2011 Draft Grades: NFC North

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!

Chicago Bears

29. Gabe Carimi, offensive tackle, Wisconsin.
53. Stephen Paea, defensive tackle, Oregon State.
93. Chris Conte, safety, California.
160. Nate Enderle, quarterback, Idaho.
195. J.T. Thomas, linebacker, West Virginia.           

Summary: The Bears went into the draft needing to improve their protection of Jay Cutler. In one of the biggest steals of the first round, they picked OT Gabe Carimi at #29. Carimi is a great value for that slot and will be an immediate starter.  The Bears then traded up  to get DT Stephen Paea, who along with Carimi will likely be a starter in week one. The Bears’ draft wasn’t without reaches, as I felt they took S Chris Conte a little early, but with uncertainly around free agent S Daniael Manning it was a pick the Bears had to make. QB Nathan Enderle is a stretch and Greg McElroy would have probably been a better pick.

Grade: B-

Detroit Lions

13. Nick Fairley, defensive tackle, Auburn.
44. Titus Young, wide receiver, Boise State.
57. Mikel Leshoure, running back, Illinois.
157. Doug Hogue, linebacker, Syracuse.
209. Johnny Culbreath, tackle, South Carolina State.

Summary: The Lions seemed to look more at value rather than basing picks just on need in this draft. They got a possible top five by taking DT Nick Fairley at #13. The pairing of Fairley next to Ndomukong Suh will no doubt create one of the top defensive lines in the league. Adding WR Titus Young is a guy who can get open while teams focus on Calvin Johnson, and contribute as a returned immediately. Detroit added a top five RB in Mikel Leshoure in the third round. The Lions waited until pick 209 to address the OT position with Johnny Culbreath, and needed to address the secondary as well.

Grade: B+

 
Green Bay Packers

32. Derek Sherrod, offensive tackle, Mississippi State.
64. Randall Cobb, wide receiver, Kentucky.
96. Alex Green, running back, Hawaii.
131. Davon House, cornerback, New Mexico State.
141. D.J. Williams, tight end, Arkansas.
179. Caleb Schlauderaff, guard, Utah.
186. D.J. Smith, linebacker, Appalachian State.
197. Ricky Elmore, linebacker, Arizona.
218. Ryan Taylor, special teamer, North Carolina.
233. Lawrence Guy, defensive end, Arizona State.

Summary: Like the Bears, the Packers’ main need was along the offensive line. Green Bay had to be thrilled to see, Derrick Sherrod, who was Optimum Scouting’s top rated OT fall all the way to their pick at #32. The Packers added a playmaker in WR Randall Cobb and insurance for Jermichael Finley, a 2012 free agent, with TE D.J. Williams. LB Ricky Elmore is a guy who can develop into a solid contributor, and grabbing CB Davon House is a great value at 179. The only two real reaches were RB Alex Green and LB D.J. Smith, who were both possibly taken too high. Overall this is another solid draft for Ted Thompson.

Grade: A-

Minnesota Vikings

12. Christian Ponder, quarterback, Florida State.
43. Kyle Rudolph, tight end, Notre Dame.
106. Christian Ballard, defensive tackle, Iowa.
139. Brandon Burton, cornerback, Utah.
168. DeMarcus Love, offensive guard, Arkansas.
170. Mistral Raymond, defensive back, South Florida.
172. Brandon Fusco, center, Slippery Rock.
200. Ross Homan, linebacker, Ohio State.
215. D’Aundre Reed, defensive end, Arizona.
236. Stephen Burton, wide receiver, West Texas A&M.

Summary: Minnesota has taken a lot of heat for taking QB Christian Ponder high in the first round. While it was a bit of a stretch, they felt he will be their franchise QB, and if that’s how you feel you have to take that player when he’s there. After the Ponder pick, the Vikings’ draft was unquestionably great. TE Kyle Rudolph was the best TE in the draft and will be a great target for Ponder. They got great value with DL Christian Ballard, CB Brandon Burton, and OL DeMarcus Love, who were all drafted at least a round lower than they graded out. C Brandon Fusco is a late round pick that has tons of talent that could develop into a starter in a year or two.

Grade: B+