2009 NFL Draft - Day One Review |
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1 | Lions | | Quarterback | |
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Well there was no suspense with this pick, but it doesn't mean I can't continue to criticize it. I understand why the Lions made the selection - its a common misconception that a rebuilding franchise starts with a quarterback. However, this team is so depleted that I don't see how Stafford can be a success.
Grade: C- |
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2 | Rams | | Offensive
Tackle | |
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Another pick that came as no surprise. After parting ways with Orlando Pace it became clear that the Rams were in the market for a new franchise left tackle. Smith is a little raw and is still mastering the position, which could lead the Rams to start him in the right side in 2009.
Grade: A |
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3 | Chiefs | | Defensive End | LSU |
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This isn't a terrible pick, but it is a major reach. Its tough to justify taking a 3-4 defensive end with the 3rd overall selection. However, Jackson does fit perfectly into the Chiefs system and should help anchor their defensive line. Aaron Curry would have been a better value here.
Grade: B- |
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4 | Seahawks | | Outside Linebacker | W.F. |
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I was mildly surprised when they passed on Mark Sanchez, but this is very solid pick. The trade of Julian Peterson opened up a major hole on defense for the Seahawks. With the addition of Curry, Leroy Hill can move to his more natural position on the weak side.
Grade: A- |
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5 | Jets | | Quarterback | USC |
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This is a great pick and the Jets gave up absolutely nothing to get it. I think Sanchez is the best quarterback in the class and could be an elite player in this league. Hopefully the Jets allow him to sit and learn behind Kellen Clemens this year because he's not ready to step into an NFL starting lineup.
Grade: A+ |
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6 | Bengals | | Offensive
Tackle | |
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This is a very risky pick, but Marvin Lewis needed to make a move that could save his job. Smith is the classic boom-or-bust prospect due to the concerns about his character, but he also has the potential to be the best tackle to come from this draft. Eugene Monroe would have been a much safer selection.
Grade: C |
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7 | Raiders | | Wide
Receiver | Maryland |
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This was the 6th draft I've covered here on DraftAce and this is hands down the worst first-round pick I've seen. Al Davis is in love with speed and no one has more of it than Heyward-Bey. I knew he fit the Raiders profile, but I just couldn't believe they'd make the selection until it happened. I'm still stunned.
Grade: F |
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8 | Jaguars | | Offensive
Tackle | |
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Great pick by the Jaguars. Monroe can step in at right tackle immediately and eventually take over for Tra Thomas on the left side. Receiver was probably more of a need, but the Jaguars have learned their lesson about taking a receiver in the top 10. They know its simply too great of a risk.
Grade: A |
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9 | Packers | | Defensive Tackle | |
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The Packers needed to select someone to fit into their new 3-4 defense and Raji was the perfect fit. He'll step right in at nose tackle and should start over Ryan Pickett from day one. He does come with some baggage, but if they can keep him motivated he'll be a Shaun Rogers-like defensive lineman.
Grade: A- | |
10 | 49ers | | Wide
Receiver | Texas
Tech |
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While this was a predictable pick, it does raise some questions about the 49ers strategy. They don't have a quarterback, they don't have a very good offensive line and yet they've added a receiver with a top 10 pick. How exactly do they expect to get him the football?
Grade: B- | |
11 | Bills | | Defensive
End | Penn State |
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Aaron Maybin will give the Bills what they need (a pass rusher) but I'm not convinced that he's an every-down lineman. He's undersized and lacks the skills to consistently make plays against the run. Its a risky pick, but could pay big dividends even if he's only a situational pass rusher.
Grade: B | |
12 | Broncos | | Running Back | Georgia |
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I'm baffled by the Broncos strategy this offseason. They sign three running backs in free agency and then draft another one here? Moreno is clearly the best of the group and should be the starter, but why waste all that money on three backup running backs?
Grade: B- | |
13 | Redskins | | Defensive End | Texas |
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Very solid pick for the Redskins. They needed to add a pass rusher in this draft and they ended up with arguably the most complete defensive end in the draft. Orakpo isn't quite as dynamic a pass rusher as Maybin, but he's better equipped to be an every-down player.
Grade: A | |
14 | Saints | | Cornerback | Ohio
State |
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We knew this pick would be one of two Buckeyes, and they really couldn't go wrong with either. The Saints have needed a cornerback for years it seems, but continue to pass over them in the draft. Jenkins should be the next in the long line of great Buckeyes defensive backs.
Grade: A | |
15 | Texans | | Outside
Linebacker | USC |
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The Texans were targeting either Brian Cushing all along and they got their man. I'm not really high on Cushing, but he clearly fills a need and will allow them to be more physical on defense next year. He provides a decent pass rush, which will also help strengthen the Texans front seven.
Grade: B+ | |
16 | Chargers | | Outside Linebacker | NIU |
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If I were a Chargers fan I would be very concerned by what this selection means. Between Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips there isn't room for another outside linebacker in San Diego... unless they don't think Merriman is fully healthy. English will be great in their system, if he's about to find playing time.
Grade: B+ | |
