GREAT BLUE NORTH DRAFT REPORT
NEWS AND INFORMATION ON THE NFL DRAFT
GREAT BLUE NORTH DRAFT REPORT
NEWS AND INFORMATION ON THE NFL DRAFT
| Home
2003 Draft
2002 Draft
2001 Draft
2000 Draft
|
Top 10 offensive rookies
Top 10 defensive rookies
Best picks by round
Team-by-team Draft Grades (Ed note: As it can take up to 2-3 years for a draft class to fully develop, these are obviously still very preliminary grades, and very little should be made of them at this point.) New Orleans: The Saints have had the most productive draft class in the league so far; indeed, if it weren't for a nagging hamstring injury that has slowed WR Donte' Stallworth, the Saints #1 pick this year, the past couple of weeks, it might not even be close. When healthy, Stallworth provided the Saints with a big-play threat that resulted in TD receptions in each of his first games. Meanwhile, second round OG LeCharles Bentley stepped into the Saints' starting lineup at RG on the first day of camp and hasn't looked back. In fact, the thoroughly nasty Bentley is our top-rated offensive rookie overall through the first half of the season. The Saints' other first-round pick, DE Charles Grant, has also been solid with 24 tackles and a pair of sacks, and has provided the defensive front with an infusion of speed. LB James Allen, CB Keyou Craver and S Mel Mitchell, taken in the 3rd through the 5th rounds respectively, have also had some moments, though, Craver has actually only played in 2 games because of injuries. Mid-season grade: A Emerging needs for 2003: Despite their great start to the season, the Saints still have concerns about a defense that has given up a ton of points and yardage, especially through the air. Adding some size and speed at both CB and FS would be a good place to start to address those concerns. Dallas: After a series of shaky drafts, the Cowboys came close to hitting the jackpot last April. Top pick, DB Roy Williams, for example, has been more than solid, ranking third on the team with 46 tackles, while the big, game-breaking plays that made his reputation at Oklahoma are starting to come on a consistent basis. Second rounders C Andre Gurode and WR Antonio Bryant have also both established themselves as more than adequate starters; indeed, Bryant could go down as one of the steals of the draft. The 63rd player selected overall last April has averaged almost 17 yards per catch on his 23 receptions to date and has provided the Cowboys' with the big, physical go-to target they haven't had since the days of Michael Irvin. C Gurode, meanwhile, has done a nice job anchoring the Cowboys' offensive line, while third-round CB Derek Ross saw considerable action early on in nickle packages, but now appears close to nailing down a spot in the starting unit after with 4 interceptions. The Cowboys' rookie class will also get a huge boost if free agent QB Chad Hutchinson hangs on to the starting QB role. Hutchinson, the former Stanford star who spent a couple of years playing minor league baseball replaced incumbent QB Quincy Carter in week #8 and looked poised in the pocket, though, he didn't put up great numbers in that first start. Mid-season grade: A Emerging needs for 2003: The Cowboys have been trying for years to find a pair of solid cover corners; unfortunately, they'e still looking.While Ross was a solid addition to the defensive backfield, the Cowboys still need another big, physical shut-down CB. The Cowboys could also look to continue rebuilding an offensive line that is a rather pale imitation of its once-dominant self former. There is still a lot of sorting out to do at the QB position also. . Oakland: The Raiders have gotten great production from their 2002 draft class which was bolstered by all those extra picks acquired in the deal with Tampa Bay for the rights to former head coach Jon Gruden. In fact, both the Raiders first round picks from this year's draft look like they will have long, successful NFL careers. CB Phil Buchanon, for example, stepped into the starting lineup when Pro Bowler Charles Woodson went out with an injury and the pass defense didn't miss a beat. Before being injured himself, Buchanon had 21 tackles, 5 pass breakups and 2 interceptions, one of which he returned 80 yards for a TD to seal the Raiders' win in Buffalo. Buchanon also doubled as a top punt returner, averaing a lusty 12 yards per return and adding another TD that way. Meanwhile, LB Napoleon Harris, the second of two Raiders' #1 picks, has started at MLB since the opening of the season and has been more than solid racking up 48 tackles, the second highest total on the team. The Raiders also got something of a bonus in second round OT Langston Walker who was considered to be something of a project when he drafted, but more than held his own is two starts as an emergency injury replacement. The Raiders other second round pick, TE Doug Jolley, has also produced some quality minutes, catching 7 passes including one for a TD. At the same time, though, the Raiders have gotten almost nothing from players selected in the later rounds. Mid-season grade: A Emerging need for 2003: What the Raiders do at the 2003 draft depends on whether the 4-0 Raiders that opened the season or the 0-4 bunch from the last month make the pick. The 4-0 gang would probably look to add some youth across the board to the NFL's oldest team, particularly at WR where Tim Brown and Jerry Rice are still outstanding players, but neither has the speed to stretch defenses anymore. On the other hand, the 0-4 Raiders that stumbled through the past month would probably like to concentrate on upgrading an underachieving defensive front, especially at DT, which has been very vulnerable to the run of late. San Diego: The Chargers haven't done much wrong on draft day the past couple of years. And they came up smelling like roses this year when CB Quentin Jammer fell into their laps with the 5th pick. The Chargers, however, weren't able to get Jammer, arguably the best prospect overall in the 2002 draft class, signed until just before the season started such that he wasn't in uniform until week 4 and likely won't start until next year. In the end, though, that may play out to the Chargers' benefit as Jammer has been able to play behind veterans Alex Molden and Ryan McNeil learning the nuances of the position, while gaining condfidence each week working in nickle packages. And while their actual #1 learns his trade, the Chargers have gotten first-round production out of 2nd round OG Toniu Fonoti, a roadgrader type who has been opening huge holes for 2001 first rounder Ladainian Tomlinson to scamper through. Fonoti has teamed with unheralded undrafted free agent C Jason Ball, who won a starting job in camp, to anchor what has gone from one of the NFL's worst offensive lines to one of its best. The Chargers have also gotten unexpected production from 3rd round LB Ben Leber, another full-time starter who has posted 30 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. The Chargers, however, have been disappointed in WR Reche Caldwell, their other second rounder, who has only 37 yards on 5 catches and has struggled to get off coverages so far this year. Caldwell's output, in fact, is only half of that of undrafted free agent TE/WR Josh Norman who has 9 catches. Mid-season grade: A Emerging needs for 2003: Even if WR Caldwell is able to pick up the pace, he's still more of a possession type receiver, so the Chargers could be in the market for a true, elite level receiver who can stretch defenses. And while the offensive line is much improved, it still could use some upgrading, especially the OTs. Buffalo: For the second year in a row the Bills have had one of the more productive draft classes in the league. Top pick OT Mike Williams, for example, has been a rock at RT, although he has missed a couple of games with injury. Second round WR Josh Reed has also been solid with 22 receptions and 3 TDs as the Bills' #3 receiver, but with starting WRs Eric Moulds and Peerless price forming the NFL's best 1-2 punch at receiver, Reed doesn't see that many balls coming his way. Meanwhile, third round SS Coy Wire has been a most pleasant surprise. Expected to help out largely as a special teamer this year, Wire worked his way into the starting lineup early on where he provides an athletic presence; for the year, Wire is third on the team in tackles with 43. Fifth-round DT Justin Bannan has also contributed to the Bills' DT rotation with 6 tackles and a sack, but second round DE Ryan Denney has been a disappointment; indeed, Denney has been outplayed by undrafted free agent Grant Irons who has chipped in a couple of unexpected sacks. Mid-season grade: A Emerging needs for 2003: Veteran DT Pat Williams is one of the NFL's most underrated interior front four defenders, but he needs more help and a big, run-stuffing DT or two will be high on the Bills' wish list next April. Buffalo will have to wait until at least the second round to get one this year, however, having traded their #1 pick to New England for QB Drew Bledsoe. Pittsburgh: Year in and year out, the Steelers always seem to come up 2-3 rookies that can come in and contribute right away and this year is no exception. Second round / Antwaan Randle El, for example, made the halfway list of top 10 offensive rookies, while 1st round OG Kendall Simmons was close. Randle El, who has brought new meaning to the term 'slash' in the town that invented it, has has been perhaps the single most exciting rookie in the league; certainly he's the most versatile. Randle El, who is officially the Steelers' #3 WR has 24 receptions, has rushed 11 times for 86 yards and completed 3 of 4 pass attempts. He's also one of the league's top kickoff returners with a 26.7 yards per return average, while averaging 7.2 on punt returns. And no, there is no truth to the rumor that Randle El is also one of the top selling half-time concessionaires in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, OG Simmons, who beat out a number of quality veterans to win the starting RG spot in training camp, has gotten better each week and looks like just another in a long line of Steelers' roadgrader offensive linemen. And while Randle El is one of the top kickoff return men in the league, he has gotten help on that detail from 6th round WR Lee Mays, who has averaged over 21 yards per return himself, while 5th round RB Verron Hayes has contribued some useful minutes with Jerome Bettis injured. And 4th round LB Larry Foote was able to at least hold his own when called on to replace an injured Kendrell Bell, the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year from last season, at MLB for several games. Mid-season grade: A- Emerging needs for 2003: The remarkable succeess of retread QB Tommy Maddox, who has led the Steelers comeback from a near-disatrous 0-3 start, has been the NFL's best feel-good storyline this fall. However, the 32-old Maddox can hardly be considered a long-term solution at the position and with former starter Kordell Stewart seemingly out of chances in Pittsburgh, the Steelers could very look to the 2002 draft for a QB to develop for the future. At the same time, opposing teams have found that they can defuse, at least in part, the Steelers pass rush, which comes mostly from the OLBs, by spreading the offense and taking the LBs away from the ball. As such, the Steelers could also be in the market for an all-around DE who can bring some heat on the pocket. Denver: With one of the deepest offensive backfields in the league, the Broncos went best athlete anyway when they selected RB Clinton Portis with their second round pick at last April's draft. And its paid of in bushels so far for the Broncos as Portis has been one of the top offensive rookies in the NFL through the first half of the season. Portis is on pace to rush for over 1,100 yards with a 4.9 yards per carry average that is second in the conference, while his 15 receptions have been pure gravy. Meanwhile, #1 pick WR Ashley Lelie has provided a solid #3 receiver with some deep speed, although he still has to answers questions about consistentcy and durability. Fourth-round S Sam Brandon, who has seen considerable playing time with the first unit, has also been a pleasant surprise; Brandon likely won't ever be much in coverage, but he is a big hitter in run support. Seventh round DT Monsanto Pope has also contributed to the Broncos' DT rotation, which is a plus because 3rd round DT Dorsett Davis has been invisible. Mid-season grade: A- Emerging needs for 2003: The Broncos shift of Trevor Pryce to DE has worked out well with the former Pro Bowl DT posting 7 sacks through the first half of the campaign. Unfortunately, that's 7 sacks more than the rest of the starting unit has combined, so the Broncos will be in the market for both a big, physical DT or two that can put some heat on opposing QBs, plus a complimentary DE to take some of the pressure off Pryce. Green Bay: It still says here that the Packers overpaid for WR Javon Walker when they traded away their second round pick last April to move up 8 spots to grab Walker with their first-round pick. Walker has been an adequate #3 receiver with 11 receptions, including one for a TD, and a better kickoff returner with a solid 22 yards per return average, but those aren't the kind of numbers one expects in return for a second round pick. The pain of losing that #2 pick, however, has been eased by the emergence of third-round SS Marques Anderson and 5th round DE Aaron Kampman. Indeed, outside of perhaps Carolina DE Julius Pepers, no defensive rookie has had a bigger impact that Anderson who in two starts was all over the field totalling 20 tackles. Anderson also has a couple of interceptions, one of which he returned for a TD. The development of DE Kampman was even more unexpected; Kampman, however, has done yeoman service in the trenches when forced to play with starters Joe Johnson and Vonnie Holliday injured. Kampman hasn't put up spectacular numbers - he has 20 tackles and just a half sack - but he has a non-stop motor and has kept enough pressure on opposing QBs that they have seldom been able to get comfortable in the pocket. Meanwhile, 4th round RB Najeh Davenport has turned in some useful minutes at both RB and FB; while nominally a FB, Davenport could ultimately turn out to be an interesting feature back in his own right down the road. Mid-season grade: A- Emerging needs for 2003: The NFL's best team at the halfway mark of the season likely will have few major holes to fill in the upcoming off-season. One area they'll certainly be looking at is MLB where veteran free agent MLB Hardy Nickerson has been a disappointment and at aged 37 already doesn't have many football years left. The Packers would also still like to add that one big, dominating DT to the mix that they have been dreaming about for several years, but likely won't see one of that variety drafting as late as it looks like they will. Then are those first, faint retirement whispers from seemingly ageless QB Brett Favre so a developmental QB might be worth exploring. Baltimore: With a roster devasted by free agent defections, no team in the NFL needed its 2002 draft class to step up and fill in the holes as much as the salary-cap stretched Ravens. And for the most part, the Ravens' rookie class has delivered. The young safety combination of first-round free agent Edward Reed and undrafted free agent Will Demps, for example, have brought some immediate respectability to the Ravens' deep secondary. In fact, the undrafted Demps even outplayed his more heralded teammate early in the year, but Reed has really come on in recent weeks. Overall, the two have combined for 68 tackles - with Reed #4 on the team - along with 3 interceptions and 12 pass break ups. Second round DT Tony Weaver, who has also started from the opening of the season, has done a lot of the grunt work in the trenches, contributing 15 tackles and 2 sacks, and generally freeing up the LBs to roam at will. Even 7th round DB Chad Williams has gotten into the act with 14 tackles and a 1/2 sack. The Ravens' offensive rookies haven't been quite as productive, but WRs Ron Johnson and Javin Hunter, selected in the 4th and 6th rounds respectively, 5th round TE Terry Jones, and 6th round RB Chester Taylor have combined for 14 receptions good for 134 yards. Taylor also doubles as Jamal Lewis' backup at RB, but with Lewis getting all the carries Taylor has barely touched the ball in that role. Meanwhile, fourth-round P Dave Zastudil has been adequate, posting a 41.4 yards per kick average, while 6th round WR Lamont Brightful has contributed as one of the Ravens' primary kickoff returners. Mid-season grade: B+ Emerging needs for 2003: Ravens' head coach, and acknowledged offensive guru, Brian Billick has to be salivating when he eyes the 2003 draft QB class after making do with a series of journeymen, including incumbents Chris Redmon and Jeff Blake, at QB since arriving in Baltimore. The Ravens, though, could also use a top WR since 2001 first rounder Travis Taylor just hasn't stepped up, while the offensive line also needs work. Tennessee: The Titans were thrilled when local product DT Al Haynesworth was available when they selected 15th overall last April. Haynesworth slipped for a reason, however. He's regarded as immature, doesn't work very hard and has trouble controlling his weight which can limit his quickness. Unfortunately, it's the latter Haynesworth, not the awesome physical specimen that dominated at times at the University of Tennessee, who has played for the Titans so far. The Titans have given Haynesworth every chance to succeed to date, but all he has been able to deliver are a paltry 10 tackles and no sacks. While Haynesworth has disappointed, the Titans have been thrilled with the rest of their rookie class. SS Tank Williams, the Titans second-round pick, won a starter's job in training camp and has been a big hitter in the secondary; he's 4th on the team in tackles and has chipped in 2 forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. Meanwhile, 7th round DE Carlos Hall has been a downright blessing for the Titans. Forced to start 5 games with regular DE Jevon Kearse out with injury, Hall has 5 sacks, including a couple which sealed the Titans' big opening day win over Philadelphia, along with 4 passes knocked down. And Hall has done all that while hampered by a sore knee of his own. Third-round CB Mike Echols has also contributed some useful minutes in the nickle coverage package, though, he too has been slowed by injuries. All that and the Titans best rookie may be undrafted free agent RB John Simon who has been the team's primary punt and kickoff return man, 3rd down back and backup RB. Mid-season grade: B+ Emerging needs for 2003: The Titans may very well go on and win the very weak AFC South division, which they currently lead with a 4-4 record, but they will have some major problems to address in the off-season. At the top of the Titans' wish list are likely to be a WR who can spread the field and a shutdown CB or two. A struggling offensive line could also use some upgrading. Detroit: The Lions' draft war room was reportedly in near chaos over whether to select QB Joey Harrington with the third pick overall last April. Score one for chaos, though, because Harrington, who reportedly was told just before the Lions' headed to the podium that they were looking elsewhere, has given the program considerable hope for the future. Harrington's numbers aren't all that great - he's barely above the 50% mark for completions and has 9 interceptions against only 6 TD passes - but he has led the Lions to a 3-3 record since taking over as the starter and has been composed and confident when the game has been on the line. The Lions also got something of a late round steal in 6th round CB Chrsitopher Cash, who has also started since week 3; Cash is currently second on the team in tackles and has 6 pass breakups. Cash, in fact, has been joined on occassion in the Lions' starting secondary by 3rd round S Andre Goodman who has 16 tackles and 3 pass breakups of his own in three starts. The Lions, however, still aren't sure what thye have in second round DE Kalimba Edwards. The angular Edwards has shown some pass rush potential with 2.5 sacks in limited playing time, but has yet to demonstate the strength to be much more than a situational pass rusher. Mid-season grade: B+ Emerging needs for 2003: Detroit would love to get a shot at local product WR Charles Rogers of Michigan State, currently the consensus favorite to be the #1 pick at the 2003 draft, to give Harrington a real target to work with, but with those three wins already, Rogers will likely be long gone before the Lions make their initial pick. With Rogers off the board, the Lions are likely to turn their attention to the defense, in particular, a big-time shutdown cover corner. They could also look to upgrade at LB. Carolina: The Panthers, who haven't gotten much out of their recent draft, have a real gem in 2002 first rounder DE Julius Peppers. Peppers, the second player selected overall last April, has been a force coming off the corner from day one and, indeed, currently leads the entire NFL with 9 sacks; and just for good measure Peppers, the NFL's top defensive rookie through the first half of the season, has chipped in 4 forced fumbles and an interception. The Panthers also have high hopes for third round LB Will Witherspoon and fourth round CB Dante Wesley, both of whom have been held back by injuries. Both, though, have played well enough to challenge for a starting spot when healthy. In fact, injuries have taken a real toll on the Panthers' rokie class. Indeed, second round RB DeShaun Foster has not played since late in training camp because of a potentially career-threatening knee injury that will require radical surgery, while 6th round TE Keith Hentrich is also on IR with a season-ending injury. Meanwhile, the Panthers asked the near when impossible when they started mid-round rookie QB Randy Fasani for a couple of games with both Rodney Peet and Chris Weinke out with injuries. And that's pretty much what they got as the 5th rounder has a QB rating of under 5. Mid-season grade: B+ Emerging needs for 2003: Veteran QB Peete has done a nice job for the Panthers when healthy, but he's still not much than a journeyman and the Panthers need a young, elite-level QB to keep their rebuiding on track. Otherwise, the Panthers, with perhaps the league's thinnest overall lineup, could be looking for help at just about every position. Jacksonville: The Jaguars surprised some observers around the league when they selected DT John Henderson ahead of more highly-rated DTs Al Haynesworth, his former teammate at Tennessee, and Wendell Bryant. Jacksonville, which hasn't always got it right on draft day in the past, however, appear to have made the correct call on this one. Henderson has combined with 2001 first rounder Marcus Stroud to give the Jaguars a potentially dominating interior defensive front wall. For the year, Henderson has 35 tackles and 2 sacks. The Jaguars defense has also gotten a bit of a boost from 3rd round LB/DE Akin Ayodele who has added a touch of speed coming off the edge in the team's third down package. Meanwhile, injuries along the offensive line forced second-round OT Mike Pearson into the Jaguars' starting lineup where he has not looked out of place manning the critical LT spot. The Jaguars' gamble that 7th round PK Hayden Epstein could handle the placekicking chores, however, blew up in their faces as Epstein's inconsistency cost at least one win and possibly a second. Epstein is now history having been released last week. Mid-season grade: B- Emerging needs for 2003: While the Stroud-Henderson DT duo does a nice job of plugging up the middle of the line of scrimmage, the Jaguars' defensive front seven doesn't have much speed on the outside and could use a quick DE who can control the edge, as well as more speed at LB right across the board. A shutdown CB to line up opposite Fernando Bryant would also be a big plus. New England: If nothing else, and there isn't much else, the Patriots' 2002 rookie class has given the team's receiver corps a huge boost. Second-round WR Deion Branch, for example, has been one of the top offensive newcomers of the year, hauling in 37 passes for 408 yards and 2 TDs. First-round TE Dan Graham has also flashed the ability to stretch defenses, averaging 14.3 yards per reception, but has been held back by injuries and has only 7 total catches through the first half of the season. Even 7th round WR David Givens has gotten into the act despite seeing only limited playing time. Appearing in just two games, Givens has 4 receptions, one of which went for a TD. Other than a couple of kneeldowns by 4th round QB Rohan Davey, however, the only other Patriot rookie to play much has been 4th round DE Jarvis Green, who hasn't looked totally out of place working in the team's DE rotation. Mid-season grade: B- Emerging needs for 2003: The Patriots have been very disappointed in the overall play of the defensive line, which has been vulnerable to the run and hasn't got much consistent pressure on opposing QBs. A big DT to pair with outstanding 2001 first rounder Richard Seymour would be a good start as would be a DE or two that can get after the passer. Houston: Despite the luxury of having all those extra picks that expansion teams get, the Texans have gotten surprisingly little production from their 2002 draft class .QB David Carr, the first player selected overall last April, has been about what one would expect for a rookie QB, completing 52% of his pass attempts with just 8 picks, despite being under constant pressure all season long. Indeed, Carr is on pace to be sacked an incredible 92 times this season, if he survives the constant pounding . Second-round WR Jabbar Gaffney has also emerged as a solid possession receiver type, while 4th round RB Jonathon Wells has given the Texans something of an inside running game. Meanwhile, OT Chester Pitts was forced into the lineup when veteran LT Tony Boselli wasn't healthy enough to answer the bell, but has struggled - see Carr's sack numbers above. Third-round OG Fred Weary will also see plenty of playing time in the second-half of the season because of injuries. On the other hand, 4 tackles off one start from 5th round FS Ramon Walker is all the Texans' defense has gotten from this year's rookie class. Mid-season grade: B- Emerging needs for 2003: With veteran OT Boselli's career likely over because of chronic knee and shoulder injuries, the Texans need a quality LT; indeed, the entire offensive line needs to get much better. The Texans could also use a big-time WR, an elite RB and a pass-rushing DE. New York Giants: Top pick TE Jeremy Shockey arrived in New York with as much hype as any Giants' pick since Lawrence Taylor over two decades. And despite a misstep or two Shockey has been pretty much as advertised. Already opposing teams are focusing their defensive schemes on how to stop Shockey who has 24 receptions for over 300 yards despite missing two games with a toe injury and limping through two others. And perhaps just as importantly, Shockey has added an infusion of character into what has been an otherwise rather bland unit. Meanwhile, second round WR Tim Carter has worked up to the #3 receiver after missing the first 5 games with injury. Carter adds a speed element that is something totally new to the Giants' offense. Seventh round WR Daryl Jones has also worked himself into the Giants' WR rotation, but little has been seen of LBs Nick Griesen, Wes Mallard or Quincy Monk, though, 5th rounder Griesen and 6th rounder Mallard have been banged up all year. Mid-season grade: C+ Emerging needs for 2003: The Giants' inability to score points this fall has made the headlines, but the teams' biggest long-term problem is a lack of team speed on defense. As such, the Giants will be looking to add a DE or LB or two that can get after the passer, as well as some beef to shore up the interior DT rotation. An upgrade at FS would also appear to be in order. Cleveland: Browns' coach Butch Davis may never live down passing on former Miami star RB Clinton Portis, whom he coached in college, in favor of William Green with the Browns' first pick this year.While Portis is currently burning up the league with Denver, Green has been one of the 2002 draft's least productive first-round picks, averaging only a tad over 2.0 yards per carry this fall and while showing none of the explosion and elusiveness that made him a consensus All-american at Boston College last fall. Of course, even if the Browns had passed on Green, who most teams had slipping badly, Cleveland wasn't going to take Portis in the middle of the opening round. Portis was in fact a second-round prospect, though, it makes a good storyline. The Browns get some consolation, though, from the fact that they have gotten good production from the rest of their 2002 draft class. Second-round WR Andre' Davis, for example, has looked like a big-play in waiting every time he touches the ball. Working mostly as the team's #3 WR Davis already has 5 TD receptions; he's also averaged almost 25 yards per kick-off return, including a 95-yarder for another TD. Meanwhile, LB Kevin Bentley, a 4th round pick, has 27 tackles and 2 fumbles recoveries working mostly as a nickle LB, while 7th round LB Andra Davis has 4 tackles and an interception. Mid-season grade: C+ Emerging needs for 2003: Assuming that it may be a little too early to give up on Green, the Browns top priority this coming April probably will be upgrading the offensive line, especially the OT spots. What does Davis do, though, if current Miami RB Willis McGahee, another of his former Hurricane recruits - and an even better prospect than Portis - is still on the board when the Browns step to the podium to take their first round pick this year! Miami: With no pick in either the first or second rounds, and only 5 selections overall (two of whom didn't make the final roster), the Dolphins weren't expecting much from the 2002 draft. Surprise, surprise, though, Miami has gotten a huge lift from 4th round TE Randy McMichael, one of the real steals from last year's draft. McMichael lasted as long as he did last April because, while he was an accomplished receiver at Georgia he weighed less than 230 pounds and was viewed as more of an H-back type. By the opening of training camp, though, McMichael had bulked up to close to 250 pounds without losing any speed. And as an every-down TE, McMichael is second on the Dolphins in receiving with 26 receptions, 4 of which have gone for TDs. McMichael, however, is the only Dolphins' draftee to see any playing time so far this fall, although with RB Ricky Williams, whom the Dolphins gave up those top two picks to acquire, Miami is more than happy with its 2002 draft. Indeed, the only concern in Miami is that Williams will be too productive and the conditional third rounder in 2003 that the Dolphins still owe New Orleans to complete the deal could escalate into a #2 if Williams gains 1,200 rushing on the year, or even a #1 if Williams finishes up with 1,500 or more yards on the ground. In fact, Williams is currently on pace to finish the year with 1,516 yards. Mid-season grade: C+ (with an *) Emerging needs for 2003: The additions of Williams and McMichael has juiced up the Dolphins' offense, but Miami still needs more receiving weapons to complement WR Chris Chambers. The offensive line also needs some upgrading, as does the defensive front. Cincinnati: The Bengals were so confident that they were finally ready to turn the corner this season that they passed on highly-rated potential impact players such as CB Phil Buchanon, TE Jeremy Shockey and DTs Wendell Bryant and Albert Haynesworth at the 2002 draft - not to mention the chance to trade for QB Drew Bledsoe - in favor of OT Levi Jones, in what was perhaps last April's most controversial pick. Of course, these are the Bengals and instead of contending for a playoff spot, they hit the halfway mark of the season with the inside track on ending up with the #1 pick at the 2003 draft. For his part, Jones was forced into the Bengals' starting lineup when Richmond Webb was lost for the year and has been adequate, but its hard to argue that the Bengals wouldn't be better off with a Buchanon or Shockey - and again, not to mention a Bledsoe, whom they could have had for their #1 pick. Meanwhile, 3rd round TE Matt Schobel has also worked his way into the Bengals' starting lineup and has contributed 10 receptions. Sixth-round SS Marquand Manual has also been a pleasant surprise for the Bengals, outplaying more heralded second-round FS Lamont Thompson. Manual, in fact, has started 4 games with 13 tackles and 2 pass breakups. The Bengals, though, do like Thompson who has 8 tackles and an interception and would also like to get him more playing time. Mid-season grade: C+ Emerging needs for 2003: The Bengals' multi-headed QB just hasn't worked out, although veteran Jon Kitna has at least been adequate and with a likely high pick this year, if not the #1 selection overall, the Bengals will have the opportunity to draft one of this year's outstanding young QB prospects such as Marshall's Byron Leftwich or Dave Ragone of Louisville. And while the Bengals offensive woes have gotten most of the blame for their 1-7 start, the defense, which needs upgrading at CB and along the defensive front, has also underachieved this fall. San Francisco: On the theory that the road to the NFC West title, not to mention the Super Bowl, would be going through St. Louis, the 49ers reached a bit for CB Mike Rumph with their first round pick last April to better match with all those speedy Rams' receivers. And the move pretty much paid off for the 49ers as Rumph has been solid as the team's nickle back; indeed, its seldom been Rumph that opponents have targeted on third down, while he's added something of a physical presence to the deep secondary. The 49ers have also been eager to get second round LB Saleem Rasheed into the mix, but he has been held back by an ankle injury and has generally been ineffective when he has played. In fact, the only 49ers' pick to start regularly is 7th round OG Eric Heitmann, a solid technician, who has helped stabilize the offensive front. Meanwhile, 4th round PK Jeff Chandler has waited patiently for a chance while incumbent PK Jose Cortez gives every one in the Bay area ulcers. Mid-season grade: C+ Emerging needs for 2003: The 49ers have been hoping for several years that someone - paging J.J. Stokes - would step up and provide a complimentary threat to All-world WR Terrell Owens, whom opponents have been able to neutalize, sort of, this fall with double and even triple teams. In what is shaping up as good draft year for WRs, the 49ers could find what they're looking for. The 49ers are also concerned that the defense is still a tad leaky and while injuries have certainly played a part, the 49ers could simply opt for the best defensive player on the board, especially one that could add some speed to the edge defense. St. Louis: The Rams have generally marched tot he beat of their own drummer on draft days in recent years and 2002 was no exception. Unfortunately, though, the great 'draft a QB, play him elsewhere' gambit didn't quite work out when third-round QB-turned WR Eric Crouch abruptly quit football a month into the season and then 6th round QB-turned DB Steve Bellisari went on injured reserve. The Rams, though, have got some useful production out of 2nd round CB Travis Fisher, who is currently starting in place of an injured Aeneas Williams. Fisher has made his share of mistakes, but has shown nice recovery skills. First-round LB Robert Thomas, has also seen time with the first unit, registering 16 tackles in 4 starts; Thomas has excellent sideline-to-sideline range and a pretty good nose for the ball, but hasn't registered many big plays. And 4th round RB Lamar Gordon has apparently won the battle with 2000 #1 pick Trung Canidate to be Marshall Faulk's backup. However, since Faulk takes all the snaps whomever backs him up, Gordon has just 22 touches to date; in that limited playing time, though, Gordon has looked solid enough, but has to learn to take better care of the ball. Mid-season grade: C Emerging needs for 2003: The logical thing for the Rams to do early at the 2003 draft would be to look to finally fix the RT thing once and for all. This is the Rams, though, so look for some surprises such as a speedy WR to fill Az Hakim's old 3rd receiver role or a big physical cover corner to work with smurfish Dre' Bly and Travis Fisher, especially if Williams can't come back. Seattle: Because of a rash of injuries this fall, the Seahawks have played a lot of rookies, though, with generally mixed results. In fact, the most productive Seattle newcomer this year has been 5th round DT Rocky Bernard who had 4 sacks in a couple of mid-season starts. Meanwhile, second-round RB Maurice Morris has been one of the better kickoff returners in the league this fall; Morris has averaged 24 yards per return, including a 97-yarder for a TD. Morris has also averaged over 5 yards per carry in limited time as a reserve RB. First-round TE Jerramy Stevens missed a chunk of time with an ankle injury; when healthy, however, the Seahawks' surprise #1 pick is avearging only about 7 yards a catch. Second round DE Anton Palepoi has also seen some time in passing situations and has a sack. Mid-season grade: C Emerging needs for 2003: If Seahawks' head coach and GM Mike Holmgren isn't to stumble and bumble out of Seattle with his reputation in tatters he just has to get himself an NFL calibre passing attack. So take your pick; with a potential high pick this coming April, the Seahawks could grab one of this year's top QBs, if one is on the board when they make their first round selection. Or if a QB isn't available, a big, physical WR to pair with emerging star Darrell Jackson would be a more than acceptable consolation prize. That all represents a huge problem for Holmgren and the Seahawks, however, beacuse they also need to shore up a horrendous run defense that is allowing almost 175 yards on the ground per game. Minnesota: With top pick OT Bryant McKinnie a first-half holdout and second round LB Raonall Smith on IR with a shoulderr injury since the second week of the schedule, the Vikings have gotten next to nothing out of the top of their 2002 draft. That's the bad news for the Vikings, who should finally have the recently signed McKinnie in the lineup when they host the Giants on Sunday. The good news is that the Vikings have been very pleased with the development of some of their later round picks. LB Nick Rogers, for example, a 6th round pick was inserted in the starting lineup three weeks ago and responded with 16 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and a sack. Third round SS Willie Offord also started 5 games where he didn't look out of place, racking up 19 tackles and an interception. Meanwhile, 4th round CB Brian Williams is also challenging for a spot in the stating lineup. The Vikings have also been using undrafted free agent WR Nick Davis as their primary punt and kickoff return man. Davis, in fact, has done an adequate job returning punts, but was recently bumped from his kickoff return duties. Mid-season grade: C Emerging needs for 2003: The Vikings would probably love to grab one of this year's elite WRs to take some of the pressure off Randy Moss, but may have just too many other needs elsewhere, especially on defense where they need another big body at DT to pair up with emerging star Chris Hovan. And while the young DBs have shown considerable promise, the Vikings still could use an elite level shut down CB and a ball-hawking FS. Meanwhile, McKinnie should solidify the left side of the offensive line, but other than C Matt Birk that unit also could use some upgrading. Arizona: The Cardinals' wisely focused their 2002 draft on upgrading an undermanned defensive front when they used 3 of their first 5 picks on defensive linemen. The Cardinals are still waiting for the payoff from their investment, however. First-round DT Wendell Bryant, for example, signed late and has yet to really establish himself as a force. Bryant does have 1.5 sacks, but only 6 totals tackles in 6 games. Meanwhile, 3rd round DE Dennis Johnson has rarely played while 4th round DT Nate Dwyer is on the practice squad. The Cardinals may have something in 2nd round LB Levar Fisher, who has only played in 3 games because of injury but has been very active when healthy, registering 9 tackles in those three games. And 5th round WR Jason McAddley wasn't able to play until last week because of injury, but gave the offense a bit of a boost with a couple of clutch receptions. Mid-season grade: C- Emerging needs for 2003: What direction the Cardinals take at the 2003 draft could well depend on how the team resolves the situation surrounding free-agent-to-be QB Jake Plummer. There is an element within the organization that would be willing to simply let Plummer, who has never lived up to the promise he showed early in his career, walk. That would mean, however, that the Cardinals would likely have to look hard at QBs in this year's draft, because the veteran free agent pickings are likely to be slim. If, however, the Cardinals are able to resign Plummer, they could then turn their attention back to the defense, especially a shut-down CB to line up opposoite Duane Starks, while more help for the pass rush also wouldn't hurt. Atlanta: Never a bunch to do things strictly by the book, the Falcons had people around the NFL scratching their heads just a tad when they selected RB D.J. Duckett, the former Michigan State bulldozer with their first pick at last april's draft. Not that Duckett wasn't good value at that spot, but the Falcons had just signed former Tampa Bay RB Warrick Dunn to a big free agent contract and had other needs. Then, throughout much of the first half of the season, the Falcons doggedly stuck with Dunn as their feature back, despite the fact that he has generally been outplayed by Duckett. Indeed, for the year, Duckett has averaged 4.3 yards per carry versus Dunn's 3.6. However, the RB 'controversy' works out in Atlanta this season, Duckett, who simply wears defenses down, is their back of the future. The future may have to wait a few weeks, though, because Duckett will be limited for the next little while with a foot injury. And the Falcons are lucky they have had plenty to talk about regarding Duckett because the rest of their 2002 draft class has been pretty much invisible. The Falcons do have high hopes for third-round LB Will Overstreet, but a shoulder injury kept him out of all but one game before he was forced onto IR; the other Falcons' rookies at least have had good seats to NFL games. Mid-season grade: C- Emerging needs for 2003: QB Michael Vick, the first player selected overall in 2001 has morphed this season from a tentative rookie to a virtual one-man offense. Even Vick, however, will eventaully need some tools to work with, particularly a WR or two that can get downfield. Both the offensive and defensive lines also need upgrading, especially at DT. Chicago: Not surprisingly, the NFL's most disappointing team through the firt half of the season hasn't gotten much production out of its 2002 draft class. The Bears have turned to first-round OT Marc Colombo to shore up the left side of the offensive line in recent weeks. Colombo has at least been adequate protecting the passer, but hasn't gotten much of a push at the point of attack to help out the running game. Fourth-round DE Alex Brown will also see some starting time over the next few weeks, but is still looking for his first pro sack. Fifth-round S Bobby Gray also showed some potential early on, but went on IR after appearing in just two games, while DE Bryan Knight, the Bears' other 5th rounder has at least seen some playing time, which is more than can be said for the rest of the team's rookie class. Mid-season grade: C- Emerging needs for 2003: After hemming and hawing throughout the past off-season about the need to upgrade their QB situation, the Bears opted to stand pat with journeyman Jim Miller and company. The Bears may not be able to afford to do that this year, and likely will be looking at this year's strong QB class when they get on the clock to make their first round pick. Certainly, getting an elite level QB will be easier to do with a top 5 pick - that's where the 2-6 Bears would select if the 2003 draft were held today - than 29th overall where they picked last year. The Bears likely will also be looking to add some pass-rushing potential at DE; they might also look at DTs with the injury that cost them the services of run-stuffing rock Ted Washington this year generally considered to be a key part of the Bears downfall this fall. Washington: Apart from a less than illustrious two-game stint as starter by #1 pick QB Patrick Ramsey, most of the contributions of the Redskins' rookie class have come on special teams. Second-round RB LaDell Betts, for example, has been one of the top kickoff returners in the league, averaging almost 25 yrads per return. And perhaps more importantly, several of Betts' best returns have come just when the Redskins needed a big-play to turn around a game. Betts has also made the best of limited chances in the regular offense, averaging 4.0 yards on 11 carries and adding another 59 yards on 3 receptions. FB Rock Cartwright, almost an afterthought as the 257th player selected last April, has also contributed a number of key pass receptions, while 3rd round CB Rashad Bauman has been solid on special teams' coverage units. For his part, Ramsey struggled when given a chance to start; Ramsey completed just 51% of his pass attempts and was never able to adjust to opponents' blitzing and ended up being sacked 14 times. Mid-season grade: C- Emerging needs for 2003: After having used their #1 pick in 2002 on QB Ramsey, can the Redskins afford to go back to the position again this coming draft. Can they afford not to with the current three-man rotation of veterans Shane Matthews and Danny Wuerffel and Ramsey ranging from mediocre to not very good. The Redskins passing game could also use a big-time WR, while they continue to cut and paste the interior of their offensive line. Indianapolis: The Colts focused their 2002 draft almost entirely on defense, however, they are still waiting for the big payoff. The Colts' rookies have contributed some depth, but ironically, only DE Raheem Brock, actually a 7th round pick by Philadelphia who was signed as a free agent after the Eagles relinquished their rights to him, has started on a reglar basis. That means that Brock, who has 12 tackles and a sack, starts ahead of DE Dwight Freeeny, the Colts' top pick last April. Freeney, the classic tweener, has been effective as a 3rd down pass rusher with 4 sacks, but has struggled to hold the point of attack against the run. Fourth round LB David Thornton has also added some speed to the LB corps, while 3rd round CB Joe Jefferson, 6th round DT David Pugh and 7th round DE Josh Mallard have seen very limited playing time. The Colts, hope that the 2nd round DT Larry Tripplett will be healthy enough to help their beleagured DT rotation in the second half of the season after he appeared in only 2 games because of injuries. The Colts may also have to rely on undrafted free agent rookie RBs Ricky Williams and James Mungro with Edge James likely on the shelf for awhile with a torn hamstring. Mid-season grade: C- Emerging needs for 2003: Draft observers were surprised last April when the Colts, whose main problems the past few seasons centered on a defense that simply wasn't physical enough to match up with other teams around the league, focused mostly on speed-type players with DE Freeney, a tweener if there ever was one, Exhibit A. And while the Colts defense is improved this year, they are still getting run over. A return to health of DTs Josh Williams, James Cannida and rookie Tripplett would certainly help, but the Colts really need to add some quality beef to their defensive front, especially at DT. A big, physical cover corner would also help, while the offense needs another receiver to take some of the pressure of Marvin Harrison. Kansas City: The2002 draft has been something of an up-and-down affair for the Chiefs. First, they were able to beat the clock and move up a couple of spots to grab coveted DT Ryan Sims with the 6th pick overall, but then couldn't get him signed until the beginning of the season. Once in uniform, though, Sims quickly moved into the starting lineup and was just beginning to show signs of being a force when he went on injured reserve with an elbow injury. Meanwhile, second round DE Eddie Freeman has been very quiet with just 6 tackles and no sacks in 5 games. In fact, the Chiefs are concerned that Freeman could be a classic tweener, that is, not physical enough to play inside on an every-down basis and not quick enough to be a force rushing the passer from the outside. Overall, the Chiefs most productive rookie has been 5th round LB Scott Fujita who has started much of the season and has 19 tackles, but hasn't made many impact plays. The Chiefs also got a bit of a boost from former CFL star Marc Boerigter, who qualifies as an undrafted free agent. Boerigter played in only 3 games but has averaged over 25 yards on 6 receptions, 2 of which went for TDs. Mid-season grade: D+ Emerging needs for 2003: The Chiefs offense has been clicking on all cylinders through the first half of the season, averaging over 32 points per game along the way. Unfortunately, the defense has given most of that back, allowing over 30 points per game. As such, the Chiefs will almost certainly looking at defense when the 2003 draft roles around, in particular another beefy DT or two as well as a speed rushing DE and some help at CB. New York Jets: The Jets reached somewhat for DE Bryan Thomas with their 1st round pick last April hoping the the former Alabama-Birmingham star would add some quicknesss to their outside pass rush. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way for the Jets as Thomas has been limited by injuries and some off-field problems. Even when healthy, however, Thomas was largely ineffective, contributing only a 1/2 sack in four games. The Jets have been much happier with second round SS Jon McGraw, a solid special teamer who didn't look at all out of place when asked to step into the starting lineup as an emergency injury replacement. Expect McGraw to see increased playing time as the season progresses. That's preety much been it for the Jets' draft class, unless one counts the one reception recorded by 3rd round TE Chris Baker. Mid-season grade: D+ Emerging needs for 2003: The Jets had aspirations of contending deep into the playoffs this season, but have been done in by a leaky defense. The run defense, which ranks 31st in the NFL, has been especially bad, so look for the Jets to address an undermanned front four, partuicularly the DTs, early and often at the 2003 draft. Philadelphia: More than a few eyebrows were raised at the 2002 draft when the Eagles, already with one of the deepest secondaries in the league, spent their first three picks - first-round CB Lito Sheppard and second rounders S Michael Lewis and CB Sheldon Brown - on defensive backs. And with that veteran defensive backfield intact and playing well, playing time for the Eagles' top three picks has been limited, although Brown does have an interception. Third-round RB Brian Westbrook, though, has had some opportunities because of injuries in the offensive backfield; indeed, Westbrook was credited with 3 starts during which he averaged 3.8 yards and caught 5 passes, although he looks more like a potential 3rd down back than a future feature back. In fact, Westbrook is the only Eagles' rookie to get much playing time at all this year. Mid-season grade: D- Emerging needs for 2003: Eagles' QB Donovan is one of the most exciting players in the entire NFL to watch (well not really if your a Giants' fan), but he needs a few more weapons to work with particularly at receiver where veteran WR James Thrash is the lone real threat. The Eagles may also look to add some depth to their offensive and defensive lines, especially at DE, while the two-headed MLB of Levon Kirkland and Barry Gardner is adequate, but not much more. Tampa Bay: With no pick in either the first or second rounds, and only 4 selections overall prior to the final round, the Buccaneerss weren't expecting much from the 2002 draft, and that's what they got. Indeed, a 6-yard reception by 4th round RB Travis Stephens is about it for the Bucs' draft class. The Tampa Bay draft class wasn't helped, though, when the team's top pick, third-round WR Marquise Walker, went on IR after a month with a thumb injury, but he had barely played prior to the injury. In fact, the Bucs' best rookie this year has been undrafted free agent LB Ryan Nece who had a couple of tackles, but he also just went on IR with a torn ACL. Mid-season grade: F (with an *) Emerging needs for 2003: The Bucs will be without a 1st round pick again this coming April as they finish paying off Oakland for the rights to sign head coach Jon Gruden. When Tampa Bay does finally get to pick this year, they will no doubt be looking at offense, offense, and then a little more offense, starting with a WR with some speed, while some help for a sometimes beleagured offensive line also would look to be in order and a feature RB wouldn't be totally out of the question.. * Final grades for Miami and Tampa Bay don't reflect what each got in exchange for trading away their #1 picks. If you have comments or suggestions, e-mail the Editor, Great Blue North Draft Report. The GBN can also be reached by phone at (613) 727-3388; by fax at (613) 951-0387;or regular mail at 44 Northview Road, Unit 8, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2E 7E4. Great Blue North Draft Report Privacy Policy. The GREAT BLUE NORTH DRAFT REPORT is a division of SQUITERLAND ENTERPRISES, Ottawa, Ontario,Canada |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||