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 (@samskiNYC) will be tweeting each day that they are released, so feel free to start the debate there and in the comments section.
Kansas City Chiefs
26. Jonathan Baldwin, wide receiver, Pittsburgh
55. Rodney Hudson, offensive guard, Florida State
70. Justin Houston, outside linebacker, Georgia
86. Allen Bailey, defensive end, Miami
118. Jalil Brown, cornerback, Colorado
135. Ricky Stanzi, quaterback, Iowa
140. Gabe Miller, outside linebacker, Oregon State
199. Jerrell Powe, nose tackle, Ole Miss
233. Shanne Bannon, running back, Yale Summary: The Chiefs were one of the few teams in the draft that not only found talent, but also filled major holes. They needed a second receiver to take pressure of Bowe and found a potential star in Baldwin. They needed help in the interior of their line and they got a strong overall blocker in Hudson. They needed a back-up to Cassell and found one of the higher ceiling back-ups in Stanzi. They got solid CB depth in Brown. Where they may have missed is on the defensive end. They needed linebacker help, but Houston is a bit of a ‘tweener and Bailey, fills a need at defensive end, but was never able to match production to his incredible physical traits. Grade: B+ San Diego Chargers
18. Corey Liuget, defensive tackle, Illinois
50. Marcus Gilchrist, cornerback, Clemson
61. Jonas Mouton, outside linebacker, Michigan
82. Vincent Brown, wide receiver, San Diego State
89. Shareece Wright, cornerback, USC
183. Jordan Todman, running back, UCONN
210. Steve Schilling, offensive guard, Michigan
234. Andrew Gachkar, outside linebacker. Missouri Summary: The Chargers could have a lot of holes opening up if free agency ever rolls around and they did a decent job of filling those potential needs. In Liuget they landed a versatile defender that can play anywhere across their three man front. Brown is a solid receiver who should be a solid target for Rivers and Todman could easily fill Sproles’ role as a part of a running back duo. They also landed good value with Schilling and Gilchrist but they stand to lose a few linebackers to free agency and I don’t think they came away with any real standout talent. Similarly, Wright is an enigma at cornerback and they could regret picking him over other guys on the board. Grade: B+ 
Oakland Raiders
48. Stefan Wisniewski, center, Penn State
81. Demarcus Van Dyke, cornerback, Miami
92. Joseph Barksdale, offensive tackle, LSU
113. Chimdi Chekwa, cornerback, Ohio State
125. Taiwan Jones, running back, Eastern Washington
148. Denarius Moore, wide receiver, Tennessee
181. Richard Gordon, tight end, Miami
241. David Ausberry, wide receiver, USC Summary: Well, it was the typical old Raiders on display over the weekend. Targeting speed and athleticism, they were still able to fill their needs, but could have landed better overall talent. Van Dyke and Chekwa are strong players and exceptional athletes, but there was better value at CB on the board. Barksdale and Jones are also strong athletes, but Barksdale hasn’t been able to be consistent on the field and Jones wasn’t exactly a position of need. Wisniewski and Moore were strong picks and solid value where they were taken. Grade: C+ Denver Broncos
2. Von Miller, linebacker, Texas A&M
45. Rahim Moore, safety, UCLA
46. Orlando Franklin, offensive guard/tackle, Miami
67. Nate Irving, linebacker, NC State
108. Quinton Carter, safety, Oklahoma
129. Julius Thomas, tight end, Portland State
189. Mike Mohamed, linebacker, California
204. Virgil Green, tight end, Nevada
247. Jeremy Beal, outside linebacker, Oklahoma Summary: I’m not entirely sure the Broncos know what kind of defense they want to run. They claim they are switching to a 4-3, but then they draft Miller, who is a dynamic player, but better suited to a 3-4, Irving, who is more of a 3-4 thumping inside linebacker and Beal, who is also better suited for a 3-4 scheme. They were able to address their needs in the secondary with Dowling, who may also have been a reach, and Carter, but in filling the tight end hole, they drafted Green and Thomas, who are both strong athletes, but need to make significant developments to become all-around football players. I do like the Franklin pick, he was one of my favorite second tier offensive tackles and he plays with a real ferociousness. Grade: C
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