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!
St. Louis Rams
14. Robert Quinn, defensive end, North Carolina.
47. Lance Kendricks, tight end, Wisconsin.
78. Austin Pettis, wide receiver, Boise State.
112. Greg Salas, wide receiver, Hawaii.
158. Jermale Hines, safety, Ohio State.
216. Mikail Baker, returner, Baylor.
228. Jabara Williams, linebacker, Stephen F. Austin.
229. Jonathan Nelson, safety, Oklahoma.
Summary: The Rams got a great value at a need position when they drafted DE Robert Quinn with their first round pick. After that pick, however, things started to fall apart for St. Louis. The Rams, while they addressed needs by drafting TE Lance Kendricks and WRs Austin Pettis and Greg Salas, drafted those guys higher than they should have been and they could have gotten better values. Drafting S Mikail Baker raised a lot of eyebrows, but he’s a gifted athlete that can contribute on special teams.
Grade: C
Arizona Cardinals
5. Patrick Peterson, cornerback, LSU.
38. Ryan Williams, running back, Virginia Tech.
69. Rob Housler, tight end, Florida Atlantic.
103. Sam Acho, linebacker, Texas.
136. Anthony Sherman, fullback, UConn.
171. Quan Sturdivant, linebacker, North Carolina.
184. David Carter, defensive end, UCLA
246. DeMarco Sampson, wide receiver, San Diego State.
Summary: Heading into the draft the Cardinals had needs at the QB position and offensive line, as well as in the front seven of their defense. It took them until the fourth round to address any of those issues. CB Patrick Peterson is a talent that Arizona couldn’t afford to pass up, but RB Ryan Williams and TE Rob Housler do not fill glaring needs. LB Sam Acho is an average player with great intangibles, but isn’t likely to greatly improve Arizona’s pass rush any time soon. Adding FB Anthony Sherman will likely improve their running game somewhat, but not adding an offensive lineman or two earlier in the draft. The Cardinals did get some good value later in the draft, picking up a good 5 technique guy in David Carter, and a player that offers an immediate upgrade at LB with Quan Sturdivant.
Grade: C+
San Francisco 49ers
7. Aldon Smith, linebacker, Missouri.
36. Colin Kaepernick, quarterback, Nevada.
80. Chris Culliver, cornerback, South Carolina.
115. Kendall Hunter, running back, Oklahoma State.
163. Daniel Kilgore, offensive guard, Appalachian State.
182. Ronald Johnson, wide receiver, USC.
190. Colin Jones, safety, TCU.
211. Bruce Miller, linebacker, Central Florida.
239. Mike Person, offensive tackle/guard, Montana State.
250. Curtis Holcomb, cornerback, Florida A&M.
Summary: Jim Harbaugh and his staff did a nice job of balancing need and value in their first draft together. Taking LB Aldon Smith has been viewed as a small reach, but he figures to fit the 49ers’ defensive scheme nicely. QB Colin Kaepernick needed to be drafted by a team that has a good, patient staff to develop him. It’s hard to think of many coaches better qualified to do that than Harbaugh, and Kaepernick figures to be a successful player for San Francisco down the road. After addressing their top two needs with their first two picks, San Francisco focused on value for the rest of the draft. RB Kendall Hunter was a great fourth round value, and will provide a solid insurance policy for Frank Gore. LB Bruce Miller is a great pass rusher and is another good value pick. This draft wasn’t without a couple reaches. The primary concern would be CB Chris Culliver, who has both on and off the field issues.
Grade: B+
Seattle Seahawks
25. James Carpenter, offensive tackle, Alabama.
75. John Moffitt, offensive guard, Wisconsin.
99. K.J. Wright, linebacker, Mississippi State.
107. Kris Durham, wide receiver, Georgia.
154. Richard Sherman, defensive back, Stanford.
156. Mark LeGree, safety, Appalachian State.
173. Byron Maxwell, special teamer, Clemson.
205. Lazarius Levingston, defensive tackle, LSU.
242. Malcolm Smith, linebacker, USC.
Summary: While taking OT James Carpenter with the 25th pick sparked a great deal of criticism from pundits, it actually wasn’t a huge reach. He probably isn’t the 25th best player in the draft, he would have been taken soon afterwards, and he fills a definite need for Seattle. It is surprising that they passed on Gabe Carimi and Derrick Sherrod, however. OG John Moffit and WR Kris Durham were confusing picks, as neither were the best players at their position on the board when they were drafted. LB K.J. Wright and S Mark Legree are lesser known defensive players that could develop into solid contributors at the NFL level.
Grade: C+
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