here and could start early in his career, but only after some technique and play recognition development. On the 3rd round, they selected fast rising RB Jerious Norwood of Mississippi St. He gives them a fine change of pace runner with the talent to win the 3rd down back role and KOR job. On the 5th round, they chose OT Quinn Ojinnaka of Syracuse, a raw athlete with some upside with development. He did not warrant this early a selection and was chosen strictly on need rather than value. On the 6th round, they added wideout Adam Jennings of Fresno St, a fast slot receiver who has the talent to surprise in multiple sets and he was a decent addition. He projects only as a role player with some play making ability. On the 7th round, they chose QB D.J. Shockley of Georgia, an athlete with the experience to fill a few roles like backup QB, 3rd down back and slot receiver. He was a good late gamble, though all the 2nd day picks were suspect.

Carolina Panthers - Grade B
The Panthers had a few clear needs and addressed them early with the selection of RB DeAngelo Williams of Memphis on the first round. He is a complete tailback who can fill a role in this offense immediately and push for more touches in time. He can be a workhorse runner and is a fine addition who is capable of spelling the injury prone DeShaun Foster. On the 2nd round, they chose CB Richard Marshall of Fresno St, a top cover man with good speed and quickness. He will press for playing time immediately and should will the nickel role as a rookie with an eventual starting job. With two 3rd round picks, they chose LB James Anderson of Virginia Tech and OT Rashad Butler of Miami. Anderson is a versatile backer with extensive experience and should help immediately in a nickel backer role and on special teams. He has a starting grade and was a fine selection here. Butler is a big athletic tackle with the raw tools to develop into an NFL starter, He needs work on his technique and strength to develop further. On the 4th round, they chose safety Nate Salley of Ohio St a tough defender who fell off a subpar NFL Combine workout. He was part of a run on safeties through the entire draft. On the 5th round, they chose TE Jeff King of Virginia Tech, a big sure handed prospect with interesting talent. He figures to earn time in two TE sets and is a dangerous short zone receiver. He has the ability to start in time and was an excellent late pick. With two 7th round picks, they chose OL Will Montgomery of Virginia Tech and DE/LB Stanley McClover of Auburn. Montgomery can play all three interior spots and is not a pretty athlete who is a sound technician and combines strength and toughness to surprise in time. McClover is a fast upfield speed rusher who can fill a situational role early in his career. He needs better strength to compete for a starting job.

New Orleans Saints - Grade A
The Saints were shocked when Houston signed DE Mario Williams which allowed them to draft runner Reggie Bush of Southern Cal. Bush is a magical performer with the big play ability to provide immediate impact and rise the level of an offense immensely. He is the most exciting player to enter the NFL in years and a great emotional boost for New Orleans after the devastating Katrina Hurricane last year. On the 2nd round, they selected safety Roman Harper of Alabama, a tough athlete with experience vs a high level of competition. He is well developed and can win a starting job this summer and was a fine selection. They traded back in the 4th round and selected guard Jahri Evans of Bloomsburg St. and added veteran DT Hollis Thomas in the transaction. Evans is a massive mobile lineman with power and quickness to start on the interior after some further development. He has a big upside with time and refinement of his skills. On the 5th round, they chose DE Rob Ninkovich of Purdue, a quick edge rusher who came on strong over his late career. He figures to see time as a situational pass rusher. With two 6th round picks, they selected WR Mike Hass of Oregon State and CB Josh Lay of Pittsburgh. Hass is a tough sure handed wideout who can become a fine possession receiver. He has the best hands in this class and can fill the slot receiver role as a rookie. Lay is a big athlete on the corner with interesting upside. He will press for the nickel corner role this summer and has the tools to surprise and possibly even start. With two 7th round picks, they chose OT Zach Strief of Northwestern and WR Marques Colston of Hofstra. Strief is a massive right tackle who can engulf defenders and get a nice push as a drive blocker. He is fine value here with the tools to develop into an NFL player and possible starter in time. Colston is a big physical receiver with good hands and the size to also project to H-back. He was a good late addition. Saints had an outstanding draft class and when you factor in that they added veteran lineman like Jeff Faine and Thomas it is an exceptional group.

Tampa Bay Bucs - Grade C+
The Bucs addressed their offensive line with their top two selections. In the 1st round, they chose OL Davin Joseph of Oklahoma, a mobile tough technician who is ready for NFL battles now. He was a fast rising prospect and can win a guard spot in camp this summer. On the 2nd round, they chose OT Jeremy Trueblood of Boston College, a big physical blocker with experience at both outside positions. He can push for playing time with a strong preseason. On the 3rd round, they selected WR Maurice Stovall of Notre Dame, the most improved player in the country. He is a big agile receiver who will work the intermediate zones and gives the Bucs an eventual starter and probable performer in three wideout sets. With their 4th round pick, they chose CB Alan Zemaitis of Penn State, a savvy cover man who should fit in nicely in the Bucs zone coverage scheme. He played that defense in college. On the 5th round, they added DL Julian Jenkins of Stanford, a versatile defender who can fill any position on their front four. He should be a valuable backup and provide some breaks for the regulars. With two 6th round picks, they added QB Bruce Gradkowski of Toledo and TE T.J. Williams of N.C. State. Gradkowski will benefit from working with Jon Gruden and figures to win the #3 role with the talent to move up with patience and development. Williams is a good movement TE who can fill the H back role and give them a reliable short zone receiver. With three 7th round picks, they selected CB Justin Phinisee of Oregon, DE Charles Bennett of Clemson and TE Tim Massaquoi of Michigan. Phinisee has only marginal ability and was a surprise pick. He faces a tough task to make the roster. Bennett will have to prove he can beat NFL caliber tackles, highly questionable. He faces a difficult challenge to make the team. Massaquoi is a good athlete and value here. He is capable of surprising and making this squad this summer.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals - Grade B
The Cardinals had their best draft class in years. They were shocked to find QB Matt Leinart of USC available at the 10th overall pick and quickly chose the lefty passer. He was an excellent addition and capable of replacing vet Kurt Warner on his 2nd or 3rd seasons. He was one of the better values of the entire draft. On the 2nd round, they chose guard Deuce Lutui of USC to block for his former teammate Leinart eventually. Lutui is a massive roadgrader who performed well in big games and could win a starting job this summer. On the 3rd round, they jumped to select TE Leonard Pope of Georgia. He gives them a huge target in the seam and a prospect with excellent upside with development of his AA. He was fine value. On the 4th round, they chose DT Gabe Watson of Michigan, one of the biggest underachievers in this class. He is a spaceeater on the inside and an impossible defender to move with excellent run stuffing ability when he reads the play properly and plays with intensity. He was an excellent middle round gamble. In the 5th round, they added LB Brandon Johnson of Louisville. He is a top athlete with some inconsistencies but the upside to start on the outside. He was good value here. On the 6th round, they added DT Jonathan Lewis of Virginia Tech, a quick defender who makes plays in the backfield off his initial charge. He can be very effective in their line rotation. On the 7th round, they added Todd Watkins of BYU, fast athlete who flashes big play ability at times. He can surprise and be a fine addition for their multiple sets and was an excellent late steal.

St. Louis Rams - Grade B+
The Rams addressed defense with most of their early picks and their #1 selection with the addition of CB Tye Hill of Clemson. Hills is a speedster with good ball instincts and capable of winning the starting job He was part a run on corners thru the middle rounds. On the 2nd round, they added TE Joe Klopfenstein of Colorado, the first of two prospects at this position. Klopfenstein is a well developed prospect who should flourish in the new offense that will utilize this position much more under the new coaching staff. With three 3rd round picks, they selected Claude Wroten of LSU, LB Jon Alston of Stanford and TE Dominique Byrd of Southern Cal. Wroten is a first round talent who fell off some off the field problems. He addresses a major need area and could be the bargain of the draft if he straightens out his life. Alston is a fast mobile backer with an early starting grade. Byrd is a sure handed receiver with fine mobility and run after the catch ability to play the H back role immediately. On the 4th round, they chose DE Victor Adeyanju of Indiana, a big athletic end with the AA to eventually start. He was good value here and could push for time as a pass rusher early in his career. In the 5th round, they added WR Marques Hagans of Virginia, a college QB they hope gives them a Antwaan Randle El type performer. With three 7th round picks, they chose LB Tim McGarigle of Northwestern and guards Mark Setterstrom of Minnesota and Tony Palmer of Missouri. McGarigle will have to impress on special teams to make the roster. Setterstrom and Palmer will compete for a roster spot inside on an aging interior. Each could surprise here and either make the squad or the PS.

San Francisco 49s - Grade B-
The 49ers chose TE Vernon Davis of Maryland with their #1 pick. He is probably the second best athlete in this class behind only Reggie Bush. He has rare athleticism and can be a difference maker here, though young QB Alex Smith will have to prove he can get him the ball consistently. He can be a major boost to the 49ers passing game if Smith takes his game up a level this season. They added LB Manny Lawson of N.C. State. In the first round that indicates HC Mike Nolan is interested in playing a 3-4 scheme. Lawson is a fine edge pass rusher and hopes to replace Julian Peterson and Andre Carter. He is a fine athlete who must prove he can play up on the outside. On the 3rd round, they added wideout/returner Brandon Williams of Wisconsin. He was a reach this early, but should compete for the starting return duties and the slot receiver role. On the 4th round, they chose WR/RB Michael Robinson of Penn State. He is a raw athlete with the ability to fill a Slash role and give this vanilla offense an added dimension. He was a reach this early. On the 5th round, they chose DE/LB Parys Haralson of Tennessee, is another ‘tweener who will play on the outside and give Nolan an edge rusher and the flexibility to play either defensive scheme. He was a fine addition here and should see time as a situational defender. With three 6th round selections, they chose WR Delanie Walker of Central Missouri, DB Marcus Hudson of N.C. State and DE Melvin Oliver of LSU. Walker is a big raw athlete who has definite upside but needs time to develop and learn the system. Hudson is a fine athlete who fell off a knee injury that may delay his playing time this summer. He has excellent upside and was a fine late addition. Oliver is a big tough defender who can play end in either scheme and is a serviceable lineman. On the 7th round, they drafted safety Vickiel Vaughn of Arkansas, a tough hart hitting defender. He will see time on special teams while learning the defense where he can compete for the SS spot in time.

Seattle Seahawks - Grade C
The Seahawks addressed their defense with their top two selections. They chose CB Kelly Jennings of Miami on the first round. He is a well developed cover man who should win the nickel corner job this summer and possibly a stating job. He graded out high vs top competition. On the 2nd round, they selected DE Darryl Tapp of Virginia Tech. He is an explosive edge rusher who has well developed moves and should help immediately as a situational pass rusher. He could surprise and win a starting job with a big preseason. On the 4th round, they chose guard Rob Sims of Ohio State. He graded out nicely in the Big Ten and played both tackle and guard. He projects to guard as a pro and can push for time with some development. In the 5thround, they selected FB David Kirtman of Southern Cal. He is a fine blocker with sure hands and can win the complimentary fullback role fairly early in his career. With two 7th round picks, they chose punter Ryan Plackemeier of Wake Forest and WR Ben Obomanu of Auburn. Plakemeier has a strong leg and a starting NFL grade. He needs a big preseason to win the starting job. Obomanu is a raw receiver with a nice upside over time. He was an excellent late pick but needs time to refine his good AA.