Line of Scrimmage: Grading the NFL Draft - Part I: The NFC

Line of Scrimmage: Grading the NFL Draft - Part II: The NFC Teams

By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - The armchair general managers are now on the clock.

With the 255 selections of the 2006 NFL draft in the books, it is currently time for observers from around the league to judge just how much the weekend's festivities changed the balance of power among the 32 franchises. Did you think we'd let our opportunity to weigh in remain elusive? Below we take a look at the 2006 draft output of the 16 teams of the NFC, highlighting the ramifications of their two-day haul and assigning grades for their efforts. The My Sportsbook's evaluations for the 16 teams of the AFC will appear on Monday afternoon:

NFC EAST

Dallas

1 - Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State (6-2, 256); 2 - Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame (6-4, 259); 3 - Jason Hatcher, DE, Grambling State (6-6, 284); 4 - Skyler Green, WR, LSU (5-9, 192); 5 - Pat Watkins, S, Florida State (6-5, 211); 6 - Montavious Stanley, DT, Louisville (6-2, 313); 7 - Pat McQuistan, T, Weber State (6-5, 310); 7 - E.J. Whitley, OL, Texas Tech (6-5, 309)

Analysis: Carpenter represents the type of big, run-stopping linebacker that Bill Parcells loves, and should immediately fit into the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. The pick of Fasano, on the other hand, was a curious one, since Jason Witten is a two-time Pro Bowler still very much in the prime of his career. Finding time for Fasano could be a challenge. That the Cowboys chose not to instead address their needs on the offensive line, particularly at the tackle position, could come back to bite them. Secondary help comes in the form of Watkins, who was drafted in the fifth round but many believed to have first- day talent. Stanley was considered by many to be one of the Top 10 defensive tackles available, and represents another good value. McQuistan, whose brother Paul was drafted in the third round by the Raiders, was not expected to be selected and is a project.

Bottom Line: The lack of attention to the o-line and the selection of a couple of question marks (Hatcher, Green) are disconcerting, but bringing in Carpenter and finding some late-round gems saved the weekend for Dallas.

Grade: B-

N.Y. Giants

1 - Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College (6-6, 266); 2 - Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami (FL) (5-8, 185); 3 - Gerris Wilkinson, LB, Georgia Tech (6-3, 233); 4 - Barry Cofield, DL, Northwestern (6-3, 303); 4 - Guy Whimper, T, East Carolina (6-5, 304); 5 - Charlie Peprah, S, Alabama (5-11, 206); 7 - Gerrick McPhearson, CB, Maryland (5-10, 197)

Analysis: With Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora established at end for the G- Men, the selection of Kiwanuka elicited some head-scratching from many NFL observers. The B.C. product is unlikely to see full-time work as a rookie, but will be tabbed as Strahan's eventual replacement. Moss will have a chance to compete for a starting job opposite Plaxico Burress right away, and should also offer the Giants an extra dimension in the return game. Wilkinson adds some much-needed depth at linebacker, and Cofield and Whimper will each have a chance to compete for backup duties in the trenches. Waiting until the second day to add secondary and o-line reinforcements leaves some uncertainty in both of those areas.

Bottom Line: New York is still shaky in the secondary and on the offensive line, but Kiwanuka and Moss will make the Giants a better team.

Grade: B

Philadelphia

1 - Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State (6-3, 306); 2 - Winston Justice, T, USC (6-6, 319); 3 - Chris Gocong, DE/OLB, Cal Poly (6-2, 263); 4 - Max Jean- Gilles, G, Georgia (6-4, 355); 4 - Jason Avant, WR, Michigan (6-0, 212); 5 - Jeremy Bloom, WR/RS, Colorado (5-9, 173); 5 - Omar Gaither, OLB, Tennessee (6-1, 234); 6 - LaJuan Ramsey, DT, USC (6-2, 290)

Analysis: Everything the Eagles touched over the weekend turned to gold. Two of the team's most pressing needs were addressed with Bunkley and Justice, and Gocong was a beneath-the-radar stud as a collegian and improves the team's pass rush right away. Jean-Gilles was thought by many to be a first-day talent and should compete for a starting job in 2006. Avant will never be flashy but has a chance to be a productive No. 2 receiver at some point, and Bloom has natural return ability to aide the special teams. Even the final two picks, Gaither and Ramsey, have a better-than-even shot of making the team.

Bottom Line: Eagles found value with each of their eight picks, and had arguably the best draft of the NFL's 32 teams.

Grade: A

Washington

2 - Rocky McIntosh, OLB, Miami (FL) (6-2, 237); 5 - Anthony Montgomery, DT, Minnesota (6-5, 301); 6 - Reed Doughty, S, Northern Colorado (6-0, 209); 6 - Kedric Golston, DT, Georgia (6-4, 300); 7 - Kili Lefotu, G, Arizona (6-4, 320); 7 - Kevin Simon, LB, Tennessee (5-10, 235);

Analysis: There wasn't an NFL team that seemed less interested in the draft than the Redskins. McIntosh, the team's only pick in the first four rounds, has a chance to replace LaVar Arrington at one of the OLB slots but is unlikely to ever be a star. Montgomery, who some had rated as a free agent- type, was a major reach in the fifth round. Doughty and Simon could catch on as special-teamers, but Golston and Lefotu both need a lot of seasoning and will struggle to make the 53-man roster.

Bottom Line: Free agency, not the draft, is the Redskins' bag, and it showed over the weekend.

Grade: C-

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta

2 - Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech (6-2, 216); 3 - Jerious Norwood, RB, Mississippi State (6-0, 210); 5 - Quinn Ojinnaka, T, Syracuse (6-5, 309); 6 - Adam Jennings, WR, Fresno State (5-9, 181); 7 - D.J. Shockley, QB, Georgia (6-1, 214);

Analysis: The Falcons have had much-publicized struggles in the secondary, and the versatile Williams, who some saw as a first-rounder, will help that unit immediately. Atlanta needed a polished offensive lineman or two, but used its only other second-day pick on Norwood, who doesn't seem to fit naturally into the fabric of the roster at this stage. Ojinnaka, the only o-lineman the team selected, projects as a backup at best. Shockley could catch on as the team's third quarterback but is more likely to switch to receiver at the next level. No team apparently made a convincing enough offer for Falcons backup QB Matt Schaub, denying Atlanta a third selection on Saturday but keeping the solid Schaub in the fold for Jim Mora's crew.

Bottom Line: Williams gives the Falcons' secondary a must-needed boost, but Atlanta's ability to consistently protect Michael Vick remains an issue.

Grade: B-

Carolina

1 - DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-19, 214); 2 - Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State (5-11, 189); 3 - James Anderson, OLB, Virginia Tech (6-3, 229); 3 - Rashad Butler, T, Miami (FL) (6-5, 293); 4 - Nate Salley, FS, Ohio State (6-2, 216); 5 - Jeff King, TE, Virginia Tech (6-5, 245); 7 - Will Montgomery, C, Virginia Tech (6-3, 312); 7 - Stanley McClover, DE, Auburn (6-2, 262)

Analysis: The Panthers' 2006 draft approach suggests that there will be major competitions at running back and in the secondary come training camp. Williams will compete for carries with DeShaun Foster and 2005 second-round pick Eric Shelton, both of whom have had injury problems. Marshall will attempt to infuse himself into a cornerback picture that already includes the solid Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble. Anderson, a third-round pick, fills the team's most glaring need and has as strong a chance to start as Carolina's two previous picks. Butler is a bit undersized but should add immediate depth up front. Of the second-day picks, Salley is the one with the best chance to get on the field early, on special teams.

Bottom Line: Panthers got good value on the first day, though waiting until the third round to take an outside linebacker was a gamble.

Grade: B+

New Orleans

1 - Reggie Bush, RB, USC (5-11, 201); 2 - Roman Harper, S, Alabama (6-0, 198); 4 - Jahri Evans, T, Bloomsburg (PA) (6-4, 317); 5 - Rob Ninkovich, DE/OLB, Purdue (6-3, 255); 6 - Mike Hass, WR, Oregon State (6-1, 208); 6 - Josh Lay, CB, Pittsburgh (6-0, 196); 7 - Zach Strief, T, Northwestern (6-8, 330); 7 - Marques Colston, WR, Hofstra (6-5, 224)

Analysis: Saints fans are giddy over the addition of Bush, and well they should be, as New Orleans becomes one of the league's most fun teams to watch overnight. But that doesn't mean the Saints had a great draft overall. Sean Payton's team needed assistance on the offensive line and at linebacker, and addressed neither need until the second day. The club will have to hope that Evans and/or Strief turns out to be a steal, and that Ninkovich can help out on special teams. Harper was a bit of a reach in the second round but should compete for a starting job. Hass was a terrific college player that is not a natural fit at the next level, and Colston is a big body who could be a matchup problem to opposing defenses if he develops. The progress of both receivers will be worth watching.

Bottom Line: The selection of Bush deserves to overshadow the rest of the Saints' draft, which frankly wasn't that strong.

Grade: B

Tampa Bay

1 - Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma (6-3, 311); 2 - Jeremy Trueblood, T, Boston College (6-8, 316); 3 - Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame (6-4, 217); 4 - Alan Zemaitis, DB, Penn State (6-1, 194); 5 - Julian Jenkins, DE, Stanford (6-4, 277); 6 - Bruce Gradkowski, QB, Toledo (6-1, 217); 6 - T.J. Williams, TE, North Carolina State (6-2, 269); 7 - Justin Phinisee, DB, Oregon (5-10, 197); 7 - Charles Bennett, DE, Clemson (6-4, 268); 7 - Tim Massaquoi, TE, Michigan (6-2, 254)

Analysis: Kudos to the Buccaneers for realizing that the steady play of last year's offensive line was probably an aberration. Neither Joseph nor Trueblood projects as a star at the next level, but both should be solid pros that will help protect Chris Simms and block for Cadillac Williams. Stovall has good size and has a chance to get on the field early given Joey Galloway's injury history and Michael Clayton's inconsistency. Zemaitis is versatile and should give the Bucs a solid backup, and Jenkins could surprise as well. Gradkowski was a good college player but is probably too small to do anything other than hold a clipboard in the NFL. Williams and Massaquoi are likely competing for one spot behind Alex Smith at tight end.

Bottom Line: None a lot of headline news here, but it is difficult to argue with the Bucs' approach.

Grade: B+

NFC NORTH

Chicago

2 - Danieal Manning, DB/RS, Abilene Christian (5-11, 202); 2 - Devin Hester, WR/RS, Miami (FL) (5-11, 190); 3 - Dusty Dvoracek, DT, Oklahoma (6-3, 306); 4 - Jamar Williams, OLB, Arizona State (6-0, 236); 5 - Mark Anderson, DE, Alabama (6-4, 254); 6 - J.D. Runnels, FB, Oklahoma (5-11, 240); 6 - Tyler Reed, G, Penn State (6-3, 307)

Analysis: Why the Bears traded out of the first round rather than adding a much-needed pass-catcher like Marcedes Lewis or Sinorice Moss will be a matter of debate, especially if Hester fails to develop as hoped. Manning adds depth to a secondary that requires it, and Manning and Hester are both good kick returners. The presence of Dvoracek will help to ease concerns over Tank Johnson's torn quadriceps. Anderson was thought by many to be a first-round talent and was a steal for the Bears in the fifth round. Reed, meanwhile, was a reach who will be a longshot to make the roster.

Bottom Line: The receiving situation doesn't look much better than it did on Saturday morning, but the Bears did find potential impact players in Manning, Dvoracek, and Anderson.

Grade: B

Detroit

1 - Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State (5-11, 231); 2 - Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska (6-0, 212); 3 - Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin (5-9, 201); 5 - Jonathan Scott, T, Texas (6-6, 315); 6 - Dee McCann, CB, West Virginia (5-11, 197); 7 - Fred Matua, G, USC (6-2, 306); 7 - Anthony Cannon, LB, Tulane (5-10, 226)

Analysis: It was believed that new head coach Rod Marinelli's defensive mindset would inform this draft, and that was exactly what occurred. Sims and Bullocks should both get on the field right away, and should add quite a bit of life to a defense that needs it. Calhoun doesn't look like much of an upgrade over Artose Pinner or Shawn Bryson, but will have a chance to compete for the backup job behind Kevin Jones. On the second day, Jonathan Scott was a steal in the fifth round and will have an excellent chance to make the team. Matua is also an intriguing pickup, but Cannon is a relative unknown.

Bottom Line: No receivers in the first round (or any round) this year, and that logical approach was the right one.

Grade: B+

Green Bay

1 - A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1, 248); 2 - Daryn Colledge, OL, Boise State (6-4, 299); 2 - Greg Jennings, WR, Western Michigan (5-11, 197); 3 - Abdul Hodge, ILB, Iowa (6-0, 236); 3 - Jason Spitz, OL, Louisville (6-3, 313); 4 - Cory Rodgers, WR, Texas Christian (6-0, 188); 4 - Will Blackmon, WR, Boston College (6-0, 198); 5 - Ingle Martin, QB, Furman (6-2, 219); 5 - Tony Moll, T, Nevada (6-4, 285) ; 6 - Johnny Jolly, DT, Texas A&M (6-3, 317); 6 - Tyrone Culver, FS, Fresno State (6-1, 195); 7 - Dave Tollefson, DE, Northwest Missouri State (6-4, 263)

Analysis: Hawk was rated by some to be the best defensive player in the draft, and will prop up a linebacking corps that needed a shot in the arm. Hodge has a chance to see some meaningful time as well. Colledge and Spitz are both versatile linemen, but probably aren't going to make Brett Favre forget Mike Wahle and/or Marco Rivera. The two new receivers are also somewhat nondescript, no potential Javon Walkers there, to be sure. Martin, who began his college career at Florida, replaces Craig Nall as the third quarterback and could be Aaron Rodgers' backup in a year's time. The final four picks all look like major projects, especially the undersized Moll, a complete mystery who was not expected to be drafted, much less in the fifth round.

Bottom Line: After Hawk, is there really anyone to be excited about?

Grade: B-

Minnesota

1 - Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2, 242); 2 - Cedric Griffin, DB, Texas (6-0, 199); 2 - Ryan Cook, OL, New Mexico (6-7, 328); 2 - Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Alabama State (6-2, 226); 4 - Ray Edwards, DE, Purdue (6-5, 273); 5 - Greg Blue, SS, Georgia (6-2, 216);

Analysis: There was suspicion that the Vikings would find a way to insert themselves into the market for one of the "Big 3" quarterbacks, but when that didn't pan out, they bypassed the likes of Charlie Whitehurst and Brodie Croyle and reached for the unheralded Jackson. Cook, not considered by some pundits to be even among the Top 15 tackles, was another second-round reach. Greenway and Griffin should improve the defense, and Edwards and Blue were decent value picks on the second day as well.

Bottom Line: Brad Childress better be an offensive genius, because his team looks no better on that side of the ball than it did prior to the draft.

Grade: C-

NFC WEST

Arizona

1 - Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-5, 223); 2 - Taitusi 'Deuce' Lutui, G, USC (6-4, 334); 3 - Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (6-8, 258); 4 - Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan (6-3, 339); 5 - Brandon Johnson, LB, Louisville (6-5, 228); 6 - Jonathan Lewis, DT, Virginia Tech (6-1, 309); 7 - Todd Watkins, WR, BYU (6-2, 202)

Analysis: The Cardinals had a terrific draft, now the trick will be getting the Bidwill family to actually pay the players the team selected. Leinart is the most polished of the rookie quarterbacks and should have fun passing to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin once he unseats Kurt Warner. Lutui will help protect Leinart and help block for new Cardinal Edgerrin James, and the massive Pope gives Arizona another presence in the middle of the field. On the second day, the team picked Watson and Lewis, both of whom were projected to be first-day selections and have a chance to develop quickly into starters on the interior line. Johnson figures to be a special-teamer, at least initially.

Bottom Line: Maybe they could have targeted more o-line help or taken a pass rusher, but it's tough to quibble with the picks the Cardinals did make.

Grade: A-

St. Louis

1 - Tye Hill, CB, Clemson (5-10, 185); 2 - Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado (6-6, 255); 3 - Claude Wroten, DT, LSU (6-2, 302); 3 - Jon Alston, OLB, Stanford (6-1, 223); 3 - Dominique Byrd, TE, USC (6-3, 255); 4 - Victor Adeyanju, DE, Indiana (6-4, 267); 5 - Marques Hagans, WR, Virginia (5-9, 202); 7 - Tim McGarigle, ILB, Northwestern (6-1, 242); 7 - Mark Setterstrom, G, Minnesota (6-4, 314); 7 - Tony Palmer, G, Missouri (6-1, 344)

Analysis: To the surprise of no one, the Rams took a cornerback with their first selection, trading down and selecting a good player in Hill. Elsewhere on the defensive side of the ball, St. Louis stole Wroten, who was believed by some to have first-round talent but fell to the third. Adeyanju isn't quite the pass rusher the team needed to complement Leonard Little, but he has potential. Much will be expected of Klopfenstein and Byrd, who will be essential to new head coach Scott Linehan's offensive scheme. Of the second- day picks, the most intriguing is McGarigle, who has a better-than-even chance of making the opening day roster as a special-teamer.

Bottom Line: Rams didn't make a big splash, but on paper seemed to improve themselves all-around.

Grade: B

San Francisco

1 - Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland (6-3, 254); 1 - Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina State (6-5, 241); 3 - Brandon Williams, WR, Wisconsin (5-9, 179); 4 - Michael Robinson, WR, Penn State (6-1, 219); 5 - Parys Haralson, DE/OLB, Tennessee (6-1, 253); 6 - Delanie Walker, WR, Central Missouri State (6-1, 240); 6 - Marcus Hudson, DB, North Carolina State (6-1, 197); 6 - Melvin Oliver, DE, LSU (6-3, 279); 7 - Vickiel Vaughn, S, Arkansas (5-11, 208)

Analysis: Davis will help the offense immensely, but drafting him was somewhat tough to justify given the dire straits the team is facing in the secondary. Selecting Michael Huff, who went seventh to the Raiders, might have been the more prudent move. Lawson helps account for the loss of Julian Peterson and Andre Carter via free agency, though not many felt that he had first-round talent. The converted quarterback Robinson is either going to be a major find or a major bust, and the Niners need Williams and Walker to pick things up mighty quickly as well. Haralson was thought by some to have second-round talent, and Hudson was also a good value, but there's no denying the obvious: where is the much-needed offensive line and secondary help?

Bottom Line: Whatever Mike Nolan's plan is to improve the secondary and/or the o-line, it might be time to share it with the rest of us.

Grade: C-

Seattle

1 - Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami (FL) (5-11, 178); 2 - Darryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech (6-2, 252); 4 - Rob Sims, G, Ohio State (6-3, 307); 5 - David Kirtman, FB, USC (5-11, 233); 7 - Ryan Plackemeier, P/PK, Wake Forest (6-3, 253); 7 - Ben Obomanu, WR, Auburn (6-1, 205)

Analysis: Secondary help was high on the list of the defending NFC Champion's needs, and Jennings will lend a steady hand there. Tapp further improves the league's best pass rush of a season ago. Sims will back up whoever wins the Pork Chop Womack/Tom Ashworth duel at guard, Kirtman is the heir apparent to Mack Strong at fullback, and Plackemeier has a chance to solve the team's punting woes once and for all. Of the Seahawks' six selections, the long shot to make the active roster is Obomanu.

Bottom Line: A logical and prudent draft approach, with no huge names but with all of the biggest needs addressed.

Grade: A-

Grading The AFC Draft

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