2011 Draft Grades: NFC South

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!

Atlanta Falcons

6. Julio Jones, wide receiver, Alabama.
91. Akeem Dent, linebacker, Georgia.
145. Jacquizz Rodgers, running back, Oregon State.
192. Matt Bosher, kicker, Miami.
210. Andrew Jackson, offensive guard, Fresno State.
230. Cliff Matthews, defensive end, South Carolina.

Summary: The Falcons made the first surprising move of the draft, trading two first round picks, two second round picks, and two fourth round picks to trade up to the sixth pick to get WR Julio Jones. Jones is talented for sure, but that is a huge price to pay for a WR that is injury prone. The Falcons also traded up to take RB Jacquizz Rodgers, who doesn’t really have the size to be a consistent contributor in the NFL. Taking a K in Matt Bosher was surprising, but it fills a need. Both OG Andrew Jackson and DE Cliff Matthews are good developmental late round picks, but the success or failure of this draft is going to be based solely on how Jones lives up to now sky high expectations.

Grade: C+

Carolina Panthers
           
1. Cam Newton, quarterback, Auburn.
65. Terrell McClain, defensive tackle, South Florida.
97. Sione Fua, defensive tackle, Stanford.
98. Brandon Hogan, cornerback, West Virginia.
132. Kealoha Pilares, wide receiver, Hawaii.
166. Lawrence Wilson, linebacker, UConn.
203. Zachary Williams, offensive guard, Washington State.
244. Lee Ziemba, offensive tackle, Auburn.

Summary: From the looks of it, Carolina misses having John Fox in the war room on draft day. Considering the state of the franchise, which is in desperate for a jolt of energy, the Panthers were all but obligated to take QB Cam Newton number one overall. You don’t really get the sense that Carolina is thrilled with the pick however, and it was obviously a huge risk. Without a second round pick the Panthers had to wait until pick 65 to take DT Terrell McClain after most of the top DT talent was off the board. CB Brandon Hogan is a risky pick due to his injury history and character concerns, but could pay dividends if he stays clean and healthy. One very puzzling pick was WR Kealoha Pirares, who wasn’t even rated as a draftable player by many. Compounding the problems with that pick is that players like WR Denarious Moore, who projects as a much better pro player than Pirares, were still on the board.

Grade: C-

New Orleans Saints

24. Cameron Jordan, defensive end, California.
28. Mark Ingram, running back, Alabama.
72. Martez Wilson, linebacker, Illinois.
88. Johnny Patrick, cornerback, Louisville.
226. Greg Romeus, defensive end, Pittsburgh.
243. Nate Bussey, linebacker, Illinois

Summary: The Saints made headlines by trading up for RB Mark Ingram at the end of the first round. While Ingram is a nice player, I don’t know if he was worth the 1^st round pick the Saints gave up to take him. Outside of that move, New Orleans focused on the defensive side of the ball. They were incredibly fortunate to have DE Cameron Jordan, a top ten talent, fall to them in the first round. LB Martez Wilson is a great athletic specimen who, if he lives up to potential, will be a great value at #72. DE Greg Romeus will need to shake off injury concerns but would have likely been a top 20 pick and is worth the risk.

Grade: B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

20. Adrian Clayborn, defensive end, Iowa.
51. Da’Quan Bowers, defensive end, Clemson.
84. Mason Foster, linebacker, Washington.
104. Luke Stocker, tight end, Tennessee.
151. Ahmad Black, safety, Florida.
187. Allen Bradford, running back, USC.
222. Anthony Gaitor, cornerback, Florida International.
238. Daniel Hardy, tight end, Idaho.

Summary: The Bucs continued their rebuilding process with another good draft, doing a great job of balancing of need and value when making picks.  Tampa Bay took a couple of risks with their first two picks, DE’s Adrian Clayborn and Da’quan Bowers. Both players have physical concerns, as Clayborn has Erb’s palsy and Bowers has the now well chronicled knee problems. Clayborn hasn’t appeared to be hindered with the palsy and Bowers’ knee can be managed, so I think there were two great picks. LB Mason Foster and TE Luke Stocker were both great value picks that fill needs. The only thing that kept this draft from being an A for me were the last three picks, which I felt were all reaches to an extent.

Grade: A-