Now that the draft is over, it’s time for some instant analyization. And while we won’t go too in depth with grading and exactly how these players will be impacted, it is important to get an idea on how the early round values and team needs were filled, as well as a total outline of all the positions that were picked.
Also, keep in mind that Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) as well as myself (@notsolegato) will be tweeting each day that they are released, so feel free to start the debate there and in the comments section!
Dallas Cowboys
9. Tyron Smith, offensive tackle, USC.
40. Bruce Carter, linebacker, North Carolina.
71. DeMarco Murray, running back, Oklahoma.
110. David Arkin, offensive tackle/guard, Missouri State.
143. Josh Thomas, cornerback, Buffalo.
176. Dwayne Harris, wide receiver, East Carolina.
220. Shaun Chapas, fullback, Georgia.
252. Bill Nagy, center/, Wisconsin.
Summary: Taking LT Tyron Smith, while I’m not as high on him as most, is a good value at the ninth pick. It’s not often you see such a highly rated LT last that long. After that pick, you had to figure that the Cowboys would focus on addressing the secondary. Instead, LB Bruce Carter proved to be too good of a value for Dallas to pass on, and that’s understandable. Taking RB DeMarco Murray instead of looking for a DB however is pretty confusing. In the end, the Cowboys only took one DB, drafting CB Josh Thomas in the fifth round.
Grade: C+
New York Giants
19. Prince Amukamara, cornerback, Nebraska.
52. Marvin Austin, defensive tackle, North Carolina.
83. Jerrel Jernigan, wide receiver, Troy.
117. James Brewer, offensive tackle, Indiana.
185. Greg Jones, linebacker, Michigan State.
198. Tyler Sash, safety, Iowa.
202. Jacquian Williams, linebacker, South Florida.
221. Da’Rel Scott, running back, Maryland.
Summary: The New York Giants have to feel like one of the most fortunate teams coming out of the draft weekend. Time after time, the Giants had great values fall into their laps. In round one it was CB Prince Amukumara, once considered to be a lock in the top ten. DT Marvin Austin fell to the G-Men in the second round, and in spite of some character and motor issues is one of the top DTs in this class. New York’s third pick yielded them a great WR prospect in Jerrell Jernigan. The later rounds were also productive for the Giants, where they got LB Greg Jones, who will start early in his career, and S Tyler Sash, who could be a starter after some development.
Grade: A
Philadelphia Eagles
23. Danny Watkins, offensive guard, Baylor.
54. Jaiquawn Jarrett, safety, Temple.
90. Curtis Marsh, cornerback, Utah State.
116. Casey Matthews, linebacker, Oregon.
120. Alex Henery, kicker, Nebraska.
149. Dion Lewis, running back, Pittsburgh.
161. Julian Vandervelde, offensive guard, Iowa.
191. Jason Kelce, center, Cincinnati.
193. Brian Rolle, linebacker, Ohio State.
237. Greg Lloyd, linebacker, UConn.
240. Stanley Havili, fullback, USC
Summary: Is there a team that OL Danny Watkins would fit better with than Philadelphia? Watkins is a nasty player that some people thought was a slight reach at #23, but I think that this is right where he should have been drafted. Taking S Jaiquan Jarret was a surprise pick, but the secondary is a place where the Eagles had some holes. LB Casey Matthews has a hall of fame bloodline and will be a fan favorite, even if he fails to live up to his brother’s level of play. Drafting K Alex Henery likely signals the end of David Akers’ career in Philly.
Grade: B-
Washington Redskins
16. Ryan Kerrigan, defensive end, Purdue.
41. Jarvis Jenkins, defensive end, Clemson.
79. Leonard Hankerson, wide receiver, Miami.
105. Roy Helu, running back, Nebraska.
146. DeJon Gomes, safety, Nebraska.
155. Niles Paul, wide receiver, Nebraska.
177. Evan Royster, running back, Penn State.
178. Aldrick Robinson, wide receiver, SMU.
213. Brandyn Thompson, cornerback, Boise State.
217. Maurice Hurt, offensive guard, Florida.
224. Markus White, linebacker, Florida State.
253. Chris Neild, defensive tackle, West Virginia.
Summary: The Redskins, typically one of the NFL’s perennial laughing stocks on draft day, turned in one of the strongest performances of the draft weekend. If the Redskins didn’t feel like there was a value where they sat, they consistently traded back into a spot where they could make a good pick. Washington will improve their pass rush with DE’s Ryan Kerrigan and Jarvis Jenkins. They garnered playmakers in WRs Leonard Hankerson and Niles Paul, and RB Roy Helu seems to be a guy Mike Shanahan will love. The only real complaint you could have with this draft is the failure to address the QB position. If, as Evan Silva has reported, Washington has a deal in place to acquire QB Kyle Orton, this draft could easily be looked at as an A+ draft in a couple years.
Grade: A
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