LonghornBronco
04-16-2009, 06:27 PM
Interesting read. I was especially interested in teams that were able to land multiple pro-bowlers. New England did surprisingly well considering their rookies rerely see the field considering their depth... I guess their is hope for McD yet...;D
Draft review: How every team ranks from 2003-'08
It is never easy grading drafts on draft day. Who really knows if a player is going to be great, so-so, get hurt or even arrested and bust out? But these league-wide grades include the six most recent drafts, starting with 2003.
Yes, winning franchises such as Pittsburgh, New England, San Diego, Dallas and the New York Giants have been excellent over this span by simply being consistent while also finding quality performers in the middle-to-late rounds. The Steelers and Giants never seemed to mess up in the first round.
Readers should realize that the number designating starters for each team may include players who are no longer with that team. For example, players like Byron Leftwich and Kellen Winslow were starters after they were drafted even though neither plays with the team that drafted him.
ARIZONA: Believe it or not, the Cardinals have done a decent job in drafting since 2003 and maybe that explains their Super Bowl appearance. Linebacker Calvin Pace, now with the Jets, and receiver Anquan Boldin (54th pick overall) were taken that year. They have made good selections in the first round ever since, the only question mark being quarterback Matt Leinart in 2006. Even if Leinart doesn't pan out, the Cardinals did get three starters in '06. The '04 draft started with Larry Fitzgerald, but also produced defensive gems in Karlos Dansby and Darnell Dockett. In '07, they grabbed offensive tackle Levi Brown and Alan Branch and third receiver Steve Breaston.
Picks: 40
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 14
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: A
ATLANTA: The Falcons have had some wipeout drafts like 2003 and then again in 2004 when cornerback DeAngelo Hall was the first pick; he's now a Redskin via the Raiders. But they have picked up three starters in each of the last two drafts, including their franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan last year. The 2004 draft was productive, considering they eventually traded Matt Schaub to Houston to acquire some extra choices. Those picks allowed them to add two starters in 2007 in Jamaal Anderson and guard Justin Blalock. And don't forget that receiver Roddy White was the first pick in 2005 and he's turned out great now that he has a quarterback.
Picks: 48
First round picks: 5
Starters: 12
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: B+
Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome struck out with Kyle Boller (pictured), before possibly landing a star in QB Joe Flacco. (Doug Benc / Getty Images)
BALTIMORE: For all the praise given to GM Ozzie Newsome, his drafts have produced few stars in recent years. Yes, quarterback Joe Flacco might become one, but the only Pro Bowler in the last six drafts is pass rusher Terrell Suggs from 2003. Yes, there are some decent starters in guard Ben Grubbs and fullback Le'Ron McClain. But they busted out with quarterback Kyle Boller and first-round receiver Mark Clayton in 2005. Running back Ray Rice was a solid choice last season and nine rookies did make the final 53-man roster in 2008.
Picks: 53
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 5
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-
BUFFALO: The Bills typify how ever-changing the NFL has become since full-blown free agency and the big money paid to top draft choices. In the last six years, the Bills have drafted two starting running backs and two starting quarterbacks. They were praised for risking a pick on Willis McGahee, who was eventually traded to Baltimore. They struck out with J.P. Losman in 2004, but may have recovered with Stanford QB Trent Edwards, the third player taken in their 2007 draft. They have hit with their first-round picks and have six starters from the 2006-7 drafts. Starting linebacker Keith Ellison was taken 178th overall in 2006.
Picks: 46
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 11
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: B
CAROLINA: The Panthers don't mess up in the first round and just gave their 2003 No. 1 pick Jordan Gross over $9 million a season. Yes, they missed on some receivers, but they still have hope for Dwayne Jarrett. It may be hard to find the right playmaker opposite Steve Smith, but John Fox knows his defensive players and he's grabbed three great young defensive players in linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis and cornerback Chris Gamble in recent drafts. The Panthers drafted their running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the past two drafts, plus shored up with the offensive line with Ryan Kalil and Jeff Otah.
Picks: 49
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 11
Pro Bowlers:2
Grade: B
CHICAGO: It made sense to GM Jerry Angelo to trade his first-round picks this year and next for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler because he's had first-round busts in Michael Haynes and Cedric Benson, plus the last two first-rounders Greg Olsen and Chris Williams haven't become stars. Williams (bad back) couldn't get on the field last season. The two best players taken in the last three drafts were Devin Hester with the 57th overall pick in 2006 and running back Matt Forte with the 44th pick last year. The 2003 and 2004 drafts produced Peanut Tillman, Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris, Nate Vasher and departed receivers Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade. Give Angelo credit for drafting Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton, who was critical to the Cutler trade.
Picks: 53
First-round picks (6)
Starters (11)
Pro Bowlers (4)
Grade: B-
CINCINNATI: The last six drafts will look OK if quarterback Carson Palmer, the first player in 2003, returns to a high-level form this season. Basically, the Bengals have had some bad luck while mixing in some risky picks in recent years. Consider the 2005 draft when linebacker Odell Thurman showed so much promise but couldn't keep his drinking under control, plus the career-ending neck injury to David Pollack. The Bengals have drafted some good offensive linemen in Eric Steinbach, Stacy Andrews and Eric Ghiaciuc, the 119th pick in 2005. The same year, they took LDE Jonathan Fanene with the 233rd selection. The last two drafts have brought two defensive starters in CB Leon Hall and linebacker Keith Rivers in the first round.
Picks: 53
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 8
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-
Brady Quinn was generally considered a good pick for Cleveland, but given that he's on the trade block it's hard to give them too much credit. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)
CLEVELAND: Funny how drafts turn out. Two of Cleveland's top picks in 2003-04 are now highly paid stars with the Tampa Bay Bucs: center Jeff Faine and tight end Kellen Winslow. The Bucs even have another former Browns draftee in QB Luke McCown. Two of their so-called better draft picks, receiver Braylon Edwards and quarterback Brady Quinn, are on the trading block, meaning much of the drafts have been washouts. The Browns' two best players were high picks Joe Thomas and linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. Remember, quarterback Derek Anderson was a Ravens draft choice.
Picks: 43
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 8
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: C-
DALLAS: Bill Parcells, now running the show with the Dolphins, had a great 2005 draft that produced six starters and the team's two best players in OLB DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber. Tight end Jason Witten was the 69th pick in 2003 and NT Jay Ratliff was the 224th pick in 2005. Clutch kicker Nick Folk was the 178th pick in 2007 and the top four picks last year give Dallas tremendous depth. No question the talent is here, now it's up to Tony Romo and Wade Phillips.
Picks: 45
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 11
Pro Bowlers: 6
Grade: A
DENVER: Basically, the drafts were Mike Shanahan's undoing with the Broncos. He was never able to build much depth, especially when counting the 2003 through 2005 drafts. Jay Cutler was taken in the 2006 draft and then talked his way out of Denver. The Broncos did hit with two talented young starters in LT Ryan Clady and WR Eddie Royal last season. There is good young offensive talent, but a question mark on offense with Kyle Orton and new coach Josh McDaniels.
Picks: 46, First-round picks: 5
Starters: 10
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-
DETROIT: Well, Matt Millen is long gone but he hired Martin Mayhew, his replacement, although team finance man Tom Lewand will have some influence in future drafts. Millen did draft three talented receivers in Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. But Rogers broke his shoulder blade in consecutive seasons, ending his career, while Roy Williams is now a Cowboy. USC receiver Mike Williams was a total bust in 2005 and Ernie Sims is simply a nice little linebacker. The Lions were 0-16 last season because the coaching and talent were substandard.
Picks: 47
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 9
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: D
GREEN BAY: The last two drafts have been ho-hum, producing some decent backup receivers and kicker Mason Crosby. The 2004 draft cost coach Mike Sherman his job because of failed top selections in Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas, plus a third-round pick used on punter B.J. Sander. GM Ted Thompson's best draft was his first with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, safety Nick Collins and linebacker Brady Poppinga. Greg Jennings was a great pick at No. 52 in 2006.
Picks: 58
First-round picks: 5
Starters: 10
Pro Bowlers: 0
Grade: C
HOUSTON: The Texans have been doing a better job in the draft, getting four starters last season with offensive linemen Duane Brown and Mike Brisiel, running back Steve Slaton and linebacker Xavier Adibi. They have made solid top picks with receiver Andre Johnson, DE Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans might even be a better player than Williams out of the 2006 draft. It's up to Matt Schaub and coach Gary Kubiak to take Houston to the next level.
Picks: 48
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 12
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: C
INDIANAPOLIS: GM Bill Polian did a great job at picking the type of players that Tony Dungy wanted. The entire Indy secondary was drafted by Polian and Bob Sanders was the 44th player taken in 2004. Polian has hit on all four of his first-round picks in the last six years: Dallas Clark, Marlin Jackson, Joseph Addai and Anthony Gonzalez, who will replace Marvin Harrison. However, the beauty of Polian's genius is picks like Robert Mathis at 138 in 2003 and Antoine Bethea at 207th overall in 2006.
Picks: 52
First-round picks: 4
Starters: 15
Pro Bowlers: 6
Grade: A-
With first-round flops like receiver Matt Jones the Jaguars haven't had much success on Draft day. (Sam Greenwood / Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE: The Jaguars have really struggled in this area, considering they took quarterback Byron Leftwich in 2003 only to cut him loose three years later. Receivers Matt Jones and Reggie Williams must be considered first-round flops. The best picks have been Rashean Mathis (39th player in 2003) and second-rounder Mo Jones-Drew in 2006. Kicker Josh Scobee was the 137th pick in 2004.
Picks: 49
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 8
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: D
KANSAS CITY: The last two years have produced eight starters, a credit to Billy Kuharich -- who had tons of influence over former GM Carl Peterson. The entire secondary was taken during this span, meaning that Kansas City has a chance if it can get an offense. Yes, they have issues with RB Larry Johnson, but he has been productive when committed. Linebacker Derrick Johnson, pass rusher Tamba Hali and receiver Dwayne Bowe are very good young players, all first-round selections.
Picks: 50
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 11
Pro Bowlers: 3
Grade: C
MIAMI: The Dolphins have been struggling because their last six drafts have produced only two playmakers, receiver Ted Ginn and running back Ronnie Brown, and both of them were slow to develop. The cupboard was pretty bare when Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland showed up. The 2006 draft was a complete washout and Ginn was the only starter from the 2007 draft. The Dolphins started three rookies last season, but offensive tackle Jake Long was the lone standout.
Picks: 47
First-round picks: 5
Starters: 9
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-
MINNESOTA: The Vikings have had some busts like receiver Troy Williamson and some bad luck like cancer-stricken Kenechi Udeze. But they have struck gold with running back Adrian Peterson and defensive tackle Kevin Williams, two of the best players at their position in the NFL. Last year's draft was pretty much a bust, but there are also some good young players like linebacker Chad Greenway and receiver Sidney Rice.
Picks: 41
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 13
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: B-
Part 1
Draft review: How every team ranks from 2003-'08
It is never easy grading drafts on draft day. Who really knows if a player is going to be great, so-so, get hurt or even arrested and bust out? But these league-wide grades include the six most recent drafts, starting with 2003.
Yes, winning franchises such as Pittsburgh, New England, San Diego, Dallas and the New York Giants have been excellent over this span by simply being consistent while also finding quality performers in the middle-to-late rounds. The Steelers and Giants never seemed to mess up in the first round.
Readers should realize that the number designating starters for each team may include players who are no longer with that team. For example, players like Byron Leftwich and Kellen Winslow were starters after they were drafted even though neither plays with the team that drafted him.
ARIZONA: Believe it or not, the Cardinals have done a decent job in drafting since 2003 and maybe that explains their Super Bowl appearance. Linebacker Calvin Pace, now with the Jets, and receiver Anquan Boldin (54th pick overall) were taken that year. They have made good selections in the first round ever since, the only question mark being quarterback Matt Leinart in 2006. Even if Leinart doesn't pan out, the Cardinals did get three starters in '06. The '04 draft started with Larry Fitzgerald, but also produced defensive gems in Karlos Dansby and Darnell Dockett. In '07, they grabbed offensive tackle Levi Brown and Alan Branch and third receiver Steve Breaston.
Picks: 40
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 14
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: A
ATLANTA: The Falcons have had some wipeout drafts like 2003 and then again in 2004 when cornerback DeAngelo Hall was the first pick; he's now a Redskin via the Raiders. But they have picked up three starters in each of the last two drafts, including their franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan last year. The 2004 draft was productive, considering they eventually traded Matt Schaub to Houston to acquire some extra choices. Those picks allowed them to add two starters in 2007 in Jamaal Anderson and guard Justin Blalock. And don't forget that receiver Roddy White was the first pick in 2005 and he's turned out great now that he has a quarterback.
Picks: 48
First round picks: 5
Starters: 12
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: B+
Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome struck out with Kyle Boller (pictured), before possibly landing a star in QB Joe Flacco. (Doug Benc / Getty Images)
BALTIMORE: For all the praise given to GM Ozzie Newsome, his drafts have produced few stars in recent years. Yes, quarterback Joe Flacco might become one, but the only Pro Bowler in the last six drafts is pass rusher Terrell Suggs from 2003. Yes, there are some decent starters in guard Ben Grubbs and fullback Le'Ron McClain. But they busted out with quarterback Kyle Boller and first-round receiver Mark Clayton in 2005. Running back Ray Rice was a solid choice last season and nine rookies did make the final 53-man roster in 2008.
Picks: 53
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 5
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-
BUFFALO: The Bills typify how ever-changing the NFL has become since full-blown free agency and the big money paid to top draft choices. In the last six years, the Bills have drafted two starting running backs and two starting quarterbacks. They were praised for risking a pick on Willis McGahee, who was eventually traded to Baltimore. They struck out with J.P. Losman in 2004, but may have recovered with Stanford QB Trent Edwards, the third player taken in their 2007 draft. They have hit with their first-round picks and have six starters from the 2006-7 drafts. Starting linebacker Keith Ellison was taken 178th overall in 2006.
Picks: 46
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 11
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: B
CAROLINA: The Panthers don't mess up in the first round and just gave their 2003 No. 1 pick Jordan Gross over $9 million a season. Yes, they missed on some receivers, but they still have hope for Dwayne Jarrett. It may be hard to find the right playmaker opposite Steve Smith, but John Fox knows his defensive players and he's grabbed three great young defensive players in linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis and cornerback Chris Gamble in recent drafts. The Panthers drafted their running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the past two drafts, plus shored up with the offensive line with Ryan Kalil and Jeff Otah.
Picks: 49
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 11
Pro Bowlers:2
Grade: B
CHICAGO: It made sense to GM Jerry Angelo to trade his first-round picks this year and next for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler because he's had first-round busts in Michael Haynes and Cedric Benson, plus the last two first-rounders Greg Olsen and Chris Williams haven't become stars. Williams (bad back) couldn't get on the field last season. The two best players taken in the last three drafts were Devin Hester with the 57th overall pick in 2006 and running back Matt Forte with the 44th pick last year. The 2003 and 2004 drafts produced Peanut Tillman, Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris, Nate Vasher and departed receivers Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade. Give Angelo credit for drafting Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton, who was critical to the Cutler trade.
Picks: 53
First-round picks (6)
Starters (11)
Pro Bowlers (4)
Grade: B-
CINCINNATI: The last six drafts will look OK if quarterback Carson Palmer, the first player in 2003, returns to a high-level form this season. Basically, the Bengals have had some bad luck while mixing in some risky picks in recent years. Consider the 2005 draft when linebacker Odell Thurman showed so much promise but couldn't keep his drinking under control, plus the career-ending neck injury to David Pollack. The Bengals have drafted some good offensive linemen in Eric Steinbach, Stacy Andrews and Eric Ghiaciuc, the 119th pick in 2005. The same year, they took LDE Jonathan Fanene with the 233rd selection. The last two drafts have brought two defensive starters in CB Leon Hall and linebacker Keith Rivers in the first round.
Picks: 53
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 8
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-
Brady Quinn was generally considered a good pick for Cleveland, but given that he's on the trade block it's hard to give them too much credit. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)
CLEVELAND: Funny how drafts turn out. Two of Cleveland's top picks in 2003-04 are now highly paid stars with the Tampa Bay Bucs: center Jeff Faine and tight end Kellen Winslow. The Bucs even have another former Browns draftee in QB Luke McCown. Two of their so-called better draft picks, receiver Braylon Edwards and quarterback Brady Quinn, are on the trading block, meaning much of the drafts have been washouts. The Browns' two best players were high picks Joe Thomas and linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. Remember, quarterback Derek Anderson was a Ravens draft choice.
Picks: 43
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 8
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: C-
DALLAS: Bill Parcells, now running the show with the Dolphins, had a great 2005 draft that produced six starters and the team's two best players in OLB DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber. Tight end Jason Witten was the 69th pick in 2003 and NT Jay Ratliff was the 224th pick in 2005. Clutch kicker Nick Folk was the 178th pick in 2007 and the top four picks last year give Dallas tremendous depth. No question the talent is here, now it's up to Tony Romo and Wade Phillips.
Picks: 45
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 11
Pro Bowlers: 6
Grade: A
DENVER: Basically, the drafts were Mike Shanahan's undoing with the Broncos. He was never able to build much depth, especially when counting the 2003 through 2005 drafts. Jay Cutler was taken in the 2006 draft and then talked his way out of Denver. The Broncos did hit with two talented young starters in LT Ryan Clady and WR Eddie Royal last season. There is good young offensive talent, but a question mark on offense with Kyle Orton and new coach Josh McDaniels.
Picks: 46, First-round picks: 5
Starters: 10
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-
DETROIT: Well, Matt Millen is long gone but he hired Martin Mayhew, his replacement, although team finance man Tom Lewand will have some influence in future drafts. Millen did draft three talented receivers in Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. But Rogers broke his shoulder blade in consecutive seasons, ending his career, while Roy Williams is now a Cowboy. USC receiver Mike Williams was a total bust in 2005 and Ernie Sims is simply a nice little linebacker. The Lions were 0-16 last season because the coaching and talent were substandard.
Picks: 47
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 9
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: D
GREEN BAY: The last two drafts have been ho-hum, producing some decent backup receivers and kicker Mason Crosby. The 2004 draft cost coach Mike Sherman his job because of failed top selections in Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas, plus a third-round pick used on punter B.J. Sander. GM Ted Thompson's best draft was his first with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, safety Nick Collins and linebacker Brady Poppinga. Greg Jennings was a great pick at No. 52 in 2006.
Picks: 58
First-round picks: 5
Starters: 10
Pro Bowlers: 0
Grade: C
HOUSTON: The Texans have been doing a better job in the draft, getting four starters last season with offensive linemen Duane Brown and Mike Brisiel, running back Steve Slaton and linebacker Xavier Adibi. They have made solid top picks with receiver Andre Johnson, DE Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans might even be a better player than Williams out of the 2006 draft. It's up to Matt Schaub and coach Gary Kubiak to take Houston to the next level.
Picks: 48
First-round picks: 7
Starters: 12
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: C
INDIANAPOLIS: GM Bill Polian did a great job at picking the type of players that Tony Dungy wanted. The entire Indy secondary was drafted by Polian and Bob Sanders was the 44th player taken in 2004. Polian has hit on all four of his first-round picks in the last six years: Dallas Clark, Marlin Jackson, Joseph Addai and Anthony Gonzalez, who will replace Marvin Harrison. However, the beauty of Polian's genius is picks like Robert Mathis at 138 in 2003 and Antoine Bethea at 207th overall in 2006.
Picks: 52
First-round picks: 4
Starters: 15
Pro Bowlers: 6
Grade: A-
With first-round flops like receiver Matt Jones the Jaguars haven't had much success on Draft day. (Sam Greenwood / Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE: The Jaguars have really struggled in this area, considering they took quarterback Byron Leftwich in 2003 only to cut him loose three years later. Receivers Matt Jones and Reggie Williams must be considered first-round flops. The best picks have been Rashean Mathis (39th player in 2003) and second-rounder Mo Jones-Drew in 2006. Kicker Josh Scobee was the 137th pick in 2004.
Picks: 49
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 8
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: D
KANSAS CITY: The last two years have produced eight starters, a credit to Billy Kuharich -- who had tons of influence over former GM Carl Peterson. The entire secondary was taken during this span, meaning that Kansas City has a chance if it can get an offense. Yes, they have issues with RB Larry Johnson, but he has been productive when committed. Linebacker Derrick Johnson, pass rusher Tamba Hali and receiver Dwayne Bowe are very good young players, all first-round selections.
Picks: 50
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 11
Pro Bowlers: 3
Grade: C
MIAMI: The Dolphins have been struggling because their last six drafts have produced only two playmakers, receiver Ted Ginn and running back Ronnie Brown, and both of them were slow to develop. The cupboard was pretty bare when Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland showed up. The 2006 draft was a complete washout and Ginn was the only starter from the 2007 draft. The Dolphins started three rookies last season, but offensive tackle Jake Long was the lone standout.
Picks: 47
First-round picks: 5
Starters: 9
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-
MINNESOTA: The Vikings have had some busts like receiver Troy Williamson and some bad luck like cancer-stricken Kenechi Udeze. But they have struck gold with running back Adrian Peterson and defensive tackle Kevin Williams, two of the best players at their position in the NFL. Last year's draft was pretty much a bust, but there are also some good young players like linebacker Chad Greenway and receiver Sidney Rice.
Picks: 41
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 13
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: B-
Part 1